For birders, few places in North America offer the vibrant diversity found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. This uniquely rich region hosts an extraordinary array of bird species, many of which are found nowhere else in the United States. From vibrant green jays to talkative great kiskadees to skulking clay-colored thrushes, the Valley is a living gallery of color, sound, and surprise.

Join Reefs to Rockies and Front Range Birding & Optics for a five-day journey through some of the most celebrated birding destinations in the country. We’ll explore hotspots like Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Santa Ana and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuges, Estero Llano Grande, and more. Expect close encounters with some of the most iconic and colorful birds in North America—parrots and parakeets included—as we spend full days in the field with an expert guide leading the way.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply love the thrill of discovering new species in wild places, the Rio Grande Valley offers a birding experience like no other.

Carly Crow from Reefs to Rockies is thrilled to be guiding this late winter adventure to South Texas! A passionate birder and field biologist, Carly has been immersed in avian research since 2017, specializing in bird banding and field studies. Her work has taken her across the U.S. and around the world, giving her a deep appreciation for the incredible diversity of birdlife and ecosystems. With experience leading research and educational projects in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Ecuador, Carly brings a spirit of curiosity, discovery, and enthusiasm to every trip she leads.

Our trip begins with afternoon arrivals at McAllen International Airport (MFE), followed by a private transfer to our nearby hotel in San Juan. Once everyone’s settled in, we’ll come together for a welcome dinner and trip overview to kick off the adventure.

Accommodations: Home2 Suites by Hilton San Juan
Meals: Dinner

Plan to arrive to McAllen-Miller International Airport (MFE) by 5:30 pm today. It may be possible to arrive to Valley International Airport in Harlingen (HRL) if flight scheduling is better. We'll assist with flight recommendations.

Today we’ll explore two of the Valley’s most iconic birding locations. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is known for its riparian woodlands, thorn forest, and feeding stations that attract Altamira orioles, golden-fronted woodpeckers, and more. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, where regional specialties such as green jays and plain chachalacas—along with a variety of marsh and water birds—are among the highlights.

Accommodations: Home2 Suites by Hilton San Juan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This morning we head toward the coast to bird the vast and species-rich Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge protects one of North America’s most biologically diverse areas, home to over 400 bird species. In the afternoon, we’ll explore South Padre Island, visiting the Convention Center boardwalks and tidal flats of the Laguna Madre Trail, where herons, shorebirds, rails, and raptors often put on a show.

Accommodations: Home2 Suites by Hilton San Juan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We’ll spend the day birding a trio of standout locations in the World Birding Center network. Estero Llano Grande offers a variety of habitats from shallow lakes to forested trails—home to everything from least grebe to groove-billed ani. Edinburg Scenic Wetlands brings us up close to regional favorites like black-bellied whistling-duck, while Quinta Mazatlan adds an urban oasis filled with birds and beauty—think plain chachalacas, green jays, and maybe even a common pauraque hiding in the understory.

Accommodations: Home2 Suites by Hilton San Juan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast and a final half day of birding near San Juan, we’ll return to McAllen International Airport (MFE) in time for afternoon flights home. Expect a relaxed pace with ample time for last looks at the dazzling birds of South Texas.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Plan to depart McAllen International Airport (MFE) after 3 pm today.