Birding Anywhere: Embrace the Joy of Birds—Right Here in East Texas!
Have you ever watched the sun set over a shimmering lake while a Bald Eagle soars overhead, a Great Blue Heron stalks the shallows, and a family of River Otters play along the shore?
Have you ever caught yourself staring at a bright red cardinal in your backyard and thought, “Wow, birding is everywhere!” The beauty of birdwatching is that you don’t need to trek through a dense rainforest or fly to some far-off nature reserve to experience the thrill of it. Sometimes, all it takes is stepping outside, opening your eyes, and actually listening. And if you find yourself in East Texas, you’re in for an even bigger treat!
A Birding Paradise at Scenic View Motel & RV Park
Take Scenic View Motel & RV Park, for example. When I first rolled into this little lakeside spot, I figured I’d stay about six weeks—just enough time to find a “real” birding paradise to leave my camper parked on a more permanent basis. Sure, Scenic View was on a lake, which is always a plus, but there were too many houses around for it to be a serious birding destination. Or so I thought.
Boy, was I wrong.
I put out a couple of feeders, not expecting much. But before I knew it, my tiny corner of Scenic View turned into a five-star bird buffet. House Finches and Cardinals arrived first, followed by the White-breasted Nuthatches, zipping up and down tree trunks like tiny, feathered acrobats. Then the woodpeckers showed up—Red-headed, Red-bellied—going absolutely nuts over the peanuts. Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice flitted in and out like they owned the place. And let’s not forget the Brown-headed Nuthatches, Eastern Bluebirds, Pine Warblers, and Mockingbirds who all made themselves quite at home.
And that was just the backyard.
Life on the Lake—Nature at Its Best
Out on the lake, Bald Eagles did their morning flybys like they were on official patrol duty. A Great Blue Heron, affectionately named Rufus by the locals, claimed the dock as his throne. Pied-billed Grebes bobbed around like little water gremlins while Double-crested Cormorants put on their daily fishing demonstrations. Every now and then, a Great Egret or a Green Heron would make a guest appearance, while the resident pair of Belted Kingfishers zipped back and forth, rattling their calls like they were running the place.
Then came the Osprey. One day, I watched as he hovered over the water, laser-focused, before plunging feet-first into the lake. He vanished beneath the surface, then reappeared—flapping furiously—with a massive catfish clutched in his talons. Talk about dinner and a show!
At that moment, I realized something: This wasn’t just a decent birding spot—it was a very good place and on some days, fantastic.
Officially a Birding Hotspot
In short order, I reported over 60 species on eBird, all from my yard or my window. Scenic View Motel & RV Park officially became an eBird hotspot, earning its rightful place on the birding map. Fast forward 8 ½ years, and we now have 150 recorded species. That’s right—150 different kinds of birds have graced this little patch of paradise. Not too shabby for a place I almost overlooked!
More Than Just Birds—A Wildlife Lover’s Dream
- Jet-black Fox Squirrels scurrying through the trees.
- River Otters playing along the shore.
- Bald Eagles soaring high above the lake.
- American White Pelicans floating gracefully on the water.
- Great Blue Herons standing like statues in the shallows.
And let’s not forget those famous Lone Star Lake sunsets—the kind that turn the sky into a masterpiece of fiery oranges, deep purples, and soft pinks, reflecting perfectly on the water.
A Prime Birding Basecamp
It’s not just Scenic View that is appealing—there’s excellent birding just a few miles away on the northern end of Lake O’ the Pines, as well as in the “bottoms” between Lone Star Lake and Lake O’ the Pines. This is a fantastic base for any birder, offering easy access to even more hotspots.
I don’t want to give the impression that birds are just falling over themselves to get within view of your binoculars—although sometimes, it does feel that way. But if you patiently sit and watch the feeders, as well as scan the lake, it’s a rare day you won’t see at least twenty species in fairly short order. In spring, that number jumps closer to forty. And if you take a short trip to Lake O’ the Pines, you’ll find even more.
You might even be able to talk me into joining you and showing you the best spots!
More Than Just a Birding Spot—A Place to Call Home
When I started writing this, I didn’t intend to turn it into a glowing advertisement for Scenic View Motel & RV Park. But it’s hard for me to think about this place and not talk about what a fun and exciting location it is. Like any birding spot, not every day is filled with birds—but more often than not, they’re here. And on some days, the birding can be absolutely incredible.
When things are slow here, it’s only three miles to great locations on Lake O’ the Pines or seven miles to the creek bottoms. There are birds around most of the time.
On top of that, this is a great place to stay.
Stay in Comfort—Feel Right at Home
Not only is Scenic View Motel & RV Park surrounded by nature, but it’s also one of the cleanest, most welcoming places you’ll ever stay.
- Super clean rooms (seriously, guests rave about them!)
- Owners Kim & Jim Sly treat everyone like family.
- Outstanding reviews from past guests who can’t wait to return.
It’s the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and down-home hospitality.
The Birds Are Waiting—Are You Ready?
So, pack your gear, bring your sense of adventure, and come experience one of East Texas’ best-kept birding secrets. Whether you’re here for a weekend or an extended stay, the birds—and the fun—are guaranteed.
And remember: if you ever need a birding buddy, you know where to find me.
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