Birders flock to the Rio Grande Valley year-round to spot exotic resident and migratory birds. Harlingen, home of a World Birding Center, is blessed with Ramsey Nature Park, the Harlingen Thicket and nearby wildlife parks. Pick up a birding checklist and see how many species you can identify.
Harlingen, TX is a bird-watcher’s paradise. When you want to explore all the natural wonders of southernmost Texas, remember that Harlingen is ideally situated in the middle of the Rio Grande Valley. Harlingen has become a favorite natural destination for birders and ecotourists, thanks to the city’s nature parks and trails that attract must-see birds. Renowned birding hot spots are just minutes away, and so are South Padre Island and Mexico!
The World Birding Center Hugh Ramsey Park has 50 acres, which provide ideal habitat for many “Valley specialists” like the Green and Ringed Kingfishers, Common Pauraque, Groove-billed Ani, Long-billed Thrasher and Olive Sparrow. The park is located along the Arroyo Colorado on Loop 499 (Ed Carney Drive) at the intersection of Ed Carney and Tyler Avenue.
Harlingen Thicket Bird Sanctuary is a 40-acre tract of native brush located in the center of Harlingen. Birds known to visit the area include Groove-billed Ani, Plain Chachalaca, Harris’ Hawk, Altamira Oriole and Olive Sparrow. The best access to the thicket is from Arroyo Park, where there is ample parking and restrooms. From Ed Carey, turn northwest on Hale Avenue and proceed to New Hampshire.
Annual Event
The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, the premiere birding festival in South Texas, is set in Harlingen for a simple reason: great birds. We're home to large, loud, colorful birds, rare, exotic, life list birds, Kiskadees, parrots, chachalacas and many, many, more species.
The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival is held every November, offering five action-packed days of expert-led field trips, seminars and the exciting Birding Bazaar. Both beginners and experienced birders say they learn more about birds and see more birds than they thought possible when they participate in the festival. Visit www.rgvbf.org for more information.
