Welcome to Roma Bluffs History and nature meet on scenic bluffs above the Rio Grande, where the World Birding Center in Roma can be found on the old plaza of a once-thriving steamboat port. Part of a national historic district, the WBC Roma Bluffs includes a riverside nature area of three acres: The gateway to unforgettable birding adventures across Starr County.
The Land
A narrow band of river woodland at Roma Bluffs hints at the vast acreage in ash, black willow and sugar hackberry found elsewhere on nearby government refuges north of the Rio Grande. Stands of thorny Texas Ebony dominate some tracts, while drier upland sites feature colorful mesquite-prickly pear brush. The river is a constant but changeable force, running shallow and clear, or rising several feet in time with releases from Falcon Dam about 20 miles upstream.
A narrow band of river woodland at Roma Bluffs hints at the vast acreage in ash, black willow and sugar hackberry found elsewhere on nearby government refuges north of the Rio Grande. Stands of thorny Texas Ebony dominate some tracts, while drier upland sites feature colorful mesquite-prickly pear brush. The river is a constant but changeable force, running shallow and clear, or rising several feet in time with releases from Falcon Dam about 20 miles upstream.
Our BirdsRiver woodlands like those at WBC Roma Bluffs provide essential shelter for the kinds of neo-tropical birds found no where else in the United States but extreme south Texas. Starr County is especially known for the Red-billed Pigeon, Audubon’s Oriole, Brown Jay and White-collared Seedeater not seen farther downstream. Three kinds of Kingfishers find the Rio Grande attractive, and along with most “Valley specialties” like the Great Kiskadee and Plain Chachalaca, the area also is known as a great place to see Altamira Orioles and Clay-colored Robins in abundance.
Learn and Discover
The WBC Roma Bluffs is a great starting point for diverse activities such as walking tours through the National Historic District, to birding float trips along the Rio Grande operated by Friends of the Valley Wildlife Corridor. Information also is available on Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s “Project Wild” teacher workshops, and the annual Great Texas Birding Classic “Big Sit” competition.
The WBC Roma Bluffs is a great starting point for diverse activities such as walking tours through the National Historic District, to birding float trips along the Rio Grande operated by Friends of the Valley Wildlife Corridor. Information also is available on Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s “Project Wild” teacher workshops, and the annual Great Texas Birding Classic “Big Sit” competition.
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Directions:
Download map.
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Visit Us
Mailing Address 610 N. Portscheller St. P.O. Box 3405 Roma, Texas 78584
Phone: 956-849-4930
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Hours
Office: 2018, Open Tuesday - Sunday 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
Closed Mondays
Thru end of March.
Admission Nature Trails open seven days a week, free to the public.
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Nine Unique Locations
- Bentsen-Rio Grande (Mission)
- Edinburg Scenic Wetlands
- Estero Llano Grande (Weslaco)
- Harlingen Arroyo Colorado
- Old Hidalgo Pumphouse
- Quinta Mazatlan (McAllen)
- Resaca de la Palma (Brownsville)
- Roma Bluffs
- South Padre Island Birding
and Nature Center
Get Involved
Calendar of Events
Click here to view our Calendar of Events.Join Us
Volunteer opportunities available.Fill out online form here.
☞ Events & Programs Announcements
Bird Checklist
Roma Bluffs Bird Checklist here.
Find Your Way
Download Roma Bluffs Google Map.
What's Here
The Roma Bluffs Interpretive Overlook offers a magnificent view of the river, island and woodlands below, as well as views across the border to the Mexican town of Miguel Aleman. In all, nearly 4,500 acres of nearby state and federal preserves offer excellent birding opportunities.
Your Experience Includes:
Roma Bluffs is currently offering:
- Rio Grande Observation Deck
- Outdoor Amphitheater
- 1881 National Historic Landmark Building
- Natural History Tours
- Walking Trails
- Bird Tours
- Organized Classes
- Exhibits
Resources
Tourism Links:
- City of Roma: www.cityofroma.net
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: www.fws.gov
- Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Butterfly Watching Links:
- North American Butterfly Association - South Texas Chapter:
www.naba.org - Texas Butterfly Festival
www.texasbutterfly.com - TX-Butterfly e-mail list Get It Here!
Dragonfly Watching Links:
