Coastal birding habitat

McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge- McFaddin Beach

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge- McFaddin Beach is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Sanderling, Bonaparte's Gull, and Laughing Gull 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

37/19/2026

Common Nighthawk

127/19/2026

Black-necked Stilt

47/19/2026

Killdeer

37/19/2026

Wilson's Plover

17/19/2026

Sanderling

77/19/2026

Laughing Gull

357/19/2026

Least Tern

57/19/2026

Royal Tern

407/19/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

77/19/2026

White Ibis

87/19/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

47/19/2026

Snowy Egret

47/19/2026

Green Heron

17/19/2026

Barn Swallow

37/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

77/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

57/19/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

77/19/2026

American Oystercatcher

17/18/2026

Forster's Tern

17/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge- McFaddin Beach for birding?
The best months to visit McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge- McFaddin Beach for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge- McFaddin Beach?
Notable species at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge- McFaddin Beach include Sanderling, Bonaparte's Gull, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge- McFaddin Beach?
Birding at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge- McFaddin Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge- McFaddin Beach?
McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge- McFaddin Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.