- RGVBF Birding Festival

INFORMATION
22nd Annual RGVBF
Great Kiskadee Sponsors
Red-crowned Parrot Sponsors
American Birding Association, Brewster County/Visit Big Bend, Canopy Tower Family,
Celestron Optics, Leica Optics, Maven Optics
Ringed Kingfisher Sponsors
BirdWatching Magazine, Boggus Ford, Courtyard by Marriott,
Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, Kowa Optimed, Princeton University Press,
Rockjumper Birding Tours, Southwest Airlines,
Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Lodge, Valley Transit Co., Victor Emanuel Tours
________________________________________________________________________________
WHO WE ARE
President –David Schibi
Vice-President – Phil Nelson
Secretary - Norma Friedrich
Treasurer – Wanda Greenhill
Chair – Sue Griffin
Claire Baker
F.P. Tony Bennett
Dennis Boll
Hethie Boll
Rachael F. Brown
Linda Butcher
Alicia Cavazos
Erny Colunga
Linda DesRosiers
Irma Pye Gavito
Liz Deluna Gordon
Joyce Hamilton
Michael Marsden
Stephanie Mahathey
Anne Mayville
Diana Miller
Jennifer Rodriguez
Beto Silva
Stan Sterba
Marilyn Vincent
*A very special and large THANKS to the
Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau,
Gabe Gonzales, the City of Harlingen and the
Harlingen Chamber of Commerce.
You are the wind beneath our wings.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
INFORMATION
It’s always THE year to be here.
Why? For 21 years the Rio Grande Valley
Birding Festival has been providing the
best birding experience available at any
festival anywhere. Come find out for
yourself just why this premier nature
event is held in such high esteem.
Topnotch leaders and speakers, new
field trip locations, warm and affordable
Harlingen, the biggest concentration of
unique species in the U.S., and a rarity
almost every year, will guarantee a
birding experience you will long remember.
CONTENTS
Field Trips .................................................................................................... 4-19
Schedule Overview .................................................................................... 20-21
Special Trips and PhotoTrack ................................................................... 22-26
Seminars / Keynotes .................................................................................. 27-34
Special Events / Trade Show / Family Activities ...................................... 35-37
FAQ’s / How to Register / Area Information .............................................. 38-39
Artist: We’re proud to announce Gerald Sneed as our 2015 Artist. Gerry moved
to the Rio Grande Valley after an award-winning career in New York as an
advertising art director. He relocated to the area to observe and paint the
abundant birds and wildlife available in the National Wildlife Refuges and State
Parks here. Gerry’s work is now sought out by residents and visitors to this top
nature and birding destination. It has been exhibited and sold as posters,
designer T-shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs, etc. His paintings have been
purchased and commissioned by, the American Birding Association and
International Migratory Bird Day. Gerry regularly exhibits at the RGVBF.
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. Bill Sulpulski photographs year-round in the western fringes of the
Valley capturing those birds that our participants hope to see. Donna McCown
loves photography and the outdoors which led her to become a birder. Her
excellent photos capture the excitement of birding in the Rio Grande Valley.
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 all for the beautiful images seen in this brochure!
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FIELD TRIPS
22nd 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 Greg Miller, or maybe
Michael O'Brien or Kevin Karlson, or perhaps Cameron Cox or Jeff Gordon.
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, because of 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, distinctive leader
or only conducted this year.
Check out the sidebars (on page 19)
for help deciding which trips are for you.
Always refer to rgvbf.org for the latest trip updates.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
FIELD TRIPS
BENTSEN - RIO GRANDE STATE PARK
Fee $60 / Wednesday, Friday, 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 bird
specialties, the hawk-watch tower gives great views into the skies and the
gardens surrounding the green-designed Visitors’ Center are a magnet for
butterflies and hummingbirds.
Targets: Plain Chachalaca, Hook-billed Kite (rare), Gray Hawk, Green
Kingfisher, White-tipped Dove, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Golden-fronted
Woodpecker, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Green Jay, Clay-colored Thrush,
Long-billed Thrasher, Olive Sparrow, Altamira Oriole, Black Phoebe.
BIG DAY VANS
Fee $90 / Wednesday 6:00am – 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. 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,
everything!
* BIKING for BIRDS with Dorian Anderson
Fee $65 / 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, we’ll have the pleasure of biking for birds with Dorian - at
Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park on Friday and at Resaca de la Palma State Park
on Sunday. But we’ll be travelling to and from the parks in a van so we will be
cheating a little! Bikes will be available for all participants on site.
Goals: Encouraging green birding, enjoying a morning’s ride in some of the
Valley’s most productive birding areas.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
* 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.
* BIRDING 101 WORKSHOP
with Jennie Duberstein
Fee $60 / Wednesday - Indoor Session 2:30pm to 4pm;
Thursday - Field Trip 8am to 1pm
Friday - Indoor Session 2:30pm to 4pm
Saturday - Field Trip 8am to 1pm
Whether you’re just discovering the joys of birding or seeking to sharpen your
birding skills, these are the trips for you. Each workshop will be in two parts - an
indoor session at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium in the afternoon followed by
experience in the field the following morning. The field trips will be to Santa Ana
NWR on Thursday and Laguna Atascosa NWR on Saturday. Choose either or come on both! Both workshops will be led by Jennie Duberstein,
an education and outreach specialist with the US Fish & Wildlife Service and
co-leader of the ABA’s Camp Colorado and VENT’s Camp Chiricahua.
Goals: Developing basic birding skills, learning bird identification, enjoying time
in the field.
* BIRDING by EAR with Michael O’Brien
Fee $85 / Thursday, 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.
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22nd Annual RGVBF FIELD TRIPS
BOCA CHICA and
SOUTHMOST PRESERVE
Fee $60 / Friday, Saturday 6:30am – 1pm
Adjacent to the Sabal Palm Sanctuary is a little-known jewel of shared habitat the Nature Conservancy’s Southmost Preserve. Festival-goers are being allowed
access by special arrangement, so don’t miss the chance to visit this unique area
of sabal palms, orchards and riparian woodland, home to many of our Valley
specialties. Afterwards we’ll drive to the Gulf of Mexico along Boca Chica Road
with its very different but equally productive salt-flat, grassland and thornscrub
habitats.
Important!: There is a US Border Patrol Check Station on Boca Chica Road.
Make sure you have your driver’s license or other official photographic ID with
you: participants without proper identification will not be permitted to board.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact Michael Marsden at 956-276-4409
before booking.
Targets: Reddish Egret, White-tailed Kite, Harris’s and White-tailed Hawks,
Gull-billed Tern, Aplomado Falcon, Groove-billed Ani, Buff-bellied Hummingbird,
Tropical and Couch’s Kingbirds, Cassin’s Sparrow, Altamira Oriole.
* BREAKFAST with the
BIRDS at SOUTH PADRE
with special guest Greg Miller
Fee $70 / Sunday 7am – 12noon
Come and enjoy Texas hospitality and a buffet breakfast in the delightful grounds
of the South Padre Island Bird & Nature Center. With its wetlands, boardwalks,
birding blinds, butterfly gardens, panoramic 5-story tower and ecological
displays, the Center is the ideal way to relax and unwind on this last day of the
Festival!
Targets: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Reddish Egret,
Clapper Rail, Sora, Marbled Godwit, Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat, late
migrants.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
* BUTTERFLIES - RGV JEWELS
Fee $75 / Wednesday, Friday 9am - 2pm
Over 300 species of butterflies have been recorded in the Lower Rio Grande
Valley, making it by far the richest butterflying area in the U.S. And we have
tours to two of our most productive sites - Resaca de la Palma State Park on
Wednesday and the National Butterfly Center at Mission, the flagship of the
North American Butterfly Association, on Friday. Each tour will be led by
Lepidoptera experts from the Festival.
Targets: Silver-banded Hairstreak, Blue Metalmark, Red-bordered Pixie, Zebra
Heliconian, Malachite, Band-celled Sister, Mexican Bluewing, Guava Skipper,
Potrillo Skipper, rarities.
* CACTUS CREEK RANCH
Fee $75 / Thursday, Friday - with Greg Miller & Saturday 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. And maybe even that special Texas Horned Lizard!
* CAMP LULA SAMS
Fee $60 / Saturday, Sunday 7am - 12noon
These are timely trips to one of the lesser-known gems of South Texas. 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: Anhinga, Least Grebe, White-tailed Kite, Groove-billed Ani, Great
Kiskadee, Clay-colored Thrush, Cactus Wren, Altamira Oriole.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
FIELD TRIPS
* 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 eco-systems of the 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!
EASY (BUT NOT LESS!) BIRDING
Fee $60 / Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - with Greg Miller,
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!
Wednesday - Estero Llano Grande State Park
Thursday – Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park
Friday – Estero Llano Grande State Park
Saturday – Resaca de la Palma State Park – with Greg Miller
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. These trips are made possible
by the generosity of Santa Ana NWR and the World Birding Centers.
Targets: See the other listings for each of the sites.
EDINBURG WETLANDS
and QUINTA MAZATLAN
Fee $60 / Friday, Saturday 6:30am – 1pm
Two of the jewels of the World Birding Center network, Edinburg Scenic
Wetlands and Quinta Mazatlan, are oases in urban settings. They each offer a
variety of wetland and woodland habitats and extensive gardens of native plants
ideally suited to a morning of leisurely birding. And Quinta Mazatlan has the
added attraction of a wonderfully restored historic hacienda.
Targets: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Plain Chachalaca, White-tipped Dove,
Common Pauraque, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Green Kingfisher, Golden-fronted
Woodpecker, Green Parakeet, Great Kiskadee, Green Jay, Clay-colored Thrush,
Long-billed Thrasher, Olive Sparrow, Altamira Oriole.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
ESTERO LLANO GRANDE
STATE PARK
Fee $60 / 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,
butterfly gardens and a green-design
visitor center and you'll see why
Estero Llano Grande SP has
skyrocketed to deserved fame.
Targets: Cinnamon Teal, Least Grebe,
Anhinga, Roseate Spoonbill, Common
Pauraque, Buff-bellied Hummingbird,
Green Kingfisher, Eastern Screech-Owl,
Vermillion Flycatcher, wintering warblers
and sparrows.
* GOLD SERIES
Fee $95 / Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7am - 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), Jeff Gordon (President of the American Birding Association)
and Kevin Karlson (The Shorebird Guide, co-author with Dale Rosselet of Birding
by Impression: A Different Approach to Knowing & Identifying Birds).
The tours are:
Wednesday & Thursday - Estero Llano Grande SP with Jon Dunn
Friday - Sabal Palm Sanctuary & Valley resacas with Jeff & Liz Gordon
Saturday - Birding by Impression with Kevin Karlson & Dale Rosselet
Goals: Developing a deeper understanding of birds and bird identification and
honing field-craft skills.
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FIELD TRIPS
22nd Annual RGVBF KING RANCH NORIAS
with Tom Langshied
Fee $90 / 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 on this portion of the
ranch the 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.
90m
* KLEBERG WETLANDS
Fee $85 / 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 areas 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 US Border Patrol Check Station on US 77. Make sure
you have your driver’s license or other official photographic ID with you:
participants without proper identification will not be permitted to board. If you are
not a US citizen, please contact Michael Marsden at 956-276-4409.
Targets: waterfowl, waders, shorebirds, sparrows.
LAGUNA ATASCOSA NWR
Fee $60 / Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 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. There are feeding stations, walking trails and
photoblinds by the Visitors’ Center, and we’ll also take a special trip along the
14-mile Bayside Wildlife Drive – a wonderful birding road normally closed to
vehicular traffic. And keep your eyes open for Alligator, Javelina, Bobcat, Coyote,
White-tailed Deer, Nilgai and, if you’re exceptionally lucky, Ocelot.
Targets: American White Pelican, Reddish Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, Crested
Caracara, Aplomado Falcon, Snowy and Piping Plovers, Groove-billed Ani,
Green Jay, Greater Roadrunner, wintering sparrows.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
LEADER’S CHOICE VANS
Fee $65 / 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 then check the
clipboards on Saturday to choose your trip!
Targets: Whatever's hot! No guarantees!
* LOS EBANOS PRESERVE &
RESACA DE LA PALMA STATE PARK
Fee $60 / Thursday 7am-1pm
Los Ebanos is a private nature preserve with birding trails, a resaca, butterfly
gardens and tropical landscaping. Much is pristine habitat - a chance to see the
Valley as it must have been before clearance for farming. We’ll walk the trails
there before going on to Resaca de la Palma State Park with its 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.
Targets: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, White-tailed Kite, Groove-billed Ani,
Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Great Kiskadee, Bewick’s Wren, wintering passerines.
OLD PORT ISABEL ROAD - APLOMADO ALLEY
Fee $60 / Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 7am-1pm
Aplomado Falcons disappeared from South Texas in the 1930s, 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, Sprague’s Pipit, wintering sparrows.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
FIELD TRIPS
PARROTS OF THE AREA
Fee $30 / 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.
PELAGIC TRIP - GULF OF MEXICO
nd
Fee $200 / Monday 2 5am - 7:30pm
rd
(with Tuesday 3 as back-up date)
This is a wonderful opportunity to explore that last frontier of Texas birding the Gulf of Mexico. There have only ever been four previous pelagic trips in
November so little is known about bird movements in the Gulf at this time of year.
It’s probably too late in the season for most tubenoses but it is a peak time for
jaegers (27 individuals on one trip, including all three species) and there’s always
a chance of something exceptional.
Cory’s & Audubon’s Shearwaters, Magnificent Frigatebird, Masked Booby,
Northern Gannet, Bridled Tern, Long-tailed Jaeger and a probable South Polar
Skua have been seen on previous November pelagics. Other possibilities
include Yellow-nosed Albatross, Great & Manx Shearwaters, Red-billed
Tropicbird and Brown Booby. And we’ll keep a lookout for dolphins, turtles
and other marine life.
The trip is being organized in association with Garett Hodne, who has been the
prime mover behind all the Texas pelagics over the last few years. Like all
Garett’s trips, it will be on the Osprey, recently refurbished and now a dedicated
nature-tourism boat, out of South Padre. Garett’s website and blog www.TexasPelagics.com - has comprehensive information on birding in the Gulf
of Mexico, including advice on preparing for trips, photographs of the Osprey and
detailed identification & status notes on pelagic species. It is an essential
reference for those thinking of joining us on the trip and, indeed, of anyone
interested in pelagic birding.
We’re delighted that Garett will be one of our guides for the trip. He’ll be joined
by other leading U.S. and Texas seabird experts on what should prove a
memorable day.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
Important Pelagic Trip Notes!:
1. The weather in the Gulf of Mexico in November is unpredictable. If
conditions are bad, the Captain of the Osprey will decide on the morning
st
of Sunday, Nov 1 whether or not the trip will proceed. If he decides
against it, everyone who has signed up for the trip will be notified by
e-mail or telephone by 1:00pm on Sunday. In that event, the trip will be
rd
re-scheduled for Tuesday, Nov 3 and a similar procedure followed. If
the trip cannot run that day, all monies paid will be reimbursed in full.
2. The vans will leave the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium at 5:00am. The
Osprey leaves from its dock on South Padre at 6:30am and arrives back
at 6:30pm. We should get back to the Auditorium by 7:30pm.
3. Bring your own food and water - none will be provided by the Festival.
We will, however, stop briefly at a convenience store on the way to the
boat. Refer to www.TexasPelagics for advice on other things to bring.
4. Note in particular that neither tripods nor monopods will be allowed on
board.
5. Limited to 30 participants, so please
register early! A minimal number of
participants are required to ensure a
viable trip, so please check with us
before making travel arrangements
to arrive in town for this pre-Festival
adventure! There will also be regular
updates on rgvbf.org.
* RANCHO LOMITAS
Fee $85 / Wednesday, Saturday 6am - 4pm
This is a very special trip for birders, botanists, butterflyers, and anyone with an
interest in the history of the Valley. We’ll be travelling to Rancho Lomitas near
Rio Grande City in Starr County to meet Benito Treviño, the owner of the ranch
and the leading ethno-botanist in the region. 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, Audubon’s Oriole.
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FIELD TRIPS
RIVER PONTOON and ANZALDUAS
Fee $75 / 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. You’ll understand
why this riverside area’s fame goes beyond its county park status. The mature
ash and live oak 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 BeardlessTyrannulet, Altamira Oriole, wintering warblers.
SABAL PALM SANCTUARY
Fee $60 / Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 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 in the U.S. Its shady depths and managed waterways shelter a
remarkable diversity of wildlife. And there’s 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.
SANTA ANA NATIONAL
WILDLIFE REFUGE
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 US 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,
Groove-billed Ani (rare), Ringed and Green Kingfishers, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet, Green Jay, Clay-colored Thrush, Olive Sparrow.
15
FIELD TRIPS
22nd Annual RGVBF
SEEDEATER SOJOURN
Fee $95 / Wednesday, Thursday 5am – 4:30pm
White-collared Seedeaters are our target on this trip! Never a guaranteed
sighting, this tiny tropical species roosts in giant cane along the Rio Grande but
forages further afield during the day. Our search will take us to a private ranch
and to wherever our current scouting and recent reports indicate this sought-after
species might be. But we’ll also be keeping a lookout for all the other specialties
of this distinctive region of arid brushlands and historic towns.
Targets: Scaled Quail, Red-billed Pigeon (rare), Vermilion Flycatcher,
Chihuahuan Raven, Cactus and Bewick’s Wrens, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (rare),
White-collared Seedeater, Olive and Black-throated Sparrows, Pyrrhuloxia,
Audubon’s Oriole.
* SHOREBIRD ID with Kevin Karlson
Fee $85 / Friday, 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.
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, Shortbilled 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 90 minute cruise on the lovely
Laguna Madre. Always a popular trip, so sign up early.
Note: 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, Franklin’s Gull, Forster’s, Royal, and Sandwich
Terns, Black Skimmer, Marsh Wren, lingering migrant songbirds.
* SUNSETS, BIRDS AND BEER
DIGISCOPING TRIP – see listing in PhotoTrack section (page 25).
16 22nd Annual RGVBF
FIELD TRIPS
UPPER RIO GRANDE
Fee $85 / Thursday, Friday 5am – 2pm
Lucky for us, birds don’t recognize our international borders. The river’s wooded
edges and the arid uplands of Starr County are rich with 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, Black-throated Sparrow,
Pyrrhuloxia, Hooded, Altamira
and Audubon’s Orioles.
* UPPER RIO GRANDE+++
with Jeff Gordon
Fee $100 / Wednesday 5am – 4pm
The Grand Tour version of the Upper Rio Grande trip to Salineño, Chapeño
and Falcon with the added attraction of a visit to a private ranch and the
pleasure of being in the field with American Birding Association President
Jeff Gordon.
Targets: as above.
VALLEY RAPTORS
Fee $85 / 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 local and national raptor experts,
we’ll 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
FIELD TRIPS
22nd Annual RGVBF
WESLACO
Fee $60 / Thursday, 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 for many of our Valley specialties and a haven for
wintering passerines.
Targets: Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Plain Chachalaca, Common GroundDove, White-tipped Dove, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Green Kingfisher, Goldenfronted Woodpecker, Tropical and Couch’s Kingbirds, Green Jay, Clay-colored
Thrush, Long-billed and Curve-billed Thrashers, Olive Sparrow, Altamira Oriole,
Lesser Goldfinch.
* WHERE THE LOCALS BIRD
Fee $65/ Wednesday & Friday - Cameron County 6:30am - 1pm
with Michael Marsden & Stephanie Galla
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 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
22nd Annual RGVBF
SIDEBARS
Wondering which Field Trips are right for you?
††Border Patrol Checkpoint requires identification
EASIER
For those who prefer minimal walking:
Bird Banding
Breakfast with the Birds at South Padre
Colleys’ Private Island
Easy (But Not Less!)
Edinburg Wetlands and Quinta Mazatlan
Laguna Atascosa NWR
Parrots of the Area
Rancho Lomitas
River Pontoon & Anzalduas
Weslaco
FAMILY
Families are welcome on any trip, and the
following would be a special experience:
Bird Banding
Birding 101
Cactus Creek Ranch
Camp Lula Sams
Parrots of the Area
Rancho Lomitas
River Pontoon & Anzalduas
South Padre Island and Bay Cruise
CLASSICS
First trip to the Valley?
Here are the famous not-to-be-missed
sites:
Bentsen - Rio Grande State Park
Estero Llano Grande State Park
King Ranch††
Laguna Atascosa NWR
Sabal Palm Sanctuary
Santa Ana NWR
South Padre Island and Bay Cruise
Upper Rio Grande
BEEN BEFORE?
Interesting choices beyond the famous
parks:
Big Day Vans
Biking for Birds
Boca Chica & Southmost Preserve††
Breakfast with the Birds at South Padre
Cactus Creek Ranch
Camp Lula Sams
Colleys’ ‘Private’ Island
Gold Series
Kleberg Wetlands††
Los Ebanos Preserve & Resaca de la
Palma State Park
Pelagic - Gulf of Mexico
Rancho Lomitas
Where the Locals Bird
BEGINNER
Beginners are always welcome on all trips.
But some sites are easier for new birders
to spot birds and enjoy their trip.
We recommend:
Bentsen - Rio Grande State Park
Bird Banding
Birding 101
Breakfast with the Birds at South Padre
Camp Lula Sams
Easy (But Not Less!)
Estero Llano Grande State Park
Parrots of the Area
Rancho Lomitas
River Pontoon & Anzalduas
Santa Ana NWR
Weslaco
Email: info@rgvbf.org
19
SCHEDULE
5:00a
5:30a
6:00a
6:30a
7:00a
7:30a
8:00a
8:30a
9:00a
9:30a
10:00a
10:30a
11:00a
11:30a
SOUTH TEXAS PHOTO SAFARI PRE-FESTIVAL TRIP to JONES ALTA VISTA RANCH
PRE- FESTIVAL PELAGIC TRIP- GULF OF MEXICO 5a - 7:30p (Tuesday is back up day)
SEEDEATER
UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY with JEFF GORDON
BIG DAY VANS - RANCHO LOMITAS
COLLEYS' - KING RANCH
BENTSEN
VALLEY RAPTORS
WHERE THE LOCALS BIRD - CAMERON CO.
GOLD SERIES with JON DUNN
BENTSEN
EASY ESTERO
PHOTOGRAPHY SPI
BUTTERFLIES -RESACCA DE LA PALMA
SEEDEATER
UPPER RIO GRANDE
COLLEYS' - KING RANCH - RIVER PONTOON - SOUTH PADRE AND BAY CRUISE
PHOTOGRAPY ON SPI with LARRY DITTO
KLEBERG WETLANDS
BIRDING BY EAR:O'BRIEN - LAGUNA - SABAL PALM
CACTUS CREEK - WHERE THE LOCALS BIRD, HIDALGO CO
GOLD SERIES ESTERO: DUNN - LOS EBANOS AND RESACA DE LA PALMA - OLD P
WESLACO
BIRDING 101: SANTA ANA - EASY BENTSEN
UPPER RIO GRANDE
PHOTO OPS LAGUNA SECA RANCH:HOYT
COLLEYS' - KING RANCH - RIVER PONTOON - SHOREBIRD ID with KEVIN KARLSON
BENTSEN - BIRDING BY EAR; O'BRIEN - LAGUNA - SANTA ANA
BOCA CHICA & SM PRESERVE - CACTUS CREEK - EDINBURG WELANDS & QUINTA MAZAT
LOCALS BIRD, CAMERON CO.
BIKING FOR BIRDS IN BENTSEN: DORIAN ANDERSON
GOLD SERIES SABAL PALM with JEFFERY GORDON - WESLACO
GOLD TOUR SA EASY ESTERO
BUTTERFLIES NABA
GET STARTED BIRDING
KLEBERG WETLANDS
RANCHO LOMITAS
COLLEYS' - RIVER PONTOON - SOUTH PADRE AND BAY CRUISE
BENTSEN - LAGUNA - SABAL PALM - SANTA ANA
BOCA CHICA & SM PRESERVE - CACTUS CREEK - EDINBURG & QUINTA MAZATLAN - WHE
BIRD, HIDALGO CO.
SAT 7 NOV
REGISTRATION OPENS 5 AM
FRI 6 NOV
REGISTRATION OPENS 5 AM
THU 5 NOV
REGISTRATION OPENS 5 AM
WED 4 NOV
REGISTRATION OPENS 5 AM
1 - 4 NOV
MON 2 NOV
TUE 3 NOV
22nd Annual RGVBF
CAMP LULA SAMS
GOLD SERIES - BIRDING BY IMPRESSION; KEVIN KARLSON - OLD PORT ISABEL R
PHOTOGRAPHING VALLEY SPECIALTIES
BIRDING 101
EASY RESACA DE LA PALMA
RAPTOR PROJ F
DOCUMENT WS
FAMILY BIRD WALKS
BIG SIT
SUN 8 NOV
REGISTRATION OPENS 6 AM
PHOTO OPS AT LAGUNAA SECA RANCH W/ HOYT
COLLEYS' - KING RANCH - RIVER PONTOON - SHOREBIRD ID
BENTSEN - ESTERO - LAGUNA - SABAL PALM
LEADER'S CHOICE VANS
BIKING: ANDERSON - BREAKFAST w/MILLER - CAMP LU SAMS
OLD PI ROAD
BIRD BANDING AT QUINTA MAZATLAN
EASY SANTA ANA NWR
MON 9 NOV
WHOOPERS & WADERS POST-FESTIVAL TRIP
TRIPS
20 PRE,POST TRIPS
PHOTOTRACK
SEMINA
SCHEDULE
22nd Annual RGVBF
12:00n 12:30p 1:00p
1:30p
2:00p
2:30p
3:00p
3:30p
4:00p
4:30p
5:00p
5:30p
6p
6:15p
7:00p
7:30p
8:00p
REGISTRATION OPEN at FAIR PARK COMPLEX
SHOREBIRD ID KEVIN KARLSON: SIGNING
BIRDING 101 - WS
WELCOME RECEPTION
SUNSETS, BIRDS AND BEERS
PI RD PARROTS
PHOTO OP CLASS:HOYTHANDS-ON WS
BIG THING - GREG MILLER
BIRDING TOGETHER - JEFFERY GORDON
BIRDERS BAZAAR
RAPTOR SHOW
RAPTOR SHOW
BIKING FOR BIRDS DORIAN ANDERSON
KISKADEE KORDIAL
TLAN - WHERE
PARROTS
BIRDING THE WORLD, COUNTRIES TBA
BIRDING 101 WS JENNIE DUBERSTEIN
BIRDERS BAZAAR
RAPTOR SHOW
RAPTOR SHOW
BIRDING BY IMPRESSION:KARLSON
KISKADEE KORDIAL
ERE LOCALS
RD
FAMILY PROGRAM
CRAZY TNGS: FINNEGAN
PARROTS
PARROTLETS: BERG
BIRDERS BAZAAR
KISKADEE KIDS KORNER
RAPTOR SHOW
QUIZ:GORDON
KISKADEE KORDIAL
RAPTOR SHOW
Silent Auction Close TBD
STUDENT AWARDS
BIRDER'S BAZAAR
KISKADEE KIDS KORNER
RAPTOR SHOW
ARS
TRADE SHOW
RAPTOR SHOW
SPECIAL EVENTS
FAMILY
21
SPECIAL TRIPS
22nd Annual RGVBF
PRE-FESTIVAL TRIP
SOUTH TEXAS PHOTO SAFARI with Ruth Hoyt
at Jones Alta Vista Ranch (New location!)
