2016 RGVBF Brochure - RGVBF Birding Festival

November 2-6
2016
23rd Annual
Long-billed Thrasher
Toxostoma longirostre
MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM COMPLEX
1204 FAIR PARK BLVD. • HARLINGEN, TEXAS
INFORMATION
23rd Annual RGVBF
Great Kiskadee Sponsors
Red-crowned Parrot Sponsors
Belcampo Lodge Belize, Eagle Optics,
Leica Optics, Inc., Maven Optics, Visit Big Bend
Ringed Kingfisher Sponsors
Boggus Ford, Celestron Optics, Courtyard by Marriott,
Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, HEB, Kowa Optimed,
Princeton University Press, Rockjumper Birding Tours,
Rockport Adventures, Southwest Airlines,
Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge
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23rd Annual RGVBF
INFORMATION
Why Have Birders Attended This Festival For 22 Years?
A first-time attendee can expect over
20 species found nowhere else in the
US, a low guide-to-participant ratio
on field trips, warm weather, and a
friendly and affordable host city. Low
cost pass to all seminars, world-class
professional tour guides, an
extensive Birders Bazaar, and fun
socials guarantee a satisfied birder.
Returning participants can look
forward to new field trips, a reunion
of old and new friends, an
outstanding birding experience, and another South Texas attraction – the chance
for a rarity from Mexico.
CONTENTS
Field Trips…………………………………………………………………………….4-19
Harlingen Map……………………………………………………………………. 20-21
Special Trips and PhotoTrack…………………………………………………… 22-26
Seminars / Keynotes………………………………………………………………27-34
Special Events / Trade Show …………………………………………………….35-36
FAQ’s / Information / Who We Are…………………..…………………..………37-39
Artist: We’re proud to announce Juanita Gibson as our artist
for 2016. Juanita has been a part of every RGV Birding
Festival Birders Bazaar since 1994. She was raised near
Cainsville, Mo. and as a child loved to draw. Juanita spent
many years as an elementary teacher. In 1994, the Rio
Grande Valley of Texas became her permanent home.
She studied watercolor for many years with a variety of
talented instructors. Juanita’s specialty is painting birds and
butterflies in watercolor, and her work has been used on
notecards, T shirts, and various publications. She is a
member of the Hidalgo Watercolor Society, the Harlingen
Art Forum, and the Upper Valley Art League. Juanita’s work has been exhibited in
galleries, shows and festivals across South Texas.
Photos and Photographers: The Rio Grande Valley is home to many great nature
photographers and we are lucky that some of them have shared their great photos with
us through our Facebook page, our web page, and now this brochure. We thank
Bill Sulpulski for his willingness to provide timely photos. Donna McCown’s love of
photography and the outdoors led her to become a birder. Her excellent photos capture
the excitement of birding in the Rio Grande Valley. Steve Sinclair has been
photographing and writing about Rio Grande Valley wildlife for more than 17 years.
Chuck Lorenz lives and photographs in the coastal region of the RGV providing us with
many photos of migrating birds and shorebirds from South Padre Island.
Thanks to Bill, Donna, Steve and Chuck for the beautiful images seen in this brochure!
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FIELD TRIPS
23rd Annual RGVBF
FIELD GUIDE TO THE ICONS
The RGVBF has long been renowned for its low ratio of participants to leaders and for the
quality of its leaders. This year is no exception. On one of our field trips you might find
yourself in the company of Jon Dunn or Kevin Karlson, Dale Rosslet or Bob Behrstock, or
maybe Michael O'Brien, Louise Zemaitis or Steve Shunk. Or perhaps Dave Irons,
Shawneen Finnegan (with congratulations on their recent marriage!) Bill Clark or Cameron
Cox. And the list doesn’t end there - just look at the biographies of all our leaders at
rgvbf.org.
IMPORTANT NOTES ON TRIPS:
Please stay in or near Harlingen during the Festival.
Trips cannot be met at the sites.
Scopes and camera are fine on most trips.
Icons just designate a better opportunity.
For special trips for photographers, see the PhotoTrack section.
Be prepared for sun and bugs on all trips.
Water and water bottles provided.
Vegetarian lunches available - choose when registering online.
Bus/van designation may change.
We reserve the right to make adjustments as needed.
Keep in mind that, with their limited seating,
van trips tend to sell out quickly.
Trip departure times have been staggered this year double check yours!
* Designates a special trip - new offering or distinctive leader
or just one scheduled this year
Check out the sidebars for help deciding which trips are for you.
And always refer to rgvbf.org for the latest trip updates.
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23rd Annual RGVBF
FIELD TRIPS
*AUDUBON ISLANDS of LAGUNA MADRE
with Stephanie Bilodeau
Fee $85 / Friday 6:30am – 12:30pm
This is a wonderful opportunity for a small group to go out on the Bay with Stephanie
Bilodeau to view some of the spoil islands of Laguna Madre. The islands were created
from materials dredged during the construction of the Intracoastal Waterway and, under
the protection of the National Audubon Society, are now invaluable habitat for nesting,
feeding and roosting waders, shorebirds and larids. Stephanie is the Conservation
Biologist with the Coastal Bend and Estuaries Program, which has for many years studied
and monitored the bird populations of the islands.
Note: Although there will be photo opportunities, please only bring hand-held cameras.
Most of the morning will be on a small powerboat without restroom facilities. Can be cool
on boat in mornings – don’t forget your jacket.
Targets: Close views of herons and egrets, gulls and terns and, with luck, Mangrove
Warbler.
*BAHIA GRANDE (LAGUNA ATASCOSA NWR)
Fee $60 / Saturday 6:30am – 12:30pm
The ongoing restoration of the Bahia Grande is the most significant environmental
success in South Texas in recent years. Over 21,000 acres were acquired as part of
Laguna Atascosa NWR in 2000. At that time, because construction of the Intracoastal
Waterway had severed its connections to the Bay, Bahia Grande was an arid wasteland
with only ephemeral wet areas. New channels have now been excavated restoring the
natural tidal flow. On this trip we’ll have an opportunity of witnessing the dramatic results
and the privilege of birding an area not generally open to the public.
Note: there are no on-site restroom facilities.
Targets: waders, shorebirds, gulls and terns, Aplomado Falcon, White-tailed Hawk,
wintering sparrows.
BENTSEN - RIO GRANDE
STATE PARK
Fee $60 / Saturday, Sunday 6:30am – 12:30pm
With its 760 acres of land and bird list of 358 species, it’s not surprising that this oldest of
South Texas state parks was chosen as the headquarters of the World Birding Center
complex. The woodlands are home to many of the Valley's specialties, the hawk-watch
tower gives uninterrupted views of the skies, and the gardens surrounding the greendesigned Visitor Center are a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds.
Targets: Plain Chachalaca, Hook-billed Kite (rare), Gray Hawk, Green Kingfisher, Whitetipped Dove, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Northern BeardlessTyrannulet, Green Jay, Clay-colored Thrush, Long-billed Thrasher, Olive Sparrow,
Altamira Oriole.
5
FIELD TRIPS
23rd Annual RGVBF
BIG DAY VANS
Fee $90 / Wednesday 6am – 4:30pm
Ever hear about Big Days and wonder what they would be like? Here’s your chance to get
in on the action on one of our most talked-about trips. Some call it ‘whirlbirding’ – fast and
furious fun. Prepare to be flexible, as routes will be chosen by your skilled leaders,
exercise those speedy get-on-it skills - and wear your fast shoes! Several vans will go out
bound for lots of birds and friendly competition. A great choice for Festival returnees or the
adventurous first-timer.
Goals: Racking up an impressive day list - Valley specialties, anything, and everything!
*BIG SITS
Fee $60 / Wednesday, Thursday 7:30am – 1.00pm
These are fun trips for those who just want to take things easy while seeing, and learning
a little about a wide variety of birds. For most of the morning we really will just sit in one
place and watch (and count!) whatever species come by. But the places have been
carefully chosen so that, with luck, we’ll see as many birds as we would on other Festival
trips.
Wednesday – Big Sit will be at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
Thursday – at Estero Llano Grande State Park.
Join us for either – or both!
Goals: A relaxed, enjoyable morning of birding.
*BIKING for BIRDS
with Dorian Anderson
Fee $70 / Thursday, Saturday 7am – 1pm
Friday, Sunday 7am – 12noon
Dorian Anderson holds an extraordinary record - 617 species seen in the U.S. in one
year (2014) and all strictly under his own steam! During the year he biked 17,830 miles,
walked 493 miles, and canoed 8 miles - and raised some $50,000 for conservation!
Read all about Dorian’s adventures on bikingforbirds.blogspot.com
On these trips, which will all be limited to eight participants, we’ll have the pleasure of
biking for birds with Dorian, but we’ll be travelling to and from the parks sites in a van so
we will be cheating a little! Bikes will be available for all participants on site.
Last year’s trips with Dorian were so popular that we’re offering more this year. They are:
Thursday - bike trails of Harlingen (16 miles linking Harlingen Thicket, McKelvey Park,
the World Birding Site of Hugh Ramsey Park and the Harlingen Soccer Complex),
Friday – Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park (4 miles of trails),
Saturday – bike trails of Brownsville (16 miles of the Historic Battlefields and Paseo de la
Resaca Trails, including the eBird hotspots of Brownsville Events Center and Resaca de
la Palma battlefield)
Sunday – Resaca de la Palma State Park (8 miles of trails).
Goals: Encouraging green birding, enjoying a morning’s ride in some of the Valley’s most
productive birding areas.
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23rd Annual RGVBF
FIELD TRIPS
*BIRD BANDING
with Mark Conway
Fee $60 / Sunday 7:30am – 12noon
Join biologist and educator Mark Conway for some close encounters with Valley
specialties in the picturesque grounds of Quinta Mazatlan. Mark will be demonstrating
the skills of bird banding in the context of the key role it plays in his long-term studies of
bird populations in the Valley.
Targets: (both in hand and in field): White-tipped Dove, Golden-fronted Woodpecker,
Great
Kiskadee,
Green Jay, Clay-colored Thrush, Altamira Oriole, Olive Sparrow.
BIRD
BANDING
*
with Mark Conway
Fee $60 / Sunday 7:30am – 12noon
*
Join biologist and educator Mark Conway for some close encounters with Valley
BIRDING 101 WORKSHOP
specialties in the picturesque grounds of Quinta Mazatlan. Mark will be demonstrating
withskills
Jennie
Duberstein
the
of bird
banding in the context of the key role it plays in his long-term studies of
Fee populations
$60 / Thursday
7am
– 3pm
bird
in the
Valley.
Whether
just
discovering
the joys
of birding Dove,
or seeking
to sharpen Woodpecker,
your birding
Targets: you’re
(both in
hand
and in field):
White-tipped
Golden-fronted
skills, this
is the trip
for you.
workshopThrush,
will be aAltamira
combination
classroom
tips and
Great
Kiskadee,
Green
Jay, The
Clay-colored
Oriole,ofOlive
Sparrow.
field trip fun and will be held at the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center.
It will be led by Jennie Duberstein, an education and outreach specialist with the U.S.
