Don't miss one of North America's premier wildlife events, the 10th Annual Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival.

Scheduled for November 5-9, the Festival promises to be as rewarding and memorable as ever! With a combination of field trips, seminars, workshops, keynote lectures, children’s programs, and a trade show, there is no doubt there is something here for everyone!

As always, the dynamic programs and activitiesof this premiere wildlife festival are designed to be insightful as well as informative. Birding expertise will be expanded for backyard, novice, and veteran birders alike.

If you’re looking for new optics, a field guide, gear, nature artwork, or even innovative ideas for your classroom, you’re bound to find it at the Birder’s Bazaar. More than 60 vendors from across the nation will be on hand to help you choose a gift for yourself or a birder friend or to pick up literature on activities and topics involving the avian world.

Of course, according to past participants, the number one reason to attend the Festival is the opportunity to bird world-renowned hotspots with world-class leaders! A total of 269 species was tallied during last fall’s Festival and great guides make our trips some of the best in the country.

When registration is completed, approximately 1,000 birders are expected to sign up, about the same number as in past years, said Terri Bortness, Convention and Visitors Center Bureau program director.

More, however, will be attending the Birder’s Bazaar, which begins at noon on Thursday, and other events.

Birders from 38 states as well as Canada, Mexico and Peru have pre-registered.

Headquarters for the festival is the Municipal Auditorium Complex on Fair Park Boulevard.