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

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/18/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/15/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Caspian Tern

27/21/2026

Plain Chachalaca

37/21/2026

Inca Dove

27/21/2026

White-winged Dove

347/21/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

17/21/2026

Buff-bellied Hummingbird

27/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/21/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

27/21/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

27/21/2026

Great Kiskadee

17/21/2026

Tropical Kingbird

17/21/2026

Green Jay

27/21/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

27/21/2026

Purple Martin

127/21/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

17/21/2026

House Sparrow

427/21/2026

Orchard Oriole

27/21/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

67/21/2026

Northern Bobwhite

17/21/2026

Mourning Dove

67/21/2026

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.