Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary

Texas · Southeast

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird Directions

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 342 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Laughing Gull, and American Kestrel among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Laughing Gull American Kestrel Monk Parakeet Loggerhead Shrike American Avocet Black-bellied Plover Semipalmated Plover Wilson's Plover Lesser Yellowlegs Willet Greater Yellowlegs

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

5/23/2026Quintana Beach & Jetty (UTC122)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

35/31/2026

Willet

75/31/2026

Black Skimmer

15/31/2026

Least Tern

25/31/2026

Little Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

15/31/2026

Brown Pelican

15/31/2026

Crested Caracara

15/31/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

15/31/2026

Purple Martin

15/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

15/31/2026

European Starling

15/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/31/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

15/31/2026

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

65/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/31/2026

Inca Dove

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
4
Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.
5
Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

Nearby Attractions

San Bernard NWR
Brazoria NWR
Surfside Beach

More in Texas

High Island

Legendary Texas coast migrant trap where trans-Gulf birds make landfall during spring fallouts.

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Subtropical Rio Grande Valley forest with rare Mexican species found nowhere else in the US.

Big Bend National Park

Remote Chihuahuan Desert park with the only US breeding population of Colima Warbler.

Texas Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Texas →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary for birding?▼

The best months to visit Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary?▼

Notable species at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Laughing Gull, American Kestrel, Monk Parakeet, Loggerhead Shrike, American Avocet, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Wilson's Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Willet, Greater Yellowlegs. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary?▼

Birding at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

Is there an entrance fee at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary?▼

There is no entrance fee at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.

What amenities are available at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary?▼

Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.