Pre-Trip - Rio Grande Valley

We are pleased again offer not one, but two Four-Day Trips to the Rio Grande Valley. The Rio Grande Valley is home to many specialty birds that can only be found in deep South Texas. For the first time, last year this trip surpassed the 200 species mark, including most of the target
birds. Let’s look to 2023 to go beyond that number.

The lodging for both trips will be the Alamo Inn, a birder-centric lodge in the heart of the richest birding area in the United States. This lodge is a South Texas landmark hide-away for guests to enjoy beautiful sunsets, great birds, butterflies, and the friendly Tex-Mex culture where time
moves slower.

The cost of the trip is inclusive of transportation, an experienced leader, entry fees and lodging (with breakfast) for three nights. It does NOT include lunches or dinners. There is a minimum of four for this trip to make and a maximum of eight.

Registration

Date: April 26, 2023 from 6:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Joe Fulton Corridor & Hilltop at South Texas Botanical Gardens

A hidden gem for discovering birds, this industrial corridor is not easy to bird for those not familiar with it. It is mostly refineries on one side and a wonderful saltwater marsh with some open water on the other side. Luckily your leader Clay Taylor, a local expert, is very familiar with all this site has to offer. This is by fa,r the best spot for the number one target species of the Festival, the Seaside Sparrow.

We will also search for shorebirds, waders, gulls and terns, including the Gull-billed Tern. Roseate Spoonbills are also common.

Located nearby the Hilltop Community Center is a habitat that is extremely different. The mile and a quarter, paved hiking trail goes through grassy areas, scrub-thorn brush, and riparian along the creek. This site is very popular for most land birds, including warblers, sparrows, Long-billed Thrashers and much more.

Target species here are Groove-billed Ani, Pyrrhuloxia, Olive, Swamp, and Lincoln’s Sparrow.

7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Port Aransas Hot Spots at South Texas Botanical Gardens

Port Aransas hosts many must-see lookouts for avid birders and wildlife photographers. Boardwalks and observation towers are built over wetlands with vegetation pockets specially designed to attract birds. From the natural wetlands, inlets, and 18-miles of natural beaches and dunes, to the rock jetties, piers and marinas, Port Aransas offers dozens of vantage points to view migrating birds. It is fairly easy to see over 100 species in a single day. Driving on the beach while looking for shorebirds and seabirds is a treat for those who do not live near the ocean.

7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Chasing Warblers & Other Migrants at South Texas Botanical Gardens

In the Coastal Bend, April is what Spring migration is all about. It is an enjoyable and sometimes exhausting time to chase migrating land birds that flit and feed throughout the area. We lessen the challenge by narrowing down the places to look. The leaders for this Trip know the most likely hot spots to find the species you want to see. Their route will be determined by weather conditions, birding reports, and years of experience. During this time of year, you truly never know what species will turn up. On a good day, 20 plus species of warblers are possible….plus buntings, grosbeaks, tanagers, orioles and more.

7:30 AM - 11:30 AM

New Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve at Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve

The Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center is a 162-acre facility owned and operated by the City of Corpus Christi. The Learning Center and main parking lots opened in March 2016, making this one of the newer places to explore in our area. Join us on our 20miles of nature trails for birds, butterflies, and much more. This site has a nice mix of mesquite uplands, limited prairie, and wetland habitat which increase the variety of species. Year-round sightings of Groove-billed Ani, Olive Sparrow, and Long-billed Thrasher have occurred.

11:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Registration and Vendor Tent Open at South Texas Botanical Gardens

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

The Raptor Project with Jonathan Wood at South Texas Botanical Gardens


The Raptor Project is an extraordinary and outstanding array of "Birds of Prey" - eagles, hawks, falcons and owls displayed in an exquisite natural habitat. The Raptor project is a very entertaining and exciting presentation and exhibit that has won the rapt attention and hearts of millions of captivated audiences throughout the nation.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

“More Than Just a Pretty Face – ID by Sight and Song” by Kim Risen at South Texas Botanical Gardens

Kim began birding 50 years ago at the age of ten and began leading field trips in the upper Midwest while in high school. His passion led to a full-time career in leading birding and nature photography tours. His tour leading travels with NatureScape (www.naturescapetours.com) have taken him to six continents. In 2004, he smashed the one-year record for Mexico by 60 species, ending up with 876 species. Kim has led 260 tours in Mexico, with Oaxaca being his favorite foreign destination. His next tour to Oaxaca (October 2023) will mark his 58th tour there.

Kim and his wife Cindy are both longtime freelance photographers and writers. Their work has appeared in many different newspapers, magazines, field guides, and books. In their home state of Minnesota, they are youth mentors working with beginners and children, introducing them to birds, birding, and photography. Even after 40 years, Kim still looks at birds every day, often with camera in tow, with the same excitement he felt on his first birding trip so many years ago.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

“Shorebird Identification” by Cameron Cox at South Texas Botanical Gardens

Cameron is the owner and operator of Avocet Birding Courses (www.birdingABC.com) a company that offers workshops and tours that reexamines the standard narrative of how birders identify birds and offers an alternative approach based on cognitive psychology. This approach aims to make learning birds faster and more fun, reducing frustration in the bargain.

Cameron is the co-author of the Peterson Reference Guide to Seawatching as well as articles on shorebird and waterfowl identification. He is a former editor of Birding Magazine’s photo quiz. He lives with his wife and small herd of dogs and cats in coastal Maine.

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

The Raptor Project with Jonathan Wood at South Texas Botanical Gardens


The Raptor Project is an extraordinary and outstanding array of "Birds of Prey" - eagles, hawks, falcons and owls displayed in an exquisite natural habitat. The Raptor project is a very entertaining and exciting presentation and exhibit that has won the rapt attention and hearts of millions of captivated audiences throughout the nation.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Opening Reception - Happy Hour Cash Bar at South Texas Botanical Gardens

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Texas BBQ Dinner at South Texas Botanical Gardens

Come join us for some Southern hospitality and enjoy a Texas BBQ!

- Live Local Music Entertainment
- Vegetarian options are available and must be requested on Registration form
- Water and Iced Tea is included with the meal
- Cash Bar will be available on site for other drink options
Meal Tickets $20 Per Person

Non-Registrants are Welcome

Registration

April 27, 2023 From 5:30 AM - 3:30 PM

King Ranch - Norias Division Led By Tom Langschied At South Texas Botanical Gardens

This Portion Of The King Ranch, The Southernmost Part, Has An Extensive Upland Coastal Habitat That Can Attract Many Spring Migrants. This Is The Division Of The Ranch That Has Vast Tracts Of Habitat That Are Home To A Variety Of South Texas Specialty Birds. This Trip Will Provide The Best Chance Of Seeing The Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl.

Considered One Of The Most Popular Field Trips, It Does Sell Out Quickly. Tom Langschied, Visitor Program Manager For The King Ranch, Will Be One Of The Leaders On This Trip.

5:30 AM - 3:30 PM

BIG DAY - Full Day Trip At South Texas Botanical Gardens

In The Birding Culture, There’s Something Of A Tradition In Doing A “Big Day”. Participants Of This Trip Try To Identify The Greatest Number Of Species, Via Sight Or Sound, Over A 10-Hour Period. Many Birders Consider A Big Day A Must-Do During A Spring Migration. We Will Cover As Many Spots As Time Allows, Based On Where The Best Birds Have Been Spotted By Our Team Of Bird Scouters. With Good Weather And A Little Luck, This Adventure Could Earn Participants A Coveted Spot In The “150 Club”.

Lunch (Not Included) Will Be Flexible – May Stop For Local Fare, As A Midday Break Will Be Much Needed

6:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Barnhart Q5 Ranch & Nature Retreat At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Family Owned And Operated, This Ranch Has Been Designated With The Lone Star Land Steward Award In Recognition Of Its Wildlife And Land Conservation Efforts. Situated Within The Tamaulipan Scrub Brush Ecosystem Of South Texas, The Land Is Rich In Shady Old Oak Trees, Lots Of Thorny Brush, Wondrous Cactus, And Fields Of Wildflowers And Grasses. The Ranch Management Philosophy Is To Conserve Our Natural Habitat For The Benefit Of Wildlife And Livestock. Cattle Are One Way They Fund The Ranch, Guest Housing Is Another, Birding, And Photography Yet Another. Twice Annually Bird Populations Ebb And Flow During The Spring And Fall Migrations, While Birders And Photographers Flock To The Ranch. Seed And Nectar Feeders Are Filled Constantly, And Drip Watering Is Intense. The Ranch Maintains 12 Miles Of Hiking Trails And Two Viewing Blinds On Its Ponds. In Addition To The Abundant Birdlife, The Ranch Plays Host To A Wide Diversity Of Other Wildlife, Including Bobcat, Coyotes, Armadillos, Texas Horned Lizards, Indigo Snakes, And A Multitude Of Other Animals.

Some Of The Notable Birds Are Green Jay, Great Kisskadee, Crested Caracara, And Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks To Name A Few. The Resident Birds Make Room For Them, And The Brush Lines Become A Living Environment Of Color And Activity.

Box Lunch Will Be Provided – Ham Or Turkey Or Vegetarian

6:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Guadalupe Delta WMA Consists Of Approximately 6200 Acres Of Marshes. It Is Basically A Freshwater Marsh Subject To Flooding From The Guadalupe River And Its Adjacent Bayous. All The Water, Coastal Prairies, And Marshes Make The Guadalupe Delta A Favorite Place For Birders And Photographers. With More Than 400 Different Species Of Birds, This Site Is Also One Of The Top 5 Christmas Bird Counts In The Nation. This Trip Includes A Drive Through Freshwater Marshes And A Walk Thru The Lush Riparian Forest Of The Guadalupe River Floodplain.

Our Target Species For This Trip Are Fulvous Whistling Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Least Bittern, Purple Gallinule, Anhinga, Yellow-Crowned Heron, Barred Owl, Buff-Bellied Hummingbird, Prothonotary Warbler, And Migrant Flycatchers, Thrushes, And Warblers.

Box Lunch Will Be Provided – Ham Or Turkey Or Vegetarian

7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Shorebirds Of The Coastal Bend At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Coastal Bend Holds An Enviable Number And Variety Of Shorebirds. This Field Trip Is Designed Not Only For People With A Fascination And Curiosity For Water Birds, But Who Also May Find Identifying Them Difficult. This Is The Perfect Opportunity To Hone Your Skills, Particularly If You Have Taken The Shorebirds ID Workshop. Scouts Will Search Shorelines The Day Before Each Trip, To Provide The Best Possibility For Spotting The Widest Species Variety.

You Can Expect To See And Learn About The Snowy And Piping Plover, Reddish Egret, And American Oystercatcher, Among Other Species. You Will Be Able To Observe The Subtle Physical And Behavior Traits Of These Birds To Better Distinguish The Species.

7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Port Aransas Hot Spots At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Port Aransas Hosts Many Must-See Lookouts For Avid Birders And Wildlife Photographers. Boardwalks And Observation Towers Are Built Over Wetlands With Vegetation Pockets Specially Designed To Attract Birds. From The Natural Wetlands, Inlets, And 18-Miles Of Natural Beaches And Dunes, To The Rock Jetties, Piers And Marinas, Port Aransas Offers Dozens Of Vantage Points To View Migrating Birds. It Is Fairly Easy To See Over 100 Species In A Single Day. Driving On The Beach While Looking For Shorebirds And Seabirds Is A Treat For Those Who Do Not Live Near The Ocean.

7:30 AM - 11:30 AM

*New* Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve At Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve

The Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center Is A 162-Acre Facility Owned And Operated By The City Of Corpus Christi. The Learning Center And Main Parking Lots Opened In March 2016, Making This One Of The Newer Places To Explore In Our Area. Join Us On Our 20miles Of Nature Trails For Birds, Butterflies, And Much More. This Site Has A Nice Mix Of Mesquite Uplands, Limited Prairie, And Wetland Habitat Which Increase The Variety Of Species. Year-Round Sightings Of Groove-Billed Ani, Olive Sparrow, And Long-Billed Thrasher Have Occurred.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bird Walk @ The South Texas Botanical Gardens At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Your Host To The Birdiest Festival, The Botanical Gardens, Is A Relaxing Outdoor Venue With A Multitude Of Birding Opportunity As It Sits Along A Prime Migration Corridor. Vibrantly Colored Smaller Birds Such As Warblers, Vireos, Orioles, Grosbeaks And Buntings Scatter Throughout The Gardens. Search The Shoreline For Shorebirds. Everywhere You Look There Is A Chance To Experience The Migration.

