Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Skillern Tract

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Skillern Tract is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 308 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Northern Harrier, Crested Caracara, 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

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

Anhinga

13/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

53/6/2026

Osprey

13/6/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

53/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/6/2026

Northern Harrier

13/2/2026

Crested Caracara

13/2/2026

Snow Goose

5003/1/2026

Mourning Dove

53/1/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

13/1/2026

Snowy Egret

13/1/2026

Black Vulture

23/1/2026

Eastern Phoebe

23/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

13/1/2026

Tree Swallow

63/1/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

23/1/2026

Savannah Sparrow

43/1/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

73/1/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Skillern Tract for birding?
The best months to visit Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Skillern Tract 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 - Skillern Tract?
Notable species at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Skillern Tract include Northern Harrier, Crested Caracara, Mourning Dove, Anhinga, Black Vulture. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Skillern Tract?
Birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Skillern Tract is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Skillern Tract?
Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Skillern Tract offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.