The public is invited to a 3 p.m. ribbon-cutting for a newly constructed bird blind at Davis Mountains State Park on Friday, Nov. 14 being dedicated to the Francell family, which has played a major role in Texas land conservation efforts.

The $36,000 solar-powered, white adobe structure that mimics the historic Indian Lodge’s Southwest style of architecture replaced an older bird blind in the Montezuma Quail Viewing area. The bird blind is expected to be popular with birders who visit the state park to see the wide variety of bird species, including the Montezuma quail typically found in the region.

“We are pleased to dedicate the new bird blind to the Francell Family, in recognition of our gratitude and appreciation for their continuing efforts to conserve the wild places of Texas,” says Texas State Parks Director Brent Leisure. “Here, Davis Mountains State Park visitors will be able to observe the many bird species that make the park their home, or their rest stop.”

Davis Mountains State Park is a designated Globally Important Bird Area (GIBA), recognized for the number of documented resident and transient bird species. Birders, who for decades had become accustomed to seeing the original bird blind consisting of four posts and a bench, can now observe some of the park’s documented 365 species from comfortable stools protected from the elements.

The new bird blind features large, slanted windows cooled by sun-powered ceiling fans in the screened-in viewing area. Solar power also keeps water trickling through a stone water feature beneath almost a dozen bird feeders.

Davis Mountains State Park and Indian Lodge are located four miles north of Fort Davis on Highway 118 North. For more information, contact the state park office at (432) 426-3337.