May 2 - 8
South Texas Ranches Birds |
$2,245 Flight Destination: McAllen, TX |
Incredible
bird photography opportunities await on this trip that visits several areas during
the peak of bird migration with the diversity of birds found unmatched when combined
with the settings. Once closed to most visitors, numerous ranches in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas have opened their gates to a select number of photo groups allowing unprecedented access to specially designed blinds that are set up for some great photo opportunities. Started from the Valley Land Trust Photo Contest, these ranches have multiple blinds set up at feeding and watering holes where there is a constant flow of wildlife. There are blinds set up for morning shooting and others for evening spots, providing different settings throughout the day. From the original group of just a few ranches being involved in this venture, others have found the benefits of creating a photographer friendly set-up on their property that the experience changes each and every visit to the area. This allows a win-win for both land-owners as well as photographers. |
We will spend time at three different ranches, allowing for a variety of both species and backgrounds. Each ranch has its own unique flavor and with spending time at each property everyone will have a chance to use all of the blinds that are set up. We'll also visit another area that is becoming a popular photographer and birding hot spot in the Valley. One property that was productive in the past, has made numerous changes that make it an even better spot. Especially with the addition of a new raptor blind that is quite productive for caracara, Harris hawks and even some coyotes finding their way there. |  |
 | Don't like crowds when you do your photography? No problem, as our group will be the only people on the property when we are there. At some ranches, the group will be split into two groups so there will only be a couple of people with you in the blind. Birds you’d be likely
to find in the Valley would include painted buntings, caracara, cardinals, mockingbirds,
dove, bobwhite, Harris hawks, roadrunner, common nighthawk, common poorwill, chuck-will’s
widow, golden-fronted woodpecker, ladder-backed woodpecker, roadrunner and many
more. |
At this time of year, the painted buntings are working their way through the area and should be spotted at least once during the trip. While not fully required, a large telephoto lens works best for getting the best photos from this trip. Also know that we will be spending several hours at a time sitting in a blind waiting for the action to come and go. There may be lulls in the action at a feeding / watering hole, but rest assured, there will be more than enough action to keep everyone happy. Who knows, we might even have a bobcat show up as one did several years ago for me while at one of these ranches. |  |
Pay deposit and / or balance with your credit card using PAYPAL |
