Wetland birding habitat

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Crimson-collared Grosbeak

Periporphyrus celaeno

4/16/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

4/16/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Sprague's Pipit

Anthus spragueii

4/16/2026South Donna Turf Farms1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/16/2026McAllen--Fireman's Park1 observed

Altamira x Audubon's Oriole (hybrid)

Icterus gularis x graduacauda

4/16/2026National Butterfly Center--General & area North of Levee1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

4/16/2026National Butterfly Center--General & area North of Levee1 observed

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

4/16/2026Santa Ana NWR--Willow Lakes1 observed

Wood Stork

Mycteria americana

4/16/2026Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. SP WBC (Mission) (LTC 069)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

24/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

124/16/2026

Mottled Duck

44/16/2026

Ring-necked Duck

14/16/2026

Lesser Scaup

84/16/2026

Ruddy Duck

34/16/2026

Plain Chachalaca

14/16/2026

Common Ground Dove

14/16/2026

White-winged Dove

354/16/2026

Mourning Dove

144/16/2026

Groove-billed Ani

14/16/2026

Chimney Swift

54/16/2026

Common Gallinule

84/16/2026

American Coot

164/16/2026

Black-necked Stilt

64/16/2026

Killdeer

44/16/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

354/16/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

34/16/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

104/16/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

54/16/2026

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 - 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.