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 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.”

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/ .

-30-

The post Registration open for Birding the Border program appeared first on AgriLife Today.

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.

“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 .

-30-