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Notes from Birding 101: April 13, 2013

April 15, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

by Greg Whittaker, Animal Husbandry Manager at Moody Gardens

Excellent weather – walked around Aquarium Pyramid and retention ditch to Colonel Paddlewheeler dock. Then walked the path around Palm Beach and to the Lake Madeline channel. We went back past the Learning Place and ended at the hotel near the pool.

By my count we saw 33 species listed here in taxonomic order (not the order we saw them):

Mottled Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Common Loon, Brown Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Peregrine Falcon, Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer, Black-necked Stilt, Solitary Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Ruddy Turnstone, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, Baird’s Sandpiper, Dunlin, Laughing Gull, Forster’s Tern, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, White-winged Dove, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Barn Swallow, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Scarlet Tanager, Great-tailed Grackle and House Sparrow.

Birding 201 is next Saturday, April 20 and there is a limit to the number of people we can take. We will leave Moody Gardens in a van and spend about 2-3 hours out in the field. Please respond and let me know if you are interested in going so we can reserve a seat. To reserve a spot, please call 409-683-4101 no later than Wednesday, April 17.

Get out and see the birds this week, there are lots of them here on the island and lots of other birders to help you identify things. I just tallied what I’ve seen since Thursday when Featherfest started and have 103 species.

GREEN ACTIVITIES FOR EARTH DAY

April 10, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

In celebration of its mission of conservation, Moody Gardens will feature free presentations, activities and fun, as well as special discounts this Earth Day weekend, April 20 and 21.

Join the Galveston County Master Gardeners in the Herb Garden by the Discovery Pyramid® to learn about easy gardening tips on Texas butterfly gardens. Guests can also pick up a homemade pot and learn how to make one of their own with materials found around the house. Children can enjoy plenty of activities including make-and-take butterfly crafts and recycled seed starters. In the Visitors Center, the Oleander Festival will feature more than 60 varieties of oleander flowers.

At the Aquarium Pyramid, Moody Gardens biologists will be holding special keeper presentations throughout both days. Visitors will be amazed by the massive seals as they are rewarded with fish for completing training exercises at 10:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

Biologists will begin penguin feedings at 11:00 a.m. and 3 p.m., so families can adore and spot the newest King penguin, Watt. In the South Pacific exhibit, biologists will suit up and dive in at 11:30 a.m. to feed sting rays, sharks and more than 200 species of fish. In the one million-gallon Caribbean tank, guests can watch divers feed the tropical fish, sharks and barracudas at 2 p.m.

As guests tour the Rainforest Pyramid, the Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth group (SAVY) will have educational carts out to teach visitors about the importance of conservation and preservation. At 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., biologists will release beautiful butterflies in their netted exhibit on the top canopy of the Rainforest Pyramid. Guests can also take pictures of the newborn Prehensile Tailed Porcupine, before heading over to the Ocelot’s exhibit for a keeper presentation at 1 p.m.

The Earth Day activities and Oleander Festival are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 20 and 21, and admission is free to the public. A special $24.95 combo pass to the Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids will be available during the festival. For more information, call Moody Gardens at 800-582-4673 or visit www.moodygardens.org and www.oleander.org.

Meet Watt: Our Newest & Toughest Penguin Chick

March 26, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

The toughest new addition to the Moody Gardens penguin exhibit has been named after the toughest athlete in the Houston area – Texans defensive star J.J. Watt.

Watt, a baby King Penguin who hatched earlier this month, suffered an injury shortly after breaking out of his shell. Under the care of Moody Gardens biologists, Watt proved he was one tough chick and made a quick recovery. He is back on exhibit, joining the nearly 100 penguins housed in the Aquarium Pyramid.

“The little chick braved through it all,” said Moody Gardens assistant curator Diane Olsen. “It was an injury we had to keep an eye on, and our staff did a good job taking care of it.”

Olsen said she’s not completely sure how Watt suffered the injury, a cut on his back, but said it was likely caused by a squabble between the parent and another penguin. Penguins are extremely protective of their young and will fight those that appear to be a threat to their chick.