Fee $1275 / Sunday 1 Nov – Wednesday 4 Nov
The RGVBF is proud to offer this unparalleled pre-festival adventure with Ruth
Hoyt, professional nature photographer, tour leader and outdoors writer. She has
revamped the trip and selected a new location to one of the finest private (photo)
shooting ranches of the Rio Grande Valley area, Jones Alta Vista Ranch.
Sunday afternoon, meet your group and travel together to the ranch as you get
acquainted, go over equipment use and ask questions. You'll experience a
variety of photo opportunities when you arrive at the large, historic ranch with
lodging, comfortable and well-designed photography blinds, and productive
waterholes.
After a final dinner Wednesday evening, return together to the Harlingen
Municipal Auditorium Complex in time to join the Rio Grande Valley Birding
Festival with its full complement of wonderful trips on the next day, Thursday.
Important Facts: Limited to eight lucky participants. Designed for the advanced
amateur and above, using DSLR and 300mm lens or longer for birds.
Included: All transportation from the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium Complex
and back, experienced leader, meals, three nights' lodging (Sunday, Monday and
Tuesday). Not Included: Lodging in Harlingen before and after trip.
Please note: The ranch lodging is very comfortable, but restricted to doubles.
Sharing of bedrooms and bathrooms necessary – all part of the adventure!
Single room occupancy discouraged, but possible by special arrangement and
at significant additional cost.
A complete itinerary and detailed information will be sent to you upon
registration.
A minimal number of participants is required, so please check with us before
making airline arrangements.
Questions for Ruth Hoyt: ruthhoyt@gmail.com
PELAGIC TRIP – GULF OF MEXICO
Fee $200 / Monday 2 Nov - 5am - 7:30pm
see listing in Field Trips section (page 13).
22 22nd Annual RGVBF
SPECIAL TRIPS
POST-FESTIVAL TRIP
WHOOPERS and WADERS
with Louise Zemaitis & Michael O’Brien
Fee $ 550 / Monday 9 Nov – Wednesday 11 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
hours 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 Harlingen 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.
Important!: There is a US Border Patrol Check Station on US 77. Make sure
you have your driver’s license or other official photographic ID with you:
participants without proper identification will not be permitted to board.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, please contact Michael Marsden at 956-276-4409
before booking.
A certain number of participants is required, so please talk with us before making
airline arrangements.
Questions: Louise Zemaitis at swallowtailstudio@comcast.net
23
PHOTOTRACK
22nd Annual RGVBF
The RGVBF PHOTOTRACK SCHEDULE
PRE-FEST
Photo Safari at Jones’ Alta Vista Ranch with Ruth Hoyt
Sunday-Wednesday
THURSDAY
Photographing Nature on SPI with Larry Ditto
Sunsets, Birds & Beer Digiscoping on SPI with Clay Taylor
Photo Ops Class with Ruth Hoyt
Create an Outdoor Photo Studio with Ruth Hoyt
FRIDAY
Photo Ops Field Trip to Laguna Seca Ranch with Ruth Hoyt
SATURDAY
Photographing Valley Specialties with Larry Ditto and
Bill Supulski
Documentary Photography for Identification Purposes
with Ruth Hoyt
SUNDAY
Photo Ops Field Trip to Laguna Seca Ranch with Ruth Hoyt
PHOTOGRAPHY on SPI
with LARRY DITTO
Fee $180 / Thursday 6a – 3p
A one-day workshop with esteemed pro Larry Ditto - whose work has appeared
in many national publications - and on South Padre Island! Learn how to take full
advantage of the Island’s photographic advantages with personal assistance and
great shot opportunities. 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.
24 22nd Annual RGVBF
PHOTOTRACK
SUNSETS, BIRDS, and BEER
DIGISCOPING TRIP 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.
Important: Before registering, email Clay to discuss equipment owned and
perhaps needed: Clay.Taylor@swarovskioptik.us
Note: Trip will return to auditorium complex after the day’s Festival events are
concluded and the complex will be locked.
PHOTO OPS RANCH STYLE
at Laguna Seca Ranch (New location!)
with Ruth Hoyt
Fee $250 / Thursday, 1:30p - 3p Class
Friday or Sunday in the field 6a - 2p
(Two parts, one session, one fee.)
If you are a birder who believes a camera
is as vital to carry as binoculars, this
special trip is designed for you!
Designed for the advanced amateur and above, this event is led by professional
photographer Ruth Hoyt. A select group will enjoy the privilege of not only
benefiting from her experience and knowledge, but also doing so at a premier
private South Texas ranch set up for professional-level photography with photo
blinds for stellar shooting opportunities. Electricity and flush-toilet restroom
available on site.
Important: This event is in two parts on paired days – both are included for one
price. Thursday afternoon from 1:30p - 3p, 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 sections;
one occurs Friday from 6a - 2p, and the other occurs Sunday from 6a - 2p.
25
PHOTOTRACK
22nd Annual RGVBF
PHOTOGRAPHING VALLEY SPECIALTIES
Fee $150 / Saturday 7a – 1p
with Larry Ditto and Bill Supulski
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 photograph Green Jays,
Chachalacas, Olive Sparrows, Altamira Orioles, and other Valley gems.
