One Dog and a Whole Lot of Birds: A South Texas Road Trip

🛣️ Hitting the Road for Birding Season

In February, I went on a South Texas birding road trip with my camera in one hand and Gertie—my loyal, bird-curious pup—by my side. The goals? Chase Texas winter season birding migration, photograph birds, and enjoy South Texas’s coast and state parks.

From state parks and wildlife refuges to small border towns and coastal beaches, the trip offered the perfect mix of nature, good food, and reflective moments on the road.

🌿 Visiting Four Texas State Parks

📍 Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
This park felt like a birding Disneyland. I spent the morning tucked into a bird blind teeming with colorful species—Green Jays, Great Kiskadees, and Altamira Orioles among them. On the hike back, I stopped by the Nature Center, where I relaxed in a rocking chair facing a row of feeders, spotting a wild turkey and enjoying the comical antics of a group of Plain Chachalacas. After a bite at the Visitor Center’s small cafe, I hopped on the free tram and rode out to the Hawk Observation Tower for sweeping views of the tree canopy and surrounding wetlands.

📍 Estero Llano Grande State Park
Gertie and I followed a trail through the wetlands to Alligator Lake, where we spotted a few gators sunning on the banks, a well-camouflaged Nighthawk nestled among the branches, and several Great Blue Herons perched high in the trees. Later, we settled into a bird blind alongside a friendly couple. The husband had the same Nikon camera as mine, and we ended up swapping birding tips and photography tricks while waiting for the next great shot. My favorite capture from the day? A striking Golden-fronted Woodpecker caught mid-peck.

📍 Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
Located near Laredo, this small park seemed well suited for RV campers escaping the city. I explored the historic ruins of the first settlement’s Casa Blanca house, hiked up to a hilltop viewpoint, and followed a trail across the dam—though the view included more freeway than scenic landscape.

📍 Falcon State Park
Falcon brought desert vibes with its Texas scrub trails. It was a hot day, and Gertie made it clear this hike wasn’t her favorite—but the quiet, rugged landscape had its own kind of beauty, and we practically had the trail to ourselves. There’s also a butterfly garden with bird feeders teeming with cardinals and blackbirds.

🌙 Overnight in Laredo

After a four-hour drive from Austin, Gertie and I rolled into Laredo and made our first state park stop. Afterward, we checked into our pet-friendly hotel, then headed out to Salados Brewing Company — a lively, dog-friendly hangout with craft beer, great pizza, and a friendly vibe. It was the perfect way to wind down after our hike and time on the road.

🌮 San Juan: Food & Nature Parks

For a few days, I set up base in San Juan, staying at an Airbnb condo that kept me close to all the birding action in the Rio Grande Valley.

Good eats in nearby McAllen, TX included:

• The Republic of Rio Grande – Scoring a bar seat at this busy restaurant was a win! The steak salad was amazing steak + margaritas
• Mula Cantina – Freshly made guacamole, crispy taquitos and a watermelon margarita I’m still thinking about

Other local highlights:

Edinburg Scenic Wetlands – part of the World Birding Center, nestled inside a big community park, with more birding opportunities and trails to wander.

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge – Mid-morning I set off toward the observation deck—only to be ambushed by a relentless swarm of mosquitoes. Thankfully, a kind woman came to my rescue with some much-needed bug spray. I completed the loop and followed a different trail to walk across the subtly swaying canopy bridge and climb up the observation tower for a panoramic view above the treetops.

🏖️ Slowing Down on South Padre Island

Now time to relax. I spent five days on South Padre Island, staying in a beach-themed Airbnb just a couple blocks from the beach. My friend Amy joined Gertie and me for a few of those days, and even though a cold front rolled in (yes, even in South Texas!), we bundled up, took Gertie for walks on the beach, and played board games in the evenings.

During my visit, I explored some of the area’s natural highlights:

South Padre Island Birding Center – I spent several hours photographing birds from the boardwalk trail crossing over coastal wetlands, after visiting the rescue alligators and turtles at the visitor’s center.

Laguna Madre Nature Trail – A free, dog-friendly 1,500-foot boardwalk that runs alongside parts of the SPI Birding Center’s trail, offering even more marshland birding opportunities.

Sea Turtle Inc – I met a kind Winter Texan volunteer who introduced me to Cowgirl, a sea turtle who perks up every time he visits and gives her “scratches” through the glass.

Places to eat in South Padre Island I’d recommend:

• Josephine’s Kitchen – Delicious breakfast chilaquiles + a coffee bar, worth the wait.
• Viva – Great fish tacos and happy-hour priced margaritas on National Margarita Day!
• The Meatball Café – A stellar local tip, with house-made pasta and a solid wine list.
• Hedera Tropical Grill – Crispy coconut shrimp, mango-glazed chicken, and fresh-flavored lemonades (try the mint) + casual vibes.
• Padre Island Brewing Company – Mingle with friendly Winter Texans and enjoy a selection of craft beer on tap.
• Joe’s Oyster Bar (in Port Isabel) – The setting’s nothing fancy (the dining area’s right next to the seafood market), but the fresh, flavorful seafood plates and fair prices made it one of the best meals of my trip.

🌊 Wrapping It Up in Corpus Christi

My final stop was Corpus Christi, where I stayed at an Airbnb in the Flour Bluff neighborhood—just right for splitting my time between the city and Padre Island National Seashore.

Two Days at the Seashore:

Day 1 – I visited the Malaquite Visitor Center and did some solo beachcombing at the adjacent 4-mile stretch of beach. Later, I swung by Bird Island Basin where coastal birds are attracted by the local fisherman.

Day 2 – I brought Gertie along for an obligatory photo in front of the sign, and to explore the drive-on South Beach area, where I did a little more shell collecting.

I also checked out:

Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve – An urban park with small ponds and peaceful trails for a stretch-your-legs break.

Cole Park – A standout urban bayfront park with a long pier, coastal birds, and scenic walking paths.

And of course, a memorable meal:

The Black Diamond Oyster Bar – A dog-friendly patio where I enjoyed happy hour drink specials and an indulgent fresh oyster platter.

Final Thoughts

South Texas always surprises me—in the best way. Whether it was watching a Great Blue Heron take flight over a tranquil lagoon or witnessing the heartwarming bond between a sea turtle enthusiast and his favorite rescue turtle, every stop brought something special. And I think Gertie would agree.