Meet the dedicated team behind the 2025 Birding the Border event, a gathering that thrives on the passion and expertise of our staff, guides, and volunteers. Their commitment to birdwatching and nature conservation ensures the success of this annual celebration for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Staff |
|
|
|
Emily Grant is an enthusiastic 4-H County Extension Agent based in Gillespie County, where she also plays a pivotal role as the Birding with Extension Program Coordinator. Originally hailing from Springtown, Texas, Emily is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University. With a career rooted in education, she transitioned from being an agriculture science teacher to a county agent with a fervent interest in the sheep and goat industry. In her current role, Emily spearheads youth education programs focusing on agriculture and natural resources, instilling a love for both land and wildlife. Though her heart leans towards livestock, Emily has discovered a newfound passion for birding. Her keen observation skills have made her a natural spotter, and she thoroughly enjoys the camaraderie and learning experiences gained while exploring nature with fellow birders.
Emily invites fellow birding enthusiasts to join her in appreciating the rich avian diversity our landscapes have to offer.
|
|
|
|
Liz Tidwell, a Wildlife Program Specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the birding community. Originally hailing from Pennsylvania, Liz pursued her academic interests with a B.S. from the University of Wyoming and an M.S. from Sul Ross State University, where she conducted extensive research on Montezuma quail in New Mexico. Her dedication to avian studies is matched by her commitment to empowering small acreage landowners through resource management programs. While her love for birds is undeniable, Liz also has a special affection for javelinas, fondly nicknamed “potatoes,” which never fail to delight her.
|
|
|
|
Rainey Bingham is a passionate advocate for agriculture and nature, serving as the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent in Real County, TX. Rooted in South Texas, Rainey blends her rich agricultural background with a newfound enthusiasm for birding. With degrees in Agricultural Science from Texas A&M University and a master’s in Agriculture from Angelo State University, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role at AgriLife Extension, where she’s been making an impact since 2018. Rainey’s birding journey soared to new heights at Birding the Border 2023, where she embarked on her adventure with Birding with Extension. Her goal? To expand her understanding of birds, eco-tourism, and agritourism, enriching her ability to support her county’s community.
Beyond her professional commitments, Rainey and her family run a ranch in southern Atascosa County, where they raise cattle, embodying her dedication to sustainable land stewardship and wildlife preservation. |
|
 |
Meet Dani Miller: A Passionate Advocate for Birds and Conservation At the heart of Dani Miller’s academic and professional pursuits is a profound love for birding. Currently, Dani is a graduate student studying conservation social science in the Serenari Lab at Texas State University. Her path to this field was paved by her earlier work as a wildlife biologist with the Stiles Farm Foundation for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, where her passion for avian life first took flight. Dani holds a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology with a minor in Tourism Management from Texas A&M University. Her intrigue with birding began as an undergraduate assistant for Dr. John Tomeček, assisting with bobwhite quail research in the Rolling Plains. This experience ignited a commitment to bird conservation that continues to guide her career aspirations. With a vision to blend wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, and sustainable tourism, Dani aims to develop small-scale recreation experiences. These initiatives will educate visitors, empower local communities, and promote wildlife habitat management among landowners and managers.
Join Dani on this remarkable adventure through the world of birding, and share in her unwavering dedication to protecting and celebrating our avian wonders. |
|
Guides |
|
|
|
Bryan Calk – Expert Birding Guide and Nature EnthusiastBryan Calk brings a lifetime of passion and expertise to his role as a professional birding and nature tour guide for NatureScape Tours. His birding adventure began at the tender age of 10, right in his backyard in Fort Clark Springs, South Texas. With two inspirational mentors guiding him early on, Bryan’s love for birds only intensified over the years. A graduate of Texas A&M with a B.S. in Genetics, Bryan’s scientific background complements his hands-on experience as an avian biologist across various projects in Texas. Now based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he is known for leading field trips for prestigious organizations such as the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, Texas Ornithological Society, Western Field Ornithologists, and numerous local Audubon Societies. Beloved by the Birding with Extension team, Bryan is celebrated for his enthusiasm, dedication, and patience when sharing his knowledge. Outside of guiding, he immerses himself in butterfly watching, mastering Odonata identification, searching for herps, and capturing nature through photography. Connect with Bryan on Instagram at @pauraque. Favorite Local Bird: Common pauraque Favorite Birding Spot: Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, Bryan’s tours promise an unforgettable venture into the world of birds. |
|
|
|
Brandon Nooner, USDA Wildlife Biologist With a deep-rooted passion for avian and reptilian life, Brandon Nooner serves as the driving force behind the BASH (Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard) Program at Laughlin AFB. A graduate of Colorado State University, Brandon earned his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology in 2018. His expertise lies not only in safeguarding wildlife but also in fostering an appreciation for it among fellow birding enthusiasts. An avid birder and herper, Brandon transforms his free time into adventures, traveling with his family to capture the beauty and diversity of birds and reptiles.
