Forest birding habitat

McKinney Falls State Park

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

McKinney Falls State Park is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Pied-billed Grebe, and Red-shouldered Hawk 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

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/20/20265000 Rollingwood Dr Rollingwood TX 78746 United States1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

7/19/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

7/19/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/19/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/18/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

7/17/2026Lake Negley / Soil Conservation Site 1 Reservoir (Kyle)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-eyed Vireo

17/15/2026

Carolina Wren

17/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/15/2026

Painted Bunting

17/15/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/13/2026

Snowy Egret

17/13/2026

Black Vulture

7/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

7/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Eastern Phoebe

27/13/2026

Bell's Vireo

17/13/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

7/13/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

7/13/2026

Bullock's Oriole

17/13/2026

Summer Tanager

27/13/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/13/2026

Tufted x Black-crested Titmouse (hybrid)

27/13/2026

Mourning Dove

27/11/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/11/2026

Blue Jay

37/11/2026

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 McKinney Falls State Park for birding?
The best months to visit McKinney Falls State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at McKinney Falls State Park?
Notable species at McKinney Falls State Park include Mourning Dove, Pied-billed Grebe, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Eastern Phoebe. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at McKinney Falls State Park?
Birding at McKinney Falls State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at McKinney Falls State Park?
McKinney Falls State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.