Get Inspired, Grab Your Binoculars & Go! Gulf of Mexico Bird Watching Guide

From League City real estate in Texas to Cape Coral homes in Florida, Taylor Morrison new home communities along the Gulf offer a treasure trove of aquatic bird viewing opportunities for would be ornithologists.

Birding is a great way to get outside and build a bond with our natural surroundings – all you need to get involved is a love for wildlife and a healthy dose of curiosity.

Finding Birders near You

New to the sport?

Consult the ABA bird club list, join the Audubon Coastal Bird Survey or register with Project Noah.

All 3 are great ways to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts and introduce yourself to the ins and outs of birding.

Birds to Look For

Here’s a starter pack of gorgeous Gulf birds¹ to knock off your spotting list:

Seaside Sparrow – Find foraging near water’s edge in tidal marshes².

Glossy Ibis – Often spotted using their sickle-shaped bill to probe for food in shallow water.³

Anhinga – Found in quiet, sheltered, freshwater marshes.⁴

Lesser Black Backed Gull – Congregate on beaches near high concentrations of food.⁵

Masked Booby – Nest inland but usually spotted flying over warm waters.⁶

American Woodcock – Annual migration brings American Woodcocks back to the Gulf during the winter following breeding season in the north.⁷

Double-Crested Cormorant – Adaptable. Found in almost any aquatic habitat.⁸

Consult this list of common Gulf birds to add more targets to your checklist!

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^{1 http://www.whatbird.com/browse/objs/All/birds_na_147/38/Location/11363/Gulf%20Coast}

^{2 http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/seaside-sparrow}

^{3 http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/glossy-ibis}

^{4 http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/anhinga}

^{5 http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/lesser-black-backed-gull}

^{6 http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/masked-booby}

^{7 http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/american-woodcock}

^{8 http://www.whatbird.com/browse/objs/All/birds_na_147/38/Location/11363/Gulf%20Coast}