February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s long on birding opportunities in Texas. Migration hasn’t quite revved up yet, but winter residents are still thick, waterfowl are dazzling in their full plumage, and early spring stirrings keep things exciting. I love birding Texas in February—it’s cool enough to spend the whole day outside, and there’s always a surprise waiting.
Here are my Top 10 Best Places to Bird in Texas During February, based on years of muddy boots, goose-chasing mornings, and enough coffee to keep a Barn Owl awake.
1. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (Central Coast)
By February, the Whooping Cranes are settled in and easy to find. I once watched a family group casually forage while a nearby Roseate Spoonbill stirred the marsh like it was mixing pancake batter.
Why Go: Peak Whooping Crane viewing season.
Prized Birds: Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes, Roseate Spoonbills, White-tailed Hawks.
Known For: Being the winter home of nearly all wild Whooping Cranes.
2. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge (North Texas)
February at Hagerman is goose paradise. The sound of thousands of Snow Geese lifting off is deafening—in the best way. I once counted six Bald Eagles in the same view, all cruising the edges of the flocks like they were picking their dinner entrée.
Why Go: Goose spectacles and eagle watching.
Prized Birds: Snow Geese, Ross’s Geese, Greater White-fronted Geese, Bald Eagles.
Known For: Goose flocks so big they look like snowstorms.
3. Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge (Upper Coast)
February is still prime time for waterfowl. On one visit, I watched a Northern Harrier glide low over the reeds while a King Rail called back indignantly from the cattails—classic Anahuac.
Why Go: Wintering ducks, geese, raptors, and marsh birds.
Prized Birds: Redheads, Northern Pintails, Snow Geese, Soras, King Rails.
Known For: Waterfowl-rich marsh birding with bonus alligators.
4. Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge (Rio Grande Valley)
Cool February mornings here are unforgettable. I once had Green Jays, Altamira Orioles, and a Vermilion Flycatcher all posing within the same five minutes—try beating that trifecta.
Why Go: Valley specialties plus lingering winter migrants.
Prized Birds: Green Jays, Plain Chachalacas, Altamira Orioles, Vermilion Flycatchers, Least Grebes.
Known For: Iconic tropical birding.
5. Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (Lower Rio Grande Valley)
This refuge is massive, and February birding is prime. On one trip, I spotted an Aplomado Falcon perched on a yucca while a flock of Redheads rafted by in the bay—Texas birding at its finest.
Why Go: Winter raptors, ducks, and Valley endemics.
Prized Birds: Aplomado Falcons, White-tailed Hawks, Redheads, Altamira Orioles.
Known For: The best spot for Aplomado Falcons in the U.S.
6. Padre Island National Seashore (South Coast)
Even in February, the shorebird show goes on. I once found a Red Knot among Sanderlings that looked positively regal in the winter light.
Why Go: Abundant wintering shorebirds.
Prized Birds: Long-billed Curlews, American Avocets, Red Knots, Reddish Egrets.
Known For: Wide beaches and endless shorebirds.
7. Brazos Bend State Park (Near Houston)
February brings sparrows, ducks, and the always-reliable gators (though they’re a little sluggish in cool weather). I once watched a Vermilion Flycatcher glowing like a neon sign against a gray sky—spectacular.
Why Go: Mix of wetlands and woodlands in cooler weather.
Prized Birds: American White Pelicans, Vermilion Flycatchers, Pied-billed Grebes, sparrows.
Known For: Birding with reptiles and easy photography.
8. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (Hill Country)
Sparrows are the stars in February. I once spent an hour sorting through a mixed flock that held everything from White-crowned to Grasshopper Sparrows.
Why Go: Winter sparrow diversity and raptors.
Prized Birds: White-crowned Sparrows, Vesper Sparrows, Grasshopper Sparrows, Red-tailed Hawks.
Known For: Scenic Hill Country birding.
9. Davis Mountains State Park (West Texas)
February here is cold, but worth every layer. On one frosty morning, I flushed a Montezuma Quail from the roadside—it vanished like a feathered cannonball.
Why Go: Unique mountain specialties.
Prized Birds: Montezuma Quail, Acorn Woodpeckers, Canyon Towhees, Scott’s Orioles.
Known For: High-altitude birding and breathtaking skies.
10. San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge (Upper Coast)
Often overshadowed by Anahuac, San Bernard is fantastic in February. I once had a White-tailed Kite hover directly overhead while American Avocets gleamed in the marsh—pure magic.
Why Go: Waterfowl, raptors, and shorebirds in a quieter setting.
Prized Birds: American Avocets, White-tailed Kites, Northern Harriers, Snow Geese.
Known For: Peaceful winter birding with plenty of variety.
Final Thoughts
February birding in Texas is underrated. With Whooping Cranes striding at Aransas, goose flocks thundering at Hagerman, and Green Jays squabbling in the Valley, it’s a month of quiet spectacles and cool-weather comfort.
So grab your binoculars, bundle up, and head out. Because in Texas, even the “slow” birding months are unforgettable.
More Stories
Top Ten Best Places to Bird in Texas During September
Birding at Davis Mountains State Park in August: Cool Nights, Hot Days, and Surprising Birds
PSA: The Annual “My Hummingbirds Have Vanished!” Fear Has Returned