Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Buena Vista Boulevard (within refuge)

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Buena Vista Boulevard (within refuge) is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 300 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon 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

2/25/2026

Northern Shoveler

2/25/2026

American Wigeon

2/25/2026

Mottled Duck

2/25/2026

Redhead

2/25/2026

Lesser Scaup

2/25/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

2/25/2026

Ruddy Duck

2/25/2026

Plain Chachalaca

142/25/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

12/25/2026

White-tipped Dove

42/25/2026

White-winged Dove

12/25/2026

American Coot

2/25/2026

Black-bellied Plover

2/25/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

2/25/2026

Willet

2/25/2026

Dunlin

2/25/2026

Laughing Gull

2/25/2026

Ring-billed Gull

2/25/2026

Black Skimmer

2/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 - Buena Vista Boulevard (within refuge) for birding?
The best months to visit Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Buena Vista Boulevard (within 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 - Buena Vista Boulevard (within refuge)?
Notable species at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Buena Vista Boulevard (within refuge) include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Mottled Duck, Redhead. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Buena Vista Boulevard (within refuge)?
Birding at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Buena Vista Boulevard (within refuge) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Buena Vista Boulevard (within refuge)?
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Buena Vista Boulevard (within refuge) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.