Winter Birds on the BCP

Winter Birds on the BCP

Submitted by Jeremy Hull and Johanna Arendt, Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. Image of Redhead ducks by Julia Land

The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) is best known for the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo, but it is also a haven for many other types of birds. The cast of characters we have here changes throughout the year, and winter is a fun time to go birding. Join us for our Christmas Bird Count on December 14, or visit one of the areas of the BCP that is regularly open to the public like Hamilton Pool or Commons Ford Park. For a full list, visit https://www.traviscountytx.gov/tnr/nr/bcp/hikes-vol

The golden-cheeked warblers have migrated south for the winter, but our year-round residents, like northern cardinals and red-shouldered hawks, stick with us through all seasons. And now our winter crew has arrived – birds that migrate from the north to spend winter in the relative warmth of Central Texas. You’ll see waterfowl such as redhead ducks along with songbirds like American robins, cedar waxwings, northern flickers, and house wrens.

Cedar waxwing by Julia Land and Northern cardinal by Steve Sinclair

Tips for Winter Birding:

  • Timing is key: Early morning and late afternoon are usually best for birding, unless you’re hoping to see (or hear) nocturnal birds like owls.
  • Watch the Water: Water can be just as scarce in winter as in summer, so birds congregate where they can find it. Check out the lake at Commons Ford Park for ducks and other waterfowl. Along the banks, keep an eye out for herons and songbirds.
  • Finding Food: Winter food sources like yaupon holly berries or wildflower seeds attract hungry birds.
  • Listen for noise: Birds do not sing as often in winter, but they still make lots of calls and you will often hear them scratching in the leaves.
  • Monitor for movement: Flocks of birds moving through the tree canopy or foraging on the ground can catch your eye. You may see a single bird like a ruby-crowned kinglet flitting through the trees and shrubs.

You can add your finds to eBird and iNaturalist, which help you keep track of what you’ve seen and provide information to biologists about bird populations and movement.

For more information about the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, please visit https://www.traviscountytx.gov/tnr/nr/bcp. You can also check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/traviscountybcp and Instagram @bcp_traviscounty.