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

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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

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

7/20/2026Smith Point--Candy Abshier WMA (UTC 048)(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/17/2026Port Bolivar beach SE of ferry landing1 observed

Masked Booby

Sula dactylatra

7/14/2026Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary1 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/12/2026Smith Point--Candy Abshier WMA (UTC 048)(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Oystercatcher

17/20/2026

Sandwich Tern

17/20/2026

Magnificent Frigatebird

17/20/2026

White Ibis

37/20/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Black Vulture

47/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/20/2026

Swainson's Hawk

17/20/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

17/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/20/2026

Painted Bunting

17/20/2026

Laughing Gull

37/12/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/12/2026

Brown Pelican

27/12/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/12/2026

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.