Forest birding habitat

Heard National Sci. Mus.& Wildlife Sanct

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Heard National Sci. Mus.& Wildlife Sanct is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Hooded Merganser, and Mourning Dove 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

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

6/1/2026Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, Plano1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/1/2026Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, Plano2 observed

Egyptian Goose

Alopochen aegyptiaca

5/29/2026Lake Ray Hubbard--TX66 Boat ramp/ Willow Bend area (Rockwall)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/29/2026Oakbrook Park1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

5/28/2026Breckenridge Park, Richardson2 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

5/28/2026Heard Nat. Sci. Mus.& Wildlife Sanct1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

5/26/20263600 McDermott Rd, Plano US-TX (33.0999,-96.7667)1 observed

Osprey (American)

Pandion haliaetus

5/26/2026Muddy Creek Reservoir (Wylie)1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/26/2026Prairie Creek Park (Collin Co. portion)1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

5/25/2026Muddy Creek Reservoir (Wylie)2 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/25/2026Muddy Creek Reservoir (Wylie)1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/24/2026One Eleven Ranch Pk1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White Ibis

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Phoebe

25/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

15/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

155/30/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/30/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

35/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

5/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/30/2026

Painted Bunting

25/30/2026

Canada Goose

5/30/2026

Mallard

25/30/2026

White-winged Dove

15/30/2026

Anhinga

35/30/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

15/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

Great Egret

5/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Heard National Sci. Mus.& Wildlife Sanct for birding?
The best months to visit Heard National Sci. Mus.& Wildlife Sanct for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Heard National Sci. Mus.& Wildlife Sanct?
Notable species at Heard National Sci. Mus.& Wildlife Sanct include Canada Goose, Hooded Merganser, Mourning Dove, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Heard National Sci. Mus.& Wildlife Sanct?
Birding at Heard National Sci. Mus.& Wildlife Sanct is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Heard National Sci. Mus.& Wildlife Sanct?
Heard National Sci. Mus.& Wildlife Sanct offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.