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Birding the Hills: Wonderful wildlife with a side of wild weather

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Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate, not even for a group of her most ardent fans, including nature lovers, bird watchers and wildlife photographers.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service held their Birding the Hills event across the Edwards Plateau ecoregion Oct. 7-11. Participants came from out of state and across Texas to participate in the multiday event.

The first day was a success with several sought-after species spotted, but windy conditions and an approaching storm front made subsequent days more of a challenge. However, many participants felt seeing native and exotic wildlife up close more than made up for it.

A Huttons vireo was spotted on day one. (Photo courtesy Bryan Calk)

A Huttons vireo was spotted on day one. (Photo courtesy Bryan Calk)

“While the windy weather was not the best birding weather, we were able to get some great birds,” said participant Consuelo Hoke of Del Rio. “My favorite birds were a sharp-shinned hawk and a Kestrel hawk that chased each other for about 20 minutes. We were very fortunate to be able to see some beautiful private Hill Country ranches.”

The group visited different terrain each day in order to have the most potential success to see a wide assortment of birds. Some of the private lands visited had never before  been open to birders. Zebra, watusi, fallow deer, sika deer, kudu, markhor and aoudad were among the non-feathered species that participants were able to photograph on the private lands.

Zebra on one of the private ranches visited. (AgriLife Extension photo by Emily Grant)

Zebra on one of the private ranches visited. (AgriLife Extension photo by Emily Grant)

“Any birding trip is at the whim of the weather,” said Maureen Frank, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde. “We had a gorgeous first day of Birding the Hills, but even though the birds hunkered down after that, we experienced a wide variety of private lands. Participants learned about different wildlife management with each ranch being unique in its flora, fauna, history and current goals. This trip took birders behind the gates to learn about wildlife and ranching in Texas.”

Birding with Extension programs work to connect birders with landowners in Texas, explained Emily Grant, AgriLife Extension agent for Val Verde County and event organizer.

The Inca Dove was another species spotted during the event. (Photo courtesy Bryan Calk)

The Inca Dove was another species spotted during the event. (Photo courtesy Bryan Calk)

“With Texas being more than 95% private land, there is much of our state that most people don’t ever get to see,” Grant said. “Our birding programs are a great way for birders, photographers and nature enthusiasts to get to explore these parts of Texas.”

In addition to enjoying the sights and sounds of the Hill Country, the group was also treated to catered lunches in the field that featured some unique regional cuisine. Dinners were spent in Hill Country restaurants where the group shared photos and their birding highlights nightly with each other.

Watusi cattle were among the exotics spotted. (AgriLife Extension photo by Susan Himes)

Watusi cattle were among the exotics spotted. (AgriLife Extension photo by Susan Himes)

“Birding the Hills showcased a wide variety of landscapes, habitats and management strategies on private lands across the central Hill Country,” said professional birding guide and avian biologist Bryan Calk of Harlingen. “This unique opportunity to bird on so many places, that we wouldn’t typically have access to, provided a birding and guiding experience unlike any I’d had before.

“Emily and Maureen work hard to make sure their expeditions are something that participating birders won’t soon forget, and Birding the Hills was no exception. I can’t wait to be back again for the Birding the Border Festival in April 2020.”

Birding the Hills participants. (AgriLife Extension photo by Susan Himes)

Birding the Hills participants. (AgriLife Extension photo by Susan Himes)

The next Birding with Extension event will be April 15-18. Birding the Border will consist of a festival, informational speakers and over 30 different optional birding trips participants may select from.

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Birding the Hills set Oct. 7-11 in Hill Country

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Multi-day, single-day options now available!

Registration is now open for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Birding the Hills, Oct. 7-11.

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

“This is ideal for bird watchers and nature photographers,” said Emily Grant, AgriLife Extension agent, Val Verde County.  “Participants will engage with expert speakers and be able to observe birds on private land not previously open to the public.”

Birding the Hills will be limited to 15 participants. Online registration is available at https://valverdeextension.ticketleap.com/birding-the-hills/. The cost is $250 per day or $850 for the entire event.

The cost includes lunch and dinner while in the field and transportation to 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 the 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.

“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 include the pied-billed grebe, white-tailed kite, Swainson’s hawk, common ground dove, rufous-crowned sparrow, clay-colored sparrow, pyrrhuloxia, canyon wren and canyon towhee.

“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.”

