South Texas is one of the greatest birding destinations in the United States, and for good reason. Due to its proximity to the humid tropics of Mexico, the subtropical woodlands of the Rio Grande Valley boast over two dozen tropical bird species that spill across the border, from chachalacas to pauraques. Here, colorful Great Kiskadee and personable Green Jay mingle with temperate species. These tropical species occur nowhere else in the United States.

On this South Texas birding tour, we explore three of South Texas’ very most productive regions: Coastal lagoons and shallow wetlands that throng with thousands of shorebirds, herons, and waterfowl (and wintering endangered Whooping Crane); the arid inland expanse of Tamaulipan thorn-scrub, which harbors a collection of species typical of the American Southwest, like Cactus Wren and Pyrrhuloxia; and the subtropical savannas, wetlands, and riparian woodlands of the Lower Rio Grande Valley with their decidedly tropical species like Hook-billed Kite and Altamira Oriole.

Additionally, 300+ species of butterflies have been recorded in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Many sites we visit on this South Texas nature tour have plantings to attract these butterflies, where we may see a diversity of these delightful creatures, as well as some of the nearly 100 species of dragonflies and damselflies found in the area.

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  • "This was a low key, relaxed opportunity to see coastal south Texas and the Rio Grande valley, areas replete with unusual and colorful birds, many of which cannot be seen anywhere else in the USA. A three-hour boat ride to the inland water way provided a glimpse of this important marsh habitat as well as good looks at the very rare whooping crane. Boardwalks extending into salt marsh habitats provided intimate views of species that are often secretive and hard to observe. The days spent in the Rio Grande valley provided an opportunity to learn about the history of the region and to see how the river has changed and carved out small bow lakes that harbor waterfowl and marsh birds. Visits to bird feeding stations provided easy" — George Hunt, 2023 Traveler
  • "A great trip abundant with birds, wildlife, the number of places visited, good accommodations, and good food reflecting the regions we were visiting. We covered so much territory and saw so many birds in many different environments. It was a rich, rewarding experience." -- 2023 Traveler
  • "Our guide was experienced, patient, and a walking encyclopedia on the flora and fauna of this area. He kept us informed and on the move and his normal reserve was broken only in the excitement of chasing a flock of Red Crowned Parrots in Brownsville! I enjoyed every minute of the trip and learned so much from Bryan, our guide, as well as from all of the other tour members." -- 2023 Traveler
  • "A very enjoyable week with great leadership seeing many unfamiliar birds in an unfamiliar part of the U.S." — Sydney Daly, 2023 Traveler
  • “If you want to see birds and butterflies that you can't see anywhere else, this is the trip to take.” — 2023 Traveler
  • “An intense, fast-paced birding trip. Actually identified 46 lifers which was amazing. Saw such a vast variety of shorebirds, in land birds and international birds (parrots and parakeets!).” — Mary Meisel, 2023 Traveler
  • “Wonderful trip with 180 bird species. Excellent guides and accommodations.” — Dennis Bozzay, 2023 Traveler

Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy a boat tour of Aransas Bay to view the only self-sustaining populations of Whooping Cranes on their wintering grounds, while being entertained by dolphins playing in the wake of the boat
  • Visit premier birding sites of the Texas Coastal Bend in Port Aransas, Rockport, and Corpus Christi on this fun South Texas birding tour
  • Watch for Pauraque, Clay-colored Thrush, Long-billed Thrasher, Olive Sparrow, and other regional specialties at Laguna Atascosa and Santa Ana NWRs and the World Birding Centers at Estero Llano Grande SP, Quinta Mazatlan, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, and Bentsen-Rio Grande SP
  • Witness close views of Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, Altamira Oriole, and more
  • Experience the sight and sounds of hundreds of Red-crowned Parrot as they roost in Brownsville
  • Visit wetlands and coastal grasslands of Cameron County for shorebirds, waders, Least Grebe, Green and Ringed Kingfishers, White-tailed Hawk, and Aplomado Falcon
  • Marvel at some of the 300+ butterfly species recorded in the valley at the National Butterfly Center
  • Learn about the fascinating history of South Texas while travelling through King and Kenedy Counties and visiting ethno-botanist Benito Trevino’s Rancho Lomitas
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Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Mon., Nov. 10    Arrival in Corpus Christi | Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge | Mustang Island | Port Aransas | Rockport Beach Park

Welcome to one of America’s top birding hotspots, often referred to as the Texas Tropics. If you come from winter-bound areas, warm air, fresh breezes, and brilliant blooms let you know you’ve reached an exotic realm without ever leaving the USA!

