Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon for best results, especially in the summer. If waterfowl are your interest, the unmarked primitive trails by Cibolo Creek (technically in Guadalupe Co.) are your best bet. Both bird blinds in the park attract a fair amount of birds as well.

The marked gravel trails in the park are great for deer but not always for birds, especially given that the creek trails and blinds are accessible from the park entrance.

Barred Owl -- year-round, vocal at twilight near the first bird blind near the entrance to the park. Sit there for a half hour before closing and you're almost guaranteed to hear both Barred and Great Horned, especially in the autumn/winter months.

Songbirds and hummingbirds -- for best results, try the second bird blind after the entrance parking lot. There are feeders at both blinds.

Waterfowl -- especially during migration season, visit the creekside trails (separate hotspot) for best viewing.

American Pipit -- during the winter, there are large mixed flocks in the field at the entrance to the park.

Hawks and vultures are common throughout the park. Birds such as ibises and limpkin have been spotted intermittently as well here.

Crescent Bend Nature Park was once a residential neighborhood. In 1997 and again in 1998, this area was devastated by 100-year floods. The area was designated a flood zone unsuitable for housing. Government agencies purchased the land and began the massive cleanup that took years to complete. Since the park's opening, over 250 species of birds have been reported by Audubon groups and individuals.

The park is open from 7:30 AM to sunset (time varying) but the staff are generally very friendly and willing to work with you if you ask.

Other animals of note are a family of river otters that takes up residence in Cibolo Creek during the summer, as well as a multitude of butterflies during migration.

Cibolo Creek primitive trail (unmarked, Guadalupe Co.)

Front "loop" to both bird blinds and entry field