Special Report: Critical Island Habitat to be Protected

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Landfall looms enticingly close, just beyond surf breaking along the shore of South Padre Island.

Some 20 hours prior, after launching at dusk from the tip of the Yucatan peninsula and flying nonstop across the vast Gulf of Mexico the marathon 500-mile journey is almost complete.

Exhausted, famished, craving fresh water colorful songbirds alight amidst few remaining woodlots on South Padre Island searching for shelter and sustenance.

The small tract of old-growth woodlands adjacent to the convention center is vital to the survival of these neotropical migrants. However, there is concern that the planned extensive remodeling of the convention center may destroy their vital habitat.

Beto Gutierrez of McAllen has been coming to this spot for decades to photograph birds and like many regards this tiny woodland as sacred ground.

“It is a natural habitat for wildlife. It should never be touched in any way or impaired. So, hopefully, the city leaders here, the city fathers will decide against any encroachment to this area.”

People come from all over the world to see the birds of South Padre, especially during spring migration, like Anders Ekstrand from Sweden.

“It is amazing. I don’t think I have ever seen so many birds in a single spot. It is really one of the top ten bird experiences in the world.”

Fortunately, Blake Henry, executive director of the Convention Center says every effort will be made to protect critical habitat as final designs are completed for construction beginning next year.

“This is a very full-scale renovation. You won’t recognize it at the end of the day. It is going to be a beautiful, beautiful convention center. With that, we so happen to be butted up against some old-growth habitat. We recognize what that means, and we market birding to our entire destination, and how valuable that old-growth is. It is no intention of ours to destroy any of that old-growth habitat," said Henry.