For a group pick up, please plan to arrive at Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) no later than 1:00 PM. From the airport, we head north to Rockport with some productive birding stops on Mustang Island along the way. After checking into our hotel, we enjoy dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, sampling some of the wonderful local seafood. This first group meal also serves as an opportunity to get acquainted with your guide and fellow traveling companions.
Accommodations at the Inn at Fulton Harbor, Fulton, TX (D)

Tues., Nov. 11      Whooping Crane Boat Tour | Lamar & Goose Island State Park

Although it remains one of the most endangered birds in North America, Whooping Crane populations have steadily increased from a low of fifteen birds in the early twentieth century to well over four hundred. Nonetheless, despite ongoing conservation efforts to create new populations, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge hosts the wintering grounds of the only remaining self-sustaining population. On our first morning in Texas, we take a boat trip to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge to observe these special birds. While on the boat we also look for several species of herons, egrets, and even Roseate Spoonbill. Captain Tommy guides us, aiming to get within close range of these remarkable creatures. With everyone alert on deck, we often find Long-billed Curlew, American Oystercatcher, Seaside Sparrow, and Common Loon, as well as a number of other waterfowl and shorebirds

After lunch in Rockport, we drive north to the Lamar Peninsula and Goose Island State Park with their Live Oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal and freshwater wetlands. Here we should get close views of Brown and American White Pelicans competing for food at the fish-cleaning stands, Roseate Spoonbill and Black-bellied Whistling-Duck on the 8th Street pastures, and Black-crested Titmouse, Long-billed Thrasher, and other species at the feeding stations. Non-avian species we may encounter include American Alligator, White-tailed Deer, Javelina (Peccary) and perhaps even a Bobcat. Tonight we enjoy dinner at another great local restaurant.
Accommodations at the Inn at Fulton Harbor (B,L,D)

Wed., Nov. 12       Rockport | Indian Point Park | Hazel Bazemore County Park, Corpus Christi | South Texas Ranchlands

After an early breakfast we enjoy morning birding around the Rockport area, including Cape Valero in search of ducks, shorebirds, and waders. Then we drive inland back to Corpus Christi where at Hazel Bazemore County Park we start to come across more and more of the valley specialties such as White-tipped Dove, Great Kiskadee, and Green Jay.

After lunch in Corpus Christi, we head for Kingsville and visit the bird feeders at the King Ranch Visitor Center where Curve-billed Thrasher and Pyrrhuloxia are often seen.

Continuing southward, much of the journey is through the historic ranchlands of South Texas with chances of Snow Goose, Sandhill Crane, Harris’s Hawk, Crested Caracara, Vermilion Flycatcher, Cave Swallow, and Brewer’s Blackbird.

The Rancho Viejo Country Club and Resort is conveniently situated just west of Brownsville. Well-appointed guest rooms and delectable on-site dining options offer the chance to unwind after birding. The attractive grounds feature a number of resacas (former channels of the Rio Grande, now oxbow lakes) and other birding opportunities. Specialties include Least Grebe, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, and Buff-bellied Hummingbird among many other species.
Accommodations in Brownsville(B,L,D)

Thurs., Nov. 13       Old Port Isabel Road | Bayview Resacas | Laguna Atascosa NWR | South Padre Island

After breakfast, we drive straight to Old Port Isabel Road. Birds here include White-tailed Hawk, Long-billed Curlew, Cassin's Sparrow and, with luck, Aplomado Falcon. Extirpated by the 1950s from much of its original range in the United States, this elegant falcon is making a comeback in this part of the world due to reintroduction efforts by the Peregrine Fund.

