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.

On South Padre Island, nature lovers will appreciate and enjoy the last 34 miles of ecologically significant, unspoiled beaches and sand dunes along the Gulf of Mexico. Due primarily to its location, South Padre Island is a feeding ground for various migrating birds. The fall months, namely October and November, bring birds headed south for the winter. The changing winds bring them in for a landing on their favorite rest stop on the Gulf Coast. The spring months, notably March, April, and May, bring our feathered visitors to our Island on their way home. The wetlands that line the bay side of the island create an ideal habitat for numerous plants, animals and waterfowl. In fact, more than 300 species of birds, including a wide range of shorebirds and migratory birds make South Padre Island their home during part or most of the year.

The Laguna Madre Nature Trail, known locally as the birding boardwalk, provides access to the Laguna Madre bay for birders and other outdoor enthusiasts. From the 1,500-foot boardwalk that extends across four acres of wetland, onlookers can see egrets, herons, oystercatchers, terns, and our own White-Morph Redish Egret wading in the shallow water of the Laguna Madre. The Black and Yellow Rail have also been sighted, along with the Yellowbilled Loon and the Brown Booby. The boardwalk also takes nature lovers over wetlands and around a freshwater pond, providing them with an excellent opportunity to view a variety of rails, soras, kingfishers, moorhens, and numerous other species. A perfect place to set up a birding scope, this wheelchair accessible facility can be accessed through the circle driveway leading up to the South Padre Island Convention Centre at 7355 Padre Boulevard. The boardwalk is open at all times and is free of charge.

The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, a satellite of the World Birding Center, is located on the Laguna Madre waterfront. Opening in summer 2008, the facility will include a 10,000 square foot Visitor’s Center with exhibits, and additional boardwalks and bird blinds on the Laguna Madre Nature Trail. Funds raised by the South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation were used to develop the project.

The dedicated “Warbler Rest Area” adjacent to the boardwalk serves as an attraction for all winged friends, especially its namesake. Warblers consider the South Padre Island area their personal rest area on their trip to and from Central and South America. The native trees planted by the nature trail were chosen for their insect habitat from which the birds can feed. The Fiddlewood bushes were chosen for their delectable berries, which are favorites among the Warbler and most birds. During spring and fall migrations, birders are delighted by the kaleidoscope of colors seen at the rest stop as the warblers are joined by tanagers, orioles, buntings, and many other varieties of birds seeking refuge. It is also a haven for all types of butterflies.

Most visitors to the Island become “accidental birders” before they even set foot in the sand. As you cross the Queen Isabella Causeway keep your eyes open for the Black Pelican, and at the base of the causeway look to your left and right at the black mangrove flats for all types of shorebirds. Not only can you see more egrets, terns, and oystercatchers here, but you might also spot a few Roseate Spoonbills, plovers, and all types of herons.

The South Padre Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary located on West Sheepshead Street, is a project of the Valley Land Fund. In 1999, six residential lots were purchased for the feeding and resting of neotropicals. In addition to offering habitat protection for migrants, these lots are also a showplace to educate Island residents and visitors in techniques for making their privately owned land “bird friendly”. This is the most ambitious project to date by the Valley Land Fund and the spectacular native landscaping and ponds are open to the public. Many birding spots and nesting sites located on and around the Laguna Madre bay simply can not be seen by land. To bird watch from the water, check with the numerous dolphin watch companies on the Island.

Birding by boat or by land is especially rewarding during the winter. The Island’s mild temperatures make it a sanctuary for White Pelicans, all kinds of ducks, avocets, loons, gulls, grebes, and the elusive Peregrine Falcon. Always exciting is the occasional sighting of frigatebirds, boobies, and other pelagic birds. Whether you tour South Padre Island by car, boat, or on foot, your birding experience will be a special one.

A short 20-minute drive from South Padre Island is the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Located east of Rio Hondo and bordering the Laguna Madre bay, this 45,000-acre federal preserve is one of the jewels of the refuge system and has 411 birds documented which is more than any other national refuge. It is also home to endangered species such as the ocelot and jaguarundi. Other animals found at the refuge are javelinas, deer, Texas tortoises, indigo snakes, bobcats, coyotes and mountain lions. Admittedly, mountain lions are rare, but have been spotted none the less.

Check in at the Visitor’s Center and set off to explore the areas harsh but beautiful ecosystem by foot or car along with the marked roads. The Visitor’s Center is open October 1 through April 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. The Center is open only on weekends during the month of May from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is closed June 1 through September 30. The Center is also closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Entrance fee is $3.00 per car. For additional information call (956) 748-3607.

For more birding opportunities in the area, please contact the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce at (956) 761-4412 or the South Padre Island Visitors Center at 1-800-SOPADRE for a complete list of area birding attractions.