This 10 day / 9 night adventure is timed to blend the Gulf of Mexico spring migration phenomenon with excursions through the distinctive sub-tropical habitats of the Rio Grande Valley to observe unique wildlife, especially the avifauna that exists no where else in the U.S.  See birds such as the stunning Green Jay, the plucky Altamira Oriole, the secretive Olive Sparrow and over 25 other specialties.  This valley, with its wonderful variety of habitats, is the only place these birds can be seen in the U.S.

Recipe for a Texas wildlife adventure:

Take colorful resident subtropical and temperate species, add an amazing neo-tropical migration that moves through the Rio Grande Valley in April, a heaping helping of unusual mammals plus an incredible diversity of butterflies…..now pinch yourself ….You have the makings of a Texas sized wildlife adventure that will provide memories for a life time.

Tour Highlights:

• Visit the famous avian migrant traps along the central & southern Texas Coast during the peak period of the Gulf of Mexico spring migration.
• Easily explore the distinctive sub-tropical habitats of the Rio Grande Valley in wonderful parks & refuges.
• Observe unique avifauna and other wildlife that exists no where else in the U.S.
• Enjoy a full day nature tour of the world famous King Ranch.
• Travel as a small group in a spacious and comfortable van with experienced nature & bird guides.

Trip Information

Transportation: 15 passenger Van with back seat removed for luggage, etc.

Group size: Maximum of 8 places available

Expedition fees for this 9 night / 10 day trip: Estimated: $2,900.00 per person USD based on double occupancy
Single Supplement of $750.00

What’s included?  Expedition fee includes all transportation, guide service, park fees, lodging and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from dinner on Day 1 to drop off by noon in Corpus Christi on Day 10. For those who book through Golden Gate Audubon Society’s (GGAS) Big Trips Committee $200 of the fee will be donated directly to GGAS.

What is not included?  Participants will be responsible for their own air or ground transportation to and from Corpus Christi. Plan to arrive in time for a group dinner on Day 1. Departure from the hotel to the airport on Day 10 will be provided by the hotel or by Nature Trip (airport drop-off by noon). All meals and beverages are included with the exception of alcoholic beverages. Participants will be responsible for travel insurance (if desired), personal laundry and any other personal items not included on the “What’s included” list above.

Trip Packet: A complete packet of information for this tour including conditions for participation will be sent to each registrant on receipt of their booking. The information contained herein will give a sense of what to expect if you join this trip.

Lodging: Whenever practical we select lodging that is immediately adjacent to natural features. Otherwise we stay at highly rated standard hotels. All rooms will have en-suite bathrooms with hot water; most have laundry facilities and internet access.

Meals: Breakfasts will be provided throughout the tour by hotels and lodges and vary from basic continental style to more elaborate multi-option meals. Lunches and dinners will be taken at local restaurants with an emphasis on regional cuisines: Mexican, Tex-Mex, Seafood and Steakhouses. Some lunches will be picnic style.

Guide Service: Your guides for this trip, Eddie Bartley & Noreen Weeden, have been leading Nature Trip tours since 2004 in California & 2005 in Texas. Local Texas guides will also be employed during this expedition for areas where their local expertise is unique such as the King Ranch.

What to expect: The pace of the tour will be relaxed consisting of auto tour loops, stationary observation and leisurely hiking, generally on level terrain. Hikes may be up to three miles but typically shorter. There are hawk-watch towers at some preserves which require climbing the equivalent of several flights of stairs in order to enjoy the structural advantage of being above the tree tops. On most days we will begin our outings immediately following breakfast, generally about 7:00 AM and return to our lodging by about 5:00 PM to freshen up before dinner. During the heat of the day we may schedule a short siesta. Several dusk or evening outings will be offered (optional).

Weather & Climate: April in South Texas is generally very pleasant but, naturally, temperatures and weather vary a good bit from year to year. Severe weather is very unusual in April but thunderstorms may pop up quickly and dissipate just as fast. Temperatures typically vary from lows in the 50’s F to highs in the 80’s F and generally rise as one gets further from the coast. The Upper Valley can reach the 90’s F by mid-April.

Click here for the Trip Report of “A South Texas Adventure April 2016”

Check out the images below that were captured on previous trips to this area:

Tour Details:

Click here for the tour brochure (pdf)

Itinerary

(subject to slight changes)

Day 1 – Arrive at Corpus Christi, Texas; birding, welcome dinner

Day 2 – 3 – Explore Mustang Island, Padre Island, Corpus Christi and the TX Coastal Bend

Day 4 – Full Day nature tour of the King Ranch

Days 5 – 6 – Rio Grande Valley refuges and hotspots

Days 7 – 9 – South Padre Island, Laguna Atascosa, Sabal Palms and surrounding areas

Day 10 – Return to Corpus Christi, birding and departures