SPI Birding and Nature Center Area

About the Area

South Padre Island is a crucial first landfall – a lifesaver – for birds making an arduous cross-Gulf migration from Southern Mexico and northern Central America. Especially after a spring storm, wooded lots of the island teem with an eye-popping rainbow of warblers, tanagers, orioles and thrushes. Wetlands harbor a range of shorebirds and waterfowl, while endangered species such as the Brown Pelican, Piping Plover and Peregrine Falcon may be found here as well.

Photography Assets

The Birding and Nature Center has 3300+ feet of boardwalk that allows photographers to get up-close and personal to the birds. Birds here are generally accustomed to people walking near them. There are 5 bird blinds set up along the boardwalks as well as water features and bird feeding stations.

In Focus...

Easy Access Species:

  • Herons, egrets and Least Bittern along the boardwalk.

  • During migration the clumps of trees and shrubs can be teaming with songbirds.

Site Specialties:

  • Least Bittern

Access Information, Amenities and Accessibility

Please expand this section by clicking the arrow to the right.

ADDRESS: 6801 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Google Map Directions Link

HOURS: Subject to change without notice

  • Sundays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Mondays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Tuesdays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Wednesdays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Thursdays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Fridays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Saturdays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

ADMISSION FEES: Subject to change without notice

  • Adults $8

  • Students 13-18 & Seniors 55 yrs+ $7

  • Children 4-12 yrs $5

  • Under 4 yrs FREE with paid adult

PHONE: (956) 761-6801

TRAIL MAP LINKS: None

AMENITIES: Parking is ample and the restrooms are open during the hours of operation.

ACCESSIBILITY: All Boardwalks, and everything inside the Birding Center are accessible to birders using wheelchairs or walkers.

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.spibirding.com/

Dominant Habitats

  • Brackish Tidal Flat

  • Open Water: Gulf

  • Saline Aquatic Submerged

  • Salty Marsh

  • Texas Saline Coastal Prairie

  • Woody Marsh

eBird Hotspot Statistics

South Padre Is.--Birding and Nature Center

Last Updated 4/14/21

Location and Scenery Images