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Laredo, Texas Birding Guide |
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Laredo Is For The Birds Laredo lies in a region of North America, where a fascinating mix of birds, other vertebrae species and plant life forms coexist. Many tropical species, because of the generally warm climate and lack of prolonged cold, reach the northern limits of their distribution in this region.
Migratory birds which breed in the eastern forests of the U.S. are funneled through the region every spring and fall, as they follow the gently curving coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. Some eastern migrants will stop and remain in the region during the winter, where some temperate species reach the southern limits of their distribution. Similarly, species which breed in north temperate grasslands or in subarctic latitudes and which traverse the Great Plains during migration also pass through the region every spring and fall. Plants and animals of the western Chihuahuan Desert can also be found in this region, where some reach their eastern limit of distributions. The convergence of these influences in southern Texas has produced one of the most remarkably diverse ecological zones in all of North America. The prevailing subtropical climate, the presence of Tamaulipan thorn scrub, and the convergence of migratory pathways of birds, all contribute significantly to the incredible bird diversity found in the Laredo area. Some of the western species observed during a recent survey include the Swainson's Hawk, Greater Roadrunner, Black Phoebe, Verdin, Cactus Wren and Rock Wren. Twenty-four tropical species were observed during the same survey. They include the Least Grebe, White-tipped Dove, Groovebilled Ani, Green Jay and White-collared Seedeater. Birders will want to visit the river road behind Laredo Community College (LCC). The Paso del Indio Nature Trail, which can be accessed through LCC's Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center, connects to the road. With a little luck, birders may see a Red-billed Pigeon along the road. Toward the river's bend, the gravel pits are home to all three North American Kingfisher species (Green, Belted and Ringed). There are at least two established breeding pairs of the Ringed, and the Green are present year-round. The woods along the road and by the ponds support numerous other South Texas species. Both the gravel pits and Lake Casa Blanca International State Park are home to North America Heron and Egret species. There are Great, Snowy and Cattle Egrets; Great Blue, Little Blue, Green-backed and Tricolored Herons. The lake also offers White Pelicans and various gulls, while White-faced Ibis, Black-necked Stilts and the Least Tern are more likely to be seen at the gravel pits. Both locations are home to a large resident population of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, who are joined in winter by Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Lesser Scaups, Canvasbacks and Ring-necked Ducks, as well as Gadwalls, Wigeons and Northern Shovelers. The Lower Rio Grande Valley has long been a popular destination for birders, but it is important to note that the Laredo area is not just an extension of the Valley. Indeed, Laredo is emerging as a birding destination with significant bird resources, which set it apart from the Valley and you will want to be among the birders who are discovering them. The Green ParakeetThe green parakeet (Aratinga Holochlora) is a rare sight in the U.S., occurring only in extreme south Texas from Laredo to Brownsville, primarily in urban areas where it is a year round resident. If a birder wants to see the species in the U.S., he/she must come to this area to view it. The bird nests in tree cavities, mainly in palm trees. In late evening, small flocks of the birds can be heard making a shrill, noisy clatter as they come to roost. Experts disagree on the origin of the green parakeet in Texas. Some feel the birds come from released captive birds while other believe the birds moved into Texas from Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas as habitat in their northern range was cleared. Either way, they appear to be here to stay and their numbers are gradually increasing. Birding Links in Laredo: |
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Last Update:
October 11, 2005 |
