We are pleased to offer this accessible outing for birders with limited mobility, disabilities, or other health concerns, and for those interested in an easier-paced birding trip. We also welcome those interested in creating and understanding inclusive, accessible birding as a community and life list-building experience.
This outing will be led by Virginia Rose, Founder of Birdability, an organization committed to making the birding community and the outdoors accessible, safe, welcoming and inclusive for everybody and every body. Co-leading with Virginia on this trip is Kat Ross who has been involved with Birdability since 2023. While she enjoys birding in her hometown of Austin, Kat says nothing rivals the magic of the Texas Coast during spring migration. I am eager to share the message that “birding is for everybody and every body!’
This meet-at-site field trip will introduce birders to Lafitte’s Cove Nature Preserve, Galveston’s crown jewel during spring migration. Please note there are no water fountains; however, an accessible portable restroom will be available on-site.
We will take our time following the wide, shady, winding paved trails within the dense grove of trees, spotting songbirds in the canopy and checking for activity at the water drips. Potential sightings in the woodlot area include Northern Parula; Ovenbird; Louisiana and Northern Waterthrush; Hooded, Black-throated Green, and Black-and-White Warbler; American Redstart; Blue-headed, White-eyed, Red-eyed, and Yellow-throated Vireo; Wood, Swainson’s, and Hermit Thrush; and more.
Several mulberry trees just outside the woodlot are also highly attractive to colorful migrants, offering the possibility for close extended views of Scarlet and Summer Tanager; Baltimore and Orchard Oriole; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Painted and Indigo Bunting; and Gray Catbird.
The freshwater ponds in the preserve provide close views of a variety of waterfowl, herons and egrets, and shorebirds. Highlights include the potential of Spotted Sandpiper, Wilson’s Snipe, Sora, and Bufflehead.
Check out Lafitte’s Cove Nature Preserve on the Birdability Map.
Other access features include benches and ample shade. There are no steps, gates or obstacles. We will have access to an ADA portable restroom less than a mile from the Preserve.
Note: Although there is no designated disabled parking, volunteers will be on hand to help facilitate safe parking for participants. We will be entering the Preserve at the Jibstay entrance. Detailed parking instructions for both vans and cars will be emailed to participants prior to the festival.
If you are a disabled person and have questions not addressed in the provided description, please email Julie Ann Brown at dir@gintc.org.
If you are a participant with a disability or other health concern and the cost of this trip makes it inaccessible to you, please reach out to Julie Ann Brown at dir@gintc.org to request a sliding-scale option.
Bring: water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent
Included in this field trip is access to the Birdability workshop on Friday at 2:30pm at no additional charge. You will receive an automatic email asking if you would like to attend the workshop.
