brown and white concrete building near bare trees under blue sky during daytime

Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$5 per person

Hours

Open daily, 6 AM - 10 PM

About This Location

Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 343 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts Wild Turkey, White-winged Dove, and Mourning Dove 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

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

Blue-winged Teal

64/14/2026

Wild Turkey

14/14/2026

Inca Dove

14/14/2026

White-winged Dove

44/14/2026

Mourning Dove

24/14/2026

Black-necked Stilt

244/14/2026

American Golden-Plover

24/14/2026

Killdeer

44/14/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

164/14/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/14/2026

Least Sandpiper

314/14/2026

Franklin's Gull

24/14/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

34/14/2026

White-faced Ibis

24/14/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

64/14/2026

Snowy Egret

24/14/2026

Great Egret

14/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

54/14/2026

Crested Caracara

14/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit?
Notable species at Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit include Wild Turkey, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Common Pauraque, Killdeer, White-tipped Dove, White-eyed Vireo, Green Jay, Black-crested Titmouse, Barn Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Carolina Wren. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit?
Birding at Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit?
The entrance fee at Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit is $5 per person. Hours: Open daily, 6 AM - 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit?
Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.