Turnbull Birding | Port Aransas
A Perfect Morning at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
On January 17th, 2025, I visited the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center in Port Aransas, Texas starting close to 9:00a.m. It was one of those mornings where everything felt just right—the kind that reminds you why birding is such a relaxing pursuit. With bright skies, no wind, and temperatures gently rising from 60 to 70 degrees, I couldn’t have asked for better weather.
Exploring the Wetlands
Located on the edge of Port Aransas, the birding center features a boardwalk that carries visitors over wetlands teeming with life. I spent almost an hour and a half exploring the area, covering about 0.4 miles. The calm weather made it ideal for spotting and identifying birds, as well as for soaking in the serene surroundings.
Birding Highlights
Black-Throated Green Warbler (rarity) | Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center - Port Aransas, Texas
During this visit, I observed 36 different bird species, including the continuing rarity, a Black-throated Green Warbler. Some highlights included the Clapper Rail spending plenty of time out of hiding and foraging underneath the "Y" in the boardwalk. As always, the Northern Shovelers were busy taking off for no apparent reason, flying over the water treatment plant before returning. I did snag a so-so image of an Osprey in flight with a catch - I just can’t figure out what he caught though. A trip this time of year wouldn’t be complete without a few hundred Dowitchers sitting in the shallow water, half asleep and sounding like dog squeak toys. After looking at my “group shots” of birds, I discovered I missed zooming in on a Cinnamon Teal that has been eluding me.
Almost every time I visit the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, I strike up a conversation with someone—often learning about something new I might have overlooked. This time, however, I had the chance to share some of my knowledge with a few non-locals. A Marsh Wren was hanging out almost directly under the boardwalk, offering some great viewing opportunities. Meanwhile, the Black-throated Green Warbler danced through the trees along the entrance walkway, giving everyone ample time to admire it.
A Place for Everyone
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just someone who enjoys nature, there’s something magical about being surrounded by so much life. The birding center is thoughtfully designed, with educational signs and viewing platforms that make it easy to enjoy the experience without disturbing the wildlife.
Reflections and Recommendations
Watching the birds go about their lives, unaffected by the hustle and bustle of the world beyond the wetlands, is both humbling and inspiring. It’s a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us.
If you find yourself in Port Aransas, I highly recommend setting aside time to visit the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. Bring your binoculars, a good pair of walking shoes, and a sense of curiosity. Whether you’re there for an hour or an afternoon, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Species Counts
| Blue-winged Teal | 27 |
| Cinnamon Teal | 1 |
| Northern Shoveler | 59 |
| American Wigeon | 2 |
| Mottled Duck | 4 |
| Green-winged Teal | 32 |
| Eurasian Collared-Dove | 1 |
| Mourning Dove | 3 |
| Clapper Rail | 1 |
| Common Gallinule | 5 |
| American Coot | 2 |
| Black-necked Stilt | 21 |
| Killdeer | 3 |
| Short-billed/Long-billed Dowitcher | 500 |
| Lesser Yellowlegs | 1 |
| Greater Yellowlegs | 1 |
| Laughing Gull | 20 |
| Ring-billed Gull | 5 |
| American Herring Gull | 1 |
| gull sp. | 7 |
| tern sp. | 4 |
| White Ibis | 12 |
| Tricolored Heron | 1 |
| Snowy Egret | 2 |
| American White Pelican | 53 |
| Turkey Vulture | 2 |
| Osprey | 1 |
| Eastern Phoebe | 1 |
| Ruby-crowned Kinglet | 2 |
| Marsh Wren | 1 |
| European Starling | 6 |
| Northern Mockingbird | 2 |
| Lincoln's Sparrow | 2 |
| Red-winged Blackbird | 15 |
| Great-tailed Grackle | 12 |
| Orange-crowned Warbler | 2 |
| Common Yellowthroat | 4 |
| Yellow-rumped Warbler | 7 |
| Black-throated Green Warbler | 1 |