Join the Beginner Track at Birding the Border, an exclusive adventure designed for 10 beginner birders eager to explore nature. Benefit from hands-on learning with a professional guide and a friendly birding companion. Discover diverse bird species across three ecoregions, all with a thoughtfully curated itinerary. Secure your spot now for just $450, which includes your Birding the Border Registration Pass!
Schedule:
Friday, May 2 – Zuberbueler Ranch (Departure time: 6:15 AM)
Saturday, May 3 – Las Ciénegas (Departure time: 6:30 AM)
Sunday, May 4 – Dobbs Run Ranch (Departure time: 6:00 AM)
Cost: $450 (includes Birding the Border Registration Pass)
Guide: Mark McDermott
Birding Buddy: Barbara Pankratz
Zuberbueler Ranch:
The Zuberbueler Family has joined forces with the Birding program at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to enhance bird management on their historic Val Verde County ranch. This collaboration offers birdwatchers a unique opportunity to explore birding in the Chihuahuan Desert Eco-Region.
On the Zuberbueler Ranch, you’ll find Rambouillet sheep and Angora goats, known for producing exceptional quality fleeces. During the Birding the Border event, participants can enjoy birdwatching in this arid desert habitat and savor a delightful lunch hosted by the Zuberbueler Family in their rustic shearing barn.
Bryan’s Birdy Bulletin
Unlike other Birding the Border trips that skirt around Val Verde County’s desert scrub, our visit to the Zuberbueler Ranch plunges right in! It’s your best chance to spot species uniquely adapted to this environment, like black-tailed gnatcatchers and pyrrhuloxias. The Zuberbueler Family’s efforts to provide food and water for the birds ensure a one-of-a-kind birdwatching experience. We’ve included this adventure in our beginner track so participants can see birds thriving in the brushy Chihuahuan Desert habitat.
Las Ciénegas:
Welcome to Las Ciénegas, where the Lopez Family invites you to explore beyond the typical roadside view and discover the wonders hidden behind the scenes! Spanning over 280 acres and nourished by Ciénegas Creek, the property boasts five stock tanks, with the largest covering more than eight acres.
Bryan’s Birdy Bulletin
The diverse habitats maintained by the Lopez Family make this place a haven for rare and fascinating birds. Verdant ponds surrounded by dense understory create ideal conditions for various species, while Ciénegas Creek adds riparian richness. This oasis offers a birdwatching experience unlike the Tamaulipan thorn scrub typical of the Del Rio area. It’s a classic Del Rio adventure, perfect for beginners eager to spot intriguing avian species!
Dobbs Run Ranch:
Aim for the GOLD and discover golden-cheeked warblers and black-capped vireos at this private ranch along the West Nueces River! Explore the ranch’s scenic beauty using ATVs and hunting vehicles, stopping to walk short distances at prime birdwatching spots. Three endangered species call Dobbs Run Ranch home—golden-cheeked warblers, Tobusch fishhook cactus, and Texas snowbells. The Smith Family’s dedication to cultivating optimal habitats has made this a favorite spot for Birding the Border enthusiasts over the past two years.
Bryan’s Birdy Bulletin
The Dobbs Run Ranch owners are remarkable land stewards, actively managing their property for birds. Mrs. Smith is always up-to-date with the best locations to find various species. Beyond the breathtaking birds, the towering bluffs and expansive vistas epitomize the Texas hill country. It’s one of my all-time favorite local destinations! We hope all our beginner birders get a chance to see a golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo on this trip.
