Port Arthur’s always birdy. Spring and fall migration are showstoppers. Sabine Woods, Sea Rim State Park and Pleasure Island are hotspots in Port Arthur, the Cajun Capital of Texas. Sabine Woods is the first land birds see as they fly in for spring migration. The oak mott is internationally famous for attracting thousands of “first landing” migrants each year. Warblers, Vireos, Grosbeaks, Flycatchers, Thrushes, Tanagers and Orioles visit March through May. Painted Bunting and Scarlet Tanager are among the showiest of visitors. Sabine Woods features paths under a canopy of trees, a pond, drips and a mulberry patch that Cedar Waxwings love.

Our upper Texas Gulf Coast invites shore birds who love to fish the coast. American Avocet, Ruddy Turnstone, White Ibis and Brown Pelican are among beach favorites Sea Rim State Park’s foamy Gulf shoreline. Catch Heron while secluded at Pleasure Island’s new bird blind or look for Pelicans along the jetties of Sabine Lake. Showy pink Roseate Spoonbills are a local favorite, adding color to the marshland. The sound of Laughing Gulls just make your picnic better. Nearby hotspots include Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge, full of trees for an easy “quick look” for Orchard Orioles and wrens. McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge offers a driving trail with fishing piers and observation platforms. Clam Lake draws waterfowl in winter. Kingbirds, Orchard Orioles and Crested Caracara are some regulars.

Port Arthur is in both the Central and Mississippi Flyway, so our abundance is a natural. There’s coast, forest and marshland keeping our resident and visiting birds chirping. Our spring migration peak is April 19 through early May and our fall migration peak is Sept. 5-Oct. 29. #birdportarthur and have some fun in the Cajun Capital of Texas. Museum of the Gulf Coast tells our story from nature and maritime history to music and sports. Learn more at www.visitportarthurtx.com