Lake birding habitat

Lake Travis - Mansfield Dam

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/20/20265000 Rollingwood Dr Rollingwood TX 78746 United States1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle (Western)

Quiscalus mexicanus

7/19/2026Veterans Park, Leander2 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

7/18/2026Milton Reimers Ranch Park1 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

7/14/2026Lake Travis--Cypress Creek Park1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/14/2026Lake Travis--Bob Wentz Windy Point Pk1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

7/13/2026Cat House (private backyard)1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/12/2026Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/20/2026

Chimney Swift

27/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Black Vulture

17/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/20/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/20/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

Barn Swallow

27/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/20/2026

Eastern Bluebird

17/20/2026

House Finch

27/20/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/20/2026

Lark Sparrow

17/20/2026

Summer Tanager

27/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

87/20/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/20/2026

Painted Bunting

67/20/2026

White-winged Dove

57/19/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/19/2026

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 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.