Lake birding habitat

Twin Buttes Reservoir

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Twin Buttes Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 280 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, and Northern Shoveler 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

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

5/31/2026Spring Creek, Mertzon1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

5/31/2026Twin Buttes Reservoir1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

5/30/2026San Angelo SP--South Unit (HOTW 109)5 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/30/2026Twin Buttes Reservoir4 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/30/2026Twin Buttes Reservoir1 observed

Couch's Kingbird

Tyrannus couchii

5/29/2026Twin Buttes Reservoir1 observed

Mallard x Mexican Duck (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x diazi

5/28/2026Twin Buttes Reservoir6 observed

Common Black Hawk

Buteogallus anthracinus

5/27/2026Christoval Hummer House B&B1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

5/27/2026Twin Buttes Reservoir1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

5/23/202676905, San Angelo US-TX (31.4758,-100.3037)1 observed

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

5/20/2026San Angelo Nature Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

16/1/2026

Greater Roadrunner

16/1/2026

American Coot

16/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

36/1/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

26/1/2026

Bullock's Oriole

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

66/1/2026

Painted Bunting

16/1/2026

Blue-winged Teal

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

45/31/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

15/31/2026

Black-necked Stilt

255/31/2026

Snowy Plover

25/31/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

55/31/2026

Least Tern

25/31/2026

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 Twin Buttes Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Twin Buttes Reservoir for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Twin Buttes Reservoir?
Notable species at Twin Buttes Reservoir include Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Twin Buttes Reservoir?
Birding at Twin Buttes Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Twin Buttes Reservoir?
Twin Buttes Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.