birdwatching tours in texas

Birding Texas

An unforgettable birding experience in the rio grande valley and beyond....

Estero Llano Grande, Santa Ana, Anzalduas, Bentsen, and Salineno: oases of native vegetation, and home to great birds on the Mexican border.

South Padre Island and Convention Center, and other beautiful sanctuaries along the Gulf Coast for songbirds, raptors, shorebirds, and seabirds.

Many new refuges in the Rio Grande Valley that have become fantastic birding hotspots. We’ll also visit the King Ranch for our best chance of finding the rare Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl.

The Chisos Mountains of Big Bend National Park, including Laguna Meadow and Boot Spring, for the rare Colima Warbler and many colorful local specialties.

The Big Bend of the Rio Grande, which defines 118 miles of the Park's southern boundary. There is great birding at locations such as Cottonwood Campground, Blue Creek Canyon, and Rio Grande Village.

Texas Tours

2024 Texas Winter — Whooping Cranes and Rio Grande

2025 Texas Spring — Rio Grande, Hill Country and Whooping Cranes

2025 texas winter — whooping cranes and rio grande.

For Birding and Photography!

Wonderful Destinations

Today's Picture

Common Loon in full plumage in Travis County, Texas.

Birding Tours Texas is an individually owned business. You can contact us with any questions.

Texas Bird Watching Tours and Excursions

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is host to an exotic array of wildlife, including alligators, javelina (collared peccary), snakes, bobcats and whooping cranes. A 16-mile one-way driving tour takes visitors through the refuge’s grassland, oak thicket, freshwater pond, and marshland habitats, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Additional activities include hiking, birding, picnicking, and fishing. Six hiking trails totaling 4.3 miles are available, please bring insect repellent as mosquitoes are usually abundant.

Aransas has a reputation as one of the prime birding locales in Texas, and was originally named Aransas Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. Over 392 bird species have been cataloged in the area, including ducks, herons, egrets and other waterfowl. The refuge’s most famous visitor is the endangered whooping crane, one of the rarest animal species in North America. Each year from late-October to mid-April, the only wild flock of whooping cranes in the world makes its long journey south from Canada to winter in the protected habitat of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. As recently as the 1940’s, only sixteen birds remained, but according to the 2003-2004 winter census at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas the population rose to 194 cranes! Taking a commercial boat tour of the bays and Intercoastal Waterway, offered by operators such as Whooping Crane Boat Tours and Rockport Birding & Kayak Adventures, provides an excellent opportunity to view whooping cranes and other bird species.

Throughout April and May, large numbers of migratory songbirds come to the Texas coast. Ducks and geese are present from August through March, and year-round birding opportunities exist for roseate spoonbills, ibises, herons, and egrets.

Author: Mike Sharp

I have a passion for travel and outdoor activities, and now I'm enjoying retired life. I will continue my traveling, golfing, boating, and enjoying life all across the great state of Texas.

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Visit Texas

A world-class birding destination, texas offers birders the richest terrestrial  birding in united states.

If you are a birder, there is no better destination than Texas. Our state offers birders the richest terrestrial birding in the United States, with some 640 species supported by its diverse habitats. Did you know that around 67% of U.S. bird species interact in various ways with the Texas Coast? Because our state offers habitats ranging from freshwater bayous to desert, a wide range of bird species are able to chirp, squawk, flutter, fly and thrive. Enjoy a thrilling, unique birding experience you won’t find anywhere else—Texas offers bird-watching opportunities that can’t be beat for birders traveling alone, in groups, and through tour companies.

Birding Regions

Southeast Texas experiences an average rainfall of 60 inches per year, with lakes drained by freshwater bayous surrounded by tall piney woods. This climate supports a rich assortment of woodland bird species.

Driving 360 miles south of Southeast Texas along the humid Gulf Coast on barrier islands and past wetlands and salt grass plains, one encounters rich wetland birdlife, and at the Coastal Bend one can find wintering Whooping Cranes.

As one approaches the Rio Grande floodplain, the habitat transitions from isolated Oak Clusters amongst Mesquite and grassy meadows, to semi-tropical thorny Brushlands, and eventually becoming a remnant ribbon of Riparian Forest along the winding river. Rainfall declines to 22 inches per year, and weather warms up to a semi-tropical climate with warm winters.

Driving 140 miles west from the ocean through the Rio Grande’s irrigated floodplain and into the hilly uplands, one encounters the most biologically diverse habitat in U.S., with tropical birds and butterflies, including 530 bird species along the Mexico border.

Birding Tour USA: Texas Spring — Rio Grande, Hill Country and Whooping Cranes

Go to: South Texas Winter Tour | USA Birding Tours | Birding Tours in North America | All our birding tours

Dates and Costs:

25 March – 05 April 2025

Price: US$4,990  / £4,124 / €4,850 per person sharing

Single Supplement: US$900 / £743 / €875

* Please note that currency conversion is calculated in real-time, therefore is subject to slight change. Please refer back to the base price when making final payments.

Recommended Field Guide

(Please also read our blogs about recommended field   guides for the seven continents here )

Tour Details

Duration : 12 days Group Size : 4 – 8 Tour Start : Corpus Christi Tour End : Corpus Christi

Price includes:

Meals Accommodation Guiding fees Entrance fees All transport while on tour Tolls

Price excludes:

Flights Personal insurance Alcoholic beverages Gratuities ( please see our tipping guidelines blog ) Laundry service Personal expenses such as gifts

Featured Guide:

Texas Spring: Rio Grande, Hill Country, and Whooping Cranes March 2025

Due to its proximity to the humid tropics of Mexico, the subtropical woodlands of the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas boast over two dozen neotropical bird species that just barely spill across the border into the US. Here, the colorful  Great Kiskadee  and the personable  Green Jay  mingle with temperate species from further north. These tropical species occur nowhere else in the United States making for an incredible bird watching experience to a must-visit region for ABA area listers and international travelers alike. Along the gulf coast, muddy lagoons and shallow wetlands throng with thousands of shorebirds, herons, waterfowl, terns and cranes, including the magnificent, sadly Endangered (IUCN) Whooping Crane . Further inland, a rolling, arid plain covered in thorn-scrub harbors a collection of species more typical of the American Southwest, such as  Cactus Wren  and  Pyrrhuloxia . As we move north, the Hill Country stretches along the eastern flank of the Edwards Plateau , a land characterized by wooded hills, sunny slopes, and sparkling streams. In the spring, the forests of the Hill Country ring with the song of  Golden-cheeked Warbler , a Texas breeding endemic. Together, these widely disparate habitats give southern Texas one of the richest and most unique bird faunas in the United States. We time this tour just before the  Whooping Cranes  depart to their Canadian breeding grounds but late enough in the spring for summer breeders and passage migrants to arrive.

The tour begins in the city of Corpus Christi , where coastal wetlands and mudflats are home to an abundance of waterbirds such as the spectacular  Long-billed Curlew  and the stately  American White Pelican . However, the true star of this coastal avifauna is the  Whooping Crane , and we will make a special effort to see this rare species. Continuing south, King Ranch preserves tall-grass savanna, dotted with live oak groves (mottes), which are the US strongholds for  Tropical Parula  and  Ferruginous Pygmy Owl . From here, we focus our attention on a long list of exciting tropical specials found in the riparian woodlands of the lower Rio Grande Valley, such as  Altamira Oriole ,  Long-billed Thrasher  and  Pauraque .

In the scenic Hill Country, the range-restricted  Black-capped Vireo  and  Golden-cheeked Warbler  are our primary targets, but we also visit a site near Concan to witness the spectacle of hundreds of thousands of  Mexican Free-tailed Bats  swirling out of Frio Cave in the evening. The coastal areas of Texas host some of the continent’s most spectacular spring movements of raptors, shorebirds and passerines, and so we head back to Corpus Christi for a day in the hope of experiencing this phenomenon. This should be a fantastic way to round off this exciting itinerary and by the end of the trip, you will surely have a list full of great Texas birds and amazing memories!

This Birding Tour USA excursion can be combined with our  Colorado: Lekking Grouse, Rocky Mountains and Open Plains  which immediately follows this tour, or even our Alabama – Dauphin Island tour after this and finally our Florida Peninsula – Southern Specials and the Keys tour.

Please also note that we can very easily arrange trips to the remote Big Bend National Park , the only place in the United States where you can see Colima Warbler , an otherwise Mexican species. We may be able to put a group together or you may want us to arrange this Colima Warbler/Big Bend tour as a private extension. Big Bend is over six hours’ drive from San Antonio (and over eight from Corpus Christi) and to find Colima Warbler we have to hike 4.5 miles (just over 7 km) up the mountain to see it. But we love looking for this species (and we love the other wildlife and scenery of this great park!), so we’d be delighted to take you on this adventure if you ask us to arrange it!

Itinerary (12 days/11 nights)

Day 1. corpus christi.

After arrival at Corpus Christi International Airport, participants should plan on transferring to our hotel, where a room will be reserved in their name. We will gather in the hotel lobby at 5:30 p.m. to meet each other and have dinner.

Overnight: Corpus Christi

Day 2. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge for Whooping Crane

Although it remains one of the most endangered birds in North America,  Whooping Crane  populations have steadily increased from a low of 15 birds in the early twentieth century to a current population of over 300 individuals. Nonetheless, despite ongoing conservation efforts to establish new populations, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge hosts the wintering grounds of the only remaining self-sustaining population. On our first morning in Texas we will take a boat trip out on Aransas Bay to observe these special birds, as well as a wide variety of coastal species such as  Reddish Egret  and the magnificently colorful Roseate Spoonbill .

After our boat trip, we will visit the nearby Goose Island State Park in search of wintering sparrows and migrant warblers. This site may also provide us with our first taste of Texas specials like  Black-crested Titmouse ,  Buff-bellied Hummingbird  and  Golden-fronted Woodpecker .

Coastal sites along the way to Kingsville offer opportunities to catch up with any water, shore or wading birds we may have missed earlier in the day.

Overnight: Kingsville

Day 3. King Ranch

After an early breakfast, we drive to the Norias Division of the privately owned King Ranch. The habitat here features a subtropical savanna interspersed with live oak groves, favored by two of the rarest breeding species found north of the border:  Tropical Parula  and  Ferruginous Pygmy Owl . This site also offers the trip’s best chances of observing the declining  Audubon’s Oriole  and the beautiful  White-tailed Hawk .

In the afternoon, we continue our journey south to the lower Rio Grande Valley to seek out flocks of  Green Parakeet  and  Red-crowned Amazon  heading back to roost at urban sites in the valley. These feral species are countable for your ABA area list.

Overnight: McAllen

Days 4 – 5. Lower Rio Grande Valley

We spend two full days birding in the lower Rio Grande Valley, where an amazing diversity of birds flourish in the region’s wildlife sanctuaries, state parks, preserves and other amazing birding locations. Superb birding locales, such as Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park , Estero Llano Grande State Park and Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge , abound in the area, and our exact itinerary will depend mostly on the presence of any rarities (which your guide will watch for on eBird ). Although no particular species is especially likely, the possibility of a Mexican stray such as a  Crimson-collared Grosbeak  or a Blue Bunting  adds excitement to the birding experience here. Regardless, a long list of neotropical specials awaits us, including the brilliant  Altamira Oriole , the noisy  Plain Chachalaca  and the impressive  Ringed Kingfisher .  Clay-colored Thrush , once a rarity, is now a regularly breeding species that we hope to encounter. We also spend one evening at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park to look for  Elf Owl  and  Pauraque . During our time in the valley we can also explore nearby sod farms for migrating shorebirds such as  Upland Sandpiper  and  American Golden Plover .

Day 6. Lower Rio Grande Valley to the Falcon Dam area

Our schedule today depends on which targets we may still be missing from the valley. At some point after lunch, we will head about an hour north to the area around Falcon Dam and Falcon State Park . Here, the lush riparian woodlands, so typical of the lower Rio Grande Valley, grow only along the immediate riverbank. Several species here hold onto a tenuous presence in the United States, found only within this thin strip of habitat, including  Muscovy Duck  and  Red-billed Pigeon .

Overnight: Zapata

Day 7. Falcon Dam area

We will spend the morning at either the town of Zapata or San Ygnacio, depending on recent reports of the increasingly rare (for the US)  Morelet’s Seedeater . Due to an extensive taxonomic overhaul, this tiny bird is the only remaining member of the tanager family (Thraupidae) occurring in the United States. Away from the river, the landscape becomes an increasingly arid, hilly brushland and the birdlife becomes similar to that of the American Southwest. Species we will look for in this dry habitat include the dapper  Scaled Quail , the boldly marked  Black-throated Sparrow  and the unique, tiny  Verdin .

Day 8. Zapata to the Hill Country

We have an extra morning to try for  Morelet’s Seedeater  or any of the arid brushland species around Falcon Dam. Afterwards we continue to the scenic eastern portion of the Edwards Plateau, more popularly known as the Hill Country of Texas. Due to its Cretaceous limestone composition, this rolling landscape of modest elevation (980-2,460 feet / 300-750 meters), features a karst topography of rugged hills, caves and deeply cut valleys. Although it covers a relatively small area of Texas, it forms an overlap region, where the eastern and western bird faunas of the United States meet. In these wooded hills,  Louisiana Waterthrush  shares gurgling forest streams with  Black Phoebe , while Carolina Wren  sings from the same valleys as  Canyon Wren  and  Carolina Chickadee  feeds in the same trees and shrubs as  Black-chinned Hummingbird .

We spend the afternoon exploring the vicinity of the Frio River and the surrounding area, which includes a range of habitats from dry hillside covered in thorny vegetation, to wetter forests dominated by oak and bald cypress. Our first walk through the Hill Country can produce species common on the plateau such as  Field Sparrow ,  Canyon Wren ,  Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay  and  Rufous-crowned Sparrow . By evening we will visit a nearby sinkhole to witness the emergence of hundreds of thousands of  Mexican Free-tailed Bats  in one of the largest mammalian congregations on the planet.

Overnight: Uvalde

Day 9. Hill Country

As the state’s only breeding endemic, the Endangered (IUCN) Golden-cheeked Warbler  is a flagship species of the Texas Hill Country. Found exclusively in mixed juniper and oak woodland, this warbler depends on the presence of Ashe Juniper for nesting material. Birds use small strips of bark from mature juniper trees to construct their nests. Due to the clearing of habitat for agriculture and development, this species suffers from an increasingly fragmented distribution.

Lost Maples State Natural Area , famous for its relict population of Bigtooth Maples, protects one of the largest remaining populations of Golden-cheeked Warbler . We have the entire day to explore the trails of this lovely wilderness, in search of this warbler and other species. Black-capped Vireo , the other key species of this region, inhabits shrubby oaks on the sunny hillsides. Zone-tailed Hawk patrols these same hillsides, while Black-and-white Warbler and Yellow-throated Vireo sing incessantly from wetter forested areas. With so many species in full song, it will really feel like spring!

Overnight: Kerrville

Day 10. Hill Country to Corpus Christi

Kerr Wildlife Management Area hosts a thriving population of  Black-capped Vireo , thanks to aggressive land management practices to create the suitable habitat of live oak thickets with a low, dense understory. We have the entire morning to obtain views of this striking passerine, before driving back to Corpus Christi for the afternoon. Depending on the weather and time of our arrival, we can begin exploring birding sites near to the city.

Day 11. Spring Migration at Corpus Christi

Holding the title of “America’s Birdiest City” for more than a decade, Corpus Christi in April offers some of the most exciting birding in the country. Few places in the United States can boast such large and diverse spring movements of birds. If the weather is in our favor today, coastal migrant traps such as Paradise Pond and Packery Channel Park can be literally dripping with warblers. Although it will be a bit early in the season to expect large concentrations of songbirds, early migrants such as  Hooded ,  Prothonotary ,  Worm-eating and  Black-throated Green Warbler  are still a distinct possibility. Considering the high diversity of resident species and migrating shorebirds in the area, today we will potentially tally our highest day list of the entire trip.

