“All about the Hummingbirds of the Upper Texas Coast”  


Presented by Mark Hagne
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Lake Jackson

Martin Hagne is a lifelong naturalist whose passion for the outdoors began on Sweden’s west coast, where his grandfather introduced him to the wonders of nature at an early age. After moving to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in 1979, Martin focused his work and interests on wildlife observation, conservation, and environmental education.

He is the Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory in Lake Jackson, Texas, a role he has held for more than nine years. Before joining GCBO, Martin served for 13 years as Executive Director of the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco, Texas, a nonprofit environmental education organization. His professional background also includes many years as a field biologist conducting baseline studies involving birds, reptiles and amphibians, mammals, threatened and endangered species, and wildlife habitat.

Martin has devoted significant energy to the conservation, propagation, and public appreciation of native plants, particularly those of the Rio Grande Valley. He has served on environmental boards, committees, and advisory groups at the national, state, regional, and local levels.

An enthusiastic birder and nature guide, Martin leads birding trips throughout the United States and across the Americas. Birding, wildlife viewing, native plants, conservation, and environmental education remain at the heart of his work and personal passions.

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