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Kingsville Area Fast Facts For Birders
Allan Turner- Kingsville Wildlife Photographer
Allan Turner- Kingsville Wildlife Photographer
Allan Turner- Kingsville Wildlife Photographer
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Five different kinds of orioles are known to nest here
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Twenty-five different raptor species have been recorded here
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Among largest count of Harris' Hawks, White-tailed Hawks and Crested Caracara
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Largest U.S. Population of nesting Ferruginous Pygmy Owl
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Largest U.S. Population of nesting Tropical Parula
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Area lies in the two greatest flyways of Western Hemisphere
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Primary funnel for migratory wildlife Coastal Migration Corridor for neotropics
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Route for Circum Gulf migrants
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Stopover for Trans Gulf migrants
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Mild winters -great wintering area
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At least twelve specialty birds can be seen in summer months
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South Texas bird count (450 species) rates second to Sonora Desert (500 species)
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South Texas known as "The Last Great Habitat" in conservation and environmental research
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Green Jay on Christmas Bird Count usually higher than any other place
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See Vermilion Flycatcher in winter
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See Scissor-tailed Flycatcher in summer
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One of the highest Christmas Bird Count areas without significant coastline
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In top 50 out of 800 in Christmas Bird Count
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King Ranch is home to the largest nesting population of the Ferriginous Pygmy Owl
Happy Birding!
9th Annual South Texas Wildlife & Birding Festival
November 20, 21, 22, 23, 2008
For Festival Information Go To: Birding Festival
Birding Hotspots
- BISHOP: Site 085 on the Central Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Two bird watching platforms are easily accessible along a nature trail. Observation decks are built out over a lake. Located in Bishop City Park.
- KING RANCH: US Hwy 141 in Kingsville- Special birding tours available during peak birding season. Reservations recommended. Wildlife tours available that are not designed with a bird watcher in mind, but allow birders to see a large variety of species year around.
- CHAMBERLAIN CEMETERY: The brush piles beyond the west fence and the large trees in the cemetery provide habitat for many species.
- DICK KLEBERG PARK: The brushy areas at the south end of the park, special planted areas, and the water above the dam are good areas.
- KLEBERG COUNTY PARK & L.E. RAMEY GOLF COURSE: Drive back beyond tennis courts to unused runways and brush thickets. Water traps on the golf course serve as ponds to many species.
- FM 1356 & FM 722 WEST of US 77: Close to town for a short trip, stream crossings yield shore and water birds, while thick brushy areas provide cover for perching birds. Open fields are good hunting grounds for a variety of raptors.
- FM 1717, FM 2619, FM 1118, FM 772: Interesting route south of Kingsville. Variety of habitats provide an array of bird sightings in a few short miles. In winter, be sure to check fields containing grain stubble for Sandhill Cranes.
- DRUM POINT: A great place to see white pelicans, shore birds, and diving ducks.
- LEO KAUFFER PARK: Long inlet from the Cayo at the entrance to the park. Lively with shorebirds and you can get close enough to get a good look. Also, drive to the shoreline. Ducks, white pelicans and shore birds can be expected here.
- RIVIERA BEACH FISHING PIER: Get another good look at great blue herons, American coots, lesser scaup, white pelicans, and many, many more!
- "SITE 55": Go south of FM 771 on FM 2510 for one mile. Continue straight south on Caliche Road, when FM 2510 takes a turn to the east. Go about 3/4 of a mile on Caliche Road to shoreline. Watch for shore and waterbirds that like a salt-water environment.
- SARITA: In Kenedy County, Sarita is about five miles south of Riviera. Large pond on the north edge of town is always interesting. Don't miss the area behind the Kenedy Museum. Pond is visible from US 77 and can be reached by driving north past the Sarita Courthouse. Check the rest stop just south of Sarita on US 77. Oak motts attract a variety of small bird species.
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