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Check Out Outbirding with Field Guides

10,000 Birds is running a series of articles by and about tour guides, tour companies, eco-lodges, and other birding travel organizations. We want to help the birding tourism industry come back strong from the COVID pandemic. Please consider using the services described in this post or any of the other posts we are sharing this February.

Guiding birding tours is a remarkably rewarding profession. The long hours and extended air travel are more than offset by the joy and camaraderie of sharing wild places around the world with engaged, interesting people. When the pandemic forced Field Guides to temporarily pause our tour operations in March 2020, we began to think about other ways we could put our skills to work in connecting people through the world of birds. How could we continue doing what we love—teaching folks about birds and natural history—without traveling the world physically with our tour groups?

After some deliberation within the company, we landed on the idea of an online video series, OutBirding with Field Guides. We launched the series in September 2020 with eighteen episodes, and we’ve added a new episode each week since.

The programming is diverse, and capitalizes on the particular passions of each our guides. For some of our guide-presenters, this has meant exploring the natural history of highly sought-after species (such as Connecticut Warbler , Baird’s Sparrow , Thick-billed Parrot , and Eared Quetzal ), the avifauna of specific ecological regions (Amazonia, Prairie Potholes, Atlantic barrier islands), or bird identification (yellow-bellied kingbirds, raptors). Other episodes provide a window into the process of creating bird art, bringing viewers into the studio and through every step along the creative path. Since in-the-field meals are in the DNA of our Field Guides tours, we also have a Camp Kitchen category that provides ideas and instruction for preparing tasty meals in the field. As birds aren’t the only compelling critters we encounter when afield, some episodes showcase other animals such as marmosets, rattlesnakes, and scorpions, and we even have an iNaturalist tutorial. In addition to showing high-quality natural history footage, each member of our team adds their own personal style and humor to the episodes.

We’ve had a great time creating the video series, and feedback from our subscribers has been very positive. In the context of myriad social stressors that accompany these tough times, maintaining a personal connection with our long-time clients and friends has felt really important to us. In addition, the series has engaged bird enthusiasts who have never even been on a birding tour before, allowing us to reach a new audience. Being able to share our guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm with a diverse group of people over the past months has been incredibly fulfilling, and even as a growing portion of the population is vaccinated and plans for future in-person tours become more realistic, we feel like we are just getting started.

We are grateful to 10,000 Birds for the opportunity to share a bit about our labor of love. With over forty episodes up and running and many membership levels to choose from there is something for everyone. In recent months, we’ve produced trailers for each episode to give prospective subscribers a better idea of the specific content of the series. We hope you’ll come on over and check out Outbirding with Field Guides for yourself!

-Doug Gochfeld and Tom Johnson

OutBirding with Field Guides

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Texas Hill Country

April 25 - 30, 2025

• Full Itinerary
• Photo Gallery
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• Know Before You Go
• Other Trips You May Like

Explore one of America’s best birding destinations on this top-rated Texas Hill Country Birding and Nature tour. Amidst the open landscape of the Edwards Plateau region, we explore the verdant area surrounding Concan, Texas, and its mosaic of avian life. Special for This Departure If you can’t get enough of this region’s unique blend of birds, the end of this tour is scheduled to coincide with the beginning of Birding the Border. This three-day festival run by Texas A&M University is based in Del Rio, Texas, just 80 miles to the west of Uvalde, where some exciting key species include Elf Owl, Morelet’s Seedeater, and Ringed Kingfisher.

Tour Highlights

• Enjoy two nights in Uvalde at the start of the Birding the Border festival and three nights at Neal’s Lodge, a longtime hotspot for birders and naturalists
• Admire Golden-cheeked Warbler amidst Ashe-Juniper at Lost Maples State Natural Area
• Observe millions of bats emerging from the Rio Frio Bat Cave
• Spot captivating raptors including Swainson’s, Zone-tailed, and Harris’ Hawks
• Explore a crossroads of ecoregions, where east meets west and biodiversity explodes
• Take in Hill Country’s kaleidoscope of butterflies; over 140 species have been spotted in the area

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Fri., Apr. 25      San Antonio | Concan

Welcome to Texas! Our group gathers at the San Antonio International Airport at 3:00 PM to begin our intriguing expedition into the Texas Hill Country. Some may want to arrive early to enjoy the Riverwalk and history of San Antonio on their own.

Straight from the airport we drive to Concan, Texas, a quiet community with an exciting abundance of Texas specialty birds that occur along the lush Rio Frio. Our route winds through Edwards Plateau, where crystal clear rivers have spent thousands of years cutting a path through gleaming limestone. Have binoculars and cameras ready, birds and blooms abound!

Roadside birds might include Swainson’s Hawk, Crested Caracara, and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. We arrive at Neal’s Lodge, our comfortable accommodations in Concan. Built along the spring-fed Frio River, Neal’s Lodge is our home this week. We settle in, unpack once, and turn our focus to the Hill Country’s natural wonders.

Neal’s grounds host birds from the Eastern and Western U.S., as well as the Lower Rio Grande Valley. This area has been a bucket list destination for naturalists for decades. Accommodation at Neal’s Lodge (D)

Sat., Apr. 26     Uvalde | Ft. Inge | Fish Hatchery | Chalk Bluff Park

Today we head south to Uvalde. As we leave Concan, the habitat becomes noticeably more desert-like. Possible sightings on our drive include Harris’ Hawk, Bell’s Vireo, Bullock’s Oriole, and Crested Caracara.

Arriving in Uvalde, we find the remains of frontier-era Fort Inge, now a 42-acre protected park along the Leona River. The park features a 140-foot volcanic plug, whose dry slopes attract Cactus and Bewick’s Wrens, Ash-throated Flycatcher, and Pyrrhuloxia. Along the Leona River, we find migrant and resident songbirds, and perhaps a Mississippi Kite.

A tour tradition is visiting Uvalde’s classic soda fountain for ice cream, shakes, and malts ? fun (and delicious)!

Next, we go west to the Uvalde National Fish Hatchery, where ponds attract a variety of shorebirds ? surprising migrants can show up at this time of year. From a permanent blind we spot Black Phoebe, species of waterfowl such as Black-bellied Whistling-Duck and Blue Winged Teal, and a host of dragonflies.

We then drive northwest to Chalk Bluff Park, where Tamaulipan Scrub vegetation cloaks hillsides along the Nueces River. Here we find Brown-crested Flycatcher, Summer Tanager, Yellow-throated Vireo, and Black-crested Titmouse in a stand of live oaks.

Along the River, we scan cottonwoods, pecans, and mulberries for Yellow-breasted Chat, Indigo and Painted Buntings, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Orchard Oriole, and Blue Grosbeak. We have another chance to see tiny Green Kingfisher, secretive Ringed Kingfisher, and a vulture-mimic, the Zone-Tailed Hawk.

The park’s pecan grove may draw in migrants including Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and several warblers. Accommodation at Neal’s Lodge (B,L,D)

Sun., Apr. 27      Neal’s Lodge | Rio Frio Bat Cave

This morning we get up early to bird the area around Neal’s Lodge. We comfortably observe several species as permanent feeding stations draw in some of the Hill Country’s best species. Clay-colored Sparrow are common at the “cattle guard feeder”—often joined by Black-throated, Lark, White-crowned and Chipping Sparrows. Three species of orioles are possible visitors, along with resident Olive Sparrow and Long-billed Thrasher.

Continuing to the pecan grove for more feeder watching, we look for Eastern Bluebird, Indigo Bunting, Carolina Chickadee, Black-crested Titmouse, and various migrants.

Neal’s Lodge maintains hummingbird feeders throughout the grounds. These attract numerous Black-chinned Hummingbird, a few Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and the nectar-loving Hooded Oriole.

For lunch, we visit a delicious BBQ stand in Concan for tasty brisket and smoked turkey. After lunch we return to Neal’s Lodge for continued feeder watching.

