Important Birds & Important Bird Areas: South Texas › PDF › nhtravel › SoTexas2011.pdf ·...

208 South Great Road ▲ Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773 Phone:800.289.9504 ▲ 781.259.2165 ▲ [email protected]

Important Birds & Important Bird Areas:

South Texas

Winter Rio Grande and Whooping Cranes With Wayne Petersen

March 19 – 28, 2011 South Texas is inarguably the most exotic birding destination in North America. Here, in the verdant

borderlands along the Rio Grande River, the ranges of many subtropical species just reach to the U.S./Mexican

border, and many North American bird species that breed to the north may be found overwintering in the Rio

Grande Valley. Unique habitats such as Tamaulipan Thorn Scrub and groves of Sabal Palms are home to some

40 South Texas avian specialties, including Plain Chachalaca, Hook-billed Kite, Red-crowned Parrot, Golden-

fronted Woodpecker, Couch’s Kingbird, Green Jay, and Altamira Oriole.

Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are designated sites that provide essential habitat to one or more species of

breeding, wintering, and/or migrating birds. South Texas has many such areas, including several famous

National Wildlife Refuges and coastal seashore areas. And this trip helps support Mass Audubon’s IBA

program.

On this tour we will visit a number of IBAs including Laguna Atascosa and Santa Ana National Wildlife

Refuge, the National Audubon Society’s Sabal Palm Grove Sanctuary, Bentsen Rio Grande and Falcon State

Parks, and various wetland habitats on South Padre Island. Many of these areas are legendary among birders for

their significant winter waterbird concentrations, unique Mexican borderland species, and the consistency with

which they attract and sustain unique wildlife. If the winter season is relatively mild, we should encounter a

diversity of life that will include everything from semi-tropical plants to a variety of butterflies and dragonflies,

the latter of which the Valley hosts over 100 species!

South Texas ~March 19 – 28, 2011

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY Saturday, March 19: Corpus Christi / Indian Point State Park / Rockport

Plan to arrive in Corpus Christi, Texas, no later than 3PM. From Corpus it is less than an hour drive north to

Rockport, a trip that includes crossing a dramatic ocean causeway. The birding en route is superb and there

should be chances to observe Roseate Spoonbills, a host of herons and egrets, wintering shorebirds, and a

variety of other species. After reaching our comfortable accommodations in Rockport, we’ll enjoy a welcome

dinner during which you will get acquainted with your guide, Wayne Petersen, and your other fellow traveling

companions. We will dine at a great local restaurant! Accommodations in Rockport, Fulton Inn (D)

Sunday, March 20: Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

We’ll start the morning with a boat tour along the edges of Aransas

National Wildlife Refuge where we’ll search for Whooping Cranes—

one of only two crane species inhabiting the New World. Aransas

Refuge is best known for providing habitat for the core wintering

population of these highly endangered and magnificent birds. Wayne

will provide an overview of their status ahead of our visit. During

March, we have a good chance of seeing these spectacular birds in

family groups that winter together at Aransas after making a 2,500-

mile southward migration from their nesting grounds in Canada’s

Wood Buffalo National Park in Saskatchewan.

While on the boat we’ll also look for several species of herons, egrets,

and the incomparable Roseate Spoonbill. Captain Tommy will be our

guide and will attempt to get us within close camera range of these iconic birds. With everyone alert and

observing on deck, we might also find Long-billed Curlews, American Oystercatchers, Seaside Sparrows,

Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, both White-faced and White ibises, and a number of other waterfowl and

shorebird species. Previous Mass Audubon trips have even recorded such rarities as Short-eared Owl and

Greater Flamingo.

