The Rio Grande valley, home to Texas famous citrus industry, is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the nation. A mecca for birders, due to nesting and migratory routes, there is more bird life here than anywhere else in the U.S. To find out more about valley bird life contact one of the following: Frontera Audubon Society (www.kiskadee.org), Valley Nature Center, Westlaco (956-969-2475), Edinburg Wetlands Wild Bird Center (956-381-9922). All offer information and organized birding tours.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge across from S. Padre Island, Sabal Palm Audubon Center & Sanctuary near Brownsville (956-541-8034), and Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge between Harlingen and McAllen, are all filled with wildlife, hiking trails, visitor centers, and some with overnight camping. Birders across the nation know Bentsen - Rio Grande Valley State Park, southwest of Mission, Texas as the headquarters of the World Birding Center. Phone (956-585-1107). Single free copies of Texas Birding Trail Maps may be found at Texas Welcome Centers.