Bird watching is a great activity for seniors. If you are a resident of a senior living home in the Woodlands, TX, you should be glad that spring arrives early in Southeast Texas and so starts bird migration. Early March will likely see some spring bird migration through the area, with the peak of the season coming in mid-April. While there are some locations inside Houston’s city boundaries where you can go urban bird watching, there are many species and birding opportunities just outside of town.
This article shares 8 locations for watching migratory birds, as a fun activity while residing in your senior living home in the Woodlands, TX.
Cullinan Park
Cullinan Park spans over 750 acres in the Greater Houston region. This large nature park features an observation tower, nature trails, and a diversity of wildlife. The park is located in Sugar Land and is a popular birding destination. The Katy Prairie Loop, which includes Cullinan Park, is also included in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s statewide birding path.
Beaumont
Beaumont is positioned on two migratory flyways—the Central and Mississippi. Because of this fortunate position, there are many birds in the region. The American Robin, Black-Chinned Hummingbird, and Sandhill Crane are a few of the species that travel along the Central Flyway. On the other hand, the Mississippi Flyway extends from the breeding grounds in Canada and the north of the United States to wintering grounds as far south as South America.
Cattail Marsh
Cattail Marsh is a bird sanctuary, witnessing over 250 different bird species each year, including egrets, ducks, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, ibis, doves, and red-winged blackbirds. From mid-April to mid-May, when over 140 different species fly through the park, bird watchers can also appreciate the Big Thicket National Preserve.
Quintana Birding Sanctuary
You can witness migration directly at the Quintana Birding Sanctuary thanks to the gulf frontage, beach dunes, salt cedars, and brackish wetland. Not a seasoned birdwatcher? No issue! Every day from April 6 through May 5, volunteers are on-site to organize Spring Fling, which gives out bird checklists, conducts tours, and assists visitors in identifying birds.
San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge
The San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge is a great location to see migrating warblers, waterfowl, and other wildlife because it has an accessible 1.5-mile boardwalk path that ends at a viewing platform. A family-friendly nature event called Migration Celebration takes place at the refuge in April, in the Brazosport region. Seniors can participate in a variety of activities, including fishing. You can enjoy EarthQuest’s famous “Birds of Prey” show as well as the butterfly encounter tents.
Sabine Woods
For migrant stop-overs during the spring and autumn migrations, Sabine Woods in Port Arthur is regarded as one of the most fruitful “first landing” locations along the entire Texas Coast. One of the birds first land landings for food and rest is Port Arthur. Look for Yellow-Throated, Prothonotary, and Hooded Warblers in March.
Sea Rim State Park
Visit Sea Rim State Park in Port Arthur to see plenty of seabirds. Birds and birders share the 5 miles of natural beach and boardwalks here. Don’t neglect to check out the more tranquil marsh unit. Look for Whimbrel and Stilt Sandpipers in April, along with Piping, Snowy, and Semipalmated Plovers.
Pearland
Pearland, located just south of Houston in the Clear Lake Loop of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, provides some of the finest springtime birding along the Texas Gulf Coast. The Delores Fenwick Nature Center is definitely worth visiting. The facility has a view of 1.7 miles of natural trails and Texas’s first city floating wetlands, which are home to a variety of birds, including waterfowl.
