Bird & Wildlife Watching
Bird and wildlife watchers delight in the area’s 300 migratory and non-migratory bird species, and a local wildlife population that features more than 50 different species of mammals, including the white-tailed deer, foxes, and wild turkeys.
Among the birds that visitors have observed are bald eagles, American White pelicans, roadrunners, owls, and blue herons. Swallows arrive each spring to make their nests high up on the limestone cliffs surrounding the lake.

Photo courtesy Chuck CagleEach January, for over 20 years, the annual Mid-Winter Bald Eagle Count is held on Lake Whitney. On this single day, as many as 7 bald eagles have been spotted on the lake.
The Bosque Valley Loop of the Great Texas Wildlife Trails includes two sites in Whitney – the Arrowhead Creek Nature Park, and the Lake Whitney State Park. Depending on the time of year, you’ll find Painted Buntings, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, and more of the 194 bird species that have been spotted. A Wildlife Trails Map is available with directions and more details.

Photo courtesy Chuck Cagle
Bird Island, towards the south end of the lake, across from the state park, is a local hang-out for hundreds of birds. Because it is free from predators, many birds head here each evening to sleep. Depending on the time of year, you can watch hundreds of white cattle egrets returning to the island around dusk.
Butterflies delight visitors from spring through fall. Each spring a Monarch Butterfly & Nature Festival offers an opportunity to enjoy some fresh air, wildflowers, and butterflies at the same time.