South Texas Border Chapter
Texas Master Naturalist

Butterfly and Dragonfly Walks - Join us on a ranger-led hike through the park noting these beautiful insects, some found nowhere else but in South Texas.

Over 300 butterflies and 100 dragonflies fly in the Valley, usually unnoticed and unappreciated--until now! Join a knowledgeable ranger as we seek out these natural wonders, some unique and found in the United States only in South Texas.  We've been having Butterfly Walks every Friday for the ten years Estero has been in existence.  Free with park entry: $5 for adults, free for children 12-and-under.

1:30p to 3:30p  Fridays

Contact:  John Yochum                  (956) 565-3919                 john.yochum@tpwd.texas.gov

Birding 101

Basic techniques from field guides to binoculars, especially for newbies!

Join us in a relaxed-pace class for all ages about birding, from identifying birds, selecting field guides to understanding the numbers on binoculars.  Bring your own binoculars and field guides if you have them, but if not they will be provided for you.   Meet on the Deck outside the Park Store.  Free with park entry ($5 adults, children 12-and-under free).

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1:30p to 3:30p  Saturdays

Contact:  John Yochum                  (956) 565-3919                 john.yochum@tpwd.texas.gov

World Birding Center Bird Walks - All ages and skill-levels are welcome on this two-hour tour of the park, finding as many species of birds as possible, especially the 30 that are termed Valley Specialties!

Join us on unforgettable avian adventure. With over 300 species of birds identified within our park and many of the Valley specialty birds you just can't see outside of the Rio Grande Valley, our guided bird walks are a must for everyone. Whether you are new to birding and ready to learn your new outdoor obsession or if you are a seasoned and traveled expert with years of experience, this bird walk is sure to be an amazing time.  If it's too hot, and trail conditions permit it, we can bird from a quiet electric tram!  From our famous birding deck that has a record of 115 bird species in a day from one spot overlooking the beautiful wetlands, to the Tropical Area that has Green Jays, Great Kiskadees, Clay-colored Thrushes and has attracted rarities like the Rose-throated Becard, White-throated Thrush, and Crimson-collared Grosbeak. Free with park admission ($5 for adults, children free), all ages and all skill levels, no pets please. Family-friendly. Meet on the deck just outside the Visitor Center Park Store.

8:30a to 10:30a, Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

Contact:  John Yochum                  (956) 565-3919                 john.yochum@tpwd.texas.gov

Electric Tram Tour - Join us on a narrated ranger-driven, two-hour tour of the park in a quiet electric tram. Reservations required.

Especially for those that are less mobile (but open to everyone!), we offer the opportunity to tour the park in electric open Bird Buses. Estero Llano Grande was designed as a walking park, but hiking the trails has often been a hardship or impossible for some park guests. Now you can ride to most areas to see the birds, butterflies, dragonflies, alligators, frogs (and maybe even a bobcat) as well as the lakes, and the wonderful array of trees and shrubs that occur in the park.  Regular park admission applies - there is no extra charge for the Bird Bus tours. Reservations required.

2:00p to 4:00p, Sundays and Wednesdays

Contact:  John Yochum                  (956) 565-3919                 john.yochum@tpwd.texas.gov