Online Auction

Each year, in conjunction with the Great Texas Birding Classic, an auction is held to raise additional funds for the Conservation Grant Grand Prizes awarded. Not only is the original artwork for the year auctioned, but also weekend trips, other original art, books and nature related items. Take a look and I hope you find something on which you would like to bid!

The on-line portion of the auction will close at noon on Friday May 2^nd. All items will be available at the silent auction on Sunday, May 4 in Beaumont, TX, during the conclusion of the 2008 Great Texas Birding Classic at the Awards Ceremony. If the on-line bid is the high bid at the conclusion of the silent auction, you will be notified on Monday, May 5 that you are the winner. Additionally, if you would like to have the opportunity to bid on an item but cannot come to Beaumont, there will be GTBC staff available to bid for you at the silent auction. (We will get your instructions and even call you that day if you would like for us to.)

Thank you for supporting the 12^th Annual Great Texas Birding Classic!

Carol

Tournament Coordinator

For additional information please contact Tournament Coordinator Carol Jones, telephone 979-480-0999.

Spring Migrants in Live Oak

The official art of the 2008 Great Texas Birding Classic

Original acrylic gouache by renowned artist John P. O'Neill. This is an amazing piece of art. Everyone that has seen it in person is enthralled. John has donated and supported the Great Texas Birding Classic for many years. Picture is double matted and framed. Finished size is 22 x 27.

Starting bid: $800.00
Final bid: $1,300.00

Anna's Hummingbird

Original water color by artist Juanita Gibson. This is a lovely painting with the hummingbird perched on a wildflower. Juanita saw this bird in a yard in the Valley. She has been a long time supporter of the Great Texas Birding Classic. Artwork is double matted and framed. Finished size is 15½ x 18½.

Starting bid: $90.00
Final bid: $200.00

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Original water color by artist Maren Phillips. Maren is another long time supporter and contributor to the Great Texas Birding Classic. This bird is a summer resident in area of the state where Maren lives. Art work is matted and framed. Finished size is 9¼ x 11¼.

Starting bid: $50.00
Final bid: $200.00

Our Life With Birds + original pen and ink by John Tveten

This book is signed by John and Gloria. All the drawings in the book are by John. This set includes his original of a Barrow's Goldeneye. Read this book and you will understand why John & Gloria are always in demand as speakers and presenters. Donated by John & Gloria Tveten and Naturally Curious.

Starting bid: $40.00
Final bid: $55.00

Nestbox

This well made nest box is suitable for a number of small species including titmice, bluebirds, chickadees and more. Raccoon guard at the hole. This will last for years and is sure to bring delight as you watch parents build nests and rear their broods. Donated by Driftwood Wildlife Association.

Starting bid: $30.00
Final bid: $65.00

Set of Four Books

A collection of wonderful resource books for anyone interested in international birding, raptors, backyard birding and ecology of migrating birds. Birds of Costa Rica was just published last year. The Attracting Birds book was a joint effort between National Audubon Society and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Donated by Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Starting bid: $70.00
Final bid: $70.00

Set of National Geographic Books

This is an impressive collection of books from National Geographic and includes Complete Birds of North America (hardback), Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Guide to Birding Hot Spots of North America, and Birder's Journal and Photographing Birds. Donated by National Geographic books.

Starting bid: $70.00
Final bid: $75.00

Bird Finding Guide to Panama

This book is just off the press in 2008. If you are thinking about planning a trip to Panama, you will want this book. Helpful resources are provided with lots of general information for the tourist and birder. It is divided into eastern and western sections. Donated by Cornell University Press.

Starting bid: $20.00
Final bid: $35.00

Great Kiskadee & Green Jay Prints

These are prints of two of Gerald Sneed's original paintings. Both birds are south Texas specialties and are perched in a retama which is also a distinctive south Texas tree. Each print is 8 x 10 and ready for framing. Donated by Sneed's Nature Art.

Starting bid: $30.00

Final bid: $70.00

Thayer Birding Software

Birds of My Region. Has each region of North America and you choose which region you want to install on your computer. Computer system requirements: Windows 2000, ME, or XP compatible; Pentium 4 Processor or equivalent required and a CD-ROM drive. Donated by Thayer Birding Software.

Starting bid: $25.00
Final bid: $40.00

Sneed Nature Art

Gerald has become well known for this brightly colored depictions of Texas birds. He has donated a poster of the Gulf Coast birds and a coffee mug. Poster size is 24 x 18. Donated by Sneed's Nature Art.

Starting bid: $15.00
Final bid: $45.00

South Texas Brushlands Wildlife Watching Weekend

This is an incredible opportunity to spend a weekend on a 7,500 acre private ranch in Jim Wells County, part of the premiere south Texas trophy white-tailed deer brush country. The trip is for 4 people and is all inclusive for a weekend excursion. The lodging is in the family's ranch home and being a guest there is in itself worth winning this auction item.

