The fall migration season is underway, which gives birders a prime chance to spot a yellow-rumped warbler or painted bunting.
Here are some natural areas in and around the Fort Worth area to go bird-watching this autumn:
Eagle Mountain Park
The 400-acre park houses a diverse collection of birds, animals and plants in prairie and timberland environments. The area has over 5 miles of hiking trails surrounded by wildlife with panoramic views of Eagle Mountain Lake.
Hours: Daily, from dawn until 30 minutes after sunset
Address: 11601 Morris Dido Newark Road, Fort Worth
Cedar Hill State Park
Bordering Joe Pool Lake, the state park has recorded sightings of some 200 species of birds. The city of Cedar Hill was recognized in 2023 by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a Bird City dedicated to protecting winged creatures and their habitats.
While the painted bunting is the most sought-after bird at the park, the fall migratory season heralds the arrival of a variety of other birds such as the ruby-crowned kinglet, the yellow-rumped warbler, the American goldfinch, the American kestrel and cedar waxwings.
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 1570 FM1382, Cedar Hill
Lake Worth is seen south of the Marty Leonard Lotus Marsh Boardwalk, a popular birdwatching spot, on April 22, 2024, at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. (Camilo Diaz | Fort Worth Report)
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
With more than 3,600 acres of forest, prairie and wetlands, the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is home to popular sites for enjoying wildlife, including its many trails and bird blinds — camouflaged shelters for bird-watchers. The center also provides binoculars and guides for observers. Information about the trails can be found here.
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 9601 Fossil Ridge Road, Fort Worth
Arcadia Trail Park North
The park, which serves as a mitigation site to preserve its ecological makeup, is known for its geological features, accessibility to trails and neighboring open spaces, and the many creatures that have made it their home. Consisting of prairie and wooded areas, bird-watchers have reported seeing cardinals, hawks, wrens, bluebirds and blue jays.
Hours: Daily, 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Address: 8744 Arcadia Park Drive, Fort Worth
Cement Creek Reservoir
Waterfowl, shorebirds, and famously, least terns, largely inhabit this far north Fort Worth reservoir. The lake is also a hot spot for fishing and miles of surrounding grassland.
Hours: Daily, from dawn until dusk
Address: Cement Creek Reservoir, Fort Worth
Marine Creek Lake at Tarrant County College Northwest Campus
The area is a favorite among birders due to its recreational accessibility to the far north Tarrant lake. In addition to students, the public is welcome to stroll along the banks of the lake and observe the herons, ducks and flocks of horned lark and thick-billed longspur.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 2700 NW Loop 820, Fort Worth
Mallard Cove Park
Mallard Cove Park consists of over 100 acres of open space inhabited by several birds including egrets, bluebirds, herons, woodpeckers and hawks. Much like the name implies, the park is also home to a variety of ducks, including the gadwall, American wigeon and the blue-winged teal.
Hours: Daily, from dawn until dusk
Address: 375 Shadow Grass Ave., Fort Worth
Oakland Lake Park
A variety of waterfowl and ducks make up most of the bird species observed at this far east Fort Worth park. Parkgoers can also enjoy amenities such as trails and picnic tables at the natural area.
Hours: Daily, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 1645 Lake Shore Drive, Fort Worth
Nicole Lopez is the environment reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at nicole.lopez@fortworthreport.org.
At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
Related
Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.
Republish This Story
Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details.