Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 254 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mottled Duck, King Rail, and Common Gallinule 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

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

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

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 - Yellow Rail Prairie for birding?
The best months to visit Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie 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 - Yellow Rail Prairie?
Notable species at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie include Mottled Duck, King Rail, Common Gallinule, Killdeer, White Ibis. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie?
Birding at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie?
Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge - Yellow Rail Prairie offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.