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More information:
- South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau
Phone: (800) 767-2373 (800-SoPadre), (956) 761-3005
Email: info@sopadre.com
Web: www.sopadre.com
LTC 034 South Padre Island
Suggested Seasons to visit: Migrations, Winter
Site open for day use only.
From Port Isabel, continue east on TX 100 across the Queen Isabella
Causeway to South Padre Island (SPI). Once on the Island, go north on Park
Road (PR) 100/ SPI Boulevard to the end of the pavement and the undeveloped
portion of South Padre Island. The beach is accessible at Beach Access #6, and
at low tide a four-wheel drive vehicle may continue north to the Mansfield
Cut. This stretch of beach (as well as the stretch on North Padre Island (CTC
063) south of where the pavement ends) has produced a number of rare gulls,
terns, and pelagic species. Peregrine Falcons are common in winter and
migration, and shorebirds such as Snowy and Piping plovers are easy to find
feeding along the water’s edge.
LTC 035 SPI Convention Center/The Laguna Madre
Nature Trail
Suggested Seasons to visit: Migrations, Winter
Site open for day use only. World Birding Center site.
Return south on PR 100 to Orca Circle and the SPI Convention Center. The
Center will serve as the easternmost facility of the WBC complex. The property
surrounding it offers an impressive diversity of habitats. Begin by walking
around the Center’s native gardens.
Continue to the Laguna Madre Nature Trail boardwalk that extends from the
parking lot of the Convention Center to the Laguna Madre. This freshwater
marsh is perhaps the best spot in the U.S. to see all of the regularly
occurring rails. As many as six species of rails have been seen here at one
time, including both Yellow and Black. Virginia and King rails winter in this
marsh, and Clapper Rail is resident. Depending on the season, watch for Marsh
Wren (year round), Swamp Sparrow (winter), and Least Bittern (summer).
From the SPI Convention Center, continue south on PR 100 to Aries Dr. Go
west on Aries Dr. to its end at the Laguna Madre and the Brown Pelican Inn.
The Inn, with Black Mangroves nearly reaching the front door, is a private B&B
that caters to birders. Contact proprietors Vicky and Ken Conway at (956)
761-2722, Innkeeper@BrownPelican.com or visit their website at
www.BrownPelican.com
LTC 036 Valley Land Fund Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Suggested Seasons to visit: Migrations
Site open for day use only.
Continue south on PR 100 to W. Sheepshead. Turn west (right) and continue
to the GTCBT sign. The Valley Land Fund owns six wooded lots in this area and
is improving the property for migratory land birds. The Great Texas Birding
Classic assisted in funding the purchase of this property. During migrations
(particularly spring) these wooded lots on South Padre may be every bit as
productive as High Island (UTC 051 - 055) or Packery Channel (CTC 062).
The Valley Land Fund, Inc.
P.O. Box 6618
McAllen, Texas 78502
(956) 686-6429
Email: info@valleylandfund.com
Web: www.valleylandfund.com
LTC 037 SPI Gateway Project
Suggested Seasons to visit: All Seasons
Site open for day use only.
Continue south on PR 100 to the Queen Isabella Causeway. The City of South
Padre Island has constructed a trail to access the mangroves and tidal flats
at the base of the Causeway. This paved walkway traverses the flats on the
south side of the Causeway, curves under it, then crosses the flats on the
north side to connect with a sidewalk system that continues north on the
Island. Shorebirds, gulls, and terns roost on these flats, making this trail
system an excellent opportunity to study these birds.
LTC 038 Isla Blanca County Park
Suggested Seasons to visit: Migrations, Winter
Site open daily. Fee charged.
Continue south on PR 100 to its end at Isla Blanca County Park. The entry
fee covers a daily permit that includes Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park (LTC
022) and all other Cameron County parks. The woodlands to the right just
before the Park entrance are excellent during spring migration for warblers,
vireos, tanagers, buntings and orioles. Once in the Park, continue to the
jetties at its south end, scan the offshore waters for pelagic birds such as
Northern Gannet and Magnificent Frigatebird. These, along with additional
species such as Bridled Tern and Cory’s Shearwater are better seen on a
pelagic trip.