Following a picnic lunch, we’ll check the Aransas visitor’s center and then drive the 16-mile Loop Road, which

passes through a variety of habitats including open water, tidal mudflats, freshwater and saltwater marshes,

coastal prairie, oak mottes, oak savannah, and grassy fields. In addition to providing a winter home to the

Whooping Cranes, the area also supports Texas Coral Snakes, White-tailed Deer, Collared Peccaries, Nine-

banded Armadillos, and Feral Hogs. With lots of luck we might see a Bobcat, or even the rare Ocelot. Dinner is

at your leisure at any of several excellent restaurants nearby.

Accommodations in Rockport, Fulton Inn (B, L)

Monday, March 21: Rockport / Goose Island State Park / Kingsville

We begin this morning’s birding with a visit to Goose Island State Park. Here, we’ll check the huge Live Oaks

for wintering passerines and the edge of the bay for a variety of waterbirds. We then hope to meet with a refuge

biologist from Aransas to learn more about research and current conservation challenges on the refuge. After

lunch, we head south, stopping for a second look at Indian Point in Corpus Christi. This is a tidal flat with

extensive oyster beds and a viewing platform where we’re likely to see Reddish Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, and a

host of other herons, egrets, terns, and wintering shorebirds. We will specifically learn about international

efforts to track migrating shorebirds, along with looking for marked or banded birds which we will report is we

see any.

From Corpus, we’ll drive south through extensive ranchlands, and if time allows, we’ll visit the famous King

Ranch museum. Accommodations will be Best Western in Kingsville (B, L)


Tues., March 22: King Ranch, Kingsville

Today we begin searching for some of the signature species of our South Texas

trip. In Kingsville, we’ll be joined by a bird guide from the historic King Ranch,

where we will spend a good part of the day exploring a small portion of the

ranch’s 825,000 acres.

The King Ranch has been designated as an Internationally Important Bird Area

supporting over 365 species. Some of the colorful species we may expect to see

here include Vermilion Flycatcher, Great Kiskadee, Green Jay, and Audubon’s

Oriole. Although they’re somewhat difficult to see during winter, one of the

primary target birds at the King Ranch will be the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl,

good numbers of which dwell in the ranch’s scattered oak woodlands. The King Ranch is home to the largest

known population of this owl in the United States. In more open areas, we’ll also watch for raptors such as

Crested Caracara, White-tailed Hawk, and Harris’s Hawk. Grassy sites provide habitat for Sprague’s Pipits and

several species of sparrows. The ranch’s many ponds should hold flocks of White-faced Ibises, Least Grebes,

and various species of waterfowl. The King Ranch tour includes a picnic lunch in the field.

After leaving Kingsville, we’ll continue south, hopefully reaching the Lower Rio Grande Valley by late-

afternoon. If time permits, we’ll make our first pre-dinner foray to search residential areas for Red-crowned

Parrots and Green Parakeets as they congregate to roost for the evening. These noisy birds may be elusive, but

can usually be located by their raucous calls (much like in the tropics!), that are audible even over the local

traffic. Dinner will be at a favorite local restaurant. Accommodations near Brownsville, TX (B,L, D)

Wed. March 23 South Padre Island National Seashore and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife

Refuge

This morning we’ll drive eastward to South Padre Island. Padre Island National Seashore was designated as a

Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy in 1998 for providing an "important habitat

for globally significant numbers of Redheads, Brown Pelicans, Reddish Egrets, Peregrine Falcons (7% of the

North American population), Piping Plovers (10% of the world's population), and Least Terns.

From the mudflats near the causeway we can search for large waders such as Reddish Egret, Tricolored Heron,

and American Oystercatcher, as well as Brown and White pelicans, wintering American Avocets, Black

Skimmers, and various gulls and terns. We also hope to find Piping Plovers —one of the country’s most

threatened shorebirds.

At the Convention Center, a boardwalk provides access to wetlands along the bay. This area is a productive

location for seeing rails, including King, Clapper, and Virginia, that barely seem to notice the humans walking

above them. The Center’s butterfly garden also provides habitat for wintering songbirds. If time permits, we

may check one or more of the protected woodlots on Padre Island for migrant passerines. The best time to see

the multitude of the park's bird migrants is during early spring and early fall when sometimes the numbers can

be astounding. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll return to the mainland.

