Every winter Galveston is graced by the presence of our elegant guests, the Sandhill Cranes. Standing nearly 4 feet tall, with striking plumage, they are hard to miss! You have probably seen them on the Island’s west end, but how much do you know about this fascinating species? We’ll take a closer look at the natural history and behavior of these graceful birds and celebrate their unique beauty.
Current GINTC Members enjoy a 10% discount on all events!
Registrants should be at least 10 yrs old, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Registration is required of all attendees regardless of age.
Space is limited and this activity fills quickly. We are offering it on both Saturday and Sunday!
Saturday, Dec. 13
6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
Private Nature Preserve on Galveston Island’s West End
Tickets: $50, 10% discount to GINTC members.
Galveston Bay Area Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist Advanced Training Credit: 1 Hour
Driving directions to the meeting site will be emailed prior to the event.
It’s no wonder that our two Dawn Patrol events fill up so quickly – This early morning nature adventure is truly a magical and unforgettable experience. With special access to this private preserve, Dr. Alice Anne O’Donell and Greg Whittaker will lead our small group within viewing distance of the prime Sandhill Crane roost on the Island. Numbers have varied over the years from 100 to 250.
We also should see Brown and White Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbill, ibis, herons, ducks, grebes, rails, sparrows, cormorants, hawks, Osprey, White-tailed Kite, Crested Caracara and sandpipers along with the majestic Sandhill Cranes!
Don’t miss this opportunity to watch the real ‘early birds’ of Galveston Island as they awake, stretch, dance, stroll, vocalize and take flight.
Bring binoculars if you have them. Spotting scopes will be provided. Photographers are welcome but space is limited on the nature observation platform with no room for registrants to use tripods.
SPECIAL GUEST: Brittney Palode, Whooping Crane Outreach Program Assistant
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Breakfast & Presentation 8:00am – 10:00am
Crane Crawl 10:00am – 11:30am
Tickets: $40, 10% discount for GINTC members
Galveston Bay Area Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist Advanced Training Credit: 2 Hours
Brittney Palode “We will be discussing Whooping Cranes of the Gulf Coast: the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population and the Louisiana Non-Migratory Population. We will highlight some interesting cases of oversummering and inland wintering Whooping Cranes here in Texas. Then, we will also dive into the Louisiana population, the reintroduction program, reproduction updates, and threats to the population.”
After the breakfast and program, if weather permits, participants will head out on Holiday with the Crane’s signature Crane Crawl. This self-driving tour to crane hotspots will be a real-time opportunity to see Sandhills as they forage and play. You will be given a map and directions. 3-4 viewing areas will be outfitted with spotting scopes and experienced birders will be on hand to assist and answer questions. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Coffee and a light breakfast will be served.
Brittney Palode Bio:
Brittney Palode is the Whooping Crane Outreach Assistant at the International Crane Foundation. She has been in this role since December 2023 and has primarily focused on youth outreach and volunteer engagement. She has organized and presented over 60 library programs. She and Irvin have worked together alongside a partner to develop 3rd grade curriculum lessons. Brittney received her B.S. in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture and her M.S. in Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture from Mississippi State University.
Saturday, Dec. 13,
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Moody Gardens Golf Course
Tickets: $40, 10% discount to GINTC members.
Galveston Bay Area Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist Advanced Training Credit: 1 Hour
Driving directions to the meeting site will be emailed prior to the event.
Bring binoculars if you have them.
Moody Gardens Golf Course is an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf certified 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 and surrounding much of the course, it is a great location for wildlife. Over the last 2 years we have participated in the Houston Audubon Urban Surveys for this property with species lists in December around 50! This trip is an easy 2-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. Please take the weather into account as you dress for this outdoor activity.
Space limited to 18 participants and we will be asking for 8 of the participants to drive a golf cart.
