Big Bend National Park - Birding in Big bend (U.S. National Park Service)

NPS/Big Bend National Park

Click image to listen to Elf Owls

A Birder’s paradise

Christmas Bird Counting Event December 28-29, 2008.

Big Bend’s location, near the 100th meridian in the middle of the continent and along a migration route, is ideal for bird diversity at all times of the year. While northern species migrate here to enjoy warm winters, birds from the tropics range this far north to breed in the spring. One of Big Bend’s highlights, the Colima warbler, is only found in the United States exclusively in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park from April to September.

Remember, birds can be unpredictable and they do not read guide books. Stated simply, any advice provided herein should be taken as a general guide not a rule book or itinerary. We highly encourage visitors to find their own special birding places in the park. During any visit to the park, you should speak with other bird watchers to find out what is being seen and where.

Observations/Documentation
Unfortunately, park staff are unable to observe birds regularly, though we are always interested in knowing what is out there. Park visitors are often our eyes and ears to rare or unique bird sightings. If you have seen something that should be recorded (something listed as rare, sporadic, or otherwise not listed on the park’s checklist), please stop in to visitor center to fill out an observation report Only the most detailed reports will be taken at face value, so be sure to report all necessary information such as a overall description of the bird, activity or behavioral comments, habitat, time of day, and possibly the most important: the exact location of where the bird was seen.