McKinney Falls State Park

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

McKinney Falls State Park is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Pied-billed Grebe, and Red-shouldered Hawk among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

3/6/2026Stageline Drive, Kyle, Texas,1 observed

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

3/6/2026Roy G Guerrero Park—Cliff Overlook Area1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

3/6/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)7 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

3/6/2026Barkley Meadows Park1 observed

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

3/5/2026Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park1 observed

Pyrrhuloxia

Cardinalis sinuatus

3/5/2026Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park1 observed

White-tipped Dove

Leptotila verreauxi

3/5/2026Brittlyns Court1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

3/4/2026Town Lake Park (HOTE 042), Austin1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

3/3/2026Hornsby Bend (HOTE 037)1 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/3/2026Rim Rock Neighborhood Nature Trail (private access)16 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

13/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/2/2026

American Crow

23/2/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/2/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/2/2026

Killdeer

22/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

32/24/2026

Snowy Egret

12/24/2026

Great Egret

12/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/24/2026

Black Vulture

52/24/2026

Turkey Vulture

52/24/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/24/2026

Monk Parakeet

62/24/2026

Carolina Chickadee

82/24/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit McKinney Falls State Park for birding?
The best months to visit McKinney Falls State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at McKinney Falls State Park?
Notable species at McKinney Falls State Park include Mourning Dove, Pied-billed Grebe, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Eastern Phoebe. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at McKinney Falls State Park?
Birding at McKinney Falls State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at McKinney Falls State Park?
McKinney Falls State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.