What Our Birdlife of Texas Photography Holiday Covers

Published on July 28, 2024

A Soaring Crested Caracara Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

Written by David Miles with images contributed by Jane Palmer.

Our Birdlife of Texas Photography Holiday works through three private ranches in the Rio Grande Valley, each set up for bird photography with hides, water features & controlled backgrounds. Here’s what the trip covers.

A Crested Caracara Landing On A Branch Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

The adventure starts with a day in a private refuge bustling with Crested Caracara, Harris Hawks, Vultures, & even the elusive Coyote. It’s a strong start to the species list.

A Harris Hawk Landing On A Branch Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

After a short drive & an overnight stay, the next four days will see you spending time at a ranch supporting fantastic species, including Crested Caracara, Harris Hawk, Black Vulture, Greater Roadrunner, Green Jay, Long-billed Thrasher, Northern Bobwhite Quail, Northern Cardinal, & over 20 additional species. The ranch setups provide clean perches & water features that draw birds into range throughout the day.

A Crested Caracara On A Branch Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

A Crested Caracara With Its Head Thrown All The Way Back Staring At The Photographer Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

A Crested Caracara In Flight Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

A Crested Caracara With Its Head Thrown All The Way Back Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

A Crested Caracara Preparing To Land Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

Following this, you’ll move to another ranch for several days to encounter similar species in different locations, setups & backdrops. The different setups & backgrounds at the second ranch add variety to your image set.

A Northern Bobwhite Quail Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

A Greater Roadrunner Drinking From A Pool Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

A Northern Cardinal Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

A Curve Billed Thrasher Drinking From A Pool Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

An Indigo Bunting Taking Flight Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

A Drinking Northern Cardinal Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

As the journey continues, you’ll move again to another specialised photography ranch for the final days of the photography tour, encountering similar species against different setups, locations & backdrops, including wetlands at this ranch. This final leg of the trip allows you to expand your portfolio further, & the wetland areas here add another habitat type to the portfolio.

A Beautiful Green Jay Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

A Perched Black Crested Titmouse Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

A Black Throated Sparrow Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

An Audubons Oriole Perched Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

A Long Billed Thrasher Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

A Golden Fronted Woodpecker Comes In To Land Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

Who Leads the Birdlife of Texas Photography Holiday?

David leads the Texas trip. He’s based in Missouri & knows the Rio Grande Valley ranches well. His focus is on helping you read bird behaviour, anticipate action & work the hides effectively to build a varied set of images.

A Drinking Ground Squirrel Photographed At One Of The Locations Used During Our Birdlife Of Texas Photography Holiday

Included in Our Birdlife of Texas Photography Holiday

The NaturesLens Birdlife of Texas Photography Holiday includes:

The itinerary typically covers visits to prime birding locations, predominantly within the Rio Grande Valley. It offers opportunities to photograph bird species like Crested Caracara, Harris Hawks, Green Jays, Road Runners, Thrashers, Buntings of various types, & mammals such as Coyote & Javelina.

Participants will also benefit from guidance from David, who leads this trip for NaturesLens, comfortable accommodation, transportation to various photography sites, & most meals throughout the journey.

Full trip details & dates are on the trip page.

  • NaturesLens wildlife photography holidays are structured around photographic opportunity — every schedule decision is made around light, behaviour, & access.
  • Small groups of 4–8 photographers ensure unhurried positions & individual guidance.
  • Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard across the majority of our trips.