The Habitat Of The Gardens Encompasses 182 Acres Of Shrub, Grassland, A Lake, And A Pond. Also Found On The Property Are Small Sub-Habitats Such As A Butterfly, Arid And Plumeria Garden. Several Trails Traverse Through The Diverse Ecosystem Supporting A Wide Variety Of Wildlife, Plants, Birds, And Fish, While Providing An Up-Close Look At The Ever-Changing Wetlands. Hike Or Walk Along The Brennecke Nature Trail, Oso Loop Trail Or The Wetland Boardwalk And Climb The Birding Tower For A Birds-Eye View Of Gator Lake. Remember To Look Up For Swallows, Hawks, Anhingas And White Pelicans, Which Commonly Pass Over In Droves On Their Way North During This Time.

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

“Bird Art Basics By Christina Baal” At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Christina Is An Artist, Illustrator, And Environmental Educator Whose Dream Is To Meet And Paint 10,000 Species Of Birds In Her Lifetime. After Graduating From Bard College In 2014, She Started Her Art Business, “Drawing 10,000 Birds” (Www.Drawingtenthousandbirds.Com), And Has Since Traveled Nonstop Looking For Birds. Christina Loves Going To Birding Festivals To Show Her Work, Lead Trips, Teach Art, And Spent Time With The Birding Community. She Has Designed Artwork For The Space Coast Birding And Wildlife Festival, The Biggest Week In American Birding, New Jersey Audubon’s World Series Of Birding, And Created The Bird Of The Year Artwork For The American Birding Association In 2022.

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Registration & Vendor Tent Open At South Texas Botanical Gardens

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

The Raptor Project With Jonathan Wood At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Raptor Project Is An Extraordinary And Outstanding Array Of "Birds Of Prey" - Eagles, Hawks, Falcons And Owls Displayed In An Exquisite Natural Habitat. The Raptor Project Is A Very Entertaining And Exciting Presentation And Exhibit That Has Won The Rapt Attention And Hearts Of Millions Of Captivated Audiences Throughout The Nation.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

“A Peek Into The Most Successful Kid’s Birding Program In Texas” By Martha Mcleod At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Martha Is An Award-Winning Semi-Retired Elementary Science Lab Teacher And Youth Birding Program Sponsor. She Has Been In Education For 30 Years. Her Student Birding Teams Compete Yearly In The Texas Parks And Wildlife Department Great Birding Classic Achieving Top Honors. She Was Named “Birder Of The Year” By Swarovski Optik/Birdwatcher’s Digest In 2018 And Inducted Into The National Teaches Hall Of Fame.

1:45 PM - 5:45 PM

Chasing Warblers & Other Migrants At South Texas Botanical Gardens

In The Coastal Bend, April Is What Spring Migration Is All About. It Is An Enjoyable And Sometimes Exhausting Time To Chase Migrating Land Birds That Flit And Feed Throughout The Area. We Lessen The Challenge By Narrowing Down The Places To Look. The Leaders For This Trip Know The Most Likely Hot Spots To Find The Species You Want To See. Their Route Will Be Determined By Weather Conditions, Birding Reports, And Years Of Experience. During This Time Of Year, You Truly Never Know What Species Will Turn Up. On A Good Day, 20 Plus Species Of Warblers Are Possible….Plus Buntings, Grosbeaks, Tanagers, Orioles And More.

1:45 PM - 5:45 PM

Shorebirds Of The Coastal Bend At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Coastal Bend Holds An Enviable Number And Variety Of Shorebirds. This Field Trip Is Designed Not Only For People With A Fascination And Curiosity For Water Birds, But Who Also May Find Identifying Them Difficult. This Is The Perfect Opportunity To Hone Your Skills, Particularly If You Have Taken The Shorebirds ID Workshop. Scouts Will Search Shorelines The Day Before Each Trip, To Provide The Best Possibility For Spotting The Widest Species Variety.

You Can Expect To See And Learn About The Snowy And Piping Plover, Reddish Egret, And American Oystercatcher, Among Other Species. You Will Be Able To Observe The Subtle Physical And Behavior Traits Of These Birds To Better Distinguish The Species.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

”Inaturalist, A Way To Enjoy Nature More” By Sara Jose At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Sara Is The Preserve Manager Of The Oso Bay Wetlands, A Municipal Nature Center Owned And Operated By The City Of Corpus Christi. Sara Has A Background In Marine Biology And Environmental Education. Beginning In 2010, Sara Has Had The Opportunity To Lead School Trips, Adult Education Programs, And A Variety Of Other Groups First At The Nueces Delta Preserve In Odem And Now At The Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve In Corpus Christi’s Southside. She Is Passionate About Introducing Our Local Community To Their Native Wildlife.

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

The Raptor Project With Jonathan Wood At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Raptor Project Is An Extraordinary And Outstanding Array Of "Birds Of Prey" - Eagles, Hawks, Falcons And Owls Displayed In An Exquisite Natural Habitat. The Raptor Project Is A Very Entertaining And Exciting Presentation And Exhibit That Has Won The Rapt Attention And Hearts Of Millions Of Captivated Audiences Throughout The Nation.

Registration

April 28, 2023 From 5:30 Am - 3:30 Pm

King Ranch - Norias Division Led By Tom Langschied At South Texas Botanical Gardens

King Ranch Norias Division

This Portion Of The King Ranch, The Southernmost Part, Has An Extensive Upland Coastal Habitat That Can Attract Many Spring Migrants. This Is The Division Of The Ranch That Has Vast Tracts Of Habitat That Are Home To A Variety Of South Texas Specialty Birds. This Trip Will Provide The Best Chance Of Seeing The Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl.

Considered One Of The Most Popular Field Trips, It Does Sell Out Quickly. Tom Langschied, Visitor Program Manager For The King Ranch, Will Be One Of The Leaders On This Trip.