Fish & Wildlife Service and co-leader of the ABA’s Camp Colorado and VENT’s Camp
Chiricahua.
*BIRDING 101 WORKSHOP
Goals: Developing basic birding skills, learning bird identification, enjoying time in the
with Jennie Duberstein
field.
Fee $60 / Thursday 7am – 3pm
Whether you’re just discovering the joys of birding or seeking to sharpen your birding
skills, this is the trip for you. The workshop will be a combination of classroom tips and
field trip fun and will be held at the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center.
EAR
It BIRDING
will be led by by
Jennie
Duberstein, an education and outreach specialist with the U.S.
Fish
&
Wildlife
Service
and co-leader of the ABA’s Camp Colorado and VENT’s Camp
with Michael O’Brien
Chiricahua.
Fee $85 / Friday 6:30am – 12:30pm
Goals:
Developing
basic
birding
skills,
learning
bird identification,
enjoying
in the
Join well-known
guide,
author
and
illustrator
Michael
O’Brien (Flight
Calls oftime
Migratory
field.
Birds, The Shorebird Guide, America’s 100 Most Wanted Birds) in this workshop designed
to develop and improve your ability to describe and identify bird songs and calls. Santa
Ana National Wildlife Refuge, with its mix of thornscrub, woodlands and freshwater
wetlands, is guaranteed to produce a rich diversity of bird sounds.
*
*
Goals:
improving
identification skills, learning the bird calls and songs of the Valley.
BIRDING
byfield
EAR
with Michael O’Brien
Fee $85 / Friday 6:30am – 12:30pm
Join well-known guide, author and illustrator Michael O’Brien (Flight Calls of Migratory
Birds, The Shorebird Guide, America’s 100 Most Wanted Birds) in this workshop designed
to develop and improve your ability to describe and identify bird songs and calls. Santa
Ana National Wildlife Refuge, with its mix of thornscrub, woodlands and freshwater
wetlands, is guaranteed to produce a rich diversity of bird sounds.
Goals: improving field identification skills, learning the bird calls and songs of the Valley.
7
FIELD TRIPS
23rd Annual RGVBF
BOCA
BOCA CHICA
CHICA
and
and SOUTHMOST
SOUTHMOST PRESERVE
PRESERVE
Fee $60 / Friday, Saturday 6am – 1pm
Fee $60 / Friday, Saturday 6am – 1pm
Adjacent to the Sabal Palm Sanctuary is a little-known jewel of shared habitat – the
Adjacent
to the Sabal Palm
Sanctuary
is a little-known
jewel
of shared
habitat
– the
Nature Conservancy’s
Southmost
Preserve.
We are being
allowed
access
by special
Nature
Conservancy’s
Southmost
Preserve.
We
are
being
allowed
access
by
special
arrangement, so don’t miss the chance to visit this unique area of sabal palms, wetlands
arrangement,
so don’t miss
the
visit
this unique
area of
sabal palms,
and riparian woodland,
home
tochance
many oftoour
Valley
specialties.
Afterwards
we’llwetlands
drive to
and
riparian
woodland,
home
to
many
of
our
Valley
specialties.
Afterwards
we’ll
drive to
the Gulf along Boca Chica Road with its very different but equally productive
salt-flat,
the
Gulf
along
Boca
Chica
Road
with
its
very
different
but
equally
productive
salt-flat,
grassland and thornscrub habitats.
grassland and thornscrub habitats.
! Important: There is a U.S. Border Patrol Check Station on Boca Chica Road. Make
! Important: There is a U.S. Border Patrol Check Station on Boca Chica Road. Make
sure you have your driver’s license or other official photographic ID with you. If you are not
sure
you
have you
yourmust
driver’s
license
or other official
photographic
with you.
If you
are not
a U.S.
citizen,
have
your passport
with you
at all times.ID
Anyone
without
proper
a
U.S. citizen,will
you
must
have your
passport with you at all times. Anyone without proper
identification
not
be allowed
to board.
identification will not be allowed to board.
Targets: Snowy Plover, Reddish Egret, White-tailed Kite, Harris’s and White-tailed
Targets: Snowy Plover, Reddish Egret, White-tailed Kite, Harris’s and White-tailed
Hawks, Gull-billed Tern, Aplomado Falcon, Groove-billed Ani, Buff-bellied Hummingbird,
Hawks, Gull-billed
Tern,
Aplomado
Falcon,
Groove-billed
Ani,
Buff-bellied Hummingbird,
Tropical
and Couch’s
Kingbirds,
Cassin’s
Sparrow,
Altamira
Oriole.
Tropical and Couch’s Kingbirds, Cassin’s Sparrow, Altamira Oriole.
**BREAKFAST
BREAKFAST WITH
WITH THE
THE BIRDS
BIRDS
AT
AT THE
THE INN
INN AT
AT CHACHALACA
CHACHALACA BEND
BEND
with Neil Hayward and Steve Shunk
with
Neil
Hayward
and
Steve Shunk
Fee $80
/ Sunday
7am
– 12noon
Fee $80 / Sunday 7am – 12noon
Come and enjoy Texas hospitality and a buffet breakfast in the delightful grounds of the
Come
and enjoy Texas
and40
a buffet
inpicturesque
the delightfulresaca,
grounds
the
Inn at Chachalaca
Bend.hospitality
Set in some
acres breakfast
adjoining a
theofInn
Inn
at
Chachalaca
Bend.
Set
in
some
40
acres
adjoining
a
picturesque
resaca,
the
Inn
offers birding opportunities both during breakfast and afterwards with its extensive trails
offers
birding
opportunities
both
during
breakfast
and afterwards
trails
and birding
stations.
An ideal
way
to relax
and unwind
on this lastwith
dayits
of extensive
the Festival!
and birding stations. An ideal way to relax and unwind on this last day of the Festival!
Targets: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Mottled Duck, Plain Chachalaca, Neotropic
Targets: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Mottled Duck, Plain Chachalaca, Neotropic
Cormorant, Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, Buff-bellied Hummingbird,
Cormorant,
Black-crowned
and
Yellow-crowned
Night-Herons,
Buff-bellied
Hummingbird,
Golden-fronted
Woodpecker,
Great
Kiskadee, Black-crested
Titmouse,
Altamira
Oriole.
Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Great Kiskadee, Black-crested Titmouse, Altamira Oriole.
**BUTTERFLIES
BUTTERFLIES --
RGV
JEWELS
RGV
JEWELS
Fee $75 / Friday 9am – 2pm
Fee $75 / Friday 9am – 2pm
Over 300 species of butterflies have been recorded in the Lower Rio Grande Valley,
Over
300
species
butterflies
have been
in the
Rio Grande
Valley,
making
it by
far theofrichest
butterflying
arearecorded
in the U.S.
AndLower
this tour,
led by Lepidoptera
making
it
by
far
the
richest
butterflying
area
in
the
U.S.
And
this
tour,
led
by
Lepidoptera
experts from the Festival, is to our most productive site – the National Butterfly Center at
experts from the Festival, is to our most productive site – the National Butterfly Center at
Mission, the flagship of the North American Butterfly Association.
Mission, the flagship of the North American Butterfly Association.
Targets: Silver-banded Hairstreak, Red-bordered Pixie, Zebra Heliconian, Malachite,
Targets: Silver-banded Hairstreak, Red-bordered Pixie, Zebra Heliconian, Malachite,
Band-celled Sister, Mexican Bluewing, Guava Skipper, Potrillo Skipper, rarities.
Band-celled Sister, Mexican Bluewing, Guava Skipper, Potrillo Skipper, rarities.
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23rd Annual RGVBF
FIELD TRIPS
*CACTUS CREEK RANCH
Fee $85 / Wednesday, Thursday 6:30am – 1pm
Join this tour to witness an inspiring example of how an enlightened private landowner
can contribute to habitat restoration, wildlife conservation and environmental education
in South Texas. Since acquiring Cactus Creek Ranch in 1995, Mary Jo Bogatto has
worked closely with the Nature Conservancy of South Texas and Texas Parks and
Wildlife to restore and enhance its 400 acres with extensive plantings of native
vegetation and the creation of wetlands.
Targets: White-tailed Kite, Harris’s Hawk, White-tailed Hawk, Sandhill Crane, Crested
Caracara, Great Kiskadee, Green Jay, Black-crested Titmouse, wintering sparrows.
*CAMP LULA SAMS
Fee $60 / Saturday, Sunday 7am – 12noon
These are timely trips to one of the lesser-known gems of South Texas, not usually open
to the public. Once a camp for Girl Scouts, Camp Lula Sams has been acquired by a
non-profit with the aim of conserving and enhancing its 85 acres of prime thornscrub and
woodland habitat as a wildlife refuge and outdoor classroom. There are already birding
trails and three photo-blinds with water features. Money is now being raised for a
conservation easement to ensure there is no further fragmentation of the land.
On the way to the camp, we shall also spend some time birding the ponds and
surrounding woodlands of the adjoining TPWD Coastal Fisheries Field Station.
Targets: Wild Turkey, Anhinga, Least Grebe, White-tailed Kite, Groove-billed Ani, Great
Kiskadee, Clay-colored Thrush, Cactus Wren, Altamira Oriole.
*COLLEYS’ ‘PRIVATE’ ISLAND
with Scarlet & George Colley
Fee $95 / Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 6am – 1pm
A special version of the South Padre Island trip with Island naturalists Scarlet and George
Colley. Scarlet is well known for her dolphin research and for many years both she and
George have been leading advocates for Gulf Coast conservation. Enjoy being out on the
bay in their pontoon boats (weather permitting) and exploring the unique ecosystems of
Laguna Madre.
Targets: Brown Pelican, Reddish Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, Clapper Rail, Sora, Snowy
and Piping Plovers, American Oystercatcher, Marbled Godwit, Peregrine Falcon,
Mangrove (Yellow) Warbler. And, of course, dolphins!
*DIGISCOPING FROM THE DECK – see listing in PhotoTrack section
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FIELD TRIPS
23rd Annual RGVBF
EASY (BUT NOT LESS!)
BIRDING TOUR
Fee $60 / Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 8am – 1pm
Prefer less walking? These are the trips for you. Bird from trams or electric carts that
leisurely loop the wildlife drives and back roads of famous Valley refuges. And they’ve
become so popular, we’ve added extra days and sites!
Thursday – Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park
Friday – Resaca de la Palma State Park
Saturday – Estero Llano Grande State Park
Sunday – Santa Ana NWR
Note: Getting on and off vehicles and some walking at site still necessary. Restrooms
available at site but not on vehicles.
Targets: See target listing for each of the destinations.
*EDINBURG & SAN JUAN
WETLANDS
Fee $60 / Wednesday, Friday 7am – 1pm
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and the San Juan Wetlands are inspiring examples of how
enlightened local communities can conserve and enhance urban and suburban areas for
the benefit of wildlife and the environment. Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, one of the World
Birding Centers, has birding trails, feeding areas, butterfly gardens, observation platforms
and a modern interpretative center set in some 40 acres of native vegetation and
wetlands. The San Juan Wetlands are one of the lesser known birding gems of the Valley
(and a new destination for the Festival) – a complex of six ponds created as a natural
filtration system for waste water but now an oasis for both wetland and migratory birds.
