This field trip searches for the spring songbird richness found on West Galveston Island, with a special emphasis on warblers, vireos, tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks and buntings. Guests will walk through Lafitte’s Cove Nature Preserve, Galveston’s crown jewel for migrating songbirds. Several species of vireos and warblers were seen in the oak mott last spring. Freshwater ponds at the entrance to the preserve provide up-close views of migrating shorebirds, ducks, both species of dowitchers and yellowlegs, Solitary and Pectoral Sandpipers, Marsh Wren, Sora and “peeps”.
Dos Vacas Muertas, a small Houston Audubon sanctuary, can also be very productive for the aforementioned songbirds. Post Hurricane Ike, many of the live oaks were lost, however the surrounding salt cedar, yaupon, newly planted oaks and the remaining dead trees and a small water feature make this sanctuary an island for migrating birds. Dos Vacas is located on the east side of Sea Isle.
There will be a restroom break at Stevenson Woods where Jim lives. His yard list is now at 324 species. Some neat species of land migrants should be recorded, and likely many cool waterbirds seen as well.
Bring: water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray