Wednesday, January 11 – Today we took a ride to Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park.
We wanted to hike/walk at the State Park. Serving as the headquarters of the World Birding Center Network, Bentsen SP is known worldwide as a hot spot for birding.
Elmer and his brother, Lloyd (father of Senator Lloyd Bentsen, Jr.) decided to save this grove of ebony trees and the surrounds 587.5 acres by donating it, in 1944, to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park opened in 1962.
With more than 760 acres of woodland and native gardens, not to mention hundreds of volunteer filled bird feeders, visitors can see hundreds of colorful bird species as well as other South Texas wildlife, such as bobcats and javelinas.
They have a small but information-filled nature center.
There is a tram that transports visitors throughout the park but looking for exercise, we chose to walk the entire four mile loop and the additional connecting trails through the park.
We really enjoyed the blinds built in several locations, where one can sit, open a trapdoor and watch the many birds visiting one of the feeders.
We know this isn't a bird, but the butterflies were plentiful. 
We are certainly not “birders”, but it was an enjoyable morning seeing all the colorful birds. We think we have the names of some of the birds correct, but if you know the names of the birds photos not labeled, please let us know.
Chachalacas
Altamira Oriole
Green Jay
There is also a hawk tower where you can witness the amazing hawk migrations from a two-story observation deck.
We, unfortunately, did not see any hawks. They are common from the area of Ohio we were from, so we've enjoyed watching them soar overhead in the past.
It's sad to see how dry things are here in South Texas. By the looks of the vegetation one can understand the wild fires witnessed in parts of Texas last spring. This is a box of kindling just waiting to ignite. They need rain, lots of rain in Texas. Hopefully, it will wait until after we leave here on March 1 to start raining!
The Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is one of three State Parks that partnership with local city parks and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to create the World Birding Center.
The other two are Resaca De La Palma State Park and Estero Llano Grande State Park. All being part of the Texas State Park System accepting our Texas State Parks Pass, giving us free admission. This pass has really paid off for us this past year. We've more than covered the cost by getting into so many State Parks free.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!
Your top bird picture is definitely a Northern Cardinal. Beyond that one, we are totally innocent of any knowledge. Looks like a neat park to visit next time we're in that part of Texas, which may be a while!
ReplyDeleteWe've done some birding tours in the past at hotspots too. We saw more birds in the parking lot than on the tour. However, it was fun.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great day! Love the bird pictures.
ReplyDeletelove that park... you have some photos os some of the birds that birders from all over the world travel to see.. the green jays and chachalacas are common there and only there in the continental USA...
ReplyDeleteYour post and pictures bring back found memories of our time at the park. You got some great pictures!
ReplyDeleteWe liked the Texas State Parks pass, too. The state is so big you can travel several years at our speed without seeing all of the state parks but we still found the pass to be worth doing.
ReplyDeletewhat a great day..and excellent pictures..thanks for sharing..felt like I was right there with you :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful park! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteMike and Dee
gonerving.blogspot.com
Nice looking park and great pictures!
ReplyDelete