Brandon’s career and personal interests reflect a lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation and education, making him a standout figure in the birding community. |
|
|
|
David Tønnessen: A Passionate Ornithologist and Birding Expert From an early age of six, David Tønnessen has dedicated his life to exploring the avian world, embarking on countless journeys across the United States, Mexico, and the vibrant neotropics. His enthusiasm for birding is contagious, and he takes great pleasure in sharing his knowledge and experiences with fellow bird enthusiasts in the diverse locations he’s visited. David’s expertise shines through in his ability to tackle complex bird identifications, offering insights through his specialized column on the subject. His fascination with ornithology extends beyond mere observation; he delves into the multi-layered intricacies of bird study, continually expanding his understanding as he prepares for graduate school. Favorites
Join David on his birding adventures and discover the beauty of avian life through the eyes of a true expert. |
|
 |
Ty Allen: A Passionate Advocate for Birding and Wildlife Based in North Central Texas, Ty Allen is a dedicated birder and photographer with a lifelong passion for avian exploration. His love for birding began at the young age of eight and has only grown since. Currently, Ty brings his expertise to Wild Bird Unlimited as a sales associate, backed by an Associate Degree in Business. Ty’s commitment to birding extends beyond his professional role. Having started as a camper at Rio Diablo Birding Camp, he has since evolved into a vital member of the Birding with Extension team. Here, Ty shines as a birding buddy and assistant guide, drawing on the knowledge imparted by esteemed guides to enrich future birding programs. In his dedication to ornithology, Ty volunteers with eBird as a reviewer, focusing on the lesser-known regions of Texas. His mission is to bridge the data gap for these under-birded counties. Beyond birds, Ty’s curiosity spans various wildlife, including herps, robber flies, butterflies, moths, dragonflies, and damselflies. Ty’s enthusiasm and commitment make him a cherished resource for birding enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of the natural world. |
|
 |
Romey Swanson serves as the President of the Texas Ornithological Society Board of Directors. With extensive experience in project management, Romey is a dedicated professional in land and wildlife conservation. His expertise spans wildlife management, ArcGIS, environmental policy and law, and conservation issues, along with data collection and endangered species preservation. He holds a Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology from Texas State University-San Marcos, showcasing his strong communication skills and creative thinking abilities. Romey’s passion for avian life is reflected in his admiration for local birds such as the Hutton’s vireo, black-capped vireo, and golden-cheeked warbler. His favorite birding locations include the Devils River State Natural Area, Lost Maples State Natural Area, and the Big Thicket National Preserve – Turkey Creek Unit. A fan of local culture, he also enjoys indulging in Mexican cuisine.
