Forest birding habitat

Smith Oaks Rookery Count (Houston Audubon Staff)

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Smith Oaks Rookery Count (Houston Audubon Staff) is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 270 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, and Lesser Nighthawk 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

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

6/1/2026Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, Anahuac US-TX (29.6137,-94.5455)1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

5/31/2026High Island--Smith Oaks Sanctuary (UTC 052)2 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

5/23/2026Bolivar-High Island Shorebird Survey Start1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Gallinule

15/22/2026

Purple Gallinule

25/22/2026

Anhinga

55/22/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

255/22/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

205/22/2026

Tricolored Heron

105/22/2026

Snowy Egret

105/22/2026

Green Heron

15/22/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

155/22/2026

Great Egret

165/22/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/22/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

35/22/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/22/2026

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 Smith Oaks Rookery Count (Houston Audubon Staff) for birding?
The best months to visit Smith Oaks Rookery Count (Houston Audubon Staff) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Smith Oaks Rookery Count (Houston Audubon Staff)?
Notable species at Smith Oaks Rookery Count (Houston Audubon Staff) include Blue-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, Lesser Nighthawk, Common Gallinule, American Coot. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Smith Oaks Rookery Count (Houston Audubon Staff)?
Birding at Smith Oaks Rookery Count (Houston Audubon Staff) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Smith Oaks Rookery Count (Houston Audubon Staff)?
Smith Oaks Rookery Count (Houston Audubon Staff) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.