FeatherFest Chronological Events by Day
Saturday, April 14, 2012
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Event descriptions below include the birds and habitats most likely to be seen, the recommended skill level, what to bring, and mode of transportation in hopes of preparing you for the most enjoyable experience possible. Activities with a 5-star designation are led by recognized birding and photography experts and showcase Galveston birding at its best.
Skill levels are: 1 for Beginner Birder/Photographer; 2 for Intermediate; and 3 for Advanced.
All trips, including walking and boating events, will depart in front of Old Galveston Square, 2215 The Strand, downtown Galveston, unless otherwise noted. Please assemble 15 minutes ahead of the listed departure time, as trips WILL leave on time! Except for Drive Your Own Car trips, the listed times relate to departure from and arrival back at Old Galveston Square. Boat and kayak trips will occur as scheduled, based on weather conditions. Please check with the Registration Desk for status.
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge Yellow Rails 
Price: $65
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 5:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bring water, snacks, lunch
Field Experts: Steve Gross, Pam Smolen
Bus & Strenuous Walk
Skill Level: 2, 3
This is a 75-mile bus trip to Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge which is located on the Bolivar Peninsula along East Galveston Bay. With 25,000 acres of brackish and freshwater marsh, reed areas and a sandy East Bay shoreline, the refuge offers the full range of coastal and migratory birds. Park roads, new trails and boardwalks (post Ike) provide excellent viewing of several varieties of herons, egrets, waterfowl, some raptors, early migrant warblers and alligators. In order to search for the Yellow Rails, buses must get to the refuge no later than sunrise, which is about 7 a.m.
Yellow Rails are regulars in winter and spring, and a guide will be onsite to conduct a Yellow Rail search for those who wish to do so. The search will be quite strenuous and requires moving through marshy areas. Those wishing to add this bird to their life list stand a good chance to do so if willing to put in the effort. Participants are strongly advised to bring knee-length rubber boots or waders.
After Anahuac, the tour will return via High Island, where the group will make a brief stop at Smith Woods Rookery and Boy Scout Woods, which are Houston Audubon sanctuaries. Note: The stop at the sanctuaries will not be as extensive as the High Island Famous Sites field trip. Time permitting, stops will be made to check for migrating birds along the Bolivar Peninsula.
Targets: Yellow Rails, Clapper Rails, Purple Gallinule, Marsh Wren, Bittern, Seaside Sparrows, herons, egrets, waterfowl, Anhinga and “peeps.”
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Focus on Bolivar Photography
Price: $50
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Bring water, snacks
Photo Expert: Kathy Adams Clark
Bus & Walk
Skill Level: All
The tip of the Bolivar Peninsula offers a wide variety of photographic opportunities. These trips begin with seeing the sunrise across the Houston Ship Channel and photographing birds around the ferry landing. The trip then moves to the North Jetty for an opportunity to photograph American Avocets and other wading birds. Finally, the group will photograph wading birds in several marshes nearby. Locations subject to change based on tide, wind, and location of the birds.
Suggested equipment: Digital SLR camera with a 300mm lens or greater. Smaller digital cameras with a 10x or 12x zoom will be adequate. Tripod. Small or moderate camera bag to keep equipment organized in the vehicle. Sturdy walking shoes for the jetty.
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Attwater Prairie-chicken Preserve
Price: $50
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Bring water, snacks
Field Experts: Richard Mayfield, Tim O’Connell, Gay York
Bus & Walk
Skill Level: All
Travel by bus to the Nature Conservancy’s Preserve at Texas City for a chance to see the Attwater Prairie-chicken, one of the rarest birds in North America. We emphasize “chance” since the population is small, but several were seen in flight during recent FeatherFests. This Preserve is one of just two dedicated to trying to keep this species alive in the wild. For many birder visitors to the Upper Texas Coast this will be a must-see life bird. Watching the Prairie-chickens perform their mating ritual is a sight to behold. The males emerge into an open area referred to as a “lek”, extend their tail feathers, stomp their feet, make a noise called “booming” and chase off competing males to defend their area and attract the attention of the females. Regardless of success with seeing the Prairie-chicken, this tour will still be a good one with additional interesting bird watching, both on the Preserve and locally.
