High Island

Texas · Southeast

ChallengingOfficial Site View on eBird

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

SpringFallWinter

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free (sanctuary fees during spring)

Hours

Open daily

About This Location

High Island is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 336 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts American Barn Owl, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and White-winged Dove among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

American Barn Owl Eurasian Collared-Dove White-winged Dove Mourning Dove Black Vulture Blue Jay Red-winged Blackbird Brown-headed Cowbird Common Grackle Great-tailed Grackle Northern Cardinal Cooper's Hawk

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lesser Nighthawk

Chordeiles acutipennis

3/3/2026Smith Oaks Rookery Count (Houston Audubon Staff)1 observed

Least Grebe

Tachybaptus dominicus

2/28/2026Anahuac Entrance Road1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

2/26/2026St Matthew’s Church1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

13/5/2026

Osprey

13/5/2026

American Barn Owl

23/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

53/1/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

Black Vulture

353/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

503/1/2026

Eastern Phoebe

23/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

43/1/2026

Purple Martin

83/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

13/1/2026

Barn Swallow

23/1/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/1/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

13/1/2026

Carolina Wren

23/1/2026

European Starling

53/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

33/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

43/1/2026

White-throated Sparrow

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.
4
Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.
5
Spring migration fallouts (mid-April to early May) after cold fronts produce spectacular concentrations of neotropical migrants.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

Nearby Attractions

Smith Oaks Sanctuary
Boy Scout Woods
Bolivar Flats

More in Texas

High Island

Legendary Texas coast migrant trap where trans-Gulf birds make landfall during spring fallouts.

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Subtropical Rio Grande Valley forest with rare Mexican species found nowhere else in the US.

Big Bend National Park

Remote Chihuahuan Desert park with the only US breeding population of Colima Warbler.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit High Island for birding?▼

The best months to visit High Island for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at High Island?▼

Notable species at High Island include American Barn Owl, Eurasian Collared-Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Black Vulture, Blue Jay, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, Great-tailed Grackle, Northern Cardinal, Cooper's Hawk. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at High Island?▼

Birding at High Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

Is there an entrance fee at High Island?▼

The entrance fee at High Island is Free (sanctuary fees during spring). Hours: Open daily.

What amenities are available at High Island?▼

High Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.