BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Galveston FeatherFest - ECPv4.6.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Galveston FeatherFest
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.galvestonfeatherfest.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Galveston FeatherFest
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC+0:20260419T070000
DTEND;TZID=UTC+0:20260419T100000
DTSTAMP:20260510T042135
CREATED:20201104T222939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T182656Z
UID:10624-1776582000-1776592800@www.galvestonfeatherfest.com
SUMMARY:📷Focus on Bolivar Photography
DESCRIPTION:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nThe tip of the Bolivar Peninsula offers a wide variety of photographic opportunities\, and you are in for a treat on this morning photography adventure. \nWhat to Expect:  Begin your trip with a ferry ride across the Houston Ship Channel. The group will be meeting Sean on the Bolivar side where there will be opportunities to photograph birds at the ferry landing. From there you will caravan 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 are subject to change based on tide\, wind\, and location of the birds. \nWhat to Bring & Equipment Needed:  hat\, towel\, water sandals\, water\, snacks\, sunscreen\, and insect repellent\, and wear closed toed-walking shoes.  With regards to equipment\, suggested equipment includes digital SLR camera with a 300mm lens or greater\, however\, smaller digital cameras with a 10x or 12x zoom will be adequate. Also bring a tripod\, small or moderate camera bag to keep equipment organized in the vehicle. \nImportant Information:  This is a meet-at-site trip. Driving directions will be emailed prior to the trip. \nAbout Sean Fitzgerald \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
URL:https://www.galvestonfeatherfest.com/event/focus-on-bolivar-field-trip/
CATEGORIES:Photography Field Trips
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260419T070000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260419T140000
DTSTAMP:20260510T042135
CREATED:20241120T195030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T181926Z
UID:16085-1776582000-1776607200@www.galvestonfeatherfest.com
SUMMARY:Brazoria County Lesser-Known Hot Spots with Martin Hagne #2
DESCRIPTION:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n   \nCome join us for a day in Brazoria County\, birding some lesser-known hotspots (although that does not make them any less birdy!)  Local birders enjoy these sites year-round and especially during spring migration. \nWhat to Expect:  We will stay flexible with our route depending on weather\, bird activity\, and other considerations\, but we will likely begin by birding the marsh along Crab Road in Surfside.  This tidal salt marsh habitat is ever-changing\, attracting a different variety of species depending on the amount of water within it. Here we will look for waterbirds\, shorebirds\, rails\, and try for Seaside Sparrow. \nWe’ll then make our way over to Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area picnic area near Jones Creek\, for migrating songbirds and possibly Swainson’s Warblers already on breeding territory. Other stops include Snow Woods\, a private property along Oyster Creek near the town of the same name\, for more migrant songbirds\, and Cannan Bend\, a fairly new National Wildlife Refuge tract\, for more migrants and local bird species. These freshwater and brackish habitats also offer the potential for specialties such as Anhinga. \nWalking will be mostly easy\, but all trails are dirt or grass and can be uneven.  The grass might be tall at one site.  Depending on rain it can be muddy. \nWhat to Bring:  water\, snacks\, lunch\, sunscreen\, insect repellent\, and wear closed-toed walking shoes. \nImportant Information:  We encourage participants to carpool if possible as some of these sites offer limited parking. Driving directions to the meeting site will be emailed prior to the festival. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
URL:https://www.galvestonfeatherfest.com/event/brazoria_lesser-known_hotspots_with_martin-hagne-trip-2/
CATEGORIES:Birding Field Trips
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260419T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260419T113000
DTSTAMP:20260510T042135
CREATED:20211108T161617Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T214558Z
UID:11773-1776583800-1776598200@www.galvestonfeatherfest.com
SUMMARY:Warbler Watching with Glenn Olsen #2