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.
HANDS-ON WORKSHOP:
Create an Outdoor Photo Studio for Bird Photography with Ruth Hoyt
Fee $12 / Thursday, 3p - 4p Workshop
A shorter workshop offering at the outdoors area of the Fair Park Municipal
Complex, site of the Festival. Ruth will demonstrate special techniques for
attracting birds to outdoor-studio areas you can set up at home. She will share
her no-melt suet recipe and list of must-haves when she photographs birds.
DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS
for Identification Purposes with Ruth Hoyt
Fee $12 / Saturday, 9:30a - 10:30a Class
Want to learn how to take documentary photographs for the purpose of
identifying birds? Sign up for this class to learn some tips for capturing photos
to help you identify the birds you see. Professional photographer Ruth Hoyt
shares her knowledge and shows examples of what you can do without having
to buy a 500mm lens and expensive DSLR camera.
Questions for Ruth Hoyt: ruthhoyt@gmail.com
26 SEMINARS
22nd Annual RGVBF
SHOREBIRD ID WORKSHOP
Fee $12 / Wednesday 1:00p-2:30p
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 new book in the Roger Tory
Peterson Reference Series (April 2015). Covering shorebirds
and other bird families, comparative digitized photos from this
book encourages the audience to spot differences between
similar 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). Test your birding and observation skills by
attending this workshop and guessing the correct species using pertinent ID tips that
contribute to your opinion.
KEVIN KARLSON is an accomplished birder, professional tour leader and wildlife
photographer who has published many bird and nature related articles for magazines,
books, and journals over the last 20 years. 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 a co-author of
The Shorebird Guide (Houghton Mifflin Co. 2006), and the author/photographer of a two
photography books titled The Birds of Cape May and Visions: Earth’s Elements in Bird
and Nature Photography (Schiffer Publishing, 2010, 2012). His most recent book with wife
and co-author Dale Rosselet, Birding by Impression: A Different Approach to Knowing and
Identifying Birds was released in May 2015 in the Roger Tory Peterson Reference Series
at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers.
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). A former photo editor for
North American Birds, he also wrote the Birder’s ID column and served as an Advisory
Board member for Wild Bird Magazine from 1992 – 2012. He currently leads several bird
tours each year and a birding cruise with Dale Rosselet for Carefree Birding of Florida to
six countries (www.carefreebirding.com).
DALE ROSSELET is vice president for education for New Jersey Audubon and oversees
the statewide public and school-based education programs as well as the organization’s
center operations. She has extensive experience teaching children and adults in both
classroom and informal education settings for over 30 years. In her capacity with New
Jersey Audubon she has authored and co-authored four natural history curriculum guides
as well as the book Wild Journeys: Migration in New Jersey. She is past president for the
Alliance for New Jersey Environmental Education and chairs the governor-appointed New
Jersey Commission for Environmental Education. She has received the 2012 Women in
Wildlife Award as well as the Pat Kane Lifetime Achievement Award in Environmental
Education. She is a co-author of Birding by Impression: A Different Approach to Knowing
and Identifying Birds (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015) with her husband Kevin Karlson.
27
SEMINARS
22nd Annual RGVBF
THE NEXT BIG THING FOR BIRDING
Fee $12 / Thursday 1:30p-2:30p
Field Guides have empowered birders for years by making valuable
identification information available in a format that is easy to use in
the field. Field guides have been responsible for a surge in the
popularity of birding. They have transformed how we bird. eBird is a
Citizen Science project that stores birders’ checklists from around
the world in an online database. There are currently over 16 million
checklists in this database for North America alone. But how can
this help a birder? Many birders are faced with more demanding
schedules that allow them less free time. How can a birder make the most out of smaller
window of time? The free, online Impatient Birder’s Guide to North America is a good
place to start. Your field guides help you with identification. The Impatient Birder’s Guide
will help you with the where and when in planning a birding adventure. Greg believes it will
transform how we bird in the future just like the introduction of field guides changed birding
in the past.
GREG MILLER was one of three persons to see more than 700 species in 1998 in North
America. Pulitzer Prize winning Denver Post writer Mark Obmascik documented their
stories in his 2004 nonfiction book, The Big Year. The book was converted to a Hollywood
movie which was released in 2011 and starred Jack Black, Steve Martin, and Owen
Wilson. Greg was portrayed by the Jack Black character. He was also the Bird Consultant
for the movie. Greg is currently a member of the American Birding Association’s
Recording Standards and Ethics Committee and is an active tour guide for Wildside
Nature Tours.
BIRDING TOGETHER: HOW BIRDING CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE
AND MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, SAVE THE WORLD
Fee $12 / Thursday 3:30p-4:30p
Join American Birding Association President Jeffrey Gordon for a
celebration of the power of birding to heal and transform, not only our own
lives but even our world. Those of us who are lucky enough to be birders
know what a positive force birding can be. But that message is something
that we as a community have had mixed results in conveying. Why is it
that with as great a "product" to sell as the redemptive power of a passionate curiosity
about nature and belonging to community of some of the most interesting, caring people
anywhere, we've made relatively little traction with the wider public? Jeff will share stories
and insights about how we can build a better world for birders and for birds.
JEFFREY A. GORDON is the president of the American Birding Association, now
headquartered in Delaware City, Delaware. Jeff is also a well-known writer, photographer,
tour leader, and naturalist. He is a frequent speaker at various birding and nature festivals.
For more information on the ABA and on Jeff, visit www.aba.org
28
22nd Annual RGVBF
SEMINARS
BIKING FOR BIRDS: 365 DAYS, 18,000 MILES, 617 SPECIES,
1 AMAZING ADVENTURE
Fee $20 / Thursday 6:15p
As 2012 came to a close, Dorian Anderson decided he no longer wanted
to run the academic research race. Drawing on his bird interest, he
conceived a plan, to attempt the first solo, continent wide, North American
bicycle Big Year. The goals of the trip were threefold: find as many birds
as possible, raise awareness about environmentally sustainable travel, and personally
challenge himself in new ways. After a year of planning, Anderson departed a frozen
Massachusetts on Jan 1, 2014 for what turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime.
In the next 365 days, Anderson biked 17,830 miles through 28 states. He found 617
species, and he raised close to $50,000 for habitat conservation and bird-related
programing. This was all accomplished using just a bicycle. He did not get into a car,
plane, train, or powered boat for the entire year – for birding or for any other purpose. His
talk will highlight the birds he saw during his incredible journey, and it will also draw from
the bottomless well of stories that was bicycling around America. His unique blend of
birds, biking, environment, adventure, and humor should not be missed.
