World Birding Center at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park

Hugh Ramsey Nature Park
1001 S. Loop 499, Harlingen, TX 
Free Entry - No Visitor Center - Security Cameras

Restrooms, paved parking area with self draining bio-retention basin, photo blinds, nature trails, walking trails. Area covered in Honey mesquite, Texas ebony, huisache, brasil, retama and granjeno. Open 6am-9pm. Good migrant trap in spring.

Directions: From US 77 in Harlingen exit Loop 499 (Ed Carey Drive) in Harlingen. Proceed North on Ed Carey Dr. thru the intersection at Business 77 Sunshine Strip. Park is 1 mile past this intersection on the East side just past the Arroyo Colorado bridge.  Driveway into park is directly across Loop 499 from Platillo's Restaurant. From Airport area take Loop 499 South to Hwy 106.  Continue across 106 and watch for the Lighthouse and Platillo's Restaurant on the right (West).  Enter parking lot across from Platillo's. 

World Birding Center - Harlingen Arroyo Colorado at Hugh Ramsey Nature Park

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.


Our 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/Neoarctic travelers seeking food and rest. Click on the ebird for Ramsey Park on the right hand side bar.  This will take you directly to the birds recorded in the park.

Volunteer, Learn and Discover

Volunteers are at the heart of ambitious efforts to replant and beautify Harlingen’s wing of the World Birding Center. In need of fresh air and sunshine?  Join one of the groups who work in Ramsey Park.  Come join us 7 am to 9 am on the First Saturday of the Month for Conservation in Action. OR choose your best day and contact Linda Butcher  at 956-423-1802 (leave a message). The goal is to eradicate guinea grass that threatens native plants, trimming trails for the safety of visitors, watering of plants as needed.  Hours volunteered under the direction of ACAS are eligible for RGVC Texas Master Naturalists programs.  

Guided nature walks are available with members of ACAS on request.  Please call Norma Friedrich at 361-676-6416 to set up a walk for yourself or a group. Or email arroyoscoloradoaudubon@gmail.com.