GALVESTON ISLAND, Texas (October 27, 2014) - The Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council (GINTC) is pleased to announce the expansion of their annual Breakfast with the Cranes weekend with the addition of an evening Roosting with the Cranes event. The morning events will take place on December 13 and 14, at the Moody Gardens Golf Course banquet facility, and the evening event will take place on December 13 in a private home overlooking Galveston Bay.

In its sixth year, Breakfast with the Cranes has become one of Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council's most popular events. Each year, outdoor enthusiasts await the arrival of these large, majestic birds. Come and enjoy a light box breakfast and a morning of laughter and learning with Keanna Leonard, Education Director at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary near Gibbon, Nebraska., Keanna will give you an in depth, yet fun, look into the private lives of the Sandhill Cranes. Designed for beginners and experienced birders alike, Keanna's presentation aims to introduce common vocalizations, body language such as dancing and aggression, and other Sandhill Crane characteristics.

Following breakfast and the presentation, attendees can embark on a special driving tour of the island's West End to observe the three-to-four-foot tall birds, known for their impressive size and the bright red cap atop their heads.

The Sandhill Cranes' captivating dusk flight to roost is just one highlight of the new, one-of-a-kind, Roosting with the Cranes experience at a private home on Galveston's West End. Join GINTC and Keanna Leonard as we toast to the cranes while the sun sets over the wetlands along the shores of Galveston Bay. Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, libations, and a distinctively intimate presentation about the cultural and historical significance of cranes. This evening event will be limited to twenty participants.

Back by popular demand, presenter Keanna Leonard's interest in Sandhill Cranes and crane behavior began thirteen years ago when she helped conduct the first crane behavior workshop for the Festival of the Cranes in New Mexico. Her passion led her to collaborate with illustrator and artist, Caryl McHarney, in writing a family-oriented book entitled The Private Lives of Sandhill Cranes. During her visit in Texas for Breakfast with the Cranes, Leonard will also visit school children in Galveston.

Tickets are available online at www.galvestonnaturetourism.org. Early bird registration for Breakfast with the Sandhill Cranes is $20 for GINTC members and $25 for non-members. Registration after November 21 is $25 for GINTC members and $30 for non-members. Tickets for Roosting with the Cranes are $125 per person, and include a copy of Keanna's book, The Private Lives of Sandhill Cranes.

The Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council supports nature tourism and education, and promotes the value of area natural habitats. Breakfast with the Cranes is generously sponsored by Samson Energy and the Moody Gardens Golf Course.

AT A GLANCE

What: Breakfast with the Cranes & Roosting with the Cranes

When: Breakfast - December 13 & 14, 8:00am - noon

Roosting - December 13, 5:00pm - 7:30pm

Where: Breakfast - Moody Gardens Golf Course, Galveston, 1700 Sydnor Lane

Roosting - Seabreeze, a private home on Galveston Bay

Cost: Breakfast - Early Bird registration, $20 for GINTC members, $25 non- members. After November 21, $25 for GINTC members, $30 non-members.

Roosting - $125 per person. Limit of 20 participants. Directions will be emailed once you are registered for the evening event.

Register online at www.GalvestonNatureTourism.org. For more info, call 409.789.8125.