In SPI, bay cruises may be arranged through Colley’s Cruises. They
regularly access the shallow waters of the Laguna Madre and South Bay, where
impressive numbers of waterfowl, herons, egrets, and shorebirds may be seen.
Contact Colley’s Cruises at (956) 943-2473 (BIRD), or visit their web page:
www.fin2feather.com. For park reservations and information, contact Isla
Blanca at (956) 761-5493 or http://cameron-county-parks.com.
As you leave the jetties, stop by the University of Texas—Pan American
Coastal Studies Lab southwest of the Sandpiper Pavilion. Their aquariums and
displays are open from 1:30 - 4:30 pm, except Saturdays. Returning north on PR
100 to the Queen Isabella Causeway, check the pond in front of the Sheraton
Fiesta. Diving ducks are often seen in this pond. In addition, a butterfly
garden is being added at this location. Return to TX 100 and cross the Queen
Isabella Causeway.
South Padre Island has attracted generations of visitors
year-round to its lush landscaping and breathtaking island scenery. However,
just as a countless number of visitors flock to the island every year, it also
has welcomed over 300 species of birds.
Due to primarily to its southern location and proximity to
the Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island is a feeding ground for various migrating
birds. The fall months, namely October and November, bring birds headed south
for the winter. The changing winds bring them in for a landing on their favorite
rest stop on the Gulf Coast. The spring months, notably March, April, and May,
bring our feathered visitors to our tropical island on their way home.
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 & Sea life 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
SouthPadre 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/
Wildlife Watching
Dolphin and Nature Research Center
Providing an interactive look at sea creatures in order to teach people about
Dolphins in the wild and other sea animals. This Center offers a hands on
experience as well as teach about conservation. For more information on hours
and price call 956-761-7178
http://www.spinaturecenter.com
Laguna Atascosa
National Wildlife Refuge
Laguna Madre Nature Trail
Next to the Convention Centre and Whaling Wall No. 53, the Laguna Madre Nature
Trail is a 1,500-foot boardwalk that extends across four acres of wetlands.
Containing informative signs about dune systems and bird species that frequent
the area, the nature trail provides visitors with the opportunity to observe
many species of birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The idea of
the Laguna Madre Nature Trail was conceived by naturalist Ed Hawkins. It is
dedicated to his memory. Both the Whaling Wall and nature trail are always open
to the public free of charge and can be accessed through the circle driveway
leading up to the Convention Centre. The South Padre Island Convention Centre is
located at 7355 Padre Blvd. at the north end of town.
Sea Turtle, Inc.
Sea Turtle, Inc., a non-profit organization founded in 1978, was the home of Ila
Loetscher, known by many as the "Turtle Lady." Ms. Loetscher dedicated her life
to saving and rehabilitating sea turtles, including the endangered Kemp's ridley
sea turtle. Educational shows featuring the turtles are given on Tuesdays and
Saturdays at 10 a.m. A donation of $2 is requested at the door. Sea Turtle, Inc.
is located at 6617 Padre Boulevard.
Phone: 761-1720 or 761-4511
The University of Texas Pan American Coastal
Studies Lab
The U.T.P.A. Coastal Studies Lab, located in Isla Blanca Park at the south end
of the Island, has aquarium displays of fish and other marine life indigenous to
the area, as well as an extensive shell collection. The lab is open
Sunday-Friday, 1:30-4:30 p.m. (956) 761-2644
Bay Tours
Breakaway Cruises
Sea Ranch Marina (One S.Padre Blvd. slip 27)
(956) 761-2212
Dolphin watch, eco-tours, sunset cruises, amphibious boats, glass bottom boats,
parasailing, snorkeling and private fishing charters.
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