Wetland birding habitat

Pelican Island - TAMUG Wetland Center

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
WetlandCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Pelican Island - TAMUG Wetland Center is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 260 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Laughing Gull, Royal Tern, and Common Loon 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

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

7/21/2026Auto selected 29.34679, -94.774651 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

7/20/2026Smith Point--Candy Abshier WMA (UTC 048)(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)1 observed

American Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

7/20/2026Bolivar-Galveston Ferry8 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/17/2026Port Bolivar beach SE of ferry landing1 observed

Masked Booby

Sula dactylatra

7/14/2026Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary1 observed

Couch's Kingbird

Tyrannus couchii

7/12/2026Galveston--Settegast Rd. (UTC 067)1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/12/2026Smith Point--Candy Abshier WMA (UTC 048)(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-tailed Kite

17/21/2026

Mourning Dove

187/21/2026

Clapper Rail

47/21/2026

Black-necked Stilt

137/21/2026

American Avocet

27/21/2026

Black-bellied Plover

57/21/2026

Killdeer

87/21/2026

Semipalmated Plover

47/21/2026

Piping Plover

67/21/2026

Wilson's Plover

377/21/2026

Snowy Plover

47/21/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

67/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/21/2026

Willet

47/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

27/21/2026

Sanderling

597/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

47/21/2026

Western Sandpiper

27/21/2026

Laughing Gull

4737/21/2026

Black Skimmer

1287/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Pelican Island - TAMUG Wetland Center for birding?
The best months to visit Pelican Island - TAMUG Wetland Center for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Pelican Island - TAMUG Wetland Center?
Notable species at Pelican Island - TAMUG Wetland Center include Laughing Gull, Royal Tern, Common Loon, Neotropic Cormorant, White Ibis. The area supports wetland, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Pelican Island - TAMUG Wetland Center?
Birding at Pelican Island - TAMUG Wetland Center is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Pelican Island - TAMUG Wetland Center?
Pelican Island - TAMUG Wetland Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.