Birding Texas: O.H. Ivie Reservoir

If you are looking for a terrific place to go bird watching in Texas, you should definitely plan a visit to O.H. Ivie Reservoir. Located on the Colorado River, this Texas lake is a popular fishing spot, but there are also lots of great bird watching habitats here. Formerly known as Stacy Reservoir, there are 19,000 acres of surface water here, as well as the shores and surrounding land, where over 100 species of birds have been documented. In addition to bird watching (and fishing), you can also camp, hike and boat here (there are plenty of boat ramps.) For tips on finding and identifying just a few of the species you may see while bird watching at O.H. Ivie Reservoir in Texas, see below.

Common Loon. This large loon can be found diving for fish and crustaceans at O.H. Ivie Reservoir in Texas, where you will recognize it while bird watching from its greenish-black head and neck, and thick black bill. It also has a white-streaked neckband and red eyes. Overall the Common Loon is black on its upperparts and white below. Loons can dive up to 200 feet below the water's surface for prey!

Horned Grebe. Look for this Grebe while bird watching in the marshes at O.H. Ivie Reservoir in Texas, as well as the reservoir itself, searching for fish, crustaceans and aquatic insects to eat. You can easily identify it while bird watching from its black throat, white face and black cap, and of course its orange-yellow feathered "ear" tufts which give this bird its name. Horned Grebes also have red eyes.

Red-breasted Merganser. You'll find this diving duck on the surface of O.H. Ivie Reservoir in Texas, diving for fish and other prey. Recognize it while bird watching from the double crests on its head, which are both green, and its bright orange bill. This duck also has orange feet and legs. Hooded Mergansers can be found at O.H. Ivie Reservoir in Texas during the winter, as they tend to breed much further north.

Bald Eagle. This gorgeous bird of prey can be found hunting for fish, small mammals, and waterfowl at O.H. Ivie Reservoir in Texas. Easily recognized by its large brown body and white head and tail, it also has yellow legs and feet. You'll find it when bird watching in the open areas near water, wherever large amounts of fish can be found. Bald Eagles can live to be forty years old!

Red-shouldered Hawk. Look for this large hawk in the trees near the O.H. Ivie Reservoir in Texas, especially in the swampier areas. You can identify it while bird watching from its brown head and upperparts, along with its reddish-brown shoulders and barring on its underparts. Its wings are pale underneath with a reddish-brown tinge and dark tips. The Red-shouldered Hawk hunts mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles.

Common Tern. This medium-sized tern is grayish overall (its upperparts are a darker shade) with a black cap. Recognize it while bird watching at O.H. Ivie Reservoir in Texas from its black-tipped red bill and red legs. It also has long, forked tail. Look for it at O.H. Ivie Reservoir in Texas, diving for prey.

Source list:

Personal experience

http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/roogh

http://identifywhatbird.com

http://www.allaboutbirds.org