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ANNUAL SPRING MIGRATION EXPEDITION: HIGH ISLAND & SABINE WOODS (a.k.a. Texas Birding’s version of a rock concert, except the performers weigh less than a golf ball and wear feathers.

April 22-23 (with early bird fun on April 21 – see below)

It’s that glorious time again… when the Gulf Coast trees drip with warblers, and perfectly sensible adults lose their composure over a bird the size of a potato chip.

Join us April 22–23 for our annual pilgrimage to High Island and Sabine Woods — widely considered the Migratory Bird Capital of Texas and, quite possibly, the closest thing birders have to a holy site. If you’ve never experienced a fallout here, prepare to recalibrate your definition of “good birding.”

IMPORTANT: BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW

Rooms vanish fast.

Best option: Winnie, Texas

Many of our group stays at the Comfort Inn in Winnie (409-296-6200). It’s convenient, comfortable, and accustomed to guests wandering in at dawn wearing binoculars. Plus, it is only a short walking distance to the best food on the planet at Tia Juanitas.

There are numerous other motels in Winnie.

Backup location: Beaumont (Walton Road area)

Only about 22 minutes away, typically cheaper, and plenty of availability. Not a bad backup plan at all.

Plan to stay Tuesday and Wednesday nights, checking out Thursday morning after one last half-day of birding (because nobody wants to leave when the birds are still performing).

OPTIONAL “EARLY BIRD” DAY — TUESDAY, APRIL 21

The official trip starts Wednesday… but let’s be honest: many of us simply cannot wait.

If you would like an additional treat, plan on arriving Tuesday early afternoon, meet at Sabine Woods before hotel check-in. We’ll bird until around 5 PM, then caravan to Winnie for dinner and lodging. Think of it as the appetizer before the main feast.

WEDNESDAY MORNING — MAIN EVENT

Meet at Hooks Woods at 8:00 AM

Park and gather at the entrance — that’s where we’ll assemble our slightly sleep-deprived but extremely excited flock.

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wo4DhA4eE2YNQ8Xq7

Hooks Woods is small but mighty. Rare migrants and great birds are known to drop in unannounced.

From there, we’ll move to nearby Boy Scout Woods, another good migrant trap.

OTHER POSSIBLE HOTSPOTS

Our schedule will remain flexible. Migration waits for no spreadsheet.

Likely stops include:

• Smith Oaks Sanctuary — Home to the legendary rookery (bring your camera… and possibly extra memory cards)

• Rollover Pass area — Shorebirds, gulls, terns, and surprises

• Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (formerly Anahuac NWR)

• Various Bolivar Peninsula birding sites

We will go where the birds are putting on the best show that day.

WHAT TO BRING (a.k.a. Survival Gear for Bird Nerds)

Camera — Trust me. You’ll regret it if you don’t.

Light jacket or rain shell — Gulf weather has a whimsical personality

Insect repellent — The mosquitoes are enthusiastic greeters

Snacks / picnic items — Lunches are often “on the fly” (pun unavoidable)

Binoculars — Non-negotiable

Comfortable walking shoes — You’ll be on your feet more than you realize

Liniment – you are likely to develop Warbler neck

I will have repellent in my truck, but consider that backup rather than your primary defense against the rather aggressive insects. Usually, it is not really all that bad, but repellent is needed.

WHY THIS TRIP IS LEGENDARY

High Island isn’t just good birding. It’s absurdly good.

ON THE RIGHT DAY YOU MIGHT SEE:

Over 100 species on the trip

Possibly 100 species in a single day

Dozens of warbler species (pray for a fallout)

Birds at eye level, arm’s length, or occasionally so close you worry about being judged

You won’t just see one Magnolia Warbler. You may see fifteen… all posing like they signed modeling contracts.

Many participants call this the best birding trip they’ve ever taken. After one good fallout, you’ll understand why people drive across the country for this place.

RSVP & CARPOOLING

If you know you’re coming, please message me or comment so I can get a rough headcount. Last-minute arrivals are absolutely welcome. Migration doesn’t check guest lists.

Interested in carpooling? Say so in the comments and connect with others.

EXTRA NOTE

I will be in the area April 1–30, so if these dates don’t work for you, reach out. We may be able to arrange birding on other days.

In short: If you love birds, photography, migration spectacle, or the thrill of seeing species that usually hide like woodland ninjas… this trip is not optional. It’s a pilgrimage.

Come prepared to be amazed, slightly sleep-deprived, and very, very happy.

Author

Michael Mathews

I’m a proud East Texas native who once took the scenic route all the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific—just to realize the Piney Woods was where I really belonged - near where I hear rumors of home.

Since planting my boots firmly back in East Texas in 2014, I’ve put my biology background to work first as a Texas Master Naturalist, then for three years I served as as the Trip Director for Tyler Audubon. I run several Facebook birding groups, several nature related websites, teach Nature Photography Workshops, lead Birding Field Trips, and, on any given day, you’ll likely find me wandering through the woods, camera in hand.

As an author, photographer, and lifelong naturalist, I believe in spreading the word about birds, wildlife and wild places so we can all appreciate—and protect—the world outside our windows. It's all part of the adventure, right?

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