We are pleased to offer this accessible outing for birders with limited mobility, disabilities, or other health concerns, and for those interested in an easier-paced birding trip. We also welcome those interested in creating and understanding inclusive, accessible birding experiences.
This outing will be led by Virginia Rose, Founder of Birdability, an organization committed to making the birding community and the outdoors accessible, safe, welcoming and inclusive for everybody and every body. Joining Virginia on this trip is FeatherFest guide Anna Deichmann. Anna is the Gulf Coastal Program Director for the American Bird Conservancy and is excited to be co-leading with Virginia for FeatherFest.
What to Expect: This meet-at-site field trip will be done caravan style, introducing birders to accessible birding by car along the historically renowned birding hotspot at 8-Mile Road and Sportsman Road. Carpooling is encouraged when possible. We will not be getting out of our cars during this field trip. Participants will be communicating with the guide via walkie talkies which we will provide.
We will take our time birding the entire length of both roads, which intersect near Galveston’s West Bay, stopping frequently to scan for interesting species. Freshwater and brackish ponds along 8-Mile Road attract a variety of resident and overwintering waterfowl, including Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, and Black-bellied Whistling-Duck. These ponds should be productive for shorebirds as well, such as Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Spotted Sandpiper, and Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs.
As we proceed toward Sportsman Road, we will watch the fence lines and coastal prairie habitat for migrants. This area can be highly productive, with the possibility of a variety of songbirds including flycatchers, buntings, and tanagers. White-tailed Kites and Northern Crested Caracara nest in the area and are usually present, as well.
Sportsman Road is bordered by protected saltmarsh estuarial habitat, providing close views of a variety of large and small waders, shorebirds, gulls and terns, and more. Highlights include the potential of Reddish Egret, American Oystercatcher, Black Skimmer, Neotropic Cormorant, Osprey, and Belted Kingfisher. Clapper Rail nests in this area and is often easily viewed near the ditches along the roadside.
Accessibility: Please note that there are no water fountains or accessible restrooms at this field trip location. There are no benches or shade. There are no steps, gates or obstacles.
What to Bring: water, snacks, 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.