Columbia Bottomlands: Bird Migration Hub Near Houston

The Columbia Bottomlands is a vital nature area stretching from Gulf beaches to river forests near Houston. This region, including San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge and Brazos Bend State Park, serves as a crucial stop for millions of migrating birds each year. Every spring, about 239 million birds from 237 species pass through on their journey north from Central America. The area provides winter homes for 24 duck species and 4 goose species, plus year-round habitat for eagles, hawks, and other raptors. The bottomlands support over 320 bird species, 95 reptile and amphibian species, and 130 butterfly and dragonfly species. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding across multiple parks and refuges. The region features diverse trees including live oaks, pecans, and magnolias, plus wetlands that are internationally recognized for shorebird habitat. Houston Wilderness, a coalition of business, environmental, and government groups, works to preserve this and nine other local ecoregions through education and conservation efforts.