Lake birding habitat

Jim Chapman/Cooper Lake

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Jim Chapman/Cooper Lake is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 290 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/31/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

605/31/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

25/31/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

25/31/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/31/2026

Indigo Bunting

35/31/2026

Painted Bunting

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

65/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

European Starling

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Jim Chapman/Cooper Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Jim Chapman/Cooper Lake for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Jim Chapman/Cooper Lake?
Notable species at Jim Chapman/Cooper Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jim Chapman/Cooper Lake?
Birding at Jim Chapman/Cooper Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jim Chapman/Cooper Lake?
Jim Chapman/Cooper Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.