Writer: Susan Himes, 325-657-7315, Susan.Himes@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Emily Grant, 830-774-7591, Emily.Grant@ag.tamu.edu
Quail is one of the many species of birds that draw nature tourists to Texas. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)
DEL RIO — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is holding a Benefiting from Birds workshop on March 27 at the Dink Wardlaw Ag Complex, 300 E. 17th St. in Del Rio.
There is a $25 fee, which includes dinner. RSVP by calling 830-774-7591.
This is the first educational program in a three-program series, the other two are: Texas Landowner Liability for Nature Tourism on May 15 and Benefiting from Wildlife and Hunting on Aug. 8.
All programs run from 5:30-7 p.m. at the complex. Registration is $25 per program or $60 for the series. Call 830-774-7591 or visit https://valverdeextension.ticketleap.com
“Val Verde County is one of the world’s richest and most unique birding destinations,” said Emily Grant, AgriLife Extension agent, Val Verde County. “Our county is located at the intersection of three distinctly different environments, making this the only place in the world where populations of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo and the scarce Montezuma quail overlap.”
With Val Verde County in the middle of the Central Flyway migratory path, the region has the potential to offer many nature tourism opportunities to ornithology enthusiasts, said Grant. An estimated 18 million Americans travel annually for birding trips.
Speakers will include wildlife specialists discussing habitat management and industry experts explaining how to start an ecotourism birding business. There will also be local birders providing firsthand experience as to what makes the region so attractive to bird watchers and photographers.
“Birding trips can range from $150 to over $1,000 a person. With very limited public lands in Texas, your ranch could be the next big birding spot in Texas,” Grant said. “This workshop is a great way to learn more about the potential financial benefits of nature tourism.”
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