2012 rgvbf
FIELD TRIPS
© Larry Ditto
SEEDEATER SOJOURN Fee $95 / Wed, Thu 5a – 4:30p
Let’s get right to it: White-collared Seedeaters. Often, but not always seen, this tiny tropical species roosts in the giant cane along the river, but forages afield during the day. We’ll go where our current scouting and recent reports indicate the best chances for finding this sought-after species. But beyond Seedeaters, many other birds are worth the long trip (about 3 hrs each way) to this distinctive region of drier, desert-like brushlands and villages steeped in regional history. Targets: Scaled Quail, Red-billed Pigeon (rare), Vermilion Flycatcher, Chihuahuan Raven, Cactus and Bewick’s Wrens, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (rare), White-collared Seedeater, Olive and Black-throated Sparrows, Pyrrhuloxia, Audubon’s Oriole.
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Field Session
SHOREBIRD ID w/ KEVIN KARLSON Fee $75 / Thu, Sun 6a – 1p
How about a trip with one of the authors of The Shorebird Guide? And a trip to study that group that often confounds and befuddles? Join Kevin on this in-depth field trip, which emphasizes a more complete approach to shorebird identification using both non-changeable physical impressions and details of plumage and feather patterns. Suitable for birders of all levels, but limited space will give a lucky intimate group a great experience. Targets: Reddish Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, Clapper Rail, Sora, Snowy and Piping Plovers, American Oystercatcher, Marbled Godwit, gulls including Franklin’s, Forster’s, Royal, and Sandwich Terns, Black Skimmer. Note: For the best experience, take in conjunction with the in-class workshop Shorebird ID on Wednesday (see Seminars).
Trips continued on p.18
BEEN BEFORE? Interesting choices beyond the famous parks:
• Alvaro’s Adventure • Big Day Vans • Canoe the Arroyo Colorado • Colley’s ‘Private’ Island • King Ranch Santa Gertrudis w/ Jeff Gordon • Sparrow Workshop w/ Michael Retter • Texas Tropicals w/ Steve Howell www.rgvbf.org
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