Forest birding habitat

Port Bolivar Area

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Port Bolivar Area is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 292 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Clapper Rail, and American Oystercatcher 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

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

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

Black-necked Stilt

157/13/2026

Killdeer

17/13/2026

Royal Tern

17/13/2026

White Ibis

207/13/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

57/13/2026

Great Egret

27/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/13/2026

Brown Pelican

27/13/2026

Black Vulture

17/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/13/2026

Barn Swallow

17/13/2026

European Starling

757/13/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/13/2026

House Sparrow

17/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/13/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

357/13/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/13/2026

Dickcissel

17/13/2026

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 Port Bolivar Area for birding?
The best months to visit Port Bolivar Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Port Bolivar Area?
Notable species at Port Bolivar Area include Blue-winged Teal, Clapper Rail, American Oystercatcher, Long-billed Curlew, Lesser Yellowlegs. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Port Bolivar Area?
Birding at Port Bolivar Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Port Bolivar Area?
Port Bolivar Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.