Box Lunch Will Be Provided – Ham Or Turkey Or Vegetarian

6:00 Am - 3:30 Pm

Lake Choke Canyon State Park At South Texas Botanical Gardens

This 1400-Acre Park Is Divided Into Two Units And Hugs The Shoreline Of The Choke Canyon Reservoir. The Lake Is Located North Of Corpus Christi, At The Edge Of Thorn-Brush Desert Which Hosts A Somewhat Different Suite Of Birds. The Abundance Of Quality Habitat Combined With The Surrounding Water, Make It One Of The Best Birding Hot Spots In This Area. The Diversity Here Is Terrific, With A Hundred Species Being Possible. Ebird Has Recorded 325 Species In Choke Canyon.

The Target Species Include Audubon Oriole, Cactus Wren, Verdin, Black-Throated Sparrow, Black Phoebe And Vermilion Flycatcher. The Lake Can Provide Lingering Ducks, Waders, And Other Birds Associated With Water.

Box Lunch Will Be Provided – Ham Or Turkey Or Vegetarian

6:00 Am - 3:30 Pm

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge At South Texas Botanical Gardens

This Refuge North Of Rockport Is A Bit “Off The Beaten Path,” But Is An Important Stopover For Many Migrants. On Their Journey Between North And Central America, Warblers Concentrate On The Refuge From Mid-April To Early May. This 70,000-Acre Nature And Wildlife Preserve Is Home To Almost 400 Species Of Birds. Large Tracts Of Natural Coastal Prairie And Live Oak Mottes Provide Habitat For The Spring Migrants And Resident Birds. Whether Driving The 16-Mile Auto Tour, Walking Up The Observation Towers, Or Taking Time To Stretch Your Legs Along Several Miles Of Walking Trails Within The Refuge, There Are Various Opportunities To See Migrant Passerines, Such As Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Various Thrushes, Thrashers And Orioles.

6:30 Am - 12:00 Pm

Knolle Jersey Farms- River Pasture At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Local Birders Have Long Known About This Birding Area With Rolling Hills And Open Pastures, A Peaceful Spot For Viewing Raptors And Sparrows. The Former Dairy Farm Stretches For 300-Acres Along The Nueces River. The Enchanting Forest Of Ancient, Towering Oaks, Dripping With Spanish Moss Creates An Idyllic Rural Setting. This River Region Attracts A Colorful Spring Migration Of Neotropical Migrants And An Impressive Variety Of Raptor Species.

The Target Species For This Trip Is Rio Grande Wild Turkey, Green Jay, Great Kisskadee, Black-Crested Titmouse, Pyrrhuloxia, Verdin, Greater Roadrunner, Bewick’s Wren, Cactus Wren Or Say’s Phoebe. Along The River We Will Also Look For Green Kingfishers.

6:30 Am - 3:30 Pm

Rockport Birding Hot Spots At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail Runs Through The Rockport Area In Aransas County. Rockport Is Home To Several Of The Top Birding Spots In The Nation. This Area Is Known As A Paradise For Birders. This Field Trip Has It All, Beaches, Coastal Prairies, Freshwater Ponds And Marshes, Oak Mottes And So Much More. Shorebirds, Waders, Sparrows, And Of Course Neotropic Migrants Are Abundant.

Box Lunch Will Be Provided – Ham Or Turkey Or Vegetarian

7:00 Am - 12:00 Pm

Chasing Warblers & Other Migrants At South Texas Botanical Gardens

In The Coastal Bend, April Is What Spring Migration Is All About. It Is An Enjoyable And Sometimes Exhausting Time To Chase Migrating Land Birds That Flit And Feed Throughout The Area. We Lessen The Challenge By Narrowing Down The Places To Look. The Leaders For This Trip Know The Most Likely Hot Spots To Find The Species You Want To See. Their Route Will Be Determined By Weather Conditions, Birding Reports, And Years Of Experience. During This Time Of Year, You Truly Never Know What Species Will Turn Up. On A Good Day, 20 Plus Species Of Warblers Are Possible….Plus Buntings, Grosbeaks, Tanagers, Orioles And More.

7:00 Am - 12:00 Pm

New Birding With Tiffany Kersten At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Tiffany Is Our Keynote Speaker This Year With Her Presentation, “Birdie Big Year – Elevating Women Birders” Concentrating On Her Record Setting Lower 48 Big Year In 2021. Most Professional Birding Leaders Tour Leaders Provide 1-2 Week-Long Excursions. Tiffany, Through Her Company, Nature Ninja Birding Tours, Has Chosen To Specialize In One Day Trips With Smaller Groups.

Her Half-Day Trips With This Festival Will Be Based Upon Pre-Festival Scouting And Birds That Have Been Seen In Previous Trips During The Festival. They Will Focus Mostly On Migrant Traps And/Or Shorebird Hotspots. This Is One Of The Few Trips That Will Chase Rarities That Have Shown Up, As Long As They Are Close By.

7:30 Am - 11:30 Am

New Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve At Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve

The Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center Is A 162-Acre Facility Owned And Operated By The City Of Corpus Christi. The Learning Center And Main Parking Lots Opened In March 2016, Making This One Of The Newer Places To Explore In Our Area. Join Us On Our 20miles Of Nature Trails For Birds, Butterflies, And Much More. This Site Has A Nice Mix Of Mesquite Uplands, Limited Prairie, And Wetland Habitat Which Increase The Variety Of Species. Year-Round Sightings Of Groove-Billed Ani, Olive Sparrow, And Long-Billed Thrasher Have Occurred.

7:30 Am - 11:30 Am

Fennessey Ranch At Fennessey Ranch

Fennessey Ranch Is Located Just Outside Of Refugio, Texas. This Ranch Is A Rich Network Of Meadows, Brush, Prairie, Freshwater Wetlands, Natural Lakes, And Riparian Woodlands. This 3261-Acre Wildlife Oasis Is Host To Numerous Types Of Birds, Plants, Amphibians, Reptiles, Insects, And Mammals. Here Is Your Chance To Enjoy An Authentic Texas Hay Ride While Birding, A Truly Unique Experience.

Fennessey Ranch Is In The Heart Of The Central Flyway And Provides World Class Birding Opportunities. More Than 420 Species Of Resident And Migratory Birds Have Been Recorded On The Ranch. The Ranch Has Several Custom-Built Birding And Photography Blinds. Each Blind Is Strategically Placed In Areas Of High Bird Activity And Generally Near Water Sources.

The Target Species For This Ranch Are Painted Buntings, Green Jays, Swallow-Tailed Kites, White-Tailed Hawks And Bald Eagles.

