Currently, there are 2 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. The 2006 tournament is the 10th anniversary of this event and we will be celebrating raising and contributing over $500,000 to bird habitat conservation along the entire Texas coast.
Our other area is outreach 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.
The Coastal Wild Bird Trunks will become the basis for the summer ‘Bird Camp’ we are currently developing. ‘Bird Camp’ will be a scientific based boot camp for young birders and naturalists offered during the summer.
