2025 Trip Details

Bird On! - Comfortable Birding Experience

For those who relish birding from the comfort of a vehicle and prefer more leisurely outings, our Bird On! trips are tailor-made. Designed with your mobility in mind, these sedentary journeys will transport you to diverse, high-priority destinations each day. As we sit and wait for birds to come to us, you'll have the chance to observe from the van or tram, and explore water features and feeders. Please note that premium sites are excluded from these excursions. Experience 3 days of trips crafted for those seeking a more relaxed adventure, with varying destinations and targets daily.

Birdy Brownsville - Coastal Avian Haven

Discover the coastal prairie and riparian treasures near Brownsville with our Birdy Brownsville tour. Explore renowned sites such as the Sabal Palm Sanctuary, home to one of the last remaining tracts of Sabal Palm forest in the USA. This unique habitat, with its wetlands, forests, and proximity to the Rio Grande, attracts rarities and migrants. Uncover the hidden gems of the Coastal Prairie, where the enchanting Cassin's Sparrow, Botteri's Sparrow, Gull-billed Tern, and Aplomado Falcon thrive. Our journey also takes us to the resacas or oxbow lakes of downtown Brownsville, where water birds await our observation.

Coastal Extravaganza - Premium Seaside Exploration

Experience the ultimate coastal adventure on our Coastal Extravaganza premium tour. Begin with a quest for Aplomado Falcons in the coastal prairie, followed by a captivating "sailing" journey from Port Isabel. Accompanied by Captains Scarlett and George Colley, we'll explore island bays where the elusive "Mangrove" Yellow Warbler nests. Witness the spectacle of Red Knots, American Oystercatchers, Reddish Egrets, and more, all while enjoying the possibility of Bottlenose dolphins in the bow's wake. Our day continues on South Padre Island, with a picnic and the pursuit of seasonal migrants and coastal specialties. Early registration is crucial due to Coast Guard boat occupancy limits. This field trip includes a boat tour which includes entering and exiting the boat, which is a deep step down. Please take this into consideration when choosing field trips.  Please note: This is a premium trip with a $50 add-on fee.

King Ranch - Exclusive Avian Retreat

Indulge in the exclusivity of the King Ranch (Norias Tract) spring bird tour. This unique experience unveils the largest populations of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl and Tropical Parula in the US, along with sightings of the Northern Beardless Tyrannulet and the rare Audubon's Oriole. This legendary property, with its oak mottes, grasslands, and ancient sand dunes, sits at the edge of the Laguna Madre. Abundant migrants and occasional rarities make this tour truly exceptional. Please be aware that restroom facilities are only available at the ranch headquarters. Please note: This is a super-premium trip with a $90 add-on fee.

Laguna Atascosa Alas - Birding Wonderland

Laguna Atascosa, situated along the Laguna Madre's shores, stands as a haven for avian enthusiasts. With the highest bird species count of any National Wildlife Refuge in the country, it is also home to the largest remaining population of protected ocelots in the USA. Our special tour grants access to limited refuge tracts, allowing us to explore hidden corners not open to the public. Expect encounters with Reddish Egrets, White-tailed Hawks, Seaside Sparrows, and much more.

Mission/McAllen Marvels

Experience the allure of Mission/McAllen Marvels, a captivating tour that unveils the natural treasures of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Enjoy the esteemed National Butterfly Center, often referred to as "the lazy birder's paradise," for the ease with which visitors get to see so many target species, including the distinctive Green Jay, the vibrant Altamira Oriole, the elusive Olive Sparrow, the charming Clay-colored Thrush, the melodic Curve-billed Thrasher, and the majestic Gray Hawk. Access to the Rio Grande, here, also provides the opportunity for the coveted Kingfisher 'Trifecta'. At the renowned Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, the Hawk Tower overlooking the oxbow offers an exceptional vantage point to witness raptors soaring through the skies. The afternoon will be spent in McAllen, observing water features that may inspire replication, as they invite reveal numerous migrating species.

