Great blue heron at Inks Lake State Park. Photo by Kathy McFarlen
Each year, birdwatchers hope for a surprise appearance of out-of-range species, and over the winter of 2024-25, Inks Lake State Park delivered. Birders are flocking to the park to catch a glimpse of rare visitors, including the Pacific loon and golden-crowned sparrow.
Inks Lake State Park, located at 3630 Park Road 4 West in Burnet, is a prime birding destination in the Texas Hill Country, offering a diverse range of species, from common backyard birds to migratory waterfowl and birds of prey.
Park staff confirmed sightings of the Pacific loon, a species typically found along the Pacific Coast, and the golden-crowned sparrow, which normally winters along the West Coast.
“These are West Coast birds, so seeing them here is pretty uncommon,” according to a front desk staff member at the park. “They’re way out of their migration range, which is what makes this such an exciting find for birders. Normally, you’d have to travel a long way to see them.”
Other notable sightings at the park include the red-breasted merganser and the common goldeneye, two species of ducks that have been spotted near waterways.
BIRDWATCHER’S GUIDE TO INKS LAKE
With its mix of woodlands and shoreline, Inks Lake State Park provides a habitat for more than 100 bird species. Visitors can spot turkey vultures, great blue herons, snowy egrets, cardinals, flycatchers, and a variety of ducks. Raptors such as great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, and ospreys also frequent the park.
The best place for birdwatching is the park’s bird blind, a designated area designed for an optimal viewing experience. Access to the blind requires a gate code, which visitors can obtain from the Inks Lake State Park headquarters after paying a $7 day-use fee (ages 12 and younger get in free).
JOY OF BIRDWATCHING
For avid birder Kathy McFarlen, birdwatching at Inks Lake State Park is an activity that can be enjoyed by everyone, from seasoned birders to casual peepers.
“Even if you’re just hiking, you’re already birdwatching without realizing it,” McFarlen said. “There’s something special about seeing a bright red cardinal or a heron standing still in the water. It just catches your eye.”
McFarlen is a member of the Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society and participates in bird-counting programs such as eBird. She recorded 185 species in Burnet County in 2024, earning her the No. 2 rank for local birders on the app. She is challenging herself in 2025 to beat that number.
“I want to see more species,” she said. “It’s not anything you get a prize for. It’s just on a record somewhere. … A friend of mine was the No. 1, and I think he logged about 205 birds.”
However, she noted, birdwatching is about more than checking species off a list; it’s a connection with nature.
“It gets me outside and lets me observe birds’ behaviors. Many of their patterns mirror what we do as humans,” McFarlen said. “It’s also a way to be more observant of the world around you.”
Spring migration is an ideal time to visit Inks Lake State Park. Whether you’re hoping to spot a rare visitor or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area, birdwatching offers a chance to slow down, observe, and appreciate the diverse wildlife that calls the Highland Lakes home.
For a full checklist of birds found at Inks Lake State Park, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s birding guide.
Great article and amazing pictures by Kathy!!
Thank you!!