Rio Delta Birding Tours

Raul Garza Jr. grew up in Weslaco, Texas, where the outdoors wasn’t a hobby — it was simply a way of life. His father, a man who loved to hunt, fish, and wander the brushlands of the Rio Grande Valley, made sure Raul and his siblings spent more time outside than in. Those early mornings on the water and long walks through thornscrub planted a seed that would shape Raul’s entire life. What began as a childhood spent exploring the Valley’s wild edges eventually grew into a deep passion for birds and the landscapes they depend on. Raul has been birding for 18 years, and for 16 of those years he has guided at the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, helping visitors from around the world experience the magic of South Texas wildlife. His easygoing style, sharp field skills, and deep local knowledge have made him a familiar and trusted face in the region’s birding community. Professionally, Raul has dedicated his career to conservation and environmental education. He is a certified interpretive guide and holds a Master’s in Resource Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University, a foundation that strengthens his ability to share the story of the Valley’s unique ecosystems with clarity and purpose. He has worked with the Valley Nature Center, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Texas Parks and Wildlife, inspiring people of all ages to care for the natural world. Whether he’s leading a bird walk, teaching a classroom of students, or working behind the scenes on habitat and outreach projects, Raul brings the same sense of purpose: to connect people to the land that shaped him. Today, he continues to champion the Rio Grande Valley’s natural heritage — not just as a birder and guide, but as a lifelong steward of the place he calls home