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 Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

6/1/2026Zilker Metro Park--Barton Springs area1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/1/2026Zilker Metro Park--Barton Springs area1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/1/2026Mom and Dad's

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

6/1/2026Tamarac Trail retention pond, Leander1 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

6/1/2026Milton Reimers Ranch Park1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

6/1/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

5/31/202610300 Stubble Quail Cir, Austin US-TX 30.37940, -97.706812 observed

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

5/31/2026Lake Travis--Bob Wentz Windy Point Pk1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher

Toxostoma curvirostre

5/31/2026Milton Reimers Ranch Park1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/31/2026Lake Travis--Bob Wentz Windy Point Pk1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

5/30/2026Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Chimney Swift

116/1/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

16/1/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Western Kingbird

26/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

36/1/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

56/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

26/1/2026

Cave Swallow

26/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/1/2026

Carolina Wren

46/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

46/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

66/1/2026

American Robin

26/1/2026

House Finch

16/1/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

46/1/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

26/1/2026

Summer Tanager

26/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

66/1/2026

Blue Grosbeak

16/1/2026

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.