Currently, there are 4 major areas where the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory has chosen to focus efforts for education and outreach. The principal project is the Great Texas Birding Classic. To learn more about the biggest, longest and wildest birdwatching tournament in the U.S., click on the link to the Birding Classic on our front page. To date this annual program has raised and contributed almost $700,000 to bird habitat conservation along the entire Texas coast.
Another area is through the Coastal Wild Bird Trunk. The trunks are used to promote the ecological importance of resident and migrant birds to local students and their families. Funded by a grant from the General Land Office and the Coastal Impact Assistance Program of NOAA, our project includes development and distribution of Bird Trunks to coastal Texas schools that house 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.
Ever since John Audubon visited Galveston's shores in 1837, the area has been documented as a primary site for birds and bird habitat. This area enjoys a plethora of bird activity, due to its location along the central flyway used by migratory birds, and its pivotal location on the Gulf of Mexico. Residents of the upper Texas Coast are privileged to witness large bird populations throughout the year, and we believe the school children of the upper Texas coast are one of the best target audiences for our outreach efforts.
The Trunks reflect the region's specific habitats, birds and cultural heritage of the community. Educators are provided with science and social studies curriculum plans and instructions to meet TEKS. Each Coastal Wild Bird Trunk is a "treasure chest" of extensive educational materials for the children to enjoy and explore.
Plans are underway to offer workshops on various topics with our knowledgeable staff members serving as the leaders. From beginning birding nature walks for families to more advanced shore bird identification, check our events calendar for topics and dates. Click on Events on the home page.
We also have a year round banding station at our headquarters in Lake Jackson that has multiple purposes. In addition to collecting baseline data for the property, the impact of our habitat restoration on species using the site will be determined. Visitors are welcome to come and observe how this scientific monitoring method is practiced.