Heading northward, we’ll next visit Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge has been designated

as both a Globally Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy and a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve

by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN). Lying on the western shore of the Laguna

Madre, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge protects over 65,000 acres of coastal habitat. More than 410

species of birds have been recorded here, including Aplomado Falcon, an endangered


species that the Peregrine Fund began reintroducing to south Texas in 1985. At the visitor’s center and nearby

paths, we’ll check out the feeders for close-up views of Green Jay, Long-billed Thrasher, and perhaps a herd of

Collared Peccaries (Javelinas). The 15-mile Bayside Drive loop provides outstanding views of coastal prairie,

brush land, tidal flats and the margin of the Laguna Madre. Along the route, we’ll look for wintering waterfowl,

Sandhill Cranes, raptors (including Aplomado Falcon and White-tailed Hawk), shorebirds, gulls, and terns.

With diligence we could encounter Sprague’s Pipits or Sedge Wrens, and with real luck, a Bobcat, Nine-banded

Armadillo, or even a Texas Tortoise.

There are a number of restaurants near our hotel, though some folks may prefer to linger longer at our birding

sites during these fine spring evenings, since dinner is at your leisure.

Accommodations near Brownsville, TX (B,L)

Thurs., March 24: Sabal Palm Audubon Sanctuary / Frontera

Audubon Sanctuary / Valley Nature Center Before we leave the Brownsville area, we will visit the nearby Sabal Palm

Grove Audubon Sanctuary. Created in 1971 this 557-acre sanctuary protects

one of the country’s last remaining stands of Sabal Palms. It is also one of

the most reliable places in the U.S. to see Buff-bellied Hummingbirds.

Other South Texas specialties likely to be at the sanctuary’s feeders include

Plain Chachalaca, White-tipped Dove, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Great

Kiskadee, Green Jay, Olive Sparrow, and Altamira Oriole. By walking the

sanctuary’s short trails we will learn more about this important and highly

threatened remnant Sabal Palm forest.

Among the palm fronds and adjacent mesquite scrub, we’ll also search for wintering songbirds such as White-

eyed Vireo, and Black-and-white and Black-throated Green warblers. From a blind at a pond’s edge, we may

see species such as Mottled Duck, Least Grebe, and Green and Ringed kingfishers, and possibly a lingering

shorebird or two. At the sanctuary’s visitor’s center, there will be an opportunity to learn more about Audubon’s

environmental education and conservation efforts on both sides of the border. From local experts we will find

out how this and other borderland sanctuaries are being impacted by construction of the Border Wall.

In the afternoon our group will visit two small but productive thickets in Weslaco – the Frontera Audubon

Sanctuary and the Valley Nature Center. Noisy and bold, Golden-fronted Woodpeckers are common here, as are

Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, and these birds are often joined by a number of other wintering species. In recent

years Frontera has hosted such rarities as Elegant Trogon, White-throated Robin, and Crimson-collared

Grosbeak. If the Valley has not experienced cold weather, gardens at both of these sites may produce a variety

of butterflies. Accommodations at the Alamo Inn, (B,L)

Fri., March 25: Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park / Optional Night Birding

This morning we visit Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park, one of the Valley’s several World Birding Center sites.

Bentsen protects an array of habitats that support most of the Valley’s special birds. By walking short trails we

will visit the river’s edge, ponds, marshes, thorn forest, and mesquite. A recently constructed hawk watching

platform provides an expansive view of the surrounding area. We hope to see many of the South Texas

specialties here including White-tipped Dove, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet,

Great Kiskadee, Green Jay, and Altamira Oriole. We could even find a Clay-colored Robin or something more

unusual.

If there is interest, we may visit the gardens at the North American Butterfly Association’s (NABA)

International Butterfly Park, only a few minutes from Bentsen. During its short existence, this site has already


produced a huge number of butterfly species—including several first U.S. records. We will either have a picnic

lunch or eat at a local café.

