High Island RV Birding Adventure

High Island, Texas is one of the top birding spots in the United States. Boy Scout Woods is a great place to view warblers during migration and the occasional "fall-out" where birds just land exhausted after crossing the Gulf of Mexico frequently pushed off course by a storm. The Houston Audobon Society manages the bird sanctuaries on High Island. An admission fee, based on the honor system, is $5.00 per person and includes admission to all the birding areas on the island. There is a white board at Boy Scout Woods where birders leave messages about bird sightings. This birder with an obvious sense of humor tells everyone there were "Emperor Penguins sited matting at Broadway and 45th." Boy Scout Woods has wood plank walkways and a nice photo blind which will accommodate about seven photographers at one time. There wasn't much happening at Boy Scout Woods since we were there late in the season. The real action was at Smith Woods where No Dogs are allowed. Apparently a dog with a Smith and Wesson expressed his dismay with some target practice. Smith Woods has a rookery that is simply amazing. There are numerous birds nesting here including egret, roseate spoonbill, tricolored heron, cormorant and others. There are also alligators, turtles and frogs to greet the observers who can view them from several platforms scattered around the refuge. The bird noise is tremendous and you get to pretend you're a National Geographic photographer. Here is a spoonbill doing a tight rope routine. Here he is waiting for applause. These nests are literally full of hatchings. These two egrets are almost old enough to leave as one of the parents disgorges (don't you just love that word) the catch of the day. There is no doubt about it, South Texas is a birding paradise and if you are a serious RVer and birder, you need to explore these places. Oh, don't forget to bring bug repellent. There is a nice RV park at High Island and several on the Bolivar Peninsula. If you are arriving from the South you can take your RV on the free ferry from Galveston to Bolivar Peninsula. RVing the Texas Coastal Birding Trail - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVng