Best Spots to Observe Audubon’s Oriole in South Texas

Audubon’s Orioles took their time to show up as we waited for them specifically in the mesquite trees along the Rio Grande at Salineño, Texas. This South Texas specialty stayed close to dense woodland edges before dropping in to peanut butter set out by the hosts. Salineño became one of the most reliable places in the United States to observe Audubon’s Oriole because the habitat along the river created a natural corridor for tropical birds reaching the northern edge of their range. We noticed the orioles moving in pairs, giving soft whistles while remaining surprisingly secretive. The dense riparian habitat around Salineño also supported Green Jays, Altamira Orioles, Plain Chachalacas and other regional specialties. For birders exploring South Texas, this species represented one of the signature birds of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.