Fall migration is such an exciting time on Galveston Island

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.

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.

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.

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.