World Birding Center

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The World Birding Center consists of nine sites in Texas, U.S. 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.