Birding on the Prairie

Experience one of the most important bird habitats in North America.

The Katy Prairie Preserve is recognized as a Global Important Bird Area (IBA) for its critical role in supporting migratory birds, wintering waterfowl, grassland species, and wetland-dependent wildlife. This designation reflects the ecological importance of the remaining prairie, wetlands, and working lands that make up the heart of the preserve.

From resident grasslands birds to flocks of winter waterfowl gathering on wetlands, the prairie is one of Texas’s most inspiring birding landscapes.

If you’re interested in assisting with bird surveys on the Coastal Prairie Conservancy’s properties, just email bfoshee@coastalprairieconservancy.org.

Signature Birding Events

Sandhill Crane Tours

Each winter, thousands of Sandhill Cranes return to the Katy Prairie Preserve. Our guided crane tours offer sunrise or sunset viewing experiences and background on their migration, behaviors, and the habitat that supports them.
Christmas Bird Count

Participate in Audubon’s annual community science event by joining CPC staff and volunteers in surveying winter birds across the Katy Prairie. Beginners and seasoned birders are both welcome.
First Harvest Bird Watching Event

Celebrate the agricultural roots of the Katy Prairie with an event that highlights birds attracted to rice harvest activities. Newly exposed shallow fields attract waterfowl, shorebirds, and waders.
Additional Birding Programs

Bird walks, migration programs, bird surveys, and seasonal birding events take place throughout the year.

Where to go Birding on the Prairie

The Coastal Prairie Conservancy stewards several outstanding birding areas that showcase the diversity of habitats and wildlife across the Katy Prairie Preserve.

Indiangrass Preserve
A mix of restored prairie, wetlands, and working lands offering excellent viewing opportunities for raptors, wintering species, grassland birds, and seasonal migrants.

Blazing Star Prairie
A recently restored prairie landscape within the Indiangrass Preserve complex. Two reconstructed wetlands feature a variety of grasslands and wading birds, including black-necked stilts, bobwhite quail, eastern meadowlark, and even a recent king rail siting.

Matt Cook Memorial Viewing Platform at Warren Lake (UTC 099)
Open daily to the public. One of the best locations for waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, egrets, and winter ducks. Ideal for scanning open water.

Hebert Reservoir (UTC 100)
A productive roadside birding site known for ducks, raptors, blackbirds, and migrating species. Ideal for scanning open water and surrounding fields.

Birding Apps

Learn how to use Merlin and eBird in the field. Watch our video with Mikayla House and John Berner to get started identifying and reporting birds on the Katy Prairie.