The Winter Wildlife Expo, brought to South Padre Island by the Birding and Nature Center, returns in early February 2025 for its eighth year. SPIBNCAS officials shared that they have an array of speakers slated, including falconer Jonathan Wood, coastal bird conservation biologist Justin LeClaire and, for the first time ever, historian Steve Hathcock, as well as an abundance of expert-led tours to embark on. (SPIBNCAS/Javier Gonzalez)
By ARABELLA SERRATA
Special to the PRESS
The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary [SPIBNCAS] has announced a special competition for their upcoming Winter Wildlife Expo [WWE]. According to the Center’s official
website, each submission to the WWE photo contest will grant the photographer free entry to the expo.
Participants can submit up to three entries in four different categories: the environment, wild birds, coastal animals and images taken at SPIBNCAS.
Photos must be taken within the boundaries of “South Padre Island, the Laguna Atascosa NWR area, Boca Chica Beach, and areas and parks east of Los Fresnos and north of State Highway 4 and FM511.” A full
map of the designated areas can be found on the SPIBNCAS website. Pictures can be taken from Jan. 1, 2024, to qualify for the contest. The submission deadline is Jan. 25. Dimension requirements are 8×10 or
2400×3000 at 300 dpi.
WWE is offering an array of excursions this year, including a couple of evening tours: Birds & Battlefields and Wine & Wetlands. (SPIBNCAS/Javier Gonzalez)
According to Javier Gonzalez, SPIBNCAS Naturalist Educator, judges will look for unique and “well-focused” images. Images with good composition, educational value and good lighting rank higher, as well as
images depicting rarer animals in the area.
All submissions will be displayed at the WWE from Feb. 6-8.
There will be five finalists and three prized winners for each category. The entrance fee is $30 for non-contestants. SPIBNCAS asks that entries don’t
include names or watermarks for judging purposes.
Participants can submit their photos on the official SPIBNCAS website.
The WWE is a three-day event that brings together “distinguished guest speakers, engaging exhibits, diverse vendors and exciting pre-expo field trips to the wildest places in the area.” Reservations and ticketing
options will be available closer to the event date.
WWE attendees can sign up for staple tours of the Bahia Grande and the Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive, led by expert naturalist educators. (SPIBNCAS/Javier Gonzalez)
Among the presenters, Gonzalez confirmed Jonathan Wood, a popular falconer, to present at the expo.
Field trips take guests across different scenic locations across the coastline and other generally inaccessible areas.
“Every year, we try to add new locations to the tours,” said Gonzalez.
These tours are led by staff and volunteer naturalists. This time of the year makes for excellent sightseeing according to Gonzalez, as it creates opportune weather and brings in an influx of birds migrating.
“It’ll give participants a good insight into all the conservation work done in the area and how special these environments are,” said Gonzalez.
Photographers of all ages can submit photos for the WWE contest at spibirding.org until Jan. 25. (SPIBNCAS/Javier Gonzalez)
This year, the field trips will take guests to the Bahia Grande, Cactus Creek ranch, the Steve Thompson Wildlife Trail, and the Bonita Flats farm and vineyard. Boat tours are also being offered around the bay. These tours take place Feb. 3-5. Some tours have multiple time slots. Admission fees for the trips are $80 per person.
For more information, visit the official website or call (956) 761-6801. Field trip tickets are available online. To purchase exhibit tickets, visit the Center at 6801 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, Texas.