Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center also know as Port Aransas Natural Preserve or Port Aransas Wildlife Preserve is one of our favorite destinations when visiting Port Aransas, Texas.
We love it because it is a unique experience for Port Aransas. Most of Port Aransas is beach centered (which we love) but it’s nice to change up the scenery a bit as well.
Here’s 5 tips to help make your visit to the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center the best experience you can have.
5. How to spot an Alligator at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
For us, finding a wild alligator is one of the most exciting parts of the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center.
I remember our first visit I was so excited hearing there were wild alligators in the area. Sadly, we didn’t spot a single one our first visit. But our second visit we saw a huge gator! (Although we almost missed him.)
After finding him hanging in the shade under the boardwalk gazebo we watched him for awhile and talked with some other visitors.
They said he likes to hang around the gazebo and he can be hard to see in seasons when the plants are tall through the marsh. It seems he likes to stick around the structure to lay in the shade. So keep your eyes peeled and stay safe.
4. Bring Bug Spray
The mosquitos were out during our visit and they were lively. Our most recent visit was June 2021. Please don’t forget to bring some bug spray you will regret not having it.
We noticed they were mainly near the start of the trail and weren’t as much of a problem father out.
3. Stay Cool at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
It can get hot at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center and there is limited shade. We recommend wearing a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. We even brought a handheld personal fan.
2. Take your time and view the variety of birds at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
It is a birding center after all.
You can see all kinds of unique and beautiful birds around.
They enjoy different areas of the park. I remember seeing some out in the water, some along the board walk and others in the trees. Keep you eyes and ears ready to experience some unique birds.
1. Take your time and enjoy the scenic views.
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center has a variety of beautiful scenic views.
You can see marsh landscapes, flowers and variety of plants and wild animals while at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center.
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center makes a great location for photography.
Overall thoughts on Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Overall we love visiting Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. We visit it each time we go to Port Aransas, Texas.
Does this seem like a place you’d like to visit?
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