Day 12. Transfer to Corpus Christi International Airport

After some morning birding at nearby migrant traps to see if anything has dropped in overnight, we will transfer back to Corpus Christi International Airport , where the tour concludes. Be sure to check out our  Colorado: Lekking Grouse, Rocky Mountains and Open Plains  tour immediately following this one, as well as Alabama – Dauphin Island and Florida Peninsula – Southern Specials and the Keys for more fun-filled birding adventures!

Please note that the itinerary cannot be guaranteed as it is only a rough guide and can be changed (usually slightly) due to factors such as availability of accommodation, updated information on the state of accommodation, roads, or birding sites, the discretion of the guides and other factors. In addition, we sometimes have to use a different international guide from the one advertised due to tour scheduling. 

Pyrrhuloxia

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

Buff-bellied Hummingbird

Whooping Crane

Green Parakeet

Long-billed Thrasher

Plain Chachalaca

Great Kiskadee

Black-throated Sparrow

Northern Crested Caracara

Black-crested Titmouse

Audubon's Oriole

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

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South Texas

• Wonderful, often easy, birding!
• Boat trip for Whooping Cranes and other wading birds
• Lots of Mexican specialties that are located nowhere else in the United States
• Excellent reserves and birding areas

Tour Overview

Winter is a fine time for a birding tour in south Texas. Resident species are starting to nest, and some choice species are here before setting off for the north. Wading birds along the coastal lagoons will include Whooping Cranes alongside stunning Roseate Spoonbills and Reddish Egrets. There are the southern Texas specialties – Tropical Parula, Green Jay, Clay-colored Robin, Altamira and Audubon’s Orioles, Buff-bellied Hummingbird and Hook-billed Kite, and we look for Brown Jay and Morelet’s Seedeater up the valley, and Aplomado Falcon towards South Padre Island.

Our route will take us from Corpus Christi to Rockport, then down to the Rio Grande Valley where we will explore the sub-tropical preserves of Sable Palms Frontera Audubon Thicket, Bentsen State Park and superb Santa Ana NWR, and then up the valley to the riparian zone sanctuaries of Salineño, Chapeno, and the Chihuahuan Desert habitat of Falcon State Park, the later location being an excellent location for arid country species like Vermillion Flycatcher, Greater Roadrunner and Black-throated Sparrow.

You can combine this tour with our  Arizona in winter birding tour .

Read the trip report from South Texas 2022 .

Dates & Prices

Dates & prices, what's included, tour price includes.

• All accommodation (Good, comfortable)
• All breakfasts and lunches
• Ground transportation (15-passenger vans)
• Half-day boat ride in intercoastal water
• All park, conservation and entrance fees
• 4 - 8 participants with one leader, 9 - 12 participants with two leaders

Tour Price Does Not Include

• Flights to and from start/ end location
• Evening meals
• Travel Insurance
• Items of a personal nature

Day 1: Arrival

Our South Texas birding tour begins when we meet to go to dinner together in the hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m. (participants arriving early can enjoy a walk down the beach). Night in Corpus Christi.

Day 2: North to Rockport

After breakfast, we will bird around Corpus Christie and will work our way north towards Rockport. We’ll start out at Hazel Bazemore Park, an excellent first taste of south Texas with good numbers of wintering raptors and songbirds, andwe should start seeing our first subtropical Mexican species like Great Kiskadee and Olive Sparrow. Both Goose Island State Park and the peninsula on the north side of Copano Bay have a wide diversity of coastal habitats in close proximity, making possible an impressive array of ducks and waders and we will have our first introduction to shorebirds such as American Oystercatcher, American Avocet, Black-necked Stilt and Piping Plover. Goose Island is also the home of a huge live oak known simply as “the Big Tree" and we have a good chance of finding Whooping Cranes here. Our tally at day’s end will be impressive. Night in Rockport/Fulton.

Day 3: Boat Trip on Intercoastal Waterway, Port Aransas and south to Brownsville

After breakfast we head for the docks in Rockport where we take a boat trip along the shallow Intracoastal Waterway, encountering a wealth of coastal species, from Brown and White Pelicans and Black Skimmers to Roseate Spoonbills, herons and egrets including Tricolored Heron, Little Blue Heron and Reddish Egret. There should be several family groups of Whooping Cranes present, and we will take our time admiring this impressive bird. After lunch we leave Rockport and set off for the lower Rio Grande valley, passing through the King Ranch and keeping an eye out for interesting raptors like Harris Hawk and White-tailed Kite as well as for flocks of Snow and Rosss Geese. Night in Brownsville.

Day 4: South Padre Island

Today we drive east to Port Isabel and South Padre Island. Our main target species here is Aplomado Falcon, and we have a good chance of finding this exquisite raptor. We should also encounter several species of terns, egrets and other waterbirds such as Mottled Duck, Least Grebe, and Sora & Clapper Rails. We then visit night-time roosts for several species of parrots, including Red-crowned Parrots and Green Parakeets, both AOU “countables”. Night in Brownsville.

