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

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

5/28/2026240–298 E County Road 2120, Kingsville US-TX (27.4529,-97.8297)1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

5/27/2026699–799 E County Road 2180, Kingsville US-TX 27.40705, -97.744521 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

5/23/2026Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center garden area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

46/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

36/1/2026

Crested Caracara

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

26/1/2026

White-winged Dove

15/31/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Green Kingfisher

15/31/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Great Kiskadee

15/31/2026

Couch's Kingbird

15/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/31/2026

Painted Bunting

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Western Kingbird

15/29/2026

Green Jay

15/29/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

15/29/2026

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.