Resaca de la Palma State Park is the largest tract of native habitat in the Lower Rio Grande Valleys, World Birding Center network. With over 1200 semi-tropical acres less than 2 miles from Rancho Viejo Resort, the park offers a wilderness preserve to nature lovers right next door!

The park includes one of those extinct river beds, locally known as resacas, providing wildlife-attracting ponds when full. Along the natural levees of these shallow ponds are dense stands of banco woodlands and marsh vegetation. Elsewhere, drier Tamaulipan thorn woodlands include classic mesquite and anacahuita.

Resaca de la Palma also promises to be a rich birding environment. Colorful neo-tropical and nearctic migrants like the Summer Tanager, American Redstart, and Yellow-breasted Chat – have been noted here more often and in higher numbers. When resaca levels are controlled for the benefit of wildlife, species like the Least Grebe, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Purple Gallinule and various herons, as well as migrating waterfowl in their seasons, should also congregate here. The property’s dense ground-level vegetation is especially attractive to species like the Olive Sparrow, Long-billed Thrasher and White-eyed Vireo, along with other local varieties.

The World Birding Center visitor center provides parking, a great shop that includes books on nature (particularly birds), interesting and educational nature gifts and clothing, binoculars, as well as trail snacks and drinks. There is also a small theatre/meeting room with videos on local wildlife. The Rangers at the park are friendly and helpful and can arrange tram rides through the park, bicycle rentals, information on the trails as well as informative tours with proper notice.

For information:

Phone: 956-350-2920
Fax: 956-350-3814

Resaca de la Palma State Park
1000 New Carmen Rd. (off Hwy. 281 or FM 1732)
Brownsville, TX 78521
http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/sites/brownsville/