Days 5 - 7: The Lower Rio Grande River

We spend these three days in the Lower Rio Grande valley, visiting a wealth of superb wildlife sites. Sabal Palm Sanctuary, the southernmost point in Texas, is a unique sanctuary in that it is a remnant of the last standing Sabal Palm forest. Here we have a good chance for Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Plain Chachalaca, and Least Grebe and possible rarities such as Gray-crowned Yellowthroat. Weslaco’s Frontera Audubon Thicket frequently has exciting overwintering species like Golden-crowned Warbler or even on rare occasions Crimson-collared Grosbeak. We will be spending some time exploring the fabulous Estero Llano State Park. This will probably be our best chance for seeing Buff-bellied Hummingbird and Clay-colored Robin as well as rarities seen in recent years on this tour include great looks at Tropical Parula and Rose-throated Becard! Santa Ana NWR with its unique blend of habitats always lends itself to exceptional birding. Altamira Oriole and Northern Beardless Tyrannulet occur here, Ringed and Green Kingfishers are possible, many waterbirds and ducks inhabit Willow Lake, and there is a good chance of Hook-billed Kite or some even rarer species. The famed Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park is an excellent location to see Plain Chachalaca, White-tipped Dove, Clay-colored Robin and many other Rio Grande specialties. Bentsen is well known for the occurrence of rarities like Blue Bunting and Gray Hawk, and a night-time visit could turn up Common Pauraque. Should we hear of any rare “South Texas Specialties” in the area, then we will adjust our itinerary accordingly. We have an option of visiting the Brownsville dump to look for Tamaulipas Crow, should there be reports that the crows are still present (absent in 2014 and 2015). Nights in McAllen/Mission.

Day 8: Salineno, Chapeno and Falcon Dam area

We leave the McAllen/Mission area early and will first head for Salineno. This small patch of riparian habitat managed by the USFWS is one of the birdiest places we’ll visit on this tour, with great photographic opportunites at the feeding station . Some of the specialties here include Ringed Kingfisher, Zone-tailed Hawk and Audubon’s Oriole and rarities like Morelet’s Seedeater (formerly known as White-collared), Red-billed Pigeon and Muscovy Duck. Some winters Brown Jay will appear, having become incredibly scarce in its restricted U.S. range. After a delightful morning at Salineno, we’ll head up into Falcon State Park try to find dry-country species such as Greater Roadrunner, Cactus Wren, Pyrrhuloxia and various species of desert-loving sparrows. We then drive back to McAllen. Night in McAllen/Mission.

Day 9: Departure

Our South Texas birding tour concludes in McAllen. Breakfast is available, but you can depart anytime today for flights home.

What to Expect

Overview The South Texas tour is an easy-paced birding tour. You can expect some early mornings and long days in the field. If the temperatures are hot some afternoons or a migratory fallout is going on, we may take a break midday and bird again in the evening.

Food We generally have breakfast at the hotel before we head out for the day. Sometimes we will have optional pre-breakfast walks. We often take a picnic lunch in the field, but will occasionally stop at a restaurant for lunch. Dinner is usually at the lodge or a nearby restaurant. Each evening after dinner we compile the day’s checklist, review the day’s activities, birds, mammals and other observations, and plan the next day’s activities.

Accommodation We stay in comfortable hotel rooms and lodges.

Walking This tour involves mostly easy to moderate walking and hiking; the most walking to be done would likely be at Santa Ana NWR where we might walk 5km (3 miles). Other birding locations will involve short forays away from the van.

Driving Driving distances vary from short on some days to moderate on others, and we make frequent stops during each day’s travel.

Climate The climate of this region is generally mild to seasonably warm with average February temperatures ranging from 24°C (75° F) during the day to 14°C (57° F) at night. There could be some rain and wind at this time of year, so carrying a light rain jacket is recommended. The sun can be intense, so sunscreen and a brimmed hat are advised. We recommend checking the weather forecast the week before this trip starts to help you pack.

Boat Trips Our South Texas birding tour includes one half-day boat trip in a shallow bay and Intracoastal Waterway. Conditions are almost always calm. It may be quite cool on the water, so layered clothing underneath a waterproof windbreaker would be desirable. Boat trips are rarely cancelled due to weather, however, if this occurs, we will bird alternative locations.

Featured Wildlife

While we cannot guarantee sightings of the birds or mammals listed below, we believe that encountering these species is quite likely during this tour.

• Whooping Crane
• Least Grebe
• Plain Chachalaca
• Ringed Kingfisher
• Golden-fronted Woodpecker
• Great Kiskadee
• Long-billed Thrasher
• Altamira Oriole
• Audubon’s Oriole
• Clay-colored Robin

Past Tour Checklists

View the list of birds and other wildlife we encountered on our past tours.

• South Texas species list 2024 (eBird)
• South Texas species list 2023 (eBird)
• South Texas species list 2022 (eBird)
• South Texas species list 2020
• South Texas species list 2019
• See More...
• South Texas species list 2018
• South Texas species list 2017
• South Texas species list 2015

Trip Reports & Inspiration

Tour reviews, connecting tours.

Arizona in Winter

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Texas Spring Migration & Hill Country

Southeast Arizona

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The april 2024 gallery.