After dinner, we take a short drive to the Rio Frio Bat Cave. Every night, 10-million or more Mexican Free-tailed Bats exit the cave to feed. If you haven’t experienced a bat cave emergence, you are sure to be mesmerized as the smoke-like river of bats emerges against the setting sun.

Local bat biologist Bain Walker joins us as we take in the sights and sounds of one of the largest gatherings of mammals in North America. Red-tailed and Swainson’s Hawk are likely visitors as they feed on the frenzy of bats.

Cave Swallow share the cave and we see them as they return to roost. Accommodation at Neal’s Lodge (B,L,D)

Mon., Apr. 28      Lost Maples State Natural Area

Today we depart for Lost Maples State Natural Area, a 2,200-acre protected site straddling the serene Sabinal River. The park is famous for its Golden-cheeked Warbler, and is home to many other species.

Black-chinned Hummingbird, occasional Indigo Bunting, and Scott’s Oriole often greet us at the visitor center’s feeders. Along the Maple Trail, we walk through a limestone canyon populated with oak, sycamore, and relict Bigtooth Maple. We listen for the sweet, buzzing song of the park’s Golden-cheeked Warbler. We might also see Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-throated and White-eyed Vireos, and Black-and-white Warbler.

Lost Maples hosts a stunning array of butterflies; over 140 species live in and around Concan. A previous trip recorded many species, including Nysa Roadside-Skipper, Red Admiral, Gulf Fritillary, and Pipevine, Spicebush, and Giant Swallowtail.

After a picnic lunch we hike along rivers and ponds, scanning the branches for Green Kingfisher, a striking species rarely found in the United States.

For dinner, we visit Lost Maples Café and its regionally famous pies. Accommodation at Neal’s Lodge (B,L,D)

Tues., Apr. 29      Kerr Wildlife Management Area | Black-capped Vireo

Today we visit the Kerr Wildlife Management Area in the basin of the Guadalupe River. On the drive, we look for Blue Bonnets and Mealy Sage. The park is home to a large population of Black-capped Vireo, an endangered specialty of Central Texas. Finding them is our focus, though abundant wildflowers can prove a pleasant distraction!

Other species at Kerr WMA include Wild Turkey, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Common Ground-Dove, Summer Tanager, Field Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, and Painted Bunting.

Tonight we enjoy a final dinner and conversations, and then tally up the rich sightings from a week of birding the Texas Hill Country! Accommodation at Neal’s Lodge (B,L,D)

Wed., Apr. 30     San Antonio & Departures

We load our vans with Blue Jay watching overhead, and return to San Antonio. Some may wish to stay on to explore this historic city, home to the Alamo and a delightful Riverwalk. (B)

Varied Bunting by Bryan Calk

Vermillion Flycatcher by Bryan Calk

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks by Bryan Calk

Tropical Parula by Bryan Calk

Group by Pat Lueders

Barred Owl by Bryan Calk

Group Birding by Pat Lueders

Black-capped Vireo by Bryan Calk

Pyrrhuloxia by Bryan Calk

Frio Bat Cave by Carlos Sanchez

Green Jay by Bryan Calk

Frio River by Pat Lueders

Gray Vireo by Bryan Calk

Cost of the Journey

The cost of this journey is $TBD, from San Antonio, TX, and includes all accommodations, meals as specified in the itinerary, group airport transfers, professional guide services, local park and other area entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. The cost does not include transportation to or from your home to San Antonio, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, porterage, maid gratuities, or beverages from the bar.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

Big Bend & Davis Mountains

• Species List
• Trip Report

Big Bend Monsoon Madness

South texas, texas coast.

Bryan started birding at Fort Clark Springs in southwest Texas when he was 10 years old and never stopped. He got his first taste of guiding while leading trips for the Rio Brazos Audubon Society during college. After graduating from Texas A&M in 2015 with a degree in genetics, Bryan worked as an avian field biologist on several projects across Texas and New Mexico. Currently residing in Albuquerque as a professional birding tour guide, he leads field tours, workshops, and youth birding programs across the US. In his free time, Bryan enjoys butterflies, searching for herps, photography, art, cooking, and gardening.

Other trips with Bryan Calk

Mason is a New Mexico native who started birding at age 11 when his family moved within walking distance of the Richardson Bay Audubon Sanctuary in Tiburon, California. Here, he became an Audubon Junior Naturalist. His love of birding and travel grew through as he moved with his family to Alaska, Ohio, and Vermont, college on the east coast, and a few years trying to eke out a living as a birder/ski bum in Montana and back in New Mexico. In desperate need of gainful employment, Mason settled in Seattle where he spent most of his career at Microsoft. Mason was able to feed his habit by adding on a day or two of birding to business trips across the US, Europe, and Asia and travel with his family. His wife Suzy, who loves travel but isn’t a birder, is a good sport and jokes that being married to a birder has given her the opportunity to visit sewage treatment ponds around the world. Mason retired a bit early in 2015 to help fledge his two sons, squeezing in travel and birding between soccer games and band performances. He was thrilled to finally combine his passions and profession when he joined Naturalist Journeys as a consultant in early 2020. Mason has led field trips in Guyana, Peru, Iceland, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, Southeastern Arizona, Minnesota, and South Africa.

Other trips with Mason Flint

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

• Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
• Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at [email protected] .
• Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance .
• Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain . It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.   You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at [email protected] or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

Packing List +

Please pack light.

Soft luggage is easier for us to pack than a rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. The trip is informal and the weather fine – no need to pack heavily this time of year.

Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. Your carry-on bag must be able to fit under the seat or it will be taken away by airline staff and put with the regular luggage. You will want a daypack for field trips, so this is the ideal carry-on. We recommend that you double check with your airline a week or so before departure to verify luggage size and weight restrictions. A reminder, keep your EMERGENCY CONTACT list with your airline tickets – just in case!

In general, the weather during your stay should be warm (70-80°F in the day, 50-55°F in the evenings and early mornings) and we want you to be comfortable. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing, as they are more protective from sun, insects and vegetation. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal, and you may wish to spray your field outerwear with Permethrin beforehand or try bug repellent clothing – Exofficio’s Bugs Away and  Craghoppers Insect Shield are options. If you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty – and things that are comfortable and easy. Layering is your best strategy for comfort. While closed toed shoes and hiking boots are ideal for our fieldwork, a pair of sandals will be most welcome for travel days and evenings.

Clothing and Gear

• Lightweight long pants, 2 pair
• Shorts (optional)
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, 2-3 (Loose fitting keeps you cool)
• T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts or equivalent, 4-5
• Comfortable clothing for travel days and evenings (a cleaner version of your field clothes or a skirt, sundress, etc.)
• Personal underclothing and pajamas
• Socks – lightweight and easy to wash and dry (Long enough to tuck your pants into, to help protect from chiggers)
• Comfortable walking/hiking shoes such as tennis shoes
• Lightweight hiking boots
• Comfortable sandals or light shoes for evenings, travel days
• Lightweight fleece jacket or sweater for early morning walks
• Lightweight raincoat or poncho
• Hat with broad brim
• Bandana (optional, great for cooling off when you are hot and sweaty)
• Swimsuit (optional)

Equipment and Miscellaneous

• Photo Identification
• E-ticket verification
• Passport (for international travelers)
• Small daypack or fanny pack to carry your field gear
• Walking stick (optional but recommended if you usually use one when hiking)
• Umbrella – small and not brightly colored (optional but useful for protection from rain)
• Small flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
• Alarm clock (if you use your phone, be sure to turn off data roaming)
• Sunscreen/Chapstick or equivalent
• Sunglasses with neck strap
• Insect repellent
• Toiletry articles
• Binoculars (a shower cap is great to cover these when raining)
• Spotting scope and tripod (optional)
• Camera and extra batteries/battery charger, memory cards, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional)
• Water bottle (or plan to refill one bought on location)
• Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
• Field guides (optional)
• Laundry soap if you plan to do hand washing
• Earplugs (optional)
• Rechargeable power bank (optional)

