Fall migration has begun, and it’s such an exciting time on Galveston Island!
You’ll fall in love with Galveston birding whether you have just a few hours or a few days to explore. The weather is beautiful this time of year, with sunny skies, dropping temps, and cool ocean breezes. There’s also an amazing variety of species, as year-round specialties are joined by lingering summer residents, migrants passing through, and winter residents arriving to set up territories.
pictured: Northern Parula
I highly recommend riding the free ferry to Bolivar Peninsula and back, as there’s always a lot to see. The boats in the harbor churn up prey from deeper water, bringing it to the surface and creating excitement as birds compete to snatch up the best items. Be sure to check out the activity near both ferry landings for close views of many species. We were delighted to discover several Red-breasted Mergansers in the deep water between the ferries, including this beautiful male displaying.
Red-breasted Mergansers
If you’re in the mood for a leisurely drive, head to Stewart Road in the West End, which offers easy access to many birding hotspots. Watch the highlines and utility poles along the way, as this is Galveston’s hawk alley during fall and winter. Migrating Swainson’s Hawks are common, and overwintering Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, and Osprey are usually easy to see. This is also a great place for views of our year-round specialties, White-tailed Kite and Northern Crested Caracara. Check out our self-guided Birding Itineraries on the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council site for detailed info on the best places to visit.
I start getting excited when our Ospreys, American Kestrels, and Belted Kingfishers return — watch for these species perched on high lines and utility poles, along with other raptors and birds of prey. Although kestrels and kingfishers are notoriously tricky to photograph, if you happen across an Osprey eating a freshly caught fish, you will likely find it to be very accommodating.
It’s always productive to take a walk through the small woodlots on the Island during fall migration. See our itineraries for directions to Corps Woods Nature Sanctuary, Lafitte’s Cove Nature Preserve, and Dos Vacas Muertas Bird Sanctuary. These protected areas provide critical stopover habitat for migrating neotropical songbirds, offering cover and safety as well as food and water. You never know what will pop up, and it’s fun to brush up on fall plumage variations that make identification more challenging.
Speaking of protecting migrating songbirds, you can make a difference by participating in Lights Out Texas! Approximately 25% of the birds that migrate through the United States in the fall pass through Texas, and the majority migrate at night. Light pollution from man-made structures disorients birds, making them vulnerable to fatal building collisions. To participate, simply turn off all non-essential lighting on buildings and other structures from 11pm to 6am now through November 30th. Visit the link above for more suggested lighting guidelines.
Another sure sign of fall is the sight of long, graceful lines of White Pelicans soaring silently overhead. When I was young, Brown Pelicans were endangered and not found in the Galveston area; only White Pelicans were present at that time. Now thanks to successful preservation efforts, Brown Pelicans are common year-round, and you can still see White Pelicans, but only during fall and winter. It’s fascinating to observe the difference in the foraging behaviors of the two species. Whereas Brown Pelicans dive into the water from great heights for fish, White Pelicans work together to “herd” and surround schools of fish, then scoop them up with ease.
Galveston Island is a birder’s paradise! In addition to the multitude of year-round feathered residents, Galveston is a prime spot for thousands of birds stopping by on their annual migration. Sand 'N Sea Properties
An Island favorite, Sandhill Cranes, also soar in long lines overhead, but they are anything but silent! Their loud, distinctive, rolling calls carry on the wind, announcing their arrival well in advance. Look for them foraging in the open fields along Stewart Road near the airport throughout the winter. We’re very proud of the few hundred individuals that overwinter here, celebrating their presence each December with the “Holiday with the Cranes” event, hosted by Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council.
Common Loons will also be arriving soon, and relatively easy to see and photograph near the public boat ramp at Offatts Bayou. Unlike most birds, these “underwater flyers” are equipped with solid bones, giving them the speed needed to chase and capture fish. Watch for them frequently diving as they forage, disappearing from one area and then popping up in another.
I hope this whets your appetite for fall birding — there are so many more species to see and enjoy! If you’re unsure where to visit, check out our self-guided Birding Itineraries on the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council site.
This designation achievement adds a new feather to Galveston Island’s cap.
Galveston is now certified as a Bird City Texas community, according to Audubon Texas and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, partners in the Bird City Texas Initiative. Galveston is one of three cities in the state to achieve Bird City designation this year!
Where The Texas Coast Begins
Author
Kristine Rivers Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council
Kristine Rivers has been an avid birder since childhood. As an adult, she loves sharing her passion for nature with people of all ages, encouraging them to slow down and have fun as they observe the world around them. She founded Birding for Fun in 2015, providing guided tours and workshops that embrace her philosophy that birding should be accessible to everyone.
