Lake McClellan

Texas · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake McClellan is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Gadwall Mallard Northern Pintail

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/11/2026McClellan Creek1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

7/11/2026McClellan Creek1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

27/18/2026

White-winged Dove

17/18/2026

Mourning Dove

17/18/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/18/2026

Mississippi Kite

37/18/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

47/18/2026

Western Kingbird

17/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

Blue Jay

27/18/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

17/18/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/18/2026

House Finch

37/18/2026

Orchard Oriole

27/18/2026

Bullock's Oriole

17/18/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

37/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/18/2026

Painted Bunting

27/18/2026

Dickcissel

47/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/16/2026

Northern Flicker

27/16/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Texas

High Island

Legendary Texas coast migrant trap where trans-Gulf birds make landfall during spring fallouts.

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Subtropical Rio Grande Valley forest with rare Mexican species found nowhere else in the US.

Big Bend National Park

Remote Chihuahuan Desert park with the only US breeding population of Colima Warbler.

Texas Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Texas →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake McClellan for birding?▼

The best months to visit Lake McClellan for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Lake McClellan?▼

Notable species at Lake McClellan include Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Lake McClellan?▼

Birding at Lake McClellan is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Lake McClellan?▼

Lake McClellan offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.