South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center

Address:

6801 Padre Boulevard
South Padre Island, TX 78597

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Phone: 956-243-8179 | Website

The South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center is the location for the South Padre Island site of the World Birding Center.  With over 360 recorded species and the convergence of neo-tropical songbirds during spring and fall migration, the Island has become one of the premier birding locations in the western hemisphere.  Located on the Laguna Madre waterfront, this facility has incorporated the Laguna Madre Nature Trail and has expanded it to create over 4800 linear feet of boardwalks, meandering through fresh, salt and brackish water habitats.  These boardwalks are the jewel of the center, allowing visitors up-close inspection of birds not normally available in the wild.
 
The exhibits on the 2nd floor of this over 10,000 square foot facility, take visitors on an educational voyage from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico through the dunes and into the Laguna Madre. Interpretive panels explain:
•  The formation of barrior islands and the effects of storms, wind, waves and sea level changes

•  Future impacts of development and environmental changes (including hurricanes, sea level changes and possible oil spills)

•  Aerial photograph of the Island and surrounding Laguna Madre Area.

•  A ceiling to floor case housing an underwater oil rig with its reef community; models of 49 species of fish and invertebrates are included as well as an interactive monitor that provides details about each of the species.

•  Ecosystems on the Island and the interesting and unique plants and animals found here

 
The facility boasts a 60 foot observation tower that allows our guests a panoramic view of the Island -- views of sunrises over the crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico, the Town skyline, sunsets over the Laguna Madre, the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway, and the dunes and development to the north.
 
The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm.  We are located on the north end of town at 6801 Padre Boulevard – south of the Convention Center, north of Sea Turtle Inc., and across the street from La Quinta.
 
Admission fees are $5 for Adults; $4 for Seniors 55+ as well as students 13-17; $2 for children 4-12; children under 4 years of age are free with adult chaperone.  Weekly, 3month and annual passes are available.
 
Are you planning an upcoming meeting, wedding or event?  Consider the SPI BNC as an elegant location for that special event.
 
For more information, please call (956) 243-8179, or visit our website:  www.spibirding.com <http://www.spibirding.com> .