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

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

4/18/2026Hugh Ramsey Park 1010 Texas 499 Loop, Harlingen, Texas, US (26.186, -97.664)1 observed

Crimson-collared Grosbeak

Periporphyrus celaeno

4/18/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

4/18/2026Edinburg Municipal Park1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

4/18/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

54/13/2026

White-winged Dove

14/13/2026

Mourning Dove

104/13/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Great Kiskadee

24/13/2026

Barn Swallow

14/13/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

24/13/2026

Common Ground Dove

34/11/2026

Upland Sandpiper

14/11/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

44/11/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

24/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/11/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Horned Lark

24/11/2026

Lark Sparrow

34/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

154/11/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

154/11/2026

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.