From there we head towards Laguna Atascosa by way of the Bayview resacas, where we have chances of Anhinga, Least Bittern, and kingfishers among other species. Lying on the western shore of the Laguna Madre, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge protects over 65,000 acres of coastal habitats. More than 410 species of birds have been recorded here, including Aplomado Falcon. At the visitor center and nearby trails, we check out the feeders for close-up views of Green Jay, Long-billed Thrasher, Olive Sparrow, and perhaps a herd of Javelina. With luck, we may also encounter Coyote, Bobcat, Nine-banded Armadillo, Texas Tortoise, or even (but very improbably!) an Ocelot.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we then head east. At the South Padre Island Convention Center, a boardwalk provides access to wetlands along the Laguna Madre that can provide incredible views of normally secretive rails such as Clapper and Virginia. There are also many other species to see here, including Reddish Egret, and Tricolored and Little Blue Herons, Black Skimmer, Brown and American White Pelicans, American Avocet, and various other shorebirds, terns, and waders. We also hope to find Piping Plover?one of the country’s most threatened shorebirds. We also visit the Birding and Nature Center at South Padre with its butterfly garden and chances of “Mangrove” Yellow Warbler in its stands of Black Mangrove.

On the return to Rancho Viejo, we shall stop briefly at wetlands along Hwy 48 in search of Wilson’s Plover, Gull-billed Tern, and White-tailed Hawk. We aim to get back to Rancho Viejo in good time to allow some birding on the grounds before dinner.
Accommodations in Brownsville (B,L,D)

Fri., Nov. 14       Sabal Palm Sanctuary | Brownsville Landfill | Boca Chica | University Resaca, Brownsville | Oliveira Park

After breakfast at Rancho Viejo, our first destination is Sabal Palm Sanctuary, formerly a National Audubon reserve but now managed by the non-profit Gorgas Foundation. They have done a wonderful job of enhancing the sanctuary’s already outstanding habitats including wetlands and one of the two last remnants of native Sabal Palm forest in the U.S. There are also bird feeding areas which attract several of the valley specialties, including Olive Sparrow, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, and both Altamira and Hooded Orioles. The variety of other wildlife here is outstanding, with butterflies such as Mexican Blue and Zebra Heliconia, and the endangered Speckled Racer among the many reptiles.

We shall then make a brief visit to the iconic (at least among birders) Brownsville Landfill. This became renowned as the only regular site for Tamaulipas Crow in the U.S., but numbers plummeted in the early years of the century and there have been few subsequent records until very recently. We keep our fingers crossed.

After lunch (not at the landfill!) we drive the 18 miles of the Boca Chica TX-4 highway, which parallels the Rio Grande all the way to the Gulf of Mexico across a variety of habitats, including thorn-scrub, coastal grasslands, and salt-flats. The highway also bisects Elon Musk’s Space X complex. This is a wonderful road for raptors, including White-tailed Hawk and possibly Aplomado Falcon, and the flats can hold thousands of shorebirds and dozens of Reddish Egrets. And there’s always a chance of Northern Gannets from the beach.

The resaca on the University of Texas’s beautiful campus in Brownsville is our next stop in the hope of Green and Ringed Kingfishers. Anhinga and Black Phoebe are regulars, and there’s been a wintering Common Black Hawk here in recent years.

Oliveira Park, the site of the largest parrot roost in Texas, is our last stop today. There are sometimes as many as 300 individuals of these colorful (and noisy!) birds roosting together. Red-crowned Parrot is the most numerous, but Red-lored, White-fronted, Yellow-headed, and Lilac-crowned Parrots are all possible.
Accommodations in Brownsville (B,L,D)

Sat., Nov. 15         Santa Ana NWR | Estero Llano Grande State Park

This morning we head towards Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, which protects 2,000 acres in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Corridor. With well over 300 species of birds recorded, many birders regard this reserve as the highlight of a South Texas visit.
Extensive trails allow exploration of wetlands, fields, and Tamaulipan thorn-scrub habitats. We listen for the boisterous calls of Couch’s Kingbird and Great Kiskadee, as well as the repeated whistle of the diminutive Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet.

To get eye-level views of Gray Hawk and a chance at seeing the rare Hook-billed Kite, there is the option of going up the hawk watch tower. Santa Ana is also a great site to see all three North American kingfishers, although their day-to-day presence depends on water levels at the various impoundments. At red-flowering shrimp plants we check for Buff-bellied and other hummingbirds. Least Grebe may cruise the small ponds and we keep our eyes open for Sora, White and White-faced Ibises, Neotropic Cormorant, and wintering shorebirds.

