Located in the Texas Hill Country, Kerrville is a paradise destination for birding enthusiasts. With its diverse landscape, unique location on the migratory path, and abundant natural areas, Kerrville is one of the best places to see all four of these rare and endangered species: The Golden-cheek Warbler, the Black-Capped Vireo, the Green Kingfisher and the Zone-tailed Hawk. No matter your familiarity, whether the most novice dude to the savviest of twitchers, Kerrville offers an exceptional birding experience for all.
Flat Rock Park – 3840 Riverside Dr, Kerrville, TX 78028
This free public park is located right on the Guadalupe River and offers birders an easy to access natural area that’s still accessible to local amenities. Find a shady spot under the trees that line the bank of the river for a birding adventure along the water. This part of the river is one of the highlights of birding in Kerr County where you can see Osprey, Red Shouldered Hawk, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Wood Ducks, Northern Pintails, American Wigeon, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Mallards, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, Redhead, Canvasbacks, Bufflehead, Little Blue Herons, Black-crowned and Yellow Crowned Night Herons, Green Kingfishers (year-round), Forster Terns (occasionally), Inca and Whitewing Doves.
Kerrville-Schreiner Park – 2385 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78028
Kerrville-Schreiner Park is a developed recreational area and is located right across the river from Flat Rock Park. This location means it offers many of the same bird species for you to cross off your list. Originally a Texas state park created by Civilian Conservation Corps, it was transferred to the City of Kerrville in 2004. Birders can enjoy 517 acres of varied wildlife, nature trails, river access, and of course plenty of birds! Grab a day or overnight pass from the front office and get ready to enjoy some prime birding.
Louise Hays Park & Tranquility Island – 202 Thompson Dr, Kerrville, TX 78028
Home to Cliff Swallows, Ospreys, Belted Kingfishers, and Great Blue Herons, Louise Hays Park is famously touted in local history as “The Park that Was Built in a Day”, and located in Downtown Kerrville. This free 64-acre public park nestled along the Guadalupe River houses a number of trailheads for one to jump on the 6-mile Kerrville River Trail with your binoculars. Make sure to cross the foot bridge to Tranquility Island as you explore the park for a unique nature walk that still has you right in the heart of town.
Editor’s Note: Louise Hays Park is temporarily closed due to flooding damage from July. Please check with the Kerrville Parks and Recreation Department for current status updates and reopening information.
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Riverside Nature Center – 150 Francisco Lemos St, Kerrville, TX 7802
Riverside Nature Center is located in the heart of Kerrville on the Guadalupe River at the junction of Town Creek. This former small farm has been transformed into an urban wildlife and native plant sanctuary. With naturalists on staff, regular educational seminars, and a well-maintained birding blind Riverside Nature Center is a bird watchers must do when coming to the area for their birding fix. Thanks to varied habitats and focus on native plants and wildlife over 150 species have been spotted on their grounds. Regular bird visitors include the Green Kingfisher, Zone-tailed Hawk, Golden-Cheek Warbler and Black-capped Vireo.
It’s easy to see why bird watchers love the Texas Hill Country for both the number of species and the rare birds sighted throughout the region. Kerrville, as well as the Kerr County area, being one of the prime destinations for any birders checklist. Speaking of, be sure to download your own Kerr County Area Birding checklist and get ready for a big day with your bins.