9:00 Am - 12:00 Pm

Bird Walk @ South Texas Botanical Gardens At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Your Host To The Birdiest Festival, The Botanical Gardens, Is A Relaxing Outdoor Venue With A Multitude Of Birding Opportunity As It Sits Along A Prime Migration Corridor. Vibrantly Colored Smaller Birds Such As Warblers, Vireos, Orioles, Grosbeaks And Buntings Scatter Throughout The Gardens. Search The Shoreline For Shorebirds. Everywhere You Look There Is A Chance To Experience The Migration.

The Habitat Of The Gardens Encompasses 182 Acres Of Shrub, Grassland, A Lake, And A Pond. Also Found On The Property Are Small Sub-Habitats Such As A Butterfly, Arid And Plumeria Garden. Several Trails Traverse Through The Diverse Ecosystem Supporting A Wide Variety Of Wildlife, Plants, Birds, And Fish, While Providing An Up-Close Look At The Ever-Changing Wetlands. Hike Or Walk Along The Brennecke Nature Trail, Oso Loop Trail Or The Wetland Boardwalk And Climb The Birding Tower For A Birds-Eye View Of Gator Lake. Remember To Look Up For Swallows, Hawks, Anhingas And White Pelicans, Which Commonly Pass Over In Droves On Their Way North During This Time.

9:30 Am - 10:30 Am

“A Splash Of Color- Expressive Art In Watercolor” By Christina Baal At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Christina Is An Artist, Illustrator, And Environmental Educator Whose Dream Is To Meet And Paint 10,000 Species Of Birds In Her Lifetime. After Graduating From Bard College In 2014, She Started Her Art Business, “Drawing 10,000 Birds” (Www.Drawingtenthousandbirds.Com), And Has Since Traveled Nonstop Looking For Birds. Christina Loves Going To Birding Festivals To Show Her Work, Lead Trips, Teach Art, And Spent Time With The Birding Community. She Has Designed Artwork For The Space Coast Birding And Wildlife Festival, The Biggest Week In American Birding, New Jersey Audubon’s World Series Of Birding, And Created The Bird Of The Year Artwork For The American Birding Association In 2022.

12:00 Pm - 5:00 Pm

Registration & Vendor Tent Open At South Texas Botanical Gardens

1:00 Pm - 1:45 Pm

The Raptor Project With Jonathan Wood At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Raptor Project Is An Extraordinary And Outstanding Array Of "Birds Of Prey" - Eagles, Hawks, Falcons And Owls Displayed In An Exquisite Natural Habitat. The Raptor Project Is A Very Entertaining And Exciting Presentation And Exhibit That Has Won The Rapt Attention And Hearts Of Millions Of Captivated Audiences Throughout The Nation.

1:00 Pm - 2:00 Pm

“Hummingbirds- Their Amazing Lives” By Brent Ortego At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Brent Is Retired From The Texas Parks And Wildlife. He Has Been A Wildlife Biologist Since 1982 Who Primarily Worked With Conservation Of Endangered Species. He Has Been A Speaker And Field Trip Leader At Many Of The Festivals In Texas. Brent Is Still Active With Breeding Bird Surveys And Christmas Bird Counts. He Runs The Cbc For The Guadalupe Delta Wma, One Of The Largest Counts In The Country And Is The Leader For The Birdiest Festival To This Destination.

1:45 Pm - 5:45 Pm

Chasing Warblers & Other Migrants At South Texas Botanical Gardens

In The Coastal Bend, April Is What Spring Migration Is All About. It Is An Enjoyable And Sometimes Exhausting Time To Chase Migrating Land Birds That Flit And Feed Throughout The Area. We Lessen The Challenge By Narrowing Down The Places To Look. The Leaders For This Trip Know The Most Likely Hot Spots To Find The Species You Want To See. Their Route Will Be Determined By Weather Conditions, Birding Reports, And Years Of Experience. During This Time Of Year, You Truly Never Know What Species Will Turn Up. On A Good Day, 20 Plus Species Of Warblers Are Possible….Plus Buntings, Grosbeaks, Tanagers, Orioles And More.

1:45 Pm - 5:45 Pm

Port Aransas Hot Spots At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Port Aransas Hosts Many Must-See Lookouts For Avid Birders And Wildlife Photographers. Boardwalks And Observation Towers Are Built Over Wetlands With Vegetation Pockets Specially Designed To Attract Birds. From The Natural Wetlands, Inlets, And 18-Miles Of Natural Beaches And Dunes, To The Rock Jetties, Piers And Marinas, Port Aransas Offers Dozens Of Vantage Points To View Migrating Birds. It Is Fairly Easy To See Over 100 Species In A Single Day. Driving On The Beach While Looking For Shorebirds And Seabirds Is A Treat For Those Who Do Not Live Near The Ocean.

2:00 Pm - 3:00 Pm

"Inaturalist, A Way To Enjoy Nature More” By Sara Jose At Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve

Sara Is The Preserve Manager Of The Oso Bay Wetlands, A Municipal Nature Center Owned And Operated By The City Of Corpus Christi. Sara Has A Background In Marine Biology And Environmental Education. Beginning In 2010, Sara Has Had The Opportunity To Lead School Trips, Adult Education Programs, And A Variety Of Other Groups First At The Nueces Delta Preserve In Odem And Now At The Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve In Corpus Christi’s Southside. She Is Passionate About Introducing Our Local Community To Their Native Wildlife.

2:30 Pm - 4:30 Pm

“Hawk Watching 101” By Dane Ferrell And Libby Even At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Dane And Libby Are Long-Time Raptor Enthusiasts. They Have Counted Raptors At The United State’s Largest Hawk Migration Site For Hawkwatch International At Corpus Christi For The Past 16 Fall Seasons.

When Not Counting Hawks At Home, They Are Chasing Raptors, And Other Birds Around The United States, Mexico, Central And South America.

4:00 Pm - 4:45 Pm

The Raptor Project With Jonathan Wood At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Raptor Project Is An Extraordinary And Outstanding Array Of "Birds Of Prey" - Eagles, Hawks, Falcons And Owls Displayed In An Exquisite Natural Habitat. The Raptor Project Is A Very Entertaining And Exciting Presentation And Exhibit That Has Won The Rapt Attention And Hearts Of Millions Of Captivated Audiences Throughout The Nation.

