b'E c o - T o u r i s mBirding Trail stops are more spread out in the more densely populated southern section of the Coastal Bend, but are nonetheless visited by dozens of unique and interesting birds spe-cies each year. Wetland areas of Portland, Oso Bay and Flour Bluff provide rich habitat for both native seabirds and migrating avian species.Mustang Island south of Port Aransas is particularly known for its raptors and other birds of prey, and Skimmers with their bright orange bills are regularly spotted on the beach.The Coastal Bends most fertile but least explored birding region is undoubtedly the Padre Island National Seashore, both the beach and Upper Laguna Madre sides. Over 380 bird species, more than half of all birds certified spotted by the National Audubon Society in North Amer-ican, have been identified at the Padre Island National Seashore.TheCoastalBend.com THE COASTAL BEND GUIDE83'