King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 312 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, 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

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

2/27/2026King Ranch--Santa Gertrudis Unit (CTC 087)1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

2/25/2026King Ranch--Santa Gertrudis Unit (CTC 087)1 observed

Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal (hybrid)

Spatula discors x cyanoptera

2/25/2026King Ranch--Santa Gertrudis Unit (CTC 087)1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

2/23/2026King Ranch--Santa Gertrudis Unit (CTC 087)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

13/5/2026

Wood Duck

13/5/2026

Blue-winged Teal

53/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

33/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

53/5/2026

Northern Bobwhite

83/5/2026

Wild Turkey

13/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

163/5/2026

White-tipped Dove

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

213/5/2026

Black-necked Stilt

73/5/2026

American Avocet

23/5/2026

Killdeer

33/5/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

43/5/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

13/5/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

23/5/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

33/5/2026

Least Grebe

73/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Anhinga

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit for birding?
The best months to visit King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit?
Notable species at King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit include American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Mottled Duck, Green-winged Teal. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit?
Birding at King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit?
King Ranch - Santa Gertrudis Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.