Wetland birding habitat

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Whitmire Unit (20 mi NE of main refuge)

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Whitmire Unit (20 mi NE of main refuge) is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

4/12/2026SH-35 S, Point Comfort US-TX 28.66746, -96.574191 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

4/12/2026Powderhorn Ranch1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

4/12/20261108 S Virginia St, Port Lavaca US-TX 28.60783, -96.618921 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/12/20261108 S Virginia St, Port Lavaca US-TX 28.60783, -96.618922 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

4/11/2026Keeran creek1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

14/12/2026

Northern Shoveler

14/12/2026

Wild Turkey

14/12/2026

Black-necked Stilt

14/12/2026

Black-bellied Plover

14/12/2026

Killdeer

14/12/2026

Wilson's Plover

14/12/2026

Least Sandpiper

14/12/2026

Laughing Gull

14/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/12/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

14/12/2026

Little Blue Heron

14/12/2026

Tricolored Heron

14/12/2026

Snowy Egret

14/12/2026

Great Egret

14/12/2026

Osprey

14/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/12/2026

Crested Caracara

14/12/2026

Eastern Kingbird

14/12/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

14/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Whitmire Unit (20 mi NE of main refuge) for birding?
The best months to visit Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Whitmire Unit (20 mi NE of main refuge) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Whitmire Unit (20 mi NE of main refuge)?
Notable species at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Whitmire Unit (20 mi NE of main refuge) include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Whitmire Unit (20 mi NE of main refuge)?
Birding at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Whitmire Unit (20 mi NE of main refuge) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Whitmire Unit (20 mi NE of main refuge)?
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Whitmire Unit (20 mi NE of main refuge) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.