Field Trip Description: This Field Trip is an annual event held to honor the late Barbara Rapstein, former President of Coastal Bend Audubon Society. The Field Trip Group will meet at Gulf Beach immediately north of the bollards at the North end of Padre Island National Seashore. Park your vehicles up against the dunes. We will count all birds seen and heard between 7:00 and 11:00.

Registration required one week in advance (by February 23rd). Minimum for the trip is 3 participants. NOTE THAT CURRENTLY FIELD TRIPS ARE OPEN TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES.

NOTIFY OUR FIELD TRIP LEADER, GENE BLACKLOCK, THAT YOU PLAN TO GO ON THIS FIELD TRIP. TEXT GENE AT 361-558-1829 AND PROVIDE YOUR NAME(S) AND CELL PHONE NUMBER(S).

Field Trip Group meets at 7:00 AM on Gulf Beach, Padre Island National Seashore. Please note that you can either use a National Park Pass or pay $10.00 per vehicle to enter the Park.

Energy requirement: Moderate, mostly sitting with some walking in deep sand

What to Bring**: In addition to list below, bring a folding chair, umbrella for shade, and cooler with drinks.

Birds of Interest: migrating waterfowl (Fulvous-whistling Ducks*), Eared Grebe*, shorebirds that prefer a high energy beach: American Golden Plover (migrating overhead), Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Willet, Sanderling, Long-billed Curlew and several species of terns; Frigatebird*, cormorants, pelicans, migrating wading birds (Reddish Egret), Peregrine Falcon, migrating swallows and a few other passerines that like beaches (i.e. Horned Lark*).

*Possible but unlikely

Restrooms: Available in the Park.

MATERIALS TO HAVE AVAILABLE: Scope, binoculars, comfortable hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially for mosquitoes). Be sure to bring plenty of water.

OPTIONAL: a Bird Field Guide or Bird ID apps.