Birds
- Details
- Published on Saturday, 04 July 2009 17:00
- Written by Mike Davidson
Big Bend , because of it's geographical location, and the variety of the landscape, offers excellent habitat for birds. 425 species are found within the boundaries of Big Bend National Park, more than any other national park and more than all but a few states.
Big Bend marks the western limits of the ranges of some eastern species and the eastern limits for certain western species. Same is true, North and South. In addition, the Rio Grande is an important feature on migratory fly-ways. The list of infrequent occasionals is also impressive.
Bird Checklist Birding Hot Spots
A few of the birds that typically don't occur in other parts of the U.S., or are easier to find in the Big Bend area include the Colima Warbler (below), Lucifer Hummingbird, Band-tailed Pigeon, Varied Bunting, Flammulated Owl, Elf Owl, Mexican Jay, Black-chinned Sparrow, Green Kingfisher, Pyrrhuloxia, and Crissal Thrasher, to name a few.
Worth a Thousand Words
There are some views you just can't take in all at once. Like a dazzling sunset or breathtaking field of wildflowers—you just can't appreciate such beauty in the moment, a moment that is often over before you realize it, the forms and colors of that marvelous vista already fading in your memory. Perhaps it was with the goal of preserving such scenes that the first camera was invented, a goal that you may still share when you visit a place as beautiful as Big Bend and the surrounding area. Why not take a look through our new and improved photo galleries to see what amazing sights have been preserved by astounded visitors and appreciative locals? When you see the mountains, plains, flora, and fauna displayed in those images, you'll be glad the gallery contributors took their camera along.
Birding in Big Bend
Among the many activities available in Big Bend National Park that highlight the region's diversity of wildlife, birding can be enjoyable and promising. Big Bend engulfs a vast area, bounded by the the rushing Rio Grande valley to the south, containing high peaks in the Chisos Mountains, and boasting both desert and forest climates between the two. It embodies the very diversity that makes America great, providing countless opportunities to spot more than 450 birds in one area.
Your Big Year is Here
What are your new year's resolutions for 2012? Did you keep your resolutions for 2011? While the top resolutions each year include losing weight, learning something new, traveling, or getting out of debt, here's a new challenge you can take on this year: spot all the bird species in Big Bend National Park.
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Big Bend has some of the most spectacular scenery in Texas, if not the entire US. Our big sky country rivals any other state and our night skies are as dark as anywhere for excellent star gazing. The beautiful light and great scenery make for a photographer’s paradise.
Trails and Wildlife
There are many things you may love to do in Big Bend National Park in the heat of summer, but running or jogging is probably not one of them. With 90+ degree temperatures, there simply is no such thing as a nice July run in West Texas. With the dry weather we've had this year, you have truly hostile workout conditions. That all changes this time of year, though, as temperatures drop and the sun gives us a break for a few months. What a great time to get out on some trails in Big Bend!
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