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Medical and First Aid Items

• Personal medication (and copy of vital prescriptions, including glasses – or have at easy reference to call or fax from home) and any medical alerts
• Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van, drives, etc.
• Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments and stomach ailments
• Foot powder, lotions, general “comfort” items
• Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
• Health insurance information
• Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts

Suggested Reading List +

The following are a few titles that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

Field Guide to the Birds of North America

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Texas Hill Country

General Reading

Texas Hill Country Map

Field Guides

ABA Field Guide to Birds of Texas

The TOS Handbook of Texas Birds

Birds of Texas Field Guide

The Sibley Guide to Birds

Hawks in Flight

The Warbler Guide

Texas Butterflies & Pollinators: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species

Butterflies of North America

Amphibians and Reptiles of Texas

Dragonflies and Damselflies of the West

Texas Bug Book: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Mammals of Texas

Trees, Shrubs, and Vines of the Texas Hill Country

Texas Wildflowers, A Field Guide

Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country

General Birding

Pete Dunne’s Essential Field Guide Companion: A Comprehensive Resource for Identifying North American Birds

Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding: Understanding What You See and Hear

The Birder’s Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds

The Complete Birder, A Guide to Better Birding

Lives of North American Birds

Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior

Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds

Roadside Geology of Texas

There is a good selection of books available for sale at visitors’ centers, and your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

Useful Links +

Texas Hill Country – Encyclopedic Overview

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Hill_Country
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concan,_Texas
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uvalde,_Texas

Fort Clark Springs (Previously called Fort Clark)

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Clark,_Texas

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Birding in Texas

https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/birding/

Birding Uvalde – eBird Hotspot

• https://ebird.org/region/US-TX-463

Birding at Neal’s Lodges

• https://www.nealslodges.com/birding

San Antonio Audubon Society

https://www.saaudubon.org/

Hill Country Wildlife – Texas Parks & Wildlife (TP&W website has a wealth of additional information!)

• https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/resources/texas-junior-naturalists/regions/hill-country/hill-country-wildlife

Cook’s Slough Nature Center – eBird Hotspot

• https://ebird.org/hotspot/L499773

Rio Frio Bat Cave

https://annandaleranch.com/frio-bat-cave/

Edwards Plateau Ecological Region

• https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/land/habitats/cross_timbers/ecoregions/edwards_plateau.phtml

Endemics of the Texas Hill Country

• https://defenders.org/wild-places/texas-hill-country
• https://roundtop.com/culture/a-naturalists-guide-to-the-texas-hill-country/

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Hill Country Conservancy

• https://hillcountryconservancy.org/

The Watershed Association – Texas Hill Country Conservation Network

• https://watershedassociation.org/impactareas/thccn/

Kickapoo Cavern State Park

• https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/kickapoo-cavern
• https://texasspeleologicalsurvey.org/wildcaves/tsskickapoocavern.php

Lost Maples State Natural Area

• https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples

Geology & Geography

Texas Hill Country Geology

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geology_of_Texas

Geography of Texas

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Texas

History & Culture

Natural History of the Texas Hill Country

• https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/resources/texas-junior-naturalists/regions/hill-country/hill-country-history

Texas Hill Country – Texas State Historical Association

• https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/hill-country

Hill Country Conservancy Article “Stories of Rocks and Rivers”

• https://hillcountryconservancy.org/rocks-and-rivers/

Texas Highways Article “Where Does the Texas Hill Country Actually End?”

• https://texashighways.com/travel/where-does-the-texas-hill-country-actually-end/

Historical Ecology of the Texas Hill Country

• https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=321715

History of Neal’s Lodges

• https://www.nealslodges.com/history

History of Concan

• https://www.texasalmanac.com/places/concan

History of San Antonio and It’s River Walk

• https://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/about/our-history/

Helpful Travel Websites

San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

https://www.san-antonio-airport.com/

Homeland Security Real ID Act

• https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

• https://www.tsa.gov

ATM Locator

• https://www.mastercard.us/en-us/personal/get-support/find-nearest-atm.html
• https://www.visa.com/atmlocator/

Date & Time

• https://www.timeanddate.com/

Photo credits: BANNERS by Bryan Calk: Green Kingfisher, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck THUMBNAILS by Bryan Calk: Green Jay, Black-and-white Warbler, Hooded Oriole, Crested Caracara, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Painted Bunting

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• Tasneem Johnson-Dollie
• Aug 19, 2020

Five steps to creating the best field guide tours

Updated: Dec 15, 2023

BY: Tasneem Johnson-Dollie

What makes field guide tours memorable? By starting with a passion for nature and following through with some flair, any field guide can create one of the best guided experiences on offer. 

Can it really be that simple? Well, creating a memorable field guide tour starts with knowing what tourists are looking for, and keeping them entertained while filling them in on all things nature.

But it goes deeper than that.

When delivering a field guide tour, field guides are also expected to give tourists a safe experience in nature, and provide them with information that’s interesting and easy to understand. 

While this can be tricky to perfect, you can follow these five steps to becoming one of the world’s best nature field guides.

1) Use your passion to get educated

To be one of the best nature field guides, you’ll need to have the necessary education that comes from completing a top-notch field guide course.

While there are many Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) accredited courses on offer by different organisations, Bushwise Field Guides is the top-rated FGASA provider. 

This ups your chances of employment once you graduate. In fact, more than 90% of our graduates go on to land a job in the field-guiding sector after earning their entry-level FGASA Field Guide qualification. 

And, with a FGASA field guiding and conservation careers internship, South African participants are guaranteed a job placement within six months of completing the course.

These types of providers offer courses where you’ll learn everything you need to know about entry-level field guiding and beyond. They also give you the opportunity to gain the confidence you need to work and problem-solve effectively in the field.

And, there are even ways to start your studies without having to travel right away. 

Online field guide courses with an interactive spin make it easy to earn a field guiding qualification right now, and get a foot in the door to creating the best guided experiences. 

And, setting yourself up with a solid theoretical foundation as a field guide will give you the insight and wealth of information you need to offer an engaging wildlife tour. 

2) Gain relevant practical experience

Once you’re equipped with all the theory you need, it’s best to start practising your new-found skills in the types of environments that nature field guides work in. 

This is the best way to figure out the practical skills you need, like how to track animals and find your way through the terrain to see the most interesting attractions. It’s also the perfect opportunity to pick up on the body-language and oration skills that will engage an audience without chasing away any wildlife. You can learn these skills first-hand from the seasoned field guides you’ll work with. 

While you’re out in the field, think about your career as a field guide, and the types of field guide tours you’d like to offer. 

If you’re keen on feathery wildlife, try to spot every bird in South African bird field guide books and keep a record of your experience. This way, you’ll have a better idea of how to find them in the future, and have real-life experience to share on wildlife tours. 

Maybe, you’re more of a plant fundi? Well, you’ll need to get out there and experience the look and smell of these plants for yourself, so that you’ll know what you’re talking about when you tell their story. 

And perhaps you picture yourself as a wildlife safari tour guide in the future? 

Well, being able to grab your audience’s attention out in the savannah – with lions, leopards, rhinos, Cape buffaloes and elephants lurking close by – may seem simple. But, if you don’t gain experience in providing safe encounters, you’ll never get to the top of the field guiding game. 

These first two steps will set you up to be a skillful provider of field guide tours, who knows what they’re doing in the field. But, creating the best field guide tours doesn’t stop there. 

You’ll need to know how to tell the perfect story, and get your guests swept up in tales of South Africa’s wild spaces. 

3) Make a connection

So you know what to say about nature, but do you know how to say it in a way that gets a group excited?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting this right, but a good starting point is getting to know your audience.

You can find out more by checking with the booking office whether your guests are colleagues from a corporate company, or a family on a vacation. By doing this, you’ll be one step ahead before you meet them face-to-face. 

