Brazoria County

1 - Christmans Bay - FM 3005

This northeastern portion of Brazoria County is relatively undeveloped, so the birding is proportionally better than other urban areas in the county. Christmas Bay and Swan Lake are great for waterfowl in the winter. Black Skimmers and Least Tern often nest on the shell roads which lead to the bays off of FM 3005. In late summer look for Magnificent Frigatebirds in the late evening along FM 3005.

2 - Surfside/Quintana Jetties

These two jetties are extremely productive in winter. attracting a variety of pelagic and northeastern species. Jaegers, Masked Booby, Northern Gannet, Black-legged Kittiwake and Purple Sandpiper are all more or less regular visitants to the jetties. Snowy Plover can usually be found along the beach at the base of the jetties

3 - Freeport Marsh

This extensive wetland area can be easily birded from atop the hurricane levee that protects Freeport and Lake Jackson from tropical storms. Great for waterfowl in winter, shorebirds in migration, both species of ibis year round.

4 - Freeport Municipal Park

"Precious things come in small places....This little park can easily produce 15+ species of warblers during migration, with 20+ the norm with a "fall-out". On Highway 288 just north of the High School. Note in recent years this park has been "improved" and had lost most of its trees. It is no longer much of a hotspot.

5 - Bryan Beach Area

After crossing the Intercoastal Canal on FM 1495, turn right at the first intersection (Quintana Jetties are to the left). Spoil banks and reservoirs in this area can be excellent for shorebirds in migration (Particularly Wilson's Phalaropes): salt cedars can be good for migrant passerines; also fairly consistent for bobolink; Clay-colored sparrow has been seen here. Reservoirs can be viewed from levee. Look for access spot.

6 - San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge

Open daily sunrise to sunset. This refuge is only about 20% accessible by car. Moccasin Pond is great for waders year round; shorebirds in migration, and waterfowl in the winter. Cinnamon teal is a regular winter bird. Sandhill cranes can be abundant. Woods along the slough can be great for neotropical migrants. Look for Painted Buntings, Orchard Oriole, and Great Crested Flycatcher in the summer.

7 - Lake Jackson City Dump

This is closed and no longer open to the public

8 - Lake Jackson Wilderness Park

The place Brazoria birders go to see migrant passerines in spring and fall. The three to four mils of nature trails can rival High Island in the spring if the weather conditions are right. Entrance is on the south side of Highway 332 just west of Buffalo Camp Bayou.

9 - New County Road between FM 2004 and FM 523

Watch for Crested Caracara along here and also around the intersection of FM 523 and Hoskin's Mound Road.

10 - Big Slough Cemetery

Vermilion Flycatchers in the winter, Black-crowned Nigh-Herons year round. Barred Owl can usually be seen here in the early morning and late evening.

11 - Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge

Open only the first full weekend of the month. Great for water fowl in the winter. IN late summer look for Wood Storks. Good spot for White-tailed Kite, regularly breeds on the refuge.

12 - Hoskin's Mound Road

Look for the resident White-tailed Hawk in the open fields along this road, also White-tailed Kite. The Brush along the old railroad track which parallels the road can be great for sparrows in the winter.

13 - Quintana Park and Xeriscape Park in Quintana

Across from the "City Hall" and just barely off the Gulf of Mexico this has become one of the best spots in Brazoria County for neotropical migrants.

14 - Oyster Creek Municiple Park Located on the edge of a large motte of trees this is another good migrant trap.