Galveston veterinarian Dr. Richard Henderson closed the wound after Watt was injured. From there, Moody Gardens Vet Tech Karen Holcroft and the rest of the penguin biologists treated him until the injury was healed.

“You always have to be worried about infection and stuff,” Olsen said. “We cleaned the wound and weighed him twice a day. We watched it very carefully.”

J.J. Watt is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most popular athletes in Houston. He was drafted by the Texans in 2011 out of Wisconsin, and quickly became known as one of the toughest players in the franchise’s history.

Olsen said that like all other chicks, the new King penguin will only be on exhibit with its parents for a limited time. Although adult penguins are expert swimmers, babies must be kept safely away from the exhibit waters until they become water savvy.

The gender of the young chick is still unknown because penguins are not sexually dimorphic, meaning it is impossible to tell male and female penguins apart based solely on looks. While away from the exhibit, blood tests will be done to determine the sex of the hatchling.

CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATE ON WATT

MOODY GARDENS KING PENGUIN HISTORY

King Penguins originally arrived in Galveston in 1998, when a group of staff members from the Aquarium at Moody Gardens joined biologists and other professionals from Chile, France and the United States on an expedition to South Georgia Island in the Antarctic to collect eggs. The eggs were gathered during the fall breeding season and then transported to Galveston and hatched prior to the opening of the Aquarium Pyramid in May 1999.

Moody Gardens has a successful breeding program, with 15 King Penguin chicks hatched since 2003. There has been a total six chicks hatched overall among the King, Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins this breeding season. This is the first King to hatch this year.

Summer Job Fair: Moody Gardens Wants You!

March 22, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

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Looking for a fun place to work this summer? If you are committed to providing excellent customer service and want to gain valuable experience at a fun place, then Moody Gardens is the place for you. Our Summer Job Fair will be held Saturday, April 13 from 10am-1pm at the Pompano Room located downstairs at the Aquarium Pyramid. We are looking for friendly, outgoing employees for our Hotel and Attractions in the following areas:

Concession Attendants/Servers/Wait Staff/Cooks
Scanners/Ticketing Cashiers
Bartender/Hostess/Attendants
Palm Beach Greeters/Gift Shop/Operations
Life guards/Cabana Attendants
Housekeeping

Must be 16 years of age to apply (bring photo ID and Social Security Card). Attendees will receive complimentary admission to the Aquarium Pyramid with their completed application. In addition to these seasonal positions, we also have regular full-time and part-time positions available at http://bit.ly/MGJOBS

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Spring Break Keeper Presentations

March 14, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Here at Moody Gardens we have an amazing curatorial staff that take great care of our animals on a daily basis. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes from feedings to training to medical care and much more! You can get a sneak peek into some of those interactions by checking out any of our Keeper Presentations during Spring Break. Just show up at the time listed in front of the corresponding exhibit and you’ll be able to see how our staff works directly with some of our animals.

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DAILY SCHEDULE
(through March 16)

10:30 a.m. Aquarium Caribbean

10:30 a.m. Seal Exhibit

11:00 a.m. Penguin Exhibit

11:00 a.m. Otter Training

11:30 a.m. South Pacific

11:30 a.m. Butterfly Exhibit

1:00 p.m. Otter Training

1:30 p.m. Butterfly Exhibit

2:00 p.m. Aquarium Caribbean

2:00 p.m. Seal Exhibit

2:30 p.m. South Pacific

3:00 p.m. Penguin Exhibit

Upcoming Events at Moody Gardens Golf Course

March 11, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Spring is approaching and the golf course is calling! Come swing your clubs on the tropical golf course during any of our upcoming events and take advantage of our current specials.

Due to Daylight Savings Time, twilight will now be starting at 1 p.m. on March 11, 2013 (today). Be sure to book your reservations early because twilight rates are always in high demand. The rates are:

$23.00 plus cart fee for current full-time city residents
$26.00 plus cart fee for county/non-full-time city residents
$30.00 plus cart fee for non-residents, hotel guest, and visitors

The Moody Gardens Golf Course is offering Cash Games on March 15, March 21, and March 28 this month:

$20 for Green and Cart Fee
$25 Cash for Prizes
Random Pairings
Net and Individual Pay Outs

Be sure to call 409.683.1204 by 10:30 a.m. the day of to sign up.

