Goose Island State Park

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$5 per person

Hours

Open daily, 6 AM - 10 PM

About This Location

Goose Island State Park is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 357 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, and Buff-bellied Hummingbird 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

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

3/5/2026Fulton Harbor1 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

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

3/2/2026Rockport Harbor1 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

Willet

23/5/2026

Laughing Gull

203/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/5/2026

Tricolored Heron

13/5/2026

Great Egret

23/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

33/5/2026

Brown Pelican

83/5/2026

Black Vulture

63/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

103/5/2026

Osprey

13/5/2026

White-eyed Vireo

23/5/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

43/5/2026

Purple Martin

23/5/2026

Gray Catbird

13/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

33/5/2026

House Sparrow

153/5/2026

Lincoln's Sparrow

13/5/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

103/5/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

33/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

43/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Goose Island State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Goose Island State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Goose Island State Park?
Notable species at Goose Island State Park include White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, American Oystercatcher, Willet, Blue-winged Teal, Common Gallinule, Killdeer, Long-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin, Least Sandpiper, Black Vulture. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Goose Island State Park?
Birding at Goose Island State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Goose Island State Park?
The entrance fee at Goose Island State Park is $5 per person. Hours: Open daily, 6 AM - 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Goose Island State Park?
Goose Island State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.