Nestled in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert, Alpine TX serves as a perfect hub for birding enthusiasts looking to explore the diverse and vibrant birding spots here as well as in Marathon, Fort Davis, and the entire Big Bend area. With its central location, Alpine provides easy access to a variety of habitats ranging from desert landscapes to mountainous regions, each teeming with unique bird species. This area of the Chihuahuan Desert includes both the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend and the Davis Mountains of Fort Davis. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a young enthusiast, the fall birding opportunities in the Chihuahuan Desert are bound to captivate and inspire.
Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute and Nature Center
The Colorful Painted Bunting
Known as both the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) and the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center, this destination near Fort Davis is a prime spot for birders. The institute’s cactus and succulent gardens, combined with its extensive hiking trails, create an ideal environment for birdwatching. Guided tours and educational programs are available, making it a perfect spot for both novice and experienced birders. Fall is a great time to visit, with many species passing through during their migration. Birds you might encounter here include the Painted Buntings, Black-throated Sparrow, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, and the Scott’s Oriole. For more information, visit the CDRI website.
Balmorhea State Park
Yellow-Headed Blackbird
Balmorhea State Park is known for its spring-fed pool and wetlands, which attract a variety of waterfowl and other bird species. The park’s accessibility and well-maintained amenities make it a convenient and enjoyable spot for birding. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Balmorhea offers a serene environment to observe and appreciate the local birdlife. Fall migration brings many species to this area, such as the Wilson’s Phalarope, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and American Avocet. You can find more information about Balmorhea State Park on their website, and they have a checklist of the birds you can find there.
Post Park in Marathon
Northern Flicker
Just five miles south of Marathon, Post Park is a birding oasis. The park features a spring-fed pond and large cottonwood trees that provide shelter and food for numerous bird species. During fall migration, the park becomes a hotspot for birdwatchers. The comfortable amenities, including picnic tables and maintained restrooms, make it a great location for a day of birding. Birds you might spot here include the Vermilion Flycatcher, Northern Flicker, and the Common Yellowthroat. Visit Big Bend provides more information about the park, and Big Bend Nature provides a list of birds that have been spotted there.
Big Bend National Park
Vermilion Flycatcher
Big Bend National Park is a renowned birding destination with over 450 bird species recorded. The park’s varied habitats, from desert to riverine environments, support an incredible diversity of birdlife. Key birding spots within the park include:
- Chisos Mountains: Known for hosting various migrant species during the fall, such as the Colima Warbler, Mexican Jay, and Painted Redstart.
- Cottonwood Campground: A diverse habitat attracting numerous sparrows and other birds, including the Gray Hawk, Bell’s Vireo, and Blue Grosbeak.
- Dugout Wells: A year-round wet spot perfect for observing migrating birds like the Vermilion Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and MacGillivray’s Warbler.
- Sam Nail Ranch: A desert oasis ideal for relaxed birdwatching where you can see species such as the Varied Bunting, Northern Parula, and Green-tailed Towhee.
- Blue Creek: Known for the Lucifer Hummingbird during the fall migration, as well as other species like the Townsend’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and the Western Tanager.
Visit the National Park Service for more information.
Davis Mountains State Park
Red-Naped Sapsucker
Davis Mountains State Park offers excellent birding opportunities with its high-elevation habitats. Birds like the Montezuma Quail and various species of hummingbirds are often seen here. The park’s trails provide access to diverse environments, from grasslands to wooded areas, making it a prime birdwatching location. Fall is an especially rewarding time to visit, as many species pass through during migration. Birds to look out for include the Red-naped Sapsucker, Hepatic Tanager, and the Gray Flycatcher.
Visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Davis Mountains page for more information and a bird checklist
Madera Canyon
Rufous Hummingbird
Madera Canyon, part of the Davis Mountains Preserve, is a hidden gem for birders. The canyon’s pinyon-oak-juniper habitat attracts a variety of bird species, providing a quieter, less trafficked birding experience. The trail follows a seasonal creek bed and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and high desert. It’s open year-round, making it an accessible and rewarding birding spot. In the fall, you can expect to see birds such as the Rufous Hummingbird, Olive Warbler, Grace’s Warbler, and the Western Scrub-Jay.
For a map and more information, visit the Nature Conservancy Madera Canyon Trail site.
Birding at Alpine Bed and Breakfast
Sunrise at Alpine Bed and Breakfast
At Alpine Bed and Breakfast, guests are welcomed into a serene oasis in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert. Start your day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee on the porch, watching the playful antics of hummingbirds, or simply watch the sunrise, soaking in the tranquil surroundings. Then enjoy a gourmet breakfast chosen from your customized menu. The peaceful atmosphere and fresh desert air provide a rejuvenating experience, promoting both physical and mental wellness.
A Hummus Plate and Wine by the Fire Pit
After a day of exploring the birding hotspots around Alpine, Alpine Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect retreat. Enjoy your favorite beverage and snack on the porch or by the fire pit, or engage in a friendly card game with fellow guests. Unwind in comfortable accommodations and enjoy the ever-present allure of local wildlife. The combination of these elements makes the bed and breakfast a unique and inviting destination for all. You might even be lucky enough to see mule deer visiting the fountain, elusive Texas horned lizards in the undeveloped corner of the property, or a majestic Great Horned Owl at the water trough. These sightings add an element of surprise and wonder to your stay.
Plan Your Birding Getaway
Our Breakfast Bowl Featuring Eggs, Avocado, Black Beans, Fresh Tomatoes and More!
Why not make Alpine TX your base for exploring the birding paradise of the Chihuahuan Desert? Book a stay at Alpine Bed and Breakfast, where you can relax, restore, and reset while enjoying the vibrant birdlife right from your doorstep. Cozy accommodations, gourmet breakfasts, and proximity to downtown Alpine and the Big Bend region provide the perfect complement to a day of birdwatching and adventure in some of Texas’s most unique and breathtaking locations. Discover the natural beauty and birding wonders that the Chihuahuan Desert has to offer, all within easy reach from Alpine.
Come stay with us!
Contact Us
For more information or to inquire about availability, please contact us at:
Phone: (432) 538-7032
Email: innkeeper@alpinetxbnb.com
We look forward to welcoming you to Alpine Bed and Breakfast, where unforgettable memories are made.
Sharon & Tom
Alpine Bed and Breakfast
www.alpinetxbnb.com
Shimmers of Hummingbirds Vie for Space at the Feeders
