You’ve heard the old brag “Everything’s Bigger in Texas”. Well, that’s particularly true when it comes to wintering birds, and consequently the growing number of Birding enthusiasts. Despite its urban sprawl and millions of human inhabitants, migration patterns that predate Spain’s earliest explorers still bring tens of millions of birds to the greater Houston area to winter in the mild climate and feast on abundant food supplies.

The duck stops here.

Houstonians can tell you when the first cold snap is approaching with their eyes closed. Because the first sign of fall in these parts isn’t something you see, it’s the plaintive cry of geese winging their way to warmer climes ahead of Fall’s first cold fronts.

Waterfowl of every description follow the central flyway as it funnels down to the Texas Coast. Greater and Lesser Canadians, Speckle-Bellies and literally millions of Snow Geese thaw their massive webbed feet and fill their bellies with the leftovers found in the recently harvested grain and rice fields that surround Houston. Ducks in infinite variety join in the feast, from Mallards and Pintails, to brightly plumed Wood Ducks and Teal. But game fowl are far from the only winter transplants to congregate on the coast.

Soar with Eagles.

With all that meat on the table, it’s small wonder that America’s symbol of freedom, and the namesake for Erickson’s new West Houston community, the Bald Eagle, follow along for an easy meal. As a matter of fact, sightings are common at Longenbaugh Waterfowl Pond on the Katy Prairie, just minutes from Eagle’s Trace.

Living with nature.