**Those registering for this activity will not be participating in the Crane Crawl after the Coffee & Cranes presentation, however, a map of the crane hotspots will be provided and participants can visit them at their leisure
Saturday, Dec. 13,
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $100, 10% discount to GINTC members
Galveston Bay Area Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist Advanced Training Credit: 3 Hours
Driving directions to the meeting site will be emailed prior to the event.
Bring binoculars if you have them.
This field trip to Hall’s Bayou Ranch, a 25,000-acre private membership club, is sure to become a Holiday with the Cranes favorite. You’ll want to snag a seat on the bus quickly as we anticipate this trip filling fast.
Local birding guide Kyle O’Haver reports several attractive species to Island birders could be encountered on this trip including mainland birds and fall rarities like Fulvous Whistling Duck, three species of Geese, Wood Duck, Cinnamon Teal, Canvasback, Lesser Nighthawk, Virginia Rail, Bald Eagle, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Grasshopper Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, LeConte’s Sparrow, and no doubt, plenty of Sandhill Cranes.
The property begins at Hall’s Lake near Alvin and flows southeasterly into West Galveston Bay. It is somewhat secluded and normally open only to members. GINTC has been given permission to bring a Holiday with the Cranes field trip to this beautiful piece of property!
Operated for farming and ranching in the early days (founded in 1943), management changed the focus to hunting, fishing and a strong dedication to habitat development and conservation. This bayou is host to tens of thousands of waterfowl in the winter attracted by extensive beds of wild celery. Part of the Galveston Bay western estuary, Hall’s Bayou is a welcome corridor for migrants featuring freshwater and saltwater habitat. Passerines forage on native grasses and open tree lines of secluded live oak. Shorebirds and waterbirds work the tides of the marsh. The area draws its share of raptors as well to the open ranch.
Registrants for this trip will be boarding the bus on Galveston Island at 1:00 pm and returning at 6:00 pm. Directions to the meeting site on the island will be emailed prior to the trip.
Space is limited and this activity fills quickly. We are offering it on both Saturday and Sunday!
Sunday, Dec. 14
6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
Private Nature Preserve on Galveston Island’s West End
Tickets: $50, 10% discount to GINTC members.
Galveston Bay Area Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist Advanced Training Credit: 1 Hour
Driving directions to the meeting site will be emailed prior to the event.
It’s no wonder that our two Dawn Patrol events fill up so quickly – This early morning nature adventure is truly a magical and unforgettable experience. With special access to this private preserve, Dr. Alice Anne O’Donell and Greg Whittaker will lead our small group within viewing distance of the prime Sandhill Crane roost on the Island. Numbers have varied over the years from 100 to 250.
We also should see Brown and White Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbill, ibis, herons, ducks, grebes, rails, sparrows, cormorants, hawks, Osprey, White-tailed Kite, Crested Caracara and sandpipers along with the majestic Sandhill Cranes!
Don’t miss this opportunity to watch the real ‘early birds’ of Galveston Island as they awake, stretch, dance, stroll, vocalize and take flight.
Bring binoculars if you have them. Spotting scopes will be provided. Photographers are welcome but space is limited on the nature observation platform with no room for registrants to use tripods.
Sunday, Dec. 14,
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $40, 10% discount to GINTC members
Galveston Bay Area Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist Advanced Training Credit: 2 Hours
Driving directions to the meeting site will be emailed prior to the event.
Local birders love birding Galveston during the winter months! Traveling by bus, we will hit all the favorite West End hotspots including freshwater ponds, coastal marshes, bay waters and the beach. Our focus will be from Moody Gardens to 8 Mile Road. We will see a greater number of species of ducks and hawks, White-tailed Kite; and we’ll get closer looks at sandpipers, gulls, terns and American Oystercatcher. The areas we will visit also provide habitat for Piping, Snowy and Black-bellied Plovers, American Avocet, godwit, and curlew.
FeatherFest field trip leader and local guide Greg Whittaker will lead participants on this West End adventure designed for birders of all skill levels.
Enjoy these photos from last years wonderful event.
