South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center was one of my favorite places we visited on our South Texas road trip last month. When planning our stop on South Padre Island I found it on-line and discovered it was right across from our hotel. We went in the morning and when we learned we could leave and come back on the same day, we did! There were so many birds, I loved this place! The weather was lovely, and it was such an enjoyable walk around the boardwalks.
Warning: Lots of bird photos below!
They have rescued alligators here, rescued from people’s yards and pools, that have become a nuisance. Not all alligators in unexpected areas become a nuisance. Most alligators, if left alone, will move on. But if humans feed them, even just one time, they will begin to lose their fear of people and see them as a food source. What amazing creatures!
White Ibis and Roseate Spoonbill:
Great Blue Heron:
The alligator below is a wild alligator we found down below the walkway. He looks like a young one to me. I thought the colors in his tail were really beautiful. The greenery complimented him 😊🐊
This is such a pretty little duck. Black-bellied Whistling Duck:
Tricolored Heron:
Green Heron:
Great Blue Heron:
White Ibis:
Nature center viewing tower:
Baby alligators in tanks:
Boardwalk and bird blinds:
We had a couple of folks point out this bird. He was new to us, so I was happy to get a few photos of this pretty little bird. Great Kiskadee:
What a beautiful gem this birding center was!
peace of life today 
What an adventure Lisa to see so many lovelies, looks to be a great place to visit.
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Oh, it was! Thank you!!
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Wow, that does look like a fascinating place to visit. Great photos you captured too, thanks for sharing them with us. 🙂
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Thank you, Shelley!!
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You’re welcome!
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Ooh, this is my sort of place! Your bird photos are excellent and there certainly aren’t too many for me! I love seeing all the herons in particular. The alligator shots are good too – I agree about the colours of that wild one. I was surprised to see the Kiskadee – we saw a lot in Costa Rica earlier this year but I didn’t know they could be seen as far north as the US.
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Thank you, Sarah! We had a couple of people point out the Kiskadee, so it made me wonder if it was a little special. My ID app did indicate they were found in the area, though. I did have fun with so many birds close enough to photograph!
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That looks like a really interesting place to spend the day. It’s interesting how many different animals, birds, plants, etc. that you got to enjoy there.
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It was beautiful. You would have loved it!!
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Once again, I smiled at your beautiful photos with fond memories! When hubs and I stayed at your same hotel last year (at about this exact time), I convinced hubs to do the World Birding Center with me. It was hubs’ first time at such a place, and he finally was able to see what I find so intriguing about birding centres. He loved it! Again, , I have many of the same photos as yours, Lisa! I’m so happy you enjoyed!
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Thank you, Terry! Your words make me so happy! …I wonder if you visited Sea Turtle, Inc? I will be sharing a sea turtle post soon! 😊
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Yes! We visited Sea Turtles Inc our first winter in South TX. Looking forward to your post!
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😊
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Beautiful photos – that place would be worth a second visit!
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Thank you, Nora!! 😊
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Wow! Lots of cool birds there.
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Oh yes, it was so much fun!
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I want to pick a favorite. I can’t. I love the herons hunting. The personalities of the alligators, and the colored tail was pretty. Looks like a place I would love.
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Oh, you would love it! And with the beautiful sun and the breeze, it just felt lovely!
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