DORIAN ANDERSON started birding at age 7 in the Greater Philadelphia region. Not sure
what to do with a bird-obsessed child, his non-birder parents decided to encourage
whatever interests would keep him out of the house, and perhaps more importantly, out of
trouble (this failed miserably anyway). Family trips to the Jersey Shore as a pre-teen
proved particularly formative, and attendance at a number of youth birding camps west of
the Mississippi bolstered the interest.
For a number of years, birding was forced to take a backseat to his education. He studied
Cellular and Molecular Biology. A Ph.D. in Developmental Genetics at NYU was the next
stop on the degree carousel. It was during these New York City years, that the longdormant birding gene was again activated. The newly revived interest moved with him to
Boston when he accepted a Post-doctoral position at Massachusetts General Hospital and
Harvard Medical School. It was during these Boston years, 2011-2013, that a serious
interest in bird photography also developed and the idea of birding across the USA by bike
was hatched.
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SEMINARS
22nd Annual RGVBF
GET STARTED BIRDING
Free! / Friday 10:30a – 12n
Come join us to find out for yourself why 48 million Americans (USFW study) call
themselves birdwatchers!
Want to know the names of the birds you are seeing in your backyards, nearby parks, or
lake and sea shores? Valuable information from our tag team of speakers on how to use
binoculars, books, nature parks and organizations will help you Get Started Birding!
Presenters:
NORMA FRIEDRICH, Arroyo Colorado Audubon Society President; Introduction
JAN DUNLAP, author of the acclaimed Birder Murder Mystery series, will present her
easy instructions on “How to Walk, Talk, and Act Like a Birder (so you won’t feel like a
complete idiot your first time in the field. Her newest release, The Kiskadee of Death,
takes place here in the Lower Rio Grande River Valley. Jan is from Minnesota and this is
her first visit to the Festival.
JIM FOSTER, outdoor writer who specializes in writing about and photographing nature,
the outdoors, travel and adventure travel. The author of Birding Trails TEXAS Gulf Coast
will speak about visiting places to bird that offer educational programs for birders and
guided bird and nature walks.
BEN LIZDAS, Eagle Optics Sales Manager – will offer tips on how to use binoculars.
BIRDING THE WORLD
Free! / Friday 1:00p - 5:00p (30 minute sessions)
Ever wonder what birding in far off countries might be like, but weren’t sure what you
would see, where you would stay, or how to get in touch with a guide? Come hear how
you can make plans to bird in any number of foreign countries and how to get in touch
with destinations and guides. Starting at 1 p.m. a different country will be highlighted every
30 minutes (a more detailed schedule will be announced at a later date.) Find out about
locations, bird species, travel requirements and meet local guides or destination
representatives. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and determine where you
will be going next.
Presenters will be vendors from the Birders Bazaar who represent a variety of countries,
tour groups or destinations. Each ½ hr. session will feature one country and presenters
will be discussing their country as a birding destination - not just the company they
represent.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
SEMINARS
BIRDING BY IMPRESSION: A DIFFERENT APPROACH
TO KNOWING AND IDENTIFYING BIRDS
Fee $20 / Friday 6:15p
This keynote talk shares a new slant to field identification that Kevin
Karlson and his co-author and wife Dale Rosselet call Birding by
Impression: A Different Approach to Knowing and Identifying Birds,
which is the title of their new book in the Roger Tory Peterson Reference Series at
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers (2015). The topic of this multi-media presentation
includes a more holistic approach to birding that involves right and left brain strengths to
enhance your birding skills as well as a greater awareness of bird’s behavior and natural
history rather than just a check on your personal list.
A short description of Birding by Impression is followed by unique digitized or real life
photos from their new book that encourages the audience to spot differences between
similar species in direct side-by-side comparison. This exciting ID approach concentrates
on basic impressions of size, body shape, structural features and motion to form an
accurate first impression of birds, with analysis of plumage details and bare parts to follow.
Several videos and a musical ending allow for a relaxed appreciation of the beauty and
intriguing nature of birds.
KEVIN KARLSON see Shorebird ID Workshop for bio
DALE ROSSELET see Shorebird ID Workshop for bio
THE RAPTOR PROJECT PROGRAM
Free! / Saturday 11a - 12n
See Family Activities (page 36) for full rundown of this great offering. Everyone welcome!
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SEMINARS
22nd Annual RGVBF
BIRDERS DO CRAZY THINGS
Fee $12 / Saturday 1:30p - 2:30p
Birders do crazy things. Chasing rarities or, better yet, finding a rare
life bird is even more intoxicating. Join Shawneen Finnegan as she
shares tales that include her own discovery of a Yellow-nosed
Albatross that flew past her as she was driving up the Garden State
Parkway, which made ABC's World News Tonight. Who but a birder
would take a vacation that included planned visits to dumps and
sewage ponds hundreds if not thousands of miles from home? If a
bird is rare enough, it suddenly becomes reasonable to make a
1500-mile round trip in a weekend just to see a single bird.
Shawneen will have you scratching your head and laughing aloud
as she recounts more than three decades of bearing witness to insane birding adventures.
SHAWNEEN FINNEGAN began birding in Northern California as a young woman. Being
passionate about bird identification led to a career that included leading and managing
tours for WINGS, being the Range Data Editor for Santa Barbara Software’s BirdArea for
23 years, and is Photo Editor for Birding Magazine. Shawneen is also an accomplished
artist with her work published in many books, magazines, catalogs, on clothing, and held
in private collections. Cape May was home for years (where her heart remains) and later
Tucson. Since moving to Portland, Oregon in 2007 for family reasons, she completed a
B.S. in Geography at Portland State University, conducted bird surveys and currently
teaches several classes for Audubon Society of Portland. She recently took over Tony
White’s State Checklist Newsletter for AviSys Software. She is a member of Oregon
and Washington Bird Records Committees, and ABA’s Record Standards and Ethics
Committee.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
SEMINARS
GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLETS: What’s all the talk about?
Fee $12 / Saturday 3:30p - 4:30p
Growing up in Central Florida, Karl S. Berg, began learning about nature
while camping as a Boy Scout. These important early experiences
eventually lead to a B.B.A. at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville,
where an undergraduate ornithology course piqued his outdoor interests.
After three years in Ecuador coordinating conservation/wildlife programs, Berg returned to
Florida International University, Miami for a M.Sc. in biology and the beginnings of serious
study in vocal behavior of birds. For his Ph.D., he worked under Prof. Jack Bradbury,
Dept. of Neurobiology & Behavior, and Cornell University’s Ornithology Lab. He has spent
over a decade studying the vocalization of Green-rumped Parrotlets (Forpus passerinus)
in Venezuela, arguably the world’s best-known parrot population. It is in Venezuela that
parrotlets have been tirelessly marked and studied since the 1980s, work led by Prof.
