Lake Travis - Mansfield Dam

Texas · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

SpringFallWinter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Travis - Mansfield Dam is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Common Loon Bald Eagle Double-crested Cormorant Ring-billed Gull Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

3/6/2026Muir Lake (Lakeline Park)1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

3/6/2026Roy G Guerrero Park—Cliff Overlook Area1 observed

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

3/5/2026Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area--Central & Eastern portion (Travis Co.)2 observed

Pyrrhuloxia

Cardinalis sinuatus

3/5/2026Milton Reimers Ranch Park2 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/5/2026Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park1 observed

White-tipped Dove

Leptotila verreauxi

3/5/2026Brittlyns Court1 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

3/5/202615915 Fisher Hollow Trail (HOME) TX 30.47996, -97.884111 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

3/4/2026Town Lake Park (HOTE 042), Austin1 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/3/2026Rim Rock Neighborhood Nature Trail (private access)16 observed

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.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Travis - Mansfield Dam for birding?▼

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

What birds can I see at Lake Travis - Mansfield Dam?▼

Notable species at Lake Travis - Mansfield Dam include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Lake Travis - Mansfield Dam?▼

Birding at Lake Travis - Mansfield Dam is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Lake Travis - Mansfield Dam?▼

Lake Travis - Mansfield Dam offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.