From one of the oldest reserves in the valley, we then visit one of the newest: Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco. Amazingly, it has already accrued a bird list almost as impressive as that of its older cousin. It offers a wonderful variety of wetland and woodland habitats with plenty of easy walking trails that attract more birders than just about anywhere else in the valley. Some of the species we look for here include Cinnamon Teal, Fulvous Whistling Duck, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Common Pauraque, Green Kingfisher, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Clay-colored Thrush. We then continue west to our lodgings for the next three nights in delightful McAllen.
Accommodations in McAllen (B,L,D)

Sun., Nov. 16      West Along the Rio Grande | Salineño | Falcon State Park | Rancho Lomitas

Today we venture into higher and more arid lands to the west, following the Rio Grande River. We pass through Rio Grande City and Roma—once the most inland port for steamship traffic on the Rio Grande. We are likely to find a number of desert birds, which could include Verdin, Cactus Wren, Black-throated Sparrow, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Bewick’s Wren, and Pyrrhuloxia.

During the earlier part of the morning we station ourselves along the Rio Grande, hoping for fly-by Red-billed Pigeon or perhaps Hook-billed Kite or Muscovy Duck. Hopefully, we are able to catch sight of two beautiful songbirds, Altamira and Audubon’s Orioles at the wonderful feeders maintained by Lois Hughes and Merle Ihne. And there is just a chance of a White-collared Seedeater in cane beds growing along the river! Lunch is again a picnic provided by the Inn.

Continuing a short distance, we visit the 573-acre Falcon State Park adjacent to Falcon Dam, with chances of desert scrub species such as Greater Roadrunner, Curve-billed Thrasher, and even Northern Bobwhite.

In the afternoon we visit Rancho Lomitas, a private ranch owned by Benito Trevino. Benito is a leading ethno-botanist and a fount of knowledge on local history and culture. An added attraction is that his land is also very birdy with good chances of Audubon’s Oriole and Scaled Quail at the feeders.
Accommodations in McAllen (B,L,D)

Mon., Nov. 17       Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park | National Butterfly Center | Anzalduas County Park | Edinburg Scenic Wetlands

Today we visit Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, one of the valley’s World Birding Center sites. Bentsen protects an array of habitats that support most of the valley’s special birds. By walking short trails, we explore the riverine forest, ponds, thorn-scrub, and mesquite. We hope to see most of the South Texas specialties here including Plain Chachalaca, Altamira Oriole, White-tipped Dove, Green Jay, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Clay-colored Thrush, and Great Kiskadee.

If there is interest, we could visit the gardens at the North American Butterfly Association’s (NABA) National Butterfly Center, only a few minutes from Bentsen. During its short existence this site has already produced a huge number of butterfly species, including several first U.S. records. A feeding station at the park often produces chachalacas, Altamira Oriole, Olive Sparrow, Long-billed Thrasher, and Clay-colored Thrush.

For lunch we enjoy a picnic from the inn, then head for the World Birding Center site at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands where two major ponds draw in ducks and wading birds by the score, as well as kingfishers of all three species. The extensive native-plant gardens are a haven for wintering warblers, and the feeders attract Buff-bellied and other hummingbirds. Nearby McAllen has a regular evening roost of Green Parakeet that sometimes number in the hundreds; we may visit their roosting area before dinner.
Accommodations in McAllen (B,L,D)

Tues., Nov. 18        Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen | Departures

We make sure that everyone with booked flights who has not made other arrangements gets to the McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE) by NOON. It’s only a 15 minute or so drive from McAllen so there’s time in the morning to do some last-minute birding at Quinta Mazatlan, an attractive area with easy walking, most of the valley specialties, a historic adobe hacienda, all less than 5 minutes from the airport, ideal for a few hours of relaxed birding before the flight home. Please make flights out after 2:00 PM. (B)

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Group Birding by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Juvenile Altamira Oriole by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Great Horned Owl by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Green Jay by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Black-necked Stilt by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    White-tailed Hawk by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Common Pauraque by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Long-billed Thrasher by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Northern Bobwhite by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Pauraque by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Group by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Hispid Cotton Rat by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Black-bellied Whistling Ducks by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Ladder-backed Woodpecker by Bryan Calk

  • Birding South Texas, Bird watching, Rio Grande Valley, South Texas, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot

    Great Kiskadee by Bryan Calk

Cost of the Journey

The cost of the journey is per person, based on occupancy: $3590 DBL / $4570 SGL, from Corpus Christi, TX, departing McAllen, TX. The cost includes eight nights’ accommodations, all meals as noted in the itinerary, airport transfers, ground transportation in vans, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. The cost does not include round-trip airfare to Corpus Christi and from McAllen, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, and gratuities for luggage handling or other services. Guide gratuities are at your discretion.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival Airport: Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP)

Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive November 10, 2025 no later than 1:00 PM.

