Wetland birding habitat

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 277 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/31/2026Estero Llano Grande SP WBC (LTC 054)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/30/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

5/30/2026Estero Llano Grande SP WBC (LTC 054)1 observed

Altamira x Audubon's Oriole (hybrid)

Icterus gularis x graduacauda

5/29/2026National Butterfly Center--General & area North of Levee1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/28/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

5/27/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/27/2026Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center3 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/27/2026Santa Ana NWR--Tour Road1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/26/2026335 Diana Drive1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/26/2026Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059)2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

5/25/2026Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center1 observed

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

5/24/2026Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Plain Chachalaca

5/28/2026

Inca Dove

5/28/2026

White-winged Dove

5/28/2026

Mourning Dove

5/28/2026

Groove-billed Ani

5/28/2026

Common Nighthawk

5/28/2026

Killdeer

5/28/2026

Gray Hawk

5/28/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

5/28/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

5/28/2026

Great Kiskadee

5/28/2026

Tropical Kingbird

5/28/2026

Green Jay

5/28/2026

Verdin

5/28/2026

Carolina Wren

5/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

5/28/2026

Clay-colored Thrush

5/28/2026

Hooded Oriole

5/28/2026

Bronzed Cowbird

5/28/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

5/28/2026

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 Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot for birding?
The best months to visit Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot?
Notable species at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot?
Birding at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot?
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.