7 Birdwatching Spots Near Marble Falls, Texas

Mar 20, 2024

Searching for owls, eagles and songbirds near Marble Falls? The Highland Lakes in Burnet County are a birder’s paradise due to its location along numerous migratory routes, a diverse habitat and plenty of water areas. These migratory birds visit Central Texas on their way to winter homes in Mexico and Central and South America. Whether you’re a serious birder or simply enjoy spotting birds during hikes around the area, we have some recommendations for you as you venture out into the beauty of Texas just minutes from Gregg Ranch in Marble Falls.

 

  1. Johnson Park
    Waterfront park where Backbone Creek and Whitman Branch flow into Lake Marble Falls. Easy parking and walking enable you to see Eastern Bluebirds, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Northern Bobwhites, Eastern Phoebes and Northern Mockingbirds.
    Location:     230 Ave. J, Marble Falls, 6 miles from Gregg Ranch

 

  1. Haley Nelson Park
    Winter visitors to the area include the rufous hummingbird, house wren, cedar waxwing, song sparrow, Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, spotted towhee, and the American bald eagle. It’s home to a family of great horned owls, plus a variety of waterfowl.
    Location: Garden Trails Drive, just off Highway 29 West and behind the City of Burnet’s Maintenance Facility. About 20 miles from Gregg Ranch

 

  1. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
    This Marble Falls gem is a national wildlife refuge that has its own exclusive species, which nest nowhere else in the world: the black-capped vireo and the golden-cheeked warbler. Bring your binoculars and you’ll see various migratory hawks and songbirds. Originally established to protect the two endangered species, the conservation work done by the staff, partners, and volunteers also benefits all the other wildlife that live here, including deer, skunks, armadillos and bobcats.
    Location: 24518 Ranch Rd 1431, Marble Falls, about 27 miles from Gregg Ranch

 

  1. Canyon of the Eagles
    The park is named after the American Bald Eagles who nest in the area annually, fall through spring. The resort features guided walks and hikes (must be booked in advance), along beautifully maintained trails through the Highland Lakes wilderness. The resort also offers cruises up the Colorado River, which empties into Lake Buchanan, where many eagles and other raptors settle for the winter.
    Location: 16942 Ranch Road 2341 in Burnet Texas, about 38 miles from Gregg Ranch. Call 512-334-2070 for more information and reservations.

 

  1. The Vanishing Texas River Cruise
    Vanishing Texas Cruises is a nature-based tourist attraction located in Central Texas on Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River. You’re able to view regional and migrating birds including the wintering Bald Eagles, native Texas wildlife and beautiful waterfalls.
    Location: 443 Waterway Lane, Burnet, about 35 miles from Gregg Ranch

 

  1. Inks Lake State Park
    This state park provides easy access to a large variety of birds with nine miles of hiking trails through shady forests plus a bird blind. Common birds include Turkey Vultures, Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, Mallard and Wood Ducks, Cardinals, Flycatchers, Swallows, Wrens, Quail and Sparrows. Birds of prey include Great Horned Owls, Barred owls, Screech Owls, Red-tailed Hawks and Ospreys. Migratory birds like Canada Geese, Hummingbirds and Pelicans also frequent the park. Park entrance fees are $6 for ages 13 and older. Ages 12 and younger get in free and admission to the bird blind only is free. Reservations necessary for access to the park. Call 512-793-2223 or visit the website.
    Location: 3630 Park Road 4 Hoover’s Valley near Burnet, about 25 miles from Gregg Ranch

 

  1. Quarry Park Bird Blind
    This is an enclosed bird blind next to a pond with feeders close to the viewing station. You’ll find various migratory songbirds, Golden-crowned Warblers, Hummingbirds and Swallows.
    Location: 2221 Phillips Ranch Road, about 12 miles from Gregg Ranch

 

Check this out: An active local birding group, the Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society, teaches beginning birders, helps maintain the blinds, and surveys the bird population on a regular basis

 

What are you waiting for? Grab the binoculars and get birding!

 

Gregg Ranch, one hour west of downtown Austin in charming Marble Falls, Texas, is a 240-acre master-planned community that is anticipated to be home to approximately 700 single-family residences, 250 multi-family residences and a commercial area. Phase 1 of Gregg Ranch features a community park with barbecue, barn-style ramada, kid play area, and horseshoe pit. Miles of strolling, jogging and biking trails are found throughout the community. Phase 2 is planned to include a community resort-style pool area with ramada, lounge seating, barbeque, and restrooms. The community is conveniently located at Routes 281 and 71, a short drive to excellent schools, quality medical facilities, major shopping, and charming downtown Marble Falls with its shops, parks, and restaurants. Gregg Ranch is moments away residents find Lake Marble Falls, Lake LBJ and all the charms of the famed Texas Lakes and Hill Country. Visit http://greggranch.com/.