South Texas Wildlife Photography Workshop

2500 South Bicentennial Boulevard,McAllen TX 78503

31 March, 2023

Description

Four Days of Amazing Songbird, Shorebird, Raptor, & Animal Photography in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas.Per Person Rate: $2,050.00 ($500.00 Non-Refundable Deposit) About This Event: Limited to a maximum of just four photographers, trip participants will discover the beauty and wonder of two of South Texas’ best wildlife and birding photography ranches. Each ranch is set in the natural beauty of the native environment of the sub-tropical region found along the border with Mexico and the Rio Grande River. Native species expected during this trip will include, but not be limited to, Green Jay, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, Golden Fronted Woodpecker, Great Kiskadee, Olive Sparrow, Lincoln Sparrow, Brown Pelican, Turkey, and Black Vulture, Harris’s Hawk, Crested Caracara, Coyote, Nine-Banded Armadillo, Various Dove Species, Tall Wading Birds, Shorebirds, Brown and White Pelicans, Black Skimmers, and American Alligators. Teaching and photography direction will be provided as needed or requested throughout the four days so that you'll be sure to return home with memorable images from each of the locations we visit. Our trip will begin in Edinburg, Texas, just a short drive from the McAllen International Airport, and end on South Padre Island, ninety minutes east of the McAllen International Airport. Participants should plan to arrive in McAllen on March 31st, before 5 pm local time, to allow for time to pick up transportation, check-in to accommodation, and arrive at Trevino’s Restaurant, Edinburg Texas, for the Tour Orientation and Dessert. The Laguna Seca Ranch is comprised of 700 acres of pristine brush land. Since the acquisition of the ranch in 2002, we have been inspired to provide a high-quality photography experience for wildlife enthusiasts worldwide. We are constantly finding ways to improve our business and are motivated by all South Texas nature has to offer. A choice of two morning and two afternoon blinds allows for the very best photography opportunities regardless of most weather conditions. Three raptor blinds allow for raised, ground level, and sunken vistas of the perches and meadow beyond. The Martin Refuge is 300 acres of thick South Texas brush located NW of Mission and is the original home of private nature photography in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. On this property, rich with tremendous biodiversity, photographers delight in various birds, mammals, and reptiles. Professionally designed photo blinds, each set back from small water holes and close to feeding areas, allow photographers to capture critters as they wander in for refreshments. Several of the blinds are "sunken" underground for photographing at eye level. South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary located on the bay side of SPI is home to many species including the Brown Pelican, White Ibis, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Red-winged Blackbirds, Roseate Spoonbill, Reddish Egret, Clapper Rail, Willet, Mottled Duck, Common Gallinule, Black-necked Stilt, and American Alligators. Sea Turtle, Inc. is open year-round for visitors to meet our rehabilitating patients and non-releasable residents. Self-guide through our rehabilitation and education facilities to learn all about sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy our daily presentations and turtle feedings. Per Person Rate: $2,050.00 ($500.00 Non-Refundable Deposit) Price Includes: - Coffee and Dessert at Welcome and Orientation - One morning and one afternoon photography sessions at The Martin Refuge (Songbirds/Raptors) - Two morning and one afternoon photography sessions at The Laguna Seca Ranch (Songbirds/Raptors) - One morning wading and shorebird photography session at South Padre Island - Cold bottled water in photography blinds at both ranches. - Perch setup and bird feed - Camera and nature instruction (Songbirds birds in flight) - Entrance to South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary (1-2 hours) - Entrance to Sea Turtles Inc. (1 hour) Price Does Not Include: - Flights to McAllen, TX - Accommodations - Transportation - Meals - Gratuities - Trip Insurance (Mandatory) - Personal snacks and drinks Itinerary - Day One: Arrival in McAllen, TX 7:00 pm Welcome & Orientation (Coffee/Mexican Dessert Included) - Day Two: 06:00-10:30a The Martin Refuge (Harris’s Hawks/Songbirds/Coyotes) 11:00a-3:00p Lunch and Mid-Day Rest Break (On your own) 03:30p-Dusk The Martin Refuge (Songbirds/Javelina) - Day Three: 06:00-10:30a The Laguna Seca Ranch (Caracara/Harris’s Hawks/Raptor Blinds) 11:00a-3:00p Lunch and Mid-Day Rest Break (On your own) 03:30p-Dusk The Laguna Seca Ranch (Songbirds/Beaver Pond Blind) - Day Four: 06:00-10:30a The Laguna Seca Ranch (Caracara/Harris’s Hawks/Raptor Blinds) 11:00a-3:00p Lunch and Mid-Day Rest Break (On your own) 03:30p-Dusk The Laguna Seca Ranch (Songbirds/Beaver Pond Blind) - Day Five: 05:00a Depart McAllen for South Padre Island (Salt Marsh/Flats) 06:30-9a Saltwater flats photographing wading and shore birds 09:00a-10a Tour -South Padre Island Birding, Nature & Alligator Sanctuary (entry included) 10:00-11a Tour of Sea Turtle Inc. (entry included) 11:00a-12:30p Final Tour Meeting/Lunch/Workshop Conclusion Workshop Leader and Guide: Wayne Williams was born in Western Canada and spent years in the interior of British Columbia and The Yukon. Always with an enjoyment and love for the outdoors and photography spent time exploring the rivers and mountains of those wild places. After also experiencing the wide-open spaces of Saskatchewan and a short stint back in B.C., he and his family moved to the Rio Grande Valley and resided there for more than twenty-eight years. Having recently relocated to Wake Forest, North Carolina, he returns to the Rio Grande Valley as often as possible to guide and capture images of the amazing wildlife. He has been actively involved in photography as an officer in the Texas Nature and Environmental Photographers organization, arranging monthly meetings and photo excursions. He also guides on local wildlife ranches and outdoor venues in the RGV and provides personalized photography instruction and classes. You can see his wildlife photography at www.waynewilliamsphotography.com Administrative Details: Transportation to and from the city of McAllen, Texas must be provided by participants, and arrival must be scheduled prior to the start of the event. Airport pickup is not included in the cost of the event. Various auto rental companies are available for event participants inside the airport terminal close to the baggage carousels. Accommodation during the event is the responsibility of each participant. Once an event ticket has been purchased, participants will receive a packet of information for excellent hotel choices for arranging accommodation while in the city of Edinburg, Texas. Airbnb is another option for finding clean, affordable lodging close to all amenities and services in the area. Meals, drinks, and snacks may be purchased by participants at local grocery outlets. Participants will receive a complete pre-trip list, two months before the trip begins, of suggested photographic gear, clothing, and additional gear that is appropriate to the April climate in South Texas and additional suggestions to make the trip comfortable and enjoyable. Please get in touch with South Texas Wildlife Photography Workshop organizer, Wayne Williams, at 956-867-7877 or send an email to Wayne by using the Contact button below with any questions before purchasing a ticket. Several images from the ranches and the Rio Grande Valley follow below.