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

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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

7/15/2026915 Morey Peak Dr, San Antonio US-TX 29.53603, -98.507381 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/12/2026El Dorado Elementary, San Antonio US-TX 29.55134, -98.395242 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

207/19/2026

White-winged Dove

207/19/2026

Mourning Dove

57/19/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

7/19/2026

Common Gallinule

17/19/2026

Black-necked Stilt

107/19/2026

Killdeer

7/19/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

17/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/19/2026

Least Tern

7/19/2026

White-faced Ibis

7/19/2026

Little Blue Heron

7/19/2026

Snowy Egret

107/19/2026

Green Heron

17/19/2026

Great Egret

57/19/2026

Osprey

7/19/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

7/19/2026

Western Kingbird

17/19/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

17/19/2026

White-eyed Vireo

7/19/2026

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.