Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Center

Heard Trail McKinney

Today we decided to head to the Heard Museum in McKinney and give it a proper review.

Over 220 birds species have been observed at the Heard and 61 species have been documented nesting at Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. https://www.heardmuseum.org/

Since the Texas heat is already upon us in June, we thought we would get there as early as possible. So we head out at 7, which of course the quick stop through Whataburger.

We arrived at 8am hoping we could get into the trails early and then go back in and pay on our way out. No such luck. All gates open at 9am. Something to consider if you are wanting to beat the heat. We did a little bird hunting outside the trails and chatted with two friendly birders also waiting for the place to open.

Before even entering the trail I was able to get the black chinned hummingbird, eastern wood pewee and the indigo bunting. I also was able to see multiple deer, they didn’t seem afraid and I had one within 15 feet of me. It was truly beautiful to see.

Hoot Owl Trail- 1/2 mile-Easy/Moderate

We begin on the Hoot Owl Trail which is my favorite trail. Sadly it does not live up to the name, per the lady at the front desk, there has never been a reporting of an owl sighting on the trial. The foliage is less dense than other trails which makes it easier to spot the birds.  I was able to capture a singing Carolina Wren and get a video of a downy woodpecker.

Bluestem Trail-1 mile-Moderate

The next trail was the Bluestem Trail. This is a prairie trial. Although not my favorite trail to hike I did learn how important prairies are for the ecosystem. In the past prairies were maintained by grazers like bison and browsers such as deer. Prairie fires would burn off what the grazers missed. This would repeat to create a natural cycle of rebirth. This trail has some pretty gorgeous views with a ton of grasshoppers! Little to no shade so make sure you get to this trail early.

Wood Duck Trail-1 mile-Easy/Moderate

This trail is a boardwalk and overland trail with views of the wetlands. By this time we started on this trail it was pretty hot outside. Thankfully there is some shade but with the water and the sun it was pretty humid. I was able to capture a Tufted titmouse! One of my favorite birds. The Eastern bluebird, Barn swallow and the Eastern phoebe  were also on the list. I was really hoping for the Prothonotary warbler but no such luck. I heard them all around me but couldn’t catch a glimpse. Paul thought he might have seen one but wasn’t able to pull the trigger.

As we were leaving the Wood Duck Trail and heading back to the entrance Paul noticed an animal in the hollow of a tree. We spent about 10 minutes trying to make noise and wake it up but it didn’t budge. Google images said it was a wild boar. Obviously that can’t be. Paul thinks it was an opossum, my guess is a raccoon. We sure could use some ID help!

All in all this is a beautiful place to hike. Preferably in the Spring or Fall. I do wish during the summer they would open sooner so we could spend more time hiking. We only stayed about two hours because the heat was getting to us even though we brought four bottle of water and finished them! It is a very family friendly park. We passed multiple families with young children. No pets allowed. I will definitely be back in the fall to check out all the migratory birds.