89R17694 KRT-D
By: Louderback H.C.R. No. 104
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Situated on the Texas coast, Matagorda County
provides a diverse set of habitats that welcome hundreds of bird
species each year; and
WHEREAS, The county's shoreline and marshes attract birds
such as ospreys, pelicans, and egrets, while inland terrains are
home to hawks, hummingbirds, blackbirds, and more; along the area's
bays and rivers, loons, cormorants, and mergansers can be found,
and the county is also on the pathway for numerous migratory
species, including flycatchers, vireos, and orioles; and
WHEREAS, Since 1993, the county has participated in the
Audubon Christmas Bird Count, and it has consistently earned a top
ranking for its rich diversity of species; during the 2023-2024
count, the county had 225 types of birds in its tally, taking first
place for locations north of the U.S.-Mexico border; in addition,
it had the only examples of such rare birds as the surf scoter and
the blue grosbeak; and
WHEREAS, Matagorda County features many conservation areas
that help protect bird habitats; these include the Big Boggy
National Wildlife Refuge, the Mad Island Wildlife Management Area,
The Nature Conservancy's Clive Runnells Family Mad Island Marsh
Preserve, the Matagorda Peninsula Coastal Management Area, and the
Dog Island Preserve, which together encompass more than 26,000
acres; in addition, residents and visitors can enjoy the region's
biodiversity at the Matagorda County Birding Nature Center and the
Matagorda Bay Nature Park, and Palacios is the site of the annual
Matagorda Bay Birdfest, where attendees can enjoy bird tours, a
parade, a youth art contest, and other activities; and
WHEREAS, Matagorda County has demonstrated a notable
commitment to preserving its abundant natural resources, ensuring
that it will continue to host myriad bird species, and the county's
status as a premier location to appreciate avian wildlife is indeed
deserving of recognition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate Matagorda County as the official Birding Capital
of Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
passed by the legislature.