Hot Spots
Blucher Park
Blucher Park provides a green space in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi. Several footpaths have been created throughout the park to allow visitors a chance to explore the natural surroundings of the park. Known worldwide the 4 acre- pocket park attracts birders year round in search of flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, warblers, chimney swifts and dozens more species. This densely wooded park with a small creek flowing through its center has a defined trail system mulched with native wood chips, pedestrian bridge, seating stones, way-finding markers, and a new Interpretive Birding Kiosk with chimney swift towers.
Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge
Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge, located on Ennis Joslin and Nile, offers nature lovers an ideal spot to observe shorebirds, waterfowl, butterflies and wildlife along Oso Bay. Take a walk on the 800-foot nature trail or the 1-mile boardwalk for good views of Oso Bay, grassy marshes, woodlands and mudflats. Picnic tables and viewing platforms are spread throughout the refuge for visitors to enjoy.
Hazel Bazemore County Park
No other site in the United States can come close to listing the number of hawks or the number of species seen at Hazel Bazemore. The majority of the hawks are Broad-winged. Since the inception of the Hazel Bazemore Hawk Watch, 30 species have been seen at this site. During the eight-day peak in September, an average of 575,000 raptors is usually counted. A Hawk Watch platform built in 2007 provides comfortable surroundings for watching raptors but bring a lawn chair if you go on a fall weekend. In the fall be on the look out for, Vermillion Flycatcher (Fall and Winter), Rufous Hummingbird (Fall and Winter).
Resident birds include Least Grebe, Reddish Egret, White-face ibis, White-tipped Dove, Groove-billed Ani, Common Pauraque, Bull-bellied Hummingbird, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Great Kiskadee, Couch’s Kingbird, Green Jay, Long-billed Thrasher, Olive Sparrow, Cassin’s Sparrow.
South Texas Botanical Garden & Nature Center
The South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center offers visitors a lush oasis of various types of plants, birds and other species. Several miles of nature trails can also be found in the gardens. Observation platforms and an observation tower offer visitors unique glimpses into natural environment surrounding them. Visitors will be encompassed by the wildlife of the area, which includes a variety of birds and reptiles. Explore over 180 acres of nature trails, platforms, boardwalks, birding and photography blinds. Admission fee required.
Private Sites
Fennessey Ranch
Fennessey Ranch, located Northeast of Corpus Christi, consists of 4,000 acres of wetlands, lakes, wooded areas and meadows. The Mission River also borders the ranch. Due to it's location, the ranch is a hot spot for migratory birds. More than 400 species of birds call the ranch home or visit each year, making the ranch a perfect site for nature photography. The Fennessey Ranch also offers visitors birding trips as well as introductory birding tours. The ranch is dedicated in educating young and old about conservation efforts.
Welder Wildlife Refuge
This 7,800-acre native wildlife refuge focuses mostly on research and educational priorities that are in the field of wildlife management and conservation. The conservation education programs, targeting primarily school and university groups, emphasizes ecology and management of South Texas wildlife and their habitats.
The diversity and abundance of wildlife and habitats on the Refuge provide an ideal outdoor classroom and laboratory. A wide array of public tours, school and college programs, teacher in-service programs, conservation workshops, scientific education programs, symposium and field days led by professionally trained staff are offered throughout the year.
Wildlife that is common and has been studied extensively at the Refuge include Rio Grande turkeys, black-bellied whistling ducks, white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits and javelina.
Barnhart Q5 Ranch & Retreat
On the Barnhart Q5 Ranch Retreat, the 706-acre working ranch near Goliad provides for a wonderful stay while enjoying the great outdoors. With more than 60 birds identified on the ranch, it provides an ideal location for a birder.
On the paths of the ranch, visitors will find red-wing blackbirds, cardinals, and white-wing doves, while a hawk, osprey or cara cara can also be found soaring through the skies. A great blue heron or egret can often be found around the ponds. Hummingbirds, green jays, finches, titmouses, painted buntings, orioles, and flycatchers can all be found on the many feeders on the ranch. Whether sitting on the porch or out on a path, the abundance of birds provides a wonderful sight.
Knolle Farm & Ranch, Bed, Barn, & Breakfast
Just on the outskirts of Corpus Christi, Texas, Knolle Farm & Ranch, offers an upscale country inn, working ranch, and event and wedding facilities. It is a place truly unique to this area; but still capturing the best of historic south Texas culture and hospitality. It stands alone in its own special world, quite different from what comes to most minds when one thinks of this area. This historic, private ranch that was the home of the world's largest herd of Jersey cattle opened its doors to share its way of life in 1997. Connecting you with traditional south Texas pastimes and true country luxury, we will indulge you in so many ways. Does the idea of down pillows, fine linens, prime beef, fresh seafood, and hand-picked vegetables straight from our garden tempt you? Does the idea of breakfast delivered to you, or a stress free wedding with every detail perfectly orchestrated by our staff sound great to you? If these visions cause you to long for another way of life, discover the world at Knolle Farm & Ranch.
Corpus Christi Vacation Rentals
