Discover Birding Paradise in Harlingen, Texas!
Harlingen, Texas, is a birder’s dream destination, offering the chance to spot countless lifetime birds in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. Known for its unique location at the convergence of temperate, subtropical, coastal, and desert ecosystems, Harlingen is home to an extraordinary variety of avian species. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting your birding journey, you’ll find unparalleled opportunities to check rare and exotic species off your life list.

Harlingen is your gateway to birding hotspots such as the Hugh Ramsey Nature Park and the Arroyo Colorado, where you can encounter iconic birds like the Great Kiskadee, Green Jay, and Plain Chachalaca. Venture a bit further, and you may spot tropical gems like the Altamira Oriole or the elusive Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl.

Don’t Miss the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival
Every November, Harlingen hosts the renowned Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, drawing bird enthusiasts from across the globe. Scheduled for the second week of November, this premier event offers expertly guided field trips, engaging workshops, and family-friendly activities that celebrate the region’s incredible bird diversity. Whether you’re exploring local habitats with expert guides or learning from celebrated speakers, the festival provides unforgettable experiences for birders of all ages.

Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the vibrant birding culture of Harlingen. To learn more about birding hotspots, accommodations, and the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, visit VisitHarlingenTexas.com. Your lifetime birding adventure awaits in Harlingen, Texas!

The South Texas Ecotourism Center (STEC) is located in beautiful Laguna Vista, Texas known for its rich natural surroundings and close proximity to the Laguna Madre Bay, the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and South Padre Island. Opening its doors in 2022, STEC is a County operated outdoor Nature Museum and Information Center interpreting and promoting the five ecosystems of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. The Center consists of ten acres of trails, interpretive exhibits and panels, and a twenty-five-foot tall viewing pavilion that looks out into the Bahia Grande Unit of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. A wide variety of coastal, inland and migratory birds such as aplomado falcon, banded green kingfisher, reddish egrets, green herons and other unique and endangered bird species can be seen here. There is a large pond where water fowl can be viewed such as roseate spoon bills, many types of egrets and herons, shore birds and ducks. There is also a bird blind and outdoor classroom for viewing wildlife. We have butterfly gardens, a watershed feature, educational lab with hands on projects and small exhibits. We have twenty-two metal sculpture of native birds and other native wildlife. We have a meeting room where we offer “Coffee with the Birds” where we serve free shade grown coffee from South America distributed by a local vendor. Bird feeders and bird baths are located adjacent to the meeting room for great viewing. We participate with the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival as a stop for birders to visit and view birds. We are members of ebird and other bird viewing organizations and programs. Many birders from around the world visit us. The STEC is opened seven days a week except holidays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has free admission.