Scott and Joan Holt are marine biologists who have worked at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas for more than 30 years. Scott retired in May and is currently a Research Fellow and Joan is Director of Fisheries and Mariculture and holds the Perry R. Bass Chair. Along with their interest in marine fish, they also studied birds for over 30 years carrying out surveys of the seasonal distribution of birds in Mexico and in South Texas, as well as ecological studies of the flora and fauna in critical avian habitat. Joan has been training youth birding teams for the Great Texas Birding Classic competition for six years and Scott has captained the Port Aransas Big Sit Classic team since its beginning. They are co-compliers of the Port Aransas Christmas Bird count that has been ongoing for 33 years and have worked to preserve and design both the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center and the Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond. Fee. 

FIELD TRIP: Sunday, Feb. 26 from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. FULL
The trek will be a two mile walk on level trails and boardwalks over the mud flats of the Port Aransas Nature Preserve. There will be frequent stops to see birds and take photographs of this newest addition to the Port Aransas birding environment. Several rest stops with scenic views of the flats are scattered along the trail that winds up at the Salt Island tower. Bring water, binoculars, cameras, sunscreen and hats.

LOCATION: Meet at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve pavilion at the end of Port Street (along the ship channel). Transportation not provided.