Dear friend,
As the avian conservation community aims to gain a better understanding of bird migration patterns and variations, new models and systems like BirdFlow are developed every year. Insights on migration timing, stopover sites, bird response to climate change, light pollution and other factors are being evaluated, and researchers are harnessing the power of community science by tapping into eBird, the massive repository of data and information managed by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Over 100 million reports are logged on eBird every year, and the sum of those individual reports taken in aggregate helps scientists study patterns. Houston Audubon contributes to eBird through routine bird monitoring within our sanctuaries, monthly bird surveys, spring migration bird walks, community-centered bird walks, field trips and more. The greater Houston Audubon community contributes even more, and we thank all of our community scientists who help build this important resource with us. Now that we’re entering peak migration, we look forward to seeing all of you using eBird as you enjoy the birding season. Â
- Helen E. Drummond, Executive Director
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BIRDATHON REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
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Join us for our annual birding fundraiser! Each spring, birders of all skill levels are encouraged to get out in nature and count birds while raising funds for Houston Audubon's critical conservation efforts. This year, we've added a recreational team category for those who prefer to take it easy. Grab some friends and spend some time in nature counting birds, because birds count.Â
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Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
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Warblers and vireos are here! Things are heating up for spring birding at ELM, so bring your binoculars and camera to join in on the fun! The Eastern gate (accessed from the MDUMC parking lot) is the fastest and easiest way to get right into the woods. Please remember there is no pishing or playback of bird calls allowed at any Houston Audubon sanctuary. Happy birding!Â
Edith L. Moore Sanctuary is open daily but certain amenities such as the cabin and restrooms are not available on holidays and Sundays. We welcome wildlife photographers and families taking pictures of each other, but professional photo sessions do require a permit. Be sure to stop by and enjoy the trails!
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Raptor and Education Center
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Fleabane and frogs are popping up everywhere. Spring has sprung at the Raptor Center and we are enjoying the songs of wrens, cardinals and warblers in the forest. The Yellow-rumped Warblers are sporting their beautiful breeding plumage and will be heading north in the coming weeks. The bluebirds in our boxes at the Houston Botanic Garden already have hungry nestlings that are keeping the parents busy.
We greatly appreciate the Camin Cargo employees who were out recently to help prep the gardens for spring planting.
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The Raptor and Education Center is open for visitors on Fridays from 10 AM - 4 PM and by appointment. We will also be open for visitors on Earth Day – Saturday April 22nd. Call (713) 640-2407 to make an appointment outside these hours. Admission is free for Houston Audubon members and $5/person for non-members.Â
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On the Coast - High Island and Bolivar Flats
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We want to thank the volunteers that came out for the last High Island Workday of spring, during which we were able to plant over 600 native plants around the new Morse Field Station. These plants consisted of a wide variety of grasses and forbs furnished by Houston Audubon's own Natives Nurseries.
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We celebrated our annual High Island Volunteer picnic on March 25th - thank you to all who have donated their time and energy to Houston Audubon and our Coastal Sanctuaries. It is a tremendous help, and we couldn’t accomplish all that we do on the coast without you! This is the time of year when all that hard work comes to fruition, and we hope you have a chance to enjoy the sanctuaries you’ve helped us maintain and improve for birds and other native wildlife.
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As March draws to a close, spring migration has ramped up in earnest here on the Gulf coast. The first waves of more southerly breeding songbird species (e.g. White-eyed Vireo, Northern Parula, Hooded Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler) have begun passing through our coastal sanctuaries. Bolivar Flats is hosting several thousand migrant shorebirds and other waterbirds daily, many of which are either in or coming into breeding plumage. This makes identifying all those sandpipers a little easier. Our next beach ramble at Bolivar Flats will be April 1st, and should provide ample opportunities to learn and practice shorebird ID.
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April is our busiest month on the Coast, and we are excited to offer a wide range of walks, talks, and programs.Â
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Beach-nesting Birds
It's the season for beach-nesting birds! From about Spring Break through Labor Day, beachgoers in Texas have the opportunity to share these beautiful spaces with a myriad of nesting birds, including Wilson’s Plovers, Least Terns, and even Common Nighthawks. At the beginning of March, over two dozen volunteers and staff cleaned the dunes and wrack-line at Bolivar Flats in preparation for the beach-nesting bird season. Houston Audubon staff continued the ongoing collaboration with American Bird Conservancyand and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to post symbolic fencing and signage at Bolivar Flats, East Beach/Apffel Park, and the beachfront of Anahuac NWR South Unit. Please give the birds and fencing a wide berth. Houston Audubon staff and volunteers will be monitoring these sites throughout the summer, so if you see us on the beach, feel free to ask us about the birds!
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Join the Flock! Become a Member Today
Become a Houston Audubon member for as little as $35/year! Enjoy free admission to the Raptor Center, discounts at our nature stores, members-only field trips, and more!
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Shop our Amazon Wish List
You can support Houston Audubon by shopping our Amazon wish list! Your donation will help our staff and volunteers carry out their critical work.Â
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