Shallow lake with wading birds at Estero Llano Grande State Park

Estero Llano Grande State Park

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
WetlandForestTropical
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

November-April

Entrance Fee

$5 per person (ages 13+)

Hours

7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

About This Location

Estero Llano Grande State Park is a World Birding Center site in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, featuring a shallow lake, thorn forest, and woodland that attract over 300 species. The park is one of the most accessible and productive birding sites in the Rio Grande Valley.

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

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

6/1/2026822 E Taylor Street, Harlingen TX 785501 observed

Yellow-green Vireo

Vireo flavoviridis

6/1/2026LRGV NWR--Cannon Road (LTC-050)1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

5/31/2026822 E Taylor Street, Harlingen TX 785501 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/31/2026Estero Llano Grande SP WBC (LTC 054)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/30/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

5/30/2026Estero Llano Grande SP WBC (LTC 054)1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/28/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

5/27/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/27/2026Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center3 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/27/2026Santa Ana NWR--Tour Road1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/26/2026Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059)2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

5/25/2026Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

56/2/2026

White-winged Dove

6/2/2026

Ringed Kingfisher

6/2/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

6/2/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

European Starling

6/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

6/2/2026

House Sparrow

6/2/2026

House Finch

6/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

6/2/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

36/2/2026

Mourning Dove

86/2/2026

Chimney Swift

26/2/2026

Tropical Kingbird

16/2/2026

Couch's Kingbird

16/2/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

16/2/2026

Lark Sparrow

26/2/2026

Blue Grosbeak

16/2/2026

Common Ground Dove

16/1/2026

White-tipped Dove

66/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk the Ibis Pond trail for waterbirds and shorebirds

  2. 2

    Check at dusk for Common Pauraque on the trails

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Estero Llano Grande State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Estero Llano Grande State Park for birding are November-April. The best seasons are Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Estero Llano Grande State Park?
Notable species at Estero Llano Grande State Park include Least Grebe, Common Pauraque, Green Kingfisher, Hook-billed Kite, Clay-colored Thrush, American Coot, Long-billed Curlew, Laughing Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, White Ibis. The area supports wetland, forest, tropical habitats.
How difficult is birding at Estero Llano Grande State Park?
Birding at Estero Llano Grande State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Estero Llano Grande State Park?
The entrance fee at Estero Llano Grande State Park is $5 per person (ages 13+). Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
What amenities are available at Estero Llano Grande State Park?
Estero Llano Grande State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails, Observation Deck.