King Ranch has a long history of wildlife management. As early as 1947, famed conservationist Aldo Leopold called King Ranch "one of the best jobs of wildlife restoration on the continent." Today, the ranch is a vital part of an incredibly diverse landscape in South Texas dubbed "The Last Great Habitat."

Since 1995, the nature tour program has allowed visitors to see the benefits of this conservation ethic in the abundance of native wildlife that roams the ranch. Besides rich populations of game species such as northern bobwhite quail, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey, King Ranch is also home to an incredible number of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. We have been honored as an Internationally Important Bird Area: 350 species of birds have been recorded here, including the largest known population of ferruginous pygmy-owls in the United States. In 2003, a species of damselfly never before seen in the U.S., the cream-tipped swamp-damsel, was discovered on the ranch.

So whether you're interested in big deer, beautiful birds, or the wonders of nature, King Ranch is the place to visit.

  Wildlife Half-day (3 1/2 hours)
  Winter Birding Half-day (4 hours)
  Winter Birding Full-day (8 hours)
  Spring Birding Full-day (9 hours)
  Private/Group Nature Tours (4 or 8 hours)

Enjoy a tour through some of the premier wildlife habitat in the country. Besides being famous for the quality of antlered white-tailed deer in its pastures, King Ranch is home to a diverse range of native species including javelina, bobcat, wild turkey, and a host of other birds, mammals, and reptiles. Offered Oct 13, 2008 – Mar 13, 2009 on most Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays,  and Fridays @ 2:30 pm. Cost: $19.95/person plus sales tax (6.75%) Reservations recommended

King Ranch is a showcase for the incredible diversity of wintering birds in South Texas. We'll visit habitats from wetland to grassland looking for birds such as least grebe, white-tailed hawk, crested caracara, vermillion flycatcher, great kiskadee, green jay, olive sparrow, and more. Expect 60 or more species on this half-day tour! Offered Oct 13, 2008 – Mar 11, 2009 on most  Mondays, Wednesdays and the following Saturdays @ 8:30 am. October: 18 November: 1, 15, 29 December: 13, 27 January: 10, 24 February: 7, 21 March: 7 Cost: $29.95/person plus sales tax (6.75%) Reservations required

Come spend the day birding the northernmost part of King Ranch. In addition to the South Texas specialties listed for the Winter Birding Half-day tour, we'll also look for birds such as Sprague's pipit, burrowing owl, and reddish egret.  Lunch, transportation, and professional guide provided. Offered Nov 4, 2008 – Mar 10, 2009 on most Tuesdays @ 8:30 am. Cost: $79.95/person plus sales tax (6.75%) Reservations required

This tour to the southernmost part of King Ranch can be an unmatched birding experience. With some of the rarest breeding birds in the U.S. like the ferruginous pygmy-owl and tropical parula, AND habitat for migrating passerines, the ranch is a wonderful place to bird in spring. Other species we'll look for include northern-beardless tyrannulet, Audubon's oriole, Botteri's sparrow, and white-tailed hawk. Lunch, transportation, and professional guide provided. Tours offered on the following dates @ 6:00 a.m. March: 18, 20, 25, 27, 28 April: 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 25, 29 May: 1, 6, 8, 15, 22, 29 June: 5, 12 Cost: $125/person plus sales tax (6.75%) Reservations required

We can provide custom nature tours on birds, butterflies, dragonflies, native plants, and general wildlife. Rates vary by length and destination, so please call for information.

For a complete checklist of the birds of King Ranch please see "King Ranch Birds" under the "Stewardship and Education" section of this website.

Cancellation Policy

For Wildlife Half-day and Winter Birding Half-day Tours:
If cancellation by person(s) with reservations is made 7 days or more before tour date, there will be a full refund. Within 7 days, there will be no refunds.

For Winter Birding Full-day and Spring Birding Full-day Tours:
If cancellation by person(s) with reservations is made 14 days or more before tour date, there will be a full refund. Within 14 days, cancellations will be subject to a $30/person cancellation charge.

In the event that any outing, day tour, or half-day tour is canceled by King Ranch due to inclement weather or for any other reason, a full refund will be sent to all who are currently reserved for that tour.

In the event that any tour or outing offered in this brochure is canceled by King Ranch for any reason, King Ranch’s sole liability shall be to refund advance payments made. King Ranch specifically disclaims any liability for actual damages beyond any payments or deposits made and for any incidental or consequential damages.