On this meet-at-site walking field trip, you’ll be birding prairies, woodlots, and marshes of Artist Boat’s Coastal Heritage Preserve with Karla Klay. We’ll top off the evening with a homemade pizza dinner made on the spot!
What to Expect: Join Karla for a birding adventure at Artist Boat’s Coastal Heritage Preserve. Walk and explore the marshes, prairies, and oak motts across the Preserve. Spring migration on the Preserve has hosted up to 103 species identified in a 24-hour period. The spring prairie is famous for heaps of Indigo and Painted Buntings, Dickcissel, Bobolink, and more feasting on dew berries. The spring “Peake” woods host warblers, tanagers, and orioles. From different vantage points, one can find shorebirds, terns, and pelicans in the marshes and over the bay.
The Preserve is a 775+ acre conservation area and utilized for educational purposes. This is special and private access. The only way to experience the depth and breadth of the Preserve’s wilds and varied ecosystems is to slowly walk the three miles of loop trails on the bay tract. Migration events have hosted moments of seeing thousands of buntings at one time on the prairie, a small oak mott at our plant nursery hosting 15 species of warblers, and even a sleeping Swallow-tailed Kite in a tree.
If you want to see how ecosystems work and what ecosystem feeding means, this is the adventure and guide for you. Karla is always enamored with the entire field of view and helping people learn how and when to find what bird in Galveston. Don’t come to identify birds, come to see! We will go as slowly as needed to “see” while crossing prairies, marshes, and wood lots. Come comfy and ready to walk up to 3 miles on an uneven surface.
At dusk we will watch the dramatic sunset across the prairie and preserve while enjoying an artisan prepared pizza. It’s all absolutely spectacular!
Note: There will be both vegetarian and non-vegetarian toppings. Tea and water will be provided. If you’d like to BYOB, feel free to do so. Please note there are no gluten free pizza choices.
What to Bring: water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and to participate, you must wear closed-toed walking shoes. Scopes, binoculars, and cameras are welcome.
Important Information: This is a meet-at-site trip. Driving directions will be emailed prior to the trip.
