Birding and Butterfly Watching in South Texas

The southernmost tip of Texas known as the Rio Grande Valley is one of the most popular birding and butterfly watching hotspots in the world.

As a subtropical coastal region with mild, dry winters and hot and humid summers. Inland, the drier landscape is dominated by thick spiny brush. The unique climate in South Texas attracts nature aficionados from all over the nation, especially for birding, butterfly watching, exploring unique plants, Texas wildlife and more. A vast majority of Texas birds, butterflies, dragonflies, amphibians, reptiles and other mammals inhabit the wildlife of South Texas – making it a premier spot for nature parks and wildlife.

The Rio Grande Valley also houses eight annual nature festivals, plus many nature trails, viewing areas and events. Rub shoulders with the country's best birders. Enjoy nature-friendly hotels and Bed & Breakfasts. Come enjoy the best bird watching and butterfly watching in the United States!

For additional information, please call our information line at

• 800-343-2368
• 956-761-6433

Visit one of our many nature hotspots. Below is a list of the Top Hot Spots:

1. National Wildlife Refuges: Santa Ana, Laguna Atascosa, and Lower Rio Garnde Valley (open tracts Boca Chica, El Sal Del Rey, Salineno)
2. World Birding Centers: Headquarters at Bentsen-RGV State Park, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, Estero Llano Grande State Park, Harlingen Arroya Colorado/Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, Quinta Mazatlan, Resaca de la Palma State Park, Roma Bluffs, South Padre Island Birding and Nature Cente
3. County Parks: Anzalduas, Delta Lake, Adolph Thomae, Falcon
4. Private Sanctuaries: Sable Palm Audubon Sanctuary, Sheepshead Valley Land Fund lots on South Padre Island, Los Ebanos Preserve, El Canelo Ranch, Frontera Audubon Sanctuary, Valley Nature Center, Chapeno, San Ygnacio Sanctuary
5. Other State Parks: Falcon, Zapata
6. Other locations: Brownsville Sanitary Landfill, Fort Brown resaca, Old Port Isabel Road, TX 100 south from Laguna Vista, Rio Hondo Cemetery, Fronton, Santa Margarita Ranch

Video Clips by Richard Moore