Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Texas · Southeast

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

SpringFallWinter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$5 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 368 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Plain Chachalaca, White-tipped Dove, and Anhinga among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Plain Chachalaca White-tipped Dove Anhinga White-faced Ibis Roseate Spoonbill Brown Pelican Loggerhead Shrike Brown-headed Cowbird Eurasian Collared-Dove Laughing Gull Red-winged Blackbird Great-tailed Grackle

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

3/5/2026Laguna Atascosa NWR--Lakeside Drive1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

3/5/2026South Padre Is.--Birding and Nature Center1 observed

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

3/5/2026218 W Cora Lee Dr, South Padre Island US-TX 26.12605, -97.174093 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

3/4/2026South Padre Is.--Valley Land Fund lots (LTC 036)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Plain Chachalaca

143/3/2026

White-tipped Dove

23/3/2026

Anhinga

13/3/2026

White-faced Ibis

13/3/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

23/3/2026

Little Blue Heron

13/3/2026

Green Heron

13/3/2026

Great Egret

123/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/3/2026

Osprey

13/3/2026

Harris's Hawk

13/3/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/3/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Crested Caracara

23/3/2026

American Kestrel

13/3/2026

Great Kiskadee

13/3/2026

Green Jay

43/3/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

13/3/2026

Olive Sparrow

13/3/2026

Altamira Oriole

13/3/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
4
Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.
5
Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

Nearby Attractions

South Padre Island
Resaca de la Palma State Park
Palo Alto Battlefield

More in Texas

High Island

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.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge for birding?▼

The best months to visit Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Notable species at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge include Plain Chachalaca, White-tipped Dove, Anhinga, White-faced Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Brown Pelican, Loggerhead Shrike, Brown-headed Cowbird, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Laughing Gull, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Birding at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

Is there an entrance fee at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge?▼

The entrance fee at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is $5 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.

What amenities are available at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge?▼

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.