Texas Border Business

What makes the Rio Grande Valley a birder’s paradise? 

The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) sits at the convergence of the Central and Mississippi migratory flyways, meaning many millions of birds pass through our area every year on their way north and south. With environmental influences from the Gulf Coast to the east, Great Plains to the north, Chihuahuan Desert to the west, and subtropical influence from the south, the LRGV is a melting pot for North American birds and easily one of the top birding locations in the United States. The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival (RGVBF) is timed perfectly for birders to find lingering neotropical migrants still trickling through, wintering birds starting to wander south, and Mexican vagrants popping up from across the border with Mexico. Every year there are spectacular rarities found during the RGVBF. 

Where and when is this year’s Festival? 

The 2023 Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival will be held at the Harlingen Convention Center on November 8-12. 

What does the RGVBF have to offer? 

This year we over 100 fantastic field trip offerings to choose from including traditional tours through the parks we are so well known for as well as a number of new offerings such as private ranches for those seasoned returning festival birders. Special trips in the field with some of our featured speakers to further enhance their presentations are also always a great treat. In addition to field trips, we also have interesting and expert keynote speakers, informative workshops, a large tradeshow full of vendors, a silent auction, fun socials with local music and food, free family and children’s activities including numerous birds of prey flight shows and of course ALL of the birds! 

What’s new this year? 

The Legends of Conservation Gala will be held during the festival at the Harlingen Convention Center. New field trips include a Flycatcher Workshop at Sabal Palm, a Gray Hawk Natural History Tour, a Rarity Roundup, a visit to the National Butterfly Center and the Pixie Reserve, a Harris’ Hawk Natural History Tour, Breakfast Birding at Cactus Creek Ranch, and a Campfire Chat and Evening Critter Walk at Cactus Creek Ranch. 

Numerous trips have been brought back. They include Birds and Battlefields, Salt Lakes and Brush Country and trips to the Santa Margarita Ranch. 

Various destinations have been paired together to create an even better field trip. Visits to Resaca de la Palma and UTRGV, the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and the Hidalgo Pumphouse, a bay cruise and the Los Fresnos Nature Park, the National Butterfly Center and Anzaldua’s Park and a pontoon boat ride with a visit to Quinta Mazatlán have been paired. 

In addition, more afternoon, weekend and evening birding trips will be offered. 

Where can I get more information? When does registration begin? 

Please visit RGVBF.org Registration is now open.

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