Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 293 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon 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

Crimson-collared Grosbeak

Periporphyrus celaeno

3/5/202678542, Edinburg US-TX 26.29152, -98.135311 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

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

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

Greater Pewee

Contopus pertinax

3/4/2026610 E Houston Ave, McAllen (26.1939,-98.2151)1 observed

Tropical Parula

Setophaga pitiayumi

3/4/2026Estero Llano Grande SP--Tropical Zone only1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

53/3/2026

Blue-winged Teal

133/3/2026

Cinnamon Teal

33/3/2026

Northern Shoveler

203/3/2026

Gadwall

203/3/2026

American Wigeon

23/3/2026

Mottled Duck

23/3/2026

Green-winged Teal

13/3/2026

Ring-necked Duck

23/3/2026

Lesser Scaup

403/3/2026

Bufflehead

23/3/2026

Ruddy Duck

253/3/2026

Plain Chachalaca

33/3/2026

White-tipped Dove

13/3/2026

Mourning Dove

33/3/2026

American Coot

403/3/2026

Killdeer

23/3/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

43/3/2026

Least Grebe

73/3/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/3/2026

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 - Pintail Lakes Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail 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 - Pintail Lakes Trail?
Notable species at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail?
Birding at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail?
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.