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

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

6/1/2026Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, Anahuac US-TX (29.6137,-94.5455)1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

5/31/2026High Island--Smith Oaks Sanctuary (UTC 052)2 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/30/2026Smith Point--James H. Robbins Park1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/29/2026Galveston Bay-- Vingt-Et-Un Islands (Chambers Co.)1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

5/29/2026Galveston Bay-- Vingt-Et-Un Islands (Chambers Co.)3 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

5/29/2026Galveston Bay-- Vingt-Et-Un Islands (Chambers Co.)2 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

5/23/2026Bolivar-High Island Shorebird Survey Start1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

105/31/2026

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

45/31/2026

Blue-winged Teal

75/31/2026

Mottled Duck

25/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

35/31/2026

King Rail

15/31/2026

Common Gallinule

125/31/2026

American Coot

45/31/2026

Purple Gallinule

35/31/2026

Black-necked Stilt

655/31/2026

Killdeer

35/31/2026

Semipalmated Plover

15/31/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

15/31/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

405/31/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

15/31/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

185/31/2026

Glossy Ibis

15/31/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

45/31/2026

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 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.