Discover Birding on Private Ranch in Three Eco-Regions
Join us in Del Rio, TX for Birding the Border 2026!
Coming to Birding the Border is more than attending a birding event — it’s joining a community.
When you bird with us, we hope you feel like you’ve become part of the Birding with Extension Family, a group that values discovery, friendship, conservation, and lifelong learning.
Each spring, birders from across Texas and beyond gather in the borderlands of Val Verde County, where the Hill Country, Edwards Plateau, and South Texas Brush Country come together. Over the course of several days, participants explore landscapes that few ever have the chance to experience –private ranches, river corridors, and canyons alive with song.
Bird with Professional Guides – Featuring 8 Daily Trip Choices
Participants have eight distinct field trip options to choose from daily. We strive to highlight a variety of habitats and bird diversity each day. Small group sizes, typically 8 to 13 participants, create an intimate setting where you can connect with guides, fellow birders, and the birds & land itself. Participants depart each morning for trips between 5:15 – 6:30 a.m. and return after having lunch (included) no later than 2 p.m. for afternoon educational seminars.
*Schedule & locations are subject to change based upon landowners, birds, and weather.*
Birding the Border 2026 Offers 2 Specialized Track Options
Photography Track
Participants who choose the photography track will have the opportunity to hone their birding and photography skills during this slower paced trip. Participants will have the unique opportunity to advance their field photography skills at McKenna Ranch and the Ranch at Bakers Crossing, while wrapping up on the last day in the unique bird blinds of the Transition Ranch. This pre-set 3-day package includes 3-days of guided morning birding trips, lunch, and transportation. $495
Beginner Track
Beginners are welcome to participate in all aspects of Birding the Border. With guides who have a true heart for education, we’re confident you’ll have a great experience no matter which trips you choose.
If you prefer to take things a little slower and focus on building your birding skills alongside an expert guide, the Beginner Track might be the perfect fit for you. During these trips, the guide will take time to break down the identification process step by step, helping you learn as you bird. Traveling through all three eco-regions, this track combines bird diversity with a unique hands-on learning experience. Beginner trips include: Zuberbueler Ranch, Las Ciénegas, & Dobbs Run Ranch.
Participation in the Beginner Track is limited to 10 participants, ensuring plenty of personal attention and opportunities to ask questions. $475
TOS Century Club Trips
Designed for birders chasing 100 species in every Texas county, this fast-paced track targets Sutton, Maverick, and Edwards Counties. With chances to boost your Val Verde and Kinney lists on other Birding the Border trips. Hit top county hot spots and enjoy the thrill of birding on the move!
Join the Big Day Del Rio challenge, where 2024 participants tallied 100 species with barley leaving city limits. This year, if the count falls short, you can expand your search and bird until you hit 100!
TOS Century Club Website
Birding the Border T-Shirt
Don’t forget to grab your official Birding the Border shirt while you register!
You can add your shirt during registration or pick one up later through the Purchase Extras option.
We highly recommend pre-ordering — we’ll only have a limited number of extras on-site, and once they’re gone, they’re gone! Mockup coming soon!
Register Now
Registration Deadline: April 10, 2026
Once at the registration site:
- Regular registrations must purchase a registration pass ($75).
- Add the trips for each day to your cart.
- Add extras like t-shirts to your cart.
- Check out! You will be asked an extensive list of questions about what you would like for lunch. It’s lengthy, but we want to make sure that your festival experience is a great one – including your meals in the field!
- We will be in touch! Between now and April we will be following up with you regarding information that you need to know as well as the waivers that we will need you to sign and bring with you.
*Registration pass is included in the photography and beginner track.
Ready to join us?
Click here for registration and details.
Plan Your Birding the Border Trip
About Birding with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
In 2017, Birding with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension was initiated when we (Emily, to be exact!) had the ambitious idea of gathering bird enthusiasts on a bus to showcase birding opportunities on private lands in Texas. Although the bus didn’t materialize, this concept evolved into our flagship initiative, Birding the Border. We now spend three enriching days with 16 avid birders, exploring and learning on private ranches in Kinney County. Our mission from the outset has been to connect people to the land through birding, nurturing a keen interest in conserving natural resources.
As our program has expanded, our goals have remained steadfast:
- Educate Landowners: We aim to inform landowners about simple bird management strategies they can adopt to enhance bird habitats while complementing their agricultural practices.
- Unique Educational Experiences: Our programs feature expert guides and AgriLife specialists dedicated to education. We focus on creating a complete experience—not only do we want you to observe remarkable birds, but we strive to help you grow as a birder. The social aspect is also significant, offering you the chance to connect with fellow birders, enjoy great food, and have fun.
- Inclusive Birding Experiences: By hosting youth and beginner programs, we aim to educate and inspire future generations of birders.
Join us to explore our current Birding with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service events and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of birding.
Refunds/Cancellations
**If Birding the Border 2026 is canceled for any reason, participants will receive a full refund.** All other refunds will be subject to the following policy:
- Cancellations made before February 1, 2026, will be refunded minus a $75 service fee.
- Cancellations made between February 2 and March 1, 2026, will be refunded half the purchase price.
- After March 1, 2026, there will be no refunds given.
Schedule and locations are subject to change due to landowner access, birds, weather, and other factors that are out of our control. While we do our best to keep everything running as planned, no refunds will be given if we must change locations or schedules.
Regarding COVID-19
We are excited to host Birding the Border 2026! Birding the Border will comply with all local, state, and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service guidelines and procedures to keep our participants safe and healthy.
If you are a Master Naturalist, our educational seminars, birding trips, and some special events may count for Advanced Training! Advance Training Hour Request Form — Coming Soon for 2026!