Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center — Attraction in Port Aransas

The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center in Port Aransas is a gem for bird enthusiasts, offering expansive boardwalks and observation platforms that provide intimate views of a diverse array of resident and migratory birds. The center's thoughtful design, including shaded areas and benches, ensures a comfortable and immersive experience for visitors.

However, it's worth noting that the sanctuary is situated adjacent to the Lewis Wilcox Wastewater Treatment Plant. While the nutrient-rich waters from the treatment facility create an ideal habitat for various bird species, the occasional odors can detract from the overall experience. This raises a broader question about the common practice of establishing bird sanctuaries near waste treatment facilities. Although these locations offer abundant resources for birds, the associated smells can be off-putting for visitors.

On a positive note, the city of Port Aransas is actively enhancing the sanctuary's accessibility. New sidewalks are being constructed throughout the area, making it more navigable for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges. These improvements reflect the community's commitment to making natural attractions inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

In summary, the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center offers exceptional bird-watching opportunities in a well-designed setting. Prospective visitors should be prepared for occasional odors due to its proximity to the wastewater treatment plant. Nonetheless, the city's ongoing efforts to improve accessibility make it a worthwhile destination for nature enthusiasts.

Thomas Corrao Stray...

This is an unusually productive birding site with a short, easy boardwalk and observation tower. Walks are held each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. There is a restroom nearby at the community park. The site allows close-up views and photographs of a number of species that are often difficult to see and photograph. Over three recent January visits in a single week for a total of about 2-3 hours of observation, we saw the following: great blue, little blue, black-crowned night, green and tricolored herons; great, snowy and reddish (white morph) egrets, white and white-faced ibis, coot, common gallinule, sora, pied-billed grebe, American bittern, least bittern, ruddy duck, blue-winged teal, green-wingled teal, northern shoveler, pintail, marsh wren, white pelican, laughing gull, neotropic and double-crested cormorants, turkey vulture, peregrine falcon, osprey, harrier, yellow-rumped warbler, wilson's warbler,...

It's starting to feel like time to get boots oiled and binocs cleaned up. You don't know what you'll see but there's always something. It isn't a park for dogs, they are restricted for their safety. There are little drips under the trees so that birds can find a fresh water drink. Generally there's not much trash around, even though the park is by the dump and water treatment plant. Birds like stinky places with beautiful views of the sunset. Boots can be a secretive big old death log, but no doubt she/he is there. Look for anything that doesn't look like water or tall grass. The tower is a delight and the telescopes require some adjustments but do bring the birds in. I personally like the playful insert your head here board right before you walk on the boardwalk. It's a sweet old way to get a laugh. Go to this brain park to learn even though it looks abandoned it is a most live=ful place with promise....