Wetland birding habitat

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 295 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts White-faced Ibis, Reddish Egret, and Black Vulture 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

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

35/31/2026

Common Gallinule

15/31/2026

Black-necked Stilt

455/31/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

35/31/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

125/31/2026

Snowy Egret

65/31/2026

Great Egret

55/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

145/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

95/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/31/2026

Common Grackle

15/31/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

115/31/2026

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 - Willows observation deck & trail for birding?
The best months to visit Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail 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 - Willows observation deck & trail?
Notable species at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail include White-faced Ibis, Reddish Egret, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail?
Birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail?
Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.