Home » Blog » The Best Birding Destinations in South Texas

The Best Birding Destinations in South Texas

Birdwacthing

South Texasis a well-known haven for birdwatchers. It is home to 639 unique bird species living in various habitats such as sprawling prairies and humid marshes. Many birders flock to the region for the rare chance to spota multitude of bird species not found anywhere else in the country.

If you’re a birder planning to go to South Texas, here are some of the best spots to visit:

  1. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

    1 Wild Life Circle, Austwell, TX

    The lush Aransas National Wildlife Refuge often ranks as one of the top birding spots in South Texas. Covering approximately 114,650 acres, Aransas is the place to be if you’re looking for whooping cranes. You’ll see a lot of themhere from late October until spring.

    Aransas National Wildlife Refuge also welcomes a variety of more exotic visitors such as phalaropes, grebes, and tropicbirds. Swainson’s and hooded warblers often nest here as well. Read more about this protected area here.

  2. Goose Island State Park
  3. 202 S. Palmetto St., Rockport, TX

    If you still have time after birding in Aransas, consider dropping by Goose Island. This state park is a known rest stop for migrant land birds during spring, fall, and even winter.

    What makes Goose Island so special is that you can sight of a variety of endangered of threatened bird species here. Northern Aplomado falcons swing by, as well as whooping cranes and cormorants. Many other species of birds also make their homes here, including hummingbirds, hawks, sparrows, and warblers.

    When you’re in Goose Island, make sure to drop by the coastal oak called “The Big Tree,” frequented by herons and bitterns. Visit this page for more information.

  4. Choke Canyon State Park
  5. State Highway 72, Three Rivers, TX

    Choke Canyon State Park is a 1,400-acre park that is split into two areas: theSouth Shore Unit and the Calliham Unit.

    The South Shore Unit is a daytime-only park that’s also popular amonganglers for its abundant fishing opportunities.The Calliham Unit offers hiking trails where you can look for more birds.

    When the parkcomes alive in spring, migrant birds such as vermilion flycatchers and Audubon’s orioles flock to Choke Canyon. Other bird species spotted here include cinnamon teals, olive sparrows, cave swallows, Hariss’ hawk common gallinules, golden-fronted woodpeckers, and verdins. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a crested caracara.

  6. Lake Corpus Christi State Park
  7. 23194 Park Road 25, Mathis, TX

    Lake Corpus Christi State Park’s diverse habitats are home to an equally diverse wildlife. This makes it special among birders from all over the country. Black-bellied whistlingducks, pauraques, long-billed thrashers, white-eyed vireos, pyrrhuloxias, black-throated sparrows, and purple gallinules are some of the beautiful birds you’ll find here.

Whether you’re a birder or you just like spending time outdoors, you’ll find that South Texas is the ideal place for nature lovers. Discover homes for sale in South Texas communities like Three Rivers and George West today.Get in touch with Desert Flower Realty at 361-449-2051 or DesertFlowerRealty@DesertFlowerRealty.com to get started.

Share