THE RIO GRANDE - BY CANOE
by Jim Foster
Taking a first hand look at the Rio Grande from as many ways as possible is an adventure all its own. And seeing it from a canoe can be an experience for the birds – birders that is.
Paddling is becoming a popular outdoor activity. After experiencing several canoe trips with my cameras has piqued my interest. One of the most interesting was on the Rio Grande separating The United States and Mexico. Members of the Friends of the Wildlife Corridor (FWC) guided me.
Roy Rodriguez the FWC member invited me on the trip to see the area and photograph the area birds.
Our day began at the little village of Chapeno. My guide in the back of the canoe was Ray Bieber a noted photographer. In the second canoe were Roy Rodriguez and Eric Ellman. Eric and his wife operate a bed and breakfast for birders in South Texas.
We headed upstream to see the area directly below Falcon dam a distance of about two miles. Even this far upstream there were signs of the invasive hydrilla.
The quiet ride took us close to many species of birds common along the Rio Grande; many sought after by visiting birders. The water here is extremely clear and the lack of litter was obvious.
All along the river, described to me as the anchor area of the wildlife corridor, there were numerous birds sighted that make their home along the river. It is many of these that are attracting serious bird watchers to the river. Painted buntings, Altamira orioles, greater kisskadee, belted kingfisher, and snowy egrets lead the list. Photographing a yellow-crowned night heron on the Mexican side of the river was very exciting.
The Friends of the Wildlife Corridor is a non-profit organization that was originally formed to support and enhance the Santa Ana and Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuges. The Valley is considered to be one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country and tragically one that is becoming imperiled. FWC members strive to work with and educate both children and adults and our elected officials (sometimes less attentive than children) in finding ways to conserving our natural areas.
To further their goals the group publishes a bilingual, bi-monthly newsletter for its members. At times they will also provide some funding for refuge projects.
The FWC offer two basic trips conducted on various weekends throughout the year and during special events. The first is their full day trip that explores the upper Rio Grande between Falcon Dam and Roma. The trip includes transportation from La Joya, experienced guides, thorough orientation, lunch, snacks, drinks, equipment and a one-year Friends membership.
The day I took this trip we took our lunch break in Arroyo Mortero. Paddling up this rock-lined arroyo is interesting enough but after lunch a short walk found us looking at fossilized oyster shells in the rocks that have been dated at 58 million years old.
Another great attraction of this trip is seeing the few remaining old bald cypress trees on the banks of the river. Once plentiful, there are now very few of these big trees remaining.
Many of theses bald cypress growing along the Rio Grande were cut down by General George Sherman’s army in order to build the narrow gauge railroad trellis across the Bahia Grande near Port Isabel.
Many of the photographs taken on this trip are found in my recent Bird Book on CD titled “FEATHERED IMAGES”. The cost is $9.95 plus $2.00 postage and packaging. For more information or to order go to www.jimfosteroutdoors.com.
The FWC may be contacted by calling (956) 783-6117 or send an email to: info@corridorfriends.org
If you have comments or news for Jim Foster please e-mail him at: jim@jimfosteroutdoors.com
