Smith Oaks Sanctuary, High Island TX

We were there in the spring 2022 and were overwhelmed by the breath taking diversity and beauty of the birds. And there were skilled birdwatchers there who showed us birds we would have missed, and they gave us free lessons on what we were seeing - what an experience!

The most beautiful habitat to visit in early April with a bazillion birds and stunning views. A wonderfully haunting locale to visit in early October if you're a spider, looking to see and meet other large spiders. So many spiders!:)

Good to bring cash to pay the fee.

Just as we started down the path we were attacked by a swarm of yellow jackets. My dog and dad were stung multiple times.

Best place for the local Egrets, heron, Rosetta Billspoon! Have really good decks built for different access!

We went in late April when most eggs had hatched but chick's were still in the nest. SO many nests! Audubon society volunteers are there to answer questions and point out special birds. We saw a huge gator very close and many small ones in the waters edge. Loved it!

We stopped mid-day on a school day and were the only ones there. There were lots of birds, it was clean, and very nicely maintained. A+

So many amazing birds, all within viewing range. The paths and trails will get you right up to a number of species.

This place ia so beautiful. Worth a trip between January and early May before the birds leave.

Bird watching This area has a good ecological environment, so there are many birds, fish and small animals inhabiting it. It is worth taking children with the whole family

The rookery is an amazing waterbird nesting site, so many birds on the island. Definitely recommend going during the spring nesting season. We were able to see some egrets with eggs and some with their fluffy little chicks. Didn't have time to explore the rest of the park, but plan to go back again.

Visited on 3/26, just happened to be in the right place at the right time as it was an unplanned visit. There were hundreds of birds if not thousands. I wish I had carried my camera.

I've waited years to go here to see the spring migration. It was fantastic and the volunteers were so friendly & helpful!

A favorite place to go in the spring and sit at the rookery and watch the birds courting, nest building and tending the newborn chicks.

This is an amazing place. There are so many species that nest here. Make sure to bring binoculars.

So cool to see the roseate spoonbills nesting! Never seen such an amazing (or strange-looking) bird before, and they're all over the place. Loads of spots to take pictures from, and a cool boardwalk too.

Wonderful place to see some birds! This area has been well developed with bathrooms, walking paths, and photography stands. I love that the main walkway goes right through the canopy of the trees, right where the birds are.

Only improvement I could think of is more informational plaques about specific local bird species.

The trails are amazing. There are 100s of water birds - wish we would have brought binoculars. If you go, be sure to check out the raised walkway! Beautiful views and the mosquitos don't bother you as much.:)
This reserve is run by the Audubon, and may be the best birding spot near Houston. If you go in the Spring, you'll see hundreds of nesting and baby birds.

Lots of different types of birds to watch and take photos/videos of from the bridge. Came early in the morning around 7-7: 30am to avoid the crowds and there was only 1 other photographer there. Very peaceful and quiet. Had a very nice morning here before work mid-week. Refreshing and relaxing.

It was very difficult to find the proper entrance but it was worth it when we did! We really enjoyed the visit. Bring sunscreen and big spray!

Up close to the Roseate Spoonbill and multiple kinds of egret. Bring binoculars and a zoom lens. And BUG SPRAY! Get on the elevated path and you'll be out of the mosquitoes. A treasure to see the birds! They are noisy! Saw babies and nests with eggs too! And an alligator.