"Observing nature" Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge by kyoub

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge Travel Guide: 8 reviews and 15 photos

Wildlife refuge

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is world famous for its birds, and home to a mix of wildlife found nowhere else. It is the largest protected area of natural habitat in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

It is one of our favorite places for viewing birds and wildlife. There are several well marked hiking trails and two auto loops, Bayside drive and Lakeside drive.
There are over 400 species of birds that have been seen here.
You will find a nice nature center here and a very helpful staff in the vistors center.

Feeding the birds

Indigo Buntings

Some of the best birding is near the Vistor's center so you don't have to walk far ro see some beautiful birds.
Behind the center is a blind that you can walk to, you can see the birds and wildlife but they can't see you.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Protected area for birds and wildlife
In a nutshell:Get in touch with nature

Last visit to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge: Apr 2000
Intro Updated Feb 4, 2006
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Reviews (8)

Breeding plumage - Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Lakeside Drive Things to Do (5)

Lakeside Drive is only a short 1 1/2 miles out to the lake that gives the refuge its name. Atascosa means "muddy" in... more travel advice

Don't be a wild turkey - Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Rules Local Customs (1)

Motor vehicles are allowed on tour roads only. Off-road or off-trail driving, biking, or hiking is prohibited. Pets... more travel advice

Lunchtime - Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Pack your lunch What to Pack (1)

Bring your lunch and plenty of water or sodas to drink. You can have a tailgate party or a picnic near the visitor's... more travel advice

Road Runner - Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Paisano Trail Things to Do (5)

Paisano Trail (1 mile) is the only paved trail at the refuge. Roadrunners, long-billed thrashers, and plain chachalaca... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Keep a close eye on children and pets

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Comments (13)

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Nemorino Apr 6, 2010 at 12:29 PM

I'm surprised to see that yours is the only VT page on the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. It looks like such an attractive destination. Maybe not so many people go there because it is so close to the Mexican border?
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Bwana_Brown Jul 5, 2009 at 1:18 PM

With such a variety of birds passing through Laguna Atascosa NWR I can see why it is so popular! It looks like a place I too would like to visit with my binoculars!
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Yaqui Nov 3, 2008 at 3:16 PM

Great page Kay, the birds are so beautiful. Yet, that aligator scares the @#%$ out of me!
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nomorewars Mar 27, 2008 at 5:32 AM

Texas has some of the best wildlife refuges in the country. I'm particularly fond of the one in Anahuac.
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sourbugger Oct 14, 2007 at 3:02 PM

an unusual view of texas. i thought it was just all oil, guns, shoulder pads and electic chairs
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VeronicaG Mar 9, 2007 at 2:22 PM

Thanks for the tip on Laguna Atoscosa Wildlife Refuge, Kay. I think you are making a birder out of me...this looks like a great place to see a number of interesting species! THANKS...
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matcrazy1 Feb 12, 2007 at 11:16 AM

Beautiful pictures! I would love to see meadows full of blooming flowers and nice fragrances (are there any?) there - preferrably in April to catch some birds as well.
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Stephen-KarenConn Feb 12, 2007 at 10:56 AM

Great stuff. This page brings back lots of good memories of our visit to Laguna Atascosa NWR about three years ago.
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globetrott Mar 4, 2006 at 10:27 AM

great pics of the wildlife , thanks for sharing !!
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scottishvisitor Feb 26, 2006 at 4:28 AM

Loved the beautiful birds & your attention to detail = a delightful page