It's All About YOU

Dream of quality time outdoors with friends and family? Have a small group looking for a team-building activity? Just starting out birding or want to sharpen your skills? Are an avid user of eBird? iNaturalist? A nature photographer? Everyone enjoys a leisurely walk while learning more about birds and nature. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or still chasing that 'nemesis bird' for your life list, we design an interpretive tour that caters to your experience level, your schedule and your trip goals.

Our friendly professional service begins before you leave home. With your pre-trip survey and our local birding knowledge, we ensure you make the most of your getaway. After every walk, receive a shared eBird list. We offer trip reports with narrative, photos and maps to preserve your most memorable traveling days. Social gatherings to reflect on the day's adventure, informative talks and classes for small groups are also options. Rest assured; your trip is in good hands.

Two-Headed Black Vulture ; >

Lost Maples State Natural Area

Vanderpool TX

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... Everybirdy Welcome !

Your Skilled Guide

... and Your New Friend

Our tour guides are not only highly skilled birders but educators at heart. We take great delight in showcasing the creatures who share our home. With contagious enthusiasm, we explain what you are seeing. See the outdoors with a new perspective as you find more birds - and the experience - you desire.

During our walks, you can fully immerse yourself in your interests - birds, photography, or anything else - without having to worry about tour routes, maintaining an eBird list etc. Our knowledge also extends beyond birds to butterflies, dragonflies, plants, and all things nature. Don't worry if you're not an expert, that's why you have a guide.

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Rufous Crowned Sparrow

Vanderpool TX

Learn from Local Experts

Our office, our home, our birder’s dream patch is right here in Bandera and its surrounding counties. In the area roughly bordered by Uvalde, Junction and San Antonio, we keep busy birding here year-round. This allows us great insights into migration patterns, nesting routines and other information beyond the standard field guide. This Big Picture allows us to strategize your itinerary and find birds more efficiently. By taking you to the best places at the best times, we save you time and effort.

Learn from a local about the birds but also about the area. As ready ambassadors, we can recommend local food, entertainment, and other activities to enhance your visit. With our deep connections in the birding, naturalist, and general community, let us connect you with our special part of the Texas and show you the hospitality for which it's famous.

... we are the Texas Hill Country

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Golden Cheeked Warbler - Juvenile

Vanderpool TX

There's no comparison...

We are LOCAL. Our home is here. NOT miles or states away

We bird here YEAR-ROUND NOT flying in from elsewhere to reel off textbook facts

Be COMFORTABLE in your own private vehicle NOT packed into a tour van in a middle seat

We tour at a reasonable RELAXED PACE NOT lead you around like cattle

We can ADAPT for weather, terrain, birds and you NO fixed itineraries or large groups with no room for change

Our small group will NEVER ABANDON YOU! NO leaving "stragglers" behind to rejoin the group later

ps. Pre-trip planning ensures this will never be an issue

... Small group, custom tours mean more warmth and less cost than big tour operators

ps. Through our partnerships with Medina River Oaks Courts and The Lodges at Lost Maples, we offer ideal home bases for your trip

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Ross Silcock eBird reviewer, Nebraska

I have known Laura for several years after meeting on a Lost Maples, TX bird walk. Since then, we have birded together several times, and I have been impressed by her birding and photography skills as well as her broad knowledge of the natural world and personable approach. I strongly recommend Laura if you are looking for a top-notch birding guide.

Jack Ort, TX

I've been on two nature walks with Laura this year. Her ability to identify birds and to to spot them in the trees for viewing and photographing made for a fun and educational experience. Her knowledge of flora and other fauna made it that much better!

Electra E, Houston TX

If you get the chance to go on an outing with Laura of Busy-Birding, do it! She has a real gift for getting you “on the bird,” using both sight and sound. In March 2024, we heard, then spotted our first golden-cheeked warbler - it was a stunning moment. A couple weeks later we saw a yellow-throated warbler from very close up, whole-body singing his heart out. We’ve seen so many gorgeous birds: hummingbirds, vireos, woodpeckers, wrens, flycatchers, hawks, bluebirds, and many more. Laura even provides a beautiful, detailed report which lists all the birds, plus various butterflies and wildflowers seen along the way. Laura is wonderful.

Kudos !

Mary L., TX

Informative and knowledgeable expertly navigating the trails and identifying all kinds of wildlife not just birds. We walked with binoculars in hand. There was so much beauty to see. I highly recommend walking with them. We learned so many interesting things about nature and Lost Maples.

Linda, TX

Thank you so much for the incredible hike. There were a million things to look at and enjoy. I am so happy I went. I really enjoyed all the sisters and yourself. Thank you again and again.

John and M, Kerrville TX

Laura is so knowledgeable. I have been birding with her and done nature walks with her and I always learn so much. She is also a trained Texas Master Naturalist, as I am, but I know that her expertise and knowledge in birding and other topics is way superior to my own. She is not only smart, but also knows how to communicate her knowledge to others.

TL R, San Antonio TX

Laura has been the leader on several nature walks I've attended in the Texas Hill Country, and I'm always glad to see her at the helm. Besides being incredibly knowledgeable about the critters and plants on the walk, she's also familiar with the area's parks and private lands and what each has to offer. She's got keen ears and eyes for finding that rare bird or plant you might want to see. She's easygoing, helpful, informed, and generous. What more could you ask from a naturalist who leads groups? Looking forward to more walks with her.

Cynthia W, San Antonio TX

I'm a beginner birder and went on a tour and got to see so many birds, butterflies and different plants. Also learned about several apps I was able to download to help with identifications. And found out about volunteer opportunities in my area I can participate in.

R N, Medina TX

Thanks for sharing and thanks again for leading the training and hike!!! Lots of great information shared. The kids will take a lot home with them

Andrew H, Livingston TX

Had a great time. Thank you.

Kim O, Rocksprings TX

Very much enjoyed seeing part of the Preserve and spending the day with such nice, knowledgeable folks!

M R, Houston TX

Thank you so much for guiding us on a bird walk at Love Creek! We so enjoyed meeting you and hearing about your volunteer work at the preserve and at Lost Maples. We were amazed by that cow bird trap! And what a thrill to see the golden-cheeked warbler and the claret cup cactus in bloom! Many thanks again, Laura!

Kathy M, McKinney TX

I really enjoyed our bird walk. It was a pleasure getting to know you and learning how to listen and spot birds. I hope we have a chance to meet up again.

Lisa F, Reno NV

We went to White Water Draw wildlife with Laura. She is very knowledgeable about the bird population and we saw many different birds. Our favorite was the owls in the nest waiting on the baby to hatch. She also shared a video cam with us to watch the progression and it was completely fascinating. For a good learning experience and fun, you should checkout this business.

Dan P, Medina TX

We really enjoyed the hike on Saturday. My grandsons had a great time! Thanks again for an enjoyable experience at the conservancy!

Steven W, Palm Harbor FL

Thank you for the amazing day today! Your birding walk exceeded our expectations and the knowledge you shared with K and I was greatly appreciated. We hope to see you again. Such a great day!

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