AgriLife Extension Wildlife & Fisheries
AgriLife Extension Wildlife & FisheriesTeaching, Research, Extension and Service

Birding the Border 2026 Recap

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Let’s Talk Birds

From standout rarities to unforgettable views, participants experienced incredible birding throughout the week.

  • Tropical Parula
  • Tropical × Northern Parula hybrid
  • Golden-cheeked Warbler
  • Black-and-white Warbler
  • Common Yellowthroat
  • Black-capped Vireos at 8 locations
  • Morelet’s Seedeater on private property
  • Red-shouldered Hawk × Gray Hawk hybrid
  • Phainopepla
  • Gray Hawk for the second consecutive year in Val Verde County

Birding with Extension Lifers

  • Least Grebe
  • American Bittern
  • White-tailed Kite
🔗 View the Full eBird Trip Report

🔗 View the Full eBird Trip Report

    Learning Beyond the Bird List

    Birding the Border 2026 expanded opportunities for participants to engage directly with bird research and conservation.

    With support from Angelo State University faculty member Dr. Ben Skipper, participants observed bird banding firsthand and beginner birders experienced the unique opportunity to see birds up close while learning about avian research and monitoring techniques.

    New “Into the Field” experiences also provided participants with behind-the-scenes looks at active research projects, including Black-capped Vireo nesting studies. These experiences were designed to provide high-level educational opportunities and connect participants directly with conservation science happening in the region.

    With support from Angelo State University faculty member Dr. Ben Skipper, participants observed bird banding firsthand and beginner birders experienced the unique opportunity to see birds up close while learning about avian research and monitoring techniques.

    New “Into the Field” experiences also provided participants with behind-the-scenes looks at active research projects, including Black-capped Vireo nesting studies. These experiences were designed to provide high-level educational opportunities and connect participants directly with conservation science happening in the region.

    Participants also enjoyed outstanding evening programs and educational seminars throughout the event.

    Keynote speaker Rebeka Rylander with Rio Grande Joint Ventures inspired attendees through her presentation at the Birding with Extension Dinner. We were also excited to have artist Chris Ruggia joined Romey Swanson for a unique live painting experience during afternoon seminars where he competed three owl paintings during the hour presentation.

    These evening programs highlighted the connection between birds, art, education, and conservation while creating memorable shared experiences for participants.


    New “Into the Field” experiences also provided participants with behind-the-scenes looks at active research projects, including Black-capped Vireo nesting studies. These experiences were designed to provide high-level educational opportunities and connect participants directly with conservation science happening in the region.

    Thank You to Our Sponsors

    Birding the Border would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, landowners, guides, volunteers, presenters, and participants. Thank you for supporting birding education, conservation, and community engagement in southwest Texas.

    Save the Date!

    Birding the Border 2027
    April 30 – May 2, 2027

    We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another incredible weekend of birds, conservation, research, and community in Del Rio, TX.

    We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another incredible weekend of birds, conservation, research, and community in southwest Texas.

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

    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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