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When to catch San Bernard Refugeat its best

San Bernard Refuge through the year: spring migration (local timing: late March – early May for spring) and winter wildlife (3 separate phases, from October to early November). Each has its own page with spots, sources and the latest reports.

RIGHT NOW · SEP 30

  • Latest reportNo dated report this season; the posters below show each usual window.
  • This weekend (NWS)Sat showers and thunderstorms, 86°F · Sun showers and thunderstorms, 84°F
  • Park alertsCheck the managing agency before you go

When are you going?

Fall at San Bernard Refuge

Good in fall

  • Wintering forest songbirds, October to March

From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.

Nearby in fall

Where to go at San Bernard Refuge

Spots, visitor points and places nearby
  • Spring
  • Winter
Places on this map, as a list
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census.

Best spots

Where each event's source says to go

Spring migration

  • Bobcat Woods Trail and BoardwalkNear the coastal forests that can fill with migrating songbirds in a spring fallout: an easy 2.5-mile loop on accessible boardwalk and concrete along Cocklebur Slough. Restrooms at the trailhead.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
  • San Bernard Oak TrailA 0.7-mile mowed path off CR 306, just west of the Cocklebur Slough Recreation Area, to a 300-year-old live oak; also near the coastal forests the refuge names for spring fallouts. Boots needed when it's wet.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗

Winter wildlife

  • Cocklebur Slough Recreation Area and Moccasin Pond Observation DeckWhere the refuge times its wintering waterfowl. The deck looks across the estuary toward Cowtrap Lakes, and the self-guided auto tour passes Moccasin and Rail Ponds. Maps at the entrance kiosk; open daily, official sunrise to official sunset.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
  • Bobcat Woods Trail and BoardwalkAn easy 2.5-mile loop on accessible boardwalk and concrete through riparian forest along Cocklebur Slough, overlooking the Wolfweed wetlands, across from the Moccasin Pond loop. Restrooms at the trailhead.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗
  • Hudson Woods Recreation AreaInland bottomland forest west of Angleton, with the Scoby Lake, Live Oak and Oyster Creek trails (mowed paths) and restroomsU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ↗

Next 7 days at San Bernard Refuge

Forecast: National Weather Service
  • TodayChance Showers And Thunderstorms90° / 79°34% rain
  • ThuShowers And Thunderstorms Likely90° / 77°59% rain
  • FriShowers And Thunderstorms Likely89° / 74°68% rain
  • SatShowers And Thunderstorms86° / 72°82% rain
  • SunShowers And Thunderstorms84° / 70°80% rain
  • MonChance Showers And Thunderstorms83° / 69°46% rain
  • TueChance Rain Showers83° / 68°27% rain

Today: sunrise 7:15 a.m., sunset 7:11 p.m., light until 7:34 p.m. · moon waning gibbous, 78% lit (our calculation)

Nearby, and when they peak

Straight-line miles; roads are longer

Towns nearby

Straight-line miles; each town page has frost dates and its nature year

San Bernard Refuge in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
Tawny marsh grasses around a small pool of open water under a flat grey sky
Freshwater marsh at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge on a grey, misty day (date not given). Photo: USFWS · public domain · resized
A picnic table in the shade of a large tree hung with Spanish moss, with a lake and green woods behind
Hudson Woods at San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge: a picnic table under a moss-draped oak beside the water (date not given). Photo: USFWS · public domain · resized

Questions people ask

What is a fallout?

The refuge uses the word for spring days when the coastal forests near Bobcat Woods and the San Bernard Oak fill with colorful migrating songbirds. Worn out from their flight across the Gulf, neotropical migrants depend on these bottomland woods to rest, feed and refuel.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Bernard NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Bernard NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Is there a fee?

No, there is no charge to visit any of the public use areas.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Bernard NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

When are the recreation areas open?

Every day from official sunrise to official sunset. The complex office is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except federal holidays.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Bernard NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, on a leash. Bring insect repellent in every season, plus water and sunscreen.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Bernard NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How we know

Every timing above, from these pages; checked Sep 29