a large body of water surrounded by lush green grass

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (Anahuac)

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (Anahuac) is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 342 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, and Mourning 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

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

7/20/2026Smith Point--Candy Abshier WMA (UTC 048)(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)1 observed

Yellow-green Vireo

Vireo flavoviridis

7/20/20261240 High School Rd, Bolivar Peninsula US-TX 29.56308, -94.388192 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

27/20/2026

Mottled Duck

27/20/2026

Mourning Dove

47/20/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/20/2026

Common Gallinule

107/20/2026

American Coot

27/20/2026

Black-necked Stilt

277/20/2026

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Laughing Gull

17/20/2026

White-faced Ibis

27/20/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/20/2026

Tricolored Heron

117/20/2026

Snowy Egret

127/20/2026

Green Heron

57/20/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

97/20/2026

Great Egret

37/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Black Vulture

17/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (Anahuac) for birding?
The best months to visit Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (Anahuac) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (Anahuac)?
Notable species at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (Anahuac) include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove, Blue Jay, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, Great-tailed Grackle. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (Anahuac)?
Birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (Anahuac) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (Anahuac)?
There is no entrance fee at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (Anahuac). Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (Anahuac)?
Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (Anahuac) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.