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

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/18/2026420 Eastern Valley Ln, Whitesboro US-TX 33.66162, -96.975542 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/18/2026Hagerman NWR--Meadow Pond Trail2 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/14/2026Hagerman NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

127/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/19/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

17/19/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/19/2026

Tricolored Heron

17/19/2026

Snowy Egret

57/19/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

37/19/2026

Great Egret

87/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/19/2026

Mississippi Kite

17/19/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/19/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/19/2026

Western Kingbird

17/19/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

17/19/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/19/2026

Blue Jay

27/19/2026

American Crow

47/19/2026

Fish Crow

17/19/2026

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.