Wetland birding habitat

Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 296 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American White Pelican, Ring-billed Gull, and Barred Owl 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

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/12/2026Brazoria NWR--Auto Tour Loop and Discovery Center2 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/10/2026San Bernard NWR — Sargent Units (RESTRICTED ACCESS)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

177/21/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

47/21/2026

American Crow

17/21/2026

Barn Swallow

27/21/2026

House Sparrow

27/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/21/2026

White-winged Dove

17/20/2026

Anhinga

17/20/2026

Tricolored Heron

17/20/2026

Green Heron

17/20/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

27/20/2026

Carolina Wren

17/20/2026

Monk Parakeet

57/19/2026

Laughing Gull

47/19/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

67/18/2026

Mourning Dove

27/18/2026

Black Vulture

17/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/18/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Crested Caracara

17/18/2026

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 Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area include American White Pelican, Ring-billed Gull, Barred Owl, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area?
Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.