Birdwatching at Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is at the Mexican border, though its proper location is in West Texas. The park is significant nationally because it hosts the United States’ largest protected ecology and topography, the Chihuahuan Desert area.
The park itself was named after the big bend found between the Rio Grande and Rio Bravo, which is why the area is overall called the Big Bend. This park hosts activities by park rangers and people go on scenic drives and enjoy stargazing here. But, of course, the main and huge activity people engage in Big Bend National Park is birdwatching.
Major Attractions at Big Bend National Park
Other than birdwatching, Big Bend National Park has countless activities for its tourists. One can go hiking on the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, where your walk starts from the Rio Grande River’s edge and ends in Santa Elena Canyon.
In Rio Grande Village, there are natural hot springs for you to soak in. If you feel hot, the cool river is close for a swim. On the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, you can learn about the rich history of the area. Of course, we can’t forget the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive or explore the Boquillas Mexican Village.
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Bird Watching at Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a host to at least 450 bird species. Texas itself sees migrants and local birds counting to 675, and Big Bend has over half of them. So how did a desert park such as Big Bend become a reliable place for bird species to prosper?
The dry landscape has rivers, seeps, and springs. Therefore, 75 percent of the birds sighted in the area can be found close to the Rio Grande. Of course, some species are more comfortable in habitats of the dry kind, but the majority prefer surviving on water and greenery.
For birders, visiting Rio Grande Village is a given when you visit the Big Bend. The primary location you want to search on this riparian land is the Nature Trail at the campground’s southeast corner. There are mesquite thickets to the north roadway and the main campground.
With its river access and cottonwood groves, the Daniel Ranch district also attracts various kinds of bird species like the Green Heron, Sora, and Green Kingfisher. This area alone has attracted 305 species.
There’s the Chison Mountains with its juniper, pine, and oak mixed forests, attracting bird species that would never have come to the Big Bend otherwise. Hiking up to Boulder Meadow and Laguna Meadow should show you some highland species. If you reach the Big Bend in the last part of spring and summer, you might see Colima Warbler.
Then, Cottonwood Campground gives birders the chance to see Vermilion Flycatcher and Black Phoebe. Next, on Dugout Wells, you might see Ash-throated Flycatcher and Summer Tanager. Finally, there’s Sam Nail Ranch and Blue Creek with Painted Bunting and Lucifer Hummingbird, respectively.
10 Birds to See at Big Bend National Park
Vermilion Flycatcher
Vermilion Flycatchers have an orange-red body with a brown mask and wings. They also have an orange-red cap on their head. Vermilion Flycatchers can be found in southwest North America and also in Central and South America. Their population has slightly declined, especially in Texas. They make their homes in the savanna, on ranches, and along streams. Vermilion Flycatchers like to perch around water and eat flying insects. Vermilion Flycatchers migrate from higher elevations in the winter.
Green Kingfisher
Green Kingfishers are a brilliant green color with white and orange on their underside and a large bill. They can be found in the southwest, close to the border of Mexico. Their population has decreased in Texas, but has increased in Arizona and Mexico. They make their homes near rivers and streams. Green Kingfishers usually eat small fish like minnows and some insects. They lay 3 to 6 eggs in their nests that are a burrow near a river bank. Green Kingfishers are not migratory birds.
Black Phoebe
Black Phoebes are found in the western United States. They have a stable population and are not at risk of being endangered. Black Phoebes have a black body and white underbelly. They make their habitat near shady streams and towns near water. Black Phoebes eat mainly insects, but sometimes will grab a minnow from the surface of a nearby pond. They lay about 4 eggs and build their nests out of mud. Black Phoebes are mostly permanent residents, but do leave the high elevations in the fall.
Summer Tanager
Summer Tanagers are the only all red birds in North America. They can be found in the southern region of North America. These birds are quite common and widespread and not at risk of being endangered. They enjoy making their home at the top canopy of eastern forests. Summer Tanagers like to catch bees and wasps in flight to eat. They will also eat berries and spiders. Summer Tanagers are hard to find songbirds because they hide and move slowly. They lay 3 to 5 eggs in a loosely made cup shaped nest above ground. They migrate south into Mexico and Brazil.
Painted Bunting
Painted Buntings are named for their bright colors of blue, green, yellow, and red. They are common along the southeast coast of the United States. Their population is decreasing as their nests are getting destroyed. They make their homes along roadsides, in towns, and gardens. Painted Buntings hang out in thick vegetation so they may be hard to find. They eat mostly insects and seeds. They lay 3 to 4 eggs and build their nests lower to the ground. Painted Buntings winter south in either Florida or Mexico.
