Galveston is one of the top locations for birding in the United States.The Island is a central location for novice and expert birders offering a wide variety of species. Water and shore birds are common on the Island throughout the year while rare species are spotted during Fall and Spring Migration. Water and shore birds from other coasts also travel to the Island during migration.
The Reddish Egret is Galveston Island's official city bird. A true Texas "specialty," in all of North America this species only nests in Texas (1,000 pairs), Louisiana, and in Florida. With declining numbers, the Reddish Egret may soon be on the endangered species list.
With more than 500 species of birds residing, wintering, or migrating through southeast Texas, the Galveston Bay Estuary is the largest and most productive on the Texas coast. While there are too many outstanding wildlife sites to describe, sites are in close proximity to the Galveston Island Visitors Center. Residents can join visitors from all 50 states and foreign countries enjoying the diverse wildlife in the Galveston Bay watershed.
Don't forget to ride the Bolivar Ferry from Galveston to Port Bolivar - one of the best ways to view Bottlenose dolphin, brown pelicans, and magnificent frigate birds. The 15-minute, free ride is a great place for viewing wildlife, feeding birds off the stern of the ship, or just enjoying the scenery as the ferry crosses into the Bolivar Peninsula, the pass between the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay.
Texas was the first state in the nation to create birding and wildlife viewing trails, an idea that resulted in similar projects throughout North America. These trails provide economic incentives for landowners and communities to conserve habitats while providing recreational opportunities for the traveling public. The wildlife trails of Texas promote sustainable economic development and build public support for conservation of wildlife and habitats. So hop in the car, grab your binoculars and camera, and come explore Texas's great outdoors.
Ultimately, nature tourism leads to conservation by encouraging landowners and communities to conserve habitats, providing wildlife viewers greater opportunity, and inviting you to experience for yourself the abundant natural resources of Texas. We want more and more people to engage in the enjoyment of nature, thereby gaining greater appreciation and understanding of the importance of conserving wildlife and their habitats for present and future generations.
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