CTC 008: Oyster Lake Road
Season: Winter, Migration

From the intersection of A-P Ranch Road and Brazos Tower Road, continue west on Franzen Road. Turn south onto Oyster Lake Road. Oyster Lake Road continues toward Matagorda Bay for several miles as a gravel road. During most weather conditions this road is passable, but be cautious during heavy rain. Oyster Lake Road travels through an extensive salt marsh, and in winter many species such as Clapper Rail, Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, and Seaside Sparrow may be abundant along the roadside.
Scan the islands along the bayshore for American Oystercatcher, and watch for bay ducks such as Redhead, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, and Red-breasted Merganser. In migration the scrubby trees along the roadside may be swarming with migrants, and always remember to watch overhead for raptors and swallows. The rice fields that border the northern section of Oyster Lake Road (as well as along Franzen Road) may be packed in spring with migrant shorebirds such as American Golden-Plover, Hudsonian Godwit, Baird's Sandpiper, and White-rumped Sandpiper. Both Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes are ubiquitous in winter, and remember to examine each Snow Goose flock for Ross.' As you return to Brazos Tower Road, you may wish to continue west toward Collegeport. Park at the end of the pavement and search the bay for loons, grebes, and ducks.