The Valley

World Birding Centers

South Padre > Estero Llano > Laguna Atascosa

The 230-acre Estero Llano Grande State Park has the largest wetlands environment in the World Birding Center network. It sits alongside the Arroyo Colorado, a stream that split from the Rio Grande. A shallow lake fringed with marsh cane and native Rio Grande woodlands and shrublands add variety. Estero Llano Grande has a well-deserved reputation as a can’t-miss birding destination. Pictures above: Great White Heron, Anhinga, Great Kiskadee, Tricolored Heron, Pauraque, Turtles,A Squirrel munching down in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, TX., Squirrel.

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park This 588-acre subtropical woodland is home to lots of birds and several endangered species: great for bird watching and wildlife viewing. The Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is the headquarters of the World Birding Center’s network of nine sites in 2004. More than 325 species of birds, and more than 250 species of butterflies have been noted in the Bentsen park. The park is popular to butterfly watcher, The North American Butterfly Association operates the National Butterfly Center adjacent to the park.. Pictures above: Javelina, Butterfly, Green Jay.