At the end of the rainbow is where you’ll find the pot of gold, right? This spring, bird-lovers can discover their own in Port Arthur, when a rainbow of shimmering color settles over southeast Texas as birds migrating northward from Central and South America alight to feed and rest travel-weary wings in the trees, lakes and marshes of the Gulf South. And the pot of gold? The unparalleled variety of bird species—warblers, vireos, flycatchers and tanagers displaying hues of magenta, periwinkle, turquoise, gold, coral, violet, emerald, and turquoise. For a limited time each spring, all these species and more visit the region, typically from mid-March through April.
Each spring around the third week of April, birders in search of bucket-list sightings flock to southeast Texas. Why? Because Port Arthur boasts 29 birding sites and trails within a 40-mile radius—the result of its proximity to two major bird migration paths, the Central and Mississippi flyways—where returning birds make initial stopovers on the long journey from South America. Before continuing north to summer feeding and breeding grounds, migrating birds practically fall from the sky, exhausted and in search of rest, water and fuel, creating unique opportunities for bird enthusiasts and novices to experience one of nature’s most glorious spectacles.
Courtesy Curt Edgerton
American avocets. A birder's paradise, the Port Arthur region boasts 29 birdwatching sites within a 40-mile radius
Sabine Woods is perhaps the best-known location for catching a glimpse of the dazzling shades, as warblers, vireos, grosbeaks, flycatchers, tanagers, and many other species descend on the area. About 20 miles south, Pleasure Island features a brand new bird blind, while Sea Rim State Park and McFaddin State Park are also popular places to check sightings of migrating species off your list. The Port Arthur Birding Guide provides accurate information about each birding site, along with directions, lists of birds that frequent each area, and information about site offerings including benches, covered picnic areas, trails, restrooms and more.
Go Where the Birds Go
Courtesy Curt Edgerton
Birding Sea Rim State Park. If you visit Port Arthur in spring, don't forget your binoculars, camera, and birding guidebook.
Plan to travel light and be prepared to park alongside the highway to make the most of the region’s many spotting opportunities. You’ll want your camera, binoculars and birding guidebook. Don’t forget closed-toe hiking shoes, long pants, bug spray and water. Then download the Port Arthur Birding Guide to pick the perfect perch for witnessing the wonder of spring migration at its peak. visitportarthurtx.com/blog/experience-spring-migration-in-port-arthur-tx/ to learn more.
