Discover Birding in the Chihuahua Desert!
Join us at the historic Zuberbueler ranch in Val Verde County for an unforgettable birding experience. In collaboration with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Zuberbueler family has enhanced their bird management practices, offering you a unique opportunity to explore the rich avian life of the Chihuahua Desert ecoregion.
While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to learn about the ranch’s renowned Rambouillet sheep and Angora goats, famous for their high-quality fleeces. And what could be better than enjoying lunch in the rustic shearing barn, hosted by the welcoming Zuberbueler family?
Trip Highlights:
Trip Dates:
Friday, May 2 (Beginner Track)
Saturday, May 3
Departure Time: 6:15 AM
Trip Fee: $160
Guides:
Mark McDermott (Friday, May 2 – Beginner Track)
Stephen Falick & Ty Allen (Saturday, May 3)
Birding Buddies:
Barbara Pankratz (Friday, May 2 – Beginner Track)
Travel and Facilities:
Spotlight Birds: Curve-billed thrasher, cactus wren, black-tailed gnatcatcher, black-throated sparrow, pyrrhuloxia
Bryan’s Birdy Bulletin
If you’re ready to venture deep into the heart of Val Verde County’s arid desert-scrub, the Zuberbueler Ranch is your prime destination! Unlike other excursions that merely skirt this challenging terrain, our trip takes you straight into the captivating Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion. Here, you’ll have a unique chance to observe the adaptable black-tailed gnatcatchers, charismatic pyrrhuloxias, and elusive thrashers in their natural habitat. Thanks to the Zuberbuelers’ commitment to providing supplemental food and water, you’ll encounter a diverse array of species, promising a birding experience unlike any other at the festival.
Join the Beginner Track at Birding the Border for an extraordinary birding adventure tailored for budding bird enthusiasts! Limited to just 10 participants, this track offers an intimate experience with our friendly guide and birding buddy across three distinct ecoregions. The inclusion of the Zuberbueler Ranch ensures you witness the remarkable birdlife of the Chihuahuan Desert, all at a special rate. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to expand your birding horizons!
Previous eBird Checklists:
2023
Friday
Sunday
2021
Friday
Sunday