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The natural surroundings of
South Padre Island and the
Rio Grande Valley give birders
and wildlife enthusiasts
the opportunity to sneak
a peek at a wide variety
of unique species.
O n South Padre Island, nature periods, especially during “fallout”
lovers will appreciate and enjoy
conditions. To birders a “fallout” is a
the last 34 miles of ecologically large number of birds that land in any
significant, unspoiled beaches
given area because of adverse weather
and sand dunes along the Gulf conditions for their migration. When
of Mexico. Due primarily to its loca- those conditions take place, visitors
can see all sorts of beautiful songbirds
tion, South Padre Island is a feeding
ground for various migrating birds. everywhere!
Birders from all over Texas con-
The fall months, namely October and verged on the Island in October
November, bring birds headed south
for the winter. The changing winds 2018. An immature White-crowned
bring them in for a landing on their Pigeon, more than likely brought in
favorite rest stop on the Gulf Coast. by a storm during hurricane season,
The spring months, notably March, was found at the South Padre Island
April, and May, bring our feathered Birding & Nature Center on October
visitors to our Island on their way 2nd and remained until October 14th.
home. The wetlands that line the The White-crowned Pigeon, a tropical
bay side of the island create an ideal species, is a resident of the Caribbean
habitat for numerous plants, animals and was hundreds of miles from its
and waterfowl. In fact, more than 300 normal range. This was the 3rd Texas
species of birds, including a wide range record, but the 1st time seen by more
of shorebirds and migratory birds make than one observer.
South Padre Island their home during As a wing of the World Birding
part or most of the year. Center, which was established in
The South Padre Island 1999 through cooperative partner-
Birding, Nature Center, and ships between Rio Grande Valley
Alligator Sanctuary, provides Communities, Texas Parks and
access to the Laguna Madre bay for Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife,
birders and other outdoor enthusi- the South Padre Island Birding, Nature
asts. From the boardwalks that extend Center, and Alligator Sanctuary is
across the wetlands, onlookers can see one of nine centers whose mission
egrets, herons, oystercatchers, terns, is to educate the public about nature
and our own White-Morph Redish conservation; especially bird con-
Egret wading in the shallow water servation. The Center provides local
of the Laguna Madre. The Black and and visiting families the opportunity
Yellow Rail have also been sighted, to learn about our beaches, dunes,
along with the Yellow-billed Loon the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna
and the Brown Booby. The boardwalks Madre; how important nature is to
also take nature lovers over wetlands the development of our children and
and freshwater ponds, providing our existence; and how to protect and
them with an excellent opportunity to preserve nature in our own backyards
view a variety of rails, soras, kingfishers, and neighborhoods.
moorhens, and numerous other species. The dedicated “Warbler Rest
The decks over the bay at the Area” adjacent to the boardwalk
Birding Center are a wonderful place location closest to the South Padre
to be at sunrise and sunset. The Island Convention Centre, serves as
observation tower is a popular place an attraction for all winged friends,
because visitors can see the Gulf of especially its namesake. Warblers
Mexico, the Laguna Madre Bay, the consider the South Padre Island area
salt and freshwater wetlands that sur- their personal rest area on their trip to
round the Center, and the skyline of and from Central and South America.
the City of South Padre Island. The native trees planted in the area
South Padre Island’s location and were chosen for their insect habitat
geology make for a unique ecology — from which the birds can feed. The
a perfect location for nature enthusi- Fiddlewood bushes were chosen for
asts since we have such a rich variety their delectable berries, which are
of plants, insects, and land and sea favorites among the Warbler and
animals; some of which are threatened most birds. During spring and fall
or endangered. We can offer great migrations, birders are delighted by
birding opportunities year round, but the kaleidoscope of colors seen at the
since South Padre Island is located rest stop as the warblers are joined
along the coast where the Central and by tanagers, orioles, buntings, and
Mississippi Flyways converge, we offer many other varieties of birds seek ing
exceptional birding opportunities refuge. It is also a haven for all types
during the spring and fall migration of butterflies.
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