Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary

Texas · Southeast

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird

Habitat

ForestWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 342 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Laughing Gull, and American Kestrel 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-bellied Whistling-Duck Laughing Gull American Kestrel Monk Parakeet Loggerhead Shrike American Avocet Black-bellied Plover Semipalmated Plover Wilson's Plover Lesser Yellowlegs Willet Greater Yellowlegs

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

2/26/2026San Luis Pass (Galveston Co.)(UTC 071)1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

2/24/2026500–598 Coleman St, Clute US-TX (29.0278,-95.4019)2 observed

Wilson's Plover

Anarhynchus wilsonia

2/22/2026Follett's Island Blue Water Hwy/TX257 (UTC105)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

23/4/2026

Laughing Gull

13/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

Monk Parakeet

13/4/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

13/4/2026

Purple Martin

33/4/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

23/4/2026

European Starling

23/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

53/4/2026

House Sparrow

13/4/2026

Chipping Sparrow

33/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/4/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

63/4/2026

Common Grackle

13/4/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

13/4/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

83/4/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

33/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/4/2026

Killdeer

2/28/2026

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.
4
Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.
5
Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

Nearby Attractions

San Bernard NWR
Brazoria NWR
Surfside Beach

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Texas Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Texas →

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 Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary for birding?▼

The best months to visit Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary?▼

Notable species at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Laughing Gull, American Kestrel, Monk Parakeet, Loggerhead Shrike, American Avocet, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover, Wilson's Plover, Lesser Yellowlegs, Willet, Greater Yellowlegs. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary?▼

Birding at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

Is there an entrance fee at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary?▼

There is no entrance fee at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.

What amenities are available at Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary?▼

Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.