Last Spots on a few upcoming tours NEWFOUNDLAND & NOVA SCOTIA Spaces: 3 Jun 30 - Jul 10, 2024 ($6375) with Chris Benesh & Jay VanderGaast Tour Limit: 14 Boreal specialties, seabird colonies, and numerous breeding landbirds in the beautiful Canadian Maritimes. SPITSBERGEN & SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO: A CRUISE TO THE NORWEGIAN ARCTIC Spaces: 1 Jul 2-14, 2024 ($7700) with John Coons Tour Limit: 9 A high-arctic adventure aboard a comfortable vessel for fantastic seabirds, marine mammals including Walrus and Polar Bear, and fabulous scenery. CLOUDFORESTS OF ECUADOR: ALL THE BEST OF THE WILD NORTHWEST Spaces: 4 Jul 22 - Aug 1, 2024 ($4350) with Willy Perez Tour Limit: 8 We'll be based at just two great lodges on Ecuador's west slope to experience a diversity of great birds and have the chance for a highlight mammal, Spectacled Bear. May be combined with Galapagos or Amazonian Ecuador: Sacha Lodge PERUVIAN RAINFORESTS OF THE TAMBOPATA: MACAW LICK EXTRAORDINAIRE Spaces: 3 Jul 22 - Aug 1, 2024 ($6275) with Jesse Fagan Tour Limit: 8 Three-site tour to the most species-rich rainforest on Earth. Largest known macaw lick, canopy walkway and towers, eagles, and monkeys. May be combined with Mountains of Manu, Peru IQUITOS, PERU: CANOPY WALKWAYS & ANCIENT FORESTS Spaces: 1 Jul 26 - Aug 9, 2024 ($7775) with Bret Whitney & Micah Riegner Tour Limit: 10 Two-week immersion in one of the most species-rich regions of Amazonia, including the white-sand forests near Iquitos.

Aransas Bay Adventures

Birding photo & fishing tours in rockport, texas.

We Specialize in Whooping Crane Photography Tours

Our Popular Birding Tours

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 4-6 Hours

Morning Private Photography Birding Charter

Photograph whooping cranes and shorebirds on this morning tour that takes on the Intracoastal Waterway and along the Aransas Wildlife Refuge.

Afternoon Whooping Crane/Birding Charter

Join us for an afternoon birding tour. Cruise the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge by water to see Whooping Cranes, Shore birds, wading birds, dolphins and some awesome sunsets!

Shared Photography/Whooping Crane/Charters

Share a Charter and save some money!

Texas' Best Birding Tours

We offer one-of-kind photography tours. Our charters are custom-designed to fit your group, and our boats are uniquely designed for photographers. The Jack Flash has three different decks at separate elevations to give you the angle of your choice. The Lady Lori has two decks at different elevations.

Another great feature of both boats is they have enclosed cabins so you can take a break and relax out of the elements. The absolute best feature is the true shallow draft capability. We are able to float at a depth of 10 inches and can motor at 18 inches.

This allows you to get really close to the birds. It is not uncommon to get within 50 feet of whooping cranes and even closer for most shorebirds. Your tour begins at the Sea Gun Marina, located on the Lamar peninsula.

Aransas Bay's Best Birding Experience ★★★★★

"We did a 6AM to 11AM boat tour with Lori. She was awesome! Very knowledgeable about birds, able to spot them from a distance and identity them for us while captaining the boat. Did not rush, let us enjoy the birds for as long as we wanted, answered all our questions. Equipped with spare binoculars, coats, hand warmers, picture guides for easy identification. Totally awesome experience. Highly recommend it."

"I have taken several trips with Capt. Kevin and Capt. Lori Sims and they never disappoint! As anyone who photographs wildlife knows, it's always a bit of a gamble on whether or not you'll see anything, but they know where to look and have always provided me with great photographic opportunities. They obviously love what they do and love the area and it shows! Thanks for a wonderful trip."

"Aransas Bay Birding Charters offers excellent birding trips to see the endangered whooping cranes in the winter months and to rookery islands in the spring. With boats designed to get in close and the experience and knowledge of Captain Lori and Captain Kevin Sims make for an outstanding adventure. Highly recommended."

"This trip far surpassed any expectations! We saw over 20 Hooping Cranes plus a plethora of other birds. This is a local company run by a husband & wife. They are so knowledgeable about the behaviors of the local birds. We saw over 30 species. It was such an enjoyable trip and one I would do again!! Can’t go wrong with this company!!!"

"We had an excellent time photographing the Whooping Cranes up close without disturbing birds which means a lot to me. We were able to observe from a distance that allowed us to capture great photos. Such a magical experience to be able to see and get such great shots. Will definitely go again! What a great day."

Tours In Rockport-Fulton, TX

Rockport Adventures specializes in birding tours in Fulton, TX aboard our flagship Skimmer. Dolphin tours and sunset cruises are offered in the summer months, and private tours are always an option. Inland birding tours provide our customers the opportunity to really see the vast array of species habitat our area has to offer.

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 3 Hours
• Tags Winter

Whooping Crane & Coastal Birding Tour

This Texas Boat Safari guarantees you’ll see whooping cranes and we typically point out 30 to 60 different species during our 3-hour trip. Capt. Tommy and his experienced guides will teach you as much as you want to learn on how to ID some of the over 400 species that have been documented along the Texas Coastal Bend.

• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours
• Tags Summer

Sunset Cruise

See nesting birds and other wildlife along San Jose Island’s smooth waters before catching the sunset over the bay!

• Hour Glass 4 Hours

Spring Rookery Tour

Visit 3-4 different rookeries and travel through 6 different bays on this 4 hour trip!

• Hour Glass 2 Hours

History Tour by Golf Cart

Take a golf cart ride through Fulton, Old Rockport, Downtown Rockport, and everything in between!

Aransas Bay Dolphin Watching Cruise

See Dolphins, Birds, and learn how local Shrimp are caught!

Galveston Birding Tours

• Up To 6 Passengers

Galveston Fishing Charters » Birding Tours

About Galveston Birding Tours

Join us for a guided birding tour and explore some of the great bird watching opportunities that the skies and shorelines of Galveston have to offer! Galveston is among the top birding destinations in the country and over 300 species can be found throughout the year. The typical composition of species we see are shorebirds, gulls, terns, herons, and of course pelicans… but we also have the chance at seeing frigatebirds, waterfowl and other species from the Gulf of Mexico as the weather fluctuates throughout the year. We can have up to 6 people on the boat for the birding adventure, and would love to be a part of your life bird experience. 

