One of the premier birding hotspots in the country, if not the number one hotspot, is the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) of Texas. This special place plays host, or has played host - in the sense of vagrants, to an incredible variety of bird species, 485 to be exact. Its unique geographical reality places it at a critical junction of habitat types which allows this area to become truly magical in the imagination of every birder.

When one considers the fact that this biotic cross roads is built around four distinct and unique environments, one begins to understand why the RGV is held in such high esteem as a bird Mecca. To the north one encounters a relatively temperate climate, while to the south the picture is radically changed by a subtropical presence. The same is true for the east-west component: arid to one side and coastal/coastal prairie to the other.

All this, combined with the fact that two principal flyways, the Mississippi and the Central, join together/or split (depending on whether we are looking at a Spring or Fall migration) just to the north of the Valley and you fully realize what makes this four or five county area so wonderfully diverse. One can't deny it, the birds just love this place!

The birding community has known for eons of this legendary corner of our world and has made names like Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Bentsen, Rio Grande State Park, Sabal Palm Grove, (See Outstanding Outdoors) and still others, synonymous with colorful birds and warm memories. Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, (See Outstanding Outdoors) for example, is the only National Wildlife Refuge in the entire Refuge System to have broken the 400 barrier; that is a record 400 plus bird species within its boundaries. It's sister Refuge, Santa Ana, is not far behind. With credentials such as these, it is no wonder why the RGV attracts so many to its fabled landscapes.

The Valley's avian resource has sparked the interest of photographers also. The Valley Land Fund Photo Contest, an annual and unique pairing of private land owners and serious shutterbugs, for example, has become one of the most prestigious and lucrative contests in the country. Although birds aren't the only attraction during this competition, they are the most photographed category.

Certain species of birds found in the RGV are found either nowhere else or only in a few other places in the United States. Species like Hook-Billed Kite, White-Collared Seedeater, Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, Tamaulipas Crow, Brown Jay, Couch's Kingbird and Ringed Kingfisher haunt the bright dreams of avid birders. Other RGV specialties also call to the birder's heart: Muscovy Duck, Plain Chachalaca, Red-Crowned Parrot, Green Parakeet, Red-Billed Pigeon, Ferriegenous Pygmy-Owl, Buff-Bellied Hummingbird, Long-Billed Thrasher, White-Tipped Dove, Tropical Parula, just to name a few.

Certainly more tropical species, although not present every year, are becoming more and more regular as time goes by. So much so, that any trip could produce birds like Clay-Colored Robin, Masked Duck, Northern Jacana or Blue Bunting, for example. But, for a truly remarkable note one need only turn to the growing list of vagrants that have at one time or another been found within the Valley confines: Roadside Hawk, Crane Hawk, Jabiru, Collared Forest-Falcon, Ruddy Quail-Dove, Stygian Owl, Green-Breasted Mango, Green Violet-Ear, Masked Tityra, Grey Silky Flycatcher and the list goes on and on.

Almost anytime of the year will produce good to great birds here in the Valley. Fall and Winter are a good time for vagrants and errant gulls, while the summer is the obvious heart of the breeding period. Many bird species will produce a number of clutches each year, well into the hot months of the season. Early spring (late March-the beginning of April) is a wonderful time to witness the hawk migration, and on its tail feathers follows the bulk of the season's migration, everything from warblers and vireos to grosbeaks and buntings.

The coastal areas seem to be the better place to be during this latter segment of the northerly rush of birds to their breeding grounds, while the central Valley boasts the best hawk migration vantage points. And where will the vagrants show up...? Almost anywhere!

What is the best way to bird the Valley? The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival (See Calendar of Events), held each November in Harlingen will give you an in depth introduction to the area's habitats and birds and also will offer the advanced birder the opportunity to "mop up" any omissions to ones quest. The same can be said for the Texas Tropics Nature Festival (See Calendar of Events), held each April in McAllen.

Other opportunities are also available. The two National Wildlife Refuges provide a variety of tours during the bulk of the year, as does Bentsen Rio Grande State Park. Check their staffs for details and scheduling. Another good source of information are the local Chambers of Commerce. Harlingen, for example, can provide you with a Valley-wide checklist.

If you are searching for rarities or a list of unusual birds present in the area contact the local Rare Bird Alert maintained by the Frontera Audubon Society (956) 969-2731.

Just get out there and enjoy! The birds are waiting and, believe me, you will enjoy. Just think, you could be at the brink of a new way of viewing our world and, in particular, this Magic Valley of the Birds.    
The Birds of Texas

Great Texas Birds

Birds of Texas:
A Field Guide

WildBirdCenters

EagleOptics

AudubonWorkshop

Home: Articles: Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas: Birds