Birding Texas: Elm Fork Nature Preserve

Consisting of almost 40 acres of bird watching paradise, Elm Fork Nature Preserve is a great little spot for Texas bird watchers. A walking trail meanders through the forests alongside the Trinity River and its ponds, where you will be able to observe all kinds of ducks, as well as egrets and kingfishers. Over 65 species of birds have been observed at Elm Fork Nature Preserve in Texas, where you can visit on your own or sign up for a guided tour. (The trails are open from dawn to dusk for visitors.) For tips on finding and identifying just a few of the species you may see while bird watching at Elm Fork Nature Preserve in Texas, see below.

Great Blue Heron. This gorgeous bird is the largest heron in North America. You will easily recognize it while bird watching at Elm Fork Nature Preserve in Texas from its blue-gray back, long gray neck, and white face and cap. It also has a beautiful, feathery black crest. Look for it while bird watching at the ponds of Elm Fork Nature Preserve in Texas, where you will see it wading in the water, hunting for fish and other prey.

Snowy Egret. A lovely, all white egret with a long black bill, you'll easily recognize it while bird watching at Elm Fork Nature Preserve in Texas. It has yellow eyes, and black legs with yellow feet. Look for it while bird watching in and near the ponds of Elm Fork Nature Preserve in Texas, where you will see it feeding on insects and fish. This beautiful bird was nearly hunted to extinction until laws were passed to protect it.

White-throated Sparrow. Look for this pretty sparrow while bird watching in the open areas of the forests, often near the ponds, at Elm Fork Nature Preserve in Texas. One of the larger sparrows, you can easily identify it while bird watching from its striped brown upperparts, white throat, black and white striped crown, and the bright yellow spots between its eyes and bill.You will find it foraging for seeds on the ground in the leaves and brush.

Red-tailed Hawk. This large hawk can be found soaring over the open forests of Elm Fork Nature Preserve in Texas, hunting for small mammals and other prey. Recognize it while bird watching from its reddish-brown tail, yellow legs and feet, and brown upperparts, head and throat. Its wings are pale from underneath with dark tips. You may sometimes see Red-tailed Hawks hunting in pairs while bird watching at Elm Fork Nature Preserve in Texas.

Northern Cardinal. Unmistakable with its bright red coloring, this large finch is easy to recognize while bird watching from its black mask and chin, as well as its red bill. Look for them in the forests and open areas of Elm Fork Nature Preserve in Texas, where you will see them hopping about foraging for seeds, insects, fruits and snails. The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven states, a record no other North American bird can beat!

Tufted Titmouse. Identify this pretty titmouse while bird watching from its silvery-gray upperparts, paler gray underparts, and cheerful dark gray cap and crest. It also has a white eyering, a peach wash down its sides, and a black bill. Look for it while bird watching near the ponds at Elm Fork Nature Preserve in Texas, where it prefers the swampier areas. You'll see them foraging in the shrubs and trees for seeds, insects, spiders and snails.

Source list:

Personal experience
http://identify.whatbird.com
http://www.allaboutbirds.org