As information can be hard to find for rare event species, please feel free to contact us about a particular location of interest and we would be happy to assist you. From time to time, incredible species can be found but the rarity of them is always part of the adventure and challenge as well.

We depart and return from our slip at the Galveston Yacht Basin and Marina on the east end of Galveston Island for this 2 hour tour. While on the tour, please feel free to ask questions and learn more about Galveston as well. During the tour, we do try and see places that may be less accessible than on foot or by land; but often see many of the same species as well. This is also a trip that can be customized to fit the needs of your group as well.

Or use the calendar below to select your date

More Galveston B oat Trips

• Up to 6 Passengers
• Sunset Cruises

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Galveston Island for a relaxing evening and a great sunset view. Dolphin tours also included

DOLPHIN TOURS

Join us for a dolphin tour of Galveston Harbor, taking in the sights and scenery in an up close and personal experience on the water.

• Deep Sea Fishing
• Red Snapper Fishing
• Bay & Jetty Trips
• Shark Fishing
• Dolphin Tours
• Birding Tours

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10 Least-Crowded, But Still Scenic Places To Visit In Texas

• Texas offers lesser-known, scenic locations for nature lovers looking to avoid crowds, such as Caprock Canyons State Park and Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center.
• Monahans Sandhills and Enchanted Rock are tranquil spots with unique landscapes, while Caverns of Sonora and Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge offer guided tours and wildlife watching opportunities.
• Colorado Bend State Park and Big Thicket National Preserve provide a range of outdoor activities, and Devils River State Natural Area and The Blue Lagoon in Huntsville are perfect for swimming and diving.

Texas is big enough, about 268,820 miles big, to host countless natural wonders. Many of Texas' adorable small towns , parks, deserts, resorts, museums, rivers, sand dunes, and more are already well-known and well-visited. This presents a challenge for vacationers seeking tourist locations where they can enjoy the beauty and calming effect of nature away from the bustling crowds.

Luckily, there are still a few stunning and yet less-trodden places to visit within the state. From underground caverns and sand dunes to scenic lakes and massive waterfalls, there are many lesser-known, unique spots that tourists can visit and enjoy as much as the famous attractions in Texas. For tourists interested in such tranquil locations, here are some of the least-crowded yet scenic places to visit in Texas.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Places In Texas To Visit That Actually Feel Like A Winter Wonderland

Caprock Canyons State Park

Caprock Canyons State Park is a relatively remote tourist location compared to the more popular attractions and activities in Palo Duro Canyon State Park , which is just a 1.5-hour drive away. The glowing red canyon is largely free of the crowds that are a fixture of more popular tourist sites. The park is just three miles from the city of Quitaque, and it is home to Texas State's official Bison herd.

It has several miles of hiking trails with stunning views along the entire route. The Bison herd roams the park's lands, and visitors are sure to encounter them while exploring the canyon. There are also camping sites within the park, and tourists are advised to make reservations online before visiting.

• Address : Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway, 850 Caprock Canyon Park Road, Quitaque, TX, United States
• Hours : 8 am to 10 pm
• Gate Fee : Adults ($5), Children 12 Years and Under (Free), Group - Adult: ($3)
• Things to Do : Hiking, camping, scenic driving, horseback riding, water sports

Related: Palo Duro Is Considered The ‘Grand Canyon’ Of The South

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

This 76-acre preserve is one of Texas' best-kept secrets. Visitors to Westcave Preserve are taken on guided tours through the site's varied natural ecosystems, from wildflower meadows and a stunning 40-foot waterfall to a grotto with a cave. The site is in Dripping Springs, and the closest large urban settlement is the city of Austin, which is a 52-minute drive away.

Only a maximum of 20 to 25 people are allowed to tour the sheltered canyon at a time, and tourists can enjoy the 90-minute tour without the distraction of large crowds. The experience is truly special, and visitors are advised to make a reservation online before making the trip.

• Address : 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX 78663, United States
• Hours : Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday
• Gate Fee : Adults ($5), children under 12 ($2), family ($15)
• Things to Do : Guided tours, hiking, wildlife watching

Monahans Sandhills

Monahans Sandhills is another one of the less crowded places in Texas to visit that's still just as scenic as the popular hotspots in the state. This is a mystical, desert-like place with 70-foot tall sand dunes and a thriving ecosystem of plant life and animals despite the unforgiving natural conditions. The town of Monahans is close by, but the 3,840-acre park is never crowded. There is more than enough room for everyone, even during the busy season.

Visitors to the park can enjoy activities like sand surfing and horseback riding. Sand disks can be rented on-site, and the dedicated 800-acre horseback riding area has all the necessary amenities. There are also 26 campsites within the park, and tourists can make online reservations.

• Address : Monahans, TX 79756, United States
• Hours : 6 am to 10 pm
• Gate Fee : Adults ($4), Children 12 Years and Under (Free)
• Things to Do : Dune surfing, horse riding, picnics, camping

The park's sands are ever-changing, and there are no marked trails. Visitors are advised to take plenty of water and be aware of their surroundings at all times to ensure they can find their way back.

