| Sunday, March 20: Flights arrive in McAllen by 3:30 PM (or earlier), and bird tour begins at 3:30 PM. After we have all gathered, we will head to Quinta Mazatlan (or the McAllen Wing of the World Birding Center) for about one hour. We will then visit several McAllen parrot roosts before it gets dark. Just after dark, we will check into our McAllen area hotel and enjoy a local restaurant and have a brief trip orientation. Monday, March 21: After an early breakfast, we will drive up the Rio Grande River Valley to Falcon Dam area and including Falcon Park. We'll visit Salineño, Chapeño, San Ygnacio, and more. Possibilities include White- collared Seedeater, Muscovy Duck, Red-billed Pigeon, Audubon’s Oriole, Brown Jay, and much more. We will likely stop most days at about 5 PM for supper. On some days we may experience slight delays for good bird photography. We will aim for a good supper before 6 PM and then a review of bird list before getting to bed early (for a good start the next day). Tuesday, March 22: In the morning, we start for Alan William’s Yard in the Pharr Valley just east (less than 10 miles) of McAllen. Specialties at feeders and water features include Plain Chachalaca, Buff-breasted Hummingbird, White-eyed Vireo, or some Mexican “zootie.” The setting is very photo friendly. In the afternoon: We will enjoy nearby Bensten Rio Grande Valley State Park. Possibilities include Altamira Oriole, Kiskadee, Hook-billed Kite, Tropical Parula,Green Jay, Plain Chachalaca. Wednesday, March 23: After an early breakfast, we will head towards Santa Anna National Wildlife Refuge. It is just downstream from McAllen. Possibilities include White- tipped Dove, Common Paraque, Olive Sparrow, and always more. In the afternoon: Estero Llano Grande State Park will be the setting for additional birding and photography. Possibilities include many waterfowl, Groove-billed Ani, and more. We will end the day with a transfer to our new trip accommodations in Harlingen. Thursday, March 24: In the morning, we bird Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge on the coast of the gulf of Mexico. Possiblilities include Black Vulture, White- tailed Hawk,Crested Caracara, shorebirds and more. In the afternoon, we will enjoy Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary. Possibilities here include Least Grebe, 3 kingfisher species, Great Kiskadee. The Kiskadee is a great picture subject, bright and bold. Gray-crowned Yellowthroat nice highlight for the day (and who knows what else). Friday, March 25: We start early for South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center enjoying shore birds and other local birds (such as Purple Gallinule) and wildlife (American Alligator). Afternoon at Boca Chica Beach (mostly a wildlife area) will add more opportunities for bird photography, before a late day transfer back to McAllen. Before heading back we will hopefully find Neotropic Cormorant, Reddish Egret, White Ibis, White-faced Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Black- bellied Whistling-Duck, and Mottled Duck. Saturday, March 26: AM flights from McAllen. * Extension Plans: Once six persons on trip we will likely plan and offer an extension trip. |
| Pricing Details |
| Detailed Itinerary and Pricing |
| $1,390 for the main trip, including six breakfasts, lodging, lodging tax, bird guide, access fees, driver, trip planning and other services. Single Supplement: $300 Additional Costs: $90 to $150 will likely be your cost for additional meals at restaurants and for box lunches. You will pay your own meal tab for lunch and supper. |
| Great Kiskadee by Bill Schmoker |
| Scissor-tailed Flycatcher by Bill Schmoker |
| Painted Bunting by Bill Schmoker |
| Red-crowned Parrot by Bill Schmoker |
| Black-bellied Whistling-duck by Bill Schmoker |
| Golden-fronted Woodpecker by Bill Schmoker |
| For more information or to sign up, call Charles or Alison at 888-203-7464 or Charles directly at 720-320-1974 or by email at info@PIBird.com. |
| Texas Rio Grande Valley March 20th - 26th 2011 |
| Bird Photography Trips with Bill Schmoker |
