Leaders: Paul Pisano and Len Bisson

Subtropical wildlife from Mexico barely crosses into the US in the Rio Grande Valley of extreme south Texas. Enjoy the great variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife with a week-long exploration of this dynamic ecosystem. Plain Chachalaca, Great Kiskadee, Ringed Kingfisher, Altamira Oriole and Green Jay are just a few of the species rarely, if ever, found elsewhere in the US.

November is a peak season for activity here, as many migrants are arriving to join the resident birds, butterfly numbers and diversity are near peak, and the blazing hot temperatures of summer have receded.

We will plan day trips to habitats ranging from the Chihuahuan desert scrub of Falcon State Park to the expansive coastal flats of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and nearby South Padre Island. Other great birding sites we will be sure to visit include Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, and Estero Llano Grande State Park, among others.