Lake Texana - Palmetto Bend Dam area

Texas · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

SpringFallWinter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Lake Texana - Palmetto Bend Dam area is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Common Loon Bald Eagle Double-crested Cormorant Ring-billed Gull Bufflehead

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

3/6/2026US-59 S, Edna US-TX 28.98205, -96.661052 observed

Common Pauraque

Nyctidromus albicollis

3/3/2026LAS Resort Yoke Goats1 observed

Pyrrhuloxia

Cardinalis sinuatus

2/21/2026Bennett Park (CTC 024)1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Texas

High Island

Legendary Texas coast migrant trap where trans-Gulf birds make landfall during spring fallouts.

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Subtropical Rio Grande Valley forest with rare Mexican species found nowhere else in the US.

Big Bend National Park

Remote Chihuahuan Desert park with the only US breeding population of Colima Warbler.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Texana - Palmetto Bend Dam area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Lake Texana - Palmetto Bend Dam area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Lake Texana - Palmetto Bend Dam area?▼

Notable species at Lake Texana - Palmetto Bend Dam area include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Lake Texana - Palmetto Bend Dam area?▼

Birding at Lake Texana - Palmetto Bend Dam area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Lake Texana - Palmetto Bend Dam area?▼

Lake Texana - Palmetto Bend Dam area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.