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

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/17/2026TX48--Shrimp Basin Bridge / Zapata Memorial Boat Ramp/ San Martin Lake outlet1 observed

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

7/11/2026From Sea Shell Beach to UFO Beach3 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/11/2026Arroyo Colorado (Cameron County)1 observed

Sooty Tern

Onychoprion fuscatus

7/9/2026Arroyo Colorado (Cameron County)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Plain Chachalaca

17/20/2026

Common Ground Dove

47/20/2026

White Ibis

127/20/2026

Tricolored Heron

97/20/2026

Black Vulture

47/20/2026

Osprey

17/20/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

127/20/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

27/20/2026

Couch's Kingbird

87/20/2026

Green Jay

107/20/2026

Verdin

27/20/2026

Long-billed Thrasher

27/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

67/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

207/20/2026

Bronzed Cowbird

77/20/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

47/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/20/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/18/2026

Inca Dove

37/18/2026

White-tipped Dove

47/18/2026

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.