Birding the Rio Grande Valley of Texas

For birders, few places in North America offer the vibrant diversity found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. This uniquely rich region hosts an extraordinary array of bird species, many of which are found nowhere else in the United States. From vibrant green jays to talkative great kiskadees to skulking clay-colored thrushes, the Valley is a living gallery of color, sound, and surprise.

Join Reefs to Rockies and Front Range Birding & Optics for a five-day journey through some of the most celebrated birding destinations in the country. We’ll explore hotspots like Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Santa Ana and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuges, Estero Llano Grande, and more. Expect close encounters with some of the most iconic and colorful birds in North America—parrots and parakeets included—as we spend full days in the field with an expert local guide leading the way.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply love the thrill of discovering new species in wild places, the Rio Grande Valley offers a birding experience like no other.

ABOUT YOUR GUIDE: Cheryl Wolfe is a lifelong explorer with a deep love for the outdoors. She brings both enthusiasm and experience to every trip she leads. She has guided birding tours across Texas, including the Upper Texas Gulf Coast and the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and is an active member of Central Texas Audubon, participating annually in Christmas Bird Counts. With a background in psychology from Texas A&M and a passion for connecting people to nature, Cheryl is excited to lead this five-day birding adventure through the Rio Grande Valley.

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Wed, March 4): Arrival and Welcome Dinner ~ Our trip begins with afternoon arrivals at McAllen International Airport (MFE), followed by a private transfer to our nearby hotel in San Juan. Once everyone’s settled in, we’ll come together for a welcome dinner and trip overview to kick off the adventure.
Accommodations: Home2 Suites by Hilton San Juan
Meals: Dinner

Plan to arrive to McAllen International Airport (MFE) by 4:30 pm today.

Day 2 (Thurs, March 5): Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley & Santa Ana NWR ~ Today we’ll explore two of the Valley’s most iconic birding locations. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is known for its riparian woodlands, thorn forest, and feeding stations that attract Altamira orioles, golden-fronted woodpeckers, and more. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, where regional specialties such as green jays and plain chachalacas—along with a variety of marsh and water birds—are among the highlights.
Accommodations: Home2 Suites by Hilton San Juan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 (Fri, March 6): Laguna Atascosa NWR & South Padre Island ~ This morning we head toward the coast to bird the vast and species-rich Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge protects one of North America’s most biologically diverse areas, home to over 400 bird species. In the afternoon, we’ll explore South Padre Island, visiting the Convention Center boardwalks and tidal flats of the Laguna Madre Trail, where herons, shorebirds, rails, and raptors often put on a show.

Accommodations: Home2 Suites by Hilton San Juan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4 (Sat, March 7): Hidalgo County Hotspots ~ We’ll spend the day birding a trio of standout locations in the World Birding Center network. Estero Llano Grande offers a variety of habitats from shallow lakes to forested trails—home to everything from least grebe to groove-billed ani. Edinburg Scenic Wetlands brings us up close to regional favorites like black-bellied whistling-duck, while Quinta Mazatlan adds an urban oasis filled with birds and beauty—think plain chachalacas, green jays, and maybe even a common pauraque hiding in the understory.

Accommodations: Home2 Suites by Hilton San Juan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5 (Sun, March 8): Morning Birding and Departures ~ After breakfast and a final half day of birding near San Juan or en route, we’ll return to McAllen International Airport (MFE) in time for afternoon flights home. Expect a relaxed pace with ample time for last looks at the dazzling birds of South Texas.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Plan to depart McAllen International Airport (MFE) after 4 pm today.

DETAILS

Price: $2425* per person based on two people sharing double occupancy accommodations. Add $250** if you prefer private, single occupancy accommodations.

Inclusions: accommodations; driver/guide; transportation from/to McAllen International Airport (MFE); daily guided birding; entrance fees; special use permits; all meals starting with Dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 5; and gratuities for your guide and at restaurants. A conservation donation will be made on behalf of all participants.

Exclusions: flights to/from McAllen (MFE-we’ll assist with flight recommendations); travel insurance; activities not listed; gratuities for hotel staff; and personal expenses.

*Price is for payment by check or ACH. Credit card fees, if applicable, will be assessed at time of payment based on card used.

** If you are a solo traveler that prefers to share a room, we’ll do our best to pair you. If we are unable to find a roommate for you, the private room supplement will apply.

Group Size: Min 4; Max 8 participants + Guide. Reefs to Rockies is known for small group sizes, ensuring personalized attention and a better guest-to-guide ratio.

A Note About Gratuities: Your trip cost includes gratuities for your guide, as well as at restaurants for included meals. This allows us to reliably and equitably compensate everyone working to make your experience seamless.

Level of Difficulty—Easy to Moderate: Birding will be on mostly level ground on well-maintained trails and boardwalks or along insular park roads. Some of the larger parks and refuges will require walking at least a mile, if not two with up to 3-5 miles total on a given day. There are interspaced benches for resting and walks will be separated with feeder watching or driving between birding locations. A trolley is available at Bentsen – Rio Grande Valley State Park to lessen the walking requirement. March temperatures are typically mild, but weather can vary.