Let me remind you of two upcoming Texas birding festivals you might enjoy.
First up is the “Birdiest Festival in America” scheduled for April 22-26 in Corpus Christi. This locale boasts 268 species, including the roseate spoonbill, a real pinkish delight. For information, check out www.BirdiestFestival.org.
Second is the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, slated for November 11-15 in Harlingen. Specialties include the green jay, blending light green, blue, black and yellow in one beautiful bird. For information, visit www.rgvbf.org.
I think the Rio Grande Valley affair is my favorite Texas festival. I stayed at the Alamo Inn, which is near Harlingen, and I recommend it highly. I thoroughly enjoyed the festival, including keynote speakers, field trips, a trade show and a photo track.
Plus, I had some truly tasty meals at a small café located near the Inn. Great enchiladas.
Things have really changed in the birding world since I visited the Valley. These days, there are digital devices for identifying birds and I’ve heard there are smart binoculars under development which will rattle off the bird’s identification when you get it in focus.
All in all, I’ve always had good luck with a local guide leading a birding group, and I use regular, high-powered binoculars. That combination has sufficed to see such delights as spoonbills and green jays. So I guess I will stick with a bird book and the expertise of the guide leading my group.
And any place with tasty food will be a welcome destination for me. I like lots of cheese on my enchiladas.
Photo sourced from MetroCreative
