VISIT A BIRDING OR WILDLIFE TRAIL NEAR YOU

In 1996, Texas launched the first ever birding trail along the Gulf coast. The birding trail or wildlife trail concept is a way of linking birding sites along a driving trail map. After 15 years, Texas completed a statewide network, now known as the Great Texas Wildlife Trail. Not just birding sites, there are other wildlife viewing sites like prairie dog towns, butterfly gardens, and watching bats emerge from caves. Today, over 40 states have birding or wildlife viewing trails based on the Texas model. Some states, like Texas, have trails developed by state fish and game agencies while others have been developed by Audubon chapters and bird clubs. What they all have in common is that they help show nature lovers, including beginners, some of the best and most accessible places to find birds and other wildlife.

Today the Great Texas Wildlife Trails encompass over 900 individual viewing sites marked with highway signs and include nature centers, scenic overlooks, private ranches, various parks, nature trails, and more. Many of the trails are app-based or available online. To learn more about the Texas trails, visit tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wildlife/wildlife-trails. Before you hit the road anywhere in the country, check if there are any birding or wildlife trails along your route. Visiting one or more will add a little zest to any road trip. Do it for the owls.

Order your Owl Shack HERE.