Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is dedicated to conservation, education, recreation, and tourism. More than a mile of gravel paths and boardwalks link varied habitats such as the cypress-tupelo swamp, beech-magnolia terrace forest, and bottomland hardwood forest. These combine to host a plethora of migratory, overwintering, nesting, and year-round bird species. Nearly 180 birds have been recorded from this relatively small site. 

Common year-round species include Great Blue Heron, Great and Snowy Egrets, White Ibis, Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks, Barred Owl (often seen in daylight hours), Red-bellied, Downy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, White-eyed Vireo, Carolina Chickadee, and Tufted Titmouse. 

During migration periods, all five of eastern North America's woodland thrushes are usually observed, as well as 10 sparrow species (best in winter). Twenty-nine warbler species have been recorded here. Prothonotary, Swainson's, Hooded, and Kentucky Warblers all nest here, as do Eastern Towhee, Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, and Indigo and Painted Buntings. 

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center houses an award-winning facility filled with live animal exhibits, photographic presentations of the site’s flora and fauna, natural artifact and mineral displays, as well as a vintage carved waterfowl decoy collection. Ecology and art exhibits are featured periodically. This site is partially handicapped-accessible. Parking, restrooms, and water fountains are all available at the visitors' center.