After lunch we will visit Anzalduas County Park, whose Spanish moss-clad live oak trees sometimes host

resident Tropical Parulas along with a variety of wintering warblers. In fields near the entrance road, if we have

not yet seen it we can search again for Sprague’s Pipit, a very

local wintering species. Anzalduas also often hosts both Ringed

and Green kingfishers.

After a break at a local restaurant for an early dinner, we will

return to Bentsen State Park to search for night birds. We hope to

see Common Pauraque, Eastern Screech Owl, possibly an Elf

Owl, and perhaps a Virginia Opossum. Accommodations at the

Alamo Inn, (B,L,D) If we search for night birds, there is decent

cafeteria nearby with pies and lots of other southern choices. The

cafeteria works well for an early and not too long dinner for this

evening.

Sat. March 26: West along the Rio Grande / Chapeño / Falcon State Park

Today we venture into higher and more arid lands to the west, our route generally following the Rio Grande.

We’ll pass through Rio Grande City and Roma—once the most inland port for steamship traffic on the Rio

Grande. We’re likely to find a number of desert birds here which could include White-winged and Inca doves,

Ash-throated Flycatcher, Verdin, Cactus and Bewick’s wrens, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Black-throated

Sparrow, and Pyrrhuloxia. In the morning, we’ll station ourselves along the Rio Grande hoping for a fly-by

Muscovy Duck, Red-billed Pigeon, or perhaps a Hook-billed Kite. Here, we’ll also scan the sky for Gray and

Red-shouldered hawks, and noisy Ringed Kingfishers. Hopefully, we will be able to catch the song and sight of

beautiful Altamira and Audubon’s orioles, too.

Continuing a short distance, we’ll visit the 573-acre Falcon State Park adjacent to Falcon Dam, another

Globally Important Bird Area, and one of the best local places to see desert scrub species such as Greater

Roadrunner, Curve-billed Thrasher, and possibly Scaled Quail and Northern Bobwhite. Occasionally, flocks of

Lark Buntings are present along the roadsides near the park entrance. We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant on

our return to Alamo. Accommodations at the Alamo Inn, (B,L)

Sun. March 27: Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

There is wisdom in saving the best for last! Accordingly, on our last full day we will take a short drive south to

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, which protects 2,000 acres in the very heart of the Rio Grande Valley

Wildlife Corridor. With well over 300 species of birds recorded here, many birders regard this reserve as the

―Jewel in the Crown‖ of the National Refuge System. Extensive trails allow exploration of pond, wetland, open

field, thorn forest, and Tamaulipan scrub habitats. Here we should hear the raucous calls of Couch’s Kingbirds

and Great Kiskadees, as well as the repeated whistles of tiny Northern Beardless Tyrannulets. Those who wish

may ascend the newly constructed hawk watching tower where we may, if we’re lucky, get eye-level views of a

Gray Hawk or Hook-billed Kite. During winter, Santa Ana is home to all three North American kingfishers,

although their day-to-day presence depends on water levels at the various local impoundments.

While at the refuge, we’ll travel the seven-mile Wildlife Drive via tram, getting off in key locations to walk and

explore. The flora is a dense tangle of brush that harbors subtropical bird species more typically found in

northeastern Mexico. At red-flowering Shrimp Plants we’ll check for Buff-bellied and other hummingbird

species. Tropical Parula might be calling from the moss-draped limbs of large Texas Ebony


trees. Least Grebes could be quietly floating on the small ponds of the refuge, and we’ll keep our eyes open for

Soras and wintering shorebird species.

We plan to meet with refuge staff to learn more about the significance of this spectacular Texas Important Bird

Area. Several mammals more at home in Mexico extend their range just over the border at Santa Ana,

including the Ocelot and Jaguarundi—both of which are extremely rare in the United States. The area also hosts

a diverse array of amphibian, butterfly and other insect species.

