In order to support birders in their efforts to view the Bare-Throated Tiger-Heron, Bentsen RGV State Park WBC has made special arrangements to allow visitors access to a portion of the park that is usually not open to the public. The park will provide guided walks, by request during normal business hours, to the pond on the south side of the levee where the Tiger-Heron is thought to roost. This area has patches of thick thorny vegetation as well as more open tall grassy areas where ticks, chiggers and mosquitoes may be present (plan accordingly). In order to continue to provide this service, it is important that everyone only access this area on a guided walk. In order to ensure the Heron is not disturbed while feeding we ask that no one access the reveg fields on the north side of the levee at any time.

Bentsen State Park asks that everyone get a wrist band from the visitor center prior to entering the park. Anyone going on a guided walk into the restricted area will need to have a wristband for that day. Anyone accessing the park prior to 8am or after 5pm can pay their entry fee at the honor box by the gate into the park. Park entry is $5 per adult (13 and older); $3 for seniors 65 and older who are residents of Texas and Free for Texas State Park Pass Holders and children 12 and under.

For more information contact Bentsen State Park at 956-584-9156. The visitor center is open 365 days a year (even Christmas) from 8am-5pm and the park is accessible to the public from 7am-10pm.