Cook's Slough Sanctuary

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Cook's Slough Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 294 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/5/2026Cook's Slough Sanctuary (HOTW 025)1 observed

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

2/27/2026Uvalde Fish Hatchery (HOTW 027)2 observed

Clay-colored Thrush

Turdus grayi

2/27/2026Uvalde Memorial Park1 observed

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

2/26/2026Walmart, Uvalde, Texas, US (29.234, -99.753)11 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

2/25/2026Pearsall rd stock tank1 observed

Phainopepla

Phainopepla nitens

2/24/2026Deep Creek Ranch1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

2/22/2026Deep Creek Ranch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

43/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

123/5/2026

Gadwall

63/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

73/5/2026

American Coot

33/5/2026

Least Grebe

13/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/5/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

103/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Black Vulture

73/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

23/5/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

33/5/2026

Great Kiskadee

13/5/2026

White-eyed Vireo

13/5/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

23/5/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

23/5/2026

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 Cook's Slough Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Cook's Slough Sanctuary for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Cook's Slough Sanctuary?
Notable species at Cook's Slough Sanctuary include Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Wild Turkey, Common Ground Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cook's Slough Sanctuary?
Birding at Cook's Slough Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cook's Slough Sanctuary?
Cook's Slough Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.