The city is getting ready for the solar eclipse in April, 2024, and has cleared a large area of former mesquite scrub to make room for RVs. Unfortunately, that has impacted the access to the bird blind.

As of 11/2023, the instructions from the local coordinator for the bird blind is to turn in at the "boulevard" entrance by city hall. In the past one would turn left at the end of the boulevard where the sign points to the wildlife viewing station. But, that gate is closed and locked. So, instead, make a U-turn at the end of the boulevard, go just past the rock dividers and then turn right, going cross country across the recently cleared area and back to the road by the gate.  

From there, take a left at the first fork and then a right. Please see the attached map with driving directions, parking area and walking trail all marked. On that map, the red line is the driving path to get to the parking area. The green line is the walking path along the trail to get to the bird blind.

The bird blind is situated overlooking a small pond. The pond does hold water, especially after rains. Occasionally, when the pond goes dry, the fire department will use a tanker truck to refill the pond

Volunteers fill the bird feeders with both seed and hummingbird food. Donations for the feed are gratefully accepted--there is a donation drop box next to the entrance door at the blind. 

Water birds can be found here in the winter including Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Lesser Scaup and Hooded Merganser. Wilson's Snipe, Green Heron, Great Egret and Great Blue Herons have all been seen at the pond. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are regular visitors to the hummingbird feeders. Belted Kingfisher and Vermilion Flycatchers have been reported here. In the winter, listen and look for Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Chipping, Lincoln's, White-crowned, Field and Black-throated Sparrows. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers have been reported from this location.

In the Spring of 2017, the area Highland Lakes Master Naturalists opened a Wildlife Viewing Center on the grounds of City Hall.  This is an educational facility.  It is a classroom with one glass wall overlooking a small pond.  All manner of wildlife come to drink.  The Wildlife Viewing Center was built entirely by the Master Naturalists and donated to the City.  It is just a short walk off of the Leo Manzano Trail to the Wildlife Viewing Center; on the Southern side of the property.  It is also called the Bird Watching Center.  Follow the directional signs. 

While there is a restroom by the tennis courts and multi-purpose courts to the right at the end of the entrance boulevard, those restrooms are often closed and locked. The next best place for a restroom is at the convenience store at the corner of Phillips Ranch Road and FM 1431. Please be sure to buy something to support this business.

https://www.graniteshoals.org/home/showpublisheddocument/34/637418007936870000

The Leo Manzano Trail is quite extensive. From the city website: Also in 2015, the City opened the Leo Manzano Hike, Bike and Run Trail.  This Trail is named after our local Olympic Hero Leo Manzano, silver medalist from the London Olympics.