Birding at the Hatchery

Crested Caracara. Credit: USFWS

Great Kiskadee. Credit: USFWS

Ibis and Black Necked Stilts. Credit: USFWS

Swan and whistling ducks. Credit: USFWS

Swan at the pond. Credit: USFWS

Turkey vulture. Credit: USFWS

Turkey vulture behind netting. Credit: USFWS

Whistling duck and chicks. Credit: USFWS

Whistling ducks. Credit: USFWS

Blue Bonnets. Credit: USFWS

Dragonfly. Credit: USFWS

Dragonfly. Credit: USFWS

Sunflower with insect. Credit: USFWS

Hatchery sunset. Credit: USFWS

Hatchery wildflowers. Credit: USFWS

Hatchery wildflowers. Credit: USFWS

Hatchery wildflowers. Credit: USFWS

Hatchery wildflowers. Credit: USFWS

The hatchery is a favorite location for bird watchers, and over 190 species of birds have been documented utilizing the habitat at the hatchery. The two acre wildlife pond has two bird blinds for casual bird watching.

The Hatchery is located away from major highways, allowing a peaceful environment for viewing and hearing the different birds that come through the area. You may walk along the pond levees and outside raceways to observe fish and birds.

Over 190 species of birds have been observed at the Hatchery. Numerous species of ducks use the Hatchery in the winter. Herons, egrets, and a variety of shorebirds are common. Belted kingfishers and ringed kingfishers may be seen. Vermillion flycatchers and black phoebes hawk for insects over the water, while the surrounding shrubs provide cover for northern cardinals, pyrrhuloxias and migrant warblers. The grasslands surrounding the hatchery ponds support sparrows, scissor-tailed flycatchers and meadowlarks. Watch for occasional surprises such as osprey, American white pelican or even a Wilson’s phalarope.

A Bird list (146 KB PDF) is available for you to use when visiting the hatchery for bird watching. This list documents different birds that have been seen utilizing the hatchery, as well as a section for you to note any unusual sightings to report to the office personnel at the hatchery.

Flora & Fauna

The hatchery is located in Uvalde County which is part of the famous Texas Hill Country. This area of Texas is uniquely marked by its majestic natural setting of rolling hills and sweeping lakes and rivers. Uvalde County is host to over 300 species of wildflowers and a diverse butterfly locality.

The hatchery is surrounded by farmland well away from city limits, making it a natural draw for wildlife of all kinds in the area. The hatchery offers an array of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, the occasional Mexican Free-tailed bat, tarantulas and snakes. These surroundings make the hatchery a must see for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

When you are planning your next trip to Uvalde County in the Texas Hill Country be sure to add the Uvalde Natural Fish Hatchery to your agenda and visit us not only for the beautiful natural surroundings, but to learn about what we are doing to conserve America’s fisheries.

If a single day is not enough, visit our Volunteer page to learn about volunteering opportunities at the Uvalde National Fish Hatchery.