When to Come

January

Weather will be cool to cold, with temperatures peaking in the mid seventies occasionally. This is a good time for raptors, mammals and wintering migratory birds. Resident and winter birds will be present and in good winter plumage. Some snakes and reptiles may be found on sunny days. Bucks will be in hardened antlers coming out of the rut and hunting season. Since this is the end of the breeding season, broken antlers and scarred bucks will be common. Mammals have their best hair coats in the winter months. Great horned owls are nesting at this time.

February

Weather is variable, usually cool to cold with occasional warm days. Vegetation is sparse and bucks will still have antlers, but they are usually bleached white by this time of year. Resident and winter birds will be in good plumage. It is still too early for most reptiles and amphibians except on sunny days.

March

March is one of the windiest times of year in the Coastal Bend. Days are still cool at times, but warm days are more common. Some of the wildflowers will be in bloom. The landscape will begin turning green again and deer will be regaining their body condition. Bucks will be shedding antlers and winter coat. The spring migration begins with an overlap between winter and summer birds for a short time. Some brush species will begin to bloom.

 April

The spring green is in full swing and wildflowers are at their peak along highways, pastures, and parks. April produces some beautiful days, however don’t be surprised with a mix of cloudy and windy days.

Nesting season begins for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtles and can be spotted on the Padre Island National Seashore. Reptiles and Amphibians are beginning to be seen. Insects are more prevalent. Almost all of the bucks have shed their antlers by now. Mid-April to mid- May is the peak of the spring migration. Mammals are shedding and beginning to get their summer coats. Some mating activity is being seen. Spring rains are expected in April and May. Prickly Pear cactus is in full bloom.

May

This time of year produces some of the most beautiful and pleasant days of the year. Does are beginning to look pregnant and bucks are in early antler growth. Coyotes and bobcats may have young by now. Spring migration is still under way. Summer and resident birds are establishing territories and vocalizing. Vegetation is green and some species are still blooming. Insect activity is considerable. Reptiles and amphibians are much more prevalent. Nesting season continues for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtles and can be spotted on the Padre Island National Seashore for a short period of time (Kemp’s return to the water after approximately 45 minutes of nesting). Hatchling releases begin as early as the end of May, depending on the nesting season.

June

The weather is quite warm by this time of year. The reptiles and amphibians are active. Resident and summer birds are nesting. Predators have their summer coats. Many species of plants have fruit this time of year, and bucks are in velvet. Insects are active. Skies are less cloudy. Nesting season continues for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtles and can be spotted on the Padre Island National Seashore (Kemp’s return to the water after approximately 45 minutes of nesting). Hatchling releases begin and continue through June.

July

Summer is in full swing! There will be very hot days from now until September. Water hole photography is at its very best. Bucks have their summer hair coat which is redder this time of year. Fawns will be born in July and early August. Many mammals have young by now. Nesting season continues for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtles and can be spotted on the Padre Island National Seashore (Kemp’s return to the water after approximately 45 minutes of nesting). Hatchling releases are scheduled by the Padre Island National Seashore after they enter an active state called a frenzy which occurs about 1-3 days after the slow process of hatching is first detected. Hatchlings are guarded during release to ensure that they safely enter the surf.

August

The summer is still peaking with temperatures ranging from 90-100 degrees. Spotted fawns are becoming active and will be seen with their mothers. Fledging birds are showing up and second nesting attempts are starting. Shorebirds may start fall migration in July. Reptiles and amphibians are active. Insect life is abundant. Bird plumage is beginning to change into a postnuptial molt. Resident and summer birds are active. Some are raising second broods. Juvenile birds are common. Tortoises are mating. Most vegetation is becoming dry and parched, unless it is a rainy summer. Cactus fruits are becoming ripe and offer photo opportunities. The hawk migration begins in the middle of the month and can be seen in kettles. Nesting season continues for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtles and can be spotted on the Padre Island National Seashore (Kemp’s return to the water after approximately 45 minutes of nesting). Hatchling releases continue to be scheduled depending on the nesting and hatchling season. Generally the last hatchling release is held mid to late August.

September

Temperature is primarily pretty warm, still considered “beach weather”. Bucks have finished their antler growth and may begin shedding velvet by the end of the month. Fawns are growing and quite active, most still have spots. Butterfly activity is picking up. Monarchs will be seen towards the end of the month as they migrate. Fall migration begins, but it is not as concentrated as the spring migration. There can be overlap between late departing summer birds and early-arriving winter birds. Temperatures are still rather hot. The peak of the Hawk migration will hit at the end of the month.

October

This is the peak month for butterflies. Most bucks will shed their velvet and fawns will lose their spots. Winter birds will be arriving. The Hawk Migration will be in full swing. Archery season opens for deer season. The first cold front of the season usually hits this time of year.

November

The temperature begins to shift from cold to cool days with some warm days. Winter Migration continues. The hawk migration is winding down towards the middle of the month.

December

The temperature becomes more consistently cold to cool. Bucks have swollen necks and are beginning to make scrapes. This is the best month for Buck photography. Birds are active. Predators are at their very best. Reptiles are only seen on occasional warm days. Leaves begin to fall from most trees depending on the first freeze of the season.