|
|
Birding Buddies |
||
|
Erin Swanson – With a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from Texas State University, Erin Swanson combines her passion for conservation with her love for birding. Her interest in ornithology began in a college classroom nearly a decade ago and has since blossomed into a beloved pastime. While Erin now dedicates most of her time to her role at the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, working tirelessly on water conservation initiatives, she still cherishes every opportunity to birdwatch. Her admiration for the natural world is reflected in her favorite local bird, the Harris’s hawk, known for its unique cooperative hunting behavior. Erin’s preferred birding retreat is The Nature Conservancy Preserve nestled in the serene Davis Mountains, where she finds tranquility and inspiration. When she’s not observing the avian wonders, Erin enjoys indulging in the local culinary delight—Axis poppers. Her dedication to preserving wildlife and natural habitats makes her a valued member of the conservation community. |
|
|
|
Barbara Pankratz has been captivated by birds for as long as she can remember. Growing up in the picturesque Hill Country town of Comfort, Texas, her childhood was filled with the sights and sounds of hummingbirds, owls, and cedar waxwings around her family home. Her passion for birding truly took flight in high school, thanks to a mentor who introduced her to the joy of observing birds. It was a male Painted Bunting that first captured her heart and set her on this lifelong adventure. In 2000, a visit to the Rio Grande Valley during migration opened Barbara’s eyes to the wonders of birdwatching. Since then, she has become deeply involved with Christmas Bird Counts (CBCs) and, following her retirement from teaching in 2017, became a Texas Master Naturalist. Now, Barbara leads bird surveys in local parks and ranches, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with others. A proud graduate of Texas A & M, Barbara seamlessly weaves her love of history, wildflowers, and birds into her birdwatching pursuits. She relishes the challenge of identifying different species and is particularly fascinated by studies of local bird populations. Always eager to learn, Barbara embraces the scientific and educational aspects of birding, considering herself a lifelong student of nature. Barbara played a pivotal role in founding the Uno Club, striving for the ambitious goal of spotting “one bird in every Texas county.” Her dedication paid off, having recorded sightings in all 254 Texas counties. Favorite Local Bird: Painted Bunting and Golden-cheeked Warbler Favorite Birding Spot: Trans-Pecos, Hawaii, and Alaska Favorite Local Food: Cella Chocolate Covered Cherries Barbara’s story is an inspiration to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike, demonstrating the endless joy and fulfillment that comes from observing the natural world. |
|
|
|
Rose Cooper’s love for birding took flight during her time as a research assistant with Texas AgriLife Research in Uvalde. It was here that Dr. Susan Cooper (no relation) introduced her to the vibrant beauty of the painted bunting on the Harris Ranch, amidst data collection on wild turkey nest predation. Rose holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a Master of Science in Reproductive Physiology from Sul Ross State University, where she researched Blackbuck Antelope. While at Texas AgriLife, Rose began capturing images of local flora for a plant identification website and Texas Wildlife Association’s Critter Connection magazine, aimed at children. Over time, her passion for nature photography blossomed, encompassing not just plants but also birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and any captivating critters she encounters. Rose particularly delights in exploring her family’s Hill Country property, camera in hand, always seeking the next subject to fill her lens and her heart. |
|
 |
A native of Del Rio, Louisa Stone’s appreciation for nature was instilled by her father, an enthusiastic hunter, fisherman, and gardener. From a young age, she accompanied him on adventures in the wild, observing deer and various wildlife. However, it wasn’t until she relocated to Minnesota in the 1980s that her curiosity for birding truly took flight. Captivated by the exquisite rose-breasted grosbeak, Louisa embarked on a lifelong passion for birdwatching. Afterward, Louisa’s life path led her and her husband back to Texas, following a brief period in Tennessee where her love for avian diversity continued to blossom. Returning to Del Rio in the 1990s provided the perfect opportunity for Louisa to explore familiar landscapes and encounter beloved bird species. In the early 2000s, Louisa and her husband settled in Fort Clark Springs for approximately 15 years. It was here that she fell head over heels for the vibrant kiskadees, green jays, painted buntings, and vermilion flycatchers. The trails at Fort Clark Springs offered an incredible array of bird species that never ceased to amaze her. Louisa is eager to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts, sharing her extensive knowledge of both Fort Clark Springs and its remarkable birdlife. |
|
| Volunteers |
|
|
 |
Connie Hoke’s love for nature and birdwatching blossomed later in life, thanks to the influence of her father and brother. Although she initially focused on supporting her three active sons in sports, her passion for birding took flight around 20 years ago. After retiring from her role as an IT project manager in Houston, Connie and her husband relocated to the tranquil landscapes of Del Rio, near their property in Terrell County. This move allowed her to dedicate more time to her birdwatching pursuits, particularly since retiring in 2014. Her favorite bird is the cedar waxwing—a choice that goes back to her childhood when she first marveled at its striking beauty. When it comes to favorite birding locations, Connie holds Galveston, Bolivar, and High Island close to her heart, especially during the vibrant spring migration period. And for a blend of local flavors, she looks no further than the rich and diverse offerings of Mexican cuisine. |
|
|
|
