Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail

Texas · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 293 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Blue-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Gadwall

Live Bird Data

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

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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

65/26/2026

Mottled Duck

15/26/2026

White-winged Dove

35/26/2026

Mourning Dove

25/26/2026

Black-necked Stilt

555/26/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

25/26/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

105/26/2026

White Ibis

65/26/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

105/26/2026

Snowy Egret

485/26/2026

Great Egret

65/26/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

35/26/2026

Couch's Kingbird

15/26/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/26/2026

Altamira Oriole

15/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

55/26/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

95/26/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/26/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/26/2026

Dickcissel

25/26/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail for birding?▼

The best months to visit Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail 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 - Pintail Lakes Trail?▼

Notable species at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail?▼

Birding at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail?▼

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.