Willow Waterhole Urban Bird Survey
Next Survey: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Survey Leader: Mary Ann Beauchemin
Co-Leaders: Mark Meyer, David Crabtree, and Michael Honel
About the Survey
The Willow Waterhole Bird Survey began in June 2007 and takes place on the third Saturday of each month. During the two-hour count, participants typically identify around 30 species in the summer and more than 50 in the winter.
The survey begins at the Gathering Place, 5310 South Willow Drive. Start time is 8 am during the cooler months (October through March) and 7 am during the extended summer season (April through September). Participants divide into three groups to cover the Willow Waterhole Greenway thoroughly. Since 2020, more than 210 species have been recorded and submitted to eBird. To explore the full species list, visit ebird.org/hotspot/L390915.
Mary Ann Beauchemin, former Senior Naturalist at the Nature Discovery Center, leads the survey in partnership with Houston Audubon.
If you are new to the survey, please reach out in advance so the group can plan accordingly.
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If you're new to the survey, please let us know you're coming. Contact Mary Ann if you'd like to be placed on our mailing list.
About Willow Waterhole Greenway
The Willow Waterhole Greenway is a 290-acre network of lakes, prairie, and native landscapes in southwest Houston. With miles of fully paved trails, the Greenway offers accessible, year-round opportunities for birding, walking, and connecting with nature.
The Greenway includes several lakes and diverse habitats that attract a wide range of bird species throughout the year. As part of the City of Houston park system, the Greenway is supported by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) and stewarded by the Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy.
Multiple parking lots are conveniently located around the Greenway, including access points at the Gathering Place on South Willow Drive, Ricecrest Street, Clematis Lane, and Dryad Drive near Westbury High School, making it easy to explore different sections of the park.
Birding Willow Waterhole Greenway
by Mark Meyer
Birding across the Willow Waterhole Greenway is both accessible and rewarding, with paved trails connecting visitors to a variety of habitats. The western side of the Greenway features several lakes and open water views, while the eastern areas include restored coastal prairie and native plantings that support unique and seasonal species.
The Greenway is also home to the endangered Texas Prairie Dawn (Hymenoxys texana), a reminder of the ecological importance of preserving and restoring native landscapes in an urban setting.
Whether you are a seasoned birder or just getting started, the Willow Waterhole Greenway offers a dynamic and ever-changing experience, shaped by the seasons and the remarkable diversity of wildlife that call it home.
