a view of a city and a river

Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 5 AM - 10 PM

About This Location

Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 281 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, and Pied-billed Grebe 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

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/20/20265000 Rollingwood Dr Rollingwood TX 78746 United States1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/19/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

7/19/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/19/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle (Western)

Quiscalus mexicanus

7/19/2026Veterans Park, Leander2 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/18/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

7/18/2026Milton Reimers Ranch Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

57/20/2026

Chimney Swift

157/20/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

Barn Swallow

27/20/2026

Eastern Bluebird

27/20/2026

Summer Tanager

17/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

57/20/2026

Blue Grosbeak

27/20/2026

Painted Bunting

37/20/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Black Vulture

17/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/20/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/20/2026

House Finch

27/20/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/20/2026

Lark Sparrow

17/20/2026

White-winged Dove

17/16/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  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 Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park for birding?
The best months to visit Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park?
Notable species at Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park include White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Monk Parakeet, Bewick's Wren, European Starling, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, House Finch. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park?
Birding at Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park?
There is no entrance fee at Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park. Hours: Open daily, 5 AM - 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park?
Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.