Each day will feature a different guest speaker during the lunch break covering a wide-range of topics related to birding and wildlife.

The educational programs and speakers include:

-Oct. 7,  Birding and Bird Watching: Contributions to Our Conservation Legacy – Romey Swanson, Audubon Texas director of conservation strategy, Dallas.

-Oct. 8,  Beef, Birds and Butterflies: Sustainable Coexistence in an Agroecosystem – John Tomecek, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, San Angelo.

-Oct. 9,  Back(yard) 40: Managing Songbirds on Lands Large and Small – Maureen Frank, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde.

-Oct. 10,  Land Management at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area – Ryan Reitz, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist, Kerr.

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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AgriLife Extension’s Birding the Hills set Oct. 7-11 in Fredericksburg

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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.

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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AgriLife Extension’s Benefiting from Birds workshop set March 27 in Del Rio

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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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Hill Country land stewardship conference set April 25-26 in Kerrville

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Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5608, skledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Dr. Larry Redmon, 979-845-4826, l-redmon@tamu.edu

KERRVILLE – The Hill Country has its own special needs when it comes to managing livestock and wildlife and incorporating the millions of individuals who come to vacation, hunt and relax in the ranching environments.

The sixth annual Hill Country Land Stewardship Conference hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service April 25-26 in Kerrville offers a chance for landowners in the region to learn more about addressing issues that arise when ranching and tourism combine, said Dr. Larry Redmon, AgriLife Extension program leader, College Station.

“We keep coming back and offering speakers on everything from grazing to prescribed fire and legal issues to wildlife management because our clientele in the region say they want to learn more,” Redmon said.

The conference will open with on-site registration, check-in and breakfast at 7:30 a.m. April 25 at the Y.O. Ranch Hotel, 2033 Sidney Baker St. The program will begin at 8:30 a.m.

The conference fee is $75 and includes all meals, break refreshments and tour transportation costs. Registration will be available through April 15 at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/BennettTrust or 979-845-2604.

Redmon said several speakers will offer insight on some of the less-thought-of aspects of ranching or land ownership.

Topics and speakers include:

— Managing for Unwanted Plant Species, Dr. Robert Lyons, AgriLife Extension range specialist, Uvalde.

— Birding in the Hill Country, Dr. Maureen Frank, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde.

— Top Laws Texas Landowners Need to Know, Dr. Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist, Amarillo.

— Using Prescribed Burning on Your Property, Dr. Morgan Treadwell, AgriLife Extension range specialist, San Angelo.

— How to Incorporate Exotics, Charly Seale, Exotic Wildlife Association executive director, Kerrville.

— Managing Your Whitetail Deer, Redmon.

The second day of the conference will be dedicated to tours. Attendees will pick from tours of the Hillingdon Ranch in Kendall County, where legacy management will be discussed, or the Cimarron Ranch in Kerr County, where wildlife management will be the topic.

For more information, contact Linda Francis at L-francis@tamu.edu or an AgriLife Extension agent in the region, or go to http://agrilife.org/bennetttrust/.

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Birding the Hills program set for April 29-May 3

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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 Birding the Hills program will focus on birding sites in the Texas Hill Country. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service graphic)

“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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Birding the Border and Birding the Hills – Register Now!

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Birding the Border begins April 22nd-April 26th, 2019  in Val Verde County, a fantastic birding event in the borderlands of southwest Texas! Traveling through the Edwards Plateau, South Texas Brush, and other unique habitats of the Del Rio area to find target species such as golden-cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo, white-collared seedeater, black-tailed gnatcatcher, elf owl, and all three species of kingfisher. Then join us in Gillespie County, April 29th-May 3rd, 2019 in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and the Edwards Plateau ecoregion. 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.

But why should you join and register for the Birding the Border and Birding the Hills events? Have we mentioned that we are giving away a pair of Vortex Optics Crossfire 8X42 Binoculars if you register before January 1, 2019?

Why else should you register? Don’t worry, we’ve got that figured out too with our Top 10 Reasons to Register!

Registration open for Birding the Border program

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April 22-26 program to feature sites in Kinney, Val Verde counties

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

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

Emily Grant, 830-774-7591, emily.grant@ag.tamu.edu

DEL RIO – Registration is open for the Birding the Border program to be presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service from April 22-26 at locations in Kinney and Val Verde counties.

