The RGVBF has long been famed for its low ratio of participants to leaders, and, also, the quality of its leaders. You may find yourself in the field with David Sibley or Kenn Kaufman or Jon Dunn. Or maybe Michael O’Brien and Kevin Karlson (The Shorebird Guide) or Bill Clark (Peterson’s Hawks of North America) or Jeffrey Gordon (ABA President)…and the list doesn’t end there!
FIELD GUIDE TO THE ICONS
IMPORTANT NOTES ON TRIPS: Please stay in or near Harlingen during the Festival. Trips cannot be met at the sites. Scopes and camera are fine on most trips. Icons just designate a better opportunity. For special trips designed for photographers, see RGVBF PhotoTrack section. Be prepared for sun and bugs on all trips. Water and water bottles provided. Vegetarian lunches available. Choose when registering online. The bus/van designation may change. We reserve the right to make adjustments as needed. Be aware that a van trip means a limited space trip, and one that probably sells out quickly.
! ALERT: for Brownsville East, and Whooper trips: U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Check Stations are involved with these trips. Each vehicle is subject to a quick inspection and basic questions. The process is routine, most stops are brief. All passengers need to carry one piece of proper identification (Drivers License, Passport, Student ID card) to verify U.S. Citizenship. Foreign nationals must have all appropriate documentation to avoid delay or detainment. Border Patrol agents are required to determine the immigration status of every traveler. Participants without proper ID will not be permitted to board vehicles.
* designates a special trip—new offering or distinctive leader or only conducted this year.
For those that need minimal walking:
Families are welcome on any trip, and the following would be a special experience:
First trip to the Valley? Here are the famous not-to-be-missed sites:
Interesting choices beyond the famous parks:
Beginners are always welcome on all trips. Some sites are easier for new birders to spot birds and enjoy their trip. We recommend:
