Location

High Island's altitude of 38-feet makes it the highest point on the Gulf Coast between Mobile, Alabama, and Campeche, Mexico. We will be exploring High Island as well as the surrounding freshwater marshes, tidal areas and rice fields. This entire region hosts many bird species year round and will often experience "fallouts" of neotropical migrants from early March to mid May as they make their way from the American tropics to their nesting grounds in the forests of eastern North America. After their exhausting journey across the Gulf of Mexico, birds may come in by the thousands to the safety of the oak groves on High Island where they can find much needed food and shelter.

High Island has earned its reputation as one of the absolute hotspots for spring migration on the Upper Texas Coast. This oak woodland atop a hill caused by a rising salt dome is surrounded by coastal prairie and marshlands. After the roughly 600-mile, 18-hour flight across the Gulf of Mexico, this is the first patch of woodland neotropical migrants see. Most of the birds touch down to rest in the mid-afternoon, and our guides will have spent the night at the Tropical Birding High Island Information Center getting the lowdown on what super-hot target birds have arrived.

During this event, we will give special attention to instruction about birds, birding, migration, and other topics. Accompanying parents/guardians are allowed for this event, but they will be exploring the birding sites separately in their own group to allow you to share the unforgettable experience of this birding adventure on High Island with your young birder peers!

Accommodations

We will be having a camp out in the High Island RV Park, just down the road from the Boy Scout Woods Bird Sanctuary. Tropical Birding will supply two man tents for everyone but you will need your own sleeping bags and pillows. There is a laundry, bathroom and shower for guest use and free Wi-Fi service.

Accompanying parents (not required) will have the option of staying in the campground or can procure their own alternate accommodations.

Meals

All meals will be provided during the event beginning with a welcome barbeque at the Tropical Birding, Birder's Information Center. Meals will be box lunches in the field and breaks at area restaurants.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WEATHER

We will be walking two to four miles each day. Most walking will be done on level surfaces, with no hills, but some hiking will be on the soft sands of beaches and on firm yet possibly wet and/or slippery mudflats and trails.

HIA participants should be prepared for variable temperatures and precipitation. High Island temperatures can range from the 50°s to the low 80°s F during the spring. The wind can be strong and with the ocean nearby, making the temperature feels colder than it is. Plan to dress in layers with the ability to adjust for rapidly changing conditions and prepare to take heavy outerwear off and put it back on again. Rain is always a possibility.

You need to be aware of your own physical limitations, and if you have health problems please consult with your family doctor before attending.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Space is limited! Deadline for receipt of registration forms, assuming space is still available, is 15 February 2008. 14 – 18 years of age (pre-college) registration price is $495. Accompanying parent/guardian price $795.

American Birding Association
High Island Adventure!
4945 N 30th Street, Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80919-3151

Make check or money order payable in U.S. dollars to: American Birding Association

Upon receipt of your completed registration, a confirmation packet will be sent that includes more detailed information about the event.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations must be made in WRITING. Full refund less a $50 administration fee will be made for cancellations received prior to 18 January 2008. No refunds after 18 January 2008. All payments will be fully refunded if the ABA must cancel the event.