From left to right: Tim W., Robert R., DeWayne M.

November 9, 2010
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Riding on rough seas and battling high winds, the Audubon Egret II boat and Jack Jackson’s Parker boat journeyed across Matagorda Bay to Sundown Island, a Texas coastal bird sanctuary and a new community commitment for Energy XXI. As the boats tied up at "Pelican Poop Pier" (Yes, that’s actually the name of the boat dock!), the new Energy XXI crew anxiously awaited to see what Sundown Island is all about! They, along with a few seasoned volunteers, were excited and ready to work. Chester Smith, the island’s Audubon Warden, along with his right hand helpers, Tim and Peggy Wilkinson, greeted all volunteers and designated island restoration and bird conservation duties.

Energy XXI supplied work bags, branded with the new logo that touts the brown pelican, a recovering species in the area due in large part to the critical role Sundown Island has played as a bird sanctuary. The bags were filled with necessities such as gloves, suntan lotion, bug spray, trail mix, etc. (See logo photo above left)

There was a lot of work to be done; 60 trees to plant, two new Audubon signs to install, a storage shed to restore, nests to refurbish and a beach clean-up. Every spring thousands of Colonial Water Birds, including reddish egrets, great blue herons, brown pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and many other bird species fledge their next generation on the island so volunteer work is critical to the success and survival of these magnificent birds.

Warden Smith headed up a crew to install heavy signs using new equipment provided by Energy XXI to get posts jetted into the shoreline. Another crew cut metal siding and built a side on the shed while others worked diligently planting trees and cleaning up the beach. Adult volunteers had fun working together as youngsters gleefully assisted in their duties to help, all the while learning the importance of being a part of this great endeavor to provide a healthy environment and protective shelter for the birds that coexist on this tiny little island.

The day ended a little earlier than expected as Gulf coastal winds picked up and waters became rough. Back to the mainland! After enjoying lunch near the beach, half of the crew headed back with trusted Captain Nancy Posey manning the Audubon Egret boat. The other half faired the weather and finished up their jobs, tightened down the hatches and headed back with Captain Jackson. All workers made it back safely though tired, but all were contented knowing their efforts helped provide one more year of safe haven for the residents of Sundown Island. A successful Work Day! The birds say, “Thanks to Energy XXI for being a new sponsor of Sundown Island, and thanks to all volunteers”!

A Family Experience by Fabiola Nevarez

From left to right: Fabiola, Ivan and Isaiah N.

We had such a wonderful time at Sundown Island that Ivan and Isaiah hardly called it “work!” The weather was amazing and we were able to enjoy the beautiful scenery during the boat ride to the island. After arriving, we got down to business and everything was ready for us to begin planting the trees that are so important to the survival of the precious pelicans. The boys were excited to learn how to plant the trees and are so excited to go back in the spring to see their hard work pay off. Once we finished planting trees, we began cleaning up the beach and were surprised to see white pelicans. Peggy informed us these beautiful white pelicans migrate through the area for the winter, and we were fortunate enough to have an early citing of these beautiful creatures. It was an unforgettable experience and we cannot wait to go back again next year!