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The Amistad area is a transition zone between eastern, western, northern, and southern avifaunas. While there are no specific 'destination' species, the mix creates great opportunities to see a wide variety of birds. The area is also centrally located as a good base for some Texas specialties like Black-capped vireo, Golden-cheeked warbler, and Colima warbler.
See below for good birding locations within the recreation area. In Del Rio, the creekwalk along San Felipe Creek is great for riparian and migratory species. With luck, you can find all three species of kingfishers (Green, Ringed, and Belted) in one day. Zone-tailed hawk, Couch's kingbird, Black-bellied whistling-duck, Olive sparrow, Great kiskadee, and many others are likely. Park along US Highway 90 East where it crosses the creek at the railroad bridge. You can walk downstream on the east (left) side through Moore Park and beyond for a couple of miles.
FREE GUIDED BIRD WALKS
A guided bird walk is offered every third Saturday of the month from September to May. Participants meet at Amistad NRA Visitor Information Center on Hwy 90 W at 8:00 am, then carpool to the Rio Grande below Amistad Dam. Bring binoculars, birding books, checklists, drinking water, snacks, and wear sturdy shoes.
See our for current programs.
BIRDING LOCATIONS WITHIN AMISTAD NRA
Park Campgrounds
The recreation area campgrounds, especially San Pedro, 277N, and Spur 406, are good for desert species and very good for wintering sparrows. Good for butterflies in season.
Spur 454 and Spur 406
At the end of these roads (where they enter the reservoir) use a spotting scope or strong binoculars to scan the water for Interior least terns, which nest on rocky islands in the summer.
Rio Grande Below Amistad Dam
Very good for riparian birds. You can scan the reservoir and the river below the dam for a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. See for more information about visiting Amistad Dam.
The National Park Service property below the dam is open by guided tour only (see top of page).
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