Established in 1946, the 97,007 acre refuge is home to more documented species of birds than any other National Wildlife Refuge in the United States. The refuge is open for wildlife watching, education and interpretation, hunting, fishing and nature photography. Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is home to a diversity of wildlife including the endangered ocelot, white-tailed deer, aplomado falcon and redhead duck. Due to the location across the mainland, over the Laguna Madre and onto South Padre Island, the Laguna Atascosa NWR provides an important habitat for nesting sea turtles, clapper rails, blue crab, and many other species. Visitors can take advantage of foot trails, and auto, tram and kayaking tours. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Harlingen Arroyo (Hugh Ramsey Park)

The Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,088 acre wildlife refuge that was established in 1943 to protect migratory birds. It brings together the subtropical climate, gulf coast, great plains and Chihuahuan desert to create this “jewel” of a habitat. It is home to nearly 400 bird species, over 300 butterfly species and a variety of wildlife including the indigo snake, bobcat, coyote and endangered ocelot. The refuge offers visitors over 12 miles of foot trails, a 7 mile wildlife drive, and an 1.5 hour tram tour. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) from 8 AM to 4 PM.

World Birding Center