It may be in an odd location — next to an airport and at the edge of a freeway — but Cement Creek Reservoir can provide a satisfying day of birding in most seasons. Waterfowl gather by the hundreds on the lake every winter. And shorebirds and Least Terns are the main attractions during migration. In summer, Cliff Swallows nest in a culvert near the north end of the lake.
In winter, when I walk down the gravel road leading to the lake, sparrows often fly up and disappear in the short grasses. Along the edge of the water, where rocks and grasslands intermix, I typically have better looks at Vesper, Savannah, and — on occasion — Le Conte’s Sparrows. American Pipits and Horned Larks often occur in small groups on the west slope. Birders have also reported small flocks of McCown’s and Lapland Longspurs swirling over the slopes and grassy areas. In November 2007, a Sprague’s Pipit hung around for several days.
Waders and dabblers are hard to miss, but the real prize for me is a day of hundreds of ducks floating on the water. Scope views of many species provide for long leisurely studies of waterfowl. — Gail Morris
Gail Morris is past president of the Fort Worth Audubon Society. She also wrote about the Village Creek Drying Beds, Fort Worth, Texas, Hotspot Near You No. 45, and Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Sherman, Texas, No. 86.
Directions
Cement Creek Reservoir is a lake adjacent to Meacham International Airport on the north side of Fort Worth. From east- or westbound I-820, exit at Business Hwy. 287. Go south about 0.25 mile and turn right onto a gravel road that parallels the airport fence. Follow it until you reach the parking area. Step over the two-foot cement bars and begin birding.
Downloadable Files
At a Glance
Click on the coordinates below to view location:
32°49’54.97″N 97°21’54.62″W
Habitat
Short and tall grasslands, wetlands, gravel road, lake, small willow trees.
Terrain
Uneven walking path on rock and grasslands. Some slopes.
Birds
Summer: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Cliff Swallow, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron. Fall: Early ducks, Pied-billed Grebe, shorebirds, and sparrows. Winter: Green- and Blue-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, Ruddy Duck, Lesser Scaup, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Gadwall, Canvasback, Redhead, grebes, Spotted Sandpiper, Marsh Wren, sparrows. Spring: Lingering ducks, waders, migrating sandpipers, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Year-round: Killdeer, Red-tailed Hawk, grackles, Red-winged Blackbird. Rarities: King Rail, Sora, White-faced Ibis, McCown’s and Lapland Longspurs, Le Conte’s Sparrow.
When to go
Spring and fall for shorebirds, terns, and ducks. Winter for greatest variety of ducks, as well as sparrows and wrens.
Amenities
Just the birds! Restaurants and gas stations east of the airport on Meacham Blvd.
Access
City-owned airport reservoir. No fees. Open during daylight hours.
Tips
Bring a spotting scope. Look for Le Conte’s Sparrow in the grasslands north and west of the lake. Depending on the time of day, I head in the direction where I’m most likely to avoid glaring sunlight on the water. Watch your step near the south end of lake; trails become wet, and it’s easy to end up ankle-deep in water. No shade, so come prepared.
For more info
Fort Worth Audubon Society.
Cement Creek is site no. 79 on the Prairies and Pineywoods Wildlife Trail West.