Photo courtesy of Philip Baker
Baytown Nature Center Birding Photo Contest
Join fellow birders and photographers as you capture nature’s most dazzling feathered treasures. Grab your camera, head outdoors, and let your best shot shine! The Birding for Jewels Photo Contest invites nature lovers of all ages and skill levels to explore the scenic trails, marshes, and shorelines of the Baytown Nature Center and showcase the wild beauty that makes this coastal sanctuary a birding gem.
From vibrant songbirds to graceful wading birds, every photograph tells a story of discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife photographer or snapping your very first bird sighting, this contest celebrates ethical wildlife photography, outdoor adventure, and the incredible biodiversity found right here in Baytown.
Photo courtesy of Philip Baker
Baytown Birding Challenge
Discover why Baytown is a premier birding destination along the Upper Texas Coast by taking the Visit Baytown Birding Challenge. Participants are challenged to find 40 different bird species in Baytown and the surrounding area by exploring local nature refuges and birding hotspots. Some species are common and can be spotted in many locations, while others are rare and limited to specific habitats or areas. Spring and fall migration are especially great times to spot migrating species. To help you get started, we’ve included a list of top birding locations in Baytown and beyond.
The goal of this challenge is to introduce birding to beginners, challenge experienced birders, and showcase the region’s outstanding birding opportunities to visitors from across the nation.
All finishers will receive an exclusive Visit Baytown Birding Medallion and a keepsake for completing the challenge. Participants can also complete fun bonus challenges to earn additional Visit Baytown swag.
Challenge Rules & Steps
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Submission Options
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Print the Birding Challenge entry form from this page and email your completed Birding Challenge PDF along with supporting photos or screenshots to tourism@baytown.org.
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For eBird users, you may submit an eBird “Trip Report” that includes all locations visited by selecting “Link Only” in the Visibility section. Email your submission to tourism@baytown.org and include:
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Your Name
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Mailing Address
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Whether you completed the bonus challenges
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Your Trip Report Link
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Record Your Bird Sightings
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For each bird species you find, record the information on the entry form or via eBird.
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Receive Your Prize
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All Challenge finishers will receive a Baytown Birding Challenge medallion. Participants who complete the bonus challenges and send proof will receive Visit Baytown Swag.
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Photo courtesy of @Grad8tions
Photo courtesy of @Grad8tions
Additional Information
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The Birding Challenge is open to all ages and all countries.
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Only one entry will be accepted per individual. If a participant finds more than 40 bird species, those species can be documented on additional entry forms, but all forms must be submitted at the same time and clearly marked with the participant's name and information.
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Please be thorough in filling out forms and write legibly. Illegible entries will not be counted.
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Most importantly, follow the rules set out in the American Birding Association’s Code of Birding Ethics, which can be found at listing.aba.org/ethics. Destruction of bird/natural habitats or stress to the wildlife in Baytown will result in the disqualification of Birding Challenge forms for the current and all future challenges.
Explore Baytown's Birding Spots
Discover Baytown's premier birding locations! From the scenic Baytown Nature Center to the vibrant Eddie V. Gray Wetlands, these spots offer diverse bird species and beautiful settings. Start your birding challenge today and enjoy these top birdwatching places!
Top Baytown Birding Locations:
Baytown Nature Center, 6213 Bayway Dr, TX 77520
Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education Center, 1724 Market St,TX 77520
Jenkins Park, 4334 Crosby Cedar Bayou Rd, TX 77521
Evergreen Park, 1530 Evergreen Rd, TX 77523
Bird Watching Locations
Just Beyond Baytown, TX:
Up to 20 bird species out of 40 may be found at the following nearby birding locations:
Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, 4318 FM 1985, Anahuac, TX 77514
Wallisville Lake Project, 1140 US Army Corps Road, Wallisville, TX 77597
All Four High Island Sanctuaries
High Island, Texas
As you participate throughout the year, check out our seasonal birding tips for insights on the best times and places to spot different species in Baytown. Explore Spring Birding, Winter Birding, and Summer Birding Tips to maximize your birding adventure during each season.
Photo courtesy of @Grad8tions
Birding on the Water
April through June, birders can take a boat tour to Bird Island with Terry's Guide Service. Bird Island is an official Migratory Nesting sight and only accessible by boat. The tour circles the whole island for an incredible birding experience.
To book your birding excursion call 281-389-7090 or visit Terry's Guide Service online at: www.fishingtrinitybay.com
Baytown Bird Count
The monthly bird count, called the Audubon, at the Baytown Nature Center provides an opportunity to collect valuable data of birds that breed, winter and migrate through the nature center. No previous experience is necessary. In fact, this is one of the best ways to gain experience in identifying birds. The surveys occur on the third Thursday of each month, September - May starting at 8:00 am. You will want to bring water, snacks, insect repellant, sunscreen and a hat. We ask that you bring your own binoculars and/or spotting scope. No registration required. Participation in the bird survey is free.
Joining the Baytown Nature Center Audubon is a great way to get you one step closer to completing the Baytown Birding Challenge and win your prize!