High Island - Boy Scout Woods

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalForest
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$8 adults (spring season)

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset (spring)

About This Location

High Island - Boy Scout Woods is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 342 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and forest habitat attracts Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, and Cooper's 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

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

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/2/2026

Mourning Dove

13/2/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

23/2/2026

Blue Jay

43/2/2026

Purple Martin

33/2/2026

Barn Swallow

23/2/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/2/2026

Carolina Wren

13/2/2026

Gray Catbird

33/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/2/2026

White-throated Sparrow

33/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

123/2/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

13/2/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

143/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

83/2/2026

White-winged Dove

103/1/2026

American Herring Gull

13/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/1/2026

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

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

  5. 5

    Scan the canopy edges at dawn for migrating warblers and other songbirds during spring and fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit High Island - Boy Scout Woods for birding?
The best months to visit High Island - Boy Scout Woods for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at High Island - Boy Scout Woods?
Notable species at High Island - Boy Scout Woods include Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Cooper's Hawk, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, White-winged Dove, Blue Jay, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, Great-tailed Grackle, Northern Cardinal. The area supports coastal, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at High Island - Boy Scout Woods?
Birding at High Island - Boy Scout Woods 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 - Boy Scout Woods?
The entrance fee at High Island - Boy Scout Woods is $8 adults (spring season). Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset (spring).
What amenities are available at High Island - Boy Scout Woods?
High Island - Boy Scout Woods offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.