The Birdy City

For well over a decade, Corpus Christi has been recognized as the “Birdiest City in America.” In 2003, Corpus Christi was first awarded the title, and every year since, the number of bird species seen in the Coastal Bend has only continued to grow. As of this writing, 357 different species have been spotted in the area in 2021, according to eBird’s Nueces County Checklist.

Positioned next to the largest hypersaline lagoon and the longest stretch of underdeveloped barrier island on earth, according to the Coastal Bend Audubon Society, the Coastal Bend is a unique area where tropical meets sub-tropical, sea meets semi-arid land, and two major flyways converge, making our home an ideal destination for migration patterns and habitats. Thanks to secure habitats around saltwater lagoons, marshes, and coastal grasslands, hundreds of species can be spotted in the region throughout the entire year. Bird watchers can catch a glimpse of the country’s most interesting birds nesting, feeding, wading, and flying right here in the Coastal Bend. Inside this feature, we want to help you explore the “Birdiest City in America.” While birding might not sound too exciting, when you live in a region as geographically blessed as ours, it’s practically a must to partake in the activity once or twice and wonder with awe at nature’s song.

From information on a handful of the Coastal Bend’s most iconic birds and a list of the best places to birdwatch in the area to inspiration on turning your own backyard into a birding sanctuary and a checklist you can cut out and hang on your fridge to track your bird sightings throughout the year, this guide has it all!

Some of you reading this might already be avid bird watchers and will view this guide as a mere reminder of what you’ve already come to know and love. Others might have had your interest piqued while walking the dog and spotting a tiny bird you’ve never seen before, or while doing dishes and catching a glimpse of vibrant colors fluttering outside the window. Regardless, we hope this feature inspires you to take a moment to stop and marvel at our feathered friends.

A Bird's Eye View

Bird Is The Word

Throughout the year, hundreds of bird species can be spotted in the Coastal Bend. Whether they’re passing through on their migration pattern or stop and stay a while, here are eight birds we tend to think of when thinking about our coastal area.

DID YOU KNOW? The Coastal Bend is the only place you can see the world’s last naturally occurring population of Whooping Cranes! The 25th Annual Whooping Crane Festival takes place Feb. 24 – 27 in Port Aransas, Texas. The festival celebrates the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

SHOREBIRD/ WATERBIRD Whooping Crane

The Whooping Crane is one of the most endangered animals in North America. Being that its favorite habitat is the Texas coastline, a great place to catch a glimpse of one is right here along the Coastal Bend. In fact, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and Goose Island State Park near Big Tree are two of the best areas to see Whooping Cranes— and in large numbers— between October and April.

SHOREBIRD/ WATERBIRD Roseate Spoonbill

Present year-round in coastal marshes, Roseate Spoonbill sightings are locally common in Texas. Shallow waters with muddy bottoms, in both salt and fresh water (i.e., tidal ponds, coastal lagoons, inland marshes.) make our location ideal. The Roseate Spoonbill tends to nest in colonies, so be aware that where there is one, there are likely more.

SEABIRD Pelicans

Eastern Brown Pelicans are large, stocky seabirds with long necks and a giant bill. Brown Pelicans are often identifiable during feeding time when they plunge into the water, stunning small fish with the impact of their large bodies and scooping them up in their expandable bills. Migrant, non-breeding American White Pelicans are found statewide, both coastal and inland. They breed only in the central and lower Texas coast near marine estuaries, lagoons, and reservoirs.

SHOREBIRD/ LANDBIRD White Ibis

White Ibises are present along the coastline because it is the most protected area for breeding colonies. However, their saltexcreting glands are not fully developed, so procuring food for themselves and their nestlings means the adults fly inland to freshwater habitats to obtain crayfish. They breed from April to early July, which means they are particularly abundant along the upper coast during summertime.

LANDBIRD Hummingbird

These tiny birds are the second largest species with around 340 recorded, with the Buff-bellied Hummingbird being one of the most common in South Texas. Another common species, the Rubythroated Hummingbird, is identifiable by its ruby throat and iridescent green back. They usually migrate to South Texas between mid-March and mid-May.

WATERBIRD/ SHOREBIRD Herons

There are several Heron species that commonly appear along the Texas coast year-round. Some of the rarer species include the small to mediumsized Herons, primarily because their size makes identifying them that much more difficult. Some species congregate in multiples, so if you’re lucky enough to spot one, you’ll more than likely come across dozens of these birds at once.

WATERBIRD/ SHOREBIRD Egrets

Reddish Egrets are best known for their active hunting behavior. Watching them eagerly hunt for prey can be comical and entertaining. These Egrets have two identifiable colorways— the red morph and the white morph. The red morph is easier to spot; the white morph can be tricky to identify, making it a rare sighting.