And once you meet up, take some time to chit-chat and get to know more about the group. This way they’ll start to feel like they’re in the company of a friend, and you’ll have a better idea of the types of personalities you’re looking to entertain. 

But being charismatic doesn’t come easily to us all, and it doesn’t necessarily need to. 

Beyond just your personality, you can make a connection with guests by telling them more about your journey as a field guide, and giving them a glimpse of what it’s like working in the wild – which is a tale in itself! 

4) Hold their interest

Yes, your audience will often consist of people who are already excited about the topic of the field guide tour – be it the big five, or trees of South Africa!

But, if you can’t hold their interest, some might feel that the tour was less valuable. 

While different types of nature field guides may speak about vastly different topics, the same rule applies when it comes to capturing your guests’ attention: keep it relevant.

For example, waffling on about medicinal plants on a wildlife safari tour might leave your guests feeling like they’ve missed out on interesting information about animals. 

Similarly, going off on a tangent about trees may not tickle the fancy of tourists looking to learn more about the birds listed in South African bird field guides. 

So, as a field guide, you need to be well-rounded.

You can practise your storytelling before setting off to make sure you’re not leaving any important information out. Be sure to consider these questions:

What is this field guide tour about? Is it about wildlife, plants, or seeing the savannah at sunset?

Why have these particular guests chosen to come on this field guide tour? What do they want to see or hear about?

What scientific information is important to convey? (Think about what would engage the group).

What real-life experience do I have as a field guide that adds value to this type of tour? 

Is any extra information necessary, and what type of information would this crowd appreciate?

This way, you’ll be able to focus on what keeps your audience engaged, and create the type of field guide tours that visitors can think back on fondly.

5) Provide a satisfying conclusion

Here’s where you may start to feel the pressure – ending the field guide tour with a bang. But don’t fret, we have some tips for you to follow here too.

Firstly, by the end of the tour you should have tied up all loose ends. Check in with yourself and the audience regularly so that you can be sure that:

all of your guests are keeping up with the information

guests’ questions are being acknowledged and answered without disrupting the flow of the field guide tour

you refer back to the topic of the tour often, and show how new information is relevant to the topic

you answer any hanging questions you may have introduced

you establish awareness regarding conservation in a professional and engaging manner.

It helps to carry a well set-out checklist with you that you can glance at, to remind yourself of what you might have missed. 

With all of these taken care of you can focus on making your finale unforgettable.

So what makes for a good ending when it comes to field guide tours?

Well, it’s good to help the guest relive the experience one last time. 

Find your own way of highlighting the best parts of the trip, and threading them together in a way that piques your audience’s interest all over again. 

Remind them about the lioness encounter, the temperamental elephant calf, or the towering ant hill that you spotted on the tour. Ask guests what they remember about that moment, and allow them to share their thoughts with one another.

Engage the group and ask about their favourite parts of the tour, and what they’d like to revisit the most. 

Then, slip in a last-minute, astonishing fact about nature: one that will generate a few gasps, and have some guests sinking into silent contemplation. And you’ll know exactly what to say because you’ve got a wealth of field guide tour knowledge! 

And once you’ve set the mood, bring the perfect field guide tour home with a call to action. Tell your group about practical ways that they can contribute to the well-being of nature – in the wild, or at home – and how they can get involved in the type of nature conservation that assists field guides in doing their work well. 

This way, you won’t just be offering tourists the best guided experience, you’ll leave them feeling empowered to make an impact in nature, after experiencing one of the world’s best field guide tours. 

Find out more about Bushwise’s online field guide course , and see how you can get closer to creating the world’s best field guide tours today.

Recent Posts

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Testimonials

I’ve been on 18 Wildside tours and Hawaii is among the best. Mandy and Chris were terrific guides and hosts. As hosts they thought of every detail including places to eat, snacks for the road and most importantly bathroom stops! Their knowledge of the birds is only one part of their expertise. Mandy is well versed in all things Hawaii including the vegetation, animals, bugs, whales etc. The accommodations and meals were all first class. Again, a terrific trip that I highly recommend!!!

Superb trip! Let’s start with the snowy scenery — just gorgeous. And then the birds. We saw many we had never seen before, and never could have expected to see otherwise. Adrian or Alex or Chris would spot a tiny dot at the top of a tree and say, “That’s a ….” and we’d pull over and, sure enough, they’d be right. They were generous with their exhaustive knowledge, and we learned a lot. Their friendliness and good natures made the trip so much fun in so many ways. We came home exhau(…)

This is our fifth trip with Wildside. All five trips were fabulous and Kevin and his guides are terrific. This trip to the Galapagos is in a class of it’s own and the trip every birder and nature photographer must do!! Kevin Loughlin, Pedro Guaycha and John Kricher were exceptional guides and hosts. The new boat, staterooms, staff and fresh food were all first class. I cannot recommend this trip enough. The wildlife was up close and amazing. We even got to snorkel with sea turtles, sea lion(…)

I just returned from your fantastic trip to Arizona. I had 70 life birds including Elegant Trogan, Montezuma Quail and Five Stripe Sparrow!!! Chris and Steve were great guides. I plan on going to your Maine and Northern California trips next year. Thanks for another great birding trip!

Thank you sooo much for the Dry Tortugas tour. It was everything I was hoping it would be and more.

The prairie chicken tour was fabulous. Gary and I were so happy with Chris’ leader abilities that we would love to go the FL + Dry Tortugas tour with him next April. – Colorado, April 2018

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise and leadership. Jim and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with you and Toby in beautiful Scotland.

This was a trip of a lifetime and Adrian Binns is a remarkable leader — who includes culture, and his knowledge of the life history of mammals, birds, and other wildlife we see. You can’t truly immerse yourself in a county if you don’t get to know the culture and the people along with the wildlife and their interesting behaviors. He also is a good listener if you have concerns. The places we stayed at were wonderful, different and fascinating. Adrian’s love and knowledge of Africa r(…)

This trip was a spectacular exploration of an amazing unique habitat. Mind-boggling non-stop variety of waders, raptors, caiman, capybara and jaguars! A memorable moment included paddling alongside remarkable Giant Otters crunching fish as they fed and communicating with eerie ear-splitting screams. – Pantanal 2010

Thank you for all your efforts in arranging this wonderful trip, finding us all the target birds and for my surprise birthday celebration. – Morocco April 2017

Adrian was an amazing guide, knowing virtually every bird we heard and saw. In addition to knowing them on sight or sound, he planned special stops to find individual birds that would not be available anywhere else.

In addition to identification, Adrian was also a font of knowledge about the animals we saw (birds and otherwise); I learned about more than just birds on the trip.

The lodges we stayed at were all great, giving us the opportunity to see wildlife in public spaces in the b(…)

Thanks, Kevin, for an awesome and amazing week [in Glacier Nation al Park] and for sharing your terrific knowledge and experience with us. Your expert photography knowledge helped me to grow and be a better photographer. Your birding and nature skills have inspired me! Your passion for your work is contagious!

Joel and I wanted to thank you again for the wonderful trip to the Tortugas. We appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us and making the trip so enjoyable. It was truly a memorable trip!

Got to meet a few of you at the Magee Marsh Boardwalk this past week. You guys were wonderful. Thanks for all your help and knowledge. Hope to see you again next year!

You have the best coverage for getting all the Florida specialties, and you allow extra time to ‘get the birds.’

The Galápagos Islands are a unique destination that requires an experienced tour company to expose you to all its wonders. Kevin of Wildside Tours knows this place as well or better than anybody! You will be totally immersed in the wildlife and scenery-a sensual experience that will have you re-telling your trip over and over to friends and family. It couldn’t get any better than what we experienced. My wife says NOTHING will ever top this as a birthday gift. Wildside is the best!!

It’s not the quantity but definitely the quality of birds on this trip. We didn’t have too much snow and no colder than 15F each day. Our guides Alex and Steve , who was a local, knew exactly where to find each species. No matter how long it took to find. I really enjoyed the quiet locations, the forests and thankful for the 12 lifers.