This is truly a special opportunity for any nature lover. While drinking morning coffee on the back porch, 24 species of birds were seen on a recent weekend visit. Bobwhite are yard birds as well as nesting Vermillion Flycatchers. While driving around the ranch to various tanks and feeder locations, you will see numerous deer, javelina, wild turkey, quail, roadrunner and south Texas bird specialties like Green Jays and Audubon's Orioles. Your guide will be the renowned John Arvin, who wrote the Field Checklist for the "Birds of the South Texas Brushlands". John spent 25 years as a professional tour leader for Field Guides leading birding trips throughout the Americas before joining the staff at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory.

The birdlife of the South Texas Brushlands is the most distinctive in the whole state. Many of the species found here are not found in any other part of Texas nor in any other part of the U.S. or Canada. Most of the birds unique to this ecoregion are widespread Neotropical species with ranges from southern Texas southward as far as northern Argentina. Additional examples include Black-throated Sparrow, Pyrrhuloxia and Black-tailed Gnatcatcher.

Trip dates will be determined by high bidder and tour leader. Donated by Gulf Coast Bird Observatory and McRee Ford.

Starting bid: $400.00
Final bid: $550.00

Photography clinic with Kathy Adams Clark

Half day photography outing with Kathy Adams Clark. This outing can be to Galveston's East Beach to photograph birds, historic district of Galveston to photograph street scenes, or Mercer Arboretum in North Houston to photo gardens. Outings can also be arranged for butterfly or hummingbird photography. Winner can request instruction on any topic of camera operation or technique. Morning or afternoon shoot. Date to be decided between Kathy Adams Clark and the winner. Donated By Kathy Clark.

Starting bid: $175.00
Final bid: $250.00

Bushnell Elite Binoculars

The Bushnell Elite e2 8 x 42 features:

Advanced Fusion Hybrid Aspherical Lens System

Rainguard® water-repellent lens coating

XTR technology

PC-3® phase coating

Fully multi-coated optics

BaK-4 roof prisms

O-ring sealed 100% waterproof/fogproof/dustproof construction

Long eye relief

Rugged yet light rubber-armored magnesium chassis with scratch-resistent power coat

Locking center focus

Locking center diopter adjustment dial

Quick-connect secure strap and custom-molded case included

Donated by Bushnell.

Starting bid: $400.00
Final bid: $430.00

Bushnell Compact Binoculars

Bushnell Elite Custom Compact 7 x 26: this binocular was originally the Bushnell Custom 7 x 26. For 2008, Bushnell moved it up into their Elite family of premium quality optics, and improved it with twist-up eyecups and their exclusive Rainguard® hydrophobic exterior lens coating. The optical design and specifications are unchanged from the original model, considered one of the world's best compact birding binoculars for many years now. Donated by Bushnell.

Starting bid: $200.00
Final bid: $200.00

Wooden Flower Press

Hand-made and donated by our friends at Rootin' Ridge, Austin, Texas.

Starting bid: $30.00
Final bid: $35.00

Apron with Handmade Art (mola)

Mola is a unique art form learned and practiced by the Kuna Indians of Panama. Each piece is unique. This is an adult sized apron with 2 large pockets. Seamstress Daisy Aulestia de Navarro of Panama creates stylish outfits and accessories that incorporate traditional and modern molas. The mola is a reverse applique technique used by the Kuna women to create their many layered and finely sewn blouses. This apron, modeled by Jean Warneke, is donated by Panama Boutique.

Starting bid: $20.00
Final bid: $25.00

Jarrett Juno Ranch Trip for Birding & Nature Viewing

This write up says it all, a memorable and once in a lifetime opportunity. The ranch owner will provide a tour to get you oriented and facilitate you planning your stay. Donated by Edward Farmer & Partners.

Starting bid: $400.00
Final bid: $475.00

Trip for Two - Whooping Crane Festival

A birding trip package for two to the 2009 Celebration of Whooping Cranes & Other Birds in Port Aransas. Includes the festival registration fees, boat trip to see the Whooping Cranes and commemorative t-shirts. Donated by Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce.

Starting bid: $50.00
Final bid: $70.00

Private Birding Tour on King Ranch

This certificate entitles up to 8 people to a private, guided birding tour of the Santa Gertrudis Division of the world famous King Ranch. This package includes lunch for the group, hours of birding and information and history about the ranch from your guide. Donated by Mitchell Dale.

Starting bid: $100.00
Final bid: $175.00

Brunton Discount Card

A nice discount card from Brunton to get 40% off a retail purchase. The Brunton catalog includes a full line of binoculars as well as lots of really cool outdoor gear. They carry everything from GPS units to portable solar panels to headlamps. Donated by Brunton.

