Birding in Texas
Due to the range of bird habitats and remarkable geography of Texas, our state is host to some 640 different species of birds. The word “Texas” means friendly, and the birds here are just as friendly as the people. Because they aren’t shy, the birds are easy to observe and study. There are hundreds of birding hotspots across the state, but below is an introduction to some of the most popular, productive spots that you should not miss if you are a birder planning a trip to Texas. All hotspots are navigable and easy to find.
For more detailed information, research the city for birding areas. Or, contact Texas Birding at alamoinn@gmail.com for questions, itineraries, and book recommendations.
Birding Hotspots in Texas
Coastal Bend
Corpus Christi
- Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge
- Hazel Bazemore County Park
- Pollywog Ponds
- South Texas Botanical Gardens (seasonal)
Kingsville
- King Ranch Bird and Wildlife Tours
Port Aransas
- Aransas Bay Whooping Crane Boat Tours (Skimmer Boat)
- Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
- Beach at the Jetty
- Goose Island State Park
- Goose Island 8th Street area
- Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center Wetland
- Mustang Island (various stops)
- Paradise Pond
Lower Rio Grande Valley
Alamo
- Brushline Road Drive
- Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
Edinburg
- Edinburg Scenic Wetlands World Birding Center
- La Sal Del Rey
Harlingen
- Arroyo Colorado Hike & Bike Trail
- Harlingen Thicket Nature Park
- Hugh Ramsey Nature Park
Hidalgo
- Old Hidalgo Pumphouse World Birding Center
- Streets East of Pumphouse for Monk Parakeets
Laredo
- Casa Blanca International State Park
- Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course (bird from a golf cart)
- Monte Mucho Audubon website for information
Los Fresnos
- Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
- Highway 100 Utility Lines
- Old Port Isabel Road
- Russell Town – Highway 100
- FM 803 Irrigation #6
- Los Fresnos Nature Park
- Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park
- Inn at Chachalaca Bend
Mission
- Anzalduas County Park
- Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park
- National Butterfly Center
San Ygnacio
- Rio Grande Scenic Stop and Picnic pull off 4 miles west of town on Hwy 83
- San Ygnacio Bird Sanctuary & Riverfront
South Padre Island
- SPI Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary
Weslaco
- Estero Llano Grande Lake
- Estero Llano Grande State Park World Birding Center
- Frontera Audubon Thicket
- Valley Nature Center
Southeast Texas
Beaumont
- Big Thicket Preserve (numerous hot spots)
- Cattail Marsh Wetlands
Conroe
- Lake Conroe
Pearland
- Brazos Bend State Park
- El Franco Lee Park
- John Hargrove Environmental Complex
- Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Trail
Port Arthur
- JD Murphree Wildlife Management Area
- McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge
- Pleasure Island
- Sabine Woods
- Sea Rim State Park
- Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge
West Texas
Big Bend Region
Big Bend National Park:
- Chisos Basin Area
- Rio Grande Village
- Sam Nail Ranch
- Cottonwood Campground
- Santa Elena Canyon Nature Trail
Marathon:
- Pena Colorado Park
- Gage Gardens
Lajitas:
- Lajitas Golf Resort
- Barton Warnock Visitor Center, Big Bend Ranch State Park
Study Butte/Terlingua:
- Christmas Mountains Oasis
Spring Chirp Festival (April)