I wanted to let you know that my Maine birding trip last week was beyond all my expectations. Chris and Alex were terrific hosts and guides. They went beyond the call of duty and their efforts paid off with a great Puffin trip. This is my third birding trip with Wildside and Chris Brown does a fabulous job picking lunch and dinner spots which really makes for a successful, well rounded trip.

Wildside Nature Tours are THE best, we enjoyed Belize so much, the locations chosen for this 25th anniversary trip allowed more time at a particular location which we really enjoyed. You are as busy as you choose to be and still get the field opportunities offered. Belize was our second Wildside trip, what we have found was we arrived as strangers on both trips and left as family. Each day was filled with history, culture and Kevin’s team know how to find those AWESOME shots. You can s(…)

Dear Adrian, Your vast knowledge of birds, habitats were especially appreciated, and your thoughtful attention to all of your birders!

Best birds in the country? Spring in Arizona makes an awfully strong case. Best guides in the country? That’s an even easier debate. This Wildside Tour was a real pleasure and an excellent value, packing in so many good birds in so many unforgettable places, all from one convenient central site. For the raptor-lover, Southeast Arizona in March will offer great looks at some of the most unique and specialized birds of prey that we have. The Tubac Hawkwatch is a terrific place to observe the (…)

Your birding expertise and spotting ability are amazing. Thanks so much for your patience, kindness, stories and great attitude, it was a memorable and fun trip.

Spain provided fantastic birding, culture, and food. We arrived a day early to visit Seville, a wonderfully walkable city with great architecture and parks. Donana wetlands teemed with ducks, waders, and shorebirds. We were mesmerized by vultures and eagles at the rocky cliffs. It was great fun to look for bustards in flowing grasslands. Scenery was stunning in the Pyrenees mountains; it was amazing to watch the Wallcreeper cling to crags high in a vertical cliff. We ate the most mouth-wate(…)

Loved the beautiful birds we saw on this trip! It is difficult to pick just one as a favorite. The pine marten was an amazing sight and who could forget the regurgitations of the Northern Hawk Owl who was so accommodating to stay in the same area all four days for all to enjoy? Adrian, Alex and Chris were wonderful guides who worked HARD to find all the birds who cooperated. As usual, a couple species were elusive, but that just gives us an opportunity to visit the area again in the fut(…)

Fantastic photographic adventure! Wolves, fox, coyotes, buffalo beyond imagination, eagles (Bald and Golden), panoramic views, you name it — we saw it and the leaders provided it.

Tour leader Kevin is the consummate host and trail guide plus we had Lee Hoy who must be the greatest Olympus Camera technician. I was impressed at how much better my photography became as the week progressed. Night seminars about composition techniques and histogram usage were excellent.

Home now, laund(…)

Mammals and birds were everywhere. The crater was amazing as were the sheer number of wildebeest in the Serengeti. You certainly put us right in the middle of migration. This safari far exceeded my expectations. Thank you! – Feb 2015

Thanks for a really wonderful trip to Spain. Adrian put together a great itinerary and Yeray was an excellent local guide. I really enjoyed Adrian’s sense of humor and easy-going approach to the trip. There was a great sense of camaraderie amongst our group that I believe you fostered. I would definitely do another birding trip with you. I had a spectacular time.

Wow! This trip was a stunner, and I am highly recommending it to everyone I know. I hope to take many more trips with you, Adrian. Having spent a month in Morocco almost 40 years ago I was thrilled to return with you. You are a terrific guide; you know Morocco, its birds, customs, people, places, language and cuisine. The enjoyment you provided surpassed my highest expectations. It was fun to see you greeting old friends there with hugs, and your comfort and ease were infectious to particip(…)

I can’t begin to offer enough praise for Glenn. He was extraordinary on all counts. He was one of the most skilled birders I’ve had the pleasure of birding with, and his people skills were off the charts. It was a pleasure and an honor to have the chance to meet and spend time in the field with him. He’s an amazing guy!

Thanks again Adrian for another great trip (#13 I think) of birding in a wonderful location. You’re a great guide, but you’re also an outstanding teacher. I know Kenya is one of your favorite destinations, and it was so enjoyable to see things through your eyes. Best birding activity – at Lake Baringo with Francis, five owl species, and on the boat ride, the Fish Eagles, Little Bittern and Allen’s Gallinule. Best animal-bird interaction – the Red-billed Oxpecker going into the Rhino’s ear(…)

This trip to Southern California was my seventh Wildside trip. This trip was, as all of my trips with Wildside, fabulous! This was also my third trip with Alex Lamoreaux as guide. Alex is a superb all around birding, flora and fauna expert. As a bonus he has a great knack for picking great dinner spots. My wife and I have been on five North American tours and two international tours, with two more trips with Wildside to come this year. Treat yourself to one of their many trips – you won’t b(…)

I think you are great professionals, knowledgeable birders and very caring about your fellow travelers. You are not afraid to share what you know and that is really important. I have been on other tours and yours are by far the best.

Just back from the amazing River of Raptors tour—Robert and Alex were incredible guides.

Adrian, thanks for a great trip! We thoroughly enjoyed birding with you again and appreciate all the extra effort you put into making the trip a learning experience as well as finding the birds.

The spectacle of thousands and thousands of raptors streaming and kettling overhead cannot be described in words. Every birder should experience this in Veracruz at least once in their lifetime. – Veracruz 2013

The Puerto Rico trip is a great way to see a unique and memorable set of endemic birds while touring the island. There is opportunity to see very varied terrain while observing a varied group of birds.

This was so much more than a birding tour of Morocco; it was truly a cultural experience.

Adrian – Thanks for a fabulous trip! The chickens really were spectacular, and Colorado is beautiful!

We didn’t just see, or tour, the Galapagos Islands with Wildside Nature Tours…we experienced the Galapagos Islands with all five senses, such that it will live in our memories as vivid as it was those magical twelve days of August, 2017, aboard the our yacht…may we yet again be so fortunate as to undertake such an adventure.

The 2020 Amazon Riverboat Photography workshop provided all participants a multitude of interesting and challenging photography opportunities. From macro shots of frogs and insects, to shots of nine species of primates, to screen filling birds, like the horned screamers and pterodactyl-like hoatzins, there were not many moments when we were not photographing something. The pros offered continuous suggestions and reminders to help assure we had great images.

The riverboat was large, comf(…)

The trip exceeded my expectations. The leaders [Kevin Loughlin & Pedro Guaycha] were patient and answered all questions. The yacht crew were attentive and well trained. Food onboard was well prepared and satisfying. The time passed too quickly and every day brought new adventures.

Our trip to the Brazilian Pantanal exceeded our expectations. Adrian’s spotting skills are phenomenal – expert eyes and ears. We were particularly impressed by his determination that every trip participant see the target species he, our local guide, or fellow participants have identified. Adrian’s knowledge of the natural world is vast and deep, and his enthusiasm for sharing that knowledge contagious. His experience, professionalism and sense of humor made him a pleasure to travel with(…)

Naturally, the hawk flights were the highlight of the trip but we enjoyed everything else as well; the morning bird walks, the boat rides, the museum in Xalapa, the food, and the very nice camaraderie between the participants and the guides. Robert is certainly a class act! He did his best to make sure all involved were happy with everything and, of course, he is an excellent birder.

I also want to offer high praise in regards to Alex. He is as gifted a birder as I have been with as (…)

Adrian, I was so impressed with your enthusiasm for the birds and constant effort to teach us, not to mention your ever-engaging wit.

