Several locations in and around Big Bend National Park offer excellent birdwatching in a variety of habitats.

Big Bend National Park, Rio Grande Village — Always one of the best locations in the area. Any time of year delivers interesting and exciting birding for all skill levels. Zone-tailed Hawk, Common Black Hawk, Vermilion Flycatcher, and Greater Roadrunners often treat birders to great moments of viewing pleasure.

Chisos Basin – A Chihuahuan Desert sky island, with elevations reaching almost 8000-feet. Spring, summer, and fall offer Phainopepla, Pyrrhuloxia, Scott’s Oriole, Colima Warbler, Magnificent Hummingbird, Blue-throated Hummingbird, Black-chinned Sparrow, and many others. Lots of elevation change, so be prepared for slow and easy.

Lajitas Resort – A privately owned resort on the banks of the Rio Grande, Lajitas is a good place to spot a variety of birds. Common Yellowthroat, Marsh Wren, Swamp Sparrow, Mexican Mallard, Verdin, and Black-tailed Gnatcatcher are just a few of the treats to be found beside the river.

La Kiva – Site of an RV park, this shaded little retreat on the banks of Terlingua Creek always provides a relaxing birding experience. You can get good easy looks at Pyrrhuloxia, Black Phoebe, Lesser Goldfinch, Verdin, Inca Dove, and many others at almost any time of year.

Pena Colorado Park – This hidden little spring fed pond, surrounded by Cottonwood trees is another bird magnet for lots of Vermilion Flycatchers, Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, Lesser Goldfinches, Black Phoebes, Cactus Wrens and lots of other activity.

Sam Nail Ranch – A nicely shaded low desert oasis off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. An old windmill pumps water and keeps pecan trees, Mexican persimmon, fig, and a wide variety of native plants alive at this abandoned old ranch site. These in turn provide shelter for a great variety of birds. Varied bunting, Painted bunting, Bell’s Vireo, Crissal thrasher, and lots of exciting surprises await visitors to this quiet spot.