Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 285 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, and Ladder-backed Woodpecker 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

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

3/3/2026Lajitas (FWTX 37)1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

2/23/2026Lajitas (FWTX 37)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

183/3/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

13/3/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

23/3/2026

American Kestrel

13/3/2026

Black Phoebe

13/3/2026

Say's Phoebe

13/3/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

63/3/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

13/3/2026

Common Raven

23/3/2026

Tree Swallow

23/3/2026

House Finch

23/3/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

33/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

33/3/2026

Pyrrhuloxia

13/3/2026

Western Screech-Owl

13/2/2026

Black Vulture

42/25/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

32/24/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

12/24/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

22/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground for birding?
The best months to visit Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground?
Notable species at Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground include White-winged Dove, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Black Phoebe. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground?
Birding at Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground?
Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.