Birding

South Texas is renowned as a hotspot for bird watching and attracts some of the most unique species to the area, including South Padre Island. There are more than 300 species of exotic and neo-tropical birds found at South Padre Island. In fact, many of the birds found in South Texas can be found no where else in the United States because they are rare Mexican birds that migrate to the area each year. South Padre Island attracts more and more birding enthusiast each year. Don't miss out the peak season when these special species begin migrating South in the Fall and back North in the late Spring months.

Rare Sightings
Most recently sighted on South Padre Island were the Flamed-colored Tanager, the Black-legged Kittiwake, Connecticut Warbler, and the Yellow-Green Vireo. Also sighted was the Brown Booby, which hadn't been seen in this area since 1988. The Black and Yellow Rail have both been sighted at the South Padre Island Convention Centre. Shorebirds are out most common and resident birds, calling South Padre Island home year-around.

Spring & Fall
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. The Laguna Madre Nature Trail is always open and free of charge.

The other popular spots to view our winged visitors are the black mangrove flats along the bay to see variety of shorebirds, the jetties to see the Brown Pelican, and various residential woodlots for a variety of migrant birds.

Organized tours are available on South Padre Island to enhance your bird watching experience. For more information, contact the South Padre Island Visitor Center at 1-800-SOPADRE.

SPI Dolphin Research & Sealife Center
5009 Padre Blvd
In the corner #12
South Padre Island, TX
(956) 299-0629
http://www.spinaturecenter.com

Sea Ranch Dolphin Watch
One Padre Blvd
South Padre Island, Texas 78597
956-761-4243
http://www.theoriginaldolphinwatch.com

Colley's Fins to Feathers
South Padre Island, Texas 78597
956-793-2473
http://www.fin2feather.com