The timing of this festival couldn’t be more perfect. South Texas is home to many species of birds, some of which can’t be found anywhere else in America. During the Spring Migration, which is when birds begin preparing for their long journey, the variety of species to see increases greatly. Since South Texas is on the birds’ flyway, and has plenty of food, water, and rest areas, what better place to enjoy this experience than Corpus Christi?

Catch a glimpse of the smaller, vibrantly colored birds such as warblers, vireos, orioles, grosbeaks, and buntings; shorebirds moving along the shoreline and interior ponds; peak raptor migration; and a majority of local species that can only be seen in South Texas. Since its inaugural year in 2017, the number of species spotted at the Birdiest Festival continues to increase, putting it in the running to have the largest species count of any festival in the country. 

• 2017: 249 species
• 2018: 257 species
• 2019: 262 species
• 2021: 271 species
• 2022: 284 species
• 2023: 268 species
• 2024: 274 species
• 2025: 268 species

Join us for the keynote address with veteran Texas birder and author David Sarkozi. David started birding as a teenager in Central Texas and has been exploring birds for more than 45 years, still holding on to his very first field guide. He’s a past president and longtime board member of the Texas Ornithological Society and has led birding trips across Texas and beyond. He’s completed two Texas Big Years, recorded more than 500 species, and in 2019 visited all 254 Texas counties in a single year, a rare accomplishment among birders. At the festival keynote, David will present The Birds of Texas: Beyond with stories and fascinating bird facts that don’t fit in a field guide. Whether you’re a beginning birder or a seasoned enthusiast, this evening keynote in Corpus Christi offers insights into Texas bird diversity you won’t want to miss.

Join in on the bird walks during Birdiest Festival in America at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, one of the top birding spots in Corpus Christi. Located along a prime migration corridor, this spot offers front-row access to spring migration, where warblers, vireos, orioles, grosbeaks, and buntings move through the trees while shorebirds gather along the shoreline. Every step along the trail brings a new sighting. Spanning 182 acres of shrubland, grassland, wetlands, a lake, and a pond, the Gardens are known for exceptional bird diversity. Festival counts have included 19 warbler species and 17 shorebird species, along with ducks, waders, hawks, swallows, and flycatchers. Standout species like Hudsonian Godwit and Tropical Kingbird have been recorded here in multiple festival years. In fact, one bird walk documented an impressive 92 species in just three hours. Hike the Brennecke Nature Trail, explore the Oso Loop Trail, stroll the Wetland Boardwalk, or climb the Birding Tower overlooking Gator Lake for elevated views of this active migration hotspot. If you’re planning to experience guided bird walks in Corpus Christi, this is where you want to be during Birdiest Festival in America.

2026 Schedule:

• Thursday, April 23 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Friday, April 24 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, April 25 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Sunday, April 26 | 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Enjoy various optional, separately priced field trips to nearby birding hot spots like King Ranch, Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Port Aransas, and more. Choose from full-day, half-day, and U-Drive trips, and experience the South Texas habitats unique to the birds with local and regional birding experts providing wisdom and insights. New field trips added to the lineup this year include Whitecap Nature Preserve, Packery Channel, and Held-Moran Nature Sanctuary, additional Port Aransas hot spots, a Rockport U-Drive, and The Raptor Buffet, which provides the opportunity to get flight, portrait, and behavioral images of our local raptors and scavengers. Space is limited, so attendees must register in advance to secure their spot.

Enjoy a variety of birding workshops and educational presentations during Birdiest Festival in America. Sessions range from Intro to Birding and the brand-new Birds Through the Lens workshop to in-depth presentations like How to Be a Better Birder and Texas Wintering Bird Population Trends. These expert-led sessions are designed for all experience levels and offer practical skills, field insight, and a deeper understanding of South Texas bird migration. Seating is limited, so be sure to register in advance to secure your spot.

2026 Workshops:

• NEW Birds Through the Lens
• Intro to Birding
• South Texas Shorebirding Made Easy
• Wildscaping for the Birds
• Hawk Watching 101

2026 Presentations:

• How to be a Better Birder
• Demystifying Migrants
• What's in a Name?
• Bird Strikes
• Texas Wintering Bird Population Trends

Spend your Saturday at Birdiest Festival in America enjoying the Arts Market and participating in Family Fun Day at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center in Corpus Christi. Local arts and crafts vendors from across the Coastal Bend will be on site showcasing handmade goods and sharing what makes this region unique. You can also connect with conservation organizations and explore nature-focused vendor booths inside the Big Tent behind the Rose Garden. Families can head to the dedicated Family Fun area, where kids can take part in hands-on arts and crafts, interactive nature learning activities, and animal encounters. It’s an easy way to mix birding, local art, and outdoor family fun all in one place.

Festival registrants and their guests are invited to gather for an evening of Southern hospitality featuring Texas BBQ catered by Mike Cotten’s Bar-B-Q, with vegetarian options available upon request during registration. Water and iced tea are included, and a cash bar will be available for additional beverage selections. Enjoy live local music from Brad Brown, performing acoustic Texas country, folk, and Americana covers and originals. It’s a relaxed way to connect with fellow birders, settle in for the weekend, and start your festival experience on a true South Texas note.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Birdiest Festival in America! With so much to explore and experience, it’s time to start planning your visit. View the full schedule of events and get ready to make unforgettable memories.