CTC 003: Matagorda County Jetty Park
Season: Winter, Migration

Continuing west on FM 521 to the intersection with TX 60 at Wadsworth, proceed south on TX 60 to Matagorda. The grasslands along FM 521 between Sargent and Matagorda offer a fine opportunity to see White-tailed Hawk, a south Texas specialty. The woodlots within the City of Matagorda have been planted with a variety of exotic trees and shrubs that attract neotropical migrants in spring and fall (be sure to check the feeders in town for wintering hummingbirds). This area is also an important part of the nationally renowned Mad Island Marsh Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Turn left (south) on FM 2031, and follow the Colorado River to the Gulf. There are numerous pull-outs along this road, and the marshes adjacent to this road support a wide variety of wading birds such as White Ibis, White-faced Ibis (look closely for Glossy in spring), and Roseate Spoonbill, as well as salt marsh specialists such as Clapper Rail and Seaside Sparrow. Walk out onto the pier in winter and scan the Gulf for Northern Gannet, scoters, or jaegers (in the summer, look for Magnificent Frigatebirds soaring over the placid Gulf waters). Gulls, terns, and shorebirds roost at the mouth of the river adjacent to the pier. In addition, the beach to the east is an excellent spot to look for Snowy and Piping plovers.