DESCRIPTION:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n   \nIn one of our most popular trips\, you will be guided by one of our most experienced birders and all-around nature lover\, Glenn Olsen. Glenn leads nature tours in the US and overseas but he calls the upper Texas coast home.  His extensive knowledge of local birding areas is sure to yield excellent views of migrating warblers as they move through our area on their way to nesting habitat. As a bonus\, Glenn is also a Texas Master Naturalist and has served as the president of the Native Plant Society of Texas. His knowledge in these areas should greatly enhance your trip experience. \nWhat to Expect:  Our group will focus on techniques for improving field identification skills. We will be traveling by bus and places visited will depend on weather patterns and reports from the previous day’s birding activities. \nWhat to Bring:  water\, snacks\, sunscreen\, insect repellent\, a hat\, and wear closed-toed shoes. \nImportant Information:  Participants will begin this trip at FeatherFest Headquarters where they will board a bus. \nPhoto: Eric Maatta\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
URL:https://www.galvestonfeatherfest.com/event/warbler-watching-with-glenn-olsen-2/
CATEGORIES:Birding Field Trips
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC+0:20260419T074500
DTEND;TZID=UTC+0:20260419T124500
DTSTAMP:20260510T042135
CREATED:20160903T043505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T182047Z
UID:5305-1776584700-1776602700@www.galvestonfeatherfest.com
SUMMARY:Galveston Complete Birding Sampler #3
DESCRIPTION:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n   \nPhoto: Jimmy Thomas\nGalveston is a Gulf coastal island renowned for its many habitats.  Explore the entire island with our local leaders. They know the birding spots well\, and will consider the weather\, tides\, and what they have seen just prior to or during the festival\, to decide what to view and where to go. In that regard\, the tour is not fixed rigidly in advance\, but is more a birding adventure. You’ll go where the birds are! \nWhat to Expect:  On the Gulf beaches\, we’ll scan out on the swells and incoming surf for rafts of waterfowl and seabirds. Walking along the beach\, the edge of the surf is active with the antics of the island’s year-round and migrating peeps\, Reddish Egret\, Great Blue Heron\, and shorebirds foraging on “what the tide brung-in.” \nAway from the water among the dunes of San Luis Pass\, East Beach and Galveston Island State Park\, Savannah Sparrow and Horned Lark flit about. Beyond the dunes are briny ponds holding roosting waterbirds\, Nelson’s and Seaside Sparrows\, rails\, and coots. In the bay and tidal marshes\, migrating and nesting herons\, egrets and cormorants in their breeding best forage. The avian fauna is always in flux with the advance and retreat of the tide moving the food chain in and out. Among the tidally influenced habitats and the open coastal prairies and oak mottes\, migrating songbirds refuel and find fresh water. \nTargets: American Avocet\, Black-necked Stilt\, Roseate Spoonbill\, sandpipers\, waterfowl\, prairie birds\, sparrows\, raptors\, herons\, egrets\, and dowitchers. If migrant songbirds are on the Island\, these leaders will find them! \nWhat to Bring:  water\, snacks\, sunscreen\, insect repellent\, and wear closed-toed walking shoes. \nImportant Information:  Participants will begin at FeatherFest Headquarters where they will board a bus for this field trip. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
URL:https://www.galvestonfeatherfest.com/event/galveston-complete-birding-sampler-3/
CATEGORIES:Birding Field Trips
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC+0:20260419T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC+0:20260419T120000
DTSTAMP:20260510T042135
CREATED:20161022T013247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T182841Z
UID:5979-1776585600-1776600000@www.galvestonfeatherfest.com
SUMMARY:Brazos Bend State Park
DESCRIPTION:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n   \nBrazos Bend can be the perfect ending to your FeatherFest experience! Drive your own car to beautiful Brazos Bend State Park and meet with local guides\, Megan Ahlgren and Kristine Rivers. \nLocation:  Note: Drive time to Brazos Bend is about 1 ½ hours from FeatherFest Headquarters. The park opens at 8:00 am.  This beautiful state park is 4\,897 acres along the Brazos River in Needville\, Texas\, and has land in the Brazos River Floodplain with magnificent moss-covered and vine-draped live oak woodlands. The flat uplands of the property are tall grass prairie. This diverse habitat is a haven for migratory waterfowl\, wading birds\, songbirds and raptors. White-tailed deer and more than 25 different mammal species are abundant\, including approximately 21 species of reptiles and amphibians. Of special interest is the American Alligator! No feeding\, please! \nWhat to Expect:  We’ll provide you with a map and instructions for your early morning departure. When the field trip ends\, you can choose to stay and visit more on your own or begin your travel home. \nTargets: Purple and Common Gallinules\, Sora\, Virginia Rail\, Least Bittern\, American Bittern\, Northern Harrier\, Red-shouldered Hawk\, Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night-Herons\, White and White-faced Ibis\, Roseate Spoonbill\, Black-bellied and Fulvous Whistling-Ducks\, Blue-winged Teal\, Lesser Scaup\, Mottled Duck\, late season Cinnamon Teal\, Pied-billed Grebe\, American Coot\,  gulls\, terns\, Red-bellied\, Downy and Pileated Woodpeckers\, and early migrant songbirds like Prothonotary Warblers and inland Boat-tailed Grackles\, and don’t forget those close-up alligators. \nWhat to Bring:  water\, snacks\, lunch\, sunscreen\, insect repellent\, and wear closed-toed shoes. \nImportant Information:  Driving directions to the meeting site will be emailed prior to the festival. \nPhoto: Randy Bacon\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
