Border Security

(From Google) The Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas is generally considered safe for birders, with many dedicated birding areas and preserves established throughout the region, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers despite its proximity to the border; most visitors report feeling secure while exploring the various birding hotspots there.

Key points about safety in the Lower Rio Grande Valley for birders:

• Well-maintained birding sites: Several designated World Birding Centers exist in the area, including Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley, Estero Llano Grande, and Resaca de la Palma State Parks; Edinburg Scenic Wetlands; South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center; Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge; Harlingen Thicket; Quinta Mazatlan; Old Hidalgo Pumphouse; and Roma Bluffs; along with several other federal, state, city, county, and privately owned preserves which are all managed and monitored for visitor safety.
• Local support for birding tourism: Residents of the region recognize the economic benefits of birdwatching and actively promote birding activities, providing guided tours and birder-friendly accommodations.
• Minimal border concerns for visitors: While the border is nearby, most birding areas are well away from any high-security zones, and visitors are not typically impacted by border issues while engaged in birding activities.

Travel Alerts:  Go to  Mexico Travel Advisory   for the latest cautionary information about traveling in Mexico.  On the US side, birders are advised to avoid Fronton due to recent cartel/Border Patrol conflict.

Annotated Checklist of the Birds of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Bird and Butterfly Hotspots of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Bird and Butterfly Hotspots with Visitor Centers (listed by Lower, Mid, and Upper Valley)

Bird and Butterfly Hotspots for the Adventurous (listed by Lower, Mid, and Upper Valley)

When and Where to Start Looking for Migrants in the LRGV