River/Riparian birding habitat

Medina River Natural Area

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Medina River Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, and Downy Woodpecker 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

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

7/20/202611818 Hardee Walk, San Antonio, Texas, US (29.455, -98.726)1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

7/17/2026San Antonio Botanical Garden, San Antonio US-TX 29.45950, -98.457991 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/17/2026Calaveras Lake (HOTE 100)1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/16/2026Braunig Lake (HOTE 101)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

7/15/2026Woodlawn Lake (HOTE 093)1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/15/2026Braunig Lake (HOTE 101)1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/15/2026401–499 La Jara Blvd, Alamo Heights US-TX (29.4876,-98.4748)1 observed

Harris's Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

7/14/20261779 County Road 124, Floresville US-TX 29.16943, -98.298651 observed

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

7/14/2026Brackenridge Park (Avenue A & River Rd.)1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/12/2026Mitchell Lake Audubon Center (HOTE 103)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

67/14/2026

White-winged Dove

307/14/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

37/14/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

27/14/2026

Verdin

27/14/2026

Bewick's Wren

27/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

107/14/2026

Mourning Dove

27/8/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

27/8/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

17/8/2026

Great Egret

17/8/2026

Black Vulture

57/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/8/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/8/2026

White-eyed Vireo

57/8/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/8/2026

American Crow

27/8/2026

Carolina Chickadee

17/8/2026

Barn Swallow

27/8/2026

Carolina Wren

47/8/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Medina River Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Medina River Natural Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Medina River Natural Area?
Notable species at Medina River Natural Area include Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Downy Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Medina River Natural Area?
Birding at Medina River Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Medina River Natural Area?
Medina River Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.