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.

Tour 1: Wildlife Half-day (3.5 hours)
Tour 2: Winter Birding Half-day (4 hours)
Tour 3: Spring Birding Full-day (9 hours)
Tour 4: Wild Texas Half-day (4 hours)
Tour 5: Winter Birding Full-day (8 hours)
Private/Group Nature Tours

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 15, 2007 – Mar 14, 2008 on most Mondays and Fridays @ 2:30 pm. Cost: $17.50/person

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 17, 2007 – Mar 12, 2008 on most  Wednesdays and Saturdays @ 8:00 am. Cost: $25/person

This tour to the southernmost division 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, professional guide, and transportation provided. Tours offered on the following dates: March: 19, 21, 26, 28, 29 April: 2, 4, 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 23, 25, 26 May: 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, 23 June: 6, 13 Cost: $119/person in March and April $99/person in May and June

Discover the unique landscape of King Ranch, a part of "The Last Great Habitat" in Texas. On this tour we'll explore the brush country for native species of plants and animals, like javelina and desert Christmas cactus, PLUS visit the Conner Museum for a guided tour including the spectacular "Hall of Horns." This is a great tour for families! Offered Oct 16, 2007 – Mar 13, 2008 on most Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 1:30 pm. Cost: $20/person

Come spend the day birding the King Ranch. In addition to the South Texas specialities listed above, we'll look for birds such as Sprague's pipit, burrowing owl, reddish egret, piping and snowy plovers, white-tailed kite and a variety of sparrows. We'll provide lunch, transportation, professional guide, and thousands of acres of habitat on this winter birding extravaganza. Offered Nov 2, 2007 – Mar 14, 2008 on most Fridays @ 8:00 am. Cost: $75/person

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.