Every Monday we offer Senior Shuffle for players 55 and older:

9:30 a.m. Shotgun Start
18 Holes
Sign up by 8:30 a.m.

Current Specials (Must call for tee times)

Five after 5 p.m.: Five holes after 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday for only $10 including cart

Senior (65 and older) Rise and Shine Special: Play before 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for only $20 including cart.

9 holes for $9: Between 8 and 9 a.m. Monday through Thursday, play for only $9 including cart.

Ladies’ Day: Any Wednesday in March, ladies play for only $20 including cart.

We are also offering a limited time offer in March for a free cart and bucket of range balls, any day of the week except Saturday, with the purchase of a round of golf. For more information on this offer click here.

To book your tee time at Moody Gardens Golf Course click here.

Stay at the Moody Gardens Hotel the next time you visit Galveston for your golf vacation!

Moody Gardens Hotel Renovations- Part One

March 8, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 7 Comments

The Moody Gardens Hotel is dedicated to remaining a first-class hotel destination. They believe in providing the best experience for all of their guests, and this includes top-notch accommodations. They are soon to be embarking on the most extensive and expensive renovation since the hotel first opened in 1999.

Over the next three years the Moody Gardens Hotel will be undergoing a $20 million renovation to make it even better for their valued guests. All upgrades have been carefully planned with the comfort and satisfaction of guests in mind.

If you’ve stayed with them recently you may have already noticed a difference in the bedding. The new bedding includes new Sealy plush Euro-Top mattresses, crisp white duvets, and fresh fluffy pillows. However, with the new renovations all guest rooms will be getting a complete makeover. Rooms will be designed with a modern design palette that incorporates new colors, luxe fabrics, and natural stone and wood furniture accents. Bathrooms will feature custom granite vanities, new tile, and new fixtures. Suites will be designed with each one featuring their own unique theme.

The Spa at Moody Gardens will also be receiving a complete makeover with new colors and seating in the waiting area. The treatment rooms will receive new artwork, seating, flooring, and fixtures. The Spa’s Couple Suite will have new decorative wall coverings, freshly upholstered furniture, and a freestanding water feature.

These renovations are just a few of the areas that Moody Gardens will be upgrading! There will also be renovations in the banquet rooms, restaurants, and hotel public spaces! Check back to our blog to learn more about our exciting renovations. These new renovations are just one of the reasons Moody Gardens Hotel remains one of the best places to stay in Galveston! Our resort is not only luxurious; it is also one of the most family friendly hotels in Texas.

Upcoming Events in March

March 7, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

March is a busy month here at Moody Gardens! On top of our Spring Break and Easter activities, we have a variety of other events and activities going on.

Flight of the Butterflies 3D opens March 9

Follow monarch butterflies on their journey in one of those most incredible migrations on Earth. Not only will you be joining the butterflies, but also scientist Fred Urquhart, who spent forty years trying to discover the mysteries of monarch butterflies and where exactly they go during the winter season. The documentary is a story of perseverance across thousands of miles and many generations.

Why is it important? Each spring, millions of monarchs begin a journey north into Texas and onto a 1,500-mile quest to across North America. As they travel, the butterflies breed and lay eggs on milkweed plants in Texas. Over several generations, the monarchs complete their migration and return to Mexico for the winter, making their trip one of the longest migrations on Earth. However, because of extreme drought conditions, Texas’ milkweed population has declined in recent years, severely impacting the flight. More than 20 percent of the migration has decreased. The loss of milkweed and habitat, coupled with intense heat, contribute to the diminishing migration numbers over the past decade. As part of conservation efforts, Moody Gardens is launching a public awareness campaign in an effort to save the shrinking monarch migration. A portion of the sales from the new film, Flight of the Butterflies 3D, will be donated to the leading conservation organization in Mexico, Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza.

