A Tribute to the colorful songBirds of the Rio Grande Valley.
I created this page to showcase the colorful songbirds that either live year-round in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas or pass through during spring and fall migration. Birding is an incredibly popular activity here, and for good reason—this region is home to a stunning variety of species found nowhere else in the United States.
Why is that? The Rio Grande Valley sits along a major North American migration corridor, making it a hotspot for both resident and migratory birds. Every year, an abundance of Northern species travel through this area to escape the cold and take advantage of the rich ecosystems that support their survival and breeding.
This place is truly unique—and I wanted to share its wild beauty with you.
Birds are often overlooked. Most people just don’t think to look up and notice these tiny, crayon-colored creatures zipping through the trees. The diversity is incredible, and I know I’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to photographing the full array of South Texas songbirds that move through this area.
Unfortunately, we’re seeing fewer birds each year. Habitat loss in South Texas is driving a slow and heartbreaking decline in bird migration numbers. That’s part of why I feel an even stronger obligation to document and photograph these birds while we still have the chance.
Sharing the wildlife of the land where I grew up is personal to me. Thank you for taking the time to visit this page and explore the images. This photo collection will continue to grow as I work to create a more complete portfolio of the birds that pass through this remarkable region.
I’m always striving to improve my work, to capture better images, and to tell the stories of these incredible animals before it's too late. For now, I hope you enjoy this gallery of Rio Grande Valley birdlife, and I invite you to come back often as it continues to evolve.
I truly hope you enjoy it.
First images are dedicated to the RGV’s most famous resident, the Greenjay. People travel from all over the world for an opportunity to see and photograph this iconic bird.
Buff-bellied hummingbird (above), and Ruby Throated hummingbird (top right), Prothonotary Warbler (bottom right). Hummingbirds are not songbirds, but they are really special little birds.
Painted bunting (above). Hooded Warbler (bottom left), Cape May warbler ( bottom right).
Indigo Bunting (above). Great Kiskadee (bottom left), Summer tananger (bottom right)
Norther Cardinal (above). Altamira oriole (bottom top left). Baltimore orioles arguing (bottom image, lower left).
Orchard oriole.
Pyrroloxia. Scarlet tananger (lower right). Flame-colored tananger (lower left).
Cedar Waxwing
green parakeets
Rose-breasted grosbeak.
Interested in photographing the birds of the Rio Grande Valley yourself?
We offer private, custom-tailored photo tours to help you get up close with some of the region’s most vibrant and elusive species. Whether you're an experienced wildlife photographer or just getting started, we’d love to help you experience this incredible birding destination the right way.
📩 Send us an email to learn more, and we’ll help you plan a bird photography adventure you won’t forget.