Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge?
Golden-cheeked Warbler (below with Painted Bunting and Green Jay)
What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?
Neal’s Lodges. We have been operating since 1926
How best to travel to your lodge?
By car, we are 2 hours from the San Antonio airport
What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders?
There are seven birding stations completely cared for in the month of April. They are fed and watered daily. I don’t know the exact acreage of the property, but we offer a substantial array of accommodation and amenities, including 81 cabins, 10 lodges, 17 condos, 45 RV hook-ups, and 16 tent sites, all with exclusive river access for guests. In addition to lodging, Neal’s Lodges provides a country store with grocery items and a gift shop, as well as dining options like Neal’s Dining Room, which is within walking distance of most cabins. You will need to call Neal’s Dining Room in advance for times of operation. When checking in, you can receive a map with all the birding stations to walk to. There are seven different areas you can go to within a half-mile radius. The famous Frio Bat Flight bat caves are three miles from Neal’s Lodges as well.
Green Kingfisher
What makes your lodge special?
Neal’s Lodges feels like a step back in time. Simple accommodation, friendly service, and the beauty of nature combine to create a unique experience.
What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?
- Golden-cheeked Warbler
- Tropical Parula
- Black-capped Vireo
- Green Kingfisher
- Indigo Bunting
- Greater Roadrunner
- Painted Bunting
- Vermillion Flycatcher
- Blue Grosbeak
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak
- Black-headed Grosbeak
- Orchard Oriole
- Hooded Oriole
- Audubon’s Oriole
- Baltimore Oriole
- Dickcissel
- Golden-fronted Woodpecker
What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?
In April, Neal’s Lodges focuses on birding. We maintain the birding stations and are one of the biggest birding destinations in the world. The last weekend of April is our 80’s Rock weekend, so keep that in mind. For the rest of the year, we are one of the most popular river destinations in Texas. Our peak season has a completely different atmosphere.
Black-capped Vireo
Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts? If yes, please describe them.
The only conservation we are involved in is maintaining the beauty around us, and feeding the beautiful birds in April
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?
We do not have distributors here in Concan, TX, so we don’t provide sheets and towels. We rent them for a small price, and they will be in your room when you arrive (if rented). Plan on cooking out on the provided grills and cooking s’mores in the provided fire pits. There are only a couple of convenience stores here, and a couple of restaurants as well. It is very quiet in April, and you will need to call for different places’ hours of operation. This is almost a glamping experience, except you will have all the basics you need. We provide air conditioning, a full kitchen, basic pots, pans, utensils, and cups.
Do you have activities for non-birders?
In April, non-birders can enjoy their private access to the Frio River. They can also travel 10 miles north to visit Garner State Park or keep going another 10 miles to Leakey and enjoy shopping and restaurants.
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?
www.nealslodges.com/ email reserve@nealslodges.com/ 830-232-6118
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
Neal’s Lodges is a unique destination that is simple but unforgettable. Get back to the basics of life and see some unbelievable birds.
Vermillion Flycatcher
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