COASTAL TEXAS – A MIGRATION PHENOMENON

April 22 – April 28, 2012

It is world renowned phenomenon.  A location where during spring migration, birds appear to drip from branches of trees, stand shoulder-to-shoulder among the tidal marshes and along the extensive flats, and where birders “flock” to witness a migration event like no other.  It is Coastal Texas, and we will marvel at the scores of migrant birds during a week of spring birdwatching. 

Timed for the peak of BOTH landbird and shorebird migration, this trip is ideal for anyone excited by the opportunity to experience the best birding has to offer.  Every spring, millions of passerines filter through the Galveston area in route from the American tropics to their nesting grounds.  Many of these birds cross the Gulf of Mexico in a single flight, and when faced with a north wind, “fallout” in the few patches of trees along the coast. 

As depicted in the motion picture “The Big Year”, birders dream of the scenario when clouds of birds fill the sky over High Island.  While cinematographers took a bit of creative license with the scene, a similar and almost as dramatic phenomenon is experienced by thousands of birders each year.  High Island is a location in which you can see a dozen buntings in one tree, compete against your previous count of warbler species in a single shrub, or watch a diversity of birds bathing in a puddle.  A list of 20 warbler species is often the norm for a day at High Island, and we can expect to sort through all of the eastern migrants as well as a handful of western migrants.  We will keep an eye open for Swainson’s Warbler and Summer Tanager, eastern migrants that are uncommon near Pittsburgh. 

In addition to the migration experience, High Island contains some exciting birds.  Seaside Sparrows nest in the Spartina Grass, Roseate Spoonbills roost with hoards of Egrets at Smith Oaks Rookery, and Black-bellied and Fulvous Whistling Ducks can be found in the rice marshes.

The exact itinerary will be left somewhat loose, so your leader-guide can watch weather patterns and schedule visits to the most appropriate locations on a daily basis.  However, when north winds exist, we will be at High Island.  During fair weather, or south winds, we will scour the several other jewels in the vicinity.

Bolivar Flats located just across the channel from Galveston Island is renowned for shorebirding.  During April, shorebirds build to astonishing numbers along the expansive flats created by the jetties that protect the Galveston Bay.  Scores of saltwater shorebirds use the flats for feeding and roosting.  Specific species we will watch for include Reddish Egret, Piping Plover, Snowy Plover, Wilson’s Plover, Red Knot, Stilt Sandpiper, Baird’s Sandpiper, and groups of American Avocet that can reach one thousand birds.  Twenty species of gulls and terns have been observed along the flats and we will keep an eye on them for opportunities at exciting species such as Black-legged Kittiwake, Gull-billed Tern and Sooty Tern.

The meandering bayous of Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge traverse centuries-old flood plains creating a marsh bird oasis along the coast of Galveston.  One of the most popular destinations within the refuge is “Shoveler Pond”, and for good reason.  We will look for Purple Gallinule, King Rail, Clapper Rail, American Bittern and Marsh Wren, some of which may be viewable from the boardwalk.  The “Willows” are an unassuming group of trees that can harbor a dozen species of neotropical migrants.  The wetland complexes support whistling ducks and Mottled Ducks, a very close relative to Mallard which are only found along the Gulf coast.  Rounding out the habitat at this diverse refuge, rice fields provide opportunities for freshwater shorebirds including White-rumped and Buff-breasted Sandpipers.   

Finally, we will visit a few locations in the Houston Metro area for additional specialties.  Red-Cockaded Woodpecker is a localized resident of longleaf pine plantations.  Due to the extensive crude oil operations in southern Texas, the species’ habitat is limited and localized.  Far more localized and critically endangered, the Attwater Prairie Chicken is also a local specialty in this portion of Texas.  Only a tiny fraction of the population remains, and the Galveston Bay Preserve is one of only three strongholds.  If the agenda permits, we will visit this refuge and try our luck at finding one of the remaining few.      

Of course, several local destinations will round out the agenda, and because literally anything could show up along this coast during migration, your leader-guide will remain in constant communication with area birdwatchers and rare bird alerts.

Special Circumstances for this Trip:

The group size will be limited to 12 participants to ensure a quality experience for everyone. 

Because of the proximity of destinations on this trip, ground travel and multiple accommodations will be minimized.  Fewer destinations will result in increased opportunity for birdwatching, which will also afford a slower pace and ample opportunity for photography.   

Participants should expect to be on their feet for long periods of time during this experience, but elevation differences are almost non-existent.  So we will refer to our daily outings as “walks”, rather than “hikes”. 

Biting insects can be a nuisance in this area at any time of year, and Water Moccasins and Alligators may be encountered. 

Travel, Accommodations and Meals:

This trip begins at the Pittsburgh International Airport.  Participants are required to meet the Leader-Guide at the airport at the specified time and location.  This is generally at 6:00-7:00am on the morning of departure.

Meals will include breakfasts, lunches and dinners at local restaurants where participants are able to order form the full menu.  Boxed lunches will be planned when available to increase the amount of time we spend afield.  In these cases, participants will choose their lunch selections a few weeks prior to our departure.  Meals coinciding with air travel timeframes are excluded and are the responsibility of each participant.  These may include breakfast/lunch during the departure day, and lunch/dinner during the return flight. 

Accommodations are planned on Galveston Island.  Accommodations may be scheduled near Houston to better serve the outlying locations near that city. 

Your Leader-Guides:

All ASWP birdwatching trips feature two or more leaders.  The reduced leader-to-participant ratio is an important feature of these experiences by providing a better connection to the individual needs of participants. 

Brian Shema will be the leader-guide on this trip.  Brian has developed and refined ASWP’s travel program and has birded in 28 of the lower 48 states.  An experienced birdwatcher and leader-guide, Brian’s trips have become extremely popular among the Pittsburgh birding community.  He has led all of ASWP’s birding trips and has accumulated an ABA list of nearly 700 birds.  Brian is continually touted as one of the most accomplished birders in the region; he is an award-winning and published photographer as well as  an award-winning conservation professional.  Brian carefully selects ASWP staff co-leaders that compliment his abilities as well as specific group needs.       

Trip Cost:

The individual participant cost for this all-inclusive trip includes:

·       Airfare between Pittsburgh International Airport and Houston (IAH or HOU)

·       6 nights accommodations, 7 days of birdwatching at local destinations

·       All meals, including breakfasts, snacks, boxed lunches and dinners at local restaurants/pubs

·       All ground transportation

·       Entrance fees and permits

·       Leader-Guide fees

Single Participant, Double Occupancy                     $1,850.00

Single Participant, Single Occupancy                        $2,050.00

Single Participant, No Airfare                                   Deduct $400 (must be approved by leader-guide)

 A 50% NON-REFUNDABLE deposit and ALL forms are required with your registration. 

Registration and deposits are due by February 15, 2012. 

The remaining 50% balance is due by April 15, 2012.   

Registration:

Registration is taken on a first come, first served basis.  These trips are extremely popular and fill very quickly, often within just a few days.  Additionally, registration is limited to a MAXIMUM of 12 participants. Therefore it is strongly recommended that you submit your registration as soon as possible.

 

Contact Brian Shema for your registration form: bshema@aswp.org or 412-963-6100 ext. 25