Lake birding habitat

Choke Canyon Lake - J. Daugherty Wildlife Management Area

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
LakeCanyonWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Choke Canyon Lake - J. Daugherty Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This lake and canyon 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

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

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/10/2026Choke Canyon SP (Calliham Unit)--Rec Center area1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

4/7/2026Choke Canyon SP--Calliham Unit (McMullen Co.)(CTC 082)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

44/11/2026

Wild Turkey

14/11/2026

Inca Dove

24/11/2026

White-winged Dove

14/11/2026

Mourning Dove

24/11/2026

American Coot

34/11/2026

Black-necked Stilt

404/11/2026

Black-bellied Plover

4/11/2026

Killdeer

24/11/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

44/11/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

4/11/2026

Least Sandpiper

4/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/11/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

24/11/2026

White-faced Ibis

14/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/11/2026

Black Vulture

4/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

4/11/2026

Osprey

14/11/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

104/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Choke Canyon Lake - J. Daugherty Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Choke Canyon Lake - J. Daugherty Wildlife Management Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Choke Canyon Lake - J. Daugherty Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Choke Canyon Lake - J. Daugherty Wildlife Management Area include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, canyon, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Choke Canyon Lake - J. Daugherty Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Choke Canyon Lake - J. Daugherty Wildlife Management Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Choke Canyon Lake - J. Daugherty Wildlife Management Area?
Choke Canyon Lake - J. Daugherty Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.