5:30 Pm - 6:00 Pm

Reception With Light Hors D’oeuvre @ Asbury United Methodist Church At Asbury United Methodist Church

6:00 Pm - 7:00 Pm

Keynote Presentation With Tiffany Kersten, “Birdie Big Year: Elevating Women Birders” At Asbury United Methodist Church

Date: April 29, 2023 6:00 Am - 3:30 Pm

Barnhart Q5 Ranch & Nature Retreat At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Family Owned And Operated, This Ranch Has Been Designated With The Lone Star Land Steward Award In Recognition Of Its Wildlife And Land Conservation Efforts. Situated Within The Tamaulipan Scrub Brush Ecosystem Of South Texas, The Land Is Rich In Shady Old Oak Trees, Lots Of Thorny Brush, Wondrous Cactus, And Fields Of Wildflowers And Grasses. The Ranch Management Philosophy Is To Conserve Our Natural Habitat For The Benefit Of Wildlife And Livestock. Cattle Are One Way They Fund The Ranch, Guest Housing Is Another, Birding, And Photography Yet Another. Twice Annually Bird Populations Ebb And Flow During The Spring And Fall Migrations, While Birders And Photographers Flock To The Ranch. Seed And Nectar Feeders Are Filled Constantly, And Drip Watering Is Intense. The Ranch Maintains 12 Miles Of Hiking Trails And Two Viewing Blinds On Its Ponds. In Addition To The Abundant Birdlife, The Ranch Plays Host To A Wide Diversity Of Other Wildlife, Including Bobcat, Coyotes, Armadillos, Texas Horned Lizards, Indigo Snakes, And A Multitude Of Other Animals.

6:00 Am - 3:30 Pm

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge At South Texas Botanical Gardens

This Refuge North Of Rockport Is A Bit “Off The Beaten Path,” But Is An Important Stopover For Many Migrants. On Their Journey Between North And Central America, Warblers Concentrate On The Refuge From Mid-April To Early May. This 70,000-Acre Nature And Wildlife Preserve Is Home To Almost 400 Species Of Birds. Large Tracts Of Natural Coastal Prairie And Live Oak Mottes Provide Habitat For The Spring Migrants And Resident Birds. Whether Driving The 16-Mile Auto Tour, Walking Up The Observation Towers, Or Taking Time To Stretch Your Legs Along Several Miles Of Walking Trails Within The Refuge, There Are Various Opportunities To See Migrant Passerines, Such As Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Various Thrushes, Thrashers And Orioles.

6:00 Am - 3:30 Pm

Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Guadalupe Delta Wma Consists Of Approximately 6200 Acres Of Marshes. It Is Basically A Freshwater Marsh Subject To Flooding From The Guadalupe River And Its Adjacent Bayous. All The Water, Coastal Prairies, And Marshes Make The Guadalupe Delta A Favorite Place For Birders And Photographers. With More Than 400 Different Species Of Birds, This Site Is Also One Of The Top 5 Christmas Bird Counts In The Nation. This Trip Includes A Drive Through Freshwater Marshes And A Walk Thru The Lush Riparian Forest Of The Guadalupe River Floodplain.

Our Target Species For This Trip Are Fulvous Whistling Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Least Bittern, Purple Gallinule, Anhinga, Yellow-Crowned Heron, Barred Owl, Buff-Bellied Hummingbird, Prothonotary Warbler, And Migrant Flycatchers, Thrushes, And Warblers.

Box Lunch Will Be Provided – Ham Or Turkey Or Vegetarian

6:30 Am - 12:00 Pm

Knolle Jersey Farms- River Pasture At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Local Birders Have Long Known About This Birding Area With Rolling Hills And Open Pastures, A Peaceful Spot For Viewing Raptors And Sparrows. The Former Dairy Farm Stretches For 300-Acres Along The Nueces River. The Enchanting Forest Of Ancient, Towering Oaks, Dripping With Spanish Moss Creates An Idyllic Rural Setting. This River Region Attracts A Colorful Spring Migration Of Neotropical Migrants And An Impressive Variety Of Raptor Species.

The Target Species For This Trip Is Rio Grande Wild Turkey, Green Jay, Great Kisskadee, Black-Crested Titmouse, Pyrrhuloxia, Verdin, Greater Roadrunner, Bewick’s Wren, Cactus Wren Or Say’s Phoebe. Along The River We Will Also Look For Green Kingfishers.

6:30 Am - 12:00 Pm

Hazel Bazemore County Park At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Best Known As The Official Hawk Watch Spot In The Fall, Hazel Bazemore Park Boasts The Largest And Most Diverse Convergence Of Migrating Raptors In The United States. This 77.6-Acre Park Is Located Along The Banks Of The Nueces River. The Park Features A Wetland Pond And Woodlands, Which Offers Birders A Chance To See A Variety Of Water-Loving Birds. Hazel Bazemore Provides A Range Of Habitat Including Fields, Marshy Ponds, And Scrub Woodlands. Spring Time Brings Color To This Park, Providing Birders An Abundance Of Birds, Both High And Low.

The Target Species Are Green Jays, Kiskadees, White-Tipped Dove, Couch’s Kingbird And Buff-Bellied Hummingbirds.

6:30 Am - 3:30 Pm

New Northern Areas Of The King Ranch At South Texas Botanical Gardens

This Field Trip Combines A Visit To The Two Northern Divisions Of King Ranch, Santa Gertrudis And Laureles Divisions.

We Will Visit The Santa Gertrudis Division First In The Morning. This Area Is Known For Its Extensive Areas Of Mesquite/Huisache (Acacia) Brushlands And Grasslands And Has Several Freshwater Reservoirs And Ponds. Some Of The South Texas Specialty Birds That Can Be Found Here Include Least Grebe, White-Tipped Dove, Groove-Billed Ani, Green Jay, Long-Billed Thrasher, And Olive Sparrow. May Even Get Lucky And Spot An Audubon’s Oriole.

