Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Texas · Southeast
Moderate
October-April
$5 per vehicle
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 369 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Virginia Rail, Semipalmated Plover, and Greater Yellowlegs 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
Chimney Swift
Chaetura pelagica
Curve-billed Thrasher
Toxostoma curvirostre
Least Tern
Sternula antillarum
Red-eyed Vireo
Vireo olivaceus
Cactus Wren
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Common Pauraque
Nyctidromus albicollis
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Antrostomus vociferus
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus
Boat-tailed Grackle
Quiscalus major
Black Phoebe
Sayornis nigricans
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Virginia Rail
Semipalmated Plover
Greater Yellowlegs
Least Sandpiper
Laughing Gull
American Herring Gull
White Ibis
Great Blue Heron
American White Pelican
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Eastern Phoebe
White-eyed Vireo
Carolina Wren
Northern Mockingbird
Great-tailed Grackle
Northern Cardinal
Blue-winged Teal
Mourning Dove
Common Gallinule
Birding Tips
- 1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
- 2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
- 3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
- 4
Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.
- 5
Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Goose Island State Park
- Rockport Beach
- Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
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