Starting bid: $20.00
Final bid: $20.00

Each year, in conjunction with the Great Texas Birding Classic, an auction is held to raise additional funds for the Conservation Grant Grand Prizes awarded. Not only is the original artwork for the year auctioned, but also weekend trips, other original art, books and nature related items. Take a look and I hope you find something on which you would like to bid! The on-line portion of the auction will close at noon on Friday May 2^nd. All items will be available at the silent auction on Sunday, May 4 in Beaumont, TX, during the conclusion of the 2008 Great Texas Birding Classic at the Awards Ceremony. If the on-line bid is the high bid at the conclusion of the silent auction, you will be notified on Monday, May 5 that you are the winner. Additionally, if you would like to have the opportunity to bid on an item but cannot come to Beaumont, there will be GTBC staff available to bid for you at the silent auction. (We will get your instructions and even call you that day if you would like for us to.) Thank you for supporting the 12^th Annual Great Texas Birding Classic! Carol Tournament Coordinator For additional information please contact Tournament Coordinator Carol Jones, telephone 979-480-0999.	Spring Migrants in Live Oak The official art of the 2008 Great Texas Birding Classic Original acrylic gouache by renowned artist John P. O'Neill. This is an amazing piece of art. Everyone that has seen it in person is enthralled. John has donated and supported the Great Texas Birding Classic for many years. Picture is double matted and framed. Finished size is 22 x 27. Starting bid: $800.00 Final bid: $1,300.00
Anna's Hummingbird Original water color by artist Juanita Gibson. This is a lovely painting with the hummingbird perched on a wildflower. Juanita saw this bird in a yard in the Valley. She has been a long time supporter of the Great Texas Birding Classic. Artwork is double matted and framed. Finished size is 15½ x 18½. Starting bid: $90.00 Final bid: $200.00	Black-chinned Hummingbird Original water color by artist Maren Phillips. Maren is another long time supporter and contributor to the Great Texas Birding Classic. This bird is a summer resident in area of the state where Maren lives. Art work is matted and framed. Finished size is 9¼ x 11¼. Starting bid: $50.00 Final bid: $200.00
Our Life With Birds + original pen and ink by John Tveten This book is signed by John and Gloria. All the drawings in the book are by John. This set includes his original of a Barrow's Goldeneye. Read this book and you will understand why John & Gloria are always in demand as speakers and presenters. Donated by John & Gloria Tveten and Naturally Curious. Starting bid: $40.00 Final bid: $55.00	Nestbox This well made nest box is suitable for a number of small species including titmice, bluebirds, chickadees and more. Raccoon guard at the hole. This will last for years and is sure to bring delight as you watch parents build nests and rear their broods. Donated by Driftwood Wildlife Association. Starting bid: $30.00 Final bid: $65.00
Set of Four Books A collection of wonderful resource books for anyone interested in international birding, raptors, backyard birding and ecology of migrating birds. Birds of Costa Rica was just published last year. The Attracting Birds book was a joint effort between National Audubon Society and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Donated by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Starting bid: $70.00 Final bid: $70.00	Set of National Geographic Books This is an impressive collection of books from National Geographic and includes Complete Birds of North America (hardback), Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Guide to Birding Hot Spots of North America, and Birder's Journal and Photographing Birds. Donated by National Geographic books. Starting bid: $70.00 Final bid: $75.00
Bird Finding Guide to Panama This book is just off the press in 2008. If you are thinking about planning a trip to Panama, you will want this book. Helpful resources are provided with lots of general information for the tourist and birder. It is divided into eastern and western sections. Donated by Cornell University Press. Starting bid: $20.00 Final bid: $35.00	Great Kiskadee & Green Jay Prints These are prints of two of Gerald Sneed's original paintings. Both birds are south Texas specialties and are perched in a retama which is also a distinctive south Texas tree. Each print is 8 x 10 and ready for framing. Donated by Sneed's Nature Art. Starting bid: $30.00 Final bid: $70.00
Thayer Birding Software Birds of My Region. Has each region of North America and you choose which region you want to install on your computer. Computer system requirements: Windows 2000, ME, or XP compatible; Pentium 4 Processor or equivalent required and a CD-ROM drive. Donated by Thayer Birding Software. Starting bid: $25.00 Final bid: $40.00	Sneed Nature Art Gerald has become well known for this brightly colored depictions of Texas birds. He has donated a poster of the Gulf Coast birds and a coffee mug. Poster size is 24 x 18. Donated by Sneed's Nature Art. Starting bid: $15.00 Final bid: $45.00
