a bird sitting on top of a nest in a tree

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 345 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Blue-winged Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/1/202610719 Roadrunner Lane, Kingston, Oklahoma, US (33.98, -96.632)

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

5/29/2026Hagerman NWR1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/21/2026Hagerman NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1126/1/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Greater Roadrunner

16/1/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/1/2026

American Coot

16/1/2026

Killdeer

26/1/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

46/1/2026

White Ibis

46/1/2026

Little Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Snowy Egret

46/1/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

36/1/2026

Great Egret

196/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Black Vulture

26/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/1/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

Blue Jay

26/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

26/1/2026

Cliff Swallow

206/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, White-winged Dove, Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge?
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.