Spring 2025 - South Texas Birds & Wildlife Photo Workshops
Santa Clara Ranch.

Spring Session 1 - April 15-19, 2025 - 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Spring Session 2 - April 21-25, 2025 - 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Spring Session 3 - April 27 - May 1, 2025 - 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Spring Session 4 - May 3-7, 2025 - 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Spring Session 5 - May 9-13, 2025 - SOLD OUT

Santa Clara Ranch Video

The Rio Grande Valley has become one of the premier hotspots for nature photographers in the country. It has been a world class destination for birders and bird photographers (with over 500 bird species documented in the area) for many years. The "Valley", as we locals call it, is also known for its variety in reptiles (over 150 species documented) and mammals (150+ species live here).

Join Hector D. Astorga for 3 days of photography and instruction. Hector, who is also the ranch manager, has been photographing and guiding for photographers at the Santa Clara for over 14 years. During the workshop we will target all the South Texas resident birds and the migratory birds that travel through the ranch this time of year. Green Jays, Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, Thrashers, Orioles, Painted Buntings, and many others will be our targets. We will also target raptors at the ranch's two raptor blinds. Crested Caracara, Harris Hawk, and Turkey and Black Vultures frequent the raptor blinds at the ranch. Apart from birds we will also photograph South Texas mammals and reptiles. Collard Peccaries (Javalina), White-tail deer, Armadillos, Mexican Ground Squirells, Rabbits frequent the waterholes at the ranch. If we are lucky we might be able to photograph one of the Bobcats that live in the area. Possible reptiles are Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Indigo Snake, Leopard frogs, Texas Tortoise, and other snake species like the beautiful Coachwhip snake.

Lodging will be at the Santa Clara guesthouse. The house is a modern fully equipped home that can accomodate up to 16 people comfortably. The house and annex has eight bedrooms and 6 full baths for guests to use. All 3 meals will be provided by the Santa Clara Ranch. For more information on the guesthouse click here.

Cost of Photo Tour - $3500.00 per photographer (double occupancy)
Single Supplement - $450.00 per photographer

Includes:
- Lodging at the Santa Clara Guesthouse.
- All meals (catered) and non-alcoholic beverages during your stay. 
- Photographic Instruction to help you maximize your stay and improve your photographic knowledge.
- All applicable taxes.

Does not include:
- Transportation to and from the ranch. 
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Gratuities.

We are limiting the number of photographers to 5 so you can get our full attention and have unlimited exclusive access to the blinds during your stay.

Spring Session 1 - April 15-19, 2025 - 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Spring Session 2 - April 21-25, 2025 - 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Spring Session 3 - April 27 - May 1, 2025 - 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Spring Session 4 - May 3-7, 2025 - 5 SPOTS AVAILABLE
Spring Session 5 - May 9-13, 2025 - SOLD OUT

 

Deposit can be paid via PAYPAL (plus 3% fees) by clicking here:

SESSION 1 - FOR PAYPAL DEPOSIT CLICK HERE
SESSION 2 - FOR PAYPAL DEPOSIT CLICK HERE
SESSION 3 - FOR PAYPAL DEPOSIT CLICK HERE
SESSION 4 - FOR PAYPAL DEPOSIT CLICK HERE
SESSION 5 - FOR PAYPAL DEPOSIT CLICK HERE

or by mailing a U.S. Check or Money Order Payable to:
      
Hector D. Astorga
PO Box 74
Delmita, TX 78536
   

Deposits & Cancellation Policy:

  • A $1500 deposit is required at the time of enrollment with full payment due by March 1, 2025.

  • Deposit and tuition fees are non-refundable.

  • If the photo workshop is full and someone from the waiting list can take your spot, your tuition is refundable minus a 15% cancellation fee.

  • We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.

  • Should cancellation be required due to severe weather, an alternate date will be scheduled at no additional charges.

  • No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after the photo workshop begins.

  • We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

  • For Travel Insurance Quotes visit: www.insuremytrip.com