As there is little likelihood that I'll ever get there (or pretty much anywhere else) to see most of these birds, I truly love seeing them up close in your videos, so thanks you for doing the work, even though it's fun for you, and sharing with us!!
I would like to add a few things, though the info may not reach as many people, this being from 7 months ago. 1) As with all birding, morning is best, not only because the sun gets warmer and activity wanes, but this region can be typically windy as the day goes on. 2) racking up a list of 80-100 species is possible, especially where there are wetlands, but birds of South Texas are naturally scarce and hide in the dense brush very well. Feeding areas can concentrate birds, but time, patience and familiarity with calls will help you a lot in the often seemingly birdless interiors of parks and reserves. On that note a lot of the regular wintering warblers not seen elsewhere in the states tend to also be scarce. Are there Black-throated Green, Black-throated Gray, Yellow-throated and Black-and-white Warblers? Yes. You will have to go through many yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned Warblers to find them. 3) if you are like me and you enjoy desert birds and sifting through sparrows, you will do better moving away from valley reserves and into the interior of the bushland away from the valley, and birds such as Cactus Wren and Black-throated Sparrow will become more prevalent once you get to Starr County. 4) because of ongoing droughts and water diversion for cropland in the valley, many sites may be dry. When I was down there 2 years ago, this was the case, and Resaca De La Palma and Sabal Palm were both bone dry. Estero Llano, Santa Ana and Bentsen-Rio all had water and did not seem to be subject to the same water usage restrictions. Hope this helps.
I was just in South TX visiting the Rio Grande Valley parks in February. I love it there and will definitely be visiting often. Many of the parks have cameras throughout, I was told by birding guides. I felt safer knowing the state of TX was monitoring and also the Federal Border patrols have cameras.
Thank you so much for this information. Looks like I must put it on my list. Maybe next spring in connection with southern Arizona. I went there in March, and had a fantastic time exploring Madera Canyon, cave Creek Canyon and Ramsey Canyon- already planning to return next spring a bit later in the spring. If you haven’t been there yet, put in on your list !
Unrelated, Texas is a wonderful diverse state, and while the valley is unique and has a high level of endemism, I encourage people to spend time in transition zones between South Texas and the Trans-Pecos. Areas like in Val Verde County near Del Rio are highly underbirded, and nearly any Eastern or Western species can show up in this area, and scrutiny has turned up many rarities as well as a few birds typically found further south in the Rio Grand Valley. So keep that in mind when visiting Texas if you have time.
We just got back from our first briding trip to the Lower Rio Grande Valley! We only had 5 full days to spend there, but had a great time. Your other videos were helpful for planning the trip, and everything you said in this one was spot-on. Thanks for sharing!
I visited South Texas in April 2012 with a group of french birdwatchers. We had lots of fun. Our only disappointment was because we missed the Aplomado Falcon.
Ryan and Derek is the Sable Palm Grove still open I remember going there that was a great place to go to but then that was back in 2010 that is when I was there .
Toying with a trip in that direction the end of this year. I am pretty good with eBird research, but what county/counties since four are mentioned for the area? Once I can see a map of the area, I should be able to work out the beginnings of a plan. Glad I saw this today - thanks!
I would actually suggest checking out some of our videos at the specific parks to see what kind of things are there and which ones are the best. A lot of times it is dependent upon which rare birds are around and where they’ve decided to show up. Cities to note are Brownsville and south padre island among others
Cameron and Hidalgo Counties tend to attract the most rarities, and hold nearly all valley specialties, but birds like Red-billed Pigeon, and Morelet's Seedeater, are found further west in Starr, Zapata and Webb Counties. Muscovy Duck is most regular in Starr County.
Link to LRGV Visiting Birders GroupMe: chat.whatsapp.com/HQL9VfblgcGKB66aq7CFfc
My wife and I were there in 2018 for the first time. We had lots of fun.
Thanks so much for this!!! I’m going to the Rio Grande Valley next week, super excited
You're gonna have so much fun!
As there is little likelihood that I'll ever get there (or pretty much anywhere else) to see most of these birds, I truly love seeing them up close in your videos, so thanks you for doing the work, even though it's fun for you, and sharing with us!!
You’re very welcome!
Bellissimi
I needed this video a ton! My family has a trip planned for S Padre Island in May!
Thank you guys!
South Padre can be an absolutely insane place for warblers during migration
that may be a little late for migratory birds but the locals will still be there
I would like to add a few things, though the info may not reach as many people, this being from 7 months ago.
1) As with all birding, morning is best, not only because the sun gets warmer and activity wanes, but this region can be typically windy as the day goes on.