Targets: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Plain Chachalaca, White-tipped Dove, Buff-bellied
Hummingbird, Green Kingfisher, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Great Kiskadee, Green
Jay, Long-billed Thrasher, Olive Sparrow, Altamira Oriole.
ESTERO LLANO GRANDE
GRAND TOUR
Fee $60 / Friday, Sunday 6:30am – 12:30pm
An in-depth exploration of one of the World Birding Center network’s most productive
sites. Reclaimed wetlands, marshes and ponds, all contiguous to the Arroyo Colorado, are
ideal habitats for shorebirds, waders, waterfowl - and alligators! Add boardwalks, birding
trails through woodlands and thornscrub, butterfly gardens and a green-design Visitor
Center and you'll see why Estero Llano Grande has skyrocketed to deserved fame.
Targets: Cinnamon Teal, Least Grebe, Anhinga, Roseate Spoonbill, Common Pauraque,
Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Green Kingfisher, Eastern Screech-Owl, Vermilion Flycatcher,
wintering warblers and sparrows.
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23rd Annual RGVBF
FIELD TRIPS
*FLYCATCHER ID
with Homer Hansen
Fee $85 / Friday 6:30am – 1pm
This new trip is intended as an introduction to the identification of the more common
flycatchers of the Valley while also learning about their ecology and behavior. It will be
led by Homer Hansen, who has conducted many similar workshops throughout the U.S.
and is the course instructor for Tucson Audubon’s Moving to Mastery program. It’s
recommended that those on the trip should also attend Homer’s Festival talk on
flycatchers Wednesday afternoon.
Targets: Great Kiskadee, Couch’s & Tropical Kingbirds, Eastern Phoebe, Vermilion
Flycatcher and other late migrating or wintering flycatchers.
*GOLD SERIES TOURS
Fee $95 / Thursday, Saturday 7am – 1pm
Friday 6:30 – 1pm
Every accomplished birder has his or her distinctive approach to birding and bird
identification. It’s something that can’t be learned just from the books. It’s developed over
years of experience of critical observation of birds in the field and absorbing information
about them and their environment from a myriad of sources. The purpose of the Gold
Series is to give Festival-goers a chance of short-cutting that process, at least a little, by
experiencing time in the field in small groups with some of the leading birders of our day –
including Jon Dunn (Peterson Field Guide to Warblers, Peterson Reference Guide to the
Gulls of the Americas, National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America and
Birding Essentials) and Kevin Karlson & Dale Rosselet, co-authors of Birding by
Impression: A Different Approach to Knowing & Identifying Birds.
The tours are:
Thursday, Saturday - Estero Llano Grande SP with Jon Dunn
Friday – Birding by Impression with Kevin Karlson and Dale Rosselet
Goals: Developing a deeper understanding of birds and bird identification and honing
field-craft skills.
KING RANCH NORIAS
with Tom Langschied
Fee $95/ Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday 6am – 1pm
Join us for an exciting excursion to the famed King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in
the world (larger than Rhode Island!), where sandy soils support extensive areas of
grasslands, thornscrub and oak woodlands - and more Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls than
anywhere else in the U.S.!
Targets: Wild Turkey, White-tailed Hawk, Crested Caracara, Greater Roadrunner,
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Vermilion Flycatcher, Sprague’s Pipit, Cassin’s Sparrows,
Audubon’s Oriole.
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FIELD TRIPS
23rd Annual RGVBF
*KLEBERG WETLANDS
Fee $95 /Thursday, Saturday 6am – 4:30pm
One of the delights of Kleberg County, particularly in years of above average rainfall such
as this, is its myriad of fresh and brackish wetlands. On this trip we’ll be visiting the most
productive and, after a picnic lunch at the headquarters of the King Ranch, we’ll also bird
some of Kingsville’s hotspots. The trip will be limited to eight participants.
! Important: There is a U.S. Border Patrol Check Station on US77. Make sure you have
your driver’s license or other official photographic ID with you. If you are not a U.S. citizen,
you must have your passport with you at all times. Participants without proper
identification will not be permitted to board.
Targets: Waterfowl, waders, shorebirds, sparrows.
LAGUNA ATASCOSA NWR
Fee $60 / Thursday 6:30am – 12:30pm
Which National Wildlife Refuge has more bird species recorded than any other? Laguna
Atascosa, of course! Its vast and varied landscape embraces woodlands to wetlands,
lomas to lagoons. Around the Visitors Center are feeding stations and blinds for prime
photo-ops. And keep your eyes open for Javelina, Bobcat, Coyote, White-tailed Deer,
Nilgai and, if you’re exceptionally lucky, Ocelot. This trip will be one of the last permitted
by the Refuge before the 15 miles of Bayside Drive are closed to allow work to start on
the new route.
Targets: American White Pelican, Reddish Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, Crested Caracara,
Aplomado Falcon, Snowy and Piping Plovers, Groove-billed Ani, Green Jay.
LEADER’S CHOICE VANS
Fee $75 / Sunday 6:30am – 1pm
Want to chase that rare bird found on one of our trips? Missing some target birds? Hop on
to one of our Leader’s Choice Vans, and hang onto your hat! Call it a chase van, call it a
clean-up van, but be prepared to be flexible and have fun. Vans will divide up and head to
various destinations in search of species chosen during the event from up-to-the-minute
reports and field trip checklists. Leave your requests at the Registration Desk by 7pm on
Friday and check the clipboards after 5pm on Saturday to choose your trip!
Targets: Whatever's hot! No guarantees!
*MARTIN REFUGE – see listing in PhotoTrack section
12
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Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival
23rd Annual RGVBF
FIELD TRIPS
OLD PORT ISABEL ROAD - APLOMADO ALLEY
Fee $60 / Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 7am – 1pm
Aplomado Falcons disappeared from South Texas in the 1950s, but a successful
Peregrine Fund reintroduction program was begun in earnest in 1993. Now around 30
breeding pairs grace the coastal prairies, and Old Port Isabel Road cuts right through this
area. Join the search to see this beautiful species, and often a good variety of sparrows
as a bonus!
Note: If the road is impassable because of wet weather, we’ll seek the falcons elsewhere.
Targets: Aplomado Falcon, Long-billed Curlew, White-tailed Kite, White-tailed and
Harris’s Hawks, Crested Caracara, Cactus Wren, Sprague’s Pipit, Cassin’s Sparrow,
wintering sparrows.
PARROTS OF THE AREA
Fee $40 / Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4pm – 6pm
With the nesting season concluded, parrots and parakeets play hide-and-seek with us.
Use your eyes and ears and join the search, while these colorful and countable tropical
icons choose their nightly roost around our local urban areas.
Targets: Green Parakeet, Red-crowned Parrot.
PHOTO OPS RANCH STYLE – see listing in PhotoTrack section
PHOTOGRAPHING VALLEY SPECIALTIES
– see listing in PhotoTrack
section
PHOTOGRAPHY on SPI – see listing in PhotoTrack section
*PORT MANSFIELD
Fee $90/ Friday 6:30am – 4:00pm
This trip will be an exploration of parts of Willacy County – the least birded county in the
Lower Rio Grande Valley – as well as an opportunity to learn a little of its history and
culture. On our way to Port Mansfield we’ll be stopping at the Grace Heritage Ranch,
where Brian and Mary Schalk and their family have created a self-sustaining homestead
on some 100 acres with heritage animal breeds and heirloom varieties of fruits and
vegetables. The Schalks are in the process of creating a wildlife refuge on their land and
we’ll have the opportunity of birding their new nature trail. We’ll then head through
Sacahuista Flats for a picnic lunch by the bay in Port Mansfield and take advantage of
the newly improved birding boardwalks and viewing platforms. On the way back in the
afternoon, we’ll concentrate particularly on the many freshwater wetlands in the area.
Targets: Ducks, waders, shorebirds, raptors, Cassin’s Sparrow, wintering sparrows.
13
FIELD TRIPS
23rd Annual RGVBF
*QUINTA MAZATLAN
and MCALLEN NATURE CENTER
Fee $60 / Thursday, Saturday 7am – 1 pm
These sites are two of McAllen’s flagship conservation initiatives. Quinta Mazatlan, part
of the World Birding Center complex, is a wonderfully restored adobe hacienda set in 15
acres of sub-tropical gardens and native woodlands with birding trails, feeding stations
and water features. The Nature Center has been completed only recently and is a new
destination for the Festival. With its extensive trails and bird-feeding areas, it is proving to
be one of the most productive 20 acres in the Valley with a list already of almost 200
species of birds. Together they offer a relaxed morning of leisurely birding ideally suited
for novice birders, families and first-time visitors to the Valley.
Targets: Plain Chachalaca, White-tipped Dove, Eastern Screech-Owl, Common
Pauraque, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Green Parakeet,
Great Kiskadee, Green Jay, Clay-colored Thrush, Long-billed Thrasher, Olive Sparrow,
Altamira Oriole.
*RANCHO LOMITAS
and LAS ESTRELLAS
Fee $90/ Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 5:30am – 4pm
This is a very special trip for birders, botanists, butterflyers and anyone with an interest in
the history of the Valley. We’ll initially visit Las Estrellas, a Nature Conservancy preserve
near Rio Grande City, not generally open to the public. It is best known for its flora,
including the endangered Star Cactus, but it also has many of the typical bird species of
the area. We’ll then head for Rancho Lomitas to meet Benito Trevino, the owner of the
ranch and the leading ethno-botanist in the region. After a picnic lunch, Benito will take us
on a tour of his ranch identifying the plants of the Tamaulipan thornscrub and the uses
made of them by the early settlers and their families. We’ll also have time to bird the ranch
trails and relax by the many feeders.
Targets: Scaled Quail, Crested Caracara, Greater Roadrunner, Ash-throated Flycatcher,
Verdin, Black-throated Sparrow, Pyrrhuloxia, and Audubon’s Oriole.
*RAPTOR BANDING
with Bill Clark
Fee $85 / Saturday 8am – 2pm
A great opportunity for close encounters with birds of prey (prime photo ops!) with Bill
Clark, one of the world’s leading raptor experts and author of the Peterson Field Guide to
Hawks of North America and A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors. Join Bill
in his research on Harris’s Hawks and White-tailed Hawks – marveling as he captures,
measures, and bands these and other magnificent raptors of South Texas.
Note:Restroom stops intermittent.
Targets: (Both in hand and in field) Cooper’s Hawk, Harris’s Hawk, White-tailed Hawk,
Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel and more!
14 23rd Annual RGVBF
FIELD TRIPS
*RESACA DE LA PALMA SP
and UNIVERSITY RESACAS
Fee $60 / Thursday 7am – 1pm
Resaca de la Palma State Park comprises some 1200 acres of protected land, including
the largest tract of native thornscrub and woodlands in the World Birding Center network
and some particularly attractive wetlands. It’s one of the less birded reserves in the Valley
and every visit still has the feel of an adventure. We’ll also visit a very different area in
Brownsville – the resacas on the attractive campuses of the University of Texas and
Southmost College – but equally one that has not been as thoroughly birded as it
deserves.
