The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)

Texas · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird
Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.) is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 308 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Great Blue HeronRed-winged BlackbirdMallardGreen HeronVirginia Rail

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

3/6/2026Texas City Dike (UTC 074)1 observed

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.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

More in Texas

High Island

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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 Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.) for birding?▼
The best months to visit Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)?▼
Notable species at Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.) include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)?▼
Birding at Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.)?▼
Smith Point - Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area(GCBO Hawk Watch loc.) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.