How to Watch Spring Migratory Birds in the Rio Grande Valley

In addition to being a great winter birding destination, the Rio Grande Valley of Texas has much to offer in spring. Because the Rio Grande forms the border between the United States and Mexico, you can often find rare Mexican strays that have wandered into the valley.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Hats Or Visors
• Birding Checklists
• Maps
• Insect Repellents
• Sunscreen
• Binoculars
• Spotting Scopes

1. Choose a central location from which to tackle the valley. Most birders like to stay in McAllen or Harlingen, which are close to popular Rio Grande birding spots. There are also many campgrounds located in south Texas.
2. Go to the Brownsville Dump, the only place in North America where you can see the Tamaulipas (formerly "Mexican") crow. This is a busy, smelly place, and the crows are more abundant in winter than spring, but look among the thousands of birds here and you may be rewarded.
3. Visit the Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary east of Brownsville, which is owned by the National Audubon Society. The sanctuary is comprised of 172 acres and features a stand of native Texas Sabal palms. During migration, look for warblers and other birds on the grounds.
4. Stop at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, where migrants can be plentiful in spring. This refuge is actually closer to the coast than the valley, but it's a short drive from Brownsville.
5. Bird at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Walk several of the trails to look for migrating warblers, raptors and other birds.
6. Check Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. Walk the trailer loop (which is also great in winter) and look for pauraques and the rare hook-billed kites.
7. Visit the Edwards Plateau, north of the valley on Interstate 15. This is the best spot for golden-cheeked warblers, black-capped vireos and cave swallows. Consult local message boards or ask around about the best place to find these birds, which are always difficult to locate but are best found between early April and August.
8. Peruse your field guides and maps for other excellent birding areas, including Big Bend National Park, located between El Paso and Laredo.

Tips & Warnings

• While there is good birding to be found in the Rio Grande Valley in spring, many birders choose to visit the Texas coast at this time of year, when migration is particularly spectacular. You can also do the Rio Grande in winter.
• Some parks and sanctuaries have posted hours and require admission fees. Call ahead for this information.
• Temperatures generally start warming up in Texas in spring. Carry water with you when you hike, and wear a hat and sunscreen.
• Texas critters active in spring include mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, snakes and Africanized honeybees (so-called "killer bees"). Bring a strong insect repellent containing DEET and then watch your step. Snakes and bees are not likely to bother you unless they are disturbed.