Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge

Galveston Island RV Resort
Galveston, TX
January 29, 2018

Joe and I had no expectations about what we would find at Brazoria NWR.  It just seemed like a good destination.  The refuge is located about 48 miles from Galveston Island RV Resort...a nice drive...about an hour.  

Google maps had a bit of a problem finding the exact address so when we saw a sign for Brazoria we turned in.  The gravel road took us to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Headquarters for the park.

There is no way to enter the park from there so a very nice ranger gave us a map and an address Google would like.  He says it happens all the time.  

Once on the correct road (CR 227) the ranger said we might see Sandhill Cranes in the field so we were moving slowly with eyes wide open and sure enough...

So, if you are in the area and want to visit the refuge, enter 2022 CR 227, Freeport, TX 77541 to Google and it will take you right to the entrance sign.  You might even be as fortunate as we were to spot two Crested Caracaras in the trees there.  WOW !  We had already seen Sandhill Canes and Crested Caracaras and we hadn't even entered the refuge. 

Our first stop was the Discovery Center for maps and information.  Just behind the center is a beautiful walking trail...Big Slough Trail.

It starts out along a boardwalk that takes you over the marsh.  A mama alligator calls the marsh home, but it was a little chilly and we didn't see her.  The volunteer at the center said she had 20 babies a couple of months ago.

We were entertained by Common Gallinules (which we had never seen before)

 and Coots.  I just love the babies !

 The trail is a 1.25 mile lollipop hike...

so you get to do the boardwalk twice.  Heading out, we saw a Sora...a common and widely seen rail, but a first sighting for us.

From there it was off to do the auto tour.  At the Discovery Center we were given a map to follow with 14 stops to make.  We didn't actually make all those stops, but we did stop frequently.  We passed by several ponds on the tour.  One of the nice things about winter visits is there are no crowds.

 

Another first sighting was a White-faced Ibis...  

White-faced Ibis Adult Nonbreeding

 and Black-necked Stilts.  

Brazoria NWR has nearly 43,000 acres which are more water than land...both fresh and salt water.  It was established in 1966 to protect coastal wetlands for migrating birds and other wildlife.  The expanse of marshes, sloughs, ponds, prairies, and forests offer a feasting and lodging paradise for wildlife.

This concludes our two week stay on Galveston Island.  Joe and I have had a wonderful time and we agree another stay here would be nice.  While here, we have had 10 new bird sightings.  Galveston is rich in history with proud residents who have rebuilt time after time to keep their history alive.  Also, the local restaurants should be at the top of anyone's list of things to do when here...fresh seafood right from the Gulf is an important commodity here.  Galveston Island RV Resort has been a quiet and comfortable spot to call home.     

So, until next time...

HAPPY TRAILS !