Lake birding habitat

Mills Pond at Wells Branch

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Mills Pond at Wells Branch is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Turkey Vulture, and Cooper's 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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

6/1/2026Tamarac Trail retention pond, Leander1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

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

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

5/31/2026Lake Travis--Bob Wentz Windy Point Pk1 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

5/31/2026Brentwood Park, Austin1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/31/2026Lake Travis--Bob Wentz Windy Point Pk1 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

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

5/30/2026Mason Creek Trail, Leander1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/28/2026Williamson Co.--Southwest Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

25/31/2026

Purple Martin

35/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

25/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/30/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

15/30/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/30/2026

Tufted x Black-crested Titmouse (hybrid)

15/30/2026

Barn Swallow

15/30/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

25/30/2026

Green Heron

15/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/29/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

15/29/2026

Carolina Wren

15/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/28/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mills Pond at Wells Branch for birding?
The best months to visit Mills Pond at Wells Branch for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mills Pond at Wells Branch?
Notable species at Mills Pond at Wells Branch include White-winged Dove, Turkey Vulture, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mills Pond at Wells Branch?
Birding at Mills Pond at Wells Branch is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mills Pond at Wells Branch?
Mills Pond at Wells Branch offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.