We will enjoy a farewell dinner with Wayne and Betty as we reflect on the future for birds in what is arguably

one America’s most exotic birding hotspots. Hopefully this journey has brought many of the region’s

conservation challenges to light, along with giving you an opportunity to experience its unique species and

myriad delights! Accommodations at the Alamo Inn, (B,L,D)

Mon., March 28: Departures from Harlingen, TX

Depending on our flight times, we may get a bit of local birding in before our departure, but for most of us it

will be time to begin our own migration home. Adios, buen viajes! We wish you safe travels home.

Travel Planning

You are responsible for planning your arrival to and departure from Corpus Christi, departing McAllen (Harlingen).

Please arrive by 3 PM.on March 18th. Plan on departures after 9:00 AM to allow time for early breakfast and travel

to the airport.

ABOUT OUR NATURALIST GUIDES _______

Wayne Petersen is Mass Audubon’s Director of the Massachusetts Important Bird Areas (IBA) program. He has led trips

and tours, lectured, and conducted birding workshops across North America for over thirty-five years. His tour-leading

experiences have taken him from the Arctic to South America, as well as Iceland, Svalbard, Africa, Madagascar,

Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica. Wayne was a founding member of the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee,

is a New England Regional Editor for North American Birds, and serves on the advisory committee for the Massachusetts

Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. His writing projects include authoring the

National Audubon Society’s Pocket Guide to Songbirds and Familiar Backyard Birds (East),

coauthoring Birds of Massachusetts and Birds of New England, co-editing the Massachusetts

Breeding Bird Atlas, and contributing to The Audubon Society Master Guide to Birding, The Sibley

Guide to Bird Life & Behavior, and Arctic Wings. In 2005, Wayne was the recipient of the

American Birding Association’s Ludlow Griscom Award for outstanding contributions in regional

ornithology. He is especially interested in seabirds and shorebirds, and he derives great satisfaction

from sharing his knowledge of the natural world with his fellow colleagues and traveling


TERMS & CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL

Tour Price is based on double occupancy: $2880 from Corpus Christi, TX., departing from Harlingen, TX.

Single supplement is subject to availability and is an additional cost of $400

WHAT’S INCLUDED: NOT INCLUDED:

• Services of 1 or 2 qualified Massachusetts Audubon

Society naturalists andlocal professional guide services

• Round-trip airfare from your home to Texas

• All scheduled land transport.

• All park and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary.

• Items of a personal nature (alcoholic drinks, laundry,

phone calls, etc.)

• Meals not noted on the itinerary

• All accommodations

• Most meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast,

L=lunch, D=dinner),

•transportation during the journey

• All Tips.

• Airport departure taxes, passport fees, gratuities for

luggage handling , or other fees not listed in program.

GROUP SIZE: A minimum of 7 participants is required. The group size will be limited to approximately 14 people.

APPLICATIONS, RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS: Early applications are strongly encouraged. Trip rosters usually

must be finalized 4 months before departure! All applications must be accompanied by a completed reservation form and

$500 deposit. Deposits can be by check or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). We reserve the right to decline your

application. In the case of questionable health, we reserve the right to require a physician’s certification to affirm you are

capable of the activities. Final payment is due 95 days before the departure date. Final payment must be by check.

RATES: All tour prices are based on double occupancy. If you would like us to find you a roommate, we will do our

best, but cannot guarantee a share (except on certain cruises). If we cannot find a share, you will need to pay the single

supplement. All forms and fares are accurate at the time of publication October 2010 but are subject to change at any time

prior to departure. Rarely, a price increase may be called for if the group falls below the minimum of 7. The maximum

number of participants is approximately 14

FLIGHTS: You the traveler are responsible for booking and paying for your own flights to and from Texas. Once

your deposit and reservation form have been sent to us, we will send you suggested flight information. Please be aware

that most tickets are non-refundable, therefore you should not book your flight arrangements until you have checked with

us to be sure the tour has the minimum number of participants for the trip to go.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: If you need to change your booking, you must inform us immediate. All

cancellations must be done in writing and are effective upon receipt in the Massachusetts Audubon Travel Office.

