Lake birding habitat

LRGV National Wildlife Refuge - East Lake Unit

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

LRGV National Wildlife Refuge - East Lake Unit is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Snowy Plover, Turkey Vulture, and Crested Caracara 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

Snowy Plover

Anarhynchus nivosus

6/2/2026LRGV NWR--La Sal del Rey (LTC 005)3 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

6/2/2026LRGV NWR--Brush Line rd. area1 observed

Audubon's Oriole

Icterus graduacauda

5/24/2026LRGV NWR--East Lake Unit (LTC 009)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/23/2026Delta Lake (LTC 008)1 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

5/23/2026Delta Lake (LTC 008)1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

5/23/2026Delta Lake (LTC 008)1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

5/23/2026Delta Lake (LTC 008)2 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/23/2026Delta Lake (LTC 008)2 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

5/23/2026Delta Lake (LTC 008)4 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

5/23/2026Delta Lake (LTC 008)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

55/24/2026

Wild Turkey

35/24/2026

Common Ground Dove

15/24/2026

Harris's Hawk

25/24/2026

White-tailed Hawk

15/24/2026

Audubon's Oriole

15/24/2026

Blue Grosbeak

15/24/2026

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 LRGV National Wildlife Refuge - East Lake Unit for birding?
The best months to visit LRGV National Wildlife Refuge - East Lake Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at LRGV National Wildlife Refuge - East Lake Unit?
Notable species at LRGV National Wildlife Refuge - East Lake Unit include Snowy Plover, Turkey Vulture, Crested Caracara, American Kestrel, Verdin. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at LRGV National Wildlife Refuge - East Lake Unit?
Birding at LRGV National Wildlife Refuge - East Lake Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at LRGV National Wildlife Refuge - East Lake Unit?
LRGV National Wildlife Refuge - East Lake Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.