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

Altamira x Audubon's Oriole (hybrid)

Icterus gularis x graduacauda

5/29/2026National Butterfly Center--General & area North of Levee1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/28/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/27/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

5/27/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/27/2026Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center3 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/27/2026Santa Ana NWR--Tour Road1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/26/2026335 Diana Drive1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/26/2026Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059)2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

5/25/2026Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center1 observed

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

5/24/2026Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059)1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

5/23/2026Mexican Side of Rio Overlook at Santa Ana.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Plain Chachalaca

55/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/28/2026

Inca Dove

35/28/2026

White-winged Dove

105/28/2026

Mourning Dove

85/28/2026

Groove-billed Ani

35/28/2026

Greater Roadrunner

25/28/2026

Harris's Hawk

25/28/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

55/28/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

25/28/2026

Great Kiskadee

25/28/2026

Couch's Kingbird

35/28/2026

Green Jay

45/28/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

25/28/2026

Cliff Swallow

25/28/2026

Long-billed Thrasher

15/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

35/28/2026

Clay-colored Thrush

25/28/2026

House Sparrow

45/28/2026

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.