Targets: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Least Grebe, White-tailed Kite, Groove-billed Ani,
Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Green Kingfisher, Green Parakeet, Great Kiskadee, Tropical
& Couch’s Kingbirds, Black Phoebe, Bewick’s Wren, wintering passerines.
RIVER PONTOON and ANZALDUAS
Fee $85 / Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 6am – 1pm
Step aboard the large and comfortable Riverside Dreamer and see the Rio Grande in a
new way. The wooded banks on either side can yield many of our area’s exceptional
species and other exciting possibilities. A visit to Anzalduas County Park will show the
river from another perspective and you’ll understand why this riverside area’s fame goes
beyond its county park status. The mature ash and live oak trees can hold a wide variety
of species, both resident and rare.
Note: Can be cool on boat in mornings. Don’t forget your jacket.
Targets: Hook-billed Kite (rare), Gray Hawk, Ringed and Green Kingfishers, Black
Phoebe, Tropical and Couch’s Kingbirds, Green Jay, Clay-colored Thrush, Long-billed
and Curve-billed Thrashers, Olive Sparrow, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, wintering
warblers.
SABAL PALM SANCTUARY
Fee $60 / Thursday, Saturday 6:30am – 12:30pm
The Sabal Palm Sanctuary is now managed by the Gorgas Science Foundation and they
have done a wonderful job of enhancing the already outstanding habitats and restoring the
historic Rabb Plantation House, now the Sanctuary’s impressive headquarters. The forest
of native Sabal Palms is the last major remnant of an ecosystem once much more
widespread in the Valley and is unique to the U.S. Its shady depths and managed
waterways shelter a remarkable diversity of wildlife. There is a bird-feeding area that’s
great for photo-ops and active enough to sport a live cam!
Targets: Least Grebe, Plain Chachalaca, Groove-billed Ani, Buff-bellied Hummingbird,
Ringed and Green Kingfishers, Tropical and Couch’s Kingbirds, Clay-colored Thrush,
Hooded and Altamira Orioles, Olive Sparrow, wintering warblers.
15
FIELD TRIPS
23rd Annual RGVBF
SANTA ANA NWR
Fee $60 / Friday, Saturday 6:30am – 12:30pm
Widely famous and justly so, with the second highest bird count (after Laguna Atascosa!)
in the entire U.S. NWR system, the riparian woodlands and cattail-lined waterways of
Santa Ana are a great place to experience many of the Valley’s compelling species. An
added attraction is the 40’ hawk-watch tower and suspended walkway, offering rare views
of birds and their habitat from above the forest canopy.
Targets: Mottled Duck, Plain Chachalaca, Least Grebe, Long-billed Dowitcher, Groovebilled Ani (rare), Ringed and Green Kingfishers, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Green
Jay, Clay-colored Thrush, Olive Sparrow.
*SHOREBIRD ID
with Kevin Karlson
Fee $95 / Sunday 6am – 1pm
How about a trip with one of the authors of The Shorebird Guide to study a group of
birds that often confounds and befuddles? Join Kevin on this in-depth field trip, which
emphasizes a comprehensive approach to shorebird identification based on overall
impressions as well as plumage details. Suitable for birders of all levels. Space is limited,
but with a small group, lucky participants will have an unforgettable experience.
Attending Kevin’s seminar on Thursday afternoon is recommended.
Targets: American Oystercatcher, Black-bellied, Snowy, Wilson’s, Semipalmated and
Piping Plovers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Sanderling,
Dunlin, Stilt, Least, Semipalmated and Western Sandpipers, Short-billed and Long-billed
Dowitchers.
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND
and BAY CRUISE
Fee $85 / Thursday, Saturday 6am – 1pm
Sure, spring breakers migrate here in mid-March, but the birds make full use of this
sub-tropical paradise year round. Explore boardwalks over coastal marshes, check out
the concentrated woodlots and enjoy a cruise on the lovely Laguna Madre.
Always a popular trip, so sign up early.
Note: Can be cool on boat in mornings – don’t forget your jacket.
Targets: Brown Pelican, Least Bittern, Reddish Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, Peregrine
Falcon, Clapper Rail, Sora, Snowy and Piping Plovers, American Oystercatcher, Marbled
Godwit, Forster’s, Royal, and Sandwich Terns, Black Skimmer, Marsh Wren, lingering
migrant songbirds.
*SUNSETS, BIRDS & BEERS – see listing in PhotoTrack, section
16 23rd Annual RGVBF
FIELD TRIPS
UPPER RIO GRANDE
Fee $85 / Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 5am – 2pm
Luckily for us, birds don’t recognize our international borders. The river’s wooded edges
and the arid uplands of Starr County are rich with both riparian sub-tropical and desert
southwest species. Visit the birding places with the famous names: Salineño, Chapeño,
and Falcon.
Targets: Muscovy Duck (rare), Scaled Quail (rare), Hook-billed Kite (rare), Gray Hawk,
Zone-tailed Hawk (rare), Red-billed Pigeon (rare), Common Ground-Dove, White-tipped
Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Green and Ringed Kingfishers, Cactus Wren, Verdin,
White-collared Seedeater (rare), Black-throated Sparrow, Pyrrhuloxia, Hooded, Altamira
and Audubon’s Orioles.
*VALLEY RAPTORS
with Bill Clark
Fee $95 / Wednesday 6:30am – 4pm
Many birders have a special fondness for raptors. And judging by the number nesting in,
migrating through or wintering in the Valley, raptors seem to have a similar feeling for the
Valley. On this trip, led by Harlingen resident and world-authority raptor expert Bill Clark
(Peterson Guide to Hawks, A Photographic Guide to North American Raptors), we’ll try
our best to see as wide a variety of species as possible in the time available.
Targets: White-tailed Hawk, Hook-billed Kite (rare), Gray Hawk, Harris’s Hawk, Crested
Caracara, Aplomado Falcon.
17
23rd Annual RGVBF
FIELD TRIPS
WESLACO
Fee $60 / Friday 7am – 1pm
On this leisurely tour, we’ll visit two little urban gems in Weslaco – the 15 acres of
Frontera Audubon Thicket and the 6 acres of the Valley Nature Center. But don’t be
misled by their size – both have attracted an impressive array of Mexican vagrants,
including a Crimson-collared Grosbeak found on a previous Festival tour. And with their
wonderful mix of thornbrush, wetlands and butterfly gardens, they provide nesting habitat
WESLACO
for many
our Valley
and a haven for wintering passerines.
Fee
$60 /ofFriday
7am specialties
– 1pm
Targets: Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Plain Chachalaca, Common Ground-Dove, WhiteOn this leisurely tour, we’ll visit two little urban gems in Weslaco – the 15 acres of
tipped Dove, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Green Kingfisher, Golden-fronted Woodpecker,
Frontera Audubon Thicket and the 6 acres of the Valley Nature Center. But don’t be
Tropicalbyand
Couch’s
Kingbirds,
Green Jay,
Thrush,
Long-billed
and Curvemisled
their
size – both
have attracted
anClay-colored
impressive array
of Mexican
vagrants,
billed Thrashers, Olive Sparrow, Altamira Oriole, Lesser Goldfinch.
including a Crimson-collared Grosbeak found on a previous Festival tour. And with their
wonderful mix of thornbrush, wetlands and butterfly gardens, they provide nesting habitat
for many of our Valley specialties and a haven for wintering passerines.
Targets: Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Plain Chachalaca, Common Ground-Dove, Whitetipped Dove, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Green Kingfisher, Golden-fronted Woodpecker,
Tropical and Couch’s Kingbirds, Green Jay, Clay-colored Thrush, Long-billed and Curvebilled Thrashers, Olive Sparrow, Altamira Oriole, Lesser Goldfinch.
*WHERE THE LOCALS BIRD
Fee $65 / Wednesday & Sunday - Cameron County 6:30am – 1pm
with Michael Marsden & John Yochum
Thursday & Saturday - Hidalgo County 6:30am – 1pm
with Dan Jones & Huck Hutchens
Every birder has those out of the way, known only to a few, locations that are close to
and sure
to yield
a productive
day of birding. If you are lucky enough to live in the
*home
WHERE
THE
LOCALS
BIRD
Rio Grande
Valley, these
secret jewels
become
as familiar
as your
own backyard. Join
Fee
$65 / Wednesday
& Sunday
- Cameron
County
6:30am
– 1pm
some of our
leading
local birders
as they
shareYochum
with you a rare opportunity to bird the
with
Michael
Marsden
& John
less traveled
roads of
or -Cameron
Thursday
& Hidalgo
Saturday
Hidalgo County.
County 6:30am – 1pm
with
Jones
Huck
Hutchens
Note: There
are Dan
no target
lists&but
a variety
of habitats will be visited on each trip and
participants (no more than eight on each trip) will see many Valley specialties and
Every birder has those out of the way, known only to a few, locations that are close to
perhaps a surprise or two.
home and sure to yield a productive day of birding. If you are lucky enough to live in the
Rio Grande Valley, these secret jewels become as familiar as your own backyard. Join
some of our leading local birders as they share with you a rare opportunity to bird the
less traveled roads of Hidalgo or Cameron County.
Note: There are no target lists but a variety of habitats will be visited on each trip and
participants (no more than eight on each trip) will see many Valley specialties and
perhaps a surprise or two.
18
FIELD TRIPS
SIDEBARS
23rd Annual RGVBF
EASIER
BEEN BEFORE?
SIDEBARS
For those who prefer minimal walking:
Interesting choices beyond the famous
Wondering which Field Trips
Big Sits
parks:are right for you?
Bird Banding
Bahia Grande
†† Border PatrolSIDEBARS
Checkpoint requires
identification
Breakfast with the Birds
Big Day Vans
Colleys’ Private’ Island
BikingBEFORE?
for Birds
EASIER
BEEN
Easy
(Butwho
Notprefer
Less!)minimal
Tours walking:
Boca Chica
& Southmost
For
those
Interesting
choices
beyond the famous
Edinburg
Breakfast with the Birds
Big
Sits and Quinta Mazatlan
parks:
Laguna
Atascosa NWR
CactusGrande
Creek Ranch
Bird
Banding
Bahia
Parrots ofwith
the Area
Camp
Lula
Sams
Breakfast
the Birds
Big
Day
Vans
Quinta Mazatlan
and McAllen Nature
Colleys’
Colleys’
Private’ Island
Biking
forPrivate’
Birds Island
Center
Flycatcher
Easy
(But Not Less!) Tours
Boca
ChicaID
& Southmost ††
Rancho Lomitas
Gold Series
Tours
Edinburg
and Quinta Mazatlan
Breakfast
with
the Birds
River Pontoon
KlebergCreek
Wetlands
Laguna
Atascosa NWR
Cactus
Ranch
Weslacoof the Area
Port Mansfield
Parrots
Camp
Lula Sams
Rancho Lomitas
Quinta Mazatlan and McAllen Nature
Colleys’
Private’ Island
Raptor Banding
Center
Flycatcher
ID
Shorebird
Rancho Lomitas
Gold
SeriesIDTours
Valley Raptors
River Pontoon
Kleberg
Wetlands ††
Where
the Locals Bird
Weslaco
Port
Mansfield
Rancho Lomitas
BEGINNER
FAMILY
Raptor
Banding
Families are welcome on any trip, and
Beginners are
Shorebird
ID always welcome on all
the following would be a special
trips. But
some sites are easier for new
Valley
Raptors
experience:
birders the
to spot
birdsBird
and enjoy their trip.
