The birding is good in Texas

While most animals and people find ways to cope with winter weather, an oasis awaits in the south for birds (and travelers) willing to make the trek, Encore RV Resorts reports.

Before winter arrives, hundreds of species of birds travel south each year in search of sustainable food, warmer climates and increased daylight hours. Two of the four major flyways in North America converge in south Texas, creating one of the nation’s premier hotspots for bird watching, said Greg Duncan, a company spokesperson.


RV snowbirds also find winter homes in south Texas. "Bird watching is a natural fit for RV campers and many plan their winter vacations to follow the birds’ paths," said Duncan. "Traveling south like the flocks they chase, bird watching enthusiasts use RVs as a home base allowing for mobility and comfort."

Along the Texas coast and in the watersheds of the Rio Grand Valley, migratory birds make stopovers on their way to destinations farther south or find winter homes until mid-spring. With such a high concentration of different species in south Texas, RV birders can set up in one spot and still check plenty of birds off their must-see lists.

Encore RV Resorts provides eight premier RV resorts in the prime bird-watching region of south Texas. "Encore offers RV bird watchers safe and friendly campgrounds with resort-style amenities to call home for the season or just the weekend," said Duncan.
Using Encore RV Resorts as a home base, novice and veteran RV birders can find multiple places to observe their favorite birds, he explained.

"The dune meadows and salt marshes of the South Padre Island coast attract many different species of birds, including endangered species such as the piping plover, peregrine falcon and brown pelican," said Duncan. "Further inland, green jays and buff-bellied hummingbirds flitter around the verdant, tropical landscape. Bird watchers may have the opportunity to see rare birds too. The black-vented oriole was recently spotted in the south Texas area."

Beginning RV bird watchers can look for guidance at the World Bird Center. Attracting new bird enthusiasts as well as expert birders, this network of nine different sites offers unique opportunities for viewing birds and other wildlife. Developed in conjunction with the Texas Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and nine Rio Grande Valley communities, the WBC provides prime viewing stations, watching towers, interpretive centers and programs. Besides guided tours, the WBC offers guests hands-on, educational exhibits for the curious birder.

RV birders will also find the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail a desirable setting to find birds, said Duncan. Developed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, this system of trails offers hiking and driving options with boardwalks, parking pullouts and observation platforms. Trails meander through some of the well-known birding sites while also offering more ambitious birders the opportunity to reach more secluded spots.

"Whether just starting out as a bird watcher or are an aspiring ornithologist, south Texas’ location and diverse habitats attract hundreds of species of birds to the area. Encore RV Resorts give RV’ing bird watchers a great place to stay while experiencing this birding paradise," said Duncan.
The following Encore Resorts are located in the heart of Texas' birding country:

• Country Sunshine RV Resort – 1601 S. Airport Road, Weslaco, TX 78596
• Fun N Sun RV Resort – 1400 Zillock Road, San Benito, TX 78586
• Lakewood RV Resort – 4525 Graham Road, Harlingen, TX 78552
• Paradise Park RV Resort – 1201 N. Expressway 77, Harlingen, TX 78552
• Paradise South RV Resort – 9099 N. Mile 2 West Road, Mercedes, TX 78570
• Southern Comfort RV Resort – 1501 S. Airport Drive, Weslaco, TX 78596
• Sunshine RV Resort – 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen, TX 78550
• Tropic Winds RV Resort – 1501 N. Loop 499, Harlingen, TX 78550

For more information or to make a reservation, call 866.730.0637 or visit www.RVontheGo.com.

Source: Encore RV Resorts. Photo: Black Headed Nightengale Thrush, courtesy City of Pharr, Texas

Texans respond to call for help for state's parks

After facing wildfires, heat, and drought, by year's end a $4.6 million revenue shortfall plagued the Texas State Park system. When officials put out the word that parks needed financial help, the question was, would the public respond? It seems the answer is clear.

More than $335,000 came rolling in after the December call for tax-deductable donations prior to the end of 2011 tax year. "We are tremendously encouraged and very grateful that we’ve received upwards of $335,000 in barely three weeks, with steady donations continuing to come in," said Carter Smith, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department executive director. "That includes a single generous gift of $250,000, and we’re hopeful that with more like that, we will reach our $4.6 million goal. But every donation, no matter the size, is important and appreciated."

From December 6 through 27, people had donated $64,826 online. Another $20,685 had been mailed in, including one check for $10,000. And officials said a steady stream of donations continues to come in each day. To make donations easier, park officials point out ways the public can help:

• Go to http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/helpparks to make a tax-deductible donation.
• Make a donation when you renew your motor vehicle registration.
• Finally, because visitor fees pay for about half of park system operating costs, visit state parks often with family and friends.

Texas parks are feeling more than just financial relief: All but about 10 of the 94 Texas State Parks have lifted burn bans, a big change since nearly two-thirds of the parks were not allowing ground campfires this fall because of drought and wildfire danger. Check each park’s web page online for the latest information. 



Brazos Bend State Park, Theodore Scott on flickr.com