Departure Airport: McAllen International Airport (MFE)

Departure Details: Plan to depart November 18, flights leaving after 2:00 PM. The McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE) is a 15-minute drive from town and we will arrive there by 12:00 PM. We plan to spend that morning birding with an airport drop-off at the end. Please plan your flight out of the McAllen Airport (MFE) after 2:00 PM.

Alternative Departure Plan for Southwest Airlines If you are flying on Southwest Airlines, you may wish to fly out of Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen, which is a 40-minute drive from McAllen and transportation there will cost approximately $35.

Travel Tip: If you want to arrive a day or two early, Corpus Christi is great for either relaxing on the beautiful beaches or sightseeing. At the USS Lexington Museum you can learn about naval history aboard the Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War II. The museum is a short drive if you have a rental car, or you can use a taxi or Uber/Lyft. Other area attractions include the Texas State Aquarium and the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. You will need to return to the airport by 1:00 pm on November 11.

Hotel Recommendations: If you want to relax and stay near the airport after arrival, we recommend: Best Western Corpus Christi Airport Hotel (361) 289-8200 La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Corpus Christi Airport (361) 299-2600 Does staying near the waterfront and exploring the many shops and restaurants sound interesting? We would recommend: Best Western Corpus Christi (361) 883-5111 Omni Corpus Christi Hotel (361) 887-1600.

Extend Your Stay If you would like to extend your stay in the valley, you can add additional nights in McAllen, but we would strongly suggest renting a car at the McAllen Airport if you choose this option as transportation is not available in town. If it is the final night to take an early flight out the next day, we recommend you book and stay at the Radisson Hotel at the McAllen Airport as it’s adjacent to Quinta Mazatlan, a top birding site, and you could spend additional time walking around and birding there. If you would like to book additional nights in McAllen, here is contact information for the hotels: Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport (956) 682-7234.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Texas

Big Bend & Davis Mountains

Big Bend Monsoon Madness

South Texas

Texas Coast

Texas Hill Country

  • Bryan Calk

    Bryan started birding at Fort Clark Springs in southwest Texas when he was 10 years old and never stopped. He got his first taste of guiding while leading trips for the Rio Brazos Audubon Society during college. After graduating from Texas A&M in 2015 with a degree in genetics, Bryan worked as an avian field biologist on several projects across Texas and New Mexico. Currently residing in Albuquerque as a professional birding tour guide, he leads field tours, workshops, and youth birding programs across the US. In his free time, Bryan enjoys butterflies, searching for herps, photography, art, cooking, and gardening.

    Other trips with Bryan Calk

  • Vernie Aikins

    Vernie fell in love with birding in Southern Arizona in 2011 through his love of photography, starting out with just a camera and guide book. He started guiding in 2021 with his wife’s non-profit S.A.A.W.R. and the Tucson Audubon leading bird outings for people with disabilities. Though Vernie is primarily the Office Administrator at Naturalist Journeys, he does get the chance to guide from time to time. His excitement in seeing a Turkey Vulture (his favorite bird) for the 50th time or a lifer is contagious, and he has a true passion for helping others find, identify, and enjoy birds. As an avid mountain biker, he also started a non-profit focusing on trail maintenance and reopening trails after the devastating fires in the Catalina Mountains in 2003, overseeing thousands of hours of volunteer trail work. His favorite place to be is in Southern Arizona exploring along the Santa Cruz River or high up in one of the Sky Islands.

    Other trips with Vernie Aikins

Map for South Texas Birding & Nature

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
  • Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.  You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please pack light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

General Guidelines & Weather

In general, the weather during your stay should be moderate (60-80°F in the day, 50-60°F evenings and early mornings) and we want you to be comfortable. Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing, as they are more protective from sun, insects and vegetation. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal. For mosquitoes, you may wish to spray your field outerwear with Permethrin beforehand or try bug repellent clothing such as Craghoppers Insect Shield Clothing collection. Generally, shorts aren’t recommended for woodland birding. That said, if you like to wear shorts, by all means bring them. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty – and things that are comfortable and easy. Layering is your best strategy for comfort. While closed toed shoes and hiking boots are ideal for our fieldwork (and will help protect you from fire ants and chiggers), a pair of sandals may be welcome for evenings.

