Bear Creek Park

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 7:00 AM - dusk

About This Location

Bear Creek Park is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 272 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and urban park habitat attracts Mourning Dove, White Ibis, and Great Egret 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

Tropical Parula

Setophaga pitiayumi

3/5/2026Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/5/20261203 Provident Oaks Ln, Houston US-TX 29.75953, -95.612081 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

3/5/202624703 Millers Lane, Katy, Texas, US (29.866, -95.802)1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

3/4/2026Addicks Reservoir--S. Levee area1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

3/4/2026Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin1 observed

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

3/4/2026Houston Arboretum and Nature Center1 observed

Allen's Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

3/4/2026" Oceania Ct1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/5/2026

Black Vulture

53/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/5/2026

White-eyed Vireo

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

American Crow

83/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/5/2026

Carolina Wren

13/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/5/2026

Cedar Waxwing

253/5/2026

American Goldfinch

43/5/2026

Savannah Sparrow

63/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

33/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Arrive early in the morning for peak bird activity and to secure parking at popular viewing areas.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bear Creek Park for birding?
The best months to visit Bear Creek Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Bear Creek Park?
Notable species at Bear Creek Park include Mourning Dove, White Ibis, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Black Vulture, House Finch, White-winged Dove, Cooper's Hawk, Blue Jay, European Starling, House Sparrow, Rock Pigeon. The area supports river/riparian, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bear Creek Park?
Birding at Bear Creek Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Bear Creek Park?
There is no entrance fee at Bear Creek Park. Hours: Open daily, 7:00 AM - dusk.
What amenities are available at Bear Creek Park?
Bear Creek Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.