Click here to watch trailer and for showtimes

Birding 101 and 201

Presented by Moody Gardens® and Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, Birding 101 & 201 is a series of classes designed to educate and excite people about the tremendous variety of bird life routinely seen around Galveston Island.

Click here for more information

Golf Junior Spring Break Camps

These camps are designed for boys and girls, ages 6-14, wanting to learn golf basics or brush up on their skills. Cost is $99 per student. Choose from one of these two-day sessions:

March 11 – 12, 2013 (9am-12pm) OR
March 14 – 15, 2013 (9am-12pm)

Registration form here: http://bit.ly/GolfJrCamps

Easter in the Gardens

Annual Easter Egg Hunts are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and children 12 years old and younger are invited to run around the Oleander Bowl filled with colorful eggs. Other activities include a variety of games for prizes. In addition to all of the fun and excitement outdoors, Easter Buffet feasts will be available at both the Garden Restaurant and the Moody Gardens Hotel on Easter Sunday. Beginning at 11 a.m. and lasting till 3 p.m., this event is free to the public.

Join us at Moody Gardens for family-friendly events and attractions such as the Aquarium Pyramid and Rainforest Pyramid. We look forward to spending time with you in March!

Springtime at the Spa at Moody Gardens

March 6, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

The warm weather is upon us and spring is just around the corner! It’s time to start shedding layers and donning lighter clothes for the higher temperatures. Get your mind and body ready for the spring with a visit to the Spa at Moody Gardens.

We currently have a few Spring specials going on at the spa! Save on services such as the Spring Clean Facial, Sweet Feet and Palm Springs Manicure and Pedicure, or the To the Rescue Body Wrap.

Spring Clean: Get your spring glow with a nourishing facial paired with a paraffin dip for your hands. Revive dry winter skin and get ready for spring. 1 hour | $110

Sweet Feet and Palm Springs: Show off your nails this spring with a manicure and pedicure that features the sweet smell of Honeysuckle & Pink Grapefruit. Also includes a paraffin dip for your feet to help you get sandal ready. 2 hours | $90

Calming Passion Flower: Pure passion hydrotherapy bath pairedwith a 25 minute green tea Swedish massage is sure to wash your worries away. 1 hour | $100

Click here for more information

Call 409-683-4440 to schedule your next appointment.

Take advantage of our special spa services and deals while staying at the Moody Gardens Hotel for your spring break. Our hotel is one of the best places to stay in Galveston, and the spa is just as luxurious.

Spring Break Family Fun at Moody Gardens

March 5, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Spring Break is quickly approaching, and there is no better place to spend it than at Moody Gardens! We create a total vacation for you right here at the Moody Gardens Hotel and our popular attractions. The weather is warming up as well, so visiting the beaches of Galveston is a must.

Moody Gardens “Spring Break Family Fun” gives you and your family the opportunity to break away from your daily responsibilities and enjoy the island. Moody Gardens puts together spring break activities for your entire family. When you are staying at the Moody Gardens Hotel, you will start off each day with a character breakfast. Our resident King of Cool, Sunny the Penguin, will be joining you while you fuel up on eggs and bacon!

Kid’s Crew is the perfect way to enhance your family’s spring break vacation. When you check into the Moody Gardens Hotel, your children will receive a Kid’s Crew Fun Pack. All the activities offered are free to hotel guests and include arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, pool coin dives, a bounce house, kite flying, karaoke, Wii competitions, clown face painting, movie nights, and s’mores! Kids can also participate in a game of giant chess or explore the outdoor playground.

The Spa at Moody Gardens is the perfect place for parents to find some time to relax and enjoy their vacation. Indulge in a couple’s massage or take a dip in our hydrotherapy tub.

Moody Gardens Hotel is currently offering a special Spring Break Family Fun hotel package! Book your vacation between March 7^th and 19^thand enjoy the following prices:

Sun – Thurs from $229/night + tax

Fri & Sat from $249/night + tax

When you book two nights, you will get the third night half off! The Moody Gardens Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Galveston and the perfect vacation destination for you and your family. Not only do we have great deals, but you can also explore the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, and all the other popular attractions on our grounds.

Moody Gardens