Wetland birding habitat

Cook's Slough Sanctuary

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Cook's Slough Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 294 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Tropical Parula

Setophaga pitiayumi

4/15/2026Chalk Bluff River Resort & Park (HOTW 023)1 observed

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

4/15/2026Uvalde Fish Hatchery (HOTW 027)2 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/12/2026Cook's Slough Sanctuary (HOTW 025)1 observed

White-tailed Hawk

Geranoaetus albicaudatus

4/12/2026z6572 Crystal City Highway, Uvalde, Texas, US (29.113, -99.832)1 observed

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

4/11/2026DDD Beavers Knoll1 observed

Clay-colored Thrush

Turdus grayi

4/10/2026Chalk Bluff River Resort & Park (HOTW 023)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

24/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/16/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

54/16/2026

Black Vulture

34/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/16/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

24/16/2026

Crested Caracara

14/16/2026

Great Kiskadee

24/16/2026

Bell's Vireo

24/16/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

24/16/2026

Carolina Wren

24/16/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/16/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

34/16/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

24/16/2026

Common Yellowthroat

24/16/2026

Summer Tanager

14/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/16/2026

Painted Bunting

14/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cook's Slough Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Cook's Slough Sanctuary for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Cook's Slough Sanctuary?
Notable species at Cook's Slough Sanctuary include Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Wild Turkey, Common Ground Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cook's Slough Sanctuary?
Birding at Cook's Slough Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cook's Slough Sanctuary?
Cook's Slough Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.