Did you know that birding is the most popular sport in the United States? Over 51 million people watch birds in their backyards, state parks and even at birding competitions (no joke – the 18th annual Great Texas Birding Classic gets underway this month). April is a great time to get outdoors with your family, and birding is an activity the whole family can enjoy – even while hiking, biking or picnicking.
Texas has over 630 species of birds (second only to California), and Texas state parks are some of the best places to view birds in their native habitat. And many parks host guided bird walks, workshops and other birding events. Visit the state parks calendar to find a birding event near you.
While birds can be found in any state park, these seven parks are your best birding options near Dallas Fort Worth:
Cedar Hill State Park – The target bird at Cedar Hill State Park is the multi-colored Painted Bunting, abundant in summer. During spring, look for migrating songbirds and resident species like Eastern Bluebird. Ask at park headquarters for a bird checklist and trail recommendations.
Dinosaur Valley State Park – Endangered Hill Country specialties like Black-capped Vireo and Golden-cheeked Warbler can be found on the Black-capped Vireo Trail and the Denio Creek Warbler Trail, respectively. Download the Bird Checklist or pick one up at park headquarters to see which other species you can expect to find.
Fort Parker State Park – Sit on wooden benches in the bird blind on the Bur Oak Nature Trail to observe birds without being seen yourself. Download or pick up the Bird Checklist before you start.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park – Bird on foot along the Trailway or by canoe along Rock Creek to look for western birds that reach their eastern range at the state park. You can also rest your feet in two bird blinds behind the restrooms at the Plateau Camping Area and watch waterfowl on the lake. Download or pick up the Bird Checklist to see which species are expected.
Lake Tawakoni State Park – This lake east of Dallas Fort Worth is a great spot for birds on the water, birds in the woods and birds in the grasslands. Hike the Spring Point trail to look out over the lake, or take the inland trails off the Farkleberry Trail to see land-loving species.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park – Rangers frequently lead nature walks around the lake or through the greenbelt area at this state park north of Denton. On April 18 at 8pm, put off bedtime for the Sounds of the Night Guided Owl Prowl, which will include a presentation about local owls then an easy .5-mile walk on the Lost Pines Nature Trail.
Tyler State Park – See East Texas birdlife on the pine-lined trails at Tyler State Park. In spring and fall, you may see birders from local Audubon chapters gathered in the field near the park store to watch hawks and other raptors migrate over the area. Park rangers often host bird walks and introductory birding talks.
Published April 2014