Birding locations include sites at private ranches, Devil’s River State Natural Area and Kickapoo Caverns State Park, San Felipe Creek and Vega Verde Road.

The Birding the Border program is for both novice and experienced birders. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service graphic)

“The goal of this program is to provide a unique birding experience in southwest Texas that goes beyond a typical birding tour,” said Dr. Maureen Frank, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde. “It will feature both public and private lands, and educational talks about bird ecology and management.”

Frank said while she expects many experienced birders to attend this program, birders of all experience levels are welcome to participate.

“At the 2018 Birding the Border program, participants saw more than 130 bird species,” she said. “The birding experience also provides numerous photographic opportunities for those who would like to bring cameras.”

Birders watch for “target birds” during one of the Birding the Border programs. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

Frank said “target birds” for sighting at the 2019 program include the golden-cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo, white-collared seedeater, gray vireo, green jay, great kiskadee, varied bunting, elf owl and three species of kingfishers.

The program also includes presentations on bird biology, habitat and behavior.

Lodging for four nights and meals will be provided to those who want it, and transportation to the various sites is free for all participants. Participation will be limited to 16 people.

If no lodging is wanted, the cost will be $650 per person. For a double room, the cost is $750 per person. For a single room, the cost is $850. To register online, go to https://valverdeextension.ticketleap.com.

Program tours will begin at 5 p.m. April 22 and conclude at 11:30 a.m. April 26.

Frank said field trips will include easy-to-moderate terrain and a combination of walks, short-to-moderate hikes and roadside birding.

“April in southwest Texas usually offers beautiful weather with warm days and mild nights, but rain is possible,” she said. “Please check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.”

For more program information, go to https://valverde.agrilife.org/birding-the-border/ .

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Registration open for 2018 Birding on the Border program

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April 23-26 program will include sites in Kinney, Val Verde counties

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

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

BRACKETTVILLE – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will present a Birding the Border program from April 23-26 of next year at locations in Kinney and Val Verde counties.

The program will begin at 5:30 p.m. April 23 and conclude at 10:30 p.m. April 26. Birding locations will include sites at Fort Clark Springs, private ranches, Kickapoo Caverns State Park and San Felipe Creek.

Fort Clark Springs will be one of the Birding on the Border program sites. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)

“The goal of this program is to provide attendees with a unique birding experience in southwest Texas that goes beyond a typical birding tour,” said Dr. Maureen Frank, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, Uvalde. “It will feature both public and private lands, and educational talks about bird ecology and management.”

Frank said while she expects many experienced birders to be interested in this program, birders of all experience levels are welcome to participate.

Frank said “target birds” for the program include the golden-cheeked warbler, black-capped vireo, white-collared seedeater, gray vireo, green jay, great kiskadee, varied bunting, black-tailed gnatcatcher, elf owl and three species of kingfishers.

During the program, Frank will also provide educational presentation on migration phenology, building a native bird habitat and preventing invasive species, and basic bird biology, habitat and behavior.

Lodging for four nights and meals will be provided, as well as transportation to the various birding sites. All nights will be at the same lodging locale in Fort Clark Springs.

The program cost is $625 per person, $525 if sharing a room and $425 if there’s no lodging. To register online, go to https://birdingtheborder-tamu.ticketleap.com/bb2018/.

“The field trips will include easy to moderate terrain and a combination of walks, short to moderate hikes and roadside birding,” Frank said.

Upon arrival, participants will have a meal at historic Fort Clark Springs in Brackettville where they will learn about the area and the bird species they can expect to encounter.

“We will spend time birding at Fort Clark Springs, where dozens of species of migratory birds pass through on their way north,” Frank said. “We will also have the opportunity to bird at a local private ranch with golden-cheeked warbler habitat, then enjoy a catered picnic at Kickapoo Ranch State Park in time to watch the bats depart and listen for owls.”

Attendees will spend one morning at a local ranch known for its populations of painted buntings, northern bobwhite and orioles. Lunch on that day will be in the native plant garden at the ranch and will include a program on habitat management for songbirds.

Frank said the birding experience will also provide numerous photographic opportunities for those who would like to bring cameras.

“April in southwest Texas usually offers beautiful weather with warm days and mild nights, but rain is possible,” Frank said. “Please check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.”

To see an event flyer, go to http://counties.agrilife.org/kinney/files/2017/07/Flyer.pdf .

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