Birding in Texas

The World Birding Center comprises nine birding education centers and observation sites in the Lower Rio Grande Valley designed to protect wildlife habitat and offer visitors a view of more than 500 species of birds.

The center has partnered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and nine communities to turn 10,000 acres back into natural areas for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

This area in Cameron, Hidalgo and Starr counties is a natural migratory path for millions of birds that move between the Americas. . . .

Birders at Salineno
Birders along the Rio Grande at Salineño in Starr County. Photo by Robert Plocheck.

 Travelers' Top Destinations and Origins, 2011–2012

 Most visited places in 2011 by all travelers as percent of total.

Rank Destination Percent
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.		 Alamo
Hill Country
Galveston Island
Fiesta Texas
Cowboys Stadium
San Marcos Outlet Malls
SeaWorld of Texas
Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Six Flags Over Texas
San Antonio Zoo		 32.59
15.05
13.54
12.51
10.38
9.80
9.19
7.83
7.57
7.39
   Source: Survey for Office of Governor.  

 

 The leading places of origin for visitors to Texas in 2012 were:

Rank Origin Percent
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.		 California
Louisiana
Oklahoma
Florida
Arkansas		 12.3
7.9
7.5
5.1
5.1
   Source: Survey for Office of Governor.  

Texas State Parks

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has up-to-date information about state parks — location, history, facilities, plantlife, wildlife, special features, tours and more.

 The Texas Historical Commission administers the state historic sites.

National Parks and Historic Sites in Texas

The National Park Service has detailed information about each park property in Texas.

Recreation on National Forests and Grasslands

National Forests and Grasslands in Texas describes recreational opportunities on these federal lands.

Hunting and Fishing in Texas

The Texas Parks and Wildlife also has information about hunting and fishing licenses and regulations.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife website has information on Texas rivers, of special interest to anglers.

• Sporting Licenses and Game Harvests

Visitor Information for Texas Cities

Some cities have convention and visitors bureaus that offer tourism information.

Events, Fairs and Festivals

Local events, fairs, and festivals all over the state are listed on the Department of Economic Development site.

Accommodations

Texas Hotel and Lodging Association lists many lodgings in the state.

Texas Bed & Breakfast Association lists its members, which are mostly historic properties.

Oysterfest in Fulton
The carnival at the annual Oysterfest at Fulton in March. Photo by Robert Plocheck.

Texas Road Condition Information

The Texas Department of Transportation gives you up-to-the-minute information about road and lane closures and other road conditions.

Recreation and travel information for Texas is provided on the Texas Economic Development and Tourism website.