High Island
Texas · Southeast
Challenging
October-April
Free (sanctuary fees during spring)
Open daily
About This Location
High Island is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 336 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts American Barn Owl, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and White-winged 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
Lesser Nighthawk
Chordeiles acutipennis
Least Grebe
Tachybaptus dominicus
Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Eurasian Collared-Dove
White-winged Dove
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
Purple Martin
Barn Swallow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Northern House Wren
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
House Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Great-tailed Grackle
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
- 4
Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.
- 5
Spring migration fallouts (mid-April to early May) after cold fronts produce spectacular concentrations of neotropical migrants.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Smith Oaks Sanctuary
- Boy Scout Woods
- Bolivar Flats
More in Texas
High Island
Legendary Texas coast migrant trap where trans-Gulf birds make landfall during spring fallouts.
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Texas Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Texas →