white egret perched on brown wooden post during daytime

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

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

6/1/2026Zilker Metro Park--Barton Springs area1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/1/2026Zilker Metro Park--Barton Springs area1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

6/1/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

5/31/202610300 Stubble Quail Cir, Austin US-TX 30.37940, -97.706812 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

5/31/2026Brentwood Park, Austin1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/31/2026Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

5/30/2026Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/30/20265805 Miramonte Dr, Austin US-TX (30.4165,-97.7558)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/29/2026Dahlstrom2 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/28/20261712 Windsor Rd, Austin US-TX (30.2852,-97.7568)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

566/1/2026

Lesser Scaup

16/1/2026

Ruddy Duck

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

126/1/2026

Black-necked Stilt

226/1/2026

Killdeer

36/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

26/1/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

46/1/2026

White-faced Ibis

36/1/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

16/1/2026

Snowy Egret

36/1/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

116/1/2026

Crested Caracara

16/1/2026

American Kestrel

16/1/2026

Western Kingbird

46/1/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

96/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

Blue Jay

16/1/2026

Common Raven

16/1/2026

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.