Birdwatching, or birding, is a patient but rewarding hobby. Birds can be elusive, small, and quick moving, but that makes it more exciting when you finally spot one. You can find birds hiding in every corner of the world, and that means sometimes you have to go where other people can’t go to find them. Fortunately, your 2023 Chevy Silverado with 4WD will handle anything Texas can throw at it, so why not check out one of these spots near McGregor, TX?
1. Iron Bridge Wildlife Management Area
This protected area is located off TX-236 in Moody, where the Leon River enters Belton Lake. The lake is home to many aquatic birds, including migratory species like the American white pelican and common loon. The woodlands further upstream from the lake are full of woodpeckers and songbirds, while the open country to the south, closer to Iron Bridge Park, is better for spotting birds of prey like the northern harrier and Cooper’s hawk.
2. Tonkawa Falls City Park
About eight miles north of McGregor on East 4th Street in Crawford, you will find Tonkawa Falls. Many bird species can be found in this small waterfall park area, including less common species like the Inca dove, orchard oriole, and scissor-tailed flycatcher.
3. Lake Waco
This large lake is about 15 miles east of McGregor in Waco. There are countless access points around the lake, but we recommend Twin Bridges Park at Over Flow Road in Waco. The lake is home to hundreds of species of birds, including herons, cormorants, sandpipers, coots, and pelicans. If you are looking for water birds, Lake Waco is a must-see; at least 15 species of ducks have been spotted here.
4. Mother Neff State Park
Located at 1921 State Park Road 14, Mother Neff is Texas’s first state park, founded in 1921. The wooded area, featuring walking trails and a cave, is the perfect place to spot songbirds. Finches, bluebirds, doves, and sparrows all call Mother Neff home, along with species that favor the open country, like sandhill cranes and crested caracaras.
5. Cotton Belt Trail
This paved walking and biking trail crosses the South Bosque River just upstream from its entry into Lake Waco. You can access the trail via its western terminus, Trail Blazer Park, at 1119 Harris Creek Road. The park is full of the woodland species typical of the area, but as the trail is fully paved and partially elevated, you can look for birds without having to get off the beaten path.
The area around McGregor is absolutely full of birds, so all you have to do is head over to one of these great spots and you are sure to see for yourself. Before you leave, however, come see us at Jim Turner Chevrolet to explore our latest inventory.
Image courtesy of Pixabay.com
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