Writer: Susan Himes, 325-657-7315, Susan.Himes@ag.tamu.eduContacts: Emily Grant, 830-774-7591, Emily.Grant@ag.tamu.edu

Brad W. Roeder, 830-997-3452,  BWRoeder@ag.tamu.edu

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Birding the Hills will run Oct. 7-11.

FREDERICKSBURG — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is holding a multi-day birding workshop Oct. 7-11 in Fredericksburg.

Birding the Hills will be limited to 15 participants. Online registration is available at https://valverdeextension.ticketleap.com/birding-the-hills/. The total cost is $850, with $500 required to reserve a spot.

The cost includes lunch and dinner while in the field and transportation to and from the birding locations in the Edwards Plateau ecoregion. Departures each morning will be from the AgriLife Extension office in Gillespie County, 95 Frederick Road, Fredericksburg.

The Edwards Plateau covers an area of West Central Texas that lies roughly between San Angelo, Del Rio, Austin and San Antonio. The eastern part of this region is considered Texas Hill Country.

Workshop highlights include a welcome dinner, three full-days of birding, photography opportunities at a private ranch acclaimed by nature photographers and access to private lands, some of which have never been birded before. There will also be educational presentations during lunch.

“Birding the Hills is a great birding program for beginner and intermediate birders,” said Emily Grant, AgriLife Extension agent, Val Verde County. “We’ve focused on educating landowners and birders about the opportunity to use private lands for nature tourism opportunities, and we now will have access to some truly remarkable properties.”

Some of the species the workshop hopes to see includes the golden-cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo, yellow-billed cuckoo, blue grosbeak and zone-tailed hawk.

“We’re right in the heart of Texas Hill Country, and we’re excited to welcome birders from Texas and across the U.S. to this event,” said Brad Roeder, AgriLife Extension agent, Gillespie County. “Participants will gain access to some of the most scenic ranches and places in Gillespie County.”

Participants are encouraged to register and then book accommodations immediately due to the high demand in Fredericksburg year-round. A list of hotels, recommended items to pack and additional details are available by contacting Grant at 830-774-7591 or Roeder at 830-997-3452.

 

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Texas Hill Country birding event will focus on Gillespie County

Writer: Paul Schattenberg, 210-859-5752, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu

Contact: Dr. Maureen Frank, 830-278-9151, mgfrank@tamu.edu

FREDERICKSBURG — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present a Birding the Hills program in Gillespie County from April 29-May 3.

“We decided to plan this program after the success of Birding the Border in Val Verde and Kinney counties last year,” said Dr. Maureen Frank, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde. “Gillespie County is in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and this program allows for three full days of birding in the Edwards Plateau ecoregion.”

Program attendees will learn about the area and its bird species during a welcome dinner upon arrival, Frank said.

“The following days will be full of birding on both public lands and private ranches in a variety of habitats, with educational programs presented by subject experts each day at lunchtime,” she said. “We will travel through the unique habitats of the Fredericksburg area to find target species such as golden-cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo, yellow-billed cuckoo, blue grosbeak and zone-tailed hawk.”

The price is $1,200, with half that amount due in the form of a deposit to reserve a spot. This price covers lodging, transportation, meals, access to birding sites and participation by avian experts.

Participation will be limited to 16 people.

All accommodations will be at the Inn on Barons Creek, 308 S. Washington St. in Fredericksburg. Participants may check in as early as 3 p.m. April 29 and must check out by noon May 3. Breakfast is included with service starting at 6 a.m. Tour departure times each day will range from 6:30-7 a.m.

Frank said attendees should check the weather forecast before their trip and pack accordingly.

“April is when this region typically gets some rain, so we recommend a good rain coat and any protective gear needed for your birding equipment,” she said. “We also recommend packing a light jacket, long pants, shorts, long-sleeved shirts and short-sleeved shirts.”

Sturdy walking or hiking shoes are a necessity, she said, as some birding sites require walking over uneven terrain. Participants should be comfortable with moderate physical activity. In the event of inclement weather the program schedule may need to be modified, but there will be no refunds given.

Frank said participants should be prepared for a complete birding experience in some of the state’s most beautiful wild habitats.

“Bring any equipment that you would like to use for birding, such as binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras and field guides,” she said. “There will be wi-fi internet service at the hotel, but cell phone service will be limited throughout the areas we will travel.”

Frank also suggested bringing insect repellent to keep away biting insects, which are active in the spring. Participants will be required to sign liability forms, including forms that provide access to certain private properties.

“We anticipate this will be another successful and exciting AgriLife Extension birding program,” she said.

For more information, go to: https://wildlife.tamu.edu/birding/.

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