S.Padre Island/Port Isabel

Back to the Island today. Sunshine and 80 degrees but WINDY. We toured the Port Isabelle Lighthouse. Built in 1853 to guide ships through Brazos Santiago and the barrier reefs. It was renovated in 1880. In 1905 it was officially closed. It sat in disrepair for may years and in 1952 it was opened as a state park. A replica of the Keeper's Cottage houses the Chamber of Commerce.

Open to the public for touring

Looking towards South Padre

Looking towards S.Padre Island

Queen Isabelle Causeway connects the mainland with the Island. Built in 1974, it is 2 1/2 miles long and at the highest point 84 feet high.

South Padre Island and Birding Center sits on 50 acres near the Convention Center. There is almost a mile of boardwalks and  seven bird blinds that provide up-close viewing of migrating birds, songbirds and butterflies. The self guided tour starts with an 12 minute video by Naturalist Richard Moore about the area. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded here.

Boardwalks

View from observation tower of the boardwalks

New building with observation tower.

The tide was just coming in as we made our way along the boardwalks and spotted a few of the migrating birds spending the winter here.

Great Egret

Great Egret