Ecology and nature highlight Vanishing Texas River Cruise

Waterfalls add to the scenery on Buchanan Lake in Texas.

When visiting Canyon of the Eagles, a 900-acre park under the auspices of Lower Colorado River Authority in the Texas Hill Country, one of the best excursions you can take is the Vanishing Texas River Cruise. It’s a great way to see a variety of wildlife, especially birds like egrets, blue heron, osprey, comorants, pelicans, and gulls. Many migrating birds use the Lake Buchanan/ Colorado River area as a place to “refuel” before continuing on their journeys.

Named for the bald eagles that nest in the area, Canyon of the Eagles is an especially popular place for bird watchers. In the winter you may be lucky enough to catch glimpse of American bald eagles sitting majestically on tree-top perches.

Rugged rock formations can be seen near the lake's edge.

For those not familiar with eagles, you can recognize them by their white head and tail feathers and blackish-brown body. Eagles, some of which live 20 years, nest in this area, returning every year to the same nest to lay one to three eggs. It’s not uncommon for latter born chicks to be knocked out of the nest in favor of the first-born.

Departing from Lake Buchanan, second largest of the Texas Highland Lakes, Vanishing Texas River Cruise is the premier ecological cruise of the Lone Star state. In addition to wildlife you’ll see spectacular views of Lake Buchanan, the Colorado River, rocky cliffs, and waterfalls.

The Texas Eagle II is a comfortable passenger boat with
inside and outside seating.

First visualized by Ed Low in 1981, Vanishing Texas River Cruise grew in popularity after a local newspaper reporter wrote about his trip on the boat. Lowe teamed up with Daniel Boren in 1982 and also Capt. Shawn Devaney, who became a partner as the ecological river cruise became more well-known and eventually bought the business in 1999. It has continued to grow and attract visitors from all over the world. Guides are very knowledgeable and the scenery offers many photo ops as the boat travels more than 22 miles on the lake.


In spring, beautiful bluebonnets line the shores of Lake Buchanan.

The Texas Eagle II comfortably carries up to 120 passengers in summer and 90 passengers in winter. The boat is fully enclosed and heated, so even rainy days can be good for spotting some of Texas’ 600 species of birds. Cruises last either two or four hours, and the route may be adapted according to water level. Delicious refreshments including chicken gumbo are available for purchase on shorter cruises and included with longer journeys.

Cruises run year-round, and reservations are recommended. There’s not a better way to observe nature in the Hill Country than on the Vanishing Texas River Cruise.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

Canyon of the Eagles celebrates 20 years

Canyon of the Eagles is a Texas gem that many visitors in the state have yet to discover.  Located a little more than an hour’s drive north of Austin, 90 minutes north of San Antonio, and two and a half hours southwest of Dallas, this 942-acre nature preserve and resort provides plenty of activities  to keep everyone in the family busy—or plenty of opportunities to hang back and relax while enjoying a symphony of bird songs and glorious sunsets on the lake. 

To celebrate its 20th anniversary in December 2019, Canyon of the Eagles is offering an affordable opportunity to experience this unique and scenic property in the Highland Lakes Region. The promotion is $99 per room per night from December 1-23 which can be booked directly on the website or by calling 512-334-2070 using code COTE99.

Set on  Lake Buchanan, the largest in the chain of Highland Lakes, Canyon of the Eagles can be a destination that you never leave or a starting point for nearby adventures.  The resort offers dog-friendly guest rooms and full-service amenities as well as RV and camping opportunities.

Here’s an example of what you can do during your stay:

*Take a scenic pontoon boat ride on the original channel of the Colorado River to see a variety of wildlife, waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and migratory birds.

*Look to the skies at Eagle Eye Observatory, an on-site state-of-the-art viewing area with two high-powered telescopes. The dark sky location makes it one of the best astronomical viewing locations in Texas.

*Explore along 14 miles of nature trails, keeping eyes open for wildlife including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo.

*Enjoy a “movie under the stars,” a tradition of Canyon of the Eagles.

*Savor sunsets and panoramic views of Lake Buchanan while dining on dishes prepared with local ingredients and accompanied by Hill Country wines at the award-winning Overlook Restaurant. 

*Paddle under Fall Creek Falls on Lake Buchanan in a kayak or canoe. Or try standup paddle boarding.

*Test your navigational skills with a geocaching scavenger hunt.

*Venture out: Go underground at Longhorn Caverns, taste wines at Perissos Vineyard or Fall Creek Vineyards, try antiquing at Marble Falls, or cast your fishing line in Lake Buchanan.

*Get comfy in one of the rocking chairs on your back porch or at spots like The Perch and Sunset Point to enjoy a good book or simply gaze at the bounty of nature’s beauty.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier


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