Welcome
A gateway to the entire World Birding Center network, Harlingen’s Arroyo Colorado is close to major highways and an international airport, but remains a quiet wooded retreat from the hustle of urban life. Connected by the arroyo waterway, as well as hike-and-bike trails meandering through the city, Hugh Ramsey Nature Park to the east and the Harlingen Thicket to the west anchor an important reservoir of nature in a fast-changing world.

The Land
Texas Ebony woodlands dominate 55-acre Hugh Ramsey Park to the east, while the 40-acre Harlingen Thicket to the west represents mixed upland thorn forest. Volunteers are helping to restore both to their native beauty, with trees, shrubs and flowering plants that support varied wildlife. Together with other habitat preserved along the arroyo, they provide a rare refuge for birds and other creatures in the heart of the city.

The Birds
Harlingen’s wing of the WBC provides much-needed breeding grounds for many “Valley specialties” like the Green and Ringed Kingfishers, Common Pauraque, Groove-billed Ani, Long-billed Thrasher and Olive Sparrow. Endangered Red-crowned Parrots are found here, and during migration periods, the two sites are an important stopover for Neo-tropical/Nearctic travelers seeking food and rest.

Learn & Discover
Volunteers are at the heart of ambitious efforts to replant and beautify Harlingen’s wing of the World Birding Center. During the summer, groups meet each Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, under the direction of the Arroyo Colorado Audubon Society, Mark Conway. Join the fun.

What’s Here
Work continues on designs for a new 7,250-square-foot visitors’ center at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park. The two-story center will include a gift shop, observation tower, meeting rooms and enclosed viewing areas. Meanwhile, visitors at both Ramsey Park and the Thicket will find parking and extensive trails, as well as maps, information and public restrooms.