Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$3 per person

Hours

Open Wed-Sun, 7 AM - 5 PM

About This Location

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 359 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Black Vulture, and Turkey Vulture 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

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/3/20262597 County Road 122, Floresville US-TX 29.15682, -98.283271 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

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

2/28/2026Converse City Park1 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

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

2/26/2026Robert L.B. Tobin Park, San Antonio US-TX 29.50571, -98.417431 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

2/26/2026Landfill1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

143/6/2026

Mourning Dove

13/6/2026

Black Vulture

103/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/6/2026

Crested Caracara

13/6/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/6/2026

White-eyed Vireo

13/6/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

13/6/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/6/2026

Verdin

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

13/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

23/6/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

13/6/2026

Long-billed Thrasher

13/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/6/2026

House Finch

123/6/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

13/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

53/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/6/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

13/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    A spotting scope is essential here — many waterbirds stay far from shore and are difficult to identify with binoculars alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mitchell Lake Audubon Center for birding?
The best months to visit Mitchell Lake Audubon Center for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center?
Notable species at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center include White-winged Dove, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, White-eyed Vireo, Carolina Chickadee, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Black-crested Titmouse, Cave Swallow, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern House Wren, Carolina Wren. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center?
Birding at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center?
The entrance fee at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center is $3 per person. Hours: Open Wed-Sun, 7 AM - 5 PM.
What amenities are available at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center?
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.