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

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/9/2026Delta Lake (LTC 008)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/9/2026Delta Lake (LTC 008)1 observed

Egyptian Goose

Alopochen aegyptiaca

4/9/2026LRGV NWR--La Sal del Rey (LTC 005)3 observed

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

4/8/202625853–25871 Zinnia Rd, Lyford US-TX 26.42482, -97.583581 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

4/7/2026Willacy Co.—TX186 pond2 observed

Snowy Plover

Anarhynchus nivosus

4/7/2026LRGV NWR--La Sal del Rey (LTC 005)2 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

4/4/2026Delta Lake (LTC 008)3 observed

Reddish Egret

Egretta rufescens

4/4/2026Delta Lake (LTC 008)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

14/10/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

1804/7/2026

Swainson's Hawk

14/7/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

24/5/2026

Mourning Dove

24/5/2026

Wild Turkey

14/3/2026

Common Ground Dove

14/3/2026

Harris's Hawk

14/3/2026

White-tailed Hawk

24/3/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

24/3/2026

Crested Caracara

14/3/2026

Great Kiskadee

24/3/2026

Couch's Kingbird

14/3/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

14/3/2026

White-eyed Vireo

14/3/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

14/3/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

24/3/2026

Verdin

24/3/2026

Cave Swallow

14/3/2026

Northern House Wren

14/3/2026

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.