Boca Chica Wetlands and Beach Follow Highway 4 east of Brownsville and check the many shallow ponds and tidal flats along the way for migrating waterbirds such as Roseate Spoonbills and White Ibis. Look along the telephone lines for Harris Hawks and American Osprey. The elevated islands of trees, called lomas, are home to Curve-billed Thrashers and many small birds. When the road ends at the beach, check the waves for Brown Pelicans, Terns, Gannets, and the high dunes for Peregrine Falcons. Most folks and field guides call it the Brownsville Sanitary Landfill but birders know it as the place to see the Mexican Crow.
Admission is free, but it's closed on Sundays.
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Often referred to as the crown jewel of our nation's refuge system, Santa Ana protects a 2,000 acre remnant of rapidly vanishing native subtropical woodland, providing habitat for an amazing diversity of birds, including the Chachalaca, Green Kingfisher, Hook-billed Kite and Least Grebe. There is something for everyone here. During the winter months, Frontera Audubon Society operates a guided tram. Go 45 miles west of Brownsville on Highway 281. The country's largest flocks of Redhead ducks and other waterfowl winter on the Valley's largest refuge.