Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

06/08/2026

(218/250) The northern house wren can be found in southern Canada, across most of the U.S. and parts of Mexico in the summer. Despite their small size, they're bold and fiercely territorial.

This time of year, they're nesting in cavities or nest boxes and working steady to feed young a steady diet of insects and spiders.

Photo: Becky Matsubara/CC BY 4.0 https://flic.kr/p/2j8Novr

06/03/2026

Did you know that hunters and anglers are considered the OG conservationists?

In the early 1900s, hunters and anglers were among the first groups to advocate for programs that protected wildlife populations through habitat conservation, especially wetlands.

That movement helped lead to the creation of the Federal Duck Stamp in 1934, which has become one of the most successful conservation funding programs in history. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Federal Duck Stamp program has helped purchase or lease more than 6 million acres of wetland habitat.

And the best part? You don’t have to be a hunter to buy one. Anyone can purchase a Duck Stamp, and 98% of every sale goes directly back into conserving wetland habitat for wildlife and people alike. QUACK!

Photo of a wood duck at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge by Patricia McGuire (sharetheexperience)

05/21/2026

(200/250) Red-winged blackbird males have flashy red and yellow shoulder patches and can be found singing their "conk-la-ree!" call across much of North America. They'll fiercely defend territories, often perched on cattails or in trees. Females often stay hidden in tall grass and reeds where they weave nests and raise the next generation.

Credit: Lane Wintermute/USFWS

05/11/2026

(192/250) The white-lined sphinx moth is a fast-flying pollinator often mistaken for a hummingbird due to its size, hovering flight and feeding behavior. These moths are active day and night, visiting flowers and sipping nectar across the country.

Credit: Tom Koerner/USFWS

05/05/2026

(184/250) The Baltimore oriole is a vibrant songbird with bold black and orange plumage found through much of the eastern U.S. and southern Canada. Watch for them as they prepare for breeding season, building hanging nests and singing from treetops.

Photo courtesy of Dennis Church/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 https://flic.kr/p/2oAdjZr

04/18/2026

Good morning! For today's clean-up, we'll be meeting at the STWD entrance off FM 106 https://maps.app.goo.gl/gfC2TRihV5bZijnZ8 . Please let me know if you have any questions or need directions (956) 244-2019. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZhjwNkiJB8bf5R6w6

🌎 Earth Day Cleanup at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge! 🌊🧤
Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for a meaningful morning of service along the Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive (STWD) at Laguna Atascosa NWR!
We'll be picking up trash along the shores of the Laguna Madre — this unique lagoon is a vital ecosystem teeming with birds, fish, and other wildlife that depends on our protection.
Your help will make a real difference for this beautiful coastal habitat in South Texas. Whether you're a local, a birder, a family, or just someone who loves the outdoors — all are welcome!
📍 Meeting Location:
STWD entrance off FM 106 (near Los Fresnos, TX).
Look for the group at the trailhead.
What to Bring:
Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Bug spray
Reusable water bottle
Gloves (if you have them — we'll have extras)
Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Dress for the weather and be prepared for a fun, active morning!
This event is in support of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and its incredible biodiversity. Let's celebrate Earth Day by taking direct action to keep our public lands and waters clean!
RSVP at https://flanwr.org/event-6608124 so we can plan supplies. Share this post with friends and family who might want to join!
Questions? Feel free to ask. See you there — let's make a positive impact together! 💚

04/15/2026

Have you ever had a Cooper's hawk join you in watching the backyard birds at your feeder?

Cooper's hawks do well in cities and suburbs where they hunt their medium-sized avian prey, like pigeons and mourning doves. Their agile flight style lets them chase birds through leafy canopies and around tight corners. If they're not the birds you want to feed, taking down feeders for a few days will usually encourage them to move on.

Photo: Brian Millsap/USFWS

04/13/2026

There are just five days left until our Earth Day clean-up event! If you haven’t registered yet, please take a moment to sign up at https://flanwr.org/event-6608124/Registration . Your participation will make a meaningful difference as we work together to support our environment.

🌎 Earth Day Cleanup at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge! 🌊🧤
Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for a meaningful morning of service along the Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive (STWD) at Laguna Atascosa NWR!
We'll be picking up trash along the shores of the Laguna Madre — this unique lagoon is a vital ecosystem teeming with birds, fish, and other wildlife that depends on our protection.
Your help will make a real difference for this beautiful coastal habitat in South Texas. Whether you're a local, a birder, a family, or just someone who loves the outdoors — all are welcome!
📍 Meeting Location:
STWD entrance off FM 106 (near Los Fresnos, TX).
Look for the group at the trailhead.
What to Bring:
Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Bug spray
Reusable water bottle
Gloves (if you have them — we'll have extras)
Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Dress for the weather and be prepared for a fun, active morning!
This event is in support of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and its incredible biodiversity. Let's celebrate Earth Day by taking direct action to keep our public lands and waters clean!
RSVP at https://flanwr.org/event-6608124 so we can plan supplies. Share this post with friends and family who might want to join!
Questions? Feel free to ask. See you there — let's make a positive impact together! 💚

04/09/2026

🌎 Earth Day Cleanup at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge! 🌊🧤
Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM for a meaningful morning of service along the Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive (STWD) at Laguna Atascosa NWR!
We'll be picking up trash along the shores of the Laguna Madre — this unique lagoon is a vital ecosystem teeming with birds, fish, and other wildlife that depends on our protection.
Your help will make a real difference for this beautiful coastal habitat in South Texas. Whether you're a local, a birder, a family, or just someone who loves the outdoors — all are welcome!
📍 Meeting Location:
STWD entrance off FM 106 (near Los Fresnos, TX).
Look for the group at the trailhead.
What to Bring:
Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Bug spray
Reusable water bottle
Gloves (if you have them — we'll have extras)
Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Dress for the weather and be prepared for a fun, active morning!
This event is in support of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and its incredible biodiversity. Let's celebrate Earth Day by taking direct action to keep our public lands and waters clean!
RSVP at https://flanwr.org/event-6608124 so we can plan supplies. Share this post with friends and family who might want to join!
Questions? Feel free to ask. See you there — let's make a positive impact together! 💚

04/07/2026

(157/250) The tufted titmouse is a curious songbird found throughout much of the eastern U.S., easily recognized by its gray back, large black eyes and fast-paced calls. This time of year, they're busy searching for tree cavities or nest boxes to raise their young.



Photo: Jake Bonello/USFWS