Birdwatching

Birdwatching is a major draw for the Del Rio area, especially in winter, when many species of birds migrate south and settle in Texas and Coahuila. The Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife, maintains a checklist of the birds in the vicinity; there is also a birdwatching tour once a month.

In addition, the city of Del Rio has an area set aside just for birdwatching. Named Laguna de Plata, this 70-acre plot of grassland and marsh is a favorite spot for waterfowl and wintering birds. Laguna de Plata is open daily from dawn to dusk.

DEL RIO SUGGESTED BIRDING LOCATIONS

Amistad National Recreation Area/Lake Amistad

• Spur 454 - San Pedro Campground: Good for desert birds; very good for migrating and wintering sparrows. Good for butterflies in season.
• Spur 406: Good for desert birds; in summer use spotting scope for Interior least terns over Lake Amistad. Good for butterflies in season.
• Hunt Area 1: Great for desert birds. Hunters may be present during certain times of the year; call National Park Service at (830) 775-7491 for hunting status. Located on west side of Highway 90 West, just beyond bridge over Lake Amistad. Park on highway side of railroad tracks in front of locked gate and pass-through.
• Bosque along the Rio Grande below Amistad Dam: Very good for riparian birds. Open by guided tour only - check with the National Park Service (830) 775-7491 for schedule.

Del Rio

• Calderon Elementary School Nature Trail: Good for upland desert birds.
• Duck Ponds: Good for aquatic birds.
• River Road: (Follow Vega Verde Road past Gravel Pits to dead end)
• Laguna de Plata: (on Garza Lane) Good for wintering waterfowl and winter grassland sparrows.
• South Del Rio near Winery: (Valenti Street and River Street, off Nicholson, and Guyler Lane off Qualia Drive) Good for migrating warblers, green and blue jays.