Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin

Texas · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Wood Duck, and Mallard among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Wood Duck Mallard Killdeer Pied-billed Grebe

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

7/20/2026Pondera Park, Tomball US-TX 30.14878, -95.557421 observed

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

7/15/2026Kuykendahl Detention Pond, The Woodlands1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/13/202612502–12518 Twinkle Terrace Ln, Cypress US-TX 29.95546, -95.758991 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/7/2026Kuykendahl Detention Pond, The Woodlands2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

37/18/2026

Wood Duck

27/18/2026

White-winged Dove

157/18/2026

Mourning Dove

37/18/2026

Chimney Swift

67/18/2026

Anhinga

17/18/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

27/18/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

17/18/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/18/2026

Little Blue Heron

27/18/2026

Snowy Egret

37/18/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

47/18/2026

Great Egret

37/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/18/2026

Black Vulture

57/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/18/2026

Bald Eagle

17/18/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/18/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/18/2026

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 Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin for birding?▼

The best months to visit Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin?▼

Notable species at Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Wood Duck, Mallard, Killdeer, Pied-billed Grebe. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin?▼

Birding at Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin?▼

Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.