Go east on Clay Road to Bear Creek Park. Pine, Swainson's, Kentucky, and Hooded warblers breed here. Winter, Migrations Return to Clay Road, and proceed west on Clay Road to Katy-Hockley Cutoff. This area, west of Houston, once consisted of little but endless stretches of prairie. Virtually all of the native grassland has been converted to agricultural uses, particularly rice growing.
Rice fields are artificial wetlands, and they provide important habitat for waterbirds.
The Katy Prairie is one of the country's premier wintering waterfowl regions. Bald Eagles follow the waterfowl to this area, and it is not unusual to see several while birding a winter's day. Look for both species of whistling duck in these same fields in summer. To experience the Katy Prairie, you must wander the back roads. Remember that these lands are private.