Where
Locals
Big Sits
We recommend:
Bird Banding
Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park
BEGINNER
FAMILY
Birding
101
Big Sits are always welcome on all
Families are welcome on any trip, and
Beginners
Cactus
Creek
Ranch
Bird Banding
the
following
would
be a special
trips.
But some sites are easier for new
Camp Lula Sams
Birdingto101
experience:
birders
spot birds and enjoy their trip.
Parrots
Breakfast
with the Birds
Big
Sits of the Area
We
recommend:
Quinta
Mazatlan & McAllen Nature
Camp Lula Sams
Bird
Banding
Bentsen-Rio
Grande State Park
Center101
Edinburg
Birding
Big
Sits & San Juan Wetlands
RanchoCreek
Lomitas
Estero
Llano Grande State Park
Cactus
Ranch
Bird
Banding
Resaca
de la
Palma State Park
Quinta
& McAllen Nature
Camp
Lula
Sams
Birding Mazatlan
101
River Pontoon
Center with the Birds
Parrots
of the Area
Breakfast
South Padre
Island
Rancho
Lomitas
Quinta
Mazatlan
& McAllen Nature
Camp
Lula
Sams
Resaca de&laSan
Palma
Park
Center
Edinburg
JuanState
Wetlands
River Pontoon
CLASSICS
Rancho
Lomitas
Estero
Llano Grande State Park
Santa Ana
NWR & McAllen Nature
First trip de
to the
Valley?State Park
Resaca
la Palma
Quinta
Mazatlan
Weslaco
Here are
the famous not-to-be-missed
River
Pontoon
Center
sites: Padre Island
South
Rancho Lomitas
Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park
Resaca de la Palma State Park
Estero Llano Grande State Park
River Pontoon
CLASSICS
Kingtrip
Ranch
Santa Ana NWR
First
to the Valley?
Laguna
Weslaco
Here
are Atascosa
the famousNWR
not-to-be-missed
Sabal Palm Sanctuary
sites:
Santa Ana NWR
Bentsen-Rio
Grande State Park
South Padre
Estero
Llano Island
Grande State Park
UpperRanch
Rio Grande
King
Laguna Atascosa NWR
Sabal Palm Sanctuary
19
Santa
Ana NWR
South Padre Island
23rd Annual RGVBF
SPECIAL TRIPS
PRE-FESTIVAL TRIP
SEEDEATERS OF LAREDO
Fee $500 / 7:30 am Sunday 30 Oct – 5:00 pm Tuesday 1 Nov
This is a new trip for the Festival. There are more White-collared Seedeaters in and
around Laredo than anywhere else in the U.S. and getting close views of them will be one
of our main targets. But the Laredo area has so much more birding potential and on this
trip we’ll be exploring some of its miles of riparian woodland and uninterrupted expanses
of Tamaulipan thornscrub. Much of the surrounding land is privately owned, but the
Laredo Birding Festival has been in the forefront of negotiating access for birders and
we’ll be taking advantage of all their work. The trip will be led by guides from the Laredo
Festival and among other places, we’ll be visiting Lake Casa Blanca State Park, Las
Palmas, the Max Mandel Golf Course and La Perla Ranch, one of the birdiest ranches in
the region with over 200 acres of specially created wetlands.
Targets: Muscovy Duck (rare), Gray Hawk, Zone-tailed Hawk (rare), Red-billed Pigeon,
Ringed & Green Kingfishers, Green Parakeet, Vermilion Flycatcher, Chihuahuan Raven,
Cactus Wren, Verdin, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, White-collared Seedeater, Clay-colored
Sparrow, Black-throated Sparrow, Pyrrhuloxia, Audubon’s Oriole, rarities.
Note: Group size will be limited to 16 participants. A minimum number is required before
the trip can be confirmed, so please contact us before booking airline tickets. A complete
itinerary will be sent to you on registration.
! Important: Make sure you have your driver’s license or other official photographic ID
with you for this trp. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must have your passport with you
at all times.
Included: All transportation from Harlingen designated pickup location and back,
experienced guides, meals, lodging for 2 nights (double occupancy – single supplement
of $100).
Questions: Contact Michael Marsden - tel: 956-276-4409; [email protected]
22
SPECIAL TRIPS
23rd Annual RGVBF
POST-FESTIVAL TRIP
WHOOPERS and WADERS
with Louise Zemaitis & Michael O’Brien
Fee $ 550 / Monday 7 Nov – Wednesday 9 Nov
Whooping Cranes are one of the rarest of the world’s birds, and among the most majestic.
The bulk of the current population winter in Aransas NWR, just a few hour’s drive
northeast of the Valley. Round out your South Texas experience by traveling with us on a
post-Festival journey to see this magnificent and important species, along with a long list
of waterfowl, herons, shorebirds, raptors, and more. We'll travel north through the
fascinating King Ranch country, take a coastal waters cruise aboard the famous Skimmer,
visit other birdy places in the vicinity, and stay in the lovely Rockport/Fulton area – a prime
base for exploring the north of South Texas.
*Important Facts: Group size will be limited to 16 participants, with 2 leaders.
Included: All transportation from the Harlingen designated pick up location and back,
experienced guides, meals, 2 nights lodging. Fee based on double occupancy. Single
Supplement $100. A complete itinerary and detailed information will be sent to you upon
registration Not included: Lodging in Harlingen pre- and post-tour (Sunday and
Wednesday nights).
Alert! Read note regarding U.S. Customs Check Station, below.
A certain number of participants is required, so please talk with us before making airline
arrangements.
*Questions: Louise Zemaitis [email protected]
! ALERT: for Boca Chica, Laredo, Kleberg Wetlands and Whooper trips: U.S.
Customs and Border Patrol Check Stations are involved with these trips. Each vehicle
is subject to a quick inspection and basic questions. The process is routine, most stops
are brief. All passengers need to carry one piece of proper identification (Driver’s License,
Passport, Student ID card) to verify U.S. Citizenship. Foreign nationals must have all
appropriate documentation to avoid delay or detainment. Border Patrol agents are
required to determine the immigration status of every traveler. Participants without proper
ID will not be permitted to board vehicles.
23
PHOTOTRACK
23rd Annual RGVBF
The RGVBF PHOTOTRACK
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Martin Refuge
Digiscoping from the Deck with Clay Taylor
Photography on SPI with Larry Ditto
Photo Ops Class with Ruth Hoyt
Sunsets, Birds and Beers with Clay Taylor
Photo Ops at the Ranch with Ruth Hoyt
Digiscoping from the Deck with Clay Taylor
Photographing Valley Specialties with Larry Ditto and
Bill Supulski
Photo Ops at the Ranch with Ruth Hoyt
DIGISCOPING FROM THE DECK
with Clay Taylor
Sponsored by Swarovski Optiks
Fee $20 / Wednesday, Friday 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
These workshops, sponsored by Swarovski Optiks, are designed for digiscopers of all
levels of experience but will be particularly valuable for struggling beginners. They will be
conducted by Clay Taylor, the Naturalist/Market Manger with Swarovski Optik Ltd and a
pioneer of digiscoping in the U.S., from the deck at Estero Llano Grande Sate Park and
will cover setups, camera settings, field-shooting techniques and reviews of images.
Please bring all your equipment including spotting scope, tripod, camera and adapter,
fully charged batteries and empty memory cards. If you do not have a spotting scope, let
Clay know in advance at [email protected]. Clay will also have digiscoping
adapters for DLSR cameras and smart phones available.
Participants will be limited to eight and the nominal fee includes transport to and from
Harlingen.
MARTIN REFUGE
Fee $165 / Wednesday 6:00 am – 1:45 pm
The Martin Refuge, owned by John and Audrey Martin, has hosted wildlife photographers
since 2003 on its 300 acres of thornscub enhanced by water features and professionally
designed photo-blinds. It is particularly renowned for the opportunities it gives to
photographers for close views of Crested Caracaras, Harris’s Hawks and other raptors.
We will be joined for the trip by the Refuge’s own guide, who is both a birder and an
experienced photographer, but this is not a workshop – just a unique opportunity to get
great shots of wildlife at a private ranch. After a morning of photography, the Refuge will
be providing us with lunch at one of its rustic palapas.
The trip will be limited to eight participants and is suitable for photographers of all levels.
Bring lots of batteries – there is no electricity on site. Outhouse restroom available on-site.
24
PHOTOTRACK
23rd Annual RGVBF
PHOTOGRAPHING VALLEY SPECIALTIES
with Larry Ditto and Bill Supulski
Fee $150 / Saturday 9am – 3pm
A shorter workshop offering at a surprising location – the North American Butterfly
Association’s unique park, with its brand-new photo-friendly birdfeeding area. This is
probably the best place to easily shoot Green Jays, Chachalacas, Olive Sparrows,
Altamira Orioles, and other Valley gems. Combine this with personal in-the-field
assistance and although this workshop may be a bit shorter, it won’t be less!
PHOTOGRAPHING
SPECIALTIES
Goals: Improve compositionVALLEY
skill; learn appropriate
f stop, shutter speeds and ISO
with
Larry
Ditto and
Bill
Supulski
settings;
understand
your
camera’s
controls and custom functions; learn how and when to
Fee
$150 /discover
Saturday
9am
– 3pm
use flash;
how
to get
sharp, pleasing, successful photos.
A shorter workshop offering at a surprising location – the North American Butterfly
Association’s unique park, with its brand-new photo-friendly birdfeeding area. This is
probably the best place to easily shoot Green Jays, Chachalacas, Olive Sparrows,
Altamira Orioles, and other Valley gems. Combine this with personal in-the-field
assistance and although this workshop may be a bit shorter, it won’t be less!
Goals: Improve composition skill; learn appropriate f stop, shutter speeds and ISO
settings; understand your camera’s controls and custom functions; learn how and when to
use flash; discover how to get sharp, pleasing, successful photos.
PHOTOGRAPHY on SPI
with Larry Ditto
Fee $180 / Thursday 6am – 3pm
A one-day workshop with esteemed pro Larry Ditto – whose work has appeared in many
national publications – and on South Padre Island! Morning emphasis will be on flight
shots and action photography. Afternoon will be on Photoshop techniques. So you might
want to bring your laptop. Come with a basic working knowledge of your camera, bring
telephoto and/or macro lenses, tripod, plenty of flash cards, spare battery, and, most
importantly, your camera manuals!
PHOTOGRAPHY
on SPI
Goals: Improve composition
skill; learn appropriate f stop, shutter speeds and ISO
with
Larry
Ditto your camera’s controls and custom functions; learn how and when to
settings;
understand
Fee
$180 /discover
Thursday
6am
– 3pm
use flash;
how
to get
sharp, pleasing, successful photos of birds in action.