Thank you again Adrian and Toby for a wonderful trip, and thanks for the excellent report. I read it while sweltering in our heat, so the mention of rain only made me want to return to Scotland. – June 2018

Trinidad is a place like no other. There is the magic of seeing so many birds of different species and many very close. Time to practice those action shots. I learned so much about my camera and shooting from the photographer Roger Neckles. His enthusiasm was contagious. He knows where to go to find the birds. The background scenery is also special in your photos. Roger tries very hard to fulfill your every need. I requested to see the Gold and Blue Macaw not dreaming I would see one on my (…)

You really want to see tropical birds but don’t like to constantly change hotels? Can’t or don’t want to do a lot of jungle hiking? Not familiar with the tropical bird groups? The riverboat base with skiff rides along the water edges give an up-close look at a wide variety of birds, monkeys, sloths, and river dolphins. The few walks are not difficult and can be optional. Partner not a birder or a photography buff? As space allows, they can learn photography tips on one trip and go looking a(…)

This is my second tour with Alex and will be far from my last. He is such a gentle, even-keeled young man besides being an excellent birder, guide and group leader. It was a relaxed and fun trip. We saw almost every bird we targeted and some. He was so patient in his explanations and making sure everyone was catered too. Thanks

The pace of the tour was fine, went to many good birding places including new ones for us, loved all the time we got to spend at raptor counts and marveled at the locations where we saw them; Chalchihuecan early in the AM, Cardel, Chichi, and west of Chichi later in the afternoon. We were privileged to go to the banding station. And the trip was flexible enough that we went to Cantona, where history combined with birds. The food was excellent. – Veracruz ‘River of Raptors”

Just wanted you to know what a WONDERFUL time we had with you in India – a TERRIFIC guide, wonderful participants, great birds and SPECTACULAR TIGERS. Yes, ours was a great trip; I was so impressed with your enthusiasm for the birds and constant effort to teach us, not to mention your ever-engaging wit. – Northern India 06

I just returned from this excellent birding tour. Glenn Crawford is one of the very best bird guides I have traveled with; his eyes and ears are amazingly attuned to birds, and he is very skilled (and patient) in describing a bird’s location in dense tropical foliage. He is personable and quite attuned to the individual needs of participants. The two lodges where we stayed are wonderful, with friendly staff, excellent food, and terrific accommodations. People considering the tour should kno(…)

I took the Galapagos trip that began June 16, 2019. The trip exceeded my expectations and they were already pretty high. Everything was praiseworthy–the logistics, the ship, the crew, the food, and the guides. Kevin Loughlin, Pedro Guaycha and John Kricher are all so experienced and knowledgeable, and fun to be with. Kevin is a very relaxed but efficient leader, so the atmosphere is always enjoyable. The photo opportunities were of course spectacular.

The pace was not leisurely! Early m(…)

From the tropical Pacific coast, to ancient oak cloud forests, to stark treeless habitat at 11,000 feet, the Wildside Nature Tours Costa Rica birding adventure was a great success. Thanks to our guide – arguably the best birder I ever met and commanding an encyclopedic knowledge of natural history – we tallied 346 species in a little over nine full days of birding!

Once again we had a terrific birding trip with Wildside. Belize was a perfect tropical birding introduction for Pat and I. The accommodations and meals were great. The variety and numbers of birds was overwhelming. And I can’t say enough good things about Glenn our guide. He was SUPER!!!! We definitely will be doing another Glenn guided trip in the near future. Thanks again for a wonderful week!

There was no way we were going to Alaska on our own (for both knowing all the little tidbits and for safety… i.e. bears). I was more than impressed with Kevin’s care, interest, knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm.

This trip to Kenya was an AMAZING experience of a lifetime! Couldn’t believe we could see over 450 birds in so short a time. Seeing all three types of giraffes, 2 species of zebras, elephants, blk and wh rhinos, wildebeests, etc. in their natural setting was wonderful. And that lake of flamingos! WOW! The drama of the gnu and the crocodiles was truly an experience one could only have in Africa. Adrian was the best of leaders and his Kenyan birding helpers were fabulous. We loved the (…)

I just have to say … you guys are superstars! With your awesome skills at showing birds to people, you made a LOT of people happy during the Biggest Week In American Birding! Thank you so much; we’ll look forward to seeing all of you again, back here in Ohio or somewhere else around the world!

The Botswana trip with Adrian Binns was truly a trip of a lifetime.

As a new birder, I learned so much from Adrian’s instruction and loved the camps we stayed at in Botswana. In addition, Adrian and the other folks on the tour were delightful travel companions.

Botswana is a magical place (and we saw many, many elephants in the wild, which I wanted so badly to see). I highly recommend this tour!

One of my favorite tours! Good mix of birds and mammals. Fantastic photographic opportunities. Great food and lodging. Wildside does it right!

This was my Sixteenth Wildside trip and my sixth plus trip with Alex. I’m losing count !! This was a great bird packed couple of days!! Alex is the energizer bunny of bird guides! As with all of Wildside’s trips you are getting a great guide and host. The standout moments for me were the Poorwill that we got to examine closely, the Golden Cheeked warbler feeding its baby chick, and the one and a half million Mexican Freetail Bats flying out from underneath the bridge in Austin !!! What a(…)

Chickens close on the leks were the most unique N. American birding experience we have ever had, even after birding for about 40 years.

Wildside Tours’ four-day Dry Tortugas boat trip produced the goods in spades. Leaders Adrian Binns, who legally changed his name to suit his profession, and actor/birding guide Andy Samberg/Chris Brown were wildely funny – and effective guides…we had SO much fun!

I was lucky enough to meet and bird a little with the Wildside team at BWAB. You guys and gals are awesome – it was great meeting you all!

No photo of Machu Picchu does justice to it. Seeing it is awe inspiring, and I use that phrase very sparingly. But it was not the highlight of the Birding Machu Picchu trip.

THE highlight was, and always will be, Edison Buenaño. His skill as a guide and his encyclopedic ecological knowledge are unparalleled. This was my eighth trip with Wildside and I never had a guide who wasn’t first rate but Edison is the apex of that very tall pyramid. We saw a wide variety of avian species at every(…)

Our small crew thoroughly enjoyed each hour of every day and weren’t shy about saying so. I know they loved their Wildsides experience in Belize.

Robert Straub is fluent in Spanish and very knowledge about the area. There were no ‘language problems’ anywhere, making the trip run very smoothly.

As the most novice birder on the trip, I was treated to a wonderful group of helpful participants–leaders, naturalists and fellow travelers. Patience abounded! What a store of information I have gathered, my head swims in colorful birds and other animals. Our stop at riverside villages was enlilghtening.

I’ve been lucky enough to go birding with Edison in a variety of places, and it’s always a blast. His skill at finding and identifying birds, his enthusiasm for every bird, and his personal warmth and sense of humor all combine to make him a great leader in the field.

My wife and I plus two close birding friends just returned from a 1 week birding tour of the Dominican Republic led by Gabriel Lugo. It exceeded our expectations! The weather was cooperative, planning by Wildside was excellent and our leader Gabriel was amazing. My wife and I had used Gabriel before when we did a birding tour of Puerto Rico back in 2012. Once again he displayed a vast array of knowledge about the birds calls, habits and his sighting was excellent. What a great trip we had. (…)

The India tour, with great views of birds, mammals, and iconic palaces as well as Rajasthan culture was easily the most memorable of some dozen overseas trips we have taken in the past few years. – India, 2008

Thank you for another wonderful trip filled with stunning scenery, magnificent cultural landmarks, delicious food, and of course great wildlife.

I want to thank you for helping make our Dry Tortugas so enjoyable. We had a great time and the birding was impressive.

An excellent trip! There is a good possibility of seeing all endemics, plus many other birds. The guide is terrific, the lodging and meals are great, the van is comfortable. We visited many different habitats with different birds. A nice way to see much of Puerto Rico.

Thanks again for another wonderful birding trip. I really enjoyed the islands and the hidden corners of Scotland. Your good humor and friendship add so much to the trip.

The Wildside Cuba trip was a winner from start to finish. From all the endemics checked off; to our wonderful, hard working Cuban guides; to principal guide, the indomitable Gabriel Lugo; this trip is a must for your Western Hemisphere bucket list.

Our trip has been wonderful. The falcons were amazing, a true wonder of the natural world. Like witnessing a a massive snow storm, except instead of snowflakes, the sky was filled with falcons. The people of Pangti were warm and welcoming and their accommodations entirely satisfactory. Though the falcons were the crown jewels, the rest of the trip was also thrilling, from watching the primates of the gibbon sanctuary to seeing rhinos up close from the back of an elephant. We were well (…)

Robert Straub is the best guide I have ever worked with. He really enjoys showing ‘his’ birds and ‘his’ chosen place to others. – Veracruz ABA tour 2009

This was the most productive photo tour I have ever experienced, Kevin! Thanks!

Thank you for a tremendous custom trip you put together and led us on throughout Kenya and Tanzania this past month. From beginning to end it was a spectacular success due in principle to your masterful planning, professional work ethic and calm, deliberate and patient demeanor. – Feb 2017

Robert Straub is the best guide that I have ever worked with. He really enjoys showing ‘his’ birds and ‘his’ chosen place to others.

This was my third trip to the Dry Tortugas. Unlike all of the others, the boat ‘Makai’ was very comfortable and far more private. The group was small and friendly. The food excellent. The crew worked well together. Adrian worked hard to find every possible bird and to ensure the comfort of all aboard. Thanks for a great trip.

I traveled with Gabriel on the 5 day 4 night Puerto Rico tour and was delighted by his professionalism as both a guide and tour leader and was very impressed by his birding skills. Gabriel showed great care in making sure all members of our group got good views of a select group of endemics. He is a very capable photographer and was quite patient and helpful in providing assistance to me with my photography. Gabriel’s ability to handle all aspects of our trip while keeping a watchful eye(…)

Not enough superlatives to describe this tour. Great leader from Alyce Bender, putting us right where the whooping cranes were in morning light and afternoon in the photo blinds. Boating on the bay was fun, finding the crane families with the best light was easy as Alyce knew the area and crane lore. Boating back after cranes went to feed in fields was eventful as we stopped at oyster bars and reefs to shoot oyster catchers, terns, and many other shore birds. Tour leader Alyce displayed gre(…)

What can I say? It was a trip of a lifetime. Even now, three weeks later, I have scenes of Africa in my night dreams and day dreams. – Tanzania, March 2009

How many ways can we say thank you for this wonderful experience? During this trip we’ve enjoyed so much not only your expert bird identification but also all the side info on many species including mammals. You have a very sharp eyesight and excellent skills in getting us onto the bird. You are patient, keep all situations light with a nice sense of humor and calm demeanor that instills trust from your clients. Suffice it to say that we would not hesitate to travel again with you. – Keny(…)

Winter birding can be challenging but Alex, Chris and Adrian kept our spirits high with their laughter, expertise, and unmistakable talent for spotting target species. This trip would not have been the same without these amazing guides. As always, expectations were exceeded and I can’t wait for my next Wildside adventure!

This tour surpassed all of my expectations and was superbly run by Glenn Crawford. His knowledge and bird finding abilities were excellent. It was a great pleasure being around him. I highly recommend him and my intention is to go on another tour, once he is the tour leader

My wife and I joined Kevin on his Belize tour March 2019. We both had a wonderful time and experience. My wife, not a photographer, came along and really enjoyed herself. The tour had ecology related info, area history, bird watching and photography. The lodges we stayed in were perfect and the food was even better.

This was my first trip with Wildside and my first guided birding trip, and it was more than I ever thought possible. Once I hooked up with Alex, the guide, everything was taken care of. I didn’t have to worry about directions to the best birding sites, and each stop seemed to be made specially for the group. Alex’s knowledge is encyclopedic, and his understanding of habitat and ability to ID mammals, insects, and reptiles only enhanced the overall positive feel of the excursion. Numero(…)

I just returned from the Tetons very enthusiastic about the leader, Kevin Loughlin. Not only does Kevin run a terrific workshop, he’s a wonderful photographer and a charming man. during the workshop he was always teaching and helping all the attendees. Although he was not familiar with the Olympus OMD, he solved all of my issues because he knows photography so well!

The Dry Tortugas is one of those “must visit” places for every birder! Wildside Nature Tours offers a fantastic experience, with comfortable living quarters on the boat and delicious, freshly prepared food each day. Adrian Binns and Chris Brown are exceptional guides. True professionals – they made sure that all eyes connected with every bird. Their passion for the birds, and their appreciation of the surrounding beauty of the island, ocean and landscape was contagious. Their enthusiasm enh(…)

This was my sixth Wildside trip. All have been fantastic! This is my second trip with Alex as my guide. Alex is very knowledgeable and very well prepared. The highlight birds for me were the Ridgway’s rails, the THREE Ruffs and the 25 YES 25 California Condors and most were feeding only 100 yards away! The Pelagic trip was a real bonus seeing the Tufted Puffin and two Blue Whales. Looking forward to the two trips I’ve already booked for 2020.

The best trip ever! The birds, animals, geology, and plant material are totally unique to the area and amazing. Kevin Loughlin, Pedro Guaycha, and John Kricher were wonderful leaders who were very knowledgeable, patient, and fun to be with. The yacht was extremely comfortable and the crew could not be more accommodating. In summary this was a great trip and would not change anything about it.

Adrian, thank you for a wonderful Kenyan adventure. Your superb birding skills, knowledge, and your patience and good humor make traveling with you a delight. Assante sana!

I was not sure what I was getting into with this tour, as this was my first guided trip. I feel that I had gotten pretty far with photography on my own, and have built a bit of a following. That said, I also felt I’ve hit a bit of a plateau with processing and creativity in the field.

Working with Kevin in the field and seeing what he was able to create in the situations given was inspiring to say the least. This gave me a bit of re-kindled spirit towards(…)

This was my 15th Wildside trip. All my trips with Wildside have been great!! This one is definitely a trip you don’t want to miss. Seeing all these “Chickens” was a very special and unique experience some of the birds would be very difficult or impossible to see on your own. Our guide Chris knows the birds, and their locations like no one else. He’s guided this trip many times and knows where to go! I really like Wildside trips due to the small number of birders ( no more than seven). Al(…)

A small group tour of the Galapagos on a private boat is definitely the only way to go. To visit these enchanted islands with a leader as experienced as Kevin Loughlin means that you will almost always be in the right place at the right time to catch all the action at the best times of day in the best light.

Gabriel’s birding tour was one of the best birding tours we’ve ever taken. Based on the excellent reviews we found online, we booked a private half-day tour and the price was very reasonable. Gabriel is a well known birding expert in Puerto Rico and he knew all the best locations for spotting PR endemics and other sought after species. He is very professional, friendly, and a good driver. He picked us up at the hotel in a nice, clean car and had an excellent spotting scope. The tour tu(…)

Our Wildside trip to Cuba in April 2019 was fantastic. For a long time I wanted to visit Cuba and this trip was one of the best tours I have been on and exceeded my expectations. The trip was so well organized and included some of the most beautiful locations in Cuba. We had a small group and a wonderful guide, Gabriel Lugo who met us in Miami and took care of the details for the whole trip. He is an experienced knowledgable birder and showed a great deal of patience to make sure we all(…)

I am so happy to have been able to grab a spot on this tour. Adrian was amazing – he is not only able to find the birds, but he also made sure everyone had a look! How he found the Black Noddy I will never know, but I think it has to do with Adrian’s “Noddy Rules!!” We saw beautiful Sooty, Bridled and Roseate terns and so many nesting Magnificent Frigatebirds and Sooty Terns with young. We also saw lots of warblers, thrushes and even a Rose-breasted Grosbeak! The Makai was so comfortable a(…)

I would recommend Wildside Nature Tours for anyone who wants to explore this area of Alaska and I suggest that you do. The glaciers are grand and amazing (and shrinking), the bears are grand and I was in awe watching them, the whales are majestic and graceful, the scenery is beautiful.

Seldom does a trip touch my heart where I know I will remember all the details. Well there were too many details to remember, but the experience of seeing Alaska touched my heart and the best part was shar(…)

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Adrian in Spain. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. We appreciate your patience and sense of humor especially. We had great birds and great times – thanks to you.

This was the trip of the year. Despite the tour only being four days, Alex manages to jam it full of incredible experiences that will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of Texas as well as his knowledge of the birds who call it home.

The tour transitioned from birding spot to birding spot seamlessly without any awkward pauses. The trip is well planned and perfectly executed to ensure that all time is well utilized to see as many birds as you can. This is a short trip so there’s very(…)

Adrian – I am still humming with all the adventures we had in East Africa. Just wanted to let you know that our Tanzania-Kenya safari was unbelievable!

Edison loves the birds of South America (his home turf) like the Sword-billed Hummingbird loves a trumpet flower! He’s a walking encyclopedia of field marks and call notes – an expert on neotropical birds and conservation, and equally as passionate about sharing his knowledge with the rest of us. He’s also excellent company in the field and seems to know half the people in Latin America on a first name basis. Can’t wait to go birding with Edison again!

How Glenn can find a stub tailed spadebill and white whiskered puffbird 10 feet in the woods and behind a tree is just amazing. Going boondocking thru the woods resulted in An Ornate Hawk Eagle mating. What more can a birder ask for!!!

You know how much this trip meant to me. It was so much more than I would have ever even imagined. I was a little worried that I would be disappointed because I held Galapagos on such high expectations. I feel silly for even thinking that!

I never felt so close to nature in my life. From the Sea Lion that happily played with us in the water to the Mockingbirds coming right up to my camera to the Boobies who had no worry about us passing right by, even when they had young with them. The s(…)

The trip was one of the best trips I have experienced this year. Chris was a wonderful tour guide, he truly went above and beyond when it came to the birding experiences. I highly suggest that this organization should keep up with the birding tours. As long as Wildside keeps doing birding tours you will still have customers, myself including. If you are taking suggestions for potential new places. I think that Wildside should look into the far east, Thailand and Vietnam just to name a few. (…)

Robert Straub is a tour leader who is enthusiastic and patient (and who seems to enjoy himself, too).

I first met Edison Buenaño in person at Biggest Week in American Birding in 2012. I have now birded with him several times in the U.S. and South America. Edison’s combination of keen eyes, gifted ears, and great leadership skills make Edison one of the best birding guides I have ever met. He is patient with his customers and is not condescending in any way. I would not hesitate to recommend Edison as a guide to any person or group. He has earned both my trust and admiration.

The Pantanal wildlife is spectacular. You couldn’t ask for better photo ops of jaguars and an ocelot. We had over 250 bird species with good views on almost all of them. Adrian Binns and our local guide, Fisher, were very knowledgeable and helpful in spotting and identifying the birds. Adrian is the only guide that called before a trip to make sure it was what I was looking for. At the airport, Fisher made sure everyone was checked in before he left. Highly recommended.

We had extremely high expectations, and they were easily exceeded. We loved everything about the trip. Probably what impressed us the most is the way Kevin and his folks made sure everyone’s interests were a point of focus. As birders, we felt like we received all the help we could have asked for, and I’m sure the photographers felt the same way.

Thank you for making the Dry Tortugas an enjoyable experience. You are a terrific guide, full of information and very caring about your ‘flock’. – April 2017

Kevin, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the Amazon trip and your expertise in photography, birds, and the tropics in general. Truly, I don’t know how you had the time in your life to acquire your depth of knowledge; didn’t you ever sleep? In any event, keep doing what you are doing–I think you were born to lead eco-trips!

Watching bats fly out at dusk from the Austin bridge; seeing spinning phalaropes at Hornsby water treatment plant; tracking down target Golden-cheeked Warblers at Balcones NWR; observing up-close Painted Buntings from multiple blinds at South Llano State Park. Austin and surrounding locales hosted a whirlwind of wonderful birds, habitats, and experiences! Guide Alex Lamoreaux provided great leadership and expertise in this highly-rewarding short trip.

Thank you Adrian for 3 fabulous weeks of wildlife watching. I expected this to be a birdy trip and it far exceeded my expectations. Your enthusiasm, knowledge and wit made every sighting, bird and mammal, into a lasting memory. I particularly enjoyed spending time sitting and watching the wildlife and waiting for the unexpected to happen. It never disappointed and neither did the entire trip.

Thanks again for leading a wonderful trip, Adrian. I loved your sense of humor and appreciated your patience and great people skills.

Birding in Spain with Adrian was a truly spectacular trip. We saw an extraordinary number of migratory and resident birds, admired gorgeous landscapes, and ate the most delicious food at every single meal! From wetlands and waterbirds at Donana, and raptors soaring the cliffs of Monfrague, to bustards at Belchite, and the amazing Wallcreeper at the Pyrenees, we experienced new sights and adventures each day. Such a wonderful trip!

Thanks for making this a wonderful trip! Your skill, knowledge, patience and good humor are stellar 🙂 – Florida April 2017

The trip was really something, getting around to all the chicken leks…and finding all the great birds. Thanks for making my 700th ABA bird (Gunnison Sage-Grouse) special with the champagne celebration.

Gabriel is a super knowledgable and talented guide. He knows exactly where to look for each of the Puerto Rican endemics and more. He takes great care of everyone in the group. Can’t recommend him highly enough!

Lee is a great teacher both about camera settings and birds. The photography sessions had a great number of photo opportunities and the local guide was very knowledgeable.

My biggest benefit was the amount of personal instruction on settings and techniques from Lee. I now shoot totally differently and the keeper rate has greatly increased. Besides that Lee is just a fun guy to be around!

The Dry Tortugas had been on our bucket list and this trip allowed us to check it off in style. The boat was roomy and comfortable easily housing the eleven participants. The crew was friendly and accommodating, and the food was excellent (which is typical of Wildside tours). We enjoyed pelagic birding both to and from the islands and excellent birding on the islands. Adrian, our tour guide made sure everyone got on the birds. And he looked at hundreds of Brown Noddys to find the one Black (…)

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to India. Adrian is an outstanding leader with a thorough knowledge of the birds, history and culture of India. He was extremely helpful and patient in finding and identifying the birds and was an excellent teacher on the fine points of identification of similar species.

Little did I know that when I met you all those years ago that you would help me have one of my “life experiences”. I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed this trip/experience. Every day was new birds, exciting animal sightings, amazing places and oh so many laughs. What a perfect blend of people and nature this has been for me. I’m so thankful tp have been able to experience your knowledge and expertise in this magical land. Thank you….with so much gratitude. – Tina S.

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Barrow, Alaska: Search For Rossʼs Gull

• Explore the coastal environs of the Barrow area, hoping for good looks at migrating Rossʼs Gulls
• Venture inland a bit into the tundra in hopes of finding a Snowy Owl
• Weʼll begin our search for those little pink gulls! Winter is fast approaching and we could encounter some foul

Birding, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

Dominican Republic

• Explore Sierra de Bahoruco (El Aguacate)
• Visit Santo Domingo Botanical Garden
• Drive to Sierra de Bahoruco and try Eastern Chat-Tanager
• Visit Los Haitises National Park and Puerto Escondido
• Visit the plaza at the Catedral Primada de Las America

Alaska, Anchorage, Denali, Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Pribilof Islands, Seward

• Enjoy the characteristic breeding birds of the Pribilof Islands.
• Excellent studies of all resident birds.
• We may offer an extended hike over a difficult, ancient lava flow to search for the rare and local McKayʼs Bunting.
• Get close to a Brown Bear or a bull Moose, and maybe even have the chance to view a wolf at a distance.
• Our boat (weʼll be the only ones on board today, save for the small crew) is designed for wildlife viewing, with plenty of room both fore and aft for our group.

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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