Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Alligator Pond

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Alligator Pond is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 244 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Plain Chachalaca 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

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

Blue-winged Teal

303/4/2026

Northern Shoveler

83/4/2026

Plain Chachalaca

53/4/2026

Common Gallinule

133/4/2026

American Coot

23/4/2026

Caspian Tern

23/4/2026

Least Grebe

63/4/2026

White Ibis

33/4/2026

Tricolored Heron

23/4/2026

Reddish Egret

13/4/2026

Snowy Egret

13/4/2026

Green Heron

13/4/2026

Great Egret

13/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/4/2026

Crested Caracara

23/4/2026

Great Kiskadee

13/4/2026

White-eyed Vireo

13/4/2026

Altamira Oriole

13/4/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

63/4/2026

Wilson's Warbler

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Alligator Pond for birding?
The best months to visit Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Alligator Pond 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 - Alligator Pond?
Notable species at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Alligator Pond include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Plain Chachalaca, Common Gallinule, American Coot. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Alligator Pond?
Birding at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Alligator Pond is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Alligator Pond?
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Alligator Pond offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.