Montezuma Quail, male— Photo: Kevin Zimmer

Visit scenic and remote Big Bend National Park and other west Texas areas to seek out Colima Warbler, Lucifer Hummingbird, Gray Vireo, Montezuma Quail, and much more. Somewhat cooler temperatures and wildflowers often characterize late summer.

Late July is an excellent time to visit the scenic Big Bend country. The land is at its greenest (due to the onset of summer rains), the temperatures in the mountains are milder than in early summer, and birds are everywhere! The park specialties are all present including the Colima Warbler, Lucifer Hummingbird, and Gray Vireo. Hummingbirds are beginning their fall migration and, with luck, we could find both the uncommon Calliope and the brilliant Rufous. Post-breeding wanderers are a real possibility and late summer is an excellent time to search for Mexican vagrants. In addition, the regular fare of the Big Bend region will astound you: Zone-tailed Hawk, the tiny Elf Owl, Blue-throated Hummingbird, stunning Vermilion Flycatchers, incomparable Varied and Painted buntings, and the secretive Black-chinned Sparrow.

En route to Big Bend we will spend a night at the lovely Hacienda Cibolo Creek, one of the finest and birdiest lodges in North America. After leaving the Big Bend, a day will also be spent in the Davis Mountains searching for Common Black-Hawk, Montezuma Quail, and Common Poorwill.

Good accommodations; easy to moderate terrain; two lengthy hikes with elevational gains; warm to potentially hot climate.