Houston has the best places for birding, especially during summer. The city is positioned on the Central Flyway where different species of birds are seen on their routes to a cooler environment. Houston is for the birds. You will see over 639 different species including flamingos, roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, and glitzy green jays. Carry your binoculars and visit these top ten spots for bird watching.
1. Bird Island at Hermann Park
Hermann Park has an incredible bird conservancy area that attracts locals and visitors. The park was expanded to create two beautiful islands for migratory birds. Each year 150 species of birds migrate here. So, take your binoculars and observe species of American coots, European starlings, northern mockingbirds, and great-tailed grackle.
The pines, oaks, and sycamore trees also draw nestling birds. Seasonal birds are also seen including American redstart, blackburnian warbler, cliff swallows, and common yellowthroat. Bird Island is designed naturally to provide a habitat for black-bellied whistling ducks, green herons, laughing gulls, and hummingbirds.
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
2. Brazos Bend State Park
Brazos Bend State Park occupies 5,000 acres with marshlands, swamps, and grassland. You will find most of the bird indigenous species around here. A multitude of migratory birds moves around the park all through the year’s seasons. You will catch views of northern parulas; ring-necked ducks, buffleheads, and hooded mergansers.
During winter resident birds such as teals, ergrets, herons, woodpeckers, and songbirds are common. Winter migrates include yellow-bellied sapsuckers, white-throated sparrows, and golden-crowned kinglets. Enjoy the chirping of chickadees and cardinals while relaxing.
Address: 21901 Farm to Market Rd 762, Needville, TX 77461
3. Houston Heights Bird Sanctuary
Are you looking for a nice spot for bird watching? Houston Heights Bird Sanctuary is a special place for bird enthusiasts. The bird population in this reserve varies in seasons and climate changes. They have over 60 species from different parts of the world.
The local nestling species are common to include white-winged dove, northern mockingbird, red-bellied woodpeckers, blue jay, American crow, and chickadees. In addition, there are also a few waterbirds such as belted kingfisher, great blue heron, snowy egret, wood duck, and little blue heron.
Address: 509 Rutland PI, Houston, TX 77007
4. Cullinan Park
Cullinan Park has over 700 acres that are perfect for bird watching. This place is a haven for birding with a great population of birds throughout the year. The park has 250 species and offers a diversity of plants and habitats for the birds.
Depending on the seasons, you will see different birds. During spring or fall migration, warblers, bald eagles, osprey, hawk, and crested caracara are seen at the park. If you are lucky, you can spot yellow-billed cuckoos, wrens, blue-headed vireos, great horned owls, doves, and blue-gray gnatcatchers.
Address: 12414 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, Houston, TX 77498
5. Baytown Nature Centre
Baytown is a coastal birding trail providing habitat for 317 species of neo-tropical and resident migrant birds. This 450 acres reserve has bird blinds and unique spots to check out the wildlife. Among the different species you will encounter roseate spoonbill, ruddy turnstone, common nighthawk, green jays, and kingfisher
The place also features fishing piers, butterfly gardens, pavilions, and picnic shelters. Baytown Nature Centre is usually open at 8 am for visitors and participants in a bird survey.
Address: 6213 Bayway Dr, Baytown, Houston TX 77520
6. Kleb Woods Nature Reserve
This nature reserve has pine-oak trees that offer great habitats for birds. Kleb Woods has 133 acres of walking trails where you will see dozens of species of birds. The red-bellied woodpeckers, pine warblers, and bluebirds are the common species.
Among these birds are winter migrants such as hermit thrushes, orange-crowned warblers, and north flickers. Kleb Woods is special for unique birds from Pacific Northwest. Rufous hummingbirds and hummingbird feeders are also present.
Address: 20303 Draper Rd, Houston, TX 77377
7. Kickerillo Mischer Preserve
Kickerillo-Mischer is an 80-acre reserve famous for fishing and kayaking. Apart from these activities, it offers a nice spot for bird watching. Great erget, snowy erget, little blue heron, black vulture, and red-bellied woodpeckers are common species.
The bird watching here is fantastic with the paved trails for hiking. The park is preserved with a lot of trees for the birds. You will enjoy views of ducks from their artificial ponds. Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve is open at 8 am and closes at 7 pm daily.
Address: 20215 Chasewood Park Dr, Houston, TX 77070
8. Houston Arboretum and Nature Centre
Houston Arboretum has a unique setting for bird watching. The place provides bird classes to allow visitors to explore the world of birds and learn the basics. You can participate in their surveys as a way of monitoring the bird population.
Blue jay woodland birds, Carolina wren, tufted titmouse, pleated woodpecker, yellow-billed cuckoo, rock pigeon, and turkey vulture are available. But depending on the season you visit the arboretum, you will discover different species.
Address: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024.
9. Woodland Park Bird Sanctuary
Woodlands Park has been a home for different birds over the centuries. You will enjoy a list of bird species observed in the park. If you are new to bird watching, they offer a guide explaining the kinds of birds, their history, and the means of survival.
Exotic species of nutmeg manikins, orange-cheeked waxbills, red-vented bulbuls, herons, kingfishers, and ostriches are common here. Explore this park for urban birding and take photographs for memories
Address: 1204 Wrightwood St, Houston, TX 77009
10. Houston Audubon
Houston Audubon promotes a bird environment and provides opportunities for bird-watching experiences. The place has a nature walk with lakes, rivers, trees, and different birds. They offer long-day, full-day, and weekend trips for bird enthusiasts.
There are groups of ducks, geese, grebes, loons, storks, cuckoos, nightjars, hummingbirds, gallinules, coots, plovers, sandpipers, and frigatebirds. The birding gallery at Houston Audubon is endless. Consider visiting the reserve at noon while most birds are settled in their catchment areas.
Address: 440 Wilchester Blvd, Houston, TX 77079
