Texas symbolizes cattle, cactus and coyotes, but how about birds?
The state has over 600 species of birds or more than any other state, say promoters.
And spring is a banner season for catching up with the birds, says Cliff Shackleford, an ornithologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Said a news release from the Texas Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism:
“In addition to a world-class bird-watching experience, adventurers who hike, bike, kayak or even camel trek their way through Texas will find opportunities to chase rare butterflies, spot and endangered ocelot, boat with dolphins, watch sea turtles make their nests or find shade under trees found nowhere else on earth.”
Among areas being promoted at the Rio Grande Valley and the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in Alamo, considered the “jewel” of the US National Wildlife Refuge system. The 2,008-acre refuge hosts half the butterfly species found in North America and endangered animals such as the ocelot.
Report by David Wilkening
