Forest birding habitat

John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 288 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal 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

5/31/2026Trinity River Audubon Center2 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

5/31/2026Ellis Co.—Cut-off Road1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/30/2026Dallas Southside WTP2 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

5/29/2026IH-30 E, Garland US-TX 32.86533, -96.542631 observed

Couch's Kingbird

Tyrannus couchii

5/26/2026Dallas Southside WTP1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/26/2026Dallas Southside WTP1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/26/2026John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/26/2026John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/23/2026719–895 Ten Mile Rd, Ferris US-TX 32.54153, -96.575191 observed

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

5/23/2026John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

46/2/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/2/2026

Killdeer

36/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/2/2026

Snowy Egret

46/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

Great Egret

26/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

6/2/2026

House Finch

46/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

6/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/2/2026

Indigo Bunting

16/2/2026

Dickcissel

6/2/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

75/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

15/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr for birding?
The best months to visit John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr?
Notable species at John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, American Coot. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr?
Birding at John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr?
John Bunker Sands Wetlands Ctr offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.