North Deer Island designated a “Global Important Bird Area.

North Deer Island was designated a Global Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society and BirdLifeInternational. Houston Audubon is a co-owner in this 144-acre island along with Audubon Texas and six additional undivided interest owners. Located in Galveston Bay between Tiki Island and Galveston Island, North Deer hosts the most productive waterbird breeding colony in Galveston Bay (20,000-40,000 pairs of birds of 17 species nested there in 2005). Houston Audubon’s approximate 7-acre interest was acquired by donation in 1975. One-third of the island is uplands covered mostly by South Texas vegetation, and two-thirds is a productive salt marsh. It can only be viewed by boat. More at  http://www.houstonaudubon.org/default.aspx?menuitemid=483&menugroup=Sanctuaries