Chip-chip, brrrrrrrrr.” Bird is not the language I expected to be speaking at Estero Llano Grande State Park, but it's helpful. When searching for birds, knowing a bird's call often yields the best results. I find myself trying to match the varied calls of these South Texas birds — a high-pitched whine, a chattering “ah-ah-ah-ah” and long, bellowing “qwahs” are all noises that have escaped my mouth today. Despite their usefulness, I can't help but crack a smile. It takes me back to my childhood of conversing with squirrels and pigeons.

I'm perched atop Estero Llano Grande's levee, which parallels a portion of the Arroyo Colorado watershed. Accompanying me is the rest of the morning's bird tour party, led by park ranger John Yochum. “Look across the land, at the telephone poles near those palm trees,” says Yochum, pointing out into the far distance. “On the third line over you can see a northern harrier.” Squinting through my binoculars I can barely make out the bird's shape; I'm not sure how Yochum can spot such creatures. He must have the eyes of an eagle.

“The levee might be my favorite spot here,” he says while we take in the surrounding wetlands. “This sort of view can't be found in the rest of the park; the mornings I find especially pleasant.”

He's right — it's hard not to feel a sense of peace when looking out over the expansive farmland of the Rio Grande Valley. Tall cane and switchgrass surround us; a soft morning dew covers the reeds. Roseate spoonbills, white ibises, snowy egrets and black-necked stilts flock in hundreds down in the watershed, creating a symphony of squawks and croaks. I'm officially in fine feather here at Estero Llano Grande.

By the Numbers

Size: 230 acres

Closest Town: Weslaco

Year Opened: 2006

Busy Season: Late summer through early winter

Fun Fact: Estero might be all about birding, but other beasts roam there as well. Wildlife watchers visit the park to see several kinds of dragonflies, butterflies and reptiles not found in the rest of the country. Alligator Lake, which is shaped like its eponym, houses several gators.

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Three Hikes

Easy: Tropical Zone (0.56 miles)

Before the park was established, Lakeview RV Park resided on the western part of the property. Now the old gravel and paved roads are used as walking trails, and all connect to make a network of exploration. The Hoot Hoot, Tyrannulet, Becard, Kingbird and Green Jay nature trails are all included in the zone. Tropical fruit trees and native brush create a lush canopy for sweaty hikers and residential birds alike. Be on the lookout for a green jay or Altamira oriole darting through the foliage.

Moderate: Wader's Trail (1.16 miles)

If you're here to see the distinct subtropical wetlands of the Rio Grande Valley, this is the perfect trail for you. The trail first goes by Ibis Pond, the park's front-and-center wetland, then splits off toward other bodies of water. Expect to see abundant waterfowl and other animals looking for a quick drink. These ponds and marshes often dry up during the summer, so make sure to see them during the rainy seasons — usually spring or early fall.

Moderate: Llano Grande Hiking Trail (1.46 miles)

This trail runs along the southern border of the park, parallel to Llano Grande Lake, also known as the Arroyo Colorado watershed. Much of the trail consists of walking along the park's levee while looking out over the stream and the thousands of water birds that flock there. This is the longest trail in the park. The views from the levee make the trail memorable.

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Guide to the Birds

Roseate Spoonbill

Spoonbills love to hang out in shallow, marshy areas where fish and crustaceans are abundant. You are most likely to see them at the park's levee where many of the water birds gather.

Red-Crowned Parrots

The only native U.S. parrot can sometimes be found in the park. They live in nearby Weslaco. Once a quarter, a group of Estero Llano Grande staff, community members and Texas Parks and Wildlife staff caravan around the town to lay eyes on the parrots and count their population.

Common Pauraque

This unique nightjar is a Valley specialty and the flagship bird of Estero Llano Grande. It's especially hard to find, as its camouflage brown and layered plumage match surrounding twigs and leaves perfectly. The pauraque roosts on the ground, so keep your vision low when looking for them. Helpful hint: Ask a park ranger where you can find the birds and they can point you in the right direction!

Green Jay

Another Valley specialty, the green jay can often be found in the park's Tropical Zone. With its rich green and yellow plumage and vibrant blue crown, this bird is a park favorite. Check out the Indigo Blind for your best chance to see these critters.

Altamira Oriole

This Valley specialty boasts bright orange plumage. It's hard to miss when wandering the trails in Estero Llano Grande's Tropical Zone. The park is a northern boundary for the species; most of their population resides in South and Central America.

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

These woodpeckers hang out in open, dry woodlands or brushlands and are a common sight at Estero Llano Grande. A more fitting name would be the golden-headed woodpecker given the yellow feathers running down its neck. If you're on the lookout for one, check the huisache trees near the visitors center or along Wader's Trail.

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Selfie Spots

Alligator Lake

Head out to Alligator Lake to see green kingfishers and neotropic cormorants, along with the pond's namesake quietly waiting for its next meal.

Indigo Blind

Located in the thick of the park's Tropical Zone is a bird blind that attracts many of the area's most sought-after birds. The small building's interior is lined with benches, with a honeycomb of rotatable wooden panels to peer through. The wildlife that inhabits the area is abundant, and it's not just limited to birds. “We named it the Indigo Blind because we have indigo snakes and indigo buntings that we see every year from the blind,” says Park Superintendent Javier De Leon. “I think the best sighting we have had was when some park visitors got to see a bobcat napping.”

Headquarters Deck

The visitors center contains a large deck overlooking Ibis Pond, a very productive bird-watching area. The deck has tables and chairs and plenty of room to move around. You can spend all day on the deck, or use it as a launchpad to explore the rest of the park. Bonus spot: “There's a small water feature right behind the headquarters that has a bench; it provides water for lots of different wildlife that comes through the park,” says De Leon. “I find it really peaceful. I see a ton of different wildlife hanging around there, from lizards to indigo snakes to baby chachalacas, even some of our rarer birds like migrating warblers.”

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Pro Packing List

Aside from the necessities, these items can make your trip to Estero Llano Grande State Park even more enjoyable.

Lunatec Gear

1000ML Mist Shower & Drink Water Bottle

Stay hydrated and cool with a water bottle that doubles as a mister and camp faucet.
MSRP: $32.99
lunatecgear.com

Tasco

Essentials Binoculars

These lightweight binoculars are perfect for beginner birders, with 8x magnification and a color-true image at an affordable price.
MSRP: 54.99
tasco.com

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