Valley Nature Center & Estero Llano Grande’s
2009 Birding Field Trips
These mostly all day trips will be led by professional bird guides that know the birds and wildlife of the area. These are true birding trips and are designed for birders of all levels. Some trips can be fairly strenuous, including long walks. Please inquire when registering.
The trips, except for the Pontoon Boat, include transportation from the VNC in a passenger van, a light lunch and drinks, snacks, water, bug spray, an expert birding guide, and the pleasure of birding the Valley. Please bring your binoculars, field guides and other birding gear. Please see each trip for prices, times, and particulars. * Return times are approximate and if birding is good, the trips might be lengthened.
Please call the Valley Nature Center at (956) 969-2475 or e-mail to info@valleynaturecenter.org to pre-register and pay.
Date |
Location |
Time |
Fee |
Wed, Jan 28 |
Upper Rio Grande
(Starr Co – Chapeno & Salineno) |
6am – 3pm |
$35 |
Fri, Jan 30 |
Rain Date |
||
Wed, Feb 4 |
Sal del Rey Salt Lake*
(& Delta Co Park for lunch) |
7am – 2pm |
$35 |
Fri, Feb 6 |
Rain Date |
||
Wed, Feb 11 |
Parrots & Resaca del la Palmas State Park
|
7am – 2pm |
$35 |
Fri, Feb 13 |
Rain Date |
||
Fri, Feb 18 |
San Miguelito Ranch (Willacy County – Ferruginous Pygmy Owl) |
6am - 2pm |
$65 |
Fri, Feb 20 |
Rain Date |
||
Wed, Feb 25 |
Laguna Atascosa NWR |
7am - 2pm |
$35 |
Fri, Feb 27 |
Rain Date |
||
Wed Mar 4 |
South Padre Island |
7am - 2pm |
$35 |
Fri, Mar 6 |
Rain Date |
- Departs from VNC in Weslaco
- 15 passenger van
- 12 participants max & 1 guide
- Box lunch & drinks provided ** If vegetarian please advise when registering
2009 Pontoon Boat trips
Date |
Location |
Time |
Fee |
Thu, Feb 26 |
Rio Grande Pontoon Boat |
*9am – 11am |
$18 |
Thu, Mar 5 |
Rio Grande Pontoon Boat |
*9am – 11am |
$18 |
- Pontoon Boat trips do not include van transportation or lunch
- Meet at the dock in Mission at 8:40am – Ask for directional map when registering
- *Departs at 9:00am for 2 hour ride on the river with guides.
Roy Rodriguez is a local professional Bird and Nature Guide and is considered one of our best guides in this area. Roy not only leads the tours but becomes somewhat of teacher in the field. His knowledge is readily shared, and often all aspects of nature are pointed out, not just the birds. Participants always comments on Roy’s awesome abilities in the field and his willingness to share.
