Of the nearly 50 million birdwatchers in the US, only about one million have made it to one of the best islands for birdwatching in the entire country.
While it’s a shame so many are missing out, it also means the few who venture to South Padre Island in Texas are in for an amazing experience.
Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre Bay, South Padre Island’s subtropic climate attracts an amazing blend of plants and animals, but with over 300 species on the island alone, it’s obviously the birds that take center stage.
That’s where the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center comes into play. Complete with five bird blinds, a tower, and a 3,000-foot boardwalk, the organization specializes in helping visitors discover birds in their natural habitat. The best part? You don’t have to be a birding expert to enjoy the sights and sounds.
Ready to get going? Here are three more reasons why we love birding in and around South Padre:
Expect to see several birds anytime of the year
Combined with its warm climate and the sheer number of bird species that visit the island, the odds are high that you won’t go home without seeing several different types of birds during your stay. One of the most interesting times of the year to visit is in April, when dozens of birds are forced to take shelter around the island due to severe weather interrupting their flight patterns. Called the “fallout” by experts at the center, you can expect to see several different types of warblers, orioles and even a few hummingbirds during this time of the year.
They’re hard to miss
With so many birds calling the island home at least once a year, it can be hard to keep track of them all. But, once again, the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is prepared. The website is regularly updated with daily, weekly and even monthly sightings so first time visitors can get an idea of what to expect before they arrive. To experience the best of the migratory birds and the more permanent residents of the island, plan a trip between October and January, when you can expect to see the most.
You can do it anywhere
In its entirety, South Padre Island spans 34 miles, and the Birding and Nature Center isn’t the only place for you to see everything. For the best opportunities, avoid the southern end of the island where the area is the most built up, and instead head for the campgrounds and other walking trails the island has. After a morning spent at the SPI Birding and Nature Center, it’s the perfect way to test your skills and see how much you learned about the cool birds that call the island home.