Roseate Spoonbill. Photo by Cameron Cox/Leica Sport Optics.
The American Birding Association, Leica Sport Optics, and the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival have teamed up to offer a stellar opportunity for young naturalists. This first-ever Young Birder Track will be conducted in conjunction with the Festival, utilizing its resources and events, but with custom trips and programs for young birder participants. Learn about the natural history and ecology of the region, find out about careers in birding and conservation, and meet other young birders from around the country, as well as pro leaders, authors, and artists. All while seeing the Rio Grande Valley’s unparalleled birds, butterflies, habitats, and more.
This event, held on November 8-11, 2012 in Harlingen, TX, will feature an excellent selection of field trips and speakers. The Rio Grande Valley hosts an array of tropical species that cannot be found anywhere else in the United States. Field trip options include visits to Bentsen State Park, Santa Ana NWR, King Ranch, and more. Target
species include Muscovy Duck, Red-billed Pigeon, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Ringed and Green Kingfishers, Clay-colored Thrush, Audubon’s and Altamira Orioles, White-collared Seedeater, and more.
Common Pauraque. Photo by Cameron Cox/Leica Sport Optics.
These trips will be led by renowned guides, including Jeff Gordon, Jen Brumfield, Cameron Cox, Michael O’Brien, and Louise Zemaitis. Young birders will also have opportunities to interact with other well-known authors and bird guides including Steve Howell and Jon Dunn. Furthermore, there will be an excellent line-up of evening speakers giving presentations about bird identification, field tips, and tools for birding. For more information or to register, please visit the website or contact Jennie Duberstein!
Photo by Cameron Cox/Leica Sport Optics.
When: November 8-11, 2012
Where: Harlingen, TX
Who: Young birders aged 13-18
Cost: $450
RGVBF Young Birders Track Website
Contact: Jennie Duberstein at jduberstein@aba.org.