A small songbird with distinctive white “spectacles,” the Black-capped Vireo has an intricate song, boasting 1,700 different notes in its repertoire. In the spring they migrate to Texas to build their nests, which are found in shrubs such as shin oak or sumac. You can see Black-capped Vireo in the Heart of Texas East and Heart of Texas West regions from late March through September.

Balcones Canyonlands NWR has wonderful viewing opportunities for Black-capped Vireos in the spring. A boardwalk and observation deck allow you to watch the birds without disturbing their nesting habitat (deck closed while they are actively nest-building, typically a few weeks in April).

Kickapoo Cavern State Park has one of the largest concentrations of Black-capped Vireos on public lands, and you can also find many breeding pairs near Uvalde along the Rio Frio Loop.

The mating display of the endangered Attwater's Prairie Chicken is quite a sight to be seen! The birds gather in small groups and the male dances while emitting a booming, "woo-woo" sound from his neck sac, which can be heard up to a 1/2 mile away. The display is also the basis for some of the traditional dances of the North American Plains Indians. You can view these mating displays January through mid-May.

One of the best places to view this iconic courtship dance is at the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, where they hold the Booming N Blooming Festival (April 8-9). At this annual celebration you can view the courtship dances at the booming grounds, take a wildflower and native plant guided tour or join bird walks and birding van tours with experienced birders.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Refuge has a successful restoration breeding program for the Attwater's Prairie Chicken, and offers a behind-the-scenes tour to view the prairie chickens.