Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Wild Hog Lake

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Wild Hog Lake is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts American Kestrel, Northern Mockingbird, and Yellow-rumped Warbler 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

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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Kestrel

22/25/2026

Northern Mockingbird

12/25/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

12/25/2026

Pyrrhuloxia

42/25/2026

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 Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Wild Hog Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Wild Hog Lake for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Wild Hog Lake?
Notable species at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Wild Hog Lake include American Kestrel, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pyrrhuloxia. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Wild Hog Lake?
Birding at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Wild Hog Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Wild Hog Lake?
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Wild Hog Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.