Cancellations received up to 121 days prior to departure will be refunded deposits less a $300 per person fee. For

cancellations between 120 and 90 days prior to departure, all deposits will not be refunded. There are no refunds for

cancellations 90 days or less from departure. We strongly urge all travelers to purchase trip cancellation insurance. You

will be sent information from the Massachusetts Audubon Society upon receipt of your deposit.

Photo credits: Images as marked, Tony Beck - to see more of his images, go to: www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/; all other unmarked images by

Peg Abbott.

http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/


Your Responsibility: Although every precaution is taken to safeguard you and your belongings, group travel trips by their nature

involve a certain amount of risk. Trip participants should understand that the domestic and international trips sponsored/operated by

Massachusetts Audubon Society (Mass Audubon Tours) - hereafter collectively ―M.A.S.‖ - involve known and unknown risks.

M.A.S. assumes no responsibility for injuries, death, financial losses or damage to clients’ property caused by or occurring during

participation in any of the travel trips sponsored/operated by M.A.S. Trip participants must assume responsibility for having sufficient

skill and fitness to participate in the trips and activities offered or sponsored by M.A.S. Trip participants must also certify that they

have no medical, mental or physical conditions which could interfere with their abilities to participate in the activities and/or trips they

are participating in and they must assume and bear the cost of all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such

condition. It is the responsibility of trip participants to have in place adequate insurance to cover any injury, damage or emergency

transportation costs related to their travel and/or participation in trip activities and/or to bear the costs of such injury, damage or

emergency transportation costs. Because of the risks associated with the travel trips sponsored by M.A.S. we urge all trip participants

to supplement their own insurance with travel or vacation or emergency response types of insurance. M.A.S. requires that all trip

participants acknowledge and assume these risks by reading and signing an M.A.S. Release and Waiver and Assumption of Risk

contract prior to departure.

CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL: Travelers will be provided with an itinerary and trip preparation information. It is expected that

travelers will read this information prior to trip departure. Travelers will be responsible for completing an application reservation

form, a personal information form, and a release of liability form. Travelers will be expected to abide by the terms set for in the

invoice. During the tour, travelers are asked to respect and follow the directions of their guide and leader.


Reservation Form ~ South Texas ~March 19 – 28, 2011

Mr./Mrs./Ms.

Passenger Name (1) – as shown as passport

Mr./Mrs./Ms.

Passenger Name (2) – as shown as passport

Address

City State Zip

Phone: Day Evening

Email address

Please check:

I/We are non-smoker(s) ___ or I/we are smoker(s) ___ but fully understand that smoking is limited to outdoors and non

group spaces

The two of us above are sharing a room and would like a room with ___ ONE or ___TWO beds

__I request single accommodations where available and will pay the single supplement.

__I would like to be assigned a roommate. If one is not available, I will pay the single supplement.

__I certify that I have not recently been treated for, nor am I aware of any physical or other conditions that would create a

hazard to me of other members of this tour.

Deposit: Please find my enclosed check ____________ or please charge __________ my credit card for the deposit:

($500 per person)

VISA___MC___ Card #_______________________________________________Exp.______________

Checks should be made payable to “Massachusetts Audubon Society”

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature

Return form to:

Mass Audubon TOURS

208 South Great Rd.

Lincoln, MA 01773

FAX: 781-259-1089 or email: [email protected]

Important Birds & Important Bird Areas: South Texas › PDF › nhtravel › SoTexas2011.pdf ·...

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Transcript of Important Birds & Important Bird Areas: South Texas › PDF › nhtravel › SoTexas2011.pdf ·...