Lake birding habitat

Sunset Lake (Portland)

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Sunset Lake (Portland) is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 274 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Black-bellied Plover, and Semipalmated Plover 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

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/30/2026Mustang Island SP (CTC 060)2 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

5/30/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

5/30/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)3 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

5/30/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/30/2026Holt Paradise Pond, Port Aransas1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/28/2026La Casa Oso1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/28/20261915 Pullin Road, Port Aransas, Texas, US (27.82, -97.076)1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/27/2026Mustang Island SP- Bathhouse area16 observed

Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)

Plegadis falcinellus x chihi

5/25/2026County Road 18, Nueces County1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/24/2026Auto selected 27.96214, -97.067291 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

5/23/20261915 Pullin Road, Port Aransas, Texas, US (27.82, -97.076)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

45/31/2026

Willet

35/31/2026

Laughing Gull

555/31/2026

Least Tern

45/31/2026

Caspian Tern

15/31/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

85/31/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

25/31/2026

Tricolored Heron

65/31/2026

Reddish Egret

25/31/2026

Snowy Egret

25/31/2026

Green Heron

25/31/2026

Great Egret

45/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

75/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

95/31/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

225/31/2026

Semipalmated Plover

15/30/2026

Long-billed Curlew

85/30/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

25/30/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

25/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sunset Lake (Portland) for birding?
The best months to visit Sunset Lake (Portland) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Sunset Lake (Portland)?
Notable species at Sunset Lake (Portland) include Mourning Dove, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Piping Plover, Wilson's Plover. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sunset Lake (Portland)?
Birding at Sunset Lake (Portland) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sunset Lake (Portland)?
Sunset Lake (Portland) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.