4 Parks to Explore Birding and Nature this Winter
Winter is here, and the trails are alive with wildlife. It’s time to explore the Clear Lake Loop–a birders paradise in Bay Area Houston. Each location within the Clear Lake Loop offers something a bit different. The variety of habitats from marshes, woods, coastal wetlands, and high-grass prairies provide fantastic opportunities for birders to find a variety of bird species. Grab your binoculars and cameras and immerse yourself into the world of birding.
Dr. Ned and Fay Dudney Nature Center
As a wetland habitat, the Clear Creek Nature Center spans over 148 acres of undeveloped land. This park is a wonderful place for scenic birding and bird blinds are strategically placed throughout the park to provide opportunities to watch local and migrating birds. You’ll likely spot pelicans, egrets, herons, and other birds who make this area their home.
Nestled along the banks of Seabrook, Pine Gully Park is known for its multi-use 52.27-acre facility that offers amazing views of Galveston Bay. Its woods and wetlands are teeming with life and are the perfect starting point of the Seabrook granite hike and bike trail system. You’re bound to catch sight of waterbirds along the wetlands and migrant land-birds since Pin Gully is located along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.
Put on your hiking shoes and venture along the lush Nassau Bay Peninsula Trail, where you can see everything from butterflies and birds to alligators and fiddler crabs. With 76 acres of wetland to explore, you’ll be wowed by the number of egrets, herons and Roseate Spoonbills you’ll see.
The community of Clear Lake Shores boasts many small parks with dazzling waterfront views of Clear Lake. Stop by Shell Bottom Park and Pier to see the boats passing by or bring a book and find a cozy space to read and enjoy the day at Deep Hole Park. For the best places to watch the sunset, visit Sundial Park and Lowell Brown Fishing Pier and snap a photo of the gorgeous sunsets on the waters of Clear Lake.
