Click for NEW Bird Photography Opportunities
We are a group of friends of all ages, centered in Galveston County, Texas,
stretching to other countries, who share a love for learning about birds. We
have get-togethers, classes and birding trips like the Water Bird Workshop
or Shorebird Seminar. Members have day and overnight field trips to observe
birds in their natural setting. The Society offers several trips away from
Galveston during each year. Participants have gone to far away bird hot
spots such as Venezuela, Arizona, South Texas, Florida, Alaska, the Yucatan,
the Galapagos and many other locations. Additional trips planned for the
future include Africa, Tierra del Fuego and Cape May. The leader of the
trips is Jim Stevenson, who is a professional bird guide and ornithology
professor. Leaders of the Society are available for providing programs and
articles about birds and other animals for newspapers and periodicals.
Executive Director, Jim Stevenson, has written several books, including the
ninth chronicling the Birdlife of Galveston.
The most important step for anyone is to e-mail Jim at galornsoc@earthlink.net and ask to be placed on the list to receive the GOS announcements and bird PDFs. These twice-a-week collections teach members about birds (sometimes other animals) and inform members of activities and opportunities. Nobody will get your e-mail and you can get off any time. NEW! View our special 5-part Winter Waterbirds series here.
We are a group of friends of all ages, centered in Galveston County, Texas,
stretching to other countries, who share a love for learning about birds. We
have get-togethers, classes and birding trips like the Water Bird Workshop
or Shorebird Seminar. Members have day and overnight field trips to observe
birds in their natural setting. The Society offers several trips away from
Galveston during each year. Participants have gone to far away bird hot
spots such as Venezuela, Arizona, South Texas, Florida, Alaska, the Yucatan,
the Galapagos and many other locations. Additional trips planned for the
future include Africa, Tierra del Fuego and Cape May. The leader of the
trips is Jim Stevenson, who is a professional bird guide and ornithology
professor. Leaders of the Society are available for providing programs and
articles about birds and other animals for newspapers and periodicals.
Executive Director, Jim Stevenson, has written several books, including the
ninth chronicling the Birdlife of Galveston.
The most important step for anyone is to e-mail Jim at galornsoc@earthlink.net and ask to be placed on the list to receive the GOS announcements and bird PDFs. These twice-a-week collections teach members about birds (sometimes other animals) and inform members of activities and opportunities. Nobody will get your e-mail and you can get off any time. NEW! View our special 5-part Winter Waterbirds series here.
Bird Photography Opportunities
Bird Photography at Stevenson Woods
The migrant trap on Galveston Island has the highest bird list in the history of North America, at 325 species in 28 years. Surrounded by grassland for many miles, this is an island forest with fruiting trees, flowing plants, seeds and a water source which is surrounded by tall trees that block out any noise, making birds totally comfortable.
The avian photographic possibilities of this Chenier (or Motte) has been endless. Over two dozen species of warblers each April find fresh water, food and sleep in this protected oasis, plus orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks, flycatchers, vireos and buntings (beside the pair of nesting Painted Buntings). Non-songbirds such as hummers, raptors, woodpeckers and cuckoos also visit.
This site was developed for bird photography by ornithologist Jim Stevenson, and later Alan Murphy and Brian Small. They were taking advantage of over-the-shoulder sunshine and an attractive green background and flat grass. Decorative perches allow for perfect shots as birds slowly approach the drip pan. Bird calls may be used to aid in attracting birds, just as the drip sound pulls them in!
Jim Stevenson has birded all his life, trained by his ornithologist-father, Henry, at FSU, and has had a dozen books published with his bird pictures. Nate Chappell is a professional bird photographer who has spent years shooting Jim’s property and will supervise other experts and photographers alike. Other experts will also be brought in. Jim can also get you out on San Luis Pass with its myriads of tame shorebirds with his 4×4.
Proceeds will go to removing invasive trees such as tallow from the Island by the Galveston Ornithological Society and the creation of educational “bird boards” for the public. To register, e-mail Jim Stevenson at galornsoc@earthlink.net or call at 409-370-1515 for space and instructions.
Adorn your walls with bird pictures of familiar Texas native species by ornithologist and bird photographer Jim Stevenson. For ordering information email Jim.