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Description
Leonabell Turnbull Birding Center offers good views of freshwater marsh and ponds that are excellent for ducks, gulls and shorebirds. Other highlights include Tricolored Heron, American Avocet, Reddish Egret and Roseate Spoonbill. American Flamingo has been reliable recently although this is not an expected area for that bird.
There is a boardwalk with shaded viewing stations for observing the marsh. Continuing past the initial section brings you to the Charlie's Pasture South Trail through the Port Aransas Nature Preserve and can also connect to the Salt Island Trail. Those lead to changing the habitat to salt marsh and grassland habitats. Both have observation towers and well-maintained trails.
There are regular guided walks available to the public at 9:00 AM on Wednesdays.
Details
Access
Leonabell Turnbull Birding Center is located at 1356 Ross Avenue, Port Aransas, Texas on Mustang Island. From the north take Highway 361 to Port Aransas and take Cut-Off Road to Ross Avenue. From Corpus Christi take 358 to Mustang Island, turn on Highway 361 and then left on W Avenue G to Ross Avenue. The location is well marked. Depending on where one starts there are paid Bus/Shuttles, seasonal free shuttles as well as taxis and ride sharing. Press P on the map for directions.
The trail should be explored on foot on the well maintained boardwalk and trails. Allow between 1 and 1.5 hours for a visit although impressive lists can result from less that half an hour at times. Allow longer if extending the visit into adjoining trails.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Grassland , Pond , Mud flatsConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
The Birding Center is close to Corpus Christi, an area that had recent rarities such as Red-footed Booby and Cattle Tyrant in addition to the American Flamingo. It is also not too much out of the way if you are heading to the Rio Grande Valley area fom the east depending upon the rarities present at the time of the trip.