The Brazosport Area has an abundance of quality locations where anyone can go birding.
Brazosport lies in the Central Flyway so it includes birds that migrate across the Gulf of Mexico and the coastal migrants that fly around the western edge of the gulf. This, combined with varied habitats and a mild climate, provide excellent birding year round with the best times being spring and winter. This area sits on a coastal plain characterized by prairies, riparian hardwood forests, and an abundance of marshes, lakes, bays and the Gulf shoreline. Texas is the top birding state in the US with more species documented than any other and Brazoria County, where the Brazosport Area is located, is among the counties with the highest species counts in the state. Over 320 species of birds are common in proper habitat and season. And there are at least 100 more that are rarer and not so readily located.
Opportunities abound for getting out and seeing birds in this area. The Brazoria and the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuges both have excellent driving loops, many wooded trails and wetlands that are ideal for birding. The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory (GCBO) has trails, an observation tower, a wetland area and several gardens landscaped for birds. The Quintana Neotropic Bird Sanctuary is another great option. It is open year around but spring and fall are the best times to see birds there. During the month of April, the GCBO runs a host station at Quintana and leads bird walks once or twice a day.
The Brazosport Area has numerous sites on the Upper Texas Coast portion of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail (GTCBT). Each location has a brown GTCBT sign along with a site number that corresponds with the GTCBT map to aid birders. Maps are available at the Brazosport Area Chamber of Commerce. The Brazosport Birders, a local birding organization, produce a checklist that includes locations on a map, driving directions, most common types of birds seen, and facilities available. This checklist is available at the GCBO and the Quintana Neotropic Bird Sanctuary.
This is the gulf coast so when venturing out on a birding expedition, be prepared by taking lots of drinking water and always include sunscreen and insect repellent in your gear.