Bill is a journalists for the Gulf Crossings Journal at the "The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory". He has written some very interesting articles on bird observations in this South Texas area, and shares simple explanations and helpful insights into the bird world. Like this article that  highlights some general aspects of stopover habitat around the Gulf of Mexico:

The migration of nearctic-neotropical birds is one of nature's greatest spectacles.

After an exhausting overnight flight across the Gulf of between 10 and 20 hours (depending on wind), birds must find habitat to stop, rest, and refuel.  Recent research indicates that primary migration routes evolved in the last glacial period, 25,000 years ago, and are centered around 95 degrees west longitude (from just SW of Houston eastward to the central Louisiana coast). The precise landing zone for a trans-Gulf migrant however, is largely dependent on weather, especially wind speed and direction, and the energetic condition of the bird itself.  A fat-depleted migrant, or one that encounters strong north winds or thunderstorms, will usually stop in a fire-escape (if the bird makes it ashore at all). In most cases, during favorable weather, migrants will fly inland and settle in a patch of hardwood forest (convenience store or full-service hotel).  If the bird must use a fire-escape, it will usually spend the minimum time there necessary to regain strength (and possibly wait for favorable weather).

Most trans-Gulf migrants reach the coast before dawn, and probably continue inland until forest is encountered after sunrise. Depending on the weather encountered during flight and the energetic condition of the bird, stopover options may be limited and birds may have to land immediately after reaching the coast. Regardless, birds will usually undertake a "morning flight" soon after arrival or after sunrise. These flights are of short duration, low altitude (often treetop to treetop), and in flocks (often mixed species). It is assumed that the birds are "evaluating" their immediate surroundings to determine the suitability of the habitat for feeding and resting. 

There is great pressure on the bird to find suitable habitat quickly – time spent in migration searching for optimum habitat is time that the bird is not on the breeding grounds and is not competing for a breeding territory. It is speculated (in most cases) that birds first stop based on gross habitat features like vegetation density. The decision to search for resources or move on may depend on more specific habitat features or on the behavior of other migrants. It's important to realize again that most of these decisions are probably based on the migrant's energetic condition – birds with remaining fat are most interested in finding a place to rest, while fat-depleted birds must find food quickly. The exact methods by which migrants make decisions about habitat use during stopover are poorly understood.

"Fire Escape": Like fire escapes in human habitations, these stopover sites are infrequently used, but are utterly vital when they are. Habitat quality may be too low to allow birds to gain significant mass, but at least they will survive, can take shelter, and may be able to get fresh water. Fire escape sites are typically adjacent to significant barriers such as deserts or large bodies of water.

"Convenience Store": Forested patches, such as small parks or woodlots, in a non-forested matrix and located along migratory routes. These sites offer a place where birds can briefly rest and gain some mass easily, perhaps between short flights to higher quality sites, or when migrants' fuel stores are moderate. A given Convenience Store may be better able to serve the needs of some species than others. Convenience Stores are found in various areas like city parks, and small woodlots near agricultural fields.

"Full-service Hotel": Forested sites in a forested landscape. Full-service Hotels are places where all needed resources (food, water, shelter) are relatively abundant and available. These places serve many individuals of many species. Bottomland hardwood forests are a good example.

January-February:

Feeder birds are dependent upon steady quantities of high-quality foods during this time. Since snow often covers the ground, your feeder will become the main source of food for many birds. Pine Siskins, Redpolls, and Evening Grosbeaks are unusual northern finches which might frequent your feeder. Near the end of the season, feeder birds might become restless. As the days get longer, the beginning of breeding season is in sight.

March-April:

Shifts in bird population take place at this time. The Tufted Titmouse and the Downy Woodpecker, permanent residents of most areas, will stay through the season. New birds appear daily as they migrate north, especially the sparrows. This is the time when sparrow migration is in full swing. There is an increase in nest building during these spring months, and the provision of nesting materials will persuade more birds to nest in your vicinity.

May-June:

Warblers, vireos, flycatchers, orioles, and tanagers migrate North. Most of these insect-eating birds will not visit your feeder, but they will eat the caterpillars and insects in your yard. If trees and shrubbery are mature enough, some might stay to nest.

July-August:

Most birds are now busy raising young and feeding on the abundant natural foods available. Many berry-producing plants are carrying heavy loads of fruit which attract birds. Commercial bird seeds can be used, but avoid suet, as it will turn rancid in the heat. Many bird watchers enjoy feeding hummingbirds in these summer months. These cocky little birds will come within inches of your window to feed from pans of sugar water.

September-October:

With the breeding season over, activity will increase at your feeder. Sparrows and woodpeckers become abundant, and insect-eating warblers and vireos will visit your yard on their return trip to the tropics. By providing feeder grains and suet, you might persuade birds that would normally go farther south to stop here for the winter. Set your pace for winter feeding at this time and continue it through spring. In this manner, you will avoid food shortages for the birds which depend on you.

November-December:

Myrtle Warblers and Yellow-Shafted Flickers are lingering migrants that might use your feeder. If there is a heavy snow, sprinkle seed under the shrubbery and make sure the feeders are cleared and usuable. They are vital during a snowstorm. Save your used Christmas tree and collect others from neighbors. These make brushpiles which provide excellent shelter during the remaining winter months.
Bill
(thanks for sharing, Bill )
He has recently made a job transfer to Houston so we will miss his posts, but wish him the best of luck in his new adventures!

see Bills Blog Here...

Since we are located right on the migrational flyway, we  experience avian visitors of many species and I think they are all pretty amazing to make these long journies every year.