Mustang Isl. - the Willows

Texas · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFallWinter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Mustang Isl. - the Willows is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Black-crowned Night Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, and Great-tailed Grackle among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Black-crowned Night Heron Red-winged Blackbird Great-tailed Grackle Yellow-rumped Warbler Eastern Phoebe

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-footed Booby

Sula sula

3/5/2026Bayfront Park, Corpus Christi1 observed

American Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

3/5/2026Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Ctr. (CTC 057)1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

3/5/2026Mustang Island SP--Fish Pass area1 observed

Cattle Tyrant

Machetornis rixosa

3/5/2026stakeout Cattle Tyrant, downtown Corpus Christi (2023-25)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Brown Pelican

133/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/5/2026

Barn Swallow

33/5/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

73/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/5/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

13/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

53/3/2026

Cave Swallow

13/1/2026

Savannah Sparrow

23/1/2026

Lincoln's Sparrow

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
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

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

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mustang Isl. - the Willows for birding?▼

The best months to visit Mustang Isl. - the Willows for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Mustang Isl. - the Willows?▼

Notable species at Mustang Isl. - the Willows include Black-crowned Night Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Great-tailed Grackle, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Phoebe. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Mustang Isl. - the Willows?▼

Birding at Mustang Isl. - the Willows is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Mustang Isl. - the Willows?▼

Mustang Isl. - the Willows offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.