Lake birding habitat

Lake Palo Duro

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Palo Duro is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal 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

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

5/24/2026Lake Palo Duro--Dedication Park11 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/24/2026Lake Palo Duro--Dedication Park1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

5/24/2026Lake Palo Duro--Dedication Park1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

5/24/2026Lake Palo Duro--Dedication Park1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/24/2026Lake Palo Duro (PHP 051)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/24/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Gray Catbird

15/24/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/24/2026

Swainson's Thrush

45/24/2026

Cedar Waxwing

115/24/2026

American Goldfinch

15/24/2026

Lincoln's Sparrow

15/24/2026

Orchard Oriole

25/24/2026

Bullock's Oriole

65/24/2026

MacGillivray's Warbler

15/24/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/24/2026

Wilson's Warbler

15/24/2026

Blue Grosbeak

25/24/2026

Lazuli Bunting

15/24/2026

Painted Bunting

125/24/2026

Mallard

25/24/2026

Green-winged Teal

25/24/2026

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 Lake Palo Duro for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Palo Duro for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Palo Duro?
Notable species at Lake Palo Duro include Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Common Merganser, Ruddy Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Palo Duro?
Birding at Lake Palo Duro is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Palo Duro?
Lake Palo Duro offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.