Lake Somerville State Park- Birch Creek Unit

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
LakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Somerville State Park- Birch Creek Unit is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Lesser Scaup, Least Sandpiper, and Great Egret 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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

3/4/2026Lake Somerville SP (Lee Co.) (Nails Crk & Flag Pond)1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

3/1/2026Somerville Lake, Burton US-TX (30.2909,-96.5619)1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

3/1/2026Somerville Lake, Burton US-TX (30.2909,-96.5619)1 observed

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

2/26/2026Lake Somerville SP- Birch Creek Unit (PPW-W 005) (Burleson Co.)1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

2/22/2026Lake Somerville SP (Lee Co.) (Nails Crk & Flag Pond)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Lesser Scaup

3/1/2026

Least Sandpiper

3/1/2026

Great Egret

3/1/2026

Black Vulture

3/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

3/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

3/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

3/1/2026

Northern Flicker

3/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

3/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

3/1/2026

White-throated Sparrow

3/1/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

3/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

3/1/2026

Blue-winged Teal

73/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

33/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/1/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

23/1/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/1/2026

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 Lake Somerville State Park- Birch Creek Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Somerville State Park- Birch Creek Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Somerville State Park- Birch Creek Unit?
Notable species at Lake Somerville State Park- Birch Creek Unit include Lesser Scaup, Least Sandpiper, Great Egret, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Somerville State Park- Birch Creek Unit?
Birding at Lake Somerville State Park- Birch Creek Unit is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Lake Somerville State Park- Birch Creek Unit?
Lake Somerville State Park- Birch Creek Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.