Forest birding habitat

Marathon (ex-Amoco) Settling Ponds, Texas City

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Marathon (ex-Amoco) Settling Ponds, Texas City is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Common Goldeneye 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

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

7/20/2026Smith Point--Candy Abshier WMA (UTC 048)(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)1 observed

American Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

7/20/2026Bolivar-Galveston Ferry8 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/17/2026Port Bolivar beach SE of ferry landing1 observed

Masked Booby

Sula dactylatra

7/14/2026Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary1 observed

Couch's Kingbird

Tyrannus couchii

7/12/2026Galveston--Settegast Rd. (UTC 067)1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/12/2026Smith Point--Candy Abshier WMA (UTC 048)(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

67/7/2026

Mourning Dove

27/7/2026

Black-necked Stilt

67/7/2026

Killdeer

47/7/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/7/2026

Laughing Gull

357/7/2026

Least Tern

17/7/2026

Gull-billed Tern

17/7/2026

Forster's Tern

37/7/2026

Sandwich Tern

17/7/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

57/7/2026

White Ibis

17/7/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

17/7/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/7/2026

Tricolored Heron

17/7/2026

Snowy Egret

27/7/2026

Great Egret

47/7/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/7/2026

Brown Pelican

57/7/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/7/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Marathon (ex-Amoco) Settling Ponds, Texas City for birding?
The best months to visit Marathon (ex-Amoco) Settling Ponds, Texas City for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Marathon (ex-Amoco) Settling Ponds, Texas City?
Notable species at Marathon (ex-Amoco) Settling Ponds, Texas City include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Common Goldeneye, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Marathon (ex-Amoco) Settling Ponds, Texas City?
Birding at Marathon (ex-Amoco) Settling Ponds, Texas City is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Marathon (ex-Amoco) Settling Ponds, Texas City?
Marathon (ex-Amoco) Settling Ponds, Texas City offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.