The Laureles Division, The Largest Division Of The King Ranch, Will Be Visited After Lunch. On The West Side We Will Explore Extensive Agricultural Fields Looking For Various Species Of Migrating Shorebird, Like American Golden-Plover, Upland Sandpiper, Buff-Breasted Sandpiper. Will Also Be On The Look Out For Resident Or Migrating Hawks, Like White-Tailed Hawk Or Swainson’s Hawk. As We Move East Through This Division We Will Visit Where The Petronila Creek Merges With The Upper Portions Of Alazan Bay. This Area Provides The Of Waterbirds That Like The Combination Of Freshwater And Saltwater.

As We Near The End This Trip, We Will Visit More Grassland And Brushy Areas For More Upland Species, Which Could Include A Variety Of Hawks, Flycatchers, And Brush Land Birds.

Box Lunch Will Be Provided – Ham Or Turkey Or Vegetarian

7:00 Am - 12:00 Pm

Shorebirds Of The Coastal Bend At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Coastal Bend Holds An Enviable Number And Variety Of Shorebirds. This Field Trip Is Designed Not Only For People With A Fascination And Curiosity For Water Birds, But Who Also May Find Identifying Them Difficult. This Is The Perfect Opportunity To Hone Your Skills, Particularly If You Have Taken The Shorebirds Id Workshop. Scouts Will Search Shorelines The Day Before Each Trip, To Provide The Best Possibility For Spotting The Widest Species Variety.

You Can Expect To See And Learn About The Snowy And Piping Plover, Reddish Egret, And American Oystercatcher, Among Other Species. You Will Be Able To Observe The Subtle Physical And Behavior Traits Of These Birds To Better Distinguish The Species.

7:00 Am - 12:00 Pm

New Birding With Tiffany Kersten At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Tiffany Is Our Keynote Speaker This Year With Her Presentation, “Birdie Big Year – Elevating Women Birders” Concentrating On Her Record Setting Lower 48 Big Year In 2021. Most Professional Birding Leaders Tour Leaders Provide 1-2 Week-Long Excursions. Tiffany, Through Her Company, Nature Ninja Birding Tours, Has Chosen To Specialize In One Day Trips With Smaller Groups.

Her Half-Day Trips With This Festival Will Be Based Upon Pre-Festival Scouting And Birds That Have Been Seen In Previous Trips During The Festival. They Will Focus Mostly On Migrant Traps And/Or Shorebird Hotspots. This Is One Of The Few Trips That Will Chase Rarities That Have Shown Up, As Long As They Are Close By.

8:00 Am - 12:00 Pm

Skimmer Boat Trips At Fulton Harbor

Join Captain Tommy Moore On The Skimmer For This Comfortable Four-Hour Springtime Spectacular. You Will Visit Four Rookery Islands Filled With Colonial Waterbirds To Observe Their Magnificent Spring Rituals. These Displays Will Include Some Of The Birds’ Quirkiest Behaviors Performed While Courting, Sparring, Mating, And Nesting. Bring A Camera To Capture These Crazy Antics.

Target Birds Will Include Egrets, Herons, Pelicans, Spoonbills, Terns, Skimmers, And A Variety Of Other Shorebirds.

This Tour Departs From Fulton Harbor In Rockport-Fulton, Which Is About An Hour’s Drive From The Botanical Gardens. Meet The Skimmer At Fantasy Charters In Fulton Harbor In Rockport. 215 North Fulton Beach Road.

From Corpus Christi, Take Tx-35 Through Portland, Then Turn Right To Stay On Tx-35 All The Way To Rockport. Continue To Broadway Street And Take Left On Fulton Beach Road. The Harbor Is On The Right.

9:00 Am - 12:00 Pm

Bird Walk @ The South Texas Botanical Gardens At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Your Host To The Birdiest Festival, The Botanical Gardens, Is A Relaxing Outdoor Venue With A Multitude Of Birding Opportunity As It Sits Along A Prime Migration Corridor. Vibrantly Colored Smaller Birds Such As Warblers, Vireos, Orioles, Grosbeaks And Buntings Scatter Throughout The Gardens. Search The Shoreline For Shorebirds. Everywhere You Look There Is A Chance To Experience The Migration.

The Habitat Of The Gardens Encompasses 182 Acres Of Shrub, Grassland, A Lake, And A Pond. Also Found On The Property Are Small Sub-Habitats Such As A Butterfly, Arid And Plumeria Garden. Several Trails Traverse Through The Diverse Ecosystem Supporting A Wide Variety Of Wildlife, Plants, Birds, And Fish, While Providing An Up-Close Look At The Ever-Changing Wetlands. Hike Or Walk Along The Brennecke Nature Trail, Oso Loop Trail Or The Wetland Boardwalk And Climb The Birding Tower For A Birds-Eye View Of Gator Lake. Remember To Look Up For Swallows, Hawks, Anhingas And White Pelicans, Which Commonly Pass Over In Droves On Their Way North During This Time.

10:00 Am - 12:00 Pm

“10 Steps To Becoming A Better Nature Photographer” By Stephen Fisher At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Most Photographers Shoot Nature For One Reason... They Enjoy Being Outdoors! Nature Photography Includes Many Different Genres. Everything From Landscapes To Mammals, Insects To Flowers, And Much More. Regardless Of Your Skill Level, I Have 10 Steps To Share That Wil Definitely Up Your Game… And Make It Much More Enjoyable.

10:00 Am - 5:00 Pm

Registration & Vendor Tent Open At South Texas Botanical Gardens

10:00 Am - 5:00 Pm

Artisan Market & Family Fun Day At South Texas Botanical Gardens

10:30 Am - 11:15 Am

The Raptor Project With Jonathan Wood At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Raptor Project Is An Extraordinary And Outstanding Array Of "Birds Of Prey" - Eagles, Hawks, Falcons And Owls Displayed In An Exquisite Natural Habitat. The Raptor Project Is A Very Entertaining And Exciting Presentation And Exhibit That Has Won The Rapt Attention And Hearts Of Millions Of Captivated Audiences Throughout The Nation.

1:00 Pm - 1:45 Pm

The Raptor Project With Jonathan Wood At South Texas Botanical Gardens


The Raptor Project Is An Extraordinary And Outstanding Array Of "Birds Of Prey" - Eagles, Hawks, Falcons And Owls Displayed In An Exquisite Natural Habitat. The Raptor Project Is A Very Entertaining And Exciting Presentation And Exhibit That Has Won The Rapt Attention And Hearts Of Millions Of Captivated Audiences Throughout The Nation.

