Wetland birding habitat

Mad Island Marsh Preserve / Wildlife Management Area

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Mad Island Marsh Preserve / Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 319 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal 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

Loading map...

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

Brown-crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus tyrannulus

5/25/2026Carancahua Bay--Eastern shore area (Jackson Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

5/29/2026

Fulvous Whistling-Duck

5/29/2026

Blue-winged Teal

25/29/2026

Mottled Duck

5/29/2026

Northern Bobwhite

5/29/2026

Mourning Dove

5/29/2026

Clapper Rail

5/29/2026

Common Gallinule

5/29/2026

Black-necked Stilt

505/29/2026

Killdeer

5/29/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

55/29/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/29/2026

Willet

5/29/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

25/29/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

115/29/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

505/29/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

85/29/2026

Gull-billed Tern

5/29/2026

Black Tern

5/29/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

5/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mad Island Marsh Preserve / Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Mad Island Marsh Preserve / Wildlife Management Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mad Island Marsh Preserve / Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Mad Island Marsh Preserve / Wildlife Management Area include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mad Island Marsh Preserve / Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Mad Island Marsh Preserve / Wildlife Management Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Mad Island Marsh Preserve / Wildlife Management Area?
Mad Island Marsh Preserve / Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.