Targets: Attwater Prairie-chicken, Upland Sandpipers, raptors, Osprey, Dabbling and Diving Ducks, herons, terns, yellowlegs, dowitchers, and various “peeps.”
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Gulf Coast Bird Observatory Bird Banding and Quintana
Price: $55
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 6:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Bring water, snacks, lunch
Field Experts: Jim O’Donnell, Cecilia Riley, Richard Mayfield
Bus & Walk
Skill Level: All
The first part of this trip is similar to the trip to Brazoria NWR. It will head west over the San Luis Pass bridge and off Galveston Island. Stops will be made on Follets Island to check out the beach and a favorite road-side pond with Salt Cedar. There is little distance between the Gulf and the Bay and the views are excellent! The trip will continue over the Intra Coastal Canal, checking out the road-side marshes to Lake Jackson, and will stop in at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory to watch staff there band birds gently caught in mist nets.
After leaving the GCBO, the trip will continue to Quintana, west of Freeport, and search GCBO’s Quintana Neotropic migrant refuge for spring migrating songbirds. This small jewel of oak motts, lantana, coral bean & yaupon, with two well-placed water features, is an excellent example of how even a small plot is valuable for trans-Gulf migrants. The beach and jetty at Quintana provide other opportunities for coastal birding.
Targets: Dabbling Ducks, Black- and Yellow-crowned Night Herons, White and White-faced Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills, Mottled Ducks, Grebes, gulls, terns, hawks, “peeps,” hummingbirds, and early migrant songbirds.
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Bolivar Birding with Dick Peake
Price: $60
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Field Experts: Professor Dick Peake, Glenn Olsen, Adam Wood
Bring water, snacks, lunch
Bus & Strenuous Walk
Skill Level: All
Birding Bolivar is Professor Peake’s favorite local event! Guests will explore various habitats on the peninsula, e.g.: sand flats, grassy prairies, jetties, tidal sloughs, wooded lots, and Ft Travis. The Bolivar sand flats area is known as one of the finest migratory locations in North America for shorebirds, terns, herons, egrets and other water birds. It is a designated habitat for the protection of the endangered wintering Piping Plover.
Targets: Expect to see at least 80 – 100 species! For example: 5 species of plovers, 7 species of terns, 4 species of gulls, dowitchers, Peregrine Falcon, Marsh Hawk, Marbled Godwit, Long-billed Curlew, Whimbrel, Red Knot, White-tailed Kite, Marsh Wren, Seaside Sparrow, Nelson Sharp-shinned Sparrow, Osprey.
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Big Day Birding with Kevin Karlson
Price: $70
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 6:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Field Experts: Kevin Karlson, Mike Austin
Bring water, snacks, lunch
Bus & Strenuous Walk
Skill Level: 2, 3
Join Kevin Karlson and Mike Austin on this fast-paced, fun excursion to top birding sites on Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula. Sites visited will be determined by Kevin, depending on weather and migration. Expect to see over 100 species of birds. Kevin will demonstrate Birding by Impression skills and identify birds in varied habitats and viewing conditions. A good time is the main objective for this field trip. The faster pace will limit the amount of time spent at individual locations.
Targets: over 100 species, especially shorebirds.
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Creating Attractive Sets for Wildlife Photography
Field Trip for OPTION 2
Price: $100 (includes Workshop on Friday, April 13, 1p.m. – 2 p.m.)
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Bring water, snacks
Photo Expert: Larry Ditto
Bus & Walk
Skill Level: 3
This event includes a WORKSHOP ON FRIDAY and a FIELD TRIP ON SATURDAY. Both parts are included in the $100 price.
