Black Skimmer Photo credit: Marcy Spears Click on the photo to view a larger image.

By Marcy Spears

In January of 2007 Audubon, in a partnership with the Biology Department of the University of Dallas, identified a number of Important Bird Areas in Texas.

Important Bird Areas (IBAs) are locations that provide essential habitat for breeding, wintering or stopovers for one or more species. IBA locations are defined as those that (1) support threatened or endangered species, (2) contain restricted-range species, (3) species that are vulnerable because of congregatory behavior, or (4) because a species is vulnerable by being concentrated in one general habitat area. Sundown Island was nominated as an IBA in 2007. To view other nominated sites, visit the Texas Audubon section on "Birds, Science & Conservation."

In the Spring of 2009, the Coastal Stewardship Program Newsletter announced that 27 IBAs have been identified in Texas and six of them have been recognized as Global IBAs. Sundown Island is one of these.

Sundown Island is a 70 acre island located in Matagorda Bay built by dredge spoil. Audubon leases the island from the Texas General Land Office and maintains it as a sanctuary for 18 species of colonial waterbirds. White-faced Ibis and Reddish Egrets are State-listed species that flourish here. Sundown Island meets the IBA Global significance because of its populations of Royal Terns, Sandwich Terns and Black Skimmers.

Read more about the Global IBA designated sites in the Spring 2009 Coastal Stewardship Program Newsletter (.pdf).

Related Links:

• Audubon Texas: Important Bird Areas
• Coastal Stewardship Program