Highlands Reservoir

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Highlands Reservoir is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Snow Goose, and Ross's Goose 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

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

Melanerpes aurifrons

3/5/2026Wallisville Lake Project--JJ Mayes Wildlife Trace1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

3/4/2026Armand Bayou Nature Ctr. (UTC 081)1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

3/4/2026Little Cedar Bayou Park1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/1/2026Bay Pointe neighborhood (Broad-Billed Hummingbird 2026 stakeout)1 observed

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

2/27/2026River Grove Park1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

2/22/2026Pine Gully Park (UTC 079)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

33/1/2026

Snow Goose

1003/1/2026

Ross's Goose

43/1/2026

Canada Goose

103/1/2026

Wood Duck

23/1/2026

Blue-winged Teal

23/1/2026

Gadwall

73/1/2026

Common Gallinule

23/1/2026

American Coot

43/1/2026

Limpkin

33/1/2026

Killdeer

23/1/2026

Long-billed Curlew

13/1/2026

Wilson's Snipe

13/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

13/1/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

83/1/2026

Anhinga

13/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/1/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

13/1/2026

White Ibis

203/1/2026

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 Highlands Reservoir for birding?
The best months to visit Highlands Reservoir for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Highlands Reservoir?
Notable species at Highlands Reservoir include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Canada Goose, Wood Duck. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Highlands Reservoir?
Birding at Highlands Reservoir is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Highlands Reservoir?
Highlands Reservoir offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.