The Strand, Galveston - Feather Fest 2005

FeatherFest 2005
CONTACT: Mary Jo Naschke - (409) 762-3930
Jan. 7, 2005

"Feathers Fly on Galveston Island March 31 - April 3"

GALVESTON, TX - March 31 - April 3 Galveston will host the 3rd Annual FeatherFest hosted by the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council. What makes Galveston Island's FeatherFest different from other birding events? Across the United States birding festivals are taking off in an effort for cities to capitalize on a growing segment of this specialized tourism market. Eco-tourists travel world-wide to get in touch with nature, slowing down their daily pace to witness the color enhancement of birds feathers as seasons change, document feathered mating rituals, and to observe nature's wonders in their natural habitats.

In an age when developers are met with concern from, until recently, a silent group of naturalists, docile birders have become activists in an effort to protect our natural habitats and preserve our environment. A highly educated group of people, birders are out-spoken on issues of preserving nature and have a strong commitment to persuading developers to work with them, not against them.

Location. Location. Location. Galveston's FeatherFest stands out among other venues because of its location. The Island is not only on a premier bird migration route, but sits in close proximity to important bird sanctuaries. It is easy to get to Galveston, the city is easy to navigate, the area is home to bird sanctuaries such as Port Bolivar, High Island and Anahuac, and is tourist user friendly.

FeatherFest organizers also have the experience and knowledge of securing some of the top names in birding nationwide to conduct seminars, workshops and lead field trips.

A featured speaker for the 3rd Annual FeatherFest is Mark Lockwood, conservation biologist in the State Park's division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Mark is the secretary of the Texas Birds Records Committee of the Texas Ornithological Society (TOS) and is the author of four books including the TOS handbook of Texas Birds, co-authored by Brush Freeman, FeatherFest birding event leader.

Other FeatherFest presenters include Kevin T. Karlson, noted wildlife photographer who currently sits on the advisory board of Wild Bird Magazine. Karlson co-authored "The Shorebird Guide" with Richard Crossley and Michael O'Brien. Karlson will lead several of the field trips, including two outdoor shorebird workshops and two indoor shorebird identification seminars. Kathy Adams Clark, professional nature photographer will conduct indoor and outdoor photography workshops, Bob Honig, who has led numerous field trips and tours domestically and to the Neotropics, will present a program on dragonflies and damselflies and introduce some of the more common species in southeast Texas, including coastal areas. Mike Quinn will conduct inside and outside workshops on Butterflies. For the novice birder, Dr. Susan Knocks, who teaches Coastal Ornithology at Texas A&M @ Galveston will offer Birding 101 seminars designed as an introduction to birding.

Additional FeatherFest activities include "Architecture is for the Birds", a birdhouse competition, coordinated by the Galveston Historical Foundation, open to school age youth and professional architects that will be on exhibit at the Galveston County Historical Museum, 2219 Market St.. FeatherFest volunteers will man an interesting booth designed especially for children during the Grand Opera House "Grandkids" festival to be held Saturday April 2nd.

All field trips will commence, and seminars, Birder's Bazaar shopping and a hospitality room will take place at Old Galveston Square, 2201 Strand, located in the heart of the historic Strand District.

Hosted by the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council Inc., FeatherFest is successfully presented by a cavalry of dedicated birders and volunteers working behind the scenes to make things happen.

FeatherFest is sponsored in part by the Park Board of Trustees, City of Galveston, George & Cynthia Mitchell Historic Properties, and www.galveston.com. For additional information go to www.galvestonfeatherfest.com or call 1-888-Gal-Isle.