Play I Spy birds at Galveston. Photo: Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
Galveston has further solidified its standing as a birding community by becoming the first region to earn "High-Flyer" status under Bird City Texas, a joint program by Audubon Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Why it matters: This designation recognizes Galveston's sustained commitment to bird and habitat conservation, achieving over 27 actions related to education, habitat preservation and mitigating threats.
Context: Galveston first achieved Bird City Texas status in 2021. Its new High-Flyer status reflects the island's leadership in fostering bird-friendly practices across the community, per a statement from TPWD.
What they're saying: "Our Galveston team is so proud of the work our community is doing," said the Galveston Collaborative Team. "From one end of the island to the other, organizations, individuals and businesses are contributing to this ongoing effort to make Galveston more bird friendly."
The big picture: The Bird City Texas program recognizes communities that prioritize bird conservation efforts like native plant initiatives and public education.
This year, College Station, Denton, Kerrville, San Marcos and Wimberley joined the Bird City Texas network, bringing the total to 15 certified cities.
The bottom line: "Where birds thrive, people prosper," said Chloe Crumley, engagement manager at Audubon Texas.
