2 days Ago By Sarah Fuller
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service program provides unprecedented opportunities for birders of all skill levels January 2, 2025 - by Sarah Fuller As millions of birds take to the Texas skies during spring migration, experienced and aspiring birders alike have the opportunity to learn and observe myriad avian species across public and private lands through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Birding the Border program May 1-4 in Del Rio. A $75 registration pass is required for the three-day event, and participants customize their birding experience by selecting one of four daily field trips for an additional fee of $120-$170. Each trip is accompanied by a professional birding guide with transportation and lunch provided.
The event registration deadline is April 19. Because daily trips are limited to 10-13 individuals, early registration is encouraged. A program for all skill levels and interests While Birding the Border provides the opportunity for expert birders to cross “lifers,” or new birds, off their comprehensive list, the program also caters to those with little to no birding experience.
“We offer a beginner track comprised of three pre-established field trips for new birders,” said Emily Grant, AgriLife Extension agent in Gillespie County and Birding with AgriLife Extension program coordinator. “The guide for this package provides a slower-paced birding experience focusing on bird identification and behavior.” A second photography-focused track includes a registration pass and three preset field trips ideal for photographers.
The trips offer a unique mix of field and blind photography and assistance from expert guides to help participants elevate their photographic skills. For participants who enjoy friendly competition, the event will also offer Big Day Del Rio: The Duel, a special trip scheduled for May 4, which will challenge teams to document the most species. A confluence of ecosystems supports diverse avian species Thanks to the deliberate location of the Birding the Border program, Liz Tidwell, AgriLife Extension wildlife program specialist, Uvalde, said participants can expect to encounter an assortment of bird species.
Texas is nationally recognized for its outstanding birding opportunities because it is comprised of a vast assortment of ecosystems located within the North American Central Flyway. “Del Rio is on the cusp of three different ecoregions,” Tidwell said. “You have the Trans Pecos, Edwards Plateau and the South Texas Plains all within a very short distance of each other.
” Tidwell said program field trips are designed to highlight different habitats within these ecoregions, allowing participants to see an array of bird species including the green jay, great kiskadee, golden-cheeked warbler or varied, indigo and painted buntings, as well as raptors and so much more. During the 2024 Birding the Border, participants documented 196 unique species..
