W.G. Jones State Forest

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

W.G. Jones State Forest is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Red-cockaded Woodpecker 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

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

3/6/2026Valley Ranch Bend Lakes1 observed

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

3/6/2026Valley Ranch Bend Lakes1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/6/20265 Sandalbranch Dr, Spring US-TX 30.22083, -95.513991 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/5/2026Magnolia- Stone Branch Lake1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

3/3/2026Magnolia- Stone Branch Lake1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/2/2026Lewis Creek Reservoir1 observed

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

2/28/2026McDade Park, Conroe1 observed

Harris's Hawk

Parabuteo unicinctus

2/27/2026Mitchell Nature Preserve--Creekside West Trailhead (Harris Co.)1 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

2/26/2026Walnut Creek Forest1 observed

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

2/25/2026302 Ed English Dr, Shenandoah US-TX 30.18885, -95.447971 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

53/5/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

33/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Blue Jay

13/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

53/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/5/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

13/5/2026

Carolina Wren

23/5/2026

Northern Mockingbird

33/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

43/5/2026

American Robin

33/5/2026

Cedar Waxwing

703/5/2026

Chipping Sparrow

33/5/2026

Pine Warbler

33/5/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

33/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/4/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

13/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit W.G. Jones State Forest for birding?
The best months to visit W.G. Jones State Forest for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at W.G. Jones State Forest?
Notable species at W.G. Jones State Forest include Mourning Dove, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at W.G. Jones State Forest?
Birding at W.G. Jones State Forest is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at W.G. Jones State Forest?
W.G. Jones State Forest offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.