Forest birding habitat

Sandia Wetlands, Balmorhea

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Sandia Wetlands, Balmorhea is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (hybrid), 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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

4/15/2026Balmorhea Lake (fee access)1 observed

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

4/15/2026Balmorhea Lake (fee access)4 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

4/15/2026Balmorhea Lake (fee access)3 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/15/2026Balmorhea Lake (fee access)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/15/2026Balmorhea Lake (fee access)1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/15/2026Balmorhea Lake (fee access)1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

4/15/2026Balmorhea Lake (fee access)1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

4/15/2026Balmorhea Lake (fee access)1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

4/15/2026Pond on Hwy 17 N of 1832, Fort Davis US-TX (30.8575,-103.8038)1 observed

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

4/14/2026Balmorhea1 observed

Short-tailed Hawk

Buteo brachyurus

4/14/2026TX17 N of Ft Davis1 observed

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

4/13/2026Balmorhea Lake (fee access)1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

4/13/2026Balmorhea Lake (fee access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

24/12/2026

Killdeer

14/12/2026

Say's Phoebe

14/12/2026

Rock Pigeon

104/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/2/2026

Mourning Dove

24/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/2/2026

American Kestrel

24/2/2026

Cassin's Sparrow

44/2/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

34/2/2026

Vesper Sparrow

34/2/2026

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 Sandia Wetlands, Balmorhea for birding?
The best months to visit Sandia Wetlands, Balmorhea for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Sandia Wetlands, Balmorhea?
Notable species at Sandia Wetlands, Balmorhea include Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal x Northern Shoveler (hybrid), Green-winged Teal, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Wilson's Snipe. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sandia Wetlands, Balmorhea?
Birding at Sandia Wetlands, Balmorhea is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sandia Wetlands, Balmorhea?
Sandia Wetlands, Balmorhea offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.