Heading to Brazos Bend: what to look for this time of year

I'm spending today at Brazos Bend State Park, about an hour southwest of Houston, and I wanted to share my plan before I go. If you've never been, it's one of the easiest places in Texas to get close-up wildlife photos without ever leaving the trail.

Where I'm starting

Elm Lake and 40-Acre Lake. These two loops are the heart of the park. The trails are flat and wide, the water is right beside you, and the wading birds are used to people walking past. The observation tower on 40-Acre Lake is worth the climb for a wider view over the marsh.

Creekfield Lake. A short, easy nature trail that's good in the middle of the day when the bigger lakes get busy.

What I'm hoping to see

• American alligators basking on the banks, especially on sunny mornings after a cool night
• Great egrets, great blue herons and little blue herons fishing the shallows
• Anhingas drying their wings on snags
• Black-bellied whistling ducks, usually heard before they're seen
• Roseate spoonbills if I'm lucky
• The first fall migrants moving through the woods along the trails

Tips if you go

• Go early. The light is soft, the birds are active, and the trails are quiet. Late afternoon is the second-best window.
• Give the alligators room. The park asks visitors to stay well back (at least 30 feet), and never feed or approach them. A long lens does the work, so there's no need to get closer.
• Look at eye level. Alligators and wading birds look best when you crouch low and shoot across the water rather than down at it.
• Watch the edges. Some of the best moments happen where the marsh meets the trees: a heron lifting off, a turtle sliding in.
• Bring bug spray and water. Even in the fall, it's still Texas.
• Reserve a day pass. Texas state parks can fill up on nice weekends, so it's worth booking ahead online.

I'll post what I find when I'm back. If you've shot at Brazos Bend, drop your favorite spot in the comments. I'm always looking for a new angle.