A one-day workshop with esteemed pro Larry Ditto – whose work has appeared in many
national publications – and on South Padre Island! Morning emphasis will be on flight
shots and action photography. Afternoon will be on Photoshop techniques. So you might
want to bring your laptop. Come with a basic working knowledge of your camera, bring
telephoto and/or macro lenses, tripod, plenty of flash cards, spare battery, and, most
importantly, your camera manuals!
Goals: Improve composition skill; learn appropriate f stop, shutter speeds and ISO
settings; understand your camera’s controls and custom functions; learn how and when to
use flash; discover how to get sharp, pleasing, successful photos of birds in action.
25
PHOTOTRACK
23rd Annual RGVBF
PHOTO OPS RANCH STYLE
with Ruth Hoyt
Fee $250
Friday, Sunday 6am – 2pm at the ranch
Thursday 1:30 – 3pm classroom session
If you are a birder who believes a camera is as vital to carry as binoculars, this special trip
is designed for you. Led by professional photographer Ruth Hoyt, a select group will enjoy
the privilege of not only benefitting from her experience and knowledge, but also doing so
at a premier private South Texas ranch that is set up for professional-level photography
with photo blinds for stellar shooting opportunities.
! Important: Fee includes one classroom
session and one ranch trip. Thursday afternoon
from 1:30pm -3pm, meet Ruth in class at the
Fair Park Municipal Complex, site of the festival,
for instruction on equipment choice and use,
exposure techniques, etc. Choose from one
of two in-field ranch trips; one occurs Friday
from 6am - 2pm and the other occurs Sunday
from 6am - 2pm. Outhouse restroom available
on-site. No electricity on-site. Designed for
the advanced amateur and above.
SUNSETS, BIRDS and BEERS
with Clay Taylor
Sponsored by Swarovski Optik
Fee $150 / Thursday 2pm – 8pm
Spotting scope photo systems are really coming into their own and the options are
expanding with camera and smartphone pairings. Clay will cover it all on South Padre
Island’s famous birding boardwalks that just happen to be perfectly situated for the
Island’s lovely sunsets as well! Sunset shooting followed by dinner at a favorite SPI
restaurant (hence the Beer!)
! Important: Before registering, email Clay to discuss equipment owned and perhaps
needed: [email protected].
Note: Trip will return to auditorium complex after the day’s Festival events are concluded
and the complex will be locked.
26
SEMINARS
23rd Annual RGVBF
NEW $25 Kiskadee Pass
All seminars and the Mexican Fiesta are being offered as a package. The
$25 Kiskadee Pass allows you entry to all 7 events that individually would
cost over $100. Purchase your Kiskadee Pass with your registration.
Individual tickets can be purchased on premises at the Registration Desk.
In addition to these events, many other seminars and activities remain free
per the Seminar and Special Events listings. Field trips are not included
in the pass.
INTRODUCTION TO SOUTH TEXAS TYRANT FLYCATCHERS
with Homer Hansen
Free with Kiskadee Pass / Wednesday 2:30pm – 4:30pm
The largest family of birds in the world, Tyrant Flycatchers include an
amazing diversity of species. Often, these flycatchers can be easily
observed perched in the open watching for insect prey. At the same
time, flycatchers regularly pose identification challenges due to similar
plumages and overlap in range and habitat. As part of this workshop,
you will learn about useful characteristics, behaviors, and vocalizations that aid in
flycatcher identification. This workshop places an emphasis on bill shape and size, wing
length, and primary projection in relation to Tyrannid genera and species identification
as well as vocalization differences between especially challenging “sibling species.” This
workshop will start with a brief overview of the family characteristics, and then cover
twenty common to uncommon flycatchers of south Texas, including: Northern BeardlessTyrannulet, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Yellow-bellied, Acadian, Alder, Willow and Least
Flycatcher, Black, Say’s and Eastern Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Ash-throated, Browncrested, and Great Crested Flycatcher, Great Kiskadee, Tropical, Couch’s, Western and
Eastern Kingbirds and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.
Homer Hansen grew up in Willcox, Arizona surrounded by Sandhill Cranes in winter and
Cassin’s Sparrows in summer. Homer has a passion for sharing bird watching with others
and is a regular field trip leader for several festivals and served as chairman of the Wings
Over Willcox Birding & Nature Festival for 17 years. Homer is also co-founder of the
Sulphur Springs Valley Young Birders Club and the annual Arizona Young Birders Camp.
He instructs workshops on sparrows, raptors, flycatchers, warblers, birding by ear, and
bird ecology, including: the Lifelong Learning courses for the Tucson Audubon Society,
the Southwestern Sparrows IFO for the American Birding Association, and educational
workshops for the Western Field Ornithologists (WFO) conferences. Homer is a life
member of the WFO, Cooper Ornithological Society (COS), and Wilson Ornithological
Society (WOS), and currently serves on the WFO board as chairman of the Youth
Programs Committee.
27
23rd Annual RGVBF
SEMINARS
BIRDING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
with Ian Davies Sponsored by Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Free! Open to the Public / Thursday 2pm – 3pm
Automatic identification of photos on your smartphone. Tools to find
birds anywhere in the world, at your fingertips, all for free. Want to
know where to find your next lifers, and how to plan your next birding
trip with ease? Technology is advancing so rapidly that it’s now
possible to build tools for birdwatchers that weren’t even fathomable only a couple years
ago. Sightings and photographs submitted by birders like you around the world help build
the future of birding, while also providing incredibly valuable information for researchers
and conservationists – giving back to the birds that we all care so much about. Come
learn about eBird and Merlin, two free projects that can help you find and learn about birds
like never before. Even if you’ve used eBird and Merlin before, this is an opportunity to
learn how to get the most out of the free tools that the Cornell Lab has to offer.
Ian Davies works at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as the Project Coordinator for eBird
(ebird.org), a free global database of bird sightings that is used by birdwatchers,
researchers, and conservationists worldwide. More than 335 million sightings of birds from
every country on earth are available for free use by anyone, contributed by more than
315,000 birdwatchers like you. Ian got interested in birds at age 13 when he visited a
banding station and released a Canada Warbler. He has been lost to the feathered world
ever since. He enjoys traveling to find birds, making sure to collect information on the
birds seen through eBird and sharing those resources with birding communities
worldwide. He has visited more than 30 countries in the pursuit of birds so far, and looks
forward to continuing to explore the amazing natural world that we live in.
SHOREBIRDS BY IMPRESSION
with Kevin Karlson
Free with Kiskadee Pass / Thursday 3:30pm – 5pm
This interactive indoor workshop shares a different approach to field
identification that Kevin calls Birding by Impression, A Different
Approach to Knowing and Identifying Birds, which is the title of his and
Dale Rosselet’s recent book in the Roger Tory Peterson Reference
Series. Comparative digitized photos from their new book encourage the audience to spot
differences between similar shorebird species in direct side-by-side views. This exciting ID
approach concentrates initially on basic impressions of size, shape and behavior to form
an accurate mental picture of each bird seen in the field. A similar approach was used in
Kevin’s popular book, The Shorebird Guide (Houghton Mifflin Co., 2006).
Kevin Karlson is an accomplished birder, professional tour leader and wildlife
photographer. He is a regular presence at Bird and Nature festivals in North America,
where he gives keynote presentations and workshops on bird identification and
appreciation, as well as photo instruction. His photos can be seen in numerous locations,
including his website kevintkarlson.com. Kevin is the author/photographer of two
photography books titled The Birds of Cape May and Visions: Earth’s Elements in Bird
and Nature Photography (Schiffer Publishing, 2010, 2012).
Kevin recently produced four photographic laminated foldout guides for Quick Reference
Publishing of Florida (Raptors of Eastern and Western North America (2012), Waterfowl of
North America (2013) and Shorebirds of North America (2014). He currently leads several
bird tours each year and a birding cruise with Dale Rosselet for Carefree Birding of Florida
to six countries (carefreebirding.com).
28
ever since. He enjoys traveling to find birds, making sure to collect information on the
birds seen through eBird and sharing those resources with birding communities
worldwide. He has visited more than 30 countries in the pursuit of birds
far, andRGVBF
looks
SEMINARS
23rdsoAnnual
forward to continuing to explore the amazing natural world that we live in.
SHOREBIRDS BY IMPRESSION
with Kevin Karlson
Free with Kiskadee Pass / Thursday 3:30pm – 5pm
This interactive indoor workshop shares a different approach to field
identification that Kevin calls Birding by Impression, A Different
Approach to Knowing and Identifying Birds, which is the title of his and
Dale Rosselet’s recent book in the Roger Tory Peterson Reference
Series. Comparative digitized photos from their new book encourage the audience to spot
differences between similar shorebird species in direct side-by-side views. This exciting ID
approach concentrates initially on basic impressions of size, shape and behavior to form
an accurate mental picture of each bird seen in the field. A similar approach was used in
Kevin’s popular book, The Shorebird Guide (Houghton Mifflin Co., 2006).
Kevin Karlson is an accomplished birder, professional tour leader and wildlife
photographer. He is a regular presence at Bird and Nature festivals in North America,
where he gives keynote presentations and workshops on bird identification and
appreciation, as well as photo instruction. His photos can be seen in numerous locations,
including his website kevintkarlson.com. Kevin is the author/photographer of two
photography books titled The Birds of Cape May and Visions: Earth’s Elements in Bird
and Nature Photography (Schiffer Publishing, 2010, 2012).
Kevin recently produced four photographic laminated foldout guides for Quick Reference
Publishing of Florida (Raptors of Eastern and Western North America (2012), Waterfowl of
North America (2013) and Shorebirds of North America (2014). He currently leads several
bird tours each year and a birding cruise with Dale Rosselet for Carefree Birding of Florida
to six countries (carefreebirding.com).
29
23rd Annual RGVBF
SEMINARS
Keynote
WATCHING THE WOODPECKERS OF TEXAS
with Steve Shunk
Free with Kiskadee Pass / Thursday 6:30pm – 8pm
Anecdotes from the early 1900s tell of “carpintera grande” flying up
the Lower Rio Grande River, and in 1983, birders reported a
Pileated Woodpecker from the region. A 1965 report established
the Texas Panhandle as the southern terminus of the hybrid zone
between “Red-shafted” and “Yellow-shafted” Northern Flickers. In
response to reports of Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in eastern Texas in the late 1960s, U.S.
Senator Ralph Yarborough, of Beaumont (author of the U.S. Endangered Species Act),
put forth legislation that eventually established the Big Thicket National Preserve.
Stories abound from the history of woodpecker watching in Texas. From the majestic
Ivory-billed Woodpecker to the diminutive Downy, 16 woodpecker species have graced
the great state of Texas, and 10 species breed regularly in the Lone Star State.
Woodpeckers have caught the attention of Texas naturalists, birders, and ornithologists
for nearly two centuries, telling volumes about this charismatic bird family. Join Oregon
naturalist and North American woodpecker specialist Steve Shunk for an evening of Texas
woodpecker storytelling.
