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 Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

6/1/2026Zilker Metro Park--Barton Springs area1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/1/2026Zilker Metro Park--Barton Springs area1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/1/2026Mom and Dad's

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

6/1/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

5/31/202610300 Stubble Quail Cir, Austin US-TX 30.37940, -97.706812 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

5/31/2026Brentwood Park, Austin1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/31/2026Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

5/30/2026Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/30/20265805 Miramonte Dr, Austin US-TX (30.4165,-97.7558)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/29/2026Dahlstrom2 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/28/20261712 Windsor Rd, Austin US-TX (30.2852,-97.7568)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

25/31/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

25/31/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

35/31/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

35/31/2026

Little Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Snowy Egret

25/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

15/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

35/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

85/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/31/2026

American Crow

55/31/2026

Carolina Chickadee

35/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

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.