Grassland birding habitat

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mottled Duck, King Rail, and Common Gallinule 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

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/24/2026Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary--Rettilon Rd1 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

Common Nighthawk

15/30/2026

Willet

15/30/2026

Brown Pelican

15/30/2026

Mottled Duck

25/21/2026

Mourning Dove

45/21/2026

Clapper Rail

35/21/2026

Tricolored Heron

25/21/2026

Great Egret

15/21/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

25/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

125/21/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

65/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 - Yellow Rail Prairie for birding?
The best months to visit Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie 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 - Yellow Rail Prairie?
Notable species at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie include Mottled Duck, King Rail, Common Gallinule, Killdeer, White Ibis. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie?
Birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie?
Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.