Seasons of Wildlife
Birding is most interesting in the winter months. Geese, along with 24 species of ducks and sandhill cranes fill the plentiful ponds and sloughs to capacity. Thirteen species of sparrow winter in prairie habitats.
Featured Species
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge supports a great diversity of wildlife including large populations of both resident and migratory wildlife. The Texas Mid-coast Refuge Complex lists 320 bird species which regularly utilize refuge habitats during all or parts of their life cycle. Except for forest birds, most of these are found at Brazoria. The peak numbers of wintering waterfowl occur in December and January. You will see species of ducks and sandhill cranes, 13 species of sparrows, as well as 10 or more species of herons and egrets, white ibis, roseate spoonbill, mottled duck, white-tailed kite, clapper rail, horn lark, black skimmer and scissor-tailed flycatcher.
Look for alligators year-round on Big Slough and in refuge ponds. In dry season, their trail through the mud and excavated gator holes are easy to spot.
The diversity of the refuge goes beyond alligators and birds. Frogs, toads, salamanders, and turtles hop, slither and plop into waters. Mice and rats form a prey base for snakes, coyotes, bobcats and hawks.