The Valley

World Birding Centers

South Padre > Estero Llano > Laguna Atascosa

The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary is the island’s premier birding site. It offers 43 acres of protected coastal wetland habitat comprised of both saltwater and freshwater marsh. The dual wetland ecosystem attracts an incredible diversity of birds as well as other animals such as fish, turtles, crabs, pollinators, dragonflies, mammals, and alligators. A three-quarter mile raised boardwalk trail loops through the wetlands with five shaded viewing blinds and a rescued nuisance alligator sanctuary along the way. Pictures above: Snowy Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, Tricolored Heron and Reddish Egret.

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is positioned along an east-west and north-south juncture of two major migratory routes for many species of birds. It is also at the northern-most point for many species whose range extends south into Central and South America. The refuge is right in the middle of all this biological diversity, which is what makes this 2,088-acre parcel the ‘jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System.’ Pictures above: Welcome Center, Great White Heron, Chachalaca, Woodpecker, Spanish Moss.

Quinta Mazatlán is a stunning adobe mansion in McAllen known as almost didn’t make it into the current century. Built in 1935 as a luxurious private residence, the Quinta is a classic example of the Spanish Revival style of architecture. At 10,000-square feet, it’s also considered one of the largest adobe structures in the state. The mansion and surrounding 20-acre estate of manicured gardens and native Tamaulipan thornscrub habitat served as an ideal urban sanctuary. Pictures above: Welcome Center, Great Kiskadee, Chachalaca,