Corpus Christi is known for its beautiful water lined beaches as well as for being a bird watcher’s paradise. The Audubon Society named Corpus Christi “America’s Birdiest City” for a straight decade making it a great place to learn more about these migratory animals. Take a gander at these five places to enjoy what nature has to offer in Corpus Christi.
1. Padre Island National Seashore
WATCH: 79 Baby Sea Turtles Released at Padre Island National Seashore 🐢🌊https://t.co/Iutct10fNs pic.twitter.com/NnW4MugWqz
— San Antonio Report (@SAReport) August 20, 2016
70-miles of white sandy beach welcomes you at the well-known Padre Island National Seashore. Located just 15-minutes from Corpus Christi, the beach features warm ocean water along with scenic dunes. Many locals and visitors flock to the Padre Island National Seashore each year to enjoy swimming, bird-watching, and fishing. Camping, windsurfing, and kite flying are also popular here. You may even catch a glimpse of baby Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles making their way to the water.
2. South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
https://twitter.com/rusticimages/status/988502430177521665
There are 182-acres to explore at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. You’ll find eleven exhibits which feature rich vegetation as well as plenty of walking trails over bridges and area wetlands. A 2,600 square foot butterfly house is a popular attraction, showcasing a variety of fascinating creatures. There’s also a birding tower that gives bird watcher’s a better view of the area. The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and open year long. Visitors pay a small daily entrance fee, and membership is also available.
3. Cole Park
😎✌ (@ Cole Park – @cityofcc in Corpus Christi, TX) https://t.co/YxGOQ5DF45 pic.twitter.com/mJXtfUfXEp
— Lórien (@Shaktiy_) October 3, 2016
Located on Ocean Drive, Cole Park is an excellent spot to stretch your legs and enjoy views of the Corpus Christi Bay. The park is easy to access with ample parking available and a nicely paved trail along the water. You’ll see ships using the port as well as plenty of egrets, terns, and herons who call this area home. The skate park and a large playground in the park will entertain the kids for hours.
4. Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center
You can spot Rusty, the 25-foot tall Blue Heron sculpture at the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve.🌴 #NationalBirdDay pic.twitter.com/Z8Vla7znlZ
— Corpus Christi, Texas (@VisitCCTexas) January 5, 2017
This beautiful nature sanctuary is home to many different species of wildlife. You’ll find an expansive trail system that’s open to hikers and bikers, and many of the trails are dog-friendly. The preserve features classes and interactive workshops and is open every day except Sunday. There’s also a wonderful playground for kids to enjoy and easy access for the elderly to appreciate nature in the area.
5. Hans A. Suter Wildlife Refuge
I think Reddish Egrets are cool, especially when they do their hunting dance running around with their wings outstretched. Also dig the bicolored bills of the breeding adults tho not seen here. Here is a White Morph version in the shallows at Hans Suter Park in #CCTX. #Birds pic.twitter.com/AyyKFx6a2C
— TexasBirder (@RubeSA47) August 14, 2018
Birdwatching is a favorite activity at the Hans A. Suter Wildlife Refuge in Corpus Christi. The refuge offers a 1-mile nature trail along with an 800-foot boardwalk. You’ll see a wide variety of landscape including woodlands, marshes, and mudflats. Pack a picnic and enjoy watching the many different bird species that call this refuge home. We recommend visiting early in the morning or around sunset for the most active birdwatching.
Corpus Christi residents take pride in their city’s title as a premier spot in the country to view a wide range of birds. You’ll find many parks and natural areas around the city that offer unique spots to see some of the most beautiful birds around.
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