Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 292 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Northern Harrier, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/1/2026Buffalo Lake NWR (PHP 039)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

83/4/2026

Northern Harrier

23/4/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

33/4/2026

Northern Flicker

63/4/2026

American Kestrel

33/4/2026

Say's Phoebe

23/4/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

13/4/2026

American Goldfinch

33/4/2026

Western Meadowlark

23/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

153/4/2026

White-winged Dove

33/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

503/1/2026

Killdeer

23/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

23/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

53/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

303/1/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

303/1/2026

Song Sparrow

13/1/2026

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