The goal of these combined activities is to learn to maintain control in the “natural world” to achieve more pleasing and interesting images. The workshop will teach participants how to create a studio “in the wild,” work with lighting, and control backgrounds and perches so that a natural look is maintained. On the field trip, you will learn how to plan the setup from start to finish, assist with an actual setup, and photograph migrants and other birds as they visit your natural studio.
Suggested equipment for trip: tripod, DSLR camera body, telephoto lens 300mm or larger, 1.4 and/or 2.0 teleconverters, tripod, flash preferably off camera; no equipment needed for workshop.
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Christmas Bay Birding by Kayak
Price: $70
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Bring water, snacks, lunch
Field Experts: Artist Boat
Bus & Strenuous Kayak
Skill Level: All
A bus will provide your transportation to Christmas Bay located west of San Luis Pass. Enjoy the eye-level appreciation of the wetlands and wildlife watching that kayaking offers. Paddle within feet of nesting Roseate Spoonbills, Tri-colored Herons, Great Egrets and other wading birds. Paddlers will hear the sounds of active nesting birds, float over natural stands of sea grasses, and experience the diving habits of the Brown Pelican at close range. The trip will offer at least three hours on the water. Note that restrooms are not available onsite.
Guests are advised to wear sunscreen, lace-up, close-toed footwear, and fingerless cycling gloves. Be ready to get a bit muddy, and bring a water-proof bag for your gear. Guests will be supplied and required to wear a life jacket. The activity level for this trip is strenuous. A signed waiver of liability will need to be shown prior to the trip.
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Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge
Price: $55
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bring water, snacks, lunch
Field Experts: George Regmund
Bus & Walk
Skill Level: All
This trip leaves Galveston later than Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge Yellow Rails, as it does NOT include the search for Yellow Rails. Numbers permitting, the two Anahuac NWR trips may combine for the continuation of the field trip.
This is a 75-mile bus trip to Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge which is located on the Bolivar Peninsula along East Galveston Bay. With 25,000 acres of brackish and freshwater marsh, reed areas and a sandy East Bay shoreline, the refuge offers the full range of coastal and migratory birds. Park roads, new trails and boardwalks (post Ike) provide excellent viewing of several varieties of herons, egrets, waterfowl, some raptors, early migrant warblers and alligators.
After Anahuac, the tour will return via High Island, where the group will make a brief stop at Smith Woods Rookery and Boy Scout Woods which are Houston Audubon sanctuaries. Note: The stop at the sanctuaries will not be as extensive as the High Island Famous Sites field trip. Time permitting, stops will be made to check for migrating birds along the Bolivar Peninsula.
Targets: Clapper Rails, Purple Gallinule, Marsh Wren, Bittern, Seaside Sparrows, herons, egrets, waterfowl, Anhinga and “peeps.”
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West Isle Marsh and Shorebirds
Price: $50
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 7:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Bring water, snacks
Field Expert: Jim Stevenson
Bus, Frequent in-and-out Walk
Skill Level: 2, 3
Participants will travel to Galveston Island West End shorebird hot spots to bird the freshwater ponds, coastal marshes and bay waters. These areas provide habitat for Clapper Rails, Black-necked Stilts, Common Loons, diving ducks and “peeps.” Private piers on Sportsman Road provide excellent viewing for oyster-catchers, dowitchers, Dunlins, gulls, terns and Ruddy Ternstones.
At the far end of the Island, the San Luis Pass mudflats and marshes provide close-up viewing of avocets, white pelicans, plovers, Marbled Godwits, Long-billed Curlews, and several varieties of migrating shorebirds, terns and “peeps.”
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High Island Famous Sites
Boy Scout Woods, Smith Oaks, The Rookery, and more!
Price: $70
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bring water, snacks, lunch
Field Experts: Tony Frank, Winnie Burkett, Louise Zemaitis
Bus & Walk
Skill Level: All
High Island is the surface expression of a salt dome on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Due to its elevation above the saltwater table, it supports wooded habitat that supplies food, water and places to rest for tired trans-Gulf migrants.
The Houston Audubon Society has two large sanctuaries in the area, Boy Scout Woods and Smith Oaks, which are known worldwide for their spectacular variety of spring migrants. Smith Oaks contains the spectacular heron rookery, safely located on an island within a lake, where visitors may get close views of nesting herons, ibis, egrets, and spoonbills. April weather fronts can produce 30 or more species of songbirds in a single day!
On the lower levels of the “island,” there are producing oil fields, and the roads through the marshes there can also provide some good views of sandpipers and rails.
The “island” and sanctuaries have taken a heavy hit from hurricanes since 2004. Many large trees have been lost or damaged but many remain and new trees are growing. That scenario is the history of such wooded motts along the Gulf Coast.
Read more about High Island on the Houston Audubon Web site.
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Coastal Birding Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.
Expert Leader: Alice Anne O’Donell
Skill Level: 1, 2
Birders will find this workshop the perfect introduction to coastal birding. The focus will be on the identification of wintering and early migrating birds on the Upper Texas Coast. Best when paired with the Coastal Birding Field Trip.
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Moody Gardens Rainforest Photography with Debbie Ferrell
Price: $65
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
No food or drink allowed in the Rainforest
Photo Expert: Debbie Ferrell
Meet at Site & Walk
Skill Level: 1, 2
Get ready to capture images of the 1,000-plus species of exotic plants and animals from the rainforests of Africa, Asia and the Americas that populate Moody Gardens’ newly-renovated multi-level 10-story Rainforest Pyramid! You’ll have lots of space to move around, as the Rainforest will not be open to the public during the hours of this trip. And as a bonus, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like afterwards and roam around on your own!
Participants will learn how to control depth of field, improve sharpness in their images and create stunning images that hold the viewers’ attention. We will work on composition, and proper exposure for fill flash.
You need to drive your own car to this event. Please allow 45 minutes to travel from downtown to Moody Gardens, park your car, unload equipment, and walk to the entrance of the Visitor’s Center where the Rainforest is located. Your trip liaison will meet you there and you will go in as a group. Driving directions to Moody Gardens will be emailed to you and also available at the festival Registration Desk. Admission to the Rainforest is included in the trip price. Click here to download a map of Moody Gardens.
Suggested equipment: Tripod or IS lens, a telephoto lens (preferably a zoom) in the 100-300 or greater range, a wide angle and macro lens, along with flash.
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Texas City Dike & Other Man-made Structures
Price: $40
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Bring water, snacks, lunch if over Noon hour
Field Expert: Stephan Lorenz
Bus & Frequent in-and-out Walk
Skill Level: All
The Texas City area abounds with bird-friendly, man-made structures. There are colonies of Cave and Cliff swallows nesting under several I-45 bridges. Catchment ponds for the refineries could still hold some Eared Grebes, plus late wintering waterfowl, and usually Roseate Spoonbills and herons. The Texas City Dike, which protects the port of Texas City, projects approximately 5 miles into East Galveston Bay, almost to Pelican Island. The newly built recreational area along the dike is an excellent vantage point to see birds that prefer a true marine environment.
Some late wintering loons, gulls and terns will likely be present, plus some bay ducks, mergansers, and others. Afterwards, drive along Skyline Highway on the top of a levee, for an outside chance to spot the white morph of a Great Blue Heron. If time permits the trip will seek out one of several colonies of Monk Parakeets colonially nesting atop the power transmission towers, and perhaps an Anhinga along the freshwater canal at Highland Park.
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Color Accuracy in Digital Photography Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Photo Expert: Scott Buckel
Skill Level: 2
Have you had trouble getting prints and web output to look the way you want? The basics of color management will assist your control of the colors. Scott will discuss white balance and profiling and calibration of your devices to control your printed image. You will also learn how to set the white balance of your images either before or after capture, and to use grey cards to color balance captures. The concepts of color management will also be introduced.
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Shorebird Photography Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Photo Expert: Tim Timmis
Skill Level: All
Want to capture shorebird photos? In this workshop, you’ll learn what equipment to use and how to use it, techniques for getting close to birds, and where to find birds in South East Texas.
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Coastal Birding Field Trip
Price: $35
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Bring water, snacks
Field Experts: Alice Anne O’Donell
Bus & Walk
Skill Level: 1, 2
This fascinating trip is an introduction to coastal birding and habitat. Emphasis will be on identifying common resident and migrating shorebirds. The trip will go to the East End Lagoon Nature Preserve beach area where you’ll see many species of shore birds, gulls, terns, skimmers, sandpipers, plovers, avocets, Black-necked Stilts, and more. Stops along the way will highlight birds preferring marsh habitat.
This area is located at the East End of the Galveston Seawall and Boddecker Dr. The City of Galveston owns 686 acres of land at the eastern tip of the island and the intent is to transform it into a world-class natural recreational area and nature preserve with an interpretive center. All the habitats associated with a barrier island - beach, uplands, fresh water ponds, brackish lagoons and wetlands - are present.
Time permitting, the trip may move on to Corps Woods. This is a heavily wooded area located adjacent to a large spoils area and the Galveston Ship Channel and serves as a local migrant songbird trap.
Participation in the Coastal Birding Workshop will enhance your experience in this field trip.
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Birding 101
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 9:30 a.m. – Noon
Bring water, snacks
Field Expert: Peggy Boston
Leisurely Walk
Skill Level: 1
This inside workshop and outside walk are for those who are new to birding and want tips on using binoculars and watching and identifying local birds. After an hour inside discussion, you will take a leisurely walk (about two city blocks) over to the docks, where numerous species of birds are easily seen around the shrimp boat fleet.
Targets: Brown and White Pelicans, cormorants, gulls, terns, herons, grackles, doves.
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Get More Out of Your Digital Point-and-Shoot Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Photo Expert: Scott Buckel
Skill Level: 1
Get hands-on training to learn more about your digital point-and-shoot camera! You will be introduced to the features of your camera and basic techniques to use them. The various special camera modes will be discussed, plus methods to copy photos to the computer and basic editing of images.
Suggested equipment: digital point-and-shoot camera and instruction manual; fully charged batteries.
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Harbor Tour and Birding by Boat
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Expert Leaders: Sid Steffens, Richard Mayfield
Bring water, snacks, lunch
Short Walk to Dock & Boat Trip
Skill Level: All
For those who are not able to take the longer boat trip to North Deer Island, this shorter trip aboard the SS Seagull II will provide a one-hour view of Galveston from the water and some interesting facts about the Port, plus an opportunity to see the dolphins. The Seagull II is a 45-passenger catamaran hulled boat. This is an easy trip suitable for young children and those less mobile. Meet your trip liaison in the bus loading area to walk over to the dock as a group. Note that there is no restroom on the boat.
Targets: pelicans, cormorants, herons, terns, gulls.
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Digiscoping and Optics Tips Workshop
Price: FREE
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Expert Leaders: Representatives from Optics Companies
Skill Level: All
Don’t miss this free and informative presentation on digiscoping, which is a unique form of long-distance photography using a digital camera and a field spotting scope. Representatives of optics companies will cover equipment basics of a good digiscoping set-up and provide digiscoping tips and general information about advances in optics.
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Dragonfly Study Workshop
Price: $15
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 11:30 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Expert Leader: Bob Honig
Skill Level: All
This workshop is an introductory program on dragonflies, the raptors of the insect world. This workshop is best when paired with the Butterfly, Moth and Dragonfly Experience Field Trip. You’ll have an opportunity to identify these creatures in the air.
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Butterfly and Moth Study Workshop
Price: $15
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Expert Leader: Farrar Stockton
Skill Level: All
This workshop is an introduction to the fascinating world of butterflies and moths. The instructor’s photographs will highlight many details not easily spotted on the wing.
This workshop is best when paired with the Butterfly, Moth and Dragonfly Experience Field Trip. You’ll have an opportunity to identify these creatures in the air.
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Songbirds on the West End
Price: $50
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bring water, snacks
Field Expert: Jim Stevenson
Bus & Walk
Skill Level: 2, 3
This field trip searches for the spring songbird richness found on West Galveston Island, with a special emphasis on songbirds such as warblers, vireos, tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks and buntings. Guests will walk through Lafitte’s Cove Nature Preserve, Galveston’s crown jewel for migrating songbirds. Eight species of vireos and over 30 species of warblers were seen in the oak mott this spring. Freshwater ponds at the entrance to the preserve gave up¬-close views of migrating shorebirds, ducks, Wilson’s Phalaropes, both species of dowitchers and yellow legs, Solitary and Stilt sandpipers, Marsh Wrens, Sora Rails and “peeps.”
Dos Vacas Muertas, a small Houston Audubon sanctuary, was also very productive for the aforementioned birds last spring. Post Ike, many of the live oaks were lost, however the surrounding salt cedar, yaupon and the remaining dead trees and small water feature make this sanctuary a bird island for migrating birds. Dos Vacas is located on the east side of Sea Isle.
There will be a stop at Jim Stevenson's home, Heartbreak Hammock. His yard list is now at 315 species. Several dozen species of land migrants should be recorded, and likely many neat water birds seen incidentally.
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Slow Shutter Speeds for Action Photos Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Photo Expert: Larry Ditto
Skill Level: 2, 3
Larry will show you how to effectively use slow shutter speeds to create pleasing blurs that convey action in images. He will discuss the equipment and processing involved, and show examples of effective images. Since selecting shutter speed is essential to create images that have appeal, he will explain how to keep the subject sharp and in-focus, and how to use ISO and shutter speed to get the desired image.
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Pro-Technique Workshop: How to Shoot Efficiently Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Photo Expert: Sean Fitzgerald
Skill Level: 3
We all want to capture the moment, but how do you do that? Targeting advanced photographers, Sean will share his techniques for capturing sharp images in all conditions. Participants will learn how to capture motion effectively, as well as how to anticipate and capture fleeting moments. You will also learn how to shoot both landscapes and wildlife strategically to get the most out of your opportunities.
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North Deer Island Rookery by Boat
Price: $50
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Field Experts: Skip Almoney, Peggy Boston
Bring water, snacks
Short Walk to Dock & Boat Trip
Skill Level: All
On this fabulous boat ride to the rookery on North Deer Island in West Galveston Bay, you will hone your skills for identifying bay birds in flight: white and Brown Pelicans, Royal and Caspian Terns, cormorants, gulls, plus pods of dolphins.
North Deer Island has 1.7 miles of protected shoreline which supports habitat for the threatened Reddish Egret and White-faced Ibis and 16 other bird species. This rookery is located in Galveston Bay between Tiki Island and West Galveston.
The SS Seagull II will drift around this protected, no-trespassing rookery, observing thousands of nesting herons, Reddish Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills and other wading birds in their full breeding plumage. The viewing distance will be determined by the tides and prevailing winds.
On the way to North Deer Island, you’ll have an opportunity to see many species of birds at the Harborwalk Marina freshwater ponds. While you’re stopped at the marina to bird, you’ll also be able to purchase snacks and use restrooms. Your trip leader will decide how long to spend at the marina based on the birds.
The boat is a 45-passenger catamaran and there is no restroom on board. Please meet your trip liaison in the bus loading area to walk over to the dock as a group.
Saving North Deer Island Bird Rookery: Texas Parks and Wildlife video
North Deer Island: Houston Audubon webpage about North Deer Island and the shoreline restoration project
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Turtle Research Station Tour
Price: $15
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
No food allowed in facility
Field Expert: Susan Lewis
Meet at Site & Walk
Skill Level: All
Don’t miss this special tour of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sea turtle facility, where more than 350 turtles are housed in 30 saltwater tanks. Known as the “turtle barn,” the facility is the only one of its kind in the world dedicated to captive rearing of sea turtles for research. For the short amount of time these turtles are under NOAA's care, the primary focus of this research is the modification of commercial fishing equipment to avoid the incidental by-catch of sea turtles.
Since the turtle barn is no longer open to regularly-scheduled public tours, this event offers a rare opportunity to visit the research facility and learn what is being done in our own backyard to help these endangered animals.
There are only seven species of sea turtles in the world, and six are classified as threatened or endangered.
Please plan to drive your own car to the turtle barn. Driving directions will be emailed to you and also available at the Registration Desk. It takes approximately 15 minutes to drive from downtown to the facility, and another 15 back to town, so please allow enough time in your schedule. Please arrive at the gate a few minutes early. The gate is locked and we will walk in together as a group.
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Bayside Exploration Galveston Island State Park
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Bring water
Meet at Site & Walk
Skill Level: All
Drive your own car to the Nature Center in Galveston Island State park where a Texas Master Naturalist will meet you and lead this exploration of a sample of the southern edge of Galveston Bay. The variety of plant and animal life at the bay’s “edge” will become clear and the incredible value of these fringe habitats will be better understood.
This 2,000-acre public park offers a multitude of habitats that support a wide variety of birds: waders like herons, egrets, Roseate Spoonbills and shorebirds; the elusive resident Saltmarsh Sparrow; and waterfowl and overhead raptors like Ospreys, White-tailed Kites and Northern Harriers, looking for cotton-tailed rats and rabbits. You may get lucky and see a raccoon cleaning his food at water’s edge and perhaps even a coyote. Wear lace-up footwear that can get wet, as you may be doing some seining and water sampling.
Driving directions will be emailed to you and also available at the Registration Desk. If you’re coming from FeatherFest HQ or downtown, please allow 30 minutes to drive to the park.
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Butterfly, Moth and Dragonfly Experience
Price: $45
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 1:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Bring water, snacks
Field Experts: Bob Honig, Farrar Stockton
Bus & Walk
Skill Level: All
On this trip, you will learn about butterflies, moths and dragonflies and have an opportunity to identify them in the air. Get ready for a fun and fascinating experience! The Butterfly & Moth Study and Dragonfly Study workshops are recommended to help prepare you for this trip.
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Turtle Research Station Tour
Price: $15
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
No food allowed in facility
Field Expert: Susan Lewis
Meet at Site & Walk
Skill Level: All
Don’t miss this special tour of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sea turtle facility, where more than 350 turtles are housed in 30 saltwater tanks. Known as the “turtle barn,” the facility is the only one of its kind in the world dedicated to captive rearing of sea turtles for research. For the short amount of time these turtles are under NOAA's care, the primary focus of this research is the modification of commercial fishing equipment to avoid the incidental by-catch of sea turtles.
Since the turtle barn is no longer open to regularly-scheduled public tours, this event offers a rare opportunity to visit the research facility and learn what is being done in our own backyard to help these endangered animals.
There are only seven species of sea turtles in the world, and six are classified as threatened or endangered.
Please plan to drive your own car to the turtle barn. Driving directions will be emailed to you and also available at the Registration Desk. It takes approximately 15 minutes to drive from downtown to the facility, and another 15 back to town, so please allow enough time in your schedule. Please arrive at the gate a few minutes early. The gate is locked and we will walk in together as a group.
