This outing will be led by Virginia Rose, Founder of Birdability, an organization dedicated to making birding and outdoor spaces accessible, safe, welcoming, and inclusive for everybody and every body.
What to Expect: The field trip will focus on the accessible trails on the bay side of the park, with birding conducted primarily from recently revamped trails and the observation tower. The observation tower offers expansive views of surrounding marshes, tidal flats, and coastal prairie. The group will also be able to view the Eskimo Curlew statue, part of the Lost Bird Project. This powerful landmark provides an opportunity to reflect on conservation history, species loss, and the importance of protecting coastal habitats for migratory birds.
From the observation tower and nearby accessible viewing areas, mid-April offers excellent opportunities to observe both resident coastal birds and a surge of spring migrants moving through Galveston Island. Bayside marshes and tidal flats are typically active with wading birds such as Great and Snowy Egrets, Tricolored and Little Blue Herons, Roseate Spoonbill, and White Ibis. Shorebirds are abundant this time of year and may include Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and a variety of sandpipers using the exposed flats and shorelines.
Gulls and terns are also well represented in mid-April, with Laughing Gull common and opportunities to see Royal, Sandwich, Caspian, and Forster’s Terns, along with Black Skimmer near open water. Raptors such as Osprey, Northern Harrier, and Peregrine Falcon are frequently observed hunting over the marsh, while Brown Pelican and Neotropic Cormorant are regular sights along the bay.
Spring migration may also bring colorful songbirds to nearby coastal prairie and shrub habitat, including warblers, orioles, buntings, and flycatchers stopping to rest and refuel. The diversity and activity typical of mid-April make this an especially rewarding time to experience the birds and habitats of Galveston Island State Park.
This trip will move at an unhurried pace, with ample time for observation, discussion, and questions. The focus will be on enjoying the birds, understanding how accessible infrastructure supports birding opportunities, and fostering a shared sense of stewardship for Galveston Island’s protected natural areas.
What to Bring: water, lunch, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.
Important Information: If you are a disabled person and have questions not addressed in the provided description, please email Eowyn Johnson at dir@gintc.org.
If you are a participant with a disability or other health concern and the cost of this trip makes it inaccessible to you, please reach out to Eowyn Johnson at dir@gintc.org to request a sliding-scale option.
Driving and parking directions will be emailed prior to the festival.