We are going to McAllen - Harlingen - Brownsville, Texas from May 5 to 11.? We've never been to Texas and would appreciate any tips about where the best birding locations are,?reasonably priced?places to stay that are not in a seedy part of town, and any other local places of interest that might be fun as an occasional break from the non-stop birding.
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We've read that Progreso is the?safest (only) place to go to Mexico for lunch.? We will be in that area during Cinco de Mayo week, so it could be a lot of fun!? We know that Sabal Palm is closed due to the budget and the border fence.? Specific target birds and other animals are: Roseate Spoonbill, Green Jay, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Blue Grosbeak, Painted Bunting, Great Kiskadee, Crested Caracara, Groove-billed Ani, Greater Roadrunner, Black Skimmer, alligator, jaguarundi, and armadillo.?
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We also might be interested in sea turtles and horseback riding on the beach.? And is it worth driving up the coast to Corpus Christi, or will we sufficiently get our water bird "fix" down by South Padre?
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Reply privately, and thanks so much in advance for your help.? We always get such wonderful responses from the bird list community whenever we try to tackle someplace new!
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Mary Reese & Jim Allen
Portland & Fairview, OR
uuspirit at yahoo.com



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