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High-Dynamic Range Photography Workshop
Price: $20
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Photo Expert: Kathy Adams Clark
Skill Level: All
Interesting photos happen when you combine several images into a composite that captures all the dynamic range the human eye can see. Grand landscapes come to life when you combine 15 or 20 images into a panoramic photo.
Photographers attending this workshop will learn what High-Dynamic Range photography is, how to capture the images, how to process images, and the software options available. After a short lesson, the group will head outside for an hour capturing HDR images around festival headquarters. Then the group will move indoors for a chance to see how the instructor’s images are downloaded and then processed using Photomatix and Photoshop CS5.
Suggested equipment: camera for reference.
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Advanced Nature Photography Workshop
Price: $40
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Photo Expert: Larry Ditto
Skill Level: 2, 3
In this workshop, you will learn what equipment you need to capture awe-inspiring images and how to get the most benefit from the gear you use. Larry will share his tips for getting more interesting shots by changing perspective, finding the right location, and using color and lighting. He will also cover the benefits of learning behavior to anticipate what the subject is about to do so that action shots are not missed. Plus he’ll answer the question, “Will I know a good photo when I see it?”
For the best experience, we suggest you combine this workshop with the Advanced Nature Photography Field Trip.
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Ten Steps to Bird Identification Workshop
Price: $15
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Expert Presenter: Glenn Olsen
Skill Level: All
Advance your birding ID skills by attending this workshop. Glenn Olsen has developed ten steps he uses in bird identification. He is well recognized for his teaching and birding skills, and each year presents popular courses and field trips through the Houston Audubon Society and Rice University, Continuing Education Department.
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Rainforest Rendezvous – FeatherFest Celebrates 10 Years
Price: $40
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Location: Moody Gardens, One Hope Blvd., Galveston
FeatherFest celebrates its 10th anniversary in style at the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid! Drive your own car to Moody Gardens for food, good friends, photography, and the Rainforest Pyramid, all in one memorable evening!
Indulge in a tantalizing buffet of heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, prepared by Moody Gardens’ renowned culinary team. Then sit back and enjoy a spectacular photography show by Kevin Karlson in the 3D Theater. Kevin, a nationally-recognized birder, author, professional tour leader and wildlife photographer, has been part of FeatherFest since its inception.
Then the Rendezvous moves into the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid, one of the most authentic rainforest re-creations in the world! There are more than 1,000 species of exotic plants and animals from the rainforests of Africa, Asia and the Americas in this newly refurbished, multi-level 10-story pyramid.
Before you enter, you’ll be greeted by curious and playful giant Amazon river otters, the largest of otter species and one that is critically endangered. You will enter the heart of the rainforest at treetop level, as you venture across a 300-foot-long walkway for a closer look at the plants and animals that thrive in the rainforest canopy. On this canopy bridge, which is elevated 35 feet above the ground, you will be greeted by a variety of new exhibits and animals, including Rodrigues fruit bats, free-roaming Saki monkeys, a butterfly enclosure, cloud forest amphibian exhibit and much, much more! At ground level, you’ll follow lushly landscaped trails through the Asian, American and African regions of the rainforest. Here you’ll see even more new animals, like the giant anaconda, vampire bats, blue duiker and Chinese alligators in their native habitats.
Click here for a map to Moody Gardens.
The Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council would like to offer heartfelt thanks to Moody Gardens for hosting this event and providing continuous support for FeatherFest and other Island nature tourism endeavors.
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For Further Information
Email: NatureTourismGalv@juno.com
FeatherFest Hotline: 832.459.5533 or 1.888.425.4753
Nature Tourism Info: 409.789.8125
Mail: Galveston FeatherFest, P.O. Box 1468
Galveston, TX 77553-1468
FeatherFest is a project of the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council which supports nature tourism and education, and promotes the value of area natural habitats.
www.GalvestonNatureTourism.org
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