South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, South Padre Island

My wife and I visited this well run facility in mid-January of 2019 and were surprised by the large variety of bird species. In mid-January it was windy but in the 60 sixties. Due to the wind, we saw no alligators. However, the bird species were evident everywhere. A particularly attractive feature of this long boardwalk is that if you set up in one spot for a period the wildlife comes to you. Another positive is that the center's wildlife experts walk the boardwalk regularly and you can gain significant information about various species just by listening or asking them a question or two. There is no-one to "rush" you through and you literally can stay from early morning to late afternoon. It is generally very quiet and photography is a snap to practice and is encouraged by the staff. The price of admission covers the whole day and is $5 for seniors and $6 for others. A great bargain. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. If you are a serious birder, this is worth the effort to find this facility, which is just across the street from the Hilton hotel.

Absolutely, a gem of South Padre island!! $5 entry (!!) And buy the bags of bird seed... and binoculars, if you don't have your own. Walking out on a beautiful day, birds were everywhere! Cranes, ibis, herons, ducks, geese, and more. I wasn't even 20ft from the door!! I was completely amazed at the closeness of the birds. Agog, really.