Photographer: Kevin Stillman

McFaddin and Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges are to the south on the Gulf along Texas 87. At Sabine Pass is Texas Point Refuge, once called Sea Rim. As with other Gulf Coast refuges in the state, tremendous concentrations of waterfowl are seen as well as a great variety-more than 60,000 snow geese (along with white-fronted and Canada geese) use the marsh; 23 species of ducks are represented and the number on the refuges reaches 100,000. The mottled duck, the only resident waterfowl species, uses the marsh for its summer nesting habitat. The McFaddin Refuge contains one of the densest populations of American alligators in Texas. Public activities include wildlife observation, photography, waterfowl hunting, fishing and crabbing. For directions and information contact refuge headquarters in Sabine Pass at 409/971-2909 or visit McFaddin Refuge office on Shell Oil Company road off Texas 87.