a bird sitting on top of a wooden pole

Goose Island State Park

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$5 per person

Hours

Open daily, 6 AM - 10 PM

About This Location

Goose Island State Park is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 357 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, and Buff-bellied Hummingbird 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

Sooty Tern

Onychoprion fuscatus

5/31/2026Rockport Beach Park1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

5/29/2026Rockport Demo Bird Garden & Wetlands Pond (CTC 050)2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/28/2026Copano causeway1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

5/22/2026Highway 35 N, Rockport US-TX 28.27341, -96.959672 observed

Cactus Wren

Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus

5/21/2026Goose Island SP (CTC 048)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Black Vulture

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

36/2/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

16/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

66/2/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

16/2/2026

Purple Martin

26/2/2026

Carolina Wren

26/2/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

156/2/2026

Painted Bunting

16/2/2026

Black-necked Stilt

16/2/2026

American Oystercatcher

16/2/2026

Willet

16/2/2026

Laughing Gull

116/2/2026

Royal Tern

36/2/2026

White Ibis

16/2/2026

Tricolored Heron

26/2/2026

Reddish Egret

16/2/2026

Snowy Egret

26/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Goose Island State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Goose Island State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Goose Island State Park?
Notable species at Goose Island State Park include White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, American Oystercatcher, Willet, Blue-winged Teal, Common Gallinule, Killdeer, Long-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin, Least Sandpiper, Black Vulture. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Goose Island State Park?
Birding at Goose Island 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 Goose Island State Park?
The entrance fee at Goose Island State Park is $5 per person. Hours: Open daily, 6 AM - 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Goose Island State Park?
Goose Island State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.