Page 53 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2024-2025 Quinta Mazatlan is the McAllen Wing of the World Birding Center located just one block South of La Plaza Mall off 10th St. A historic adobe home built in the 1930’s is the centerpiece of this 25-acre urban sanctuary. The mansion is surrounded by a native Thornforest with water and bird feeding stations throughout the park. Enjoy the birding trails, historic adobe mansion, forest sculpture trail, art gallery, nature exhibits, gift store, programs, tours, workshops, and special events. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays until dark. Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Holidays. Follow Quinta Mazatlan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube @QuintaMazatlan or call (956) 681-3370. Brownville’s Resaca de la Palma State Park has about 1,200 semi-tropical acres of land along an ancient resaca of the Rio Grande River, the park provides a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city of Brownsville just a few miles away. The park features 11 miles of trails, and four observation decks overlooking the resaca (Oxbow Lake). Private vehicles are not allowed on the park’s trail system, but the trails may be accessed by hiking, biking, or the park’s nature tram. The nature tram provides a guided tour of a 3-mile paved loop through the park during Visitor Center hours. Bird watchers may spot colorful South Texas specialty species, like the Altamira Oriole, Green Jay, and Great Kiskadee. Freshwater habitat throughout the park provides the perfect environment for a variety of waterbirds, including species like the Green Kingfisher, Least Grebe, and Mottled Duck. During migration many Warbler, Oriole, Flycatcher, and Hawk species pass through this area. In summer, Groove-billed Ani and Yellow-billed Cuckoo join the resident species nesting throughout the park. For the butterfly enthusiasts, the park is one of the best places in the Rio Grande Valley to find Blue Metalmarks. Bright, showy Mexican Bluewing and Band-celled Sister butterflies may be spotted along the tram road and trails. Admission is $4 for adults, children under 12 years old are free. Texas Park Passes are available for purchase at the visitor’s center. A Bluebonnet Pass can be issued to Texas resident seniors 65 years and older at no cost for a $2 admission. The Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays. The park gates are open from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every day and the park grounds are open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can access the park by using the self-pay station when the Visitor Center is closed. The park is located four miles west of Brownsville off FM 1732 (Olmito) at 1000 New Carmen Ave. For more information, please call (956) 350-2920 or visit the website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/resaca-de-la-palma. You can also visit on social media at https://www. facebook.com/resacadelapalma/ or on Instagram @resacadelapalmastatepark for regular updates. History and nature meet on the scenic bluffs above the Rio Grande where the World Birding Center in Roma can be found on the old plaza of a once-thriving steamboat port. The Roma Bluffs are located in the renovated historic Francisco Margo home, located at 610 N. Portscheller, in Roma’s National Historic District. The home features a traditional Spanish Courtyard with many bird feeders. During winter months many birds come in to feed, making it possible to view them up close. An observation deck located in the old Customs House on the river overlooks the river for viewing of birds. It offers scenic views of the City of Miguel Aleman, in Mexico. Open Mondays through Fridays year-round, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seasonally, October to March seven days a week, but may vary depending upon volunteer coverage. Call (956) 849-4930 for information on seasonal weekend hours of operation. The South Padre Island Birding Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary is located at 6801 Padre Blvd. Nearly 400 species of birds have been seen on South Padre Island and many of them, including the colorful Roseate Spoonbills, Reddish Egrets, Tricolored Herons, and Clapper Rails, make their homes in the marshes along the center’s 3/4-mile-long boardwalk, sharing space with alligators, a wide diversity of fish, crabs, and freshwater turtles. The center features a five-story tower that overlooks the Laguna Madre, a museum style exhibit hall depicting the natural environments and wildlife of the island, and a documentary about the island’s bird life. Educational “Gator Talks” take place daily at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., and guided birding tours occur almost daily through online registration. The center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call (956) 7616801 or visit www.spibirding.com for more information.
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