2016 RGVBF Brochure - RGVBF Birding Festival
Transcription
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 2 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! 3 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. 4 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. 6 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. 8 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 9 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. 10 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. 11 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 Like us on facebook at 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. 34 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. 35 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 … 36 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. 37 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] 38 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. 39
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