Forest birding habitat

Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 285 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, and Ladder-backed Woodpecker among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/27/2026Big Bend NP--Sam Nail Ranch1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/21/2026Big Bend NP--Chisos Basin WTP1 observed

Yellow Grosbeak (Northern)

Pheucticus chrysopeplus

5/20/2026Big Bend NP--Boot Canyon Trail1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

5/19/2026Big Bend NP--Cottonwood Campground (FWTX 40)2 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

5/19/2026Big Bend NP--Chisos Basin WTP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/30/2026

White-winged Dove

45/30/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

45/30/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Verdin

15/30/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/30/2026

House Finch

25/30/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

35/30/2026

Blue Grosbeak

35/30/2026

Bell's Vireo

15/29/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/29/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/29/2026

Lucy's Warbler

15/29/2026

Western Tanager

15/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground for birding?
The best months to visit Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground?
Notable species at Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground include White-winged Dove, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Black Phoebe. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground?
Birding at Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground?
Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.