Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 295 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts White-faced Ibis, Reddish Egret, and Black Vulture 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

White-faced Ibis

13/3/2026

Reddish Egret

13/3/2026

Black Vulture

23/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

43/3/2026

Northern Harrier

13/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/3/2026

Tree Swallow

203/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

53/3/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

33/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/3/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

33/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

13/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

33/2/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

43/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

23/2/2026

Carolina Wren

23/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/2/2026

Song Sparrow

13/2/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

13/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 - Willows observation deck & trail for birding?
The best months to visit Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail 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 - Willows observation deck & trail?
Notable species at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail include White-faced Ibis, Reddish Egret, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail?
Birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail?
Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Willows observation deck & trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.