Lake Somerville State Park (Nails Crk & Flag Pond)

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Somerville State Park (Nails Crk & Flag Pond) is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 270 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Mourning Dove, and Lesser Yellowlegs 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

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

2/22/2026CR 223, Giddings1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

23/4/2026

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

13/4/2026

American White Pelican

503/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

13/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/4/2026

American Crow

12/28/2026

Savannah Sparrow

32/28/2026

Blue-winged Teal

152/22/2026

Northern Pintail

12/22/2026

Green-winged Teal

202/22/2026

Killdeer

82/22/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

22/22/2026

Least Sandpiper

252/22/2026

Ring-billed Gull

52/22/2026

American Herring Gull

12/22/2026

Forster's Tern

202/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

42/22/2026

White-faced Ibis

162/22/2026

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 (Nails Crk & Flag Pond) for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Somerville State Park (Nails Crk & Flag Pond) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Lake Somerville State Park (Nails Crk & Flag Pond)?
Notable species at Lake Somerville State Park (Nails Crk & Flag Pond) include Northern Shoveler, Mourning Dove, Lesser Yellowlegs, American White Pelican, American Kestrel. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Somerville State Park (Nails Crk & Flag Pond)?
Birding at Lake Somerville State Park (Nails Crk & Flag Pond) 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 (Nails Crk & Flag Pond)?
Lake Somerville State Park (Nails Crk & Flag Pond) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.