Rose-breasted Grosbeak at
Birding Center
-Susan Decker
different habitats and there are literally hundreds of species that can be seen. The north coast near the Louisiana border has nuthatches, woodpeckers and pine-loving birds, the central coast has thousands of shore birds as well as the hummingbirds that cross the Gulf and land on the shore too tired to move, and the south coast has parrots and other Mexican birds that often pop over the border for a visit. Everywhere there are warblers, orioles, vireos and every kind of migrant you can think of. The coast also gives you a chance to see one of the rare seabirds that get blown to shore. There are few moments more exciting to a birder than seeing a Magnificent Frigatebird soaring overhead. Its huge wings, long swallowtail and bizarre proportions are unmistakable, and the thrill you get from seeing one for the first time is awesome.
47 Southwest Highways & Fields
thrill you get from seeing one for the first time is awesome.
The area of the coast I know best is Mustang Island in the central coast region adjacent to Corpus Christi. Port Aransas is a beach town on the island that is my favorite place to go birding. First we’ll go to the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center at the water treatment ponds. Don’t rush to the pond area, but linger awhile among the trees along the sidewalk from the parking lot. In April you can see orioles, vireos, warblers, gnatcatchers, and flycatchers in those trees and in the low brush. In the reeds along the edge if you are very patient you might catch sight of a reclusive Sora, with its large bright yellow feet and eery call. In the pond area itself walk slowly along the boardwalk in case you see a Marsh Wren or Least Bittern peeking out of the reeds that come close to the railing. Out in the water the boardwalk lets you get close to the ducks, the cute little male Ruddy Ducks with their sky blue bills, the colorful Northern Shovelers, and the pretty patterned teals. Coots and Moorhens are all over the place, and the platforms made by old reeds let you get a good look at their bizarre feet. A Pied-billed Grebe with chicks on her back is an adorable sight, and the Neotropic Cormorants and Brown Pelicans give a good show.