Lake birding habitat

Trading House Creek Reservoir

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Trading House Creek Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 235 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Gadwall, Canvasback, and American Coot 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

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

6/1/2026Lake Waco--Woodway Park2 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

5/31/2026Baylor University - Brooks Flats/Brooks College/Minglewood Bowl1 observed

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

5/29/2026Castleman Creek Turf Farm1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/24/2026220 McLennan County Park 5 Rd, Waco US-TX 31.57578, -96.931001 observed

Buff-breasted Sandpiper

Calidris subruficollis

5/22/2026Castleman Creek Turf Farm7 observed

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

5/22/2026Castleman Creek Turf Farm1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/22/2026Baylor University, Waco US-TX (31.5442,-97.1201)1 observed

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

5/22/2026Lake Waco2 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

5/22/2026Lake Waco1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Spotted Sandpiper

25/26/2026

Green Heron

35/26/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/26/2026

Black Vulture

45/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/26/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

25/26/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/26/2026

Purple Martin

65/26/2026

Barn Swallow

15/26/2026

European Starling

55/26/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/26/2026

Eastern Bluebird

45/26/2026

House Sparrow

45/26/2026

House Finch

25/26/2026

Lark Sparrow

25/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

155/26/2026

Common Grackle

85/26/2026

Painted Bunting

55/26/2026

Mourning Dove

45/25/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

25/25/2026

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 Trading House Creek Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Trading House Creek Reservoir for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Trading House Creek Reservoir?
Notable species at Trading House Creek Reservoir include Gadwall, Canvasback, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Eared Grebe. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Trading House Creek Reservoir?
Birding at Trading House Creek Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Trading House Creek Reservoir?
Trading House Creek Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.