1:00 Pm - 2:00 Pm

“Where To Next? Nearby Birding Sites And What To Look For At Each” By Ben Horstmann At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Ben Serves As The Reginal Interpretive Specialist For South Texas State Parks. His Addiction To Birding Was A Direct Result Of Moving To The Coastal Bend And Birding With Park Staff And Volunteers. His Favorite Pastime Is Birding In The Parks And Natural Places In Texas.

1:45 Pm - 5:45 Pm

Chasing Warblers & Other Migrants At South Texas Botanical Gardens

In The Coastal Bend, April Is What Spring Migration Is All About. It Is An Enjoyable And Sometimes Exhausting Time To Chase Migrating Land Birds That Flit And Feed Throughout The Area. We Lessen The Challenge By Narrowing Down The Places To Look. The Leaders For This Trip Know The Most Likely Hot Spots To Find The Species You Want To See. Their Route Will Be Determined By Weather Conditions, Birding Reports, And Years Of Experience. During This Time Of Year, You Truly Never Know What Species Will Turn Up. On A Good Day, 20 Plus Species Of Warblers Are Possible….Plus Buntings, Grosbeaks, Tanagers, Orioles And More.

1:45 Pm - 5:45 Pm

New Birding With Tiffany Kersten At South Texas Botanical Gardens

Tiffany Is Our Keynote Speaker This Year With Her Presentation, “Birdie Big Year – Elevating Women Birders” Concentrating On Her Record Setting Lower 48 Big Year In 2021. Most Professional Birding Leaders Tour Leaders Provide 1-2 Week-Long Excursions. Tiffany, Through Her Company, Nature Ninja Birding Tours, Has Chosen To Specialize In One Day Trips With Smaller Groups.

Her Half-Day Trips With This Festival Will Be Based Upon Pre-Festival Scouting And Birds That Have Been Seen In Previous Trips During The Festival. They Will Focus Mostly On Migrant Traps And/Or Shorebird Hotspots. This Is One Of The Few Trips That Will Chase Rarities That Have Shown Up, As Long As They Are Close By.

2:30 Pm - 3:30 Pm

"Warblers - The Colorful Gems" By Cameron Cox At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Flitting Colorful Gems We Know As The Warblers Of The Americas Are One Of The Main Attractions Of Birding The Texas Coast In Spring.  We Will Touch On The Identification And Habits Of All The Warbler Of The Texas Coast.  We Will Also Examine The Strategies Of Trans-Gulf And Circum-Gulf Migrants And How These Strategies Influence Which Warblers Are Seen Where.  We’ll Also Learn How Flight Calls Can Be Useful In Identifying Warblers Without Actually Learning Flight Calls.  It’s A Lot To Cover, Strap In!

4:00 Pm - 4:45 Pm

The Raptor Project With Jonathan Wood At South Texas Botanical Gardens

The Raptor Project Is An Extraordinary And Outstanding Array Of "Birds Of Prey" - Eagles, Hawks, Falcons And Owls Displayed In An Exquisite Natural Habitat. The Raptor Project Is A Very Entertaining And Exciting Presentation And Exhibit That Has Won The Rapt Attention And Hearts Of Millions Of Captivated Audiences Throughout The Nation.

Registration

April 30, 2023 from 6:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Joe Fulton Corridor & Hilltop at South Texas Botanical Gardens

A hidden gem for discovering birds, this industrial corridor is not easy to bird for those not familiar with it. It is mostly refineries on one side and a wonderful saltwater marsh with some open water on the other side. Luckily your leader Clay Taylor, a local expert, is very familiar with all this site has to offer. This is by fa,r the best spot for the number one target species of the Festival, the Seaside Sparrow.

We will also search for shorebirds, waders, gulls and terns, including the Gull-billed Tern. Roseate Spoonbills are also common.

7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Texas Scramble at South Texas Botanical Gardens

A "scramble" is a field trip designed to capitalize on the most coveted birds seen during preceding field trips throughout the Festival. If there is a fallout, the trip will concentrate on neotropical migrants. If a particular rare bird was spotted earlier, we will hunt for it. If you need a certain species for your Life List, let your guide know, we will seek to satisfy as many requests as possible.

7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Chasing Warblers & Other Migrants at South Texas Botanical Gardens

In the Coastal Bend, April is what Spring migration is all about. It is an enjoyable and sometimes exhausting time to chase migrating land birds that flit and feed throughout the area. We lessen the challenge by narrowing down the places to look. The leaders for this Trip know the most likely hot spots to find the species you want to see. Their route will be determined by weather conditions, birding reports, and years of experience. During this time of year, you truly never know what species will turn up. On a good day, 20 plus species of warblers are possible….plus buntings, grosbeaks, tanagers, orioles and more.

7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Bird Walk @ South Texas Botanical Gardens at South Texas Botanical Gardens

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Skimmer Boat Trip - Fulton Harbor at Fulton Harbor

Join Captain Tommy Moore on the Skimmer for this comfortable four-hour Springtime spectacular. You will visit four rookery islands filled with colonial waterbirds to observe their magnificent Spring rituals. These displays will include some of the birds' quirkiest behaviors performed while courting, sparring, mating, and nesting. Bring a camera to capture these crazy antics.

Target birds will include egrets, herons, pelicans, spoonbills, terns, skimmers, and a variety of other shorebirds.

This tour departs from Fulton Harbor in Rockport-Fulton, which is about an hour's drive from the Botanical Gardens. Meet the Skimmer at Fantasy Charters in Fulton Harbor in Rockport. 215 North Fulton Beach Road.

From Corpus Christi, take TX-35 through Portland, then turn right to stay on TX-35 all the way to Rockport. Continue to Broadway Street and take left on Fulton Beach Road. The Harbor is on the right.

Registration

Post Trip - Rio Grande Valley

The lodging for both trips will be the Alamo Inn, a birder-centric lodge in the heart of the richest birding area in the United States. This lodge is a South Texas landmark hide-away for guests to enjoy beautiful sunsets, great birds, butterflies, and the friendly Tex-Mex culture where time
moves slower.

The cost of the trip is inclusive of transportation, an experienced leader, entry fees and lodging (with breakfast) for three nights. It does NOT include lunches or dinners. There is a minimum of four for this trip to make and a maximum of eight.

Registration