Birdiest Festival in America

Experience spring migration on the Gulf Coast and private ranch hotspots including more regions of the world-famous King Ranch.  Nineteen different full or half-day field trips offer plenty of flexibility to attend presentations, workshops, and choice bird walks. Two Pre-trips, Rio Grande Valley and Texas Hill Country; one Post-trip to Rio Grande Valley. Jonathan Wood’s photogenic Raptor Project returns along with Vendor Trade Show, Texas BBQ Welcome Dinner, “Birds & Beers,” Artisan Booths, Author’s Wine & Cheese Night, Family Fun Day, and Friday’s Keynote! The Birdiest Festival in America will be held at the beautiful South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

Kevin Karlson, author, accomplished birder, professional tour leader, wildlife photographer, and instructor, will give the keynote address, “Through the Looking Glass: Reflections of a Grateful Birder,” workshops during the festival on shorebirds and Eastern warblers, and lead a field trip to Fennessey Ranch. Kevin has published numerous articles on bird identification and natural history. His most recent book, coauthored with Pete Dunne, is The Shorebirds of North America: A Natural History and Photographic Celebration.

The festival has a six-year total of 341 species sighted; 92 species on a three-hour bird walk; and a 10-hour BIG DAY record of 156 species. The legendary Cattle Tyrant arrived in downtown Corpus Christi November 2023, the first-ever sighting north of Panama. He is back at his favorite hangouts downtown in 2025!

Visit our website for REGISTRATION, DETAILS, SCHEDULE.

Further questions to veteran Chair Denise, 361-563-5968.