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

Lesser Nighthawk

Chordeiles acutipennis

3/3/2026Smith Oaks Rookery Count (Houston Audubon Staff)1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

3/3/20261218 Plummer Camp Road, Anahuac, Texas, US (29.525, -94.762)2 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

3/3/20261218 Plummer Camp Road, Anahuac, Texas, US (29.525, -94.762)2 observed

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

3/3/20261218 Plummer Camp Road, Anahuac, Texas, US (29.525, -94.762)6 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

2/28/2026GCBO Abshier Mosquito Research Conservancy1 observed

Least Grebe

Tachybaptus dominicus

2/28/2026Anahuac Entrance Road1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

2/26/2026St Matthew’s Church1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mottled Duck

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

13/6/2026

Clapper Rail

23/6/2026

Black-necked Stilt

63/6/2026

Killdeer

163/6/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

23/6/2026

Willet

13/6/2026

Forster's Tern

63/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

33/6/2026

White Ibis

13/6/2026

Great Egret

23/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Brown Pelican

33/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

243/6/2026

Osprey

13/6/2026

White-tailed Kite

13/6/2026

Northern Harrier

23/6/2026

Crested Caracara

13/6/2026

Eastern Phoebe

23/6/2026

American Crow

13/6/2026

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.