Map and Directions

Located on the west end of Galveston Island, this 6-acre sanctuary was donated to Houston Audubon in 2001 by Dr. and Mrs. George Clayton for use as a bird sanctuary. Open to the public, it contains a pond lined with cane, a small spartina marsh, coastal grassland with cord grass and a woodlot of live oaks.

Directions: Take I-45 South to Galveston's 61st St exit. Turn right onto 61st and proceed to Seawall Blvd. Turn right on Seawall and go approximately 15.6 miles to a dirt road on the right, named "Sea Bird Drive". Sea Bird Drive is before Sea Isle and an outboard motor shop. It is shortly past Sunset Cove Subdivison. Drive down Sea Bird Drive to the sanctuary turnstile entrance.

Restoration Projects at Dos Vacas Muertas

Restoration efforts are underway in our Dos Vacas Muertas Bird Sanctuary on West Galveston Island. Past storms and recent drought conditions caused most of the live oak canopy to die. As a result we are removing dead trees that pose a safety risk to visitors. Currently, we are developing a plan on how to restore this important site. A contractor has been hired to begin cleaning up the hurricane debris on the bay side of the property. Please stay tuned to our website for more information regarding funding opportunities and upcoming volunteer work days at Dos Vacas.

Hard working volunteers planted 61 trees and shrubs in Houston Audubon's Dos Vacas Bird Sanctuary on Galveston Island. What a difference they make. The birds will be happy to find some habitat there. Thanks to the volunteers and Alice Anne O'Donell who planned the event.

March 17, 2012: Work Day at Dos Vacas. Photo by Winnie Burkett

Help us in our efforts! We are seeking funds to restore, improve and manage Dos Vacas Muertas. Highlights from our plan include removing hazardous trees; purchasing and installing larger replacement trees and shrubs; and continuing to remove hurricane debris. Goal: $15,000. Contact: Marc Reid at mreid@houstonaudubon.org.