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 |
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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Dani Miller is the Communications & Engagement Manager for Devils River Conservancy (DRC), a nonprofit focused on protecting the land, water, and wildlife of Texas’ Devils River Basin. While Dani has always had a passion for conservation and earned a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Texas A&M University to pursue a career in the field, her interest in birds was jumpstarted while assisting Dr. John Tomeček as an undergraduate field technician, studying impacts to bobwhite quail populations in the Rolling Plains. After graduating and working for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Serive as a biologist, she joined the Birding with Extension team for Birding the Border 2021 in a volunteer capacity. Dani then continued providing event support in her free time while studying conservation social science as a graduate student at Texas State University and now in her current role at DRC. She loves sharing knowledge about the Devils River and DRC’s conservation work to protect one of Texas’ remaining wild places, so feel free to ask her questions! In addition to Birding the Border, a highlight of Dani’s year is joining the staff every summer for Rio Diablo Birding Camp, which offers opportunities for young birders to explore southwest Texas and build their birding skills while expanding their community of peers.
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Guides |
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Bryan Calk brings a lifetime of passion and expertise to his role as a professional birding and nature tour guide for Naturalist Journeys. 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.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, Bryan’s tours promise an unforgettable venture into the world of birds. |
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With a deep-rooted passion for avian and reptilian life, Brandon Nooner serves as a USDA Wildlife Biologist at Laughlin Air Force Base and is the driving force behind the BASH (Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard) Program there. 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. |
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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 while attending graduate school at Sul Ross State University.
Join David on his birding adventures and discover the beauty of avian life through the eyes of a true expert. |
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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.
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Romey Swanson is a lifelong birder and conservationist dedicated to the protection of Texas’ birds and wild places. He serves as President of the Texas Ornithological Society and is Executive Director of Devils River Conservancy, where he leads efforts to treasure, preserve, and protect one of the state’s last wild rivers and the ecologically important landscapes that surround it. With over 15 years of experience in bird conservation and research—including five years as Director of Conservation Strategy for Audubon Texas—Romey is a champion of private land stewardship, science-based management, and community-driven solutions. His fieldwork has included leading research on owls in the remote mountains of West Texas, helping to deepen understanding of the region’s unique avifauna and inform broader conservation efforts.
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Stephen Falick grew up in Houston, Texas, where his interest in birds began while watching a red-headed woodpecker at his grandparents’ feeder. Exploring the green spaces surrounding his childhood neighborhood, he developed a great interest not only in birds but also in reptiles, invertebrates, and plants. In 2015, Stephen first visited the Trans-Pecos to search for reptiles and instantly fell in love with the landscapes and wildlife of the region. He moved to Alpine, Texas, in the fall of 2018 to pursue a degree in biology at Sul Ross State University. In his time at Sul Ross Stephen has volunteered and worked as a field technician monitoring and banding wintering grassland birds. This hands on experience really propelled his love of birds forward. Now, Stephen works part time as a birding guide in west Texas while he is working on finishing his master’s degree, studying the jeweled wood-boring beetle family, Buprestidae.
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Mollee Brown is a lifelong lover of birds and nature based in West Virginia. She’s the owner of Nighthawk Agency, which creates custom projects with conservation and ecotourism organizations. Mollee has guided tours throughout the world for the past decade and loves to immerse in the wildlife, flora, and culture of each place she visits. She’s passionate about education as a means to conservation and serves on the boards of organizations including Frontiers in Ornithology and The Birding Co-op. She’s also the producer of Life List: A Birding Podcast and writes for a variety of bird and nature publications.
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Mark McDermott grew up in rural England as part of the last generation before video games. He’s been watching birds, and obsessed with nature for as long as he can remember. After getting a PhD in biochemistry in the UK, Mark moved to the USA over 20 years ago and has been in Texas for the last 13, where he works at Texas A&M University. He’s traveled all over Texas birding, and widely within the USA and further afield—his latest adventure just took him to the sub-Antarctic to look for penguins and albatross! Mark is passionate about sharing his love of nature and has been leading bird walks in Texas for over a decade. He is currently the President of Rio Brazos Audubon, and is proud to have been part of the successful effort to make College Station a Bird City!
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Birding Buddies |
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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’s Davis Mountains Preserve, 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. |
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Growing up in the Hill Country town of Comfort, Texas, birds and nature were always a part of Barbara Pankratz’s life. While in high school her mentor introduced her to birding and she was hooked when she saw her first male Painted Bunting. But it wasn’t until later when she visited the RGV during migration that she began looking at birds through new eyes. Barbara began participating in citizen science projects such as Christmas Bird Counts, Wildlife Management Surveys, Bird Bandings, International Shorebird Surveys, Climate Watches, and Nest Watches. Later, after she retired from a career in education, she became a Texas Master Naturalist and began participating in and leading bird surveys in/on local parks and ranches, guiding for Texas Ornithological Society, Texas A & M Agrilife Birding events, Laredo Birding Festival, Davis Mountains Hummingbird Celebration, Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, and Road Scholar. Barbara graduated from Texas A & M and has combined her love of history, wildflowers and birds into her overall birding experience. She enjoys identification challenges and studies of local birds. Barbara considers herself an avocational naturalist and lifelong learner who enjoys the science and education aspect of birding and nature. She was a founding member of the Uno Club – the goal being “one bird in every Texas county.” She has recorded birds in all 254 Texas counties, and is now working on completing “50 in Fifty” states.
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. |
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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. |
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Dr. Maureen Frank is the James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation Endowed Chair and Associate Professor of Conservation Biology at Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University. That super long title means that she gets to do both teaching and research in the most beautiful place in Texas! Originally from Colorado, Dr. Frank holds a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology from Utah State University. After graduate school, she came back to Texas to work as an Extension Wildlife Specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. In that role, she worked with Emily Grant to host the very first Birding the Border, as well as many other Birding with Extension programs. This year, she’s getting a promotion to Birding Buddy! Dr. Frank’s research focuses on avian Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Trans-Pecos, including wintering grassland sparrows, migratory shorebirds, and Sky Island owl species. She also dabbles in pollinator habitat studies, because good habitat supports so many species!
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Growing up in the heart of one of the largest cities in the US (Houston, TX) didn’t stop Emily Blumentritt from finding her love for nature and wildlife. Through volunteering for wetland restoration projects in urban settings, she discovered her passion for conservation-focused research that benefits people and wildlife. Emily got her bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology from Texas State University and developed a particularly strong interest in birds. She has worked as a technician on a variety of research projects focused on conservation and birds, including ecological functions of small-scale restored wetlands near the Texas coast, Black-crested Titmouse nesting behavior in the Texas hill country, and Prothonotary Warbler and Brown-headed Cowbird interactions in southern Illinois swamps. Emily is currently working towards her master’s degree at Sul Ross State University and Borderlands Research Institute. Her master’s thesis explores how birds in the Chihuahuan Desert grasslands utilize livestock tanks (aka cattle ponds) for water, food, and shelter. She is also examining how Long-billed Curlews are using habitats throughout the Trans-Pecos, from open rangelands to agricultural fields, and hopes to place GPS tracking backpacks on a few individuals to get detailed information on their movements. When she’s not conducting bird surveys and chasing curlews, Emily also birds for fun, and has enjoyed getting to know birds all across Texas and beyond.
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Beth McBroom
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Kathy Bader |
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Stephanie Lopez
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| Volunteers |
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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. |
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