SPI Convention Center Area

About the Area

South Padre Island is a crucial first landfall – a lifesaver – for birds making an arduous cross-Gulf migration from Southern Mexico and northern Central America. Especially after a spring storm, wooded lots of the island teem with an eye-popping rainbow of warblers, tanagers, orioles and thrushes. Wetlands harbor a range of shorebirds and waterfowl, while endangered species such as the Brown Pelican, Piping Plover and Peregrine Falcon may be found here as well.

Photography Assets

The Convention Center has a boardwalk that allows photographers to get up-close and personal to the birds. Birds here are generally accustomed to people walking near them. There is a nice water feature that attracts lots of birds.

In Focus...

Easy Access Species:

  • Herons, egrets and Least Bittern along the boardwalk.

  • During migration the clumps of trees and shrubs can be teaming with songbirds.

Site Specialties:

  • Least Bittern

Access Information, Amenities and Accessibility

Please expand this section by clicking the arrow to the right.

ADDRESS: 7355 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Google Map Directions Link

HOURS: Subject to change without notice

  • Sundays - CLOSED

  • Mondays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Tuesdays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Wednesdays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Thursdays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Fridays - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Saturdays - CLOSED

PHONE: (956) 761-3000

MAP LINKS:

AMENITIES: Parking at the center is ample and the entrance is clearly marked. Restrooms are accesible at the Convention Center during the hours of operation.

ACCESSIBILITY: All Boardwalks, and everything inside the Birding Center are accessible to birders using wheelchairs or walkers.

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.sopadre.com/meetings/facilities/south-padre-island-convention-centre/

Dominant Habitats

  • Brackish Tidal Flat

  • Open Water: Gulf

  • Saline Aquatic Submerged

  • Salty Marsh

  • Texas Saline Coastal Prairie

  • Woody Marsh

eBird Hotspot Statistics

South Padre Is.--WBC/Conv. Center/Laguna Madre

Last Updated 4/14/21

Location and Scenery Images