a bike parked next to a sign for mount mitchell state park

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$3 per person

Hours

Open Wed-Sun, 7 AM - 5 PM

About This Location

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 359 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Black Vulture, and Turkey Vulture among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

6/2/2026Brackenridge Park (HOTE 095)1 observed

Harris's Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

6/2/2026Medina R. Crossing--Cagnon/Ponder Rds. (HOTE 115)1 observed

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

5/31/2026San Antonio Riverwalk area1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/31/2026My Backyard1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

5/31/2026Shannon’s Yard1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/28/2026Mitchell Lake Audubon Center (HOTE 103)1 observed

Groove-billed Ani

Crotophaga sulcirostris

5/28/20262597 County Road 122, Floresville US-TX 29.15703, -98.283251 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

5/28/2026Northern Hills Golf Course, San Antonio US-TX 29.56129, -98.410992 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/27/2026San Antonio Botanical Garden (HOTE 096)1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

5/27/2026Leon Creek Greenway--Buddy Calk Trailhead/Earl Scott Pond area1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

5/27/2026Leon Creek Greenway--Buddy Calk Trailhead/Earl Scott Pond area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

36/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

26/2/2026

Least Grebe

26/2/2026

Snowy Egret

26/2/2026

Great Egret

26/2/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

26/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

26/2/2026

Cliff Swallow

26/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/2/2026

House Sparrow

106/2/2026

House Finch

106/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/2/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/2/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

106/2/2026

Summer Tanager

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

26/2/2026

Painted Bunting

36/2/2026

Dickcissel

36/2/2026

White-winged Dove

215/31/2026

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.

  4. 4

    A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mitchell Lake Audubon Center for birding?
The best months to visit Mitchell Lake Audubon Center for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center?
Notable species at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center include White-winged Dove, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, White-eyed Vireo, Carolina Chickadee, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Black-crested Titmouse, Cave Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern House Wren, Carolina Wren. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center?
Birding at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center?
The entrance fee at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is $3 per person. Hours: Open Wed-Sun, 7 AM - 5 PM.
What amenities are available at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center?
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.