The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Mittag's Pond/Hays Lake area (CR2300E / TX772), Riviera

Texas · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Mittag's Pond/Hays Lake area (CR2300E / TX772), Riviera is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Common LoonBald EagleDouble-crested CormorantRing-billed GullBufflehead

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

2/27/2026King Ranch--Santa Gertrudis Unit (CTC 087)1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

2/25/2026King Ranch--Santa Gertrudis Unit (CTC 087)1 observed

Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal (hybrid)

Spatula discors x cyanoptera

2/25/2026King Ranch--Santa Gertrudis Unit (CTC 087)1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

2/23/2026King Ranch--Santa Gertrudis Unit (CTC 087)1 observed

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.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in Texas

High Island

Legendary Texas coast migrant trap where trans-Gulf birds make landfall during spring fallouts.

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Subtropical Rio Grande Valley forest with rare Mexican species found nowhere else in the US.

Big Bend National Park

Remote Chihuahuan Desert park with the only US breeding population of Colima Warbler.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles in North America: A Seasonal Viewing Guide

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mittag's Pond/Hays Lake area (CR2300E / TX772), Riviera for birding?▼
The best months to visit Mittag's Pond/Hays Lake area (CR2300E / TX772), Riviera for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mittag's Pond/Hays Lake area (CR2300E / TX772), Riviera?▼
Notable species at Mittag's Pond/Hays Lake area (CR2300E / TX772), Riviera include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mittag's Pond/Hays Lake area (CR2300E / TX772), Riviera?▼
Birding at Mittag's Pond/Hays Lake area (CR2300E / TX772), Riviera is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mittag's Pond/Hays Lake area (CR2300E / TX772), Riviera?▼
Mittag's Pond/Hays Lake area (CR2300E / TX772), Riviera offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.