Medina River Natural Area

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Medina River Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 247 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, and Downy Woodpecker 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

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

3/4/2026San Antonio Botanical Garden (HOTE 096)1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/3/2026Westcreek1 observed

Cactus Wren

Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus

3/1/2026Fowler Rd, Atascosa US-TX1 observed

Clay-colored Thrush

Turdus grayi

3/1/2026Medina R. Crossing--Cagnon/Ponder Rds. (HOTE 115)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/1/2026San Antonio KOA Holiday (Salado Creek Greenway)1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

2/28/2026San Antonio Riverwalk area1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

2/28/2026Pike Road, San Antonio, Texas, 782091 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

2/28/2026Braunig Lake (HOTE 101)1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

2/27/2026Espada Park1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

2/27/2026Brackenridge Park (Avenue A & River Rd.)1 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

2/26/2026Landfill1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

2/22/2026Calaveras Lake (HOTE 100)2 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/22/2026Woodlawn Lake (HOTE 093)1 observed

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

2/22/2026Bexar Co.--Hardy/Mathis Rd. (E. of I-37)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Vulture

23/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

53/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/2/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/2/2026

White-eyed Vireo

43/2/2026

American Crow

13/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/2/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

23/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

13/2/2026

Northern House Wren

13/2/2026

Carolina Wren

13/2/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/2/2026

Audubon's Oriole

13/2/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

23/2/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

53/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

63/2/2026

White-winged Dove

52/25/2026

Mourning Dove

22/25/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

22/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Medina River Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Medina River Natural Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Medina River Natural Area?
Notable species at Medina River Natural Area include Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Downy Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Medina River Natural Area?
Birding at Medina River Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Medina River Natural Area?
Medina River Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.