As countless birds fill the Texas heavens during the spring migration, both seasoned and aspiring birdwatchers have the chance to discover and observe a variety of bird species across public and private lands through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Birding the Border initiative set for May 1-4 in Del Rio.
A $75 registration fee is needed for the three-day occasion, with attendees personalizing their birdwatching adventure by choosing one of four daily excursions for an extra cost of $120-$170. Each outing will be led by an experienced birding guide, with transportation and lunch provided.
The registration deadline for the event is April 19. Since daily trips are restricted to 10-13 participants, early registration is recommended.
A program suited for all abilities and interests
Although Birding the Border provides the chance for seasoned birders to check off “lifers,” or new birds, from their extensive list, the program also accommodates those with minimal or no birding experience.
“We provide a beginner track consisting of three pre-defined field trips for novice birders,” remarked Emily Grant, AgriLife Extension agent in Gillespie County and Birding with AgriLife Extension program coordinator. “The guide for this option delivers a more leisurely birding experience focused on identifying birds and understanding their behaviors.”
A secondary photography-focused track features a registration pass along with three designated field trips tailored for photographers. These excursions offer a distinctive blend of field and blind photography, along with assistance from expert guides to enhance participants’ photographic techniques.
For those who relish friendly rivalry, the event will also present Big Day Del Rio: The Duel, a special outing on May 4 that will encourage teams to document the greatest number of species.
A merging of ecosystems fosters diverse bird species
Thanks to the intentional placement of the Birding the Border initiative, Liz Tidwell, AgriLife Extension wildlife program specialist, Uvalde, mentioned that participants can look forward to encountering a variety of bird species. Texas is celebrated nationally for its exceptional birdwatching prospects, owing to its vast selection of ecosystems situated within the North American Central Flyway.
“Del Rio is on the edge of three distinct ecoregions,” Tidwell noted. “You have the Trans Pecos, Edwards Plateau, and the South Texas Plains all within a remarkably short distance from each other.”
Tidwell explained that program field trips are tailored to showcase various habitats within these ecoregions, enabling participants to observe diverse bird species such as the green jay, great kiskadee, golden-cheeked warbler or varied, indigo and painted buntings, as well as raptors and much more.
During the 2024 Birding the Border, participants recorded 196 distinct species.