The Owl Post | Houston Audubon Monthly News

JULY 2021

Dear Friend,

Here are the latest happenings at Houston Audubon.

PLASTIC FREE JULY

We’re excited to participate in Plastic Free July alongside millions of organizations and individuals from more than 170 different countries. Plastic Free July provides an opportunity for individuals to pledge to varying levels of plastic reduction for the month of July (or even just one day!)
By joining together to participate, we can affect change worldwide. Stay tuned across Houston Audubon’s social media channels for opportunities to learn more about Plastic Free July, connect with others, and win fun giveaways! And don’t forget to take the #PlasticFreeJuly challenge by visiting www.plasticfreejuly.org.
P.S. If you're interested in learning more about how you can reduce your plastic use year-round and connecting with others doing the same, join our Plastic Free Houston Facebook group!

SPRING REPORT

Our Spring Report, The Warbler, is now online! Check it out to read beautiful stories of spring birding and learn what Houston Audubon staff and volunteers have been up to the past few months.

SHOW YOUR PLUMAGE

We're excited to announce the launch of our new conservation license plate! The featured Eastern Meadowlark, an iconic prairie species commonly found throughout Texas, was chosen by a committee of bird enthusiasts because of its need for conservation action. 
The license plate, sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is available for purchase through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. $22 of the annual $30 plate fee collected comes to Houston Audubon. Order your plate »

AROUND OUR SANCTUARIES

Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Come on by this summer to immerse yourself in 17 acres of wildlife habitat. Experience and contemplate nature with the birds, bugs, flora, and other wildlife. Take a self-guided tour to get acquainted »
Summer camps are in full swing, so expect some kiddos around the sanctuary!
* Volunteer Opportunities *
We have many volunteer opportunities at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary this summer. You can be a Sanctuary Steward, join our Tuesday Trail Crew, or assist us with a brand new Tree Survey Project. 
The Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. Access and parking are available in the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church's west parking lot. Admission is free; if you enjoy your visit, you can help preserve nature in the city by making a donation. Visitor Information »

Raptor and Education Center

Summer hours: Due to summer camps, the Raptor and Education Center will be open for limited hours through August 9. We are open every Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. For all other days, please call ahead to schedule a time for your visit. Visitor Information »
Join our new Monday Maintenance Crew from 7-10 AM every other Monday!  All skill levels welcome! Volunteer »

High Island and Bolivar Flats

We have lots of great updates from the coast! We recently treated 14 acres of Chinese Tallow at Horseshoe Marsh as part of ongoing construction of the new Horseshoe Marsh Nature Trail. The new Coastal Natives Nursery is set to have irrigation installed, bringing it one step closer to native plant production.
The Rookery at Smith Oaks is still very active. Most birds have chicks and/or have fledged, and Cattail Island in Smith Pond is overflowing with birds!

SAVE THE DATES

We invite you to our annual fundraising dinner on October 21, honoring Jim Winn with the Lifetime Service Award. 
Featuring keynote speaker Sneed B. Collard III, Author and Naturalist
Houston Bird Week is about celebrating the important role our city plays in the lives of billions of birds with a week of events centered around our region’s birds and wildlife.

FROM THE BLOG

Bird-Friendly Beachgoing
Many of us are flocking to beaches this summer. Whether you’re heading down to Galveston for the day or to a tropical island for a week-long vacation, follow these guidelines to ensure you’re being a good steward to our beach-loving birds! Read more »

EVENTS

Purple Martin Migration Madness Watch Parties 

Join us to watch the amazing spectacle of Purple Martin migration! From July to September, Purple Martins spend most of the day feeding on flying insects to build energy for their long journey across the Gulf of Mexico, and form large flocks at dusk to roost together. 
Upcoming Watch Parties: July 18, August 7, August 22 

PHOTOGRAPHY

Flock Together Photo Contest
We're bringing nature lovers, birders, & photographers together for the first ever Houston Audubon photo contest! 

VIRTUAL

Volunteer Happy Hour
Meet new friends and fellow bird lovers over the beverage of your choice and learn more about how you can get involved. 
July 22
Go birding from the comfort of your home with our bird cameras!
Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary
Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

MEMBER CORNER

Members-Only Field Trips

Members 50 and older are invited to join our field trip to tour the Texas A&M Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collection on July 7. Register » 
Join the Flock!
Become a Houston Audubon member for as little as $35. Support bird conservation while receiving great benefits, such as free admission to the Raptor Center, members-only field trips, discounts at our natives nursery and nature shops, and more!
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