Birding Trip NEW DETAILS- High Island for Migration – April 23rd & 24th Plus . . .

(Read the entire post – the top section has the meeting locations complete with Google Map links)

BIRDERS – TRIP OF A LIFETIME ALERT!

Get ready — this is not your average birding trip. We’re talking High Island, peak migration, and some of the best bird photography and observation you’ll ever experience. If you’ve ever wanted to see Roseate Spoonbills and Great Egrets so close you’ll feel like you’re part of their flock — this is it.

DATE: Wednesday, April 23rd

TIME: 8:00 AM

WHERE TO MEET:
Hooks Woods – 1st St, just west of Hwy 124 (It doesn’t have a street address, but you won’t miss it.)

Google Maps Link

We will start at Hooks Woods and then likely head to Boy Scout Woods for the rest of the morning. There’s no rigid schedule — we’ll follow the birds’ lead and adjust based on birding reports and what we discover at each location.

THE MAIN EVENT:
We’ll almost certainly visit the incredible Smith Oaks in the afternoon. There’s a reason we save Smith Oaks for later in the day — the lighting will be perfect with the sun at our backs for prime viewing and photography.

At Smith Oaks, you’ll see nesting behavior up close. Many species will have nests with eggs or baby chicks, and the action will be happening right in front of you. Birds will be flying so close to the deck that you can get frame-worthy photos with just your phone. Some of the species you can expect to see include:

• Roseate Spoonbills
• Tri-color Herons
• Great Egrets
• Snowy Egrets
• Anhingas
• And more

This is the kind of birding experience people talk about for years — don’t miss it.

LODGING:
If you haven’t booked your stay in Winnie yet, do it now. Rooms will fill up fast. If Winnie is full, Beaumont is only about 20 minutes away and has plenty of options. Check Walden Road in Beaumont for convenient and affordable options.

EARLY ARRIVALS – TUESDAY BONUS:
If you can’t wait until Wednesday, some of us will be birding at Sabine Woods on Tuesday. This location is about 35–40 minutes away, but it’s absolutely worth the drive.

Sabine Woods Location:
TX-87, Sabine Pass, TX 77655 (No street address.)
Google Maps Link

If you’re heading to Sabine Woods on Tuesday, text me at least an hour before you arrive at 832.920.4117. I’ll make sure we can connect at the location.

RSVP (Optional but Helpful):
It’s not required, but it would help to know how many people to expect. Text me or send me a message via Facebook at MichaelMathewsPhotos.

QUESTIONS?
If you have any other questions, message me through the East Texas Birding Facebook page or text me directly.

DON’T MISS THIS TRIP
This is the kind of birding experience you dream about — nesting season, peak migration, and stunning views of rare and beautiful species. If you love birding, you owe it to yourself to be there. This could be the trip of a lifetime — don’t let it pass you by.


*****ORIGINAL POST WITH ALL THE BASICS – IMPORTANT TO READ*****

Pack your binoculars, charge your cameras, and get ready for an unforgettable birding adventure! We’re heading to High Island on Wednesday and Thursday, April 23rd & 24th, and you won’t want to miss it. (Stick around till the end if you’re curious about a Saturday visit option!)

I’ll share all the fine details as we get closer to the date, but for now, let’s talk about the most urgent matter at hand—HOTEL RESERVATIONS. If you plan to sleep indoors like a civilized birder and not in your car, book a room NOW before they vanish faster than a warbler on a windy day!

Where to Stay?

The best (and closest) lodging options are in Winnie, TX, a mere 30-minute drive from the action. Most of us crash at the Comfort Inn, which has reasonable rates and, more importantly, is just a short walk from Tia Juanita’s—home to some of the finest food in Southeast Texas. Seriously, you won’t regret it.

Backup plan? If Winnie is booked up, your next best bet is Beaumont, about 20 minutes further east. Either way, you’ll want to reserve for Tuesday and Wednesday nights and check out Thursday morning before the birding festivities begin.

Where Will We Be Birding?

We’ve got a long list of potential hotspots, but time (and the whims of migrating birds) will determine our final itinerary. Expect to visit some of the following:

✅ Boy Scout Woods
✅ Smith Oaks
✅ Hooks Woods
✅ Sabine Woods (Tuesday afternoon for those arriving early)
✅ Anahuac
✅ Rollover Pass
✅ Bolivar Flats

We won’t hit them all, but we’ll follow the best sightings and recent reports to maximize our chances of spectacular bird encounters.

What’s the Damage? (a.k.a. Costs)

High Island Sanctuaries:

• Day Pass: $10 per person (per day)
• Seasonal Pass: $35 per person (unlimited access)

Sabine Woods:

• FREE for Texas Ornithological Society members
• $10 per day for non-members (pay via QR code at the welcome station)

Rollover Pass & Bolivar Flats:

• Requires a $10 beach parking pass, available at real estate offices and businesses in High Island & Bolivar. You can also order one by mail:
  Bolivar Beach Stickers

What About Saturdays?

We don’t officially schedule trips on Saturdays because, well…it’s a madhouse. Birders from across the globe flood the area, making it tough to enjoy the experience. However, I’ll be down there from April 13th through early May, so if you want to meet up outside the official trip dates, including weekends, just reach out!

How to Contact Me?

• Send a message via the contact form on this site.
• Or find me on Facebook and shoot me a message: MichaelMathewsPhotos.

More Info Coming Soon!

Expect detailed maps, tips, and insider info around early April. Until then, book your hotel, mark your calendar, and get ready for some legendary birding!

Can’t wait to see y’all out there!