A seagull stands on the wet sand by the ocean.

Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily

About This Location

Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 312 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mottled Duck, Mourning Dove, and Black-necked Stilt 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

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/19/2026Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

6/18/2026Texas City Dike (UTC 074)1 observed

White-crowned Pigeon

Patagioenas leucocephala

6/12/20261401–1499 26th St, Galveston US-TX 29.29491, -94.794121 observed

Gray Kingbird

Tyrannus dominicensis

6/8/2026Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/19/2026

Common Nighthawk

46/19/2026

Black-necked Stilt

26/19/2026

American Avocet

16/19/2026

Black-bellied Plover

26/19/2026

Semipalmated Plover

96/19/2026

Wilson's Plover

56/19/2026

Marbled Godwit

16/19/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

66/19/2026

Willet

46/19/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

36/19/2026

Sanderling

56/19/2026

Laughing Gull

366/19/2026

Least Tern

66/19/2026

Caspian Tern

36/19/2026

Sandwich Tern

136/19/2026

Royal Tern

256/19/2026

Magnificent Frigatebird

26/19/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

76/19/2026

White Ibis

36/19/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary?
Notable species at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary include Mottled Duck, Mourning Dove, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, American Oystercatcher, American Herring Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Turnstone, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary?
Birding at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary?
There is no entrance fee at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary. Hours: Open daily.
What amenities are available at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary?
Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.