URL:https://www.galvestonfeatherfest.com/event/brazos-bend-state-park/
CATEGORIES:Birding Field Trips
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260419T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260419T120000
DTSTAMP:20260510T042135
CREATED:20221111T232626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T182257Z
UID:13415-1776585600-1776600000@www.galvestonfeatherfest.com
SUMMARY:Hidden Places of Galveston Island State Park
DESCRIPTION:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n   \nGalveston Island State Park protects 2\,000 acres of upper Gulf Coast barrier island ecosystem. Barrier islands like Galveston move and change constantly with the action of waves\, wind\, and tides to support a mosaic of coastal habitats\, including beaches\, prairies and wetlands. These habitats host a surprising variety of wildlife. \nWhat to Expect:  Join Kyle O’Haver Park Superintendent\, on a trip that will cover his favorite areas of the park. These areas are host to salt marsh wetlands and prairie. Wetlands form a transition zone where land gradually gives way to water. In this murky world\, many fish and marine animals begin their lives. Spotted seatrout\, red drum\, flounder\, blue crab\, and shrimp all depend on the shallow waters and tangles of seagrasses for refuge. Great blue herons\, snowy egrets\, and roseate spoonbills gather in the salt marshes to feed on fish and crustaceans. Additionally\, wetlands protect the environment by filtering impurities from the water and soaking up excess water from storms. \nWe follow several trails that wind through prairie\, oak mottes\, freshwater ponds\, bayou\, marsh\, and salt flats. These habitats contain numerous species of herons\, egrets\, ibis\, spoonbills\, nesting and migrating shorebirds\, rails\, warblers\, vireos\, and sparrows. More than 300 bird species have been observed in the park. \nWhat to Bring:  water\, snacks\, sunscreen\, insect repellent\, and wear closed-toed shoes. \nImportant Information:  This is a meet-at-site trip.  Driving directions to the meeting site will be emailed prior to the festival. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
URL:https://www.galvestonfeatherfest.com/event/hidden-places-galveston-island-state-park/
CATEGORIES:Birding Field Trips
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC+0:20260419T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC+0:20260419T113000
DTSTAMP:20260510T042135
CREATED:20221207T192305Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T182334Z
UID:13834-1776585600-1776598200@www.galvestonfeatherfest.com
SUMMARY:Galveston Bay Birding\, the Flip Side #3
DESCRIPTION:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n   \nThis is your opportunity to explore “the other side” of Galveston Bay. We head over the causeway to explore birding areas on the mainland\, including the Tiki Island\, Texas City\, and La Marque areas. One of our best kept secrets and most under-explored areas\, participants will be surprised at the number and variety of birds seen on this outing. \nWhat to Expect:  Birding locations may include some privately-owned land with freshwater ponds that provide easy observation of migrating shorebirds and ducks. American Golden Plover\, Upland Sandpiper\, Buff-breasted Sandpiper\, and Wilson’s Phalarope are often seen at this location during migration. \nWe then continue to the Texas City Dike\, one of the world’s longest man-made piers. This levee extends over 5 miles into East Galveston Bay. Along its length\, it offers magnificent views of the lower bay\, including nearby coastlines and islands including the Bolivar Peninsula\, Virginia Point\, Pelican Island\, and the East End of Galveston. It is also famous for the many brown pelicans that call it home year-round. \nRecreational areas along the dike and Skyline Drive provide excellent vantage points to see birds in a true marine environment. These underappreciated birding spots are excellent locations to see Eared Grebe\, Common Loon and late wintering waterfowl. Along the shoreline\, we will look for Roseate Spoonbill\, Great and Snowy Egrets\, Ruddy Turnstone\, American Oystercatcher\, various peeps\, and other shorebirds. Out in the bay\, we will look for the Red-breasted Merganser\, Lesser Scaup\, Common Goldeneye\, Bufflehead\, and Ruddy Duck. We may even see a Peregrine Falcon perched on a structure or flying overhead! Rarities such as Greater Flamingo\, Great Black-backed Gull\, Glaucous Gull\, Pacific Loon and the white morph of the Great Blue Heron have been seen here in the past. \nContinuing\, we will look for colonies of nesting Cave and Cliff Swallows under several interstate overpasses. If time permits\, we may visit Highland Bayou Park seeking Anhinga and other wading birds along the freshwater canal. \nWhat to Bring:  water\, snacks\, sunscreen\, and insect repellent\, and wear closed-toed walking shoes. \nImportant Information: This is a meet-at-site trip. Driving directions will be emailed prior to the trip. \nPhoto: Sandra Kroeger\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