Enchanted Rock

This pink granite mountain is located right in the heart of Texas Hill Country (which offers plenty to do) , and it's the largest Monadnock hill in the United States. The 425-foot tall dome is called "enchanted" because of legends created about it by the local Tonkawa and Apache tribes due to its regular creaking and groaning from the natural heating and cooling of the rock.

The 1,640-acre hiking, rock climbing, and camping site gets a significant number of visitors, but people seeking a tranquil visit shouldn't be concerned since the park is always closed once a specific number of visitors is reached. There is enough space and crowd control measures to prevent overcrowding. Visitors should make reservations in advance before visiting the park to avoid being turned back.

• Address : 16710 Ranch Rd. 965 Fredericksburg, TX 78624
• Hours : 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Gate Fee : Persons 13 years and older ($8)
• Things to Do : Hiking, star gazing, rock climbing, wildlife watching

It can get very hot here, and hikers and rock climbers should prepare for the heat by having plenty of water with them before they start exploring.

Caverns Of Sonora

The Caverns of Sonora is one of the most beautiful cave networks in the world, with calcite crystal formations all over the caves. It is one of the most unique places to visit in Texas , and it's little wonder why the site is a national landmark. The site is just ten miles from the city of Sonora, but it is never crowded. Visitors are taken on guided tours in groups of 10 to 12 people to ensure an intimate experience.

The 1-hour-45-minute tour, which takes place 155 feet below ground, is always helmed by experts who forbid visitors from bringing in any gear other than their cameras to protect the cave's fragile formations. There are also above-ground activities like camping and gemstone panning.

• Address :1711 Private Rd 4468, Sonora, TX 76950, United States
• Hours : 9 am to 5 pm
• Gate Fee : $20
• Things to Do : Guided tour, camping, gemstone panning

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is among the most scenic uncrowded places in Texas to visit. It offers a wide variety of ways to connect with nature and is home to endangered songbirds and other wildlife species. Also within the reserve are caves, streams, rock formations, and numerous hiking trails with stunning views of everything the park has to offer.

The site is just five miles from Lago Vista, and its remote location makes it the perfect place to enjoy hiking in peace and quiet. Visitors who aren't interested in hiking the trails can still survey the park's wonders from strategically located observation decks.

• Address : Marble Falls, TX 78654, United States
• Hours : Open year-round, 24 hours a day
• Gate Fee : Free
• Things to Do : Hiking, wildlife watching, archery, hunting (permit only)

Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend State Park is another one of the scenic hidden gems in Texas, and it's home to several natural attractions, including caves, springs, a stretch of the Colorado River, and the stunning Gorman Falls. Being hours away from any large city has made the park the perfect place to get away from crowds. The site is still a 35-minute drive from Lampasas and 28 minutes from San Saba, but both cities have populations of less than 10,000 people.

Visitors need to make a reservation before traveling to avoid being disappointed upon arrival. Being one of Texas' most budget-friendly, scenic trips , tourists can engage in many activities here to keep them occupied, including fishing, swimming, and cave tours.

• Address : 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824, United States
• Gate Fee : Adults ($5), children 12 Years and under (Free)
• Things to Do : Guided tours, hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, camping

Related: 12 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes You Can Visit In Texas

Big Thicket National Preserve

Big Thicket National Preserve is one of the least crowded places in Texas to visit that's super scenic; it's a stunning forest that is home to eleven ecosystems, 1320 known tree species, bayous, geological formations, and numerous wildlife. The 113,114-acre site is just a 10-minute drive from the city of Kountze, and visitors can visit the park at any time and day of the year.

The sheer expanse of the reserve means it's big enough for everyone. It is a great location for hiking, bird watching, biking, canoeing, and hunting. Visitors can engage in any of those activities without ever running into crowds.

• Address : Kountze, TX 77625, United States
• Things to Do : Hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, camping, hunting

Devils River State Natural Area

One of the least crowded scenic places in Texas to visit, the Devils River runs through this pretty Texas park and influences its three distinct ecosystems. The spring-fed river and the stunning rock formations that line its banks are the main attractions in the park. The remote location of the 37,000-acre park, hours from any large urban area, has made it one of the most underrated tourist attractions in Texas without crowds and hordes of visitors.

The site is close to the small city of Del Rio, and visiting tourists are strongly encouraged to book reservations before coming to avoid being turned back. The trip is certainly worth it, and visitors will be delighted that they can enjoy all the available activities without any crowds.

• Address : 21715 Dolan Crk Rd, Del Rio, TX 78840, United States
• Hours : Open from Friday to Monday between 8 am to 5 pm. Closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• Gate Fee : Persons 13 years & older ($5), children 12 and under (Free)
• Things to Do : Hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing

Visitors are universally required to pay with their credit cards, and cash payments are not accepted.

Related: 10 Swimming Holes That You Can Dive Into Right In Austin, Texas

The Blue Lagoon, Huntsville

This swim park and scuba training facility is among the many beautiful yet lesser-known destinations in Texas to visit. It's centered around the spring-fed turquoise waters of an old limestone quarry. The site is an 18-minute drive from the city of Huntsville, and it's arguably the most spell-binding swimming hole in the state of Texas.

The Blue Lagoon in Huntsville is never overcrowded since the number of visitors is controlled. There are dive platforms for divers and shades from which tourists can just soak in the beauty of the location. Divers can make reservations online, but non-divers must pay on-site.

• Address : 649 Pinedale Rd, Huntsville, TX 77320, United States
• Hours : Open Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
• Gate Fee : Certified Divers ($25), non-divers ($30), children 9 and under ($10)
• Things to Do : Swimming, scuba diving,