A woman holding a stick and an eagle perched on her head

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 347 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, 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

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

6/2/2026Mustang Island SP (CTC 060)20 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Ocean Dr, Corpus Christi US-TX 27.70764, -97.300031 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

6/2/20261915 Pullin Road, Port Aransas, Texas, US (27.82, -97.076)1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

6/2/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

6/2/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

6/2/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)2 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

6/2/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)2 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

6/2/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)2 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

6/2/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)1 observed

Sooty Tern

Onychoprion fuscatus

5/31/2026Rockport Beach Park1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/30/2026Holt Paradise Pond, Port Aransas1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

16/2/2026

Mottled Duck

46/2/2026

Redhead

36/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

26/2/2026

Common Gallinule

36/2/2026

American Coot

16/2/2026

Black-necked Stilt

16/2/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

16/2/2026

Willet

26/2/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

26/2/2026

Laughing Gull

156/2/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

336/2/2026

White Ibis

36/2/2026

Tricolored Heron

16/2/2026

Snowy Egret

46/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

136/2/2026

Northern Shoveler

26/2/2026

American Wigeon

26/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center for birding?
The best months to visit Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center?
Notable species at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, Long-billed Curlew, Laughing Gull, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Short-billed Dowitcher. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center?
Birding at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center?
There is no entrance fee at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center?
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.