Trogon Photo Tours

Laguna Seca Ranch and Rio Grande Valley

February 10-17, 2022

Laguna Seca Ranch and the Rio Grande Valley, February 10-17, 2021: This workshop will include 3 full days at Laguna Seca Ranch photographing from blinds and 3 days of walk around photography in the lower Rio Grande Valley.  Nate Chappell and Melody Lytle are the leaders.

Maximum Participants:  8 photographers.  Leaders are Nate Chappell and Melody Lytle

Cost: 3,750 with a $200 single supplement.  Deposit to reserve your spot is $900.  Balance due 30 days before workshop.  Cost includes all lodging, ranch fees, entrance fees, instruction, local transportation and guiding.  It does not include most meals or flights. 

February 10th: Arrival to McAllen airport or hotel in Edinburg, Texas.  If you are flying in we can pick you up at the McAllen airport.  Evening presentation on bird photography with Nate Chappell Hotel: A nice hotel in Edinburg.

February 11th-13th: 3 full days of bird photography at Laguna Seca Ranch.  Green Jays, Long-billed Thrashers, Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, Black-crested Titmouse and other South Texas specialty species are in good plumage at this time of year.  Nate and a local photographer will setup beautiful perches for the birds to land on.  Laguna Seca has the best raptor blind in South Texas often with dozens of Caracaras and also visited by Harris's and White-tailed Hawks.  Hotel: A nice hotel in Edinburg.  

February 14th: We will spend the morning at the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands looking for Ringed and Green Kingfishers, Least Grebe and other species, then check out and head to our next lodge, the Alamo Inn Bed and Breakfast.  Alamo is run by a birder, Keith Hackland and has hummingbird feeders which attract Buff-bellied Hummingbirds.  Afternoon photography at the Inn's feeders or at another local natural area. 

February 15th and 16th: We will have 2 full days of exploring local areas to add many specialty species which aren't typically at the ranch.  We will visit Estero Llano Grande, Rio-Bentsen and the World Butterfly Center among other spots to photograph Plain Chachalaca, Kiskadee, Altamira Oriole, Pauraque and other South Texas Specialties.  We will also visit a park in Brownsville where hundreds of the endangered Red-crowned Parrot roost.  The wetlands at this time of year are also very good for waterfowl (Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal) and waders.  Each evening we will return to the Alamo Inn. 

February 17th: One more morning at one of the Rio Grande Valley parks followed by drop off at the McAllen airport for your flight home.