Mexican free-tailed bats, Concan, Texas— Photo: Barry Zimmer

Camp Tejano, co-sponsored by the American Birding Association, offers young birders between the ages of 14 and 18 the unique opportunity to experience nature and the outdoors with their peers. The camp, based in three locations, provides a comprehensive survey of the flora and fauna of the Texas Hill Country, Big Bend National Park, and the Davis Mountains. Though the focus of the camp is on birdlife, campers will be exposed to all forms of nature.

The camp is set in a productive learning environment in which campers will be educated on ecology, habitats, and ecosystems. Daily activities will be based on thorough exploration of each of the distinct regions we visit. Lengthy hikes, bird walks, and discussions will complement free time, during which campers will have the luxury of exploring and discovering their natural surroundings on their own or in small groups.

Campers should expect to see most of the special birds of central and west Texas, including Montezuma Quail, Black-capped Vireo, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and Golden-cheeked and Colima warblers. West Texas, additionally, is one of the premier regions of the country for seeing reptiles, while the Frio bat cave, with an estimated nine million Mexican free-tailed bats, is a trip highlight and not to be missed.

Expect long, learning-filled days emphasizing the birdlife and habitats of central and west Texas; lots of hiking and camping, and two lengthy drives; cool mornings and warm to hot days with afternoon thunderstorms.