McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 282 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Lesser Scaup, Sora, and Common Gallinule 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

2/28/2026Sabine Woods (UTC 026)1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

2/28/2026Sabine Woods (UTC 026)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

53/5/2026

Sora

13/5/2026

Common Gallinule

43/5/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

23/5/2026

White-faced Ibis

53/5/2026

Snowy Egret

13/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Northern Harrier

13/5/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

23/5/2026

Marsh Wren

13/5/2026

Savannah Sparrow

43/5/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

33/5/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

203/5/2026

Common Yellowthroat

13/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

322/25/2026

American Coot

32/25/2026

Black-bellied Plover

22/25/2026

Killdeer

52/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge include Lesser Scaup, Sora, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Black-bellied Plover. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge?
McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.