Galveston Ornithological Society

Jim Stevenson grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, the son of a prominent ornithologist at Florida State University. He attended Florida State University, and later received a masters in biology from Georgia Southwestern in Americus, Georgia. Jim returned to Tallahassee and taught zoology, marine biology, and ecology for fifteen years before moving to Galveston, where he founded the Galveston Ornithological Society.

Jim teaches various life science courses at Galveston College, and The College of the Mainland. He also does environmental consultant work, is a professional bird guide, has written 5 books on wildlife and publishes nature newspapers such as Gulls n Herons.

Jim in front of Alaska's Mt. McKinley

Jim's property now boasts the Number One yard list of any residence in the country (308 species), having recently passed two on the Central Texas Coast, and one in New Jersey.

Some birding clients have chosen to stay at Jim’s house, with all the birds, rather than hotels in the City itself. It saves money and is very convenient. The sky deck is great for birding, and the 35 feet of glass is great to sit behind and relax while viewing nature. 308 species have been sighted, with many rarities having been photographed. The best times to visit for birds are April and early May, and late August to early October. Labor Day's open house provides a wonderful opportunity to see Canada and Mourning Warblers and all eastern Empidonax flycatchers.

Galveston Island itself is not only a terrific place for birding, but is also conveniently located between Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and High Island to the east and Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge and Brazos Bend State Park to the northwest. Let Jim and his house be your host to fantastic birding!