In Search of the Montezuma Quail, Scott’s Oriole, and Hepatic Tanager

When I first arrived at Mountain View Lodge in Fort Davis, TX, I was met by a pair of brilliant red birds that nearly took my breath away. Had I made a wrong turn and ended up in Costa Rica? Shortly after, a green-backed hummingbird welcomed me, followed by a mating pair of yellow-bellied birds resembling doves. 

I came to find out that sightings such as these are not a rare blessing but an everyday occurrence. I’d seen a Vermillion Flycatcher, a Broad-tailed Hummingbird, and an unknown species in the span of 15 minutes. That night, three owls called to me as I stared up at the immense starlit sky, and I knew I’d found a birder’s paradise.

I never found out the name of the yellow-breasted birds, though they looked like images of the Cattle Tyrant, which I was told was impossible. But is it?

Here, we’ll explore some incredible birds that make West Texas their home and the best places to spot them. 

Hummingbirds

Flycatchers are the only bird family to outnumber hummingbirds. While over 350 species of some of the smallest birds in the world grace our planet, only a small portion make their way to North America. The exception is West Texas, where most hummingbird species can be found in the fall during their July through October migration before returning to Mexico and Central America.

Common hummingbirds in our area include the Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, and Rufous. During migration, you may also catch glimpses of the Ruby-throated, Lucifer, and the smallest of all North American hummingbirds—the Calliope.

Birds

There are approximately 365 bird species that occur in Jeff Davis County. Almost 170 of these have been spotted at the Fort Davis National Historic Site, and double that number at Davis Mountains State Park. To say this area is a birder’s paradise is an understatement.

Birding Hotspots in Fort Davis

There are numerous birding hotspots in our area, places to visit in search of your favorite feathered friends. Here, we’ll share a few of the most popular birding destinations. 

Davis Mountains State Park

At 5,000 – 6,000 feet above sea level, Davis Mountains State Park offers some of the best bird viewing in the area. About 365 bird species have been spotted here, with the best viewing occurring during the fall and spring migrations. It is so important to the bird world that the American Bird Conservancy has designated it a globally important bird area. 

Commonly seen birds include the Acorn Woodpecker, Back-crested Titmouse, Cactus Wren, Canyon Towhee, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, and Pyrrhuloxia. A common species on the birders’ list is the Montezuma Quail. While common in this area, they are masters at camouflage and have proven themselves difficult to spot. 

Like many things in life, being still and quiet in the early morning hours offers the best chance to see. The two bird blinds in the state park are two great places to be still and watch.

The online booklet, Birds of Davis Mountains State Park and Vicinity, includes all known species in Jeff Davis County. In addition to birds, you may be blessed with a view of Barberry sheep, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and javelina.

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Many people arrive at Fort Davis intending to visit the Fort Davis NHS, a site that contains over 100 ruins, 24 roofed buildings, and five refurbished historic buildings. Over 150 bird species have been recorded within its boundaries, 63 of which may breed in the park. A few include Say’s Phoebes, Cactus Wrens, Cassin’s Kingbirds, Phainopepla, and Canyon Towhee.

Madera Canyon

Madera Canyon is in the Davis Mountains Preserve, an awe-inspiring region comprising nearly 110,000 acres protected by The Nature Conservancy. While much of this area is open to the public only four weekends a year, the Madera Canyon Trail is open year-round from sunrise until sunset. 

About eight miles past the McDonald’s Observatory, you’ll find this moderate 2.4-mile loop.  Some of the many birds spotted in this region include the Golden Eagle, Montezuma Quail, and the Western Scrub Jay.

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center

Just seven minutes from Mountain View Lodge is the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute. This 507-acre property is home to botanical gardens and hummingbird feeders that attract Black-chinned, Rufous, and Broad-tailed species. The Modesta Canyon Trail takes you on a moderate 1.75-mile loop leading to the bottom of a canyon where tree frogs, crayfish, and salamanders make their home in natural spring-fed pools.

Balmorhea State Park & Lake

Balmorhea State Park is home to the world’s largest spring-fed pool, a feature that attracts visitors from near and far. It also attracts numerous year-round birds, including the Green Heron, Virginia Rail, Greater Roadrunner, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, and Lesser Goldfinch. 

Nesting birds also find their way to the spring and nearby lake, such as the Orchard and Bullock’s Orioles, Blue Grosbeak, Painted Bunting, and Western Kingbird. During the spring migration, you may catch sight of the Spotted Sandpiper, Western Tanager, and several species of warblers. It’s also fairly common to see the powdery slate-blue Belted Kingfisher in the winter.

Visiting Fort Davis

At Mountain View Lodge, we’re excited to share the remarkable landscape surrounding us. It’s hard to count the number of times people stop for a quick visit only to wish they had more time to explore. 

Yes, we are a town of about a thousand residents, but we are surrounded by seemingly endless beauty. Call us at the lodge (432-426-3481) and tell us you’re bird watchers. We’ll be sure to include a birder's field checklist in your room and are happy to supply you with boxed lunches, so you don’t miss a minute with the beautiful birds of West Texas.