Forest birding habitat

Texas City Dike

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Texas City Dike is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 262 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Common Goldeneye, Common Loon, and Sandwich Tern 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

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

Couch's Kingbird

Tyrannus couchii

7/12/2026Galveston--Settegast Rd. (UTC 067)1 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

47/19/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

37/19/2026

Willet

157/19/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

57/19/2026

Sanderling

57/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/19/2026

Laughing Gull

1007/19/2026

American Herring Gull

27/19/2026

Black Skimmer

27/19/2026

Least Tern

27/19/2026

Sandwich Tern

77/19/2026

Royal Tern

257/19/2026

Magnificent Frigatebird

17/19/2026

White Ibis

27/19/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

37/19/2026

Snowy Egret

17/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/19/2026

Brown Pelican

47/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/19/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

257/19/2026

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 Texas City Dike for birding?
The best months to visit Texas City Dike for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Texas City Dike?
Notable species at Texas City Dike include Common Goldeneye, Common Loon, Sandwich Tern, Red-breasted Merganser, American Avocet. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Texas City Dike?
Birding at Texas City Dike is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Texas City Dike?
Texas City Dike offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.