Top 5 Birds to Spot in Late April in Sabine Pass

Spring migration is in full swing here in Sabine Pass, and there’s no better place to catch the action than right here at The Fisherman’s Cottage. Tucked between coastal marsh and maritime forest, we’re in the heart of one of North America’s busiest bird highways. Each April, thousands of colorful songbirds and striking shorebirds touch down to rest and refuel—many right in our backyard.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply love a splash of color on your morning walk, here are five birds you’re likely to spot in late April:

Black and White Warbler (Audubon.org)

1. Black-and-white Warbler

🖤 The Tree Creeper

This striking little warbler lives up to its name with bold black-and-white stripes and a habit of climbing up and down tree trunks like a tiny woodpecker. They're one of the earliest migrants to arrive and easy to spot with their unique foraging style.

Where to Look: Tree trunks and branches in Sabine Woods or the wooded areas behind the Cottage
Fun Fact: They breed as far north as Canada but stop in our area to rest during migration.

Magnolia Warbler (Audubon.org)

2. Magnolia Warbler

💛 The Yellow Pop of Spring

Late April is prime time to catch a glimpse of the bright yellow belly and bold black streaks of the Magnolia Warbler. These showy songbirds pass through in large numbers and love the low branches, making them a favorite among photographers.

Where to Look: Shrubs and eye-level branches at the edges of the forest or along trails
Pro Tip: They move fast—have your camera or binoculars ready!

Indigo Bunting (Audubon.org)

3. Indigo Bunting

💙 The Jewel of the Woods

These electric blue beauties are hard to miss when the sun hits them just right. Male Indigo Buntings are often spotted singing from open perches as they migrate through the Gulf Coast.

Where to Look: Open spaces and brushy edges near the Cottage or Sabine Pass Battleground
Fun Fact: Their vivid color isn’t pigment—it’s light refracting through their feathers.

Scarlet Tanager (Audubon.org)

4. Scarlet Tanager

❤️ The Scarlet Surprise

When you catch your first glimpse of a male Scarlet Tanager, it almost doesn't seem real. Their red bodies and jet-black wings make them one of the most unforgettable birds you’ll see during spring migration.

Where to Look: Tree canopies in Sabine Woods or along wooded trails in the nearby refuges
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars—these birds tend to stay high up.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Audubon.org)

5. Yellow-billed Cuckoo

👀 The Sneaky Songster

This long, sleek bird is more often heard than seen, with a distinctive, croaky call that echoes through the trees. But in late April, cuckoos begin to arrive in force—giving patient birders a rare and beautiful sighting.

Where to Look: Dense thickets and forest edges near the marsh
Listen For: A soft “ka-ka-ka-ka-kow-kow-kow-kowlp” call—it’s their signature sound.

🌿 Your Front-Row Seat to Migration

There’s no better time to visit The Fisherman’s Cottage than right now. With quiet mornings, coastal breezes, and wildlife all around, late April is a birder’s paradise. Whether you’re up at dawn with a spotting scope or casually enjoying your coffee on the porch, the birds are here—and they’re putting on a show.

📸 Spot Something Great? Tag us in your sightings! Use #FishermansCottageBirding to be featured in our monthly birding roundup.

🛏️ Ready for your getaway? Book your stay and catch migration at its peak—before these beauties continue their journey north.