The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is also called the “magic valley” – but not for the reason you might imagine. Although it is one of the birdiest places in the US, its moniker refers to an early marketing scheme to bring Midwesterners down south with the lure of snow-free winters and year-round farming. But the name rings true for birders who know the true value of the RGV and the birds it supports and attracts. On a personal note, visiting sure feels like ‘magic’ for me as it is usually an escape from cold, rainy days at home in Oregon!
I am finishing my biannual trek to the Rio Grande Valley, which always makes me nostalgic. Each trip to the RGV gives me a chance to share my passion for birding with birding festival guests and offers a mix of beloved experiences and new ones, as well as birds, birding locations, and friends.
This visit to guide in the Spring Chirp, based out of the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco, was another exception visit. Many people are excited to see cool birds, a few rare birds popping around, and a forecast with sun. However, a few weeks in advance of the festival, the RGV experienced record rains which led to flooding in some areas. Because of the region’s topography and soil composition, much of the flooding remained as standing water and prime mosquito breeding conditions.
The RGV comprises four counties, three along the America/Mexico border from East to West: Cameron, Hidalgo, and Starr. The fourth county, Willacy, is just north of Cameron and along the Gulf Coast. Each county has a significantly different habitat and range of species that can be seen, making it essential for serious valley birders to bird them all.
I was fortunate to get to some of my favorite spots while leading. One of which is a private ranch called Santa Margarita Ranch in Starr County. This ranch riparian, rocky Tamaulipan thorn-scrub, and dry, rocky bluffs attract a diversity of sought-after bird species like Pyrrhuloxia, Black-throated Sparrow, Muscovy Duck, Green Jays, and Red-billed Pigeon. However, the star of the property is the family of Brown Jays that are being consistently seen. This species is primarily found in Mexico and Central America, but the small population on this property has had quite the draw. Our group was fortunate to see them several times while birding the ranch; their raucous call echoed along the river.
A little further towards the Gulf, we took a small pontoon boat out on the Rio Grande River to see what birds were around. The boat ride started a bit slow; we noticed the impact of the recent rains and flooding that left evidence along the bank. However, as we moved away from Anzalduas Dam and upriver towards the National Butterfly Center and Bentsen-RGV State Park, we saw pairs of Ringed Kingfishers, a few Green Kingfisher, a soaring White-tailed Hawk, and several Osprey. Trips like these can get you great looks that can be hard to find otherwise; many of the Valley’s kingfishers and Bank Swallows move to the river, raising families on the riverbank.
While in the RGV, a Flame-colored Tanager was reported at Quinta Mazatlan, a charming birding and cultural site in McAllen. We tried to seek it out and unfortunately dipped on it. However, the day before we left, a second Flame-colored Tanager was spotted on South Padre Island (SPI)! So, we got up early and went out to seek this lifer.
The morning started with tacos from Stripes Convenience Store (a must-do!), and then we headed out to the SPI Convention Center for the tanager. While enjoying our tacos in the parking lot, a message came out that it had just been seen at the SPI Birding and Nature Center parking lot. We raced over and joined the intrepid birders on the search, and a few minutes later, we spotted it enjoying mulberries without a care in the world. A lifer!
Each trip to the RGV offers a unique and enjoyable experience. We have been there with torrential rains and other times with sweltering heat and mosquitoes, but it is still a favorite birding destination that everyone should visit if they have the chance. You never know what you will find!
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