SPRING MIGRATION 2026 – ANNUAL SPRING MIGRATION EXPEDITION: HIGH ISLAND & SABINE WOODS (a.k.a. Texas Birding’s version of a rock concert, except the performers weigh less than a golf ball and wear feathers.
April 22-23 (with early bird fun on April 21 – see below)
It’s that glorious time again… when the Gulf Coast trees drip with warblers, and perfectly sensible adults lose their composure over a bird the size of a potato chip.
Join us April 22–23 for our annual pilgrimage to High Island and Sabine Woods — widely considered the Migratory Bird Capital of Texas and, quite possibly, the closest thing birders have to a holy site. If you’ve never experienced a fallout here, prepare to recalibrate your definition of “good birding.”
IMPORTANT: BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW
Rooms vanish fast.
Best option: Winnie, Texas
Many of our group stays at the Comfort Inn in Winnie (409-296-6200). It’s convenient, comfortable, and accustomed to guests wandering in at dawn wearing binoculars. Plus, it is only a short walking distance to the best food on the planet at Tia Juanitas.
There are numerous other motels in Winnie.
Backup location: Beaumont (Walton Road area)
Only about 22 minutes away, typically cheaper, and plenty of availability. Not a bad backup plan at all.
Plan to stay Tuesday and Wednesday nights, checking out Thursday morning after one last half-day of birding (because nobody wants to leave when the birds are still performing).
OPTIONAL “EARLY BIRD” DAY — TUESDAY, APRIL 21
The official trip starts Wednesday… but let’s be honest: many of us simply cannot wait.
If you would like an additional treat, plan on arriving Tuesday early afternoon, meet at Sabine Woods before hotel check-in. We’ll bird until around 5 PM, then caravan to Winnie for dinner and lodging. Think of it as the appetizer before the main feast.
WEDNESDAY MORNING — SPRING MIGRATION 2026 MAIN EVENT
Meet at Hooks Woods at 8:00 AM
Park and gather at the entrance — that’s where we’ll assemble our slightly sleep-deprived but extremely excited flock.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wo4DhA4eE2YNQ8Xq7
Hooks Woods is small but mighty. Rare migrants and great birds are known to drop in unannounced.
From there, we’ll move to nearby Boy Scout Woods, another good migrant trap.
OTHER POSSIBLE HOTSPOTS
Our schedule will remain flexible. Migration waits for no spreadsheet.
Likely stops include:
• Smith Oaks Sanctuary — Home to the legendary rookery (bring your camera… and possibly extra memory cards)
• Rollover Pass area — Shorebirds, gulls, terns, and surprises
• Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (formerly Anahuac NWR)
• Various Bolivar Peninsula birding sites
We will go where the birds are putting on the best show that day.
WHAT TO BRING (a.k.a. Survival Gear for Bird Nerds)
Camera — Trust me. You’ll regret it if you don’t.
Light jacket or rain shell — Gulf weather has a whimsical personality
Insect repellent — The mosquitoes are enthusiastic greeters
Snacks / picnic items — Lunches are often “on the fly” (pun unavoidable)
Binoculars — Non-negotiable
Comfortable walking shoes — You’ll be on your feet more than you realize
Liniment – you are likely to develop Warbler neck
I will have repellent in my truck, but consider that backup rather than your primary defense against the rather aggressive insects. Usually, it is not really all that bad, but repellent is needed.
WHY THIS SPRING MIGRATION 2026 TRIP IS LEGENDARY
High Island isn’t just good birding. It’s absurdly good.
ON THE RIGHT DAY YOU MIGHT SEE:
Over 100 species on the trip
Possibly 100 species in a single day
Dozens of warbler species (pray for a fallout)
Birds at eye level, arm’s length, or occasionally so close you worry about being judged
You won’t just see one Magnolia Warbler. You may see fifteen… all posing like they signed modeling contracts.
Many participants call this the best birding trip they’ve ever taken. After one good fallout, you’ll understand why people drive across the country for this place.
RSVP & CARPOOLING FOR SPRING MIGRATION 2026 TRIP
If you know you’re coming, please message me or comment so I can get a rough headcount. Last-minute arrivals are absolutely welcome. Migration doesn’t check guest lists.
Interested in carpooling? Say so in the comments and connect with others.
EXTRA NOTE
Spring Migration 2026 – I will be in the area April 1–30, so if these dates don’t work for you, reach out. We may be able to arrange birding on other days.
In short: If you love birds, photography, migration spectacle, or the thrill of seeing species that usually hide like woodland ninjas… this trip is not optional. It’s a pilgrimage.
Come prepared to be amazed, slightly sleep-deprived, and very, very happy.
My wife and I have been interested in wildlife photography for many years but only recently developed interest in birding. We plan to come from north Texas to the High Island area 4/16-18. I’d love some advice if you have any available. I noticed you’ll be in the area during that time and would love to know what areas you think would be best.
Hi, Mark. I wrote a reply to you, but it got so long that I decided it needed to be a blog post. 🙂
I will probably post it here over the weekend and include Facebook posts about it on the EastTexasBirder, TexasBirder, and NETFO Facebook pages.
It basically tells you the best places and, in some cases, the best time of day to visit the different sanctuaries.
Keep me informed on your plans. I have different people coming down all month, so we’ll have to see what is happening. Maybe we can get together on your trip, or at least, I can tell you about any hot sightings and advise you where to go.
Have fun.
Thanks so much! I’ll keep an eye out for the post. When it gets a little closer and plans are firmed up I’ll check back with you. Thanks again for responding.
Hi. I’m a little concerned about the size of the group. How big are the groups and how does this affect the birding opportunities? Are there any other dates available when a smaller group will be out and about?