Stephen Shunk graduated from Lamar High School in lovely Arlington, Texas, but he
didn’t begin birding until 1989, after moving to the San Francisco Bay Area. Steve started
teaching about birds and their habitats in 1991, and he soon landed his first volunteer field
job, studying colonial waterbirds for the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory. Tired of
living in the urban jungle, Steve left California in 1997, eventually landing in the forests of
central Oregon’s “Woodpecker Wonderland” – where eleven woodpecker species breed
annually in an area smaller than the city of Harlingen! He has spent the last 19 years
studying woodpeckers in his backyard and beyond, and his long-awaited Peterson
Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America hit the shelves in May 2016. Through
his company, Paradise Birding, Steve leads natural history tours across the Western
Hemisphere. He has lectured on a diverse array of topics from North America to
Southeast Asia, and he is a travel writer and editor for the online Nature Travel Network.
30
SEMINARS
23rd Annual RGVBF
GET STARTED BIRDING
Sponsored by Arroyo Colorado
Audubon
Society
GET STARTED
BIRDING
Free!
Open to
Public
Sponsored
bythe
Arroyo
Colorado
Friday
10:30am
– 12noon
Audubon
Society
Free! Open to the Public
Friday 10:30am – 12noon
Come join us to find out for yourself why 48 million Americans (USFWS study) call
themselves birdwatchers! Want to know the names of the birds you are seeing in your
backyards,
nearby
parks
or lake
and why
sea 48
shores?
information
our
tag team
Come join us
to find
out for
yourself
millionValuable
Americans
(USFWS from
study)
call
of
speakers from
the Arroyo
Colorado
Audubon
Society
of birds
Harlingen,
TXseeing
will help
themselves
birdwatchers!
Want
to know
the names
of the
you are
in you
your
reach
your goal
andparks
“Get Started
Birding”.
backyards,
nearby
or lake and
sea shores? Valuable information from our tag team
of speakers from the Arroyo Colorado Audubon Society of Harlingen, TX will help you
Presenters will help you learn to use binoculars correctly, use birding guides and some
reach your goal and “Get Started Birding”.
etiquette to help you when birding with others. Also covered will be where to bird and get
help
with your
skills
in your
local
area. correctly, use birding guides and some
Presenters
willbirding
help you
learn
to use
binoculars
etiquette to help you when birding with others. Also covered will be where to bird and get
Marilyn Lorenz will be presenting a power point, using the excellent bird photography
help with your birding skills in your local area.
skills of Chuck Lorenz. She will be helping you put names to the birds you see in the
Rio
Grande
Valley,
of them seen
nowhere
thethe
Rioexcellent
Grande bird
Valley.
Even if you
Marilyn
Lorenz
will many
be presenting
a power
point, but
using
photography
are
notofaChuck
beginner
or doShe
not will
live be
locally
you you
mayput
want
to come
learn
to you
identify
skills
Lorenz.
helping
names
to the
birds
see these
in the
special
birds Valley,
you willmany
see while
visiting
RGV. but the Rio Grande Valley. Even if you
Rio Grande
of them
seenthe
nowhere
are not a beginner or do not live locally you may want to come learn to identify these
special birds you will see while visiting the RGV.
Super door prizes are included in this free program. See you there!
Norma
Friedrich
– President
Arroyo
Colorado
Audubon
Super door
prizes
are included
in this
free program.
SeeSociety
you there!
Phil Nelson – Vice-President Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival and Member of ACAS
Marilyn
––
Member
Arroyo
Colorado
Audubon
Society
Norma Lorenz
Friedrich
President
Arroyo
Colorado
Audubon
Society
Chuck
Lorenz
– Nature Photographer
andValley
Member
of ACAS
Phil Nelson
– Vice-President
Rio Grande
Birding
Festival and Member of ACAS
Marilyn Lorenz – Member Arroyo Colorado Audubon Society
Chuck Lorenz – Nature Photographer and Member of ACAS
BIRDING THE WORLD
Free! Open to the Public / Friday, 2pm – 5pm
(30minute sessions)
BIRDING
THE WORLD
Come
tour the
with a/ different
country
presented
Free! Open
toworld,
the Public
Friday, 2pm
– 5pm
every
30 minutes,
at the RGVBF auditorium. Speakers
(30- minute
sessions)
will
be vendors
and tour
guides
who have
first-hand
Come
tour the world,
with
a different
country
presented
knowledge
of the destinations,
theauditorium.
specialty birds
of that
every 30 minutes,
at the RGVBF
Speakers
country,
and theand
other
attractions
available
to birders.
will be vendors
tour
guides who
have first-hand
The presentations start at 2pm on
Friday. of the destinations, the specialty birds of that
knowledge
country, and the other attractions available to birders.
Check
the schedulestart
for the
countries
to be highlighted this year, then plan to attend the
The presentations
at 2pm
on Friday.
destinations on your bucket list. While there will be time for questions at the end of each
talk,
youthe
can
also connect
the presenters
at their booths
in the
Birders
Bazaar.
Check
schedule
for thewith
countries
to be highlighted
this year,
then
plan to
attend the
destinations on your bucket list. While there will be time for questions at the end of each
31
talk, you can also connect with the presenters at their booths in the Birders Bazaar.
Keynote
23rd Annual RGVBF
Keynote
AN ACCIDENTAL BIG YEAR
SEMINARS
with Neil Hayward
Free
with Kiskadee PassBIG
/ Friday,
6:30pm – 8pm
AN ACCIDENTAL
YEAR
In
2013,
Boston
birder
Neil
Hayward
suffered a devastating bout of
with Neil Hayward
the
Year.
The temporary
insanity6:30pm
resulted –in8pm
almost 250,000
FreeBig
with
Kiskadee
Pass / Friday,
miles
of travel,
the remote
corners
of this continent:
In 2013,
Bostontaking
birderhim
NeiltoHayward
suffered
a devastating
bout of
Barrow
in the The
frozen
north; the
Dry Tortugas,
the
the Big Year.
temporary
insanity
resulteddangling
in almostoff
250,000
Florida
to taking
the south;
Newfoundland,
pokingofout
tocontinent:
the east;
miles ofKeys
travel,
him to
the remote corners
this
and
tiny
Adak,
adrift
in
the
volcanic
Aleutian
chain
of
the
Barrow in the frozen north; the Dry Tortugas, dangling offwest.
the And
a place they call New Jersey.
the to
year's
end, he'd
netted 749 species
of birds
and
set a
FloridaBy
Keys
the south;
Newfoundland,
poking out
to the
east;
new ABA Big Year record.
thisAdak,
talk, Neil
a Big Year
and apply
andIntiny
adriftwill
in take
the volcanic
Aleutian
chaincutting-edge
of the west. And
high
pressure
technology
and By
condense
it into
a he'd
Big Hour.
hear about
exotic
birds,
a place
they call
New Jersey.
the year's
end,
nettedCome
749 species
of birds
and
set a
remote
places,
volcanoes,
Aleutian
plumbing
and more!
Government
health
new ABA
Big Year
record. polar
In thisbears,
talk, Neil
will take
a Big Year
and apply
cutting-edge
warning:
Big Years
can beand
contagious.
pressure
technology
not previously
tested.
high pressure
technology
condenseHigh
it into
a Big Hour.
Come hear
about exotic
birds,
remote
places,grew
volcanoes,
polar
bears,
Aleutian plumbing and more! Government health
Neil Hayward
up near
Oxford,
England,
warning:
Big
Years
can
be
contagious.
High
pressure technology not previously tested.
where, at a young age, he first became obsessed
with
birds.
After
a
PhD
in
genetics
at
Cambridge
Neil Hayward grew up near Oxford, England,
University
moved
(permanently)
to the
U.S.
where, at ahe
young
age,
he first became
obsessed
in
2005
to head
upPhD
the in
U.S.
operations
of the
with
birds.
After a
genetics
at Cambridge
biotechnology
company
Abcam. He to
leftthe
in U.S.
2011
University he moved
(permanently)
to 2005
pursue
consulting
as owner of
of the
in
to ahead
up the career
U.S. operations
Cambridge Blue
Consulting.
NeilHe
is currently
biotechnology
company
Abcam.
left in 2011
the
Field
Trip
Coordinator
and
a
director
to pursue a consulting career as owner ofof
the
Brookline
BirdConsulting.
Club. He isNeil
theisauthor
of
Cambridge
Blue
currently
Lost
Among
the
Birds
(Bloomsbury,
June
the Field Trip Coordinator and a director of2016),
a memoir
of his
accidental
year.
He lives
the
Brookline
Bird
Club. Hebig
is the
author
of in
Cambridge,
wife Gerri and
two2016),
cats,
Lost
Among MA
the with
Birdshis
(Bloomsbury,
June
Sally
and
Khiva.
a memoir of his accidental big year. He lives in
Cambridge, MA with his wife Gerri and two cats,
Sally and Khiva.
THE RAPTOR PROJECT
with Jonathan Wood
THEOpen
RAPTOR
PROJECT
Free!
to the Public
/ Saturday 11am – 12noon
with Jonathan Wood
Jonathan
Wood
andPublic
his vast
collection11am
of stunning
Free! Open
to the
/ Saturday
– 12noon
hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons are a star attraction,
with
manyWood
national
Jon
a Master
Jonathan
andTV
hisappearances.
vast collection
of is
stunning
Falconer,
a licensed
Rehabilitator,
along
hawks, owls,
eagles,Wildlife
and falcons
are a starand
attraction,
with his wife Susan, an integral andwith
fascinating
part
of
the
Festival.
many national TV appearances. Jon is a Master
Falconer, a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, and along
Do
freean
offering.
sitting in part
the Harlingen
Auditorium and a hawk
withnot
hismiss
wife this
Susan,
integralImagine
and fascinating
of the Festival.
with a 4-foot wingspan flies right over your head! Afterward, visit more birds of prey in
the
Birders
(for
a fee you
can even
hold
oneHarlingen
and get your
picture taken!).
Do not
missBazaar
this free
offering.
Imagine
sitting
in the
Auditorium
and a hawk
with a 4-foot wingspan flies right over your head! Afterward, visit more birds of prey in
the Birders Bazaar (for a fee you can even hold one and get your picture taken!).
32
SEMINARS
23rd Annual RGVBF
THE RED-CROWNED PARROT PROJECT,
PARTICIPATE!
with Cullen Hanks
Free with Kiskadee Pass / Saturday 2pm – 3pm
The charismatic Red-crowned Parrot (Amazona viridigenalis) is a
globally endangered species that is native to the northeastern corner
of Mexico, but a significant population can be found in the urban areas
between Brownsville and McAllen, Texas. The origin of these birds is debated, but Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department considers this to be a native population. In December
2014, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced that the Red-crowned
Parrot was a candidate species for threatened or endangered status under federal law,
making the South Texas Population a high research priority. Despite their visible
presence, we still did not have an accurate estimate of the population, or an
understanding of their breeding biology. This presentation will introduce you to the status
and biology of the Red-crowned Parrots of South Texas, and highlight current research
funded by TPWD. We will also invite you to participate in our efforts to better understand
this important population by joining our Red-crowned Parrot Project on iNaturalist:
inaturalist.org/projects/red-crowned-parrot-project.
