Birding Texas: E.V. Spence Reservoir

Located north of San Angelo, Texas, E.V. Spence Reservoir is a terrific bird watching spot for wintering ducks. Formed by a dam on the Colorado River, it has bird watching habitats that include almost 1,500 acres of lake surface area, as well as marshes, ponds, the shores of the lake, and more. In addition to bird watching, you can fish, boat and swim at E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas. If you are looking for Gadwall, Horned Grebes, Canyon Wrens and Black-capped Vireos, this is the bird watching spot for you. For tips on finding and identifying just a few of the species you may see while bird watching at E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas, see below.

Northern Pintail. This large, elegant duck is easy to identify while bird watching from its gray and black upperparts, white neck, and brown head. Its tail is black, long and pointed, and it has gray wings. Look for it in the marshes and ponds of E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas, where you will find it feeding on weeds, insects and snails.

Green-winged Teal. You'll find this small duck in the ponds and marshy spots of E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas, where you will recognize it from its chestnut-brown head and green ear patches. The green patch on its wings for which it is named is iridescent. You'll find it dabbling for seeds in the water while bird watching at E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas.

American Wigeon. Look for this duck in the ponds and shallow areas of the lake at E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas, dabbling for plants and insects. Identify it from its white crown, as well as the green ear patch that extends to the back of its head. Its body is brown, and its belly is white. American Wigeons also have small, pale blue bills with black tips. They are winter residents at E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas.

Northern Shoveler. This medium-sized duck can be found while bird watching in the marshes at E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas, where you will see it dabbling for plants and seeds. It has an iridescent green head, as well as an unusually long bill that it uses to filter the water for food. Recognize it while bird watching from its rufous underparts, white breast, and yellow eyes. It also has orange legs and feet.

Lesser Scaup. You'll find this duck dabbling in the ponds at E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas, diving for clams, insects, seeds and plants. Identify it while bird watching from its glossy purple-black head, neck and breast. It also has yellow eyes and a bluish-gray bill. This is one of the most abundant ducks in North America.

Bufflehead. Look for this small black and white duck in the lake and ponds of E.V. Spence Reservoir in Texas, feeding on plants, insects and snails. You'll recognize it while bird watching from its glossy greenish black head and back, as well as the large white patch behind its eyes. Its body is mostly white. Buffleheads are the smallest diving ducks in North America.

Source list:

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