Hornsby Bend

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Hornsby Bend is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 362 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

3/6/2026Roy G Guerrero Park—Cliff Overlook Area1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

3/6/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)7 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

3/6/2026Barkley Meadows Park1 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/5/2026Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park1 observed

Pyrrhuloxia

Cardinalis sinuatus

3/5/2026Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park1 observed

White-tipped Dove

Leptotila verreauxi

3/5/2026Brittlyns Court1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

3/4/2026Town Lake Park (HOTE 042), Austin1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

3/3/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

303/6/2026

Cinnamon Teal

63/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

4003/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

453/6/2026

Redhead

43/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

203/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

153/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

123/6/2026

Mourning Dove

43/6/2026

American Coot

2003/6/2026

Killdeer

33/6/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

13/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

143/6/2026

Black Vulture

33/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/6/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

33/6/2026

Barn Swallow

63/6/2026

American Pipit

143/6/2026

Savannah Sparrow

143/6/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hornsby Bend for birding?
The best months to visit Hornsby Bend for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Hornsby Bend?
Notable species at Hornsby Bend include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, White-winged Dove, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Monk Parakeet, Bewick's Wren, European Starling, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Hornsby Bend?
Birding at Hornsby Bend is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Hornsby Bend?
There is no entrance fee at Hornsby Bend. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Hornsby Bend?
Hornsby Bend offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.