Clothing & Gear

  • Lightweight long pants (2 pair)
  • Shorts (optional)
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts (2-3)
  • T-shirts or equivalent (4-5 – remember you may buy souvenir tees along the way)
  • Personal underclothing and pajamas
  • Socks (lightweight and easy to hand wash and dry)
  • Raincoat or poncho (great if this doubles as windbreaker)
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (clean field clothes are appropriate or a skirt, sundress, etc.)
  • Bathing suit (optional)
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Bandana (they now make these with a gel inside that you wet to keep you cool – great to have!)
  • Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
  • Lightweight hiking boots
  • Sandals for evenings, travel days (optional)
  • Lightweight jacket (fleece fabric is ideal, but a sweater or sweatshirt will do)
  • Medium Weight Jacket

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • E-ticket verification
  • Passport (for International travelers)
  • Small daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear
  • Binoculars
  • Small flashlight with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock (or use your cell phone)
  • Sunscreen/Chapstick
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Insect repellent
  • Toilet articles
  • Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored (a great option for occasional rain as you can keep using your binoculars)
  • Walking stick (optional but recommended if you usually use one when hiking)
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional)
  • Camera and extra batteries/battery chargers and memory cards, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional)
  • Tablet or laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos and charger (optional)
  • USB cord for transferring photos from camera to tablet/laptop (optional)
  • Water bottle (or you can use one of ours and refill during the journey – we try to save on plastics!)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Earplugs (if hotel noise or roommates snoring may bother you; these are optional)
  • Cell phone and charger

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing - your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Personal medications
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
  • Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription, copy of medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts
  • Insurance information
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
  • Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Tweezers

 

Suggested Reading List +

There are many titles of interest for Texas; the following are a few that we Read more

There are many titles of interest for Texas; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

Field Guides

Merlin App. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. Download it here.

The Sibley Guide to Birds

Field Guide to the Birds of North America

ABA Field Guide to Birds of Texas

The Shorebird Guide

ABA/LANE Bird Finding Guide: A Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande Valley

A Swift Guide to Butterflies of North America

Kaufman Field Guide to Butterflies of North America

Butterflies of the Lower Rio Grande Valley

Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West

Wildflowers of Texas (A Timber Press Field Guide)

Plants of Deep South Texas: A Field Guide to the Woody and Flowering Species.

Amphibians and Reptiles of Texas

Natural History

Naturally…. South Texas: Nature Notes from the Coastal Bend

Nesting Birds of a Tropical Frontier: The Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas

Pete Dunne’s Essential Field Guide Companion: A Comprehensive Resource for Identifying North American Birds

Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding: Understanding What You See and Hear

The Birder’s Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds

The Complete Birder, A Guide to Better Birding

Lives of North American Birds

Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior

Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds

Roadside Geology of Texas

There is a good selection of books available for sale at visitors’ centers, and your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Brief Overview of South Padre Island

About Corpus Christi

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Birding Hotspot - Hazel Bazemore Park

Birding Hotspot - Oliveira Park

South Texas Specialty Birds

South Texas Butterflies

Ocelots in Texas

Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet

Ecoregions of Texas

Texas Coastal Wetlands

Conservation

International Crane Foundation

Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge

Audubon - Port Aransas & Mustang Island

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary

Sabal Palm Sanctuary

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Falcon State Park

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Edinburg Scenic Wetlands

Geology & Geography

Geology of Texas

South Texas Geological Society webpage

Geography of South Texas

History & Culture

People and Culture Make South Texas Unique

Gulf Coast History

The Prehistory of the Texas Coastal Zone: 10,000 Years of Changing Environment and Culture

Helpful Travel Websites

Arrival - Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP)

Departure - McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE)

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

ATM Locator

Time and Date


Photo credits: Banners: Yellow-throated Warbler (Bryan Calk), Group Birding (Delsa Anderl), White-faced Ibis (Bryan Calk), Group Birding (Delsa Anderl) Thumbnails: Roseate Spoonbill (Bryan Calk), Green Jay (Bryan Calk), Northern Mockingbird (Byron Calk), Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Bryan Calk), Vermillion Flycatcher (Steve Wolfe), Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Bryan Calk), Audubon’s Oriole (Bryan Calk), Ringed Kingfisher (NJ Stock)

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