Steven Beissinger, University of California, Berkeley where Berg did post-doctoral training.
Now an assistant professor at The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley’s Dept. of
Biology, Berg will help enlighten us about the intelligence and communication of these
Neotropic parrots. How does their bizarre ability to articulate human words and phrases in
captivity help individuals thrive in nature? Berg addresses this and other questions that
can help us understand the diversity and evolutionary history of adult parrot behaviors.
KARL BERG and his graduate students are currently studying the site fidelity of Redcrowned Parrots (Amazona viridigenalis) in the Rio Grande Valley. If you are interested in
contributing observations to this RCPA Project, come join him to learn more about this
parrot study as well.
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SEMINARS
22nd Annual RGVBF
GREAT SOUTH TEXAS BIRDING QUIZ SHOW
Sponsored by Eagle Optics
Free! / Saturday 6:15p
The encores keep getting louder and louder! This
offering has been so popular that it’s now in its seventh
season. Join our quizmaster, ABA President Jeffrey
Gordon and his lovely “First Lady”, in a TV-style game
show format, a multimedia production of birding trivia
and friendly competition. You’ll be laughing, cheering, learning, and seeing a different
side of some of your favorite birding personalities, authors, and leaders. Audience
participation with great prizes, made possible by the generous support of Eagle Optics.
JEFFREY A. GORDON is the president of the American Birding Association, now
headquartered in Delaware City, Delaware. Jeff is also a well-known writer, photographer,
tour leader, and naturalist. He is a frequent speaker at various birding and nature festivals.
For more information on the ABA and on Jeff, visit www.aba.org.
LIZ GORDON is one of the founders of the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. She
served on the board, ran the children’s program, worked with the artist and designed the
festival graphics, and did anything else necessary to support the festival. Liz no longer
lives in Harlingen, but she remains active with the festival, she is Seminar Chair, and Artist
Liaison. Liz is the wife of Jeffrey Gordon, ABA President.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
SPECIAL EVENTS
WELCOME KICK-OFF RECEPTION
Wednesday / 5p – 7p
Let’s launch this Festival and get it flying right! The lovely Harlingen Arts &
Heritage Museum is the grand host for this fun reception. Meet your fellow
participants, plus the leaders, speakers, vendors, and the Festival folk that make
it all happen. Located conveniently right near the airport at 2425 Boxwood St.
Harlingen, 78550 (see map in registration packet). Hors d’oeuvres, beverages,
live music - don’t miss it!
KISKADEE KORDIAL
Thursday, Friday, Saturday / 5p - 6p
You are kordially invited to the Birders Bazaar for fun conversation, light
appetizers, and of course, kordials! Enjoy wine, beer or margaritas during this
popular and perfect interlude which precedes the evening’s keynote presentation.
Meet and mingle,chat and sip with your fellow Festival participants, leaders and
speakers. Badge required.
BIG SIT!
Saturday / 6:00a - 6:00p
Does counting birds for twelve hours from within a 17' circle sound like fun? You
bet! Join a rotating group of optics reps, field trip leaders, and Festival-goers for
a come-and-go casual event on the Fair Park complex grounds. You can even try
out some optics. Sit for a bit, get a button, and be eligible for a prize drawing.
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 of authors and times will be available on rgvbf.org and
also in the newsletter and signage during the event.
FREE FRIDAY
Friday has been declared Free Friday at the RGVBF with several special events
planned. See Seminars section for the Get Started Birding! Program (Page 31).
Buy lunch at The Roost and stay for the afternoon free seminars describing
birding in a variety of foreign countries. Don’t forget to visit the Birders Bazaar to
do some shopping and catch the Raptor Project live birds of prey flight shows at
1p or 3p. All free!
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SPECIAL EVENTS - BIRDERS BAZAAR - FAMILY
22nd Annual RGVBF
BIRDERS BAZAAR TRADE SHOW
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 12n - 6p / Sunday 12n – 4p Free
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. 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 a
randomly chosen time between 4-5:00p 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 Christmas-friendly timing. Furthermore, all proceeds
aid the non-profit RGVBF and its programs. A win-win!
The RAPTOR PROJECT in the BIRDERS BAZAAR
Trade Show Hours, above + Flight Shows Thu – Sun at 1p and 3p Free
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 and his
daughter Rachel, are 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…
The RAPTOR PROJECT FAMILY AUDITORIUM PROGRAM
Saturday 11a-12n Free
Read about Jonathan Wood and The Raptor Project just above and then do not
miss this free offering. Imagine sitting in the Harlingen 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!) and also visit Kiskadee Korner, below. Terrific fun for the whole family.
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22nd Annual RGVBF
FAMILY
KISKADEE KORNER
Saturday, Sunday 12:00n – 4:00p Free
Right in the middle of ‘Festival Central’ (the Harlingen Municipal Complex at Fair
Park), you’ll find our renowned family area–packed full of fun. Learn all about
birds and nature and the cool things that are as close as your own backyard.
Enjoy crafts, games, and many other activities geared toward families with
children. Combine with a visit to a flight show, the Birders Bazaar, and it’s all too
great to miss!
FAMILY BIRD WALKS
Saturday 9a Free
We’re lucky to have both Jen Brumfield of the Cleveland OH Metroparks and
American Birding Association’s Liz Gordon, the ‘First Lady’ of birding, in the
Valley for this in Fair Park walk. Learn the basics of birding, like how to use a
field guide and a pair of binoculars (bring ‘em if you have ‘em!). So join us, open
your eyes, and be hooked for life. Geared for families or the novice birder, both
young and young-at-heart, but all are welcome!
STUDENT ART and WRITING CONTEST
Awards Ceremony: Sunday 1:30p
Draw Valley birds, write about Valley birds, and learn the fun way. Information
and registration forms for this contest can be found on our website, rgvbf.org.
The contest is open to students in grades 5 –12 Valley-wide! Win great prizes
from Eagle Optics.
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INFORMATION
22nd 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 5p CT on Friday, October 23,
2015, 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 3rd between 12n - 5p 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 October 23, 2015 to
receive a full refund or by October 30, 2015 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.
>Groups and Youth Birders: If you are a group of 8 or more or a young birder,
come on down! We have special deals for you. Contact the Chair at
chair@rgvbf.org.
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INFORMATION
22nd Annual RGVBF
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 (page 35).
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 three major
airlines: United, Southwest, and Sun Country Airlines.
By car: Harlingen is conveniently located at the intersection of US Highways
77 & 83, two hours south of Corpus Christi and four hours south of San Antonio.
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: info@rgvbf.org
Like us on facebook at
Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival
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