World Birding Center
Encyclopedia
The World Birding Center consists of nine sites in Texas
, United States
along a 120 mile corridor following the Rio Grande
from the city of Roma
on the west to South Padre Island
on the east. The mission of the World Birding Center is to protect native habitat, while increasing the understanding and appreciation of the birds and wildlife.
The nine sites include Roma Bluffs, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, which serves as headquarters for the center, Quinta Mazatlan, Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, Estero Llano Grande State Park, Harlingen Arroyo Colorado, Resaca de la Palma State Park, and South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.
The World Birding Center was also established to aid the economy the Lower Rio Grande Valley
, which has suffered from a loss of agricultural jobs. Birders
from outside the area are expected to add more than $100 million annually in tourism dollars for the Valley.
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
along a 120 mile corridor following the Rio Grande
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes...
from the city of Roma
Roma, Texas
Roma is a city in Starr County, Texas, United States. The population was 9,765 at the 2010 census. The city is located along the Rio Grande, across from Ciudad Miguel Alemán in Tamaulipas, Mexico....
on the west to South Padre Island
South Padre Island
South Padre Island is a barrier island in the U.S. state of Texas. It is located in Cameron County and is a popular vacation destination because the resort city South Padre Island is located on the island. The island itself is considered to have been settled by Padre Jose Nicolas Balli, who had a...
on the east. The mission of the World Birding Center is to protect native habitat, while increasing the understanding and appreciation of the birds and wildlife.
The nine sites include Roma Bluffs, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, which serves as headquarters for the center, Quinta Mazatlan, Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, Estero Llano Grande State Park, Harlingen Arroyo Colorado, Resaca de la Palma State Park, and South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.
The World Birding Center was also established to aid the economy the Lower Rio Grande Valley
Rio Grande Valley
The Rio Grande Valley or the Lower Rio Grande Valley, informally called The Valley, is an area located in the southernmost tip of South Texas...
, which has suffered from a loss of agricultural jobs. Birders
Birdwatching
Birdwatching or birding is the observation of birds as a recreational activity. It can be done with the naked eye, through a visual enhancement device like binoculars and telescopes, or by listening for bird sounds. Birding often involves a significant auditory component, as many bird species are...
from outside the area are expected to add more than $100 million annually in tourism dollars for the Valley.