![]() ![]() In addition to the incredible bird diversity, there are 45 resident mammal species that can be found on the refuge, including white-tailed deer, coyote, bobcat, collared peccary (javelina), and eastern cottontail rabbits. ![]() The Aplomado falcon, once extirpated from the United States, is making a comeback and can be seen hunting the refuge’s grasslands. Padre Island is well-known for hosting large concentrations of migrating peregrine falcons in the spring and fall and is an internationally important staging area for these falcons. Often, when many of the songbirds are migrating north, an occasional cold front moves in and causes the birds to “fallout.” In need of shelter from strong winds and cold weather, the birds fallout on the refuge until they can regain their strength and continue their long journey. In addition to songbirds, the refuge is also well known for its impressive raptors. Painted buntings, Bullock’s oriole and various warbler and hummingbird species all depend on the Laguna Atascosa Refuge during their migration. The refuge is also a vital stopover for neotropical songbirds that are migrating. It is estimated that 80% of the North American population of Redhead ducks winter in this area. In November alone, when peak use occurs, more than 250,000 ducks depend on the refuge with thousands more adjacent on the Laguna Madre. In addition, many southern species of wildlife reach their northernmost range along the Rio Grande. Located on the southern end of the Central Flyway, the refuge is a major stopover point on the lower Texas coast for waterfowl going to and from Mexico. Laguna Atascosa is host or home to an incredible diversity of migrating birds that funnel through the tip of Texas in an effort to avoid flying too far east, over the Gulf Coast, or too far west, over the desert. ![]() Winterĭuring the winter, many of the birds are still migrating South during a late migration, an occasional cold front moves in and causes the birds to “fallout.” In need of shelter from strong winds and cold weather, the birds fallout on the refuge until they can regain their strength and continue their long journey. With our 3,500 acre freshwater lake, these creatures stay hydrated all summer long. Our local species include white-tailed deer, coyote, bobcat, collared peccary (javelina), eastern cottontail rabbits, grey fox, long-tailed weasel, the endangered ocelot, Texas tortoise, six-lined racerunner lizard, bullsnake, and red-eared slider turtles. There is nothing tougher than our native species that take the constant South Texas heat. Summer can be brutal on our local native species, which is why many of them call Laguna Atascosa home. Painted buntings, Bullock’s oriole and hummingbirds can be seen though out the refuge in amazing numbers. Warblers are abundant with more than 35 species seen, including golden-winged warbler, magnolia warbler, northern and tropical parula, American redstart, palm warbler and yellow-breasted chat. The refuge is also a vital stopover for Neotropical songbirds that are migrating. With Laguna Atascosa’s rich green vegetation and plentiful water source, some ducks even nest here, such as Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, and the Mottled Duck. There is no shortage of wildlife to be seen at Laguna Atascosa. The refuge is located on the southern end of the Central Flyway, the refuge is a major stopover point during the migration for wintering waterfowl such as the Redhead duck, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and much more. ![]()
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