Cullen Hanks is a Texas Nature Tracker Biologist in the Wildlife Diversity Program at the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. He grew up in Texas with a love for natural history and
outdoor adventure. Cullen earned a BA in biology from Cornell University, and a MA in
Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. In his Masters, he focused
on issues relating to biodiversity conservation and conducted research on the economics
of the wildlife trade. Cullen has extensive experience with the collection and management
of data on rare and threatened species. He is very passionate about being a naturalist and
the contribution of the naturalist community to conservation. Cullen lives in Austin, Texas
with his wife. To learn more about the Texas Nature Trackers Program go to
tpwd.texas.gov/tracker
33
23rd Annual RGVBF
SEMINARS
BIRD ID 101 RAPTORS
OF THE LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY
with Erik Bruhnke
Free with Kiskadee Pass / Saturday 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Have you ever wondered what that speck of a hawk is, way out on
the distant horizon or circling right over your head? Do you wonder
which birds of prey are found visiting your backyard? Would you
like to fine tune your hawkwatching skills and learn more about
birds found here both year round and in migration? Birds of prey are consistently one of
the most difficult varieties of birds to identify. Come join Erik Bruhnke as he shares fieldlearned techniques for identifying raptors both up close and at a distance. From his raptor
jokes and identification anecdotes, to his wide range of impressive raptor photographs,
Erik’s raptor identification workshop is sure to captivate and educate audiences of all skill
levels!
Erik Bruhnke has had a love for birds since he was a child. He graduated from Northland
College in Wisconsin with a Natural Resources degree in 2008. Erik taught field
ornithology various times at Northland College. During his first six fall seasons following
college, Erik worked as an interpreter at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth,
Minnesota and was a board member of the Duluth Audubon Society. He has counted
migrating raptors at the Corpus Christi HawkWatch in Texas. His avian field experiences
have taken him throughout Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, North and South
Dakota, Maine, Texas, and western Canada. Erik’s wildlife photography has won national
awards, and his writings have been featured in Birder’s Guide via the American Birding
Association, BirdWatching, and Birdwatcher’s Digest. Erik leads tours for Victor Emanuel
Nature Tours as well as his own business, Naturally Avian Birding Tours. Although he
loves all birds, Erik is a devoted raptor and gull nerd. He currently splits his time between
the tropics of South Texas and the Northwoods of Minnesota. He loves to cook and bake
in his free time, often while sipping bird-friendly coffee.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
23rd Annual RGVBF
SPECIAL EVENTS / TRADE SHOW
WELCOME KICK-OFF RECEPTION
Wednesday / 5pm – 7pm
Meet your fellow participants, plus the
leaders, speakers, vendors, and Festival
folk at the lovely Harlingen Arts & Heritage
Museum – located right near the airport at
2425 Boxwood St. Harlingen, 78550
(see map in brochure and online).
Hors d’oeuvres, beverages, live music –
don’t miss it!
KISKADEE KORDIAL
Thursday, Friday 5pm – 6pm
You are kordially invited: Come one, come all to the Birders Bazaar for fun conversation,
light appetizers, and, of course, kordials! Wines poured or kegs tapped for this popular
and perfect prelude to the evening’s keynote presentation that follow. Meet and mingle,
chat and sip with your fellow Festival-goers, leaders, speakers, and … well … everyone!
Festival ID Badge required for entry.
MEXICAN FIESTA
Free with Kiskadee Pass / Saturday, 5pm – 8pm
Come celebrate the culture of the region with us. A sumptuous Mexican dinner will be
served 5 pm – 6:15 pm by Blanquita’s, renown for the superb Kiskadee Cordial served at
prior festivals. They will be serving a full Mexican plate dinner that includes a Chalupa,
Tamale, Flauta and Mexican rice and beans. A Vegetarian plate will be available. You
must possess a Kiskadee Pass and RSVP for the dinner; however there will be Free
Margaritas, beer or tea.
At 6:30 pm, our celebration of the culture of the region will continue as we follow the
sound of Mariachi music into the Municipal Auditorium where you will be entertained by
local musicians, singers, and Folkloric and Flamenco dancers.
BIG SIT!
Saturday / 6am – 6pm
Does counting birds for twelve hours from within a 17' circle sound like fun? You bet!
Highlight from past counts include 50 Red-crowned Parrots sitting on high wires for their
morning pre-flight chat. The Bay Area Birders, a local birding group, will host the circle.
Join a rotating group of field trip leaders, and Festival-goers for a come-and-go casual
event on the Festival grounds. You can even try out some optics. Sit for a bit, get a button,
and be eligible for prizes.
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23rd Annual RGVBF
SPECIAL EVENTS - BIRDERS BAZAAR
AUTHORS SIGNINGS
The quality of the leaders and speakers at the RGVBF is high, and many of these talented
people are authors of and contributors to your favorite bird books. So bring your copies
(or buy in our Birders Bazaar!) and meet the people behind the covers. A complete listing
will be available on rgvbf.org and also in the newsletter and signage during the event.
A (partial) list of authors include: Steve Shunk – Peterson Reference Guide to
Woodpeckers of North America, Neil Hayward – Lost Among the Birds, as well as Michael
O’Brien, Kevin Karlson, Jon Dunn and Bill Clark
BIRDERS BAZAAR TRADE SHOW
Free Thursday – Saturday 12noon – 6pm / Sunday 12noon – 4pm
Our Birders Bazaar, with free admission and open to the public, is much more than just a
trade show. Located within the Municipal Auditorium Complex, it’s the place to hang out
after trips and between seminars. Shop the unique vendors (think Christmas!). Learn
about birding hotspots. Visit the eBird station. Try out great Optics. Get your books
autographed. Bid on great items in the Silent Auction. Relax at the Kiskadee Kordial.
Visit The Raptor Project. All not-to-be-missed and part of the Festival fun.
SILENT AUCTION in the BIRDERS BAZAAR
Thursday – Saturday Trade Show hours, above
Bidding closes at 5pm Saturday
During your Birders Bazaar visits, don’t miss the Silent Auction offerings. This is the place
to bid on good deals for optics, birding gear, books, artwork, tour packages, hotel stays,
private photography instruction, and much more. The sheer variety of offerings, many
donated by our Trade Show vendors, guarantees something for everyone and Christmasfriendly timing. Furthermore, all proceeds aid the non-profit RGVBF and its programs.
A win-win!
The RAPTOR PROJECT in the BIRDERS BAZAAR
On Display During Trade Show Hours,
Free Flight Shows Thursday – Sunday at 1pm and 3pm
Jonathan Wood and his vast collection of stunning hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons are a
star attraction, with many national TV appearances. Jon is a Master Falconer, a licensed
Wildlife Rehabilitator and along with his wife Susan an integral and fascinating part of the
Festival. Come on in and get up close and personal with these majestic animals. For even
more, keep reading …
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INFORMATION
23rd Annual RGVBF
HOW DO I REGISTER?
>Register online: Securely, with a credit card (VI, MC, AX) at rgvbf.org, and
know immediately that you've locked in your desired trips and talks. You can also
register by phone during business hours: 1.956.423.5565.
>Deadline: Registration must be completed by 5pm CT on Friday, October 14,
2016, at which point online registrations will close. During the event, walk-in
registration is possible, but many trips may be sold out. So register early!
>Registration Packet: Available for pick-up (no tickets will be mailed) beginning
Tuesday, November 1st between 12n - 5pm at the Harlingen Municipal
Auditorium (Festival site), 1204 Fair Park Blvd. After Tuesday, the registration
booth opens in time for early morning trips, and is staffed all day.
>Cancellations and Refunds: Please don’t - we want you to join us! But if you
must cancel, call 1.956.423.5565.weekdays. Do so by September 30, 2016 to
receive a full refund (less the registration fee) or by October 7, 2016 to receive a
50% refund (less the registration fee). After this, cancellations and no-shows will
not be refunded.
>Substitutions: The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival organizers reserve the
right to cancel any Festival activity or make qualified substitutions. If a
cancellation is necessary, a full refund will be issued, unless otherwise noted.
WHERE IS THE FESTIVAL SITE?
All Festival events - trip departures, trade show, seminars, family programs - are
conveniently located at the Fair Park Municipal Complex, 1204 Fair Park Blvd.
Harlingen, TX 78550.
One exception: the Kick-off Reception, please see EVENTS and CENTERFOLD
MAP.
Important: Field Trips leave early and meeting trip at site is not allowed. Please
stay in or near Harlingen.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
By air: Harlingen is well-serviced by Valley International Airport with four major
airlines: Delta, Southwest, Sun Country and United Airlines.
By car: Harlingen is conveniently located at the intersection of U.S. Highways
I-69 East & I-2 (previously 77 & 83), two hours south of Corpus Christi and four
hours south of San Antonio.
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23rd Annual RGVBF
INFORMATION
HOW DO I GET AROUND?
The Festival does not provide shuttle service between airport, hotels, or Festival
activities. Some of the hotels provide limited shuttle service, but in order to best
experience the Festival and our unique area, we strongly encourage a car rental
booking.
WHERE DO I STAY?
Harlingen offers a wide variety of rooms with rates to please any visitor.
Please visit rgvbf.org for Festival-friendly recommendations.
For a Harlingen Visitors Guide, go to visitharlingentexas.com or call the
Harlingen CVB at 1.800.531.7346.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE RGVBF?
Mailing Address:
Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival / P.O. Box 3162 / Harlingen, TX 78551
Info: 1.209.227.4823
Register: online at rgvbf.org or call 1.956.423.5565
Email: [email protected]
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23rd Annual RGVBF
INFORMATION
WHO WE ARE
President – David Schibi
Vice-President – Phil Nelson
Secretary – Joyce Hamilton Treasurer – Wanda Greenhill
Chair – Sue Griffin
Board Members
F.P. Tony Bennett, Norma Friedrich,
Irma Pye Gavito & Marilyn Vincent
Art & Souvenir Chair ............................................
Communication/Public Relations/Registration .....
Decorating Chair .................................................
Field Trip Chair....................................................
Production Chair .................................................
Seminar Chair .....................................................
Sponsorship/Silent Auction Chair .......................
Tradeshow Sales Chair ......................................
Tradeshow Setup Chair ......................................
Volunteer/Souvenir Coordinator ..........................
Webmaster ..........................................................
F.P. Tony Bennett
Tamie Bulow
Claire Baker
Michael Marsden
Erny Colunga
Liz Gordon
Norma Friedrich
Marilyn Vincent
Beto Silva
Diana Miller
Carlos Santillana
Communication Team
Donna McCown
Joyce Hamilton
Bill Supulski
Steve Sinclair
Chuck Lorenz
Guide/Speaker Services Team
Linda DesRosiers
Mary Beth Stowe
Irma Pye Gavito
Tradeshow Team
Billy Snider
Stan Sterba
David Friedrich
Don Mayville
Gene Hanvy
Registration Team
Alicia Cavazos
Anne Mayville
A very special THANKS to the Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Also, to Gabe Gonzales, the City of Harlingen and the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce.
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