Sonja Sommerfeld | TPWD
WILDLIFE VIEWING
Estero Llano Grande State Park
ESTERO LLANO GRANDE State Park is a can’t-miss birding destination, containing South Texas specialties such as green jays and Altamira orioles. Visit in late summer for a glimpse of waders and shorebirds such as the wood stork and the roseate spoonbill. The park’s lush wetland environments are teeming with other life too — listen for the buzzing of crickets, the peeping of frogs and the splashes of fish as they swim.
Brazos Bend State Park
This park is famous for its alligators, but those toothy bathing beauties aren’t the only wildlife in the park. Well over 300 species of birds live here, along with 20 species of reptiles and amphibians and 25 types of mammals.
Old Tunnel State Park
Three million Mexican free-tailed bats reside inside the old railroad tunnel from May to October. Observe their evening flight from two different viewing areas (call for emergence times).
Caprock Canyons State Park
This park famously hosts the Texas State Bison Herd, but that’s not all there is to see — visit for a glimpse of prairie dogs, foxes, rabbits, 14 types of lizards and 175 species of birds.
South Llano River State Park
The South Llano River has never run dry in recorded history; the river provides a drink to armadillos, porcupines and ringtails. In winter, see one of the largest wild turkey roosts in Central Texas.
Celebrating 100 Years of our State Parks can be delivered straight to your mailbox with a new annual subscription to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine. Enjoy 10 issues PLUS this bonus as our gift to you. Subscribe today!