URL:https://www.galvestonfeatherfest.com/event/galveston-bay-birding-the-flip-side-3/
CATEGORIES:Birding Field Trips
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260419T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260419T110000
DTSTAMP:20260510T042135
CREATED:20231128T171004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T182518Z
UID:15114-1776585600-1776596400@www.galvestonfeatherfest.com
SUMMARY:Chasing Birdies at Moody Gardens Golf Course
DESCRIPTION:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n   \nMoody Gardens Golf Course is certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf facility with an eBird hotspot listing over 200 species.  The course was ranked the #4 public golf course in Texas by Golfer’s Choice in 2022.  With water on every one of the 18 holes and ample natural habitat throughout\, it is a great location for wildlife.  Since participating in the Houston Audubon Urban Surveys\, this property has a species lists during Spring migration nearing 70. \nWhat to Expect:  This trip is an easy 3-hour drive around the 270-acre course by golf cart.  We will stop and take closer looks at some of the habitats that historically have attracted more birds\, but there will be very little walking on this activity.  Mosquitos are frequently present\, and as with all FeatherFest trips\, please take the weather into account as you dress for this outdoor activity. \nWhat to Bring:  water\, snacks\, sunscreen\, insect repellent\, and wear closed-toed shoes. \nImportant Information:  Driving directions to the meeting site will be emailed prior to the festival.  Space limited to 18 participants and we will be asking for 8 of the participants to drive a golf cart. \nsponsored by Moody Gardens\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
URL:https://www.galvestonfeatherfest.com/event/chasing-birdies-at-moody-gardens-golf-course/
CATEGORIES:Birding Field Trips
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260419T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260419T113000
DTSTAMP:20260510T042135
CREATED:20251120T161154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251221T182608Z
UID:17094-1776589200-1776598200@www.galvestonfeatherfest.com
SUMMARY:Accessible Birding at Exploration Green with Birdability's Virginia Rose
DESCRIPTION: \n#cmsms_row_6a0007cf839a1 .cmsms_row_outer_parent { \n	padding-top: 0px; \n} \n\n#cmsms_row_6a0007cf839a1 .cmsms_row_outer_parent { \n	padding-bottom: 50px; \n} \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n    \nThis 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. \nWhat to Expect:  Exploration Green features wide\, paved\, mostly level trails that loop around a series of lakes and wetland cells\, making it an excellent location for accessible birding. The group will move at an unhurried pace\, stopping frequently to observe birds and discuss how this restored urban green space provides critical habitat for resident and migratory species while also serving the surrounding community. \nMid-April is an especially productive time to bird Exploration Green. The wetlands and open water often host a variety of wading birds such as Great and Snowy Egrets\, Little Blue and Tricolored Herons\, White Ibis\, and Roseate Spoonbill. Waterfowl may still be present\, and the site regularly supports shorebirds including Black-necked Stilt\, Spotted Sandpiper\, and yellowlegs. Raptors such as Osprey\, Red-shouldered Hawk\, and White-tailed Kite are frequently observed overhead\, while spring migration can bring warblers\, flycatchers\, and other songbirds into the surrounding trees and shrubs. \nThis outing emphasizes observation\, conversation\, and connection—to birds\, to place\, and to one another. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions\, share sightings\, and learn how accessible design and intentional programming can expand who feels welcome and included in birding and outdoor spaces. \nWhat to Bring:  water\, lunch\, sunscreen\, insect repellent\, and a hat. \nImportant Information:  If you are a disabled person and have questions not addressed in the provided description\, please email Eowyn Johnson at dir@gintc.org. \nIf 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. \nDriving and parking directions will be emailed prior to the festival. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
URL:https://www.galvestonfeatherfest.com/event/accessible-exploration-green-with-virginia-rose/
CATEGORIES:Accessible,Birding Field Trips
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