HARLINGEN — A bird in the bush could be worth putting on your life list.
The twice-yearly bird migration is definitely on in the Rio Grande Valley, and both Laguna Atascosa and Santa Ana national wildlife refuges are offering special birding events to visually capture avian species heading north.
At Laguna Atascosa, bus tours led by expert birders will be embarking from the visitor center at 8 a.m. and will run until noon on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through April 7.
“It’s an interesting time of year because we have migration happening, so not only are you likely to see a lot of our resident species of birds but you also have a chance to see our migratory birds,” said Marion Mason, lead ranger at Laguna Atascosa.
At Santa Ana, the refuge’s special Hawk Watch is in operation daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 15. Volunteers will identify and log the number of hawks, falcons, kites and vultures heading north. Hawk Watch will meet daily at 8 a.m. on the levee, one-quarter mile west of the visitor center.
The Laguna bus tour will shuttle birders to refuge birding hot spots where private vehicles are not permitted. Cost of the tour is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for those under 16. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 956-748-3607 ext. 111.
“The tours go to a different place every day,” Mason said. “You’ll see forest birds, coastal prairie birds and freshwater and saltwater species — we cover a lot of different areas, so that gives you a variety of bird species.
“Probably the bird that most people want to see is the aplomado falcon, and that’s always a possibility, but there is no guarantee,” she added.
Santa Ana’s Hawk Watch is free, but there is an entry fee to the refuge.
This event is wheelchair-accessible and assistance for beginning birders is available. Birding guides and spotting scopes will be provided, although participants should bring their own folding chairs.
For both birding events, participants should bring binoculars, hats, sunscreen, water, snacks and bug repellent.
IF YOU GO
WHAT — Bus ride bird tour at Laguna Atascosa NWR, Hawk Watch at Santa Ana NWR
WHEN — Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon at Laguna until April 7, daily from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 15 at Santa Ana
GEAR UP — Bring binoculars, water, hats, bug spray and sunscreen at Laguna, and the same plus folding chairs at Santa Ana
COST — Laguna birding tour is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, free under 16, while Santa Ana is free with entrance to refuge
