South Texas Winter Birding Hotspots – From Whooping Cranes to Rio Grande Valley Specialties
February 14-19, 2025
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South Texas is where the Lone Star State’s birding is at its best. The Coastal Bend is home to overwintering Whooping Cranes, one of the world’s rarest birds, as well as waterfowl, waders, terns and more. The Lower Rio Grande Valley’s subtropical habitats provide for year-round specialties extending their range beyond Mexico, as well as wintering habitat for neotropical migrants rarely found north of here in winter and the southernmost habitat for larger migrants like Snow and Greater White-fronted geese.
Spend some time getting to know diverse landscapes from Rockport to the Rio Grande and from Santa Ana to South Padre Island. Each day will be filled at a variety of birding hotspots in search of Whooping Cranes, Green Jays, Altamira Orioles, Plain Chachalacas, parrots, raptors, and more. With more than 500 species recorded in the region, both expert and novice birders will find an array of avian delights.
Escape Colorado’s winter weather and join Front Range Birding Company & Reefs to Rockies for an unforgettable winter birding adventure in South Texas.
About Your Expedition Leader: Chip Clouse is a long-time bird tour leader and Reefs to Rockies’ Lead Naturalist Guide. He’s also ProStaff for Opticron Optics and Former Manager of Front Range Birding Company. Originally enamored with tooth and claw predators, his fascination with birds started by volunteering with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to monitor Peregrine Falcon nest sites. His fascination and love for birds was cemented once he saw his first Western Tanager while working for the Peregrine Fund in Oregon. Chip’s experience includes 20 years of bird research and project management experience in nine states and the Caribbean nation of Grenada, a Masters in Conservation Biology from Colorado State University, five years with the American Birding Association, two years as a rep with Novagrade Digiscoping adapters and stints guiding at 15+ different US birding festivals. Chip is excited to share his love of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley birds this winter.
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Fri, Feb 14): Arrival to Corpus Christi and drive to Rockport ~ Afternoon arrival to Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP). Chip Clouse, our guide, will be arriving to Corpus Christi from Denver and will gather us together at Baggage Claim and then grab the rental van. Afternoon birding en route to Rockport to include Indian Point.