Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Tatton Unit

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Tatton Unit is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 284 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, and White-tailed Hawk among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

3/5/2026Goose Island SP (CTC 048)3 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

3/5/2026Fulton Harbor1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher

Toxostoma curvirostre

3/4/2026Goose Island SP (CTC 048)1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

3/4/2026Goose Island State Park, Rockport US-TX 28.12844, -96.989751 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

3/4/2026Aransas NWR--Visitors Center/HQ1 observed

Cactus Wren

Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus

3/3/2026Goose Island SP (CTC 048)1 observed

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

3/2/2026Rockport Harbor1 observed

Common Pauraque

Nyctidromus albicollis

2/28/2026Goose Island SP--Campground area2 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

2/28/2026Goose Island SP--Campground area1 observed

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

2/28/2026Aransas NWR--Rail Trail1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

2/28/2026Aransas Co.--Cavasso Creek/TX351 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

2/28/20261–99 Wildlife Cir, Rockport US-TX 28.30810, -96.804461 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Tatton Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Tatton Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Tatton Unit?
Notable species at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Tatton Unit include Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, White-tailed Hawk, Crested Caracara, American Kestrel. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Tatton Unit?
Birding at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Tatton Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Tatton Unit?
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Tatton Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.