Birding Texas: Lake Waco

Located northwest of the city of Waco, Texas, Lake Waco is surrounded by eight parks. It has some amazing bird watching habitats, which include 7,000 surface acres of lake water, the riverbanks of the Bosque River, woodlands, shorelines, pecan groves and open fields. In addition to bird watching, you can camp, boat, water ski, fish and swim at Lake Waco in Texas. Obviously, this is an excellent bird watching sight for viewing shorebirds and waterfowl, and you will see Little Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, White-faced Ibis and more here. For tips on finding and identifying just a few of the species you may see while bird watching at Lake Waco in Texas, see below.

Eastern Bluebird. This lovely thrush is easy to identify while bird watching from its bright blue body, cinnamon brown throat and breast, and white belly. This bird prefers the fields and other open areas at Lake Waco in Texas, where it can forage for insects, worms and seeds. Look for it on the ground or in the low branches of trees.

Great Horned Owl. This is a very large, fierce looking owl that can be found in the mixed woodlands at Lake Waco in Texas. Recognize it while bird watching in the early evening from its large ear tufts, which look like horns, as well as its dark brown body and rufous facial disk. This owl is so large it will eat birds as large as a Great Blue Heron, and even eats other owls.

Loggerhead Shrike. Recognize this medium-sized shrike while bird watching at Lake Waco in Texas from its slightly hooked, heavy bill and its white face with a black mask. Also look for its long, black tail, which is edged in white, and the white patches on its black wings. You will find them in the open areas around Lake Waco in Texas.

Bonaparte's Gull. This medium sized gull can be identified while bird watching from its black head and bill, as well as its gray back and wings. These gulls feed on fish at Lake Waco in Texas, where they will dive or even wade for their prey. This is one of the smallest gulls in North America, and it is named not for Napoleon, but for one of his nephews, who was an ornithologist.

American Pipit. Look for this small pipit in the fields and along the shores of Lake Waco in Texas, where you may see it hunting for insects on the water's edge. Recognize these Pipits while bird watching from their thin, long bills, which are black, along with their legs and feet. They are grayish brown above and have paler underparts that are streaked with dark brown.

Northern Pintail. This is a large duck that can be found on Lake Waco in Texas, dabbling for food in the waters. Unlike most ducks, they are very elegant when in flight, and you will recognize them while bird watching from their brown heads and throats, along with their pointed black tails and white necks. They also have a white stripe between the front and back of their necks.

Source list:

Personal experience

http://www.lake-waco.net

http://identify.whatbird.com