Forest birding habitat

Stephen F. Austin State Park

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Stephen F. Austin State Park is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Killdeer, Turkey Vulture, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Merlin

Falco columbarius

6/1/2026Johnston Rd, Wallis US-TX1 observed

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

5/30/202615429 Lake Road, Bellville, Texas, US (29.979, -96.173)2 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/28/2026Austin Co.--Beckendorf rd. area1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/24/2026Laas Farm House1 observed

Limpkin

Aramus guarauna

5/23/2026Katy Prairie--Hebert rd.--dirt rd. E. of Pattison (Waller Co.)(UTC 100)1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

5/22/20264689 Kurtz Rd, Sealy US-TX 29.79774, -96.138981 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/22/20264689 Kurtz Rd, Sealy US-TX 29.79774, -96.138981 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

26/1/2026

Chimney Swift

26/1/2026

Great Egret

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

16/1/2026

American Crow

46/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

26/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

16/1/2026

Carolina Wren

36/1/2026

Northern Parula

16/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

46/1/2026

Barred Owl

15/31/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/23/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/23/2026

Northern Mockingbird

35/23/2026

Eastern Bluebird

35/23/2026

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 Stephen F. Austin State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Stephen F. Austin State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Stephen F. Austin State Park?
Notable species at Stephen F. Austin State Park include Killdeer, Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Stephen F. Austin State Park?
Birding at Stephen F. Austin State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Stephen F. Austin State Park?
Stephen F. Austin State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.