The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center encompasses 507 acres in the foothills of the Davis Mountains. The botanical gardens, a protected canyon, permanent springs, grasslands, and seasonal water tanks provide several habitat zones for birds and bird-watching.

The abundance of bird species at the Nature Center is tied to weather patterns—food, water, and shelter are directly related to cycles of wet and dry periods—and to the site’s importance to migrating birds.

Average rainfall is about 17 inches per year, most of which comes in late summer and fall during our rainy season. The elevation at the Visitors’ Center is approximately 5,100 feet.

Many of the birds reported for the Nature Center are the result of a single sighting or based on migrating flights over the property. Your assistance in accumulating seasonal records is appreciated. Please report any unusual sightings to our staff.

To make your enjoyment of the birds even more enjoyable, you may want to participate in one of our seasonal bird counts. Eagle Optics binoculars are also available for you to borrow through the Leapin’ Lizards Nature Shop.

For a printable bird checklist, click here.