Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge

Over a century ago, one million Attwater's prairie-chickens graced the Texas and Louisiana gulf coastal prairie. Each spring, males gathered to perform an elaborate courtship ritual. They inflated their yellow air sacs and emitted a strange, booming sound across a sea of grasses. Today, less than one percent of coastal prairies remain. With so little of its home left, the Attwater's prairie-chicken has come dangerously close to following the passenger pigeon to extinction. You may not see the birds when you visit the refuge, but they are here, valiantly struggling to keep their species alive, with a lot of help from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and others. Their presence deepens the experience of a visit among breathtaking spring wildflowers and virgin tallgrass prairie. Stop in at the visitor center for maps and brochures and to view the wildflower identification guide. Visitor Center open M-F 7:30 am to 4:00 pm