South Texas Brushlands Wildlife Watching Weekend This is an incredible opportunity to spend a weekend on a 7,500 acre private ranch in Jim Wells County, part of the premiere south Texas trophy white-tailed deer brush country. The trip is for 4 people and is all inclusive for a weekend excursion. The lodging is in the family's ranch home and being a guest there is in itself worth winning this auction item. This is truly a special opportunity for any nature lover. While drinking morning coffee on the back porch, 24 species of birds were seen on a recent weekend visit. Bobwhite are yard birds as well as nesting Vermillion Flycatchers. While driving around the ranch to various tanks and feeder locations, you will see numerous deer, javelina, wild turkey, quail, roadrunner and south Texas bird specialties like Green Jays and Audubon's Orioles. Your guide will be the renowned John Arvin, who wrote the Field Checklist for the "Birds of the South Texas Brushlands". John spent 25 years as a professional tour leader for Field Guides leading birding trips throughout the Americas before joining the staff at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory. The birdlife of the South Texas Brushlands is the most distinctive in the whole state. Many of the species found here are not found in any other part of Texas nor in any other part of the U.S. or Canada. Most of the birds unique to this ecoregion are widespread Neotropical species with ranges from southern Texas southward as far as northern Argentina. Additional examples include Black-throated Sparrow, Pyrrhuloxia and Black-tailed Gnatcatcher. Trip dates will be determined by high bidder and tour leader. Donated by Gulf Coast Bird Observatory and McRee Ford. Starting bid: $400.00 Final bid: $550.00	Photography clinic with Kathy Adams Clark Half day photography outing with Kathy Adams Clark. This outing can be to Galveston's East Beach to photograph birds, historic district of Galveston to photograph street scenes, or Mercer Arboretum in North Houston to photo gardens. Outings can also be arranged for butterfly or hummingbird photography. Winner can request instruction on any topic of camera operation or technique. Morning or afternoon shoot. Date to be decided between Kathy Adams Clark and the winner. Donated By Kathy Clark. Starting bid: $175.00 Final bid: $250.00
Bushnell Elite Binoculars The Bushnell Elite e2 8 x 42 features: Advanced Fusion Hybrid Aspherical Lens System Rainguard® water-repellent lens coating XTR technology PC-3® phase coating Fully multi-coated optics BaK-4 roof prisms O-ring sealed 100% waterproof/fogproof/dustproof construction Long eye relief Rugged yet light rubber-armored magnesium chassis with scratch-resistent power coat Locking center focus Locking center diopter adjustment dial Quick-connect secure strap and custom-molded case included Donated by Bushnell. Starting bid: $400.00 Final bid: $430.00	Bushnell Compact Binoculars Bushnell Elite Custom Compact 7 x 26: this binocular was originally the Bushnell Custom 7 x 26. For 2008, Bushnell moved it up into their Elite family of premium quality optics, and improved it with twist-up eyecups and their exclusive Rainguard® hydrophobic exterior lens coating. The optical design and specifications are unchanged from the original model, considered one of the world's best compact birding binoculars for many years now. Donated by Bushnell. Starting bid: $200.00 Final bid: $200.00
Wooden Flower Press Hand-made and donated by our friends at Rootin' Ridge, Austin, Texas. Starting bid: $30.00 Final bid: $35.00	Apron with Handmade Art (mola) Mola is a unique art form learned and practiced by the Kuna Indians of Panama. Each piece is unique. This is an adult sized apron with 2 large pockets. Seamstress Daisy Aulestia de Navarro of Panama creates stylish outfits and accessories that incorporate traditional and modern molas. The mola is a reverse applique technique used by the Kuna women to create their many layered and finely sewn blouses. This apron, modeled by Jean Warneke, is donated by Panama Boutique. Starting bid: $20.00 Final bid: $25.00
Jarrett Juno Ranch Trip for Birding & Nature Viewing This write up says it all, a memorable and once in a lifetime opportunity. The ranch owner will provide a tour to get you oriented and facilitate you planning your stay. Donated by Edward Farmer & Partners. Starting bid: $400.00 Final bid: $475.00	Trip for Two - Whooping Crane Festival A birding trip package for two to the 2009 Celebration of Whooping Cranes & Other Birds in Port Aransas. Includes the festival registration fees, boat trip to see the Whooping Cranes and commemorative t-shirts. Donated by Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce. . Starting bid: $50.00 Final bid: $70.00
Private Birding Tour on King Ranch This certificate entitles up to 8 people to a private, guided birding tour of the Santa Gertrudis Division of the world famous King Ranch. This package includes lunch for the group, hours of birding and information and history about the ranch from your guide. Donated by Mitchell Dale. . Starting bid: $100.00 Final bid: $175.00	Brunton Discount Card A nice discount card from Brunton to get 40% off a retail purchase. The Brunton catalog includes a full line of binoculars as well as lots of really cool outdoor gear. They carry everything from GPS units to portable solar panels to headlamps. Donated by Brunton. . Starting bid: $20.00 Final bid: $20.00