a field of wheat

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

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

Gray Kingbird

Tyrannus dominicensis

7/18/2026East River 9 Golf Course1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

7/8/2026Pine Gully Park (UTC 079)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

67/20/2026

Mourning Dove

227/20/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/20/2026

Little Blue Heron

27/20/2026

Carolina Wren

17/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/20/2026

Killdeer

27/18/2026

Purple Martin

27/18/2026

Barn Swallow

77/18/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/18/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

107/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/18/2026

Common Nighthawk

17/17/2026

Chimney Swift

17/17/2026

Limpkin

17/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/17/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/17/2026

Blue Jay

17/17/2026

American Crow

37/17/2026

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.