LANDBIRD/ SONGBIRD Green Jay

In Texas, the Green Jay breeds almost exclusively in the extreme south, with confirmed records extending north to Kleberg County near Alice and Jim Wells County near Kingsville. The Green Jay is considered the most common bird in the Valley, and isn’t typically hard to find. It enjoys wooded to semi-wooded environments and likes to be up in large trees. It can be very vocal, so while birding, it won’t take long to find one.

A Little Birdy Told Me

With hundreds of recorded species of resident and migratory birds, the Coastal Bend is the richest birding region in North America. So, where to start? We’ve feathered through an expansive list of the top birding areas to explore.

1 Bird Island - Padre Island National Seashore

20301 PARK RD 22

From endangered Northern Aplomado Falcons and Black-capped Vireos to colorful Painted Buntings and White-tailed Hawks, at least 380 species of birds have been documented here. At more than 130,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and sandy beaches, PINS is the longest stretch of a barrier island in the world.

2 Blucher Park

209 S TANCAHUA ST

Blucher Park is a few acres large with a small stream and select vegetation for wildlife. It’s located in the heart of downtown and is extremely attractive to migratory land birds. Blucher Park is also the site for large migrant fallouts during spring migration, and a major stopover for migrating passerines and hummingbirds.

3 Packery Channel

14220 S. PADRE ISLAND DR

The Packery Channel Oak Motte is actually a sanctuary for birds overseen by the Audubon Outdoor Club of Corpus Christi. Situated on an island along the Gulf of Mexico, this is a natural spot for neotropical migrants. The area has a history as one of the best places on the central Texas coast to see passerines during migration.

4 Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve

2446 N. OSO PARKWAY

Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve has the perfect mix of mesquite upland, limited prairies, and wetland habitat. On a year-round basis, periodic sightings include the Groove-billed Ani and Olive Sparrows. On the trails near the building, you’ll find Spring Warblers and the water features contain Painted Buntings in the summer months.

5 South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

8545 S. STAPLES

This spot boasts impressive South Texas habitats. The nature trails offer a glimpse of South Texas scrub birding, with spotted species such as the Groove-billed Ani, Longbilled Thrasher, and Olive Sparrow. Near the water features you’ll find the Least Grebe and Couch’s Kingbird. The Hummingbird Garden is also a must when visiting.

6

Laguna Madre

SOUTH TEXAS GULF COAST

The Laguna Madre region is considered one of the best places on earth for recreational birding. It’s one of the six hypersaline bodies of water in the world, making it ideal for waterfowl such as White-fronted Geese, Redhead Ducks, and Northern Pintails. Common shorebirds seen during winter or migratory periods include the Reddish Egret and the Piping and Snowy Plover.

7 Hazel Bazemore County Park

FARM RD. 624 & COUNTY RD. 69

Hazel Bazemore County Park has a boardwalk perfect for the popular hawk watches. Fun fact: Corpus Christi is the only hawk watch in North America where you have a chance of seeing Swallowtailed Kites, White-tailed Kites, Mississippi Kites, Zonetailed Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, White-tailed Hawks, and Harris's Hawks.

8 Leonabelle Turnbill Birding Center

1356 ROSS AVE, PORT ARANSAS, TX

The Leonabelle Turnbill Birding Center is a stop on the Great Texas Birding Trail. You’ll find a close-up look at life in a wetland and panoramic views of the marsh. Birds found here include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Herons, Egrets, and Roseate Spoonbills.

9 Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

1 WILDLIFE CIR, AUSTWELL, TX

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge spans several hundred acres and is divided into five sections between Aransas, Refugio, and Calhoun counties. Bird life includes Ducks, Herons, Egrets, Ibises, Roseate Spoonbills, and the endangered Whooping Crane. AS THE BIRDIEST CITY IN AMERICA, it would only be fitting to host The Birdiest Festival in America! In April of each year, the Coastal Bend is host to the five-day birdfest complete with field trips throughout South Texas for some of the best bird sightings in the nation. Getting the chance to experience the birding scene in Corpus Christi, the heart of the Coastal Bend of Texas, is often a bucket list item for avid birders.

10 Ivy Lane

499 IVY LANE, ROCKPORT, TX

The Ivy Lane site has benches, a hard packed trail, a primitive trail, and water drips on the site. This 28-acre woodland was preserved by the city of Rockport and often has sightings of the Northern Cardinal, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Warblers, and Orchard Orioles.

My Landscape Brings All the Birds to the Yard

Birding is a powerful mental release and a low-cost hobby that can be enjoyed right from your own home. Interested in enhancing your outdoor space in hopes of courting nature’s feathered fliers? Here are a few tips on how to get started.

