Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 347 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal 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

American Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

3/6/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)1 observed

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

3/6/2026Packery Channel and beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

103/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

373/6/2026

Mottled Duck

33/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

613/6/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

33/6/2026

Common Gallinule

13/6/2026

American Coot

63/6/2026

Black-necked Stilt

153/6/2026

American Avocet

493/6/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

73/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/6/2026

Laughing Gull

243/6/2026

Franklin's Gull

13/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

103/6/2026

American Herring Gull

13/6/2026

White Ibis

13/6/2026

Reddish Egret

13/6/2026

Snowy Egret

83/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

American White Pelican

683/6/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center for birding?
The best months to visit Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center?
Notable species at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, Long-billed Curlew, Laughing Gull, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Short-billed Dowitcher. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center?
Birding at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center?
There is no entrance fee at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center?
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.