Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 310 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, and Northern Shoveler among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

3/3/20261218 Plummer Camp Road, Anahuac, Texas, US (29.525, -94.762)2 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

3/3/20261218 Plummer Camp Road, Anahuac, Texas, US (29.525, -94.762)2 observed

Brown-headed Nuthatch

Sitta pusilla

3/3/20261218 Plummer Camp Road, Anahuac, Texas, US (29.525, -94.762)1 observed

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

3/3/20261218 Plummer Camp Road, Anahuac, Texas, US (29.525, -94.762)6 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

2/28/2026GCBO Abshier Mosquito Research Conservancy1 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

1253/3/2026

Blue-winged Teal

2703/3/2026

Northern Shoveler

63/3/2026

Northern Pintail

23/3/2026

Green-winged Teal

1203/3/2026

Common Gallinule

203/3/2026

American Coot

803/3/2026

Black-necked Stilt

1503/3/2026

Killdeer

33/3/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

13/3/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/3/2026

Forster's Tern

403/3/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

53/3/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

203/3/2026

White Ibis

103/3/2026

White-faced Ibis

153/3/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

403/3/2026

Little Blue Heron

53/3/2026

Tricolored Heron

53/3/2026

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 Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop for birding?
The best months to visit Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop?
Notable species at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop?
Birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop?
Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Shoveler Pond Loop offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.