Feeders

A bird feeder is typically the first, and often easiest, step in attracting birds to your backyard. Choose a feeder fit for the species of birds most common in your area. The Hopper feeder, is a common choice. The platform continuously replenishes itself with seed as birds pick away at it. Tube feeders are tall and cylindrical, and feature several perches and openings for birds to feed. This type is great for attracting smaller birds such as Sparrows and Goldfinches. Suet is another feed type, attracting the likes of Woodpeckers.

Food

Plants

Planting native flowers such as American beauty berry (attracts the Brown Thrasher and American Robin), Turkscap, and Texas lantana (attracts hummingbirds) are perfect examples of this. Other native flora to consider adding to your backyard include: penta, cape honeysuckle, Porterweed, and firebush. Do a bit of research and remove any invasive species from your yard if you can and try ditching dangerous pesticides and other chemicals used for weed control.

Housing Structures

A birdhouse or any other type of nesting box provides native birds a safe space to reside and breed. Placing your bird shelter on a tree among lots of branches is the best place to start, as they enjoy a bit of privacy.

Mixing store-bought birdseed with an assortment of other seeds such as sunflower, corn kernels, nuts, and fruit pretty much covers all the bases for a large majority of species. Some birds will even nibble on whole peanuts or dried pieces of fruit. When first starting out, opt for a high-quality basic birdseed. As you learn more, you can begin to tailor the food to the birds you are wanting to attract. Also, keep in mind the type of feeder you go with might dictate the food you choose.

Water Features

Birds are actually attracted to the sounds and movement of running water. Adding a birdbath or a fountain connected to a source of running water is a great option for creating a bird oasis. Just remember to place the water feature in a shaded area away from places a predator could be hiding, make sure it’s shallow and filled with gravel so the birds can maintain their footing, and consistently clean the structure.

Birdwatching

THE ESSENTIALS

Spring Summer

Fall Winter Year-Round

NEWCOMER'S GUIDE

If you're new to birding, we recommend finding a guide that is arranged by color. While these guides typically only list common species, they are inexpensive and a great starting point for learning about and identifying various bird species.

There are also a number of birding apps and websites that can offer assistance in making an identification on what you observe.

Your best bet is to start with the basics and as your birding skills progress, work your way up to guides that are arranged by shapes or families of birds.

BUYING BINOCULARS

Pay attention to the overall size, size of the objective lens, and magnification of your binoculars.

Binoculars each have a specification that includes two numbers such as “10x50.” These numbers explain details about binocular lenses. The first number—10—means the binocular will magnify an object 10 times its actual size. The second number—50—is the size of the objective lens, or the lens furthest from the eye. The larger the objective lens, the more light it will draw in, which means the image of the object will appear much clearer.

Birds of A Feather

We've created a comprehensive list of the most common, and a few uncommon, birds spotted in the Coastal Bend. This checklist is perfect for family birdwatching, newbies, and avid birdwatchers alike. Can you check off all these birds by the end of the year?

Buff-Bellied Hummingbird bronzy green / buff belly / rich iridescent blue-green throat / striking red bill with a dark tip Ruby-Throated Hummingbird bright emerald / golden-green on the back and crown / males have brilliant iridescent red throat

Belted Kingfisher stocky, large head / shaggy crest on the top and back of the head / straight, thick, pointed bill American White Pelican snowy white / black flight feathers visible only when the wings are spread / bill and legs are yelloworange Roseate Spoonbill white head and chest / light pink wings / darker pink fringe / long spoon-shaped bill / very long pink legs Great Blue Heron largest N.A. heron / long legs / sinuous neck / shaggy appearing wing plumes / thick, daggerlike bill

Brown Pelican gray-brown body / yellow heads / white necks / oversized bill / during breeding neck turns reddish-brown White Ibis snowy white / bright red long legs / red bill with dark tip / bare patch of red skin around eyes / football-shaped body Snowy Egret snowy white / short black bill / long black legs / bright yellow feet / patch of yellow skin at the base of the bill Reddish Egret reddish brown head and neck / conspicuously long black legs / thick long neck / daggerlike bill / shaggy appearance

Green Jay rich green top / pale yellow below / blue crown / black throat and eyepatch / yellow outer tail feathers Painted Bunting males - blue heads / red underparts / green backs / females and immatures - bright yellow-green overall / pale eyering Hooded Oriole black tail, throat, and wings / yellow-orange rumps, hoods, and bellies / little black mask around eyes / white wingbars Yellow Warbler egg-yolk yellow overall / reddish streaks on chest / large black eyes / short black bill / short yellow legs

Summer Tanager males - bright red / females and immatures - bright yellow-green overall / short pale bills Whooping Crane tallest bird in N.A. / snowy white plumage / crimson cap / long black legs / bugling call / seven foot wingspan