King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit

Texas · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 312 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal, and Northern Shoveler among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

American Wigeon Blue-winged Teal Northern Shoveler Mottled Duck Green-winged Teal

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Ringed Kingfisher

Megaceryle torquata

4/8/2026Franklin Adams St x Santa Gertrudis Creek Bridge1 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

4/4/2026CR 2250, Riviera, Texas, US4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Tennessee Warbler

14/16/2026

Barn Swallow

14/16/2026

Hooded Oriole

14/16/2026

Inca Dove

14/16/2026

White-winged Dove

34/16/2026

Mourning Dove

14/16/2026

Killdeer

14/16/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

34/16/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

34/16/2026

Couch's Kingbird

44/16/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

24/16/2026

Cave Swallow

54/16/2026

European Starling

34/16/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

14/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/16/2026

House Sparrow

54/16/2026

Olive Sparrow

24/16/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/16/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

14/16/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Texas

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Legendary Texas coast migrant trap where trans-Gulf birds make landfall during spring fallouts.

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Subtropical Rio Grande Valley forest with rare Mexican species found nowhere else in the US.

Big Bend National Park

Remote Chihuahuan Desert park with the only US breeding population of Colima Warbler.

Texas Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Texas →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit for birding?▼

The best months to visit King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit?▼

Notable species at King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit include American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mottled Duck, Green-winged Teal. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit?▼

Birding at King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit?▼

King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.