Lake birding habitat

Walter E. Long Lake

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Walter E. Long Lake is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Gadwall, Lesser Scaup, and Bufflehead 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

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

6/1/2026Zilker Metro Park--Barton Springs area1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/1/2026Zilker Metro Park--Barton Springs area1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

6/1/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

5/31/202610300 Stubble Quail Cir, Austin US-TX 30.37940, -97.706812 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

5/31/2026Brentwood Park, Austin1 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

5/31/2026Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

5/30/2026Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

5/30/20265805 Miramonte Dr, Austin US-TX (30.4165,-97.7558)1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/28/20261712 Windsor Rd, Austin US-TX (30.2852,-97.7568)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

25/30/2026

Mourning Dove

45/30/2026

Common Nighthawk

15/30/2026

Killdeer

35/30/2026

Black Tern

25/30/2026

Great Egret

15/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Western Kingbird

15/30/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

35/30/2026

Purple Martin

1005/30/2026

Barn Swallow

35/30/2026

Cave Swallow

15/30/2026

European Starling

55/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/30/2026

House Finch

35/30/2026

Lark Sparrow

25/30/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

355/30/2026

Rock Pigeon

45/30/2026

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 Walter E. Long Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Walter E. Long Lake for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Walter E. Long Lake?
Notable species at Walter E. Long Lake include Gadwall, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Walter E. Long Lake?
Birding at Walter E. Long Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Walter E. Long Lake?
Walter E. Long Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.