World Class Birding in Texas
December 29th 2007
Rio Grande Valley
The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) of Texas is a world-class birding spot. Follow the path of the Rio Grande River, from resacas to riverine woodlands, from arid chaparral to coastal prairie to coastal wetlands (west to east), and from temperate farmlands to subtropical climes (north to south).
The Mississippi and the Central flyways, join in the spring and diverge in the fall just north of the RGV. These flyways serve as a funnel for all types of feathered visitors into the avian wonderland that is the Rio Grande Valley.
Click to read article about birding in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) by seasons.
The World Birding Center
Over 10,000 acres are planned to become part of the WBC, helping to protect native habitat while increasing the understanding and appreciation of the birds and wildlife.
Currently, The World Birding Center is a network of nine sites strung along 120 miles of road from South Padre Island to Roma, Texas. The habitats are as diverse as the sites, which makes this the richest birding area north of the border.
- Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park-762 acres of wilderness and headquarters of WBC
- Edinburg Scenic Wetlands-oasis for water-loving birds and butterflies
- Estero Llano Grande State Park-almost 200 acres of wetlands
- Harlingen Arroyo Colorado-55 acres of Texas Ebony woodlands meet 40 acres of mixed upland thorn forest
- Old Hidalgo Pumphouse-historic museum planted with hummingbird gardens
- Quinta Mazatlan-historic Spanish Revival adobe hacienda surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and native woodlands
- Resaca de la Palma State Park-1700 semi- tropical acres
- Roma Bluffs-riverside nature area of three acres is part of a national historic district
- South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center-50 acres of dune meadows, salt marsh and intertidal flats, thickets of native shrubs and trees
For birding checklists for each of the sites above, please visit the WBC.
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