Dear friend,
2023 ushers in an exciting time for Houston Audubon as we engage in long range strategic planning for the organization.  We also look forward to elevating our efforts to grow a broader, more inclusive alliance of members, volunteers, and collaborators.  We recognize that greater conservation gains are needed to address the insurmountable challenges that birds face which contribute to their continued population declines.  In the coming year, we will assess our organizational strengths, needs to address the challenges we face, and the opportunities to leverage our strengths and partnerships.  This assessment will chart our future course to help reverse trends in bird populations that are declining, maintain stability of healthy bird populations, and build a more biodiverse region that increases equitable access to the valuable benefits of nature. A survey, which you will receive later this month, will be part of our assessment.  As an invaluable supporