Canyon birding habitat

Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area & Madera Canyon Trail

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area & Madera Canyon Trail is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts Montezuma Quail, White-winged Dove, and Mourning Dove among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

7/21/2026Davis Mountains Resort (Restricted Access)1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

7/19/2026Jeff Davis County Park1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

7/19/2026Davis Mountains SP (FWTX 23)1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

7/19/2026Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area & Madera Canyon Trail1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

7/15/20261 mi. S Hwys. 17 x 1662 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

7/11/202642895–42899 SH-17, Fort Davis US-TX 30.63516, -103.854361 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

7/11/202642895–42899 SH-17, Fort Davis US-TX 30.63516, -103.854361 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

207/21/2026

Mourning Dove

67/21/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

27/21/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

157/21/2026

Northern Flicker

17/21/2026

Peregrine Falcon

17/21/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

87/21/2026

Say's Phoebe

57/21/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

67/21/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

47/21/2026

Plumbeous Vireo

17/21/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

27/21/2026

Common Raven

27/21/2026

Bushtit

207/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

57/21/2026

Bewick's Wren

27/21/2026

House Finch

27/21/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/21/2026

Cassin's Sparrow

47/21/2026

Chipping Sparrow

67/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area & Madera Canyon Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area & Madera Canyon Trail for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area & Madera Canyon Trail?
Notable species at Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area & Madera Canyon Trail include Montezuma Quail, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Chipping Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area & Madera Canyon Trail?
Birding at Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area & Madera Canyon Trail is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area & Madera Canyon Trail?
Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area & Madera Canyon Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.