Let’s Talk Birds
From standout rarities to unforgettable views, participants experienced incredible birding throughout the week.
- Tropical Parula
- Tropical × Northern Parula hybrid
- Golden-cheeked Warbler
- Black-and-white Warbler
- Common Yellowthroat
- Black-capped Vireos at 8 locations
- Morelet’s Seedeater on private property
- Red-shouldered Hawk × Gray Hawk hybrid
- Phainopepla
- Gray Hawk for the second consecutive year in Val Verde County
Birding with Extension Lifers
- Least Grebe
- American Bittern
- White-tailed Kite
🔗 View the Full eBird Trip Report
Learning Beyond the Bird List
Birding the Border 2026 expanded opportunities for participants to engage directly with bird research and conservation.
With support from Angelo State University faculty member Dr. Ben Skipper, participants observed bird banding firsthand and beginner birders experienced the unique opportunity to see birds up close while learning about avian research and monitoring techniques.
New “Into the Field” experiences also provided participants with behind-the-scenes looks at active research projects, including Black-capped Vireo nesting studies. These experiences were designed to provide high-level educational opportunities and connect participants directly with conservation science happening in the region.
With support from Angelo State University faculty member Dr. Ben Skipper, participants observed bird banding firsthand and beginner birders experienced the unique opportunity to see birds up close while learning about avian research and monitoring techniques.
New “Into the Field” experiences also provided participants with behind-the-scenes looks at active research projects, including Black-capped Vireo nesting studies. These experiences were designed to provide high-level educational opportunities and connect participants directly with conservation science happening in the region.
Participants also enjoyed outstanding evening programs and educational seminars throughout the event.
Keynote speaker Rebeka Rylander with Rio Grande Joint Ventures inspired attendees through her presentation at the Birding with Extension Dinner. We were also excited to have artist Chris Ruggia joined Romey Swanson for a unique live painting experience during afternoon seminars where he competed three owl paintings during the hour presentation.
These evening programs highlighted the connection between birds, art, education, and conservation while creating memorable shared experiences for participants.
New “Into the Field” experiences also provided participants with behind-the-scenes looks at active research projects, including Black-capped Vireo nesting studies. These experiences were designed to provide high-level educational opportunities and connect participants directly with conservation science happening in the region.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Birding the Border would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, landowners, guides, volunteers, presenters, and participants. Thank you for supporting birding education, conservation, and community engagement in southwest Texas.
Save the Date!
Birding the Border 2027
April 30 – May 2, 2027
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another incredible weekend of birds, conservation, research, and community in Del Rio, TX.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another incredible weekend of birds, conservation, research, and community in southwest Texas.