If March is the warm-up, then April is the main event. Migration goes from a trickle to a flood, and Texas becomes the stage for one of the greatest birding spectacles in North America. Warblers light up the trees, orioles flash like jewels, and shorebirds pack the flats. April is the month when even non-birders stop and say, “Wow, what was that?” (while you’re already scribbling it into your notebook).

Here are my Top 10 Best Places to Bird in Texas During April, from my years of birding boots-on-the-ground and neck-craning in the field.

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1. Sabine Woods (Upper Texas Coast)

April at Sabine Woods is pure magic. This small patch of coastal woodland turns into a migrant trap, drawing in everything from Blackburnian Warblers to Scarlet Tanagers. I once had 24 species of warblers in a single morning here, and I wasn’t even trying that hard. Okay, let me admit that this is my favorite place in Texas to bird. I usually spend most of the month of April here, with a bit of time also spent at High Island.

Why Go: It’s one of the best migrant fallouts in the state during April.
Prized Birds: Blackburnian Warblers, Cerulean Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, Baltimore Orioles.
Known For: Small patch, big birds—April is when it explodes with color.

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2. High Island (Upper Texas Coast)

High Island is legendary in April. Boy Scout Woods, Smith Oaks, and the rookery all become hotspots of jaw-dropping diversity. I once had a Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak all on the same branch.

Why Go: Peak spring migration, plus nesting herons and spoonbills at the rookery.
Prized Birds: Warblers (20+ species), orioles, tanagers, Roseate Spoonbills.
Known For: Being the Texas migration mecca.

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3. Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary (Bolivar Peninsula)

April is shorebird season at its finest. The flats turn into a feathered festival, with everything from plovers to godwits staging for the next leg north. I once nearly wore out my scope panning between American Avocets and Marbled Godwits.

Why Go: Migrating shorebirds in breeding plumage.
Prized Birds: American Avocets, Piping Plovers, Red Knots, Marbled Godwits, Reddish Egrets.
Known For: Mudflat birding at its absolute peak.

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4. Padre Island National Seashore (South Coast)

Padre Island shines in April as migrants pile up along the coast. I once watched a Peregrine Falcon rocket through a flock of peeps—it missed, but I nearly applauded.

Why Go: Raptor flights and shorebird staging areas.
Prized Birds: Peregrine Falcons, Red Knots, American Oystercatchers, Long-billed Curlews.
Known For: A migration crossroads with drama.

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5. Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge (Rio Grande Valley)

April at Santa Ana is a blend of Valley specialties and migrants. I once had a Green Jay bickering with an Altamira Oriole while a Magnolia Warbler hopped nearby—talk about variety.

Why Go: Tropical residents plus northbound migrants.
Prized Birds: Green Jays, Altamira Orioles, Vermilion Flycatchers, warblers, orioles.
Known For: Tropical flair with a migration bonus.

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6. Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (Lower Rio Grande Valley)

This massive refuge delivers in April. Raptors soar, ducks linger, and orioles add color. I once had an Aplomado Falcon zip across the horizon while Redheads rafted in the bay.

Why Go: Raptors and waterbirds plus Valley specialties.
Prized Birds: Aplomado Falcons, White-tailed Hawks, Altamira Orioles, Redheads.
Known For: The best place for Aplomado Falcons in the U.S.

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7. Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge (Upper Coast)

Anahuac in April is rich with rails, raptors, and passerines. I once had a Sora nearly run between my boots while a Northern Harrier floated overhead.

Why Go: Rails, sparrows, ducks, and migrant passerines.
Prized Birds: King Rails, Seaside Sparrows, Northern Harriers, shorebirds.
Known For: Classic Gulf Coast marsh birding.

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8. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (Central Coast)

By April, Whooping Cranes are preparing to head north, but shorebirds and migrants fill the gap. I once had Roseate Spoonbills glowing pink in the marsh while White-tailed Hawks circled above.

Why Go: Last crane sightings of the season plus early migrants.
Prized Birds: Whooping Cranes, Roseate Spoonbills, White-tailed Hawks, shorebirds.
Known For: Cranes in transition and classic coastal birding.

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9. Brazos Bend State Park (Near Houston)

April at Brazos Bend is lively. Sparrows give way to warblers, flycatchers, and colorful migrants. I once had a Vermilion Flycatcher glowing red while a Belted Kingfisher rattled nearby.

Why Go: Transition from winter sparrows to spring songbirds.
Prized Birds: Vermilion Flycatchers, kingfishers, warblers, orioles.
Known For: Accessible birding in wetlands and woodlands.

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10. Davis Mountains State Park (West Texas)

Even out west, April brings a burst of activity. Montezuma Quail sneak around, orioles brighten the canyons, and raptors cruise overhead. I once nearly dropped my sandwich when a Scott’s Oriole sang from a yucca.

Why Go: West Texas specialties in spring weather.
Prized Birds: Montezuma Quail, Scott’s Orioles, Acorn Woodpeckers, Canyon Towhees.
Known For: Birding at altitude with unbeatable scenery.

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Final Thoughts

April is the month every Texas birder dreams about. Whether you’re watching warblers pour into Sabine Woods, spoonbills showing off at High Island’s rookery, or shorebirds glowing in breeding plumage at Bolivar Flats, April birding is a spectacle.

So grab your binoculars, field guide, and maybe an extra neck brace—because April birding in Texas means you’ll be looking up. A lot.

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