Mountain birding habitat

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Redhead Ridge Overlook

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
MountainWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Redhead Ridge Overlook is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, and Redhead 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

Sooty Tern

Onychoprion fuscatus

5/29/2026Pelagic Leg 13 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Plain Chachalaca

25/31/2026

Common Ground Dove

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

85/31/2026

Greater Roadrunner

25/31/2026

Black Vulture

25/31/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

35/31/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

15/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

35/31/2026

Long-billed Thrasher

15/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/31/2026

Olive Sparrow

15/31/2026

Lark Sparrow

15/31/2026

Altamira Oriole

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/31/2026

Bronzed Cowbird

85/31/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

35/31/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

15/30/2026

Mottled Duck

25/30/2026

Northern Bobwhite

25/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  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 - Redhead Ridge Overlook for birding?
The best months to visit Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Redhead Ridge Overlook 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 - Redhead Ridge Overlook?
Notable species at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Redhead Ridge Overlook include American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Redhead, White-tipped Dove, Greater Yellowlegs. The area supports mountain, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Redhead Ridge Overlook?
Birding at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Redhead Ridge Overlook is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Redhead Ridge Overlook?
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Redhead Ridge Overlook offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.