a satellite image of a large body of water

Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. State Park WBC (Mission)

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$5 per person

Hours

Open daily, 7 AM - 10 PM

About This Location

Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. State Park WBC (Mission) is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 356 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Plain Chachalaca, Wild Turkey, and White-winged Dove among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Crimson-collared Grosbeak

Periporphyrus celaeno

4/12/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

4/12/2026Santa Ana NWR--Pintail Lakes Trail52 observed

Altamira x Audubon's Oriole (hybrid)

Icterus gularis x graduacauda

4/12/2026National Butterfly Center--General & area North of Levee1 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

4/12/2026935 Katrin Dr, Alamo US-TX 26.19997, -98.10398

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

4/11/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

124/12/2026

Wild Turkey

14/12/2026

Inca Dove

24/12/2026

White-winged Dove

34/12/2026

Mourning Dove

24/12/2026

Great Kiskadee

14/12/2026

White-eyed Vireo

14/12/2026

Green Jay

44/12/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

14/12/2026

Northern Mockingbird

34/12/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

104/12/2026

Blue-winged Teal

124/12/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/12/2026

Plain Chachalaca

84/12/2026

White-tipped Dove

24/12/2026

Greater Roadrunner

24/12/2026

Chimney Swift

24/12/2026

Killdeer

24/12/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

24/12/2026

Laughing Gull

14/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. State Park WBC (Mission) for birding?
The best months to visit Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. State Park WBC (Mission) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. State Park WBC (Mission)?
Notable species at Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. State Park WBC (Mission) include Plain Chachalaca, Wild Turkey, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Great Egret, Green Jay, Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, House Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Pyrrhuloxia, Blue-winged Teal. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. State Park WBC (Mission)?
Birding at Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. State Park WBC (Mission) is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. State Park WBC (Mission)?
The entrance fee at Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. State Park WBC (Mission) is $5 per person. Hours: Open daily, 7 AM - 10 PM.
What amenities are available at Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. State Park WBC (Mission)?
Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. State Park WBC (Mission) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.