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El Franco Lee Park

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 7:00 AM - dusk

About This Location

El Franco Lee Park is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 304 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/1/2026Countryside Park (Galveston Co.)3 observed

Gray Kingbird

Tyrannus dominicensis

6/1/2026East River 9 Golf Course1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

6/1/2026Rice U. Campus1 observed

Long-billed Thrasher

Toxostoma longirostre

6/1/2026Rice U. Campus1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/1/2026Chiropractic College parking lot. 77505, Pasadena US-TX 29.66322, -95.148611 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

6/1/2026El Jardin Park/Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

25/31/2026

Laughing Gull

15/31/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

25/31/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

15/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Black Vulture

15/31/2026

Mississippi Kite

35/31/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

55/31/2026

Blue Jay

25/31/2026

Carolina Chickadee

25/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

115/31/2026

Carolina Wren

95/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

115/31/2026

Wood Duck

15/30/2026

Chimney Swift

15/30/2026

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 El Franco Lee Park for birding?
The best months to visit El Franco Lee Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at El Franco Lee Park?
Notable species at El Franco Lee Park include Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mourning Dove, Black-necked Stilt, White-winged Dove, Red-shouldered Hawk, Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee, Northern Mockingbird, Eastern Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at El Franco Lee Park?
Birding at El Franco Lee Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at El Franco Lee Park?
There is no entrance fee at El Franco Lee Park. Hours: Open daily, 7:00 AM - dusk.
What amenities are available at El Franco Lee Park?
El Franco Lee Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.