Forest birding habitat

Mustang Isl. - the Willows

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Mustang Isl. - the Willows is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Black-crowned Night Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, and Great-tailed Grackle 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

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/30/2026Mustang Island SP (CTC 060)2 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

5/30/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

5/30/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)3 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/30/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/30/2026Holt Paradise Pond, Port Aransas1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/28/2026La Casa Oso1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/28/20261915 Pullin Road, Port Aransas, Texas, US (27.82, -97.076)1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/27/2026Mustang Island SP- Bathhouse area16 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/24/2026Auto selected 27.96214, -97.067291 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

5/23/20261915 Pullin Road, Port Aransas, Texas, US (27.82, -97.076)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Green Heron

15/26/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/26/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

55/26/2026

Brown Pelican

105/23/2026

Magnolia Warbler

15/23/2026

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 Mustang Isl. - the Willows for birding?
The best months to visit Mustang Isl. - the Willows for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mustang Isl. - the Willows?
Notable species at Mustang Isl. - the Willows include Black-crowned Night Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Phoebe. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mustang Isl. - the Willows?
Birding at Mustang Isl. - the Willows is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mustang Isl. - the Willows?
Mustang Isl. - the Willows offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.