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

Fork-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus savana

4/17/2026stakeout Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Gunter (2026)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/16/2026Lake Texoma--Lakeside Public Use Area1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

4/14/2026Hagerman NWR1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/14/2026Hagerman NWR4 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

4/14/2026Hagerman NWR1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

4/14/2026Hagerman NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/18/2026

Semipalmated Plover

54/18/2026

Willet

34/18/2026

Sanderling

14/18/2026

Dunlin

14/18/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

54/18/2026

Franklin's Gull

14/18/2026

Least Tern

14/18/2026

Caspian Tern

14/18/2026

American White Pelican

24/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

734/18/2026

Cinnamon Teal

24/18/2026

American Coot

334/18/2026

Killdeer

64/18/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

44/18/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/18/2026

Baird's Sandpiper

24/18/2026

Least Sandpiper

214/18/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

74/18/2026

Western Sandpiper

44/18/2026

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.