Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 277 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall 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

Greater Pewee

Contopus pertinax

3/6/2026Houston Ave, McAllen1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

3/6/2026Frontera Audubon Center (LTC 058)1 observed

Crimson-collared Grosbeak

Periporphyrus celaeno

3/6/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/5/2026Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. SP--Hawk Watch1 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/4/2026Frontera Audubon Center (LTC 058)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

123/6/2026

Cinnamon Teal

43/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

173/6/2026

Gadwall

163/6/2026

American Wigeon

63/6/2026

Mottled Duck

23/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

553/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

23/6/2026

Mourning Dove

93/6/2026

Common Gallinule

83/6/2026

American Coot

153/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

93/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

13/6/2026

Least Grebe

23/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/6/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

23/6/2026

Black Vulture

13/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/6/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/6/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot for birding?
The best months to visit Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot?
Notable species at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Ring-necked Duck, Ruddy Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot?
Birding at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot?
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Entry and Parking lot offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.