Bird of the Year tour to Texas’ Rio Grande Valley

2 – 6 November, 2023

What better place in North America to celebrate the ABA’s Bird of the Year 2023–Belted Kingfisher–than the Lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas? The valley is home not only to Liz’s beloved Queenfisher, but also to Ringed Kingfisher and Green Kingfisher, and on rare occasions even Amazon Kingfisher has been reported in the area, making this a true kingfisher paradise! And let’s not forget about the rest of the amazing avian diversity the RGV is renowned for.

Join artist Liz Clayton Fuller and North American Birds and Birding editor Michael Retter for a tour to “The Valley” combining art and birds and good company!



Number of days/nights: 5 days / 4 nights

Starting: 11/02/2023

Finishing: 11/06/2023

Thu 11/2 Arrival (Anzalduas for those who arrive before noon)
Fri 11/3 Santa Ana and Estero Llano Grande, with workshop introduction to drawing birds
Sat 11/4 Sabal Palm, Boca Chica Beach and UT Brownsville, with field sketching workshop
Sun 11/5 Laguna Atascosa and Estero Llano Grande, plus water color workshop
Mon 11/6 Departure (Quinta Mazatlán for those who leave after noon)

When: Nov 2-6, 2023
Where: Alamo Inn, Lower Rio Grande Valley
How Much: $2,750.00
Single Supplement: no single supplement

Included:

  • 4 hotel nights;
  • In-country transportation;
  • All meals (from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 5);
  • All entrance fees;
  • All guiding fees;
  • All activities as described in the itinerary.

Not included:

  • International flights;
  • Alcoholic beverages;
  • Personal purchases such as (but not limited to) souvenirs, calls, laundry, snacks…
  • Insurance (travel, cancellation and medical insurance are strongly recommended);
  • Any tips you would like to offer tour leaders, guides, drivers, porters, wait staff, housekeeping etc. for outstanding service.

Terms & Conditions >>

Group size

  • Participants: min. 10 – max. 20
  • Guides: 1 – 2
  • ABA reps: 1 – 2
  • With guest Liz Clayton Fuller, ABA Artist of the Year 2023

Focus:

  • Birds (with a special focus on Bird of the Year Belted Kingfisher)
  • Field sketching, watercolor painting

Birding pace: Medium

Photography opportunities: Medium

Physical difficulty: Easy