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
Loading map...
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
Northern Yellow Warbler
Setophaga aestiva
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Eurasian Collared-Dove
White-winged Dove
Black Vulture
Blue Jay
Purple Martin
Barn Swallow
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
Bronzed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Great-tailed Grackle
Northern Cardinal
Mourning Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Chimney Swift
Killdeer
Turkey Vulture
House Sparrow
Brown-headed Cowbird
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.
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
Subtropical Rio Grande Valley forest with rare Mexican species found nowhere else in the US.
Big Bend National Park
Remote Chihuahuan Desert park with the only US breeding population of Colima Warbler.
Texas Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Texas →