Forest birding habitat

Big Bend National Park - Sam Nail Ranch

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Big Bend National Park - Sam Nail Ranch is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This forest and 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

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

4/14/2026Big Bend NP--Dugout Wells1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

4/9/2026Big Bend NP--Cattail Falls1 observed

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

4/9/2026Big Bend NP--Dugout Wells1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/8/2026Big Bend NP--Oak Creek Road1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

4/6/2026Terlingua—Study Butte WTP (restricted access)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

14/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/14/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

14/14/2026

Bell's Vireo

34/14/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

14/14/2026

Cactus Wren

24/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/14/2026

Pyrrhuloxia

24/14/2026

Mourning Dove

14/13/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

24/12/2026

Verdin

24/12/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

14/12/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

44/12/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

14/12/2026

Common Raven

24/11/2026

Spotted Towhee

14/11/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/11/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/7/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

24/7/2026

Greater Roadrunner

14/6/2026

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 - Sam Nail Ranch for birding?
The best months to visit Big Bend National Park - Sam Nail Ranch for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Big Bend National Park - Sam Nail Ranch?
Notable species at Big Bend National Park - Sam Nail Ranch include Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Bend National Park - Sam Nail Ranch?
Birding at Big Bend National Park - Sam Nail Ranch is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Bend National Park - Sam Nail Ranch?
Big Bend National Park - Sam Nail Ranch offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.