Coastal birding habitat

White Rock Lake - Sunset Bay area

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

White Rock Lake - Sunset Bay area is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 249 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Muscovy Duck, Wood Duck, and Blue-winged Teal 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

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

6/1/2026Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, Plano1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/1/2026Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, Plano2 observed

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Dryobates scalaris

6/1/2026Eivis’ Backyard1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

5/31/2026Trinity River Audubon Center2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/30/2026Dallas Southside WTP2 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/30/2026Home1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/29/2026Harry Moss Park (Moss Creek Park)1 observed

Egyptian Goose

Alopochen aegyptiaca

5/29/2026Lake Ray Hubbard--TX66 Boat ramp/ Willow Bend area (Rockwall)1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

5/29/2026IH-30 E, Garland US-TX 32.86533, -96.542631 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

5/29/2026Harry S. Moss Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Wood Duck

75/25/2026

Blue-winged Teal

25/25/2026

Mallard

25/25/2026

Rock Pigeon

25/25/2026

Mourning Dove

15/25/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/25/2026

Least Tern

15/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

75/25/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

45/25/2026

Great Egret

15/25/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/25/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/25/2026

Blue Jay

15/25/2026

Barn Swallow

45/25/2026

Northern Mockingbird

25/25/2026

Eastern Bluebird

15/25/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit White Rock Lake - Sunset Bay area for birding?
The best months to visit White Rock Lake - Sunset Bay area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at White Rock Lake - Sunset Bay area?
Notable species at White Rock Lake - Sunset Bay area include Muscovy Duck, Wood Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mallard. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at White Rock Lake - Sunset Bay area?
Birding at White Rock Lake - Sunset Bay area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at White Rock Lake - Sunset Bay area?
White Rock Lake - Sunset Bay area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.