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
Yellow-green Vireo
Vireo flavoviridis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
White Ibis
Snowy Egret
Western Cattle-Egret
Great Egret
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Solitary Sandpiper
Laughing Gull
Blue Jay
Barn Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Cave Swallow
Northern Mockingbird
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Common Nighthawk
Common Gallinule
Black-necked Stilt
Sanderling
Least Tern
Sandwich Tern
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 →