Lake birding habitat

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 310 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

    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 Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop for birding?
The best months to visit Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop 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 - Shoveler Pond Loop?
Notable species at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop?
Birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop?
Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.