The spring season doesn’t just mark the return of warm weather in Boerne, it’s also time for our migratory birds to return from their seasonal trip down south. In addition to the amazing shopping and elevated dining options on the Hill Country Mile, Boerne’s parks, trails, and green spaces are a sight to see. These green spaces are the ideal habitat for birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors including the popular and endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler which nests exclusively in central Texas. So, grab your field guide and a pair of binoculars and head for the hills!
Places to Watch
Guadalupe River State Park’s spacious and open layout accommodates a variety of habitats, so you’re sure to spot a few feathered friends on your checklist. While at the park; scout out their bird-watching blind located at the north end of the park on the Bald Cypress Trail near the river and the main entrance. Before heading out, download their “Birds of Guadalupe River State Park and Honey Creek State Natural Area Field Checklist”. As always, keep in mind that you will want to secure a day pass online to ensure entry into the park.
The Cibolo Center for Conservation’s space is home to an array of birds and is a quick hop, skip and a jump from downtown Boerne. New to birding? This park is a great place to dip your toe into the pool. Pick up a field guide from their Visitor Center before hitting the trail so you can learn to identify resident and migratory bird species.
Bird and wildlife observation blinds are also available at Boerne City Lake Park, Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area (3), and James Kiehl River Bend Park.
Birding 101
Coming up in March, folks can take a virtual crash course in birding with the Cibolo Center for Conservation. Join avid Audubon birders and Alamo Chapter Texas Master Naturalists Tom & Patsy Inglet for tips, techniques, tools, and clues that will help you identify our area feathered friends and help you find your wings as a birder. Register online for this program on March 18th.
What to Expect
Prepare your “I Spy List” with the following Texas Hill Country Birds that you may be able to discover while in the Boerne area throughout the spring, summer, and fall months. Birdinglocations.com named Guadalupe River State Park one of the top 9 Best Texas Hill Country Hotspots and here’s their list of bird finds.
Year-round Feathered Residents:
- Wild Turkey
- Common Ground Dove
- Golden-fronted Woodpecker
- Ladder-backed Woodpecker
- Crested Caracara
- Canyon Wren
Spring – Fall Visiting Birds:
- Northern Bobwhite
- Eastern Wood-Pewee
- Acadian Flycatcher
- Vermillion Flycatcher
- Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
- Yellow-throated Vireo
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Black-and-White Warbler
- Northern Parula
- Yellow-throated Warbler
- Indigo Bunting
- Painted Bunting
Birders of all skill levels are sure to have a great time exploring and spotting Texas Hill Country birds while visiting us here in Boerne!
Written by Tori Bellos, Marketing, Boerne Convention and Visitors Bureau
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