November 2–6, 2016
There are a lot of birding festivals in the ABA area–fifteen between now and the end of 2016–but one stands out: the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. Now in its 23rd year, RGVBF is legendary.
The birding is, as you might imagine, off the hook. South Texas specialties, like Green Jay, Plain Chachalaca, and White-tailed Hawk are the bread and butter. First time visitors to the valley can expect up to 20 life birds. And with that many people out birding, there’s a very good chance that a “mega” might be found–like the Amazon Kingfisher that essentially all festival goers got to see in 2013.
But the birding is only half of the event. Tour operators, optics companies, and publishing houses fill the festival floor. You might spend some time chatting with noted field guide authors, or trying out every binocular, scope, and digiscoping doodad imaginable.
Relax a spell (and charge your phone) at the ABA Lounge!
But most of all, it’s all about the birders. People from around the globe gather, and head out into the field with world-class guides, then share stories (and maybe a cocktail). In the afternoons, a variety of speakers hold sessions on everything from big year birding, to raptor or flycatcher identification.
Birders viewing the second ABA Area record of Amazon Kingfisher, just 13 miles from the convention center, on November 9, 2013
Each year, I look forward to seeing my “valley friends” as much as I look forward to the amazing birding the Rio Grande Valley and south Texas coast has to offer. I hope to see you at the ABA Lounge this year. Here’s a few snapshots to whet the appetite. Festival details and registration here>>
Common Pauraque
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Audubon’s Oriole
Greater Pewee
Green Parakeets
Least Grebe