Wednesday, December 24 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Estero Llano Grande State Park

All ages and skill-levels are welcome on this two-hour tour of the park, finding as many species of birds as possible, especially the 30 that are termed Valley Specialties. Join us on unforgettable avian adventure. With over 350 species of birds identified within our park and many of the Valley specialty birds you just can't see outside of the Rio Grande Valley, our guided bird tours are a must for everyone. Whether you are new to birding and ready to learn your new outdoor obsession or if you are a seasoned and traveled expert with years of experience, this birding tour is sure to be an amazing time. From our famous birding deck that has a record of 115 bird species in a day from one spot overlooking the beautiful wetlands, to the Tropical Area that has Green Jays, Great Kiskadees, Clay-colored Thrushes and has attracted rarities like the Elegant Trogon, Rose-throated Becard, White-throated Thrush, and Crimson-collared Grosbeak. Free with park admission ($5 for adults, children free), all ages and all skill levels, no pets please. Family-friendly. Meet on the deck just outside the Visitor Center Park Store.

Thursday, December 25 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Estero Llano Grande State Park

Join us on a narrated ranger-driven, two-hour tour of the park in a quiet electric tram. Reservations required: (956) 565-3919. Especially for those that are less mobile (but open to everyone!), we offer the opportunity to tour the park in electric open Bird Buses. Estero Llano Grande was designed as a walking park, but hiking the trails have often been a hardship or impossible for some park guests. Now you can ride to most areas to see the birds, butterflies, dragonflies, alligators, frogs (and maybe even a bobcat) as well as the lakes, and the wonderful array of trees and shrubs that occur in the park. In event of rain or muddy trails, the tour may be confined to the paved Tropical Zone where we will focus on plants. In the event of lightning or thunder, the Tram Tour will be cancelled.Regular park admission applies ($5/adults, children 12-and-under free) - there is no extra charge for the Bird Bus tours. Reservations required: 956-565-3919

Friday, December 26 at 1:30 pm

Estero Llano Grande State Park

Join us on a ranger-led tour for all ages and experience levels through the park noting these beautiful insects, some found nowhere else but in South Texas. This tour is for YOU! Over 300 butterflies and 100 dragonflies fly in the Valley, usually unnoticed and unappreciated--until now! Join a knowledgeable ranger as we seek out these natural wonders, some unique and found in the United States only in South Texas.We've been having Butterfly Tours every Friday for the nineteen years Estero has been in existence.   Bring your camera or binoculars if you like, but not so very necessary.  We can provide you with binoculars!   Meet on the deck outside the Park Store.Free with park entry: $5 for adults, free for children 12-and-under.

Saturday, December 27 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Estero Llano Grande State Park

All ages and skill-levels are welcome on this two-hour tour of the park, finding as many species of birds as possible, especially the 30 that are termed Valley Specialties. Join us on unforgettable avian adventure. With over 350 species of birds identified within our park and many of the Valley specialty birds you just can't see outside of the Rio Grande Valley, our guided bird tours are a must for everyone. Whether you are new to birding and ready to learn your new outdoor obsession or if you are a seasoned and traveled expert with years of experience, this birding tour is sure to be an amazing time. From our famous birding deck that has a record of 115 bird species in a day from one spot overlooking the beautiful wetlands, to the Tropical Area that has Green Jays, Great Kiskadees, Clay-colored Thrushes and has attracted rarities like the Elegant Trogon, Rose-throated Becard, White-throated Thrush, and Crimson-collared Grosbeak. Free with park admission ($5 for adults, children free), all ages and all skill levels, no pets please. Family-friendly. Meet on the deck just outside the Visitor Center Park Store.

Sunday, December 28 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Estero Llano Grande State Park

All ages and skill-levels are welcome on this two-hour tour of the park, finding as many species of birds as possible, especially the 30 that are termed Valley Specialties. Join us on unforgettable avian adventure. With over 350 species of birds identified within our park and many of the Valley specialty birds you just can't see outside of the Rio Grande Valley, our guided bird tours are a must for everyone. Whether you are new to birding and ready to learn your new outdoor obsession or if you are a seasoned and traveled expert with years of experience, this birding tour is sure to be an amazing time. From our famous birding deck that has a record of 115 bird species in a day from one spot overlooking the beautiful wetlands, to the Tropical Area that has Green Jays, Great Kiskadees, Clay-colored Thrushes and has attracted rarities like the Elegant Trogon, Rose-throated Becard, White-throated Thrush, and Crimson-collared Grosbeak. Free with park admission ($5 for adults, children free), all ages and all skill levels, no pets please. Family-friendly. Meet on the deck just outside the Visitor Center Park Store.

Sunday, December 28 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Estero Llano Grande State Park

Join us on a narrated ranger-driven, two-hour tour of the park in a quiet electric tram. Reservations required: (956) 565-3919. Especially for those that are less mobile (but open to everyone!), we offer the opportunity to tour the park in electric open Bird Buses. Estero Llano Grande was designed as a walking park, but hiking the trails have often been a hardship or impossible for some park guests. Now you can ride to most areas to see the birds, butterflies, dragonflies, alligators, frogs (and maybe even a bobcat) as well as the lakes, and the wonderful array of trees and shrubs that occur in the park. In event of rain or muddy trails, the tour may be confined to the paved Tropical Zone where we will focus on plants. In the event of lightning or thunder, the Tram Tour will be cancelled.Regular park admission applies ($5/adults, children 12-and-under free) - there is no extra charge for the Bird Bus tours. Reservations required: 956-565-3919

Wednesday, December 31 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Estero Llano Grande State Park

All ages and skill-levels are welcome on this two-hour tour of the park, finding as many species of birds as possible, especially the 30 that are termed Valley Specialties. Join us on unforgettable avian adventure. With over 350 species of birds identified within our park and many of the Valley specialty birds you just can't see outside of the Rio Grande Valley, our guided bird tours are a must for everyone. Whether you are new to birding and ready to learn your new outdoor obsession or if you are a seasoned and traveled expert with years of experience, this birding tour is sure to be an amazing time. From our famous birding deck that has a record of 115 bird species in a day from one spot overlooking the beautiful wetlands, to the Tropical Area that has Green Jays, Great Kiskadees, Clay-colored Thrushes and has attracted rarities like the Elegant Trogon, Rose-throated Becard, White-throated Thrush, and Crimson-collared Grosbeak. Free with park admission ($5 for adults, children free), all ages and all skill levels, no pets please. Family-friendly. Meet on the deck just outside the Visitor Center Park Store.

Wednesday, December 31 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council

Thursday, January 1 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am

Estero Llano Grande State Park

Join us on our annual First Day Hike, a fun way to fulfill those New Year resolutions! Kick your New Year 2025 off right:If you'd like to get your 2025 bird list off to a great start (will we hit a hundred species?!!), the 8:30 am to 10:30 am hike is the perfect hike for youThis event is free with paid entry into the park ($5 or Texas State Park Pass). Children age 12 and under are free.    No pets please.

Tuesday, January 13 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council

Wednesday, January 14 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Mercedes Chamber of Commerce

Held on the Second Wednesday of every month at 11:30.