2) racking up a list of 80-100 species is possible, especially where there are wetlands, but birds of South Texas are naturally scarce and hide in the dense brush very well. Feeding areas can concentrate birds, but time, patience and familiarity with calls will help you a lot in the often seemingly birdless interiors of parks and reserves. On that note a lot of the regular wintering warblers not seen elsewhere in the states tend to also be scarce. Are there Black-throated Green, Black-throated Gray, Yellow-throated and Black-and-white Warblers? Yes. You will have to go through many yellow-rumped and Orange-crowned Warblers to find them.
3) if you are like me and you enjoy desert birds and sifting through sparrows, you will do better moving away from valley reserves and into the interior of the bushland away from the valley, and birds such as Cactus Wren and Black-throated Sparrow will become more prevalent once you get to Starr County.
4) because of ongoing droughts and water diversion for cropland in the valley, many sites may be dry. When I was down there 2 years ago, this was the case, and Resaca De La Palma and Sabal Palm were both bone dry. Estero Llano, Santa Ana and Bentsen-Rio all had water and did not seem to be subject to the same water usage restrictions.
Hope this helps.
@@uniquity2 great info!
I was just in South TX visiting the Rio Grande Valley parks in February. I love it there and will definitely be visiting often. Many of the parks have cameras throughout, I was told by birding guides. I felt safer knowing the state of TX was monitoring and also the Federal Border patrols have cameras.
I bet you had a blast
perfect timing. Im retiring and so can devote time and resources to birding now. thank you.
Don’t go in August lol. Good birds at 105F and super humid. Temperature is still around 80s at night.
Fair, haha
Love the RGV! Been 2 times before, one in February and a month during spring migration.
Gosh, I really need to get down there. Great video!
Yeah man you do! 👍👍👍
Thank you so much for this information. Looks like I must put it on my list. Maybe next spring in connection with southern Arizona. I went there in March, and had a fantastic time exploring Madera Canyon, cave Creek Canyon and Ramsey Canyon- already planning to return next spring a bit later in the spring. If you haven’t been there yet, put in on your list !
It's amazing! We did a video birding Ramsey Canyon if you want to check it out!
And other hotspots
@@BadgerlandBirding thanks can’t wait to check out your video!
Unrelated, Texas is a wonderful diverse state, and while the valley is unique and has a high level of endemism, I encourage people to spend time in transition zones between South Texas and the Trans-Pecos. Areas like in Val Verde County near Del Rio are highly underbirded, and nearly any Eastern or Western species can show up in this area, and scrutiny has turned up many rarities as well as a few birds typically found further south in the Rio Grand Valley. So keep that in mind when visiting Texas if you have time.
I've seen the rare whooping crane every year in the rockport Texas area. Amazing bird who is on the endangered list
Awesome bird for sure!
You're correct. I went there this April and had great birding. 👍
We just got back from our first briding trip to the Lower Rio Grande Valley! We only had 5 full days to spend there, but had a great time. Your other videos were helpful for planning the trip, and everything you said in this one was spot-on. Thanks for sharing!
Glad to hear the videos were helpful!
I’ve been to the Lower RGV and completely agree!
The man, the myth, the legend
Had so much fun there.
Knew it lol
Those were great tips. I've never been there, but I know it would be a lot of fun.
It really is!
I visited South Texas in April 2012 with a group of french birdwatchers. We had lots of fun. Our only disappointment was because we missed the Aplomado Falcon.
The Aplos can definitely be tricky
I’ve been to TX 5 times, 3 were to the Rio Grande Valley area.
would love to go with a group there.
Where is the link for LRGV Visiting Birders. Great video very good information.
Link to LRGV Visiting Birders GroupMe: chat.whatsapp.com/HQL9VfblgcGKB66aq7CFfc
Best place in t 3:54 exas is in Port Aransas at the LeonaBelle Turnbull birding reserve.
Ryan and Derek is the Sable Palm Grove still open I remember going there that was a great place to go to but then that was back in 2010 that is when I was there .
Who’s Bryan? 😮
Toying with a trip in that direction the end of this year. I am pretty good with eBird research, but what county/counties since four are mentioned for the area? Once I can see a map of the area, I should be able to work out the beginnings of a plan. Glad I saw this today - thanks!
I would actually suggest checking out some of our videos at the specific parks to see what kind of things are there and which ones are the best. A lot of times it is dependent upon which rare birds are around and where they’ve decided to show up. Cities to note are Brownsville and south padre island among others
@@BadgerlandBirding Thanks! Sounds like a good start to a plan! I will absorb all your vids over time!
Cameron and Hidalgo Counties tend to attract the most rarities, and hold nearly all valley specialties, but birds like Red-billed Pigeon, and Morelet's Seedeater, are found further west in Starr, Zapata and Webb Counties. Muscovy Duck is most regular in Starr County.
Is all of the video footage here from your previous visit or are you back there?
I've been there 4 times, Ryan 3, and these are all from out past trips. I wish we were there right now though! - Derek
I want to go back so badly. Travel is just so much money
Yeah…I feel that
Government cause fear not Mexico 😂
Frl