a satellite image of a large body of water

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 338 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal 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

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

4/16/2026Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary (UTC 121)1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

4/15/2026Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary (UTC 121)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

804/10/2026

Northern Shoveler

44/10/2026

Mottled Duck

44/10/2026

Mourning Dove

64/10/2026

Common Gallinule

494/10/2026

American Coot

234/10/2026

Purple Gallinule

14/10/2026

Black-necked Stilt

204/10/2026

Killdeer

14/10/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/10/2026

Gull-billed Tern

24/10/2026

Forster's Tern

14/10/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

34/10/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

24/10/2026

White Ibis

34/10/2026

White-faced Ibis

84/10/2026

Little Blue Heron

14/10/2026

Tricolored Heron

34/10/2026

Snowy Egret

34/10/2026

Great Egret

24/10/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Gadwall, King Rail, American Coot, Forster's Tern, Pied-billed Grebe, Anhinga. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge?
San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.