Wetland birding habitat

Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.) is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 308 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

6/1/2026El Jardin Park/Beach1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/30/2026Smith Point--James H. Robbins Park1 observed

Sandwich Tern (Cabot's x Cayenne)

Thalasseus sandvicensis

5/30/2026Port Bolivar beach SE of ferry landing1 observed

Wilson's Plover

Anarhynchus wilsonia

5/30/2026El Jardin Park/Beach1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

5/29/2026Galveston Bay-- Vingt-Et-Un Islands (Chambers Co.)1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

5/29/2026Galveston Bay-- Vingt-Et-Un Islands (Chambers Co.)3 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

5/29/2026Galveston Bay-- Vingt-Et-Un Islands (Chambers Co.)2 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

5/24/2026Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary--Rettilon Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

55/30/2026

Killdeer

35/30/2026

Willet

95/30/2026

Laughing Gull

155/30/2026

Sandwich Tern

65/30/2026

Royal Tern

225/30/2026

Snowy Egret

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Brown Pelican

405/30/2026

Purple Martin

25/30/2026

European Starling

205/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/30/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

15/30/2026

Magnificent Frigatebird

45/29/2026

Black Tern

15/29/2026

American Oystercatcher

15/29/2026

Caspian Tern

75/29/2026

White Ibis

475/29/2026

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 Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.) for birding?
The best months to visit Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)?
Notable species at Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.) include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)?
Birding at Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)?
Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.