We will meet at about noon at the San Antonio Airport and begin our adventure. Mature junipers are a source of nesting material for Golden-cheeked Warblers; Black-capped Vireos nest in the thick understory of ungrazed oak thickets. Our search for these two birds will take us into some of the most beautiful landscape in all of Texas. All four nights will be at Neal's Lodges in Concan, where we have observed a male Black-capped Vireo singing five feet from our cabin window and had the privilege of watching a nesting pair feeding young as we gazed in awe through the spotting scope! This elusive bird may also bathe at a water drip at cabin # 61, along with many other species!

We'll spend most of the day birding the scenic Lost Maples State Natural Area. Golden-cheeked Warbler nests here and may be found with mixed flocks containing Yellow-throated Vireo, Acadian Flycatcher, Black-and-white Warbler, and a nice assortment of additional songbirds. There will be Black Phoebe along the creek where we'll also watch closely for Green Kingfisher. Black-chinned Hummingbird is reliable at the feeders and Zone-tailed Hawk and Common Raven nest here. Twice we have found Mississippi Kites, and once a very cooperative Sora. After a hearty Texas dinner at Neal's Restaurant, we will re-focus our attention to another winged creature, the Mexican Free-tailed Bat. We'll visit a nursery cave where we can also expect great looks at 200 Cave Swallows that share the same roost site. Then we'll watch in awe as 12 million bats emerge in the last hour of daylight. We're also likely to see Red-tailed Hawks and other raptors feeding upon the bats and possibly find a Ringtail, as we have in the past. After dark we'll search for Chuck-will's widow and Nine-banded Armadillo.

We'll begin our day at the grounds of our lodge, some of the best habitat there is for Black-capped Vireo. We're also likely to find Bell's Vireo, Painted Bunting, and Hooded and Scott's Orioles. Bald Cypress along the Frio River at Garner State Park may yield some Neotropical migrants, plus Yellow-throated Warbler and Bushtit. We are also likely to see Dickcissel, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Lark Sparrow, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, and Crested Caracara. We'll return to Neal's Lodges and the late day calls of Chuck-will's-widow and possibly Great Horned, Barn, or Eastern Screech-Owl.

We'll try for good looks at some of our target species and go after any rarities that may be in the area. Perhaps there will be a Green Violet-ear within easy driving range. If no rarities are known, the Hill Country certainly has enough birds to entertain us for the day. We sometimes visit the Uvalde area and for a myriad of shorebirds, waterfowl, and some nice sparrows. Another option is a trip to the Kerr Wildlife Management Area, where Black-capped Vireo can be relatively easy to find.

We'll pack the van and head toward San Antonio for our flights home. The drive to the airport may produce a pair of Harris's Hawks as it has in the past. If you schedule a late afternoon flight home, we'll have time to bird one or two good locations in San Antonio.

Bob Schutsky or John Puschock will lead our Texas Hill Country Tour. Bob and John are veterans of numerous Texas tours and have birded the Hill Country many times. They know how to find the specialty birds of this beautiful area.

$1225 per person based upon double occupancy. Single accommodations are available at an extra charge of $225.

Expert guide service, lodging for all four nights, ALL meals, all ground transportation within Texas, and entrance fees. ALL tips are also included in the tour fee, except for anything extra that you may wish to give to your tour leader(s).
Does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages or items of a personal nature. Also not included is the cost of airfare to and from San Antonio.

A $300 deposit will assure your reservation on the tour. The balance is due 15 February 2008.

We offer the services of our exclusive BIRD TREKS travel agent, Lori Heathcote, in arranging your air travel. Lori has 22 years of experience in the travel industry and is a veteran birder. Contact her through Bailey Travel at 1-800-224-5399, or you can e-mail lori@baileytravel.com. By dealing with Lori you have the security of a 24-hour toll-free telephone number in case of any travel emergency. She can also assist you with all pre- and post-tour travel plans.

With written notice more than 60 days prior to the first day of the tour, 100% of your deposit will be refunded, minus a $75 service fee. With 30-60 days notice, you will receive a 50% refund of the full cost of the tour. No refund can be made with less than 30 days notice. You will receive a full refund if you provide a replacement for your spot on the tour. No partial refund can be given once a tour begins. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment in case of injury or illness to you or your family prior to or during a tour. Click on the following link to Access America or contact BIRD TREKS for information on obtaining this coverage.