San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 338 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Green-winged Teal 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

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

673/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

183/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

83/5/2026

Common Gallinule

23/5/2026

Black-necked Stilt

163/5/2026

Forster's Tern

63/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

83/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/5/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

193/5/2026

Snowy Egret

13/5/2026

Black Vulture

23/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

73/5/2026

Northern Harrier

13/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/5/2026

Crested Caracara

33/5/2026

American Kestrel

23/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/5/2026

Savannah Sparrow

353/5/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

203/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Check the refuge website for seasonal auto tour route schedules and any temporary closures before visiting.

  5. 5

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail condition updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove, Common Gallinule, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Gadwall, King Rail, American Coot, Forster's Tern, Pied-billed Grebe, Anhinga. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge?
San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.