Raptor Exploration Expedition

Join us for a captivating Raptor Exploration Expedition. Weather permitting, our day could begin with the breathtaking sight of migrating hawks rising from the forests along the Rio Grande, followed by an expedition through the Valley. We'll seek out local nesting raptors, including the iconic Harris's Hawk, the elegant Swainson's Hawk, the enigmatic Gray Hawk, the regal White-tailed Hawk, and the captivating Aplomado Falcon.

Salt Lakes & Playas Adventure

Embark on a captivating Salt Lakes & Playas Adventure as we explore the avian wonders of the Salt Lakes north of Edinburg. Amidst the dry thorn scrub, we'll encounter an intriguing mix of birds, from the delicate Snowy Plover to the enchanting Black-throated Sparrow and the melodic Bewick's Wren. Our journey continues to Delta Lake for lunch amidst a captivating array of waterbirds and migrants. Along roadside sites, we'll uncover more wetland gems, including the striking Fulvous Whistling-Duck, a variety of shorebirds, the elusive Northern Bobwhite, and much more.

Santa Ana Surprise

Delve into the enchanting realms of the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge on our Santa Ana Surprise expedition. Witness a plethora of Lower Rio Grande Valley specialties and raptors amidst the productive wetland and riparian habitats. Towering trees and scenic trails offer exceptional observation opportunities. Following this, we'll journey to the Hidalgo Pumphouse, where Monk Parakeets, the captivating Black Phoebe, and other intriguing species await.

Starr County Exploration

Embark on an extraordinary Starr County Exploration, venturing to the western part of the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Starr and Zapata Counties. Along the banks of the Rio Grande, anticipate sightings of the vibrant Red-billed Pigeon, the rare Audubon's Oriole, and the charming White-collared Seedeater. Arid areas reveal avian wonders like the iconic Greater Roadrunner, the captivating Cactus Wren, the elusive Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, and the rare Scaled Quail. Our journey begins at a private ranch with a stunning Rio Grande overlook, followed by exploration at Salineno and Falcon State Park. The effort will be rewarded with unforgettable encounters. Some of the terrain on this trip can be challenging. Please take this into consideration when choosing field trips. (Premium Trip, $40 Add-On Fee)

Weslaco’s Loros, Lakes & Landmarks - Nature's Abode

Explore the abundant treasures of Weslaco on the captivating Loros, Lakes & Landmarks tour. This lush locale boasts three rich nature sites - Estero Llano Grande State Park, Valley Nature Center, and Frontera Audubon - where vibrant Green Parakeets and Red-crowned Parrots find their nesting grounds. Embarking on this adventure, we'll traverse all three sites in pursuit of the enchanting Long-billed Thrasher, the regal Couch's Kingbird, the elegant Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, as well as familiar local residents like the melodious Great Kiskadee and the striking Green Jay. Prepare to encounter a diverse array of local specialties, making this journey an extraordinary exploration of nature's finest offerings.

Birding the River

Birding in South Texas isn't complete without a trip down the Rio Grande River. There are many species that can only be seen from the river area. Some of those species include, Osprey, Belted, Green and Ringed Kingfishers, various ducks, multiple hawks, Egrets. Join a friend of the Valley Nature Center as he takes you on a 3-hour ride of the Rio Grande River out of Mission Texas. This trip is limited to four guest plus a guide. Water and snacks available. There is no formal restroom on boat, but nature leaves many options for those so inclined. (Premium Trip, $60 Add-On Fee)

Night Hike at Estero Llano Grande

A night hike at Estero Llano Grande State Park is an amazing adventure! Exploring the park with rangers and discovering nocturnal creatures like owls, reptiles, scorpions, amphibians, and tarantulas offers a unique and exciting way to experience nature after dark. For anyone who hasn't tried a night hike before, this is the perfect opportunity to dive into a whole new world of wildlife.

Just a heads-up: If when planning a Friday field trip that departs early, you might want to consider your schedule to ensure you can fully enjoy both experiences. (Premium Trip, $10 Add-On Fee)

Registration Instructions

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Spring Chirp RGV Birding List

Download the current Spring Chirp RGV Birding List. Birds in BOLD are the RGV Specialties that can't really be found anywhere else in the United States. They are the "Target" species for many visiting the RGV.

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