Lake birding habitat

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Alligator Pond

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
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

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

5/31/2026South Padre Is.--Birding and Nature Center2 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

5/29/2026South Padre Is.--Birding and Nature Center1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/29/2026South Padre Is.--Birding and Nature Center2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

5/27/2026South Padre Is.--Birding and Nature Center1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/27/2026Laguna Atascosa NWR--HQ and Kiskadee Trail1 observed

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

5/26/2026115 West Pompano Street, South Padre Island, Texas, US (26.099, -97.168)1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/26/2026Laguna Atascosa NWR--Lakeside Drive1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/23/2026South Padre Is.--WBC/Conv. Center/Laguna Madre Trail (LTC 035)1 observed

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

5/21/2026South Padre Is.--Birding and Nature Center1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

5/21/2026South Padre Is.--Birding and Nature Center1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

5/21/2026South Padre Is.--Birding and Nature Center1 observed

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Catharus minimus

5/21/2026South Padre Is.--Birding and Nature Center1 observed

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

5/20/2026Santa Monica Wetlands (LTC 012)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Plain Chachalaca

25/19/2026

Black-necked Stilt

15/19/2026

Dunlin

25/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

15/19/2026

Least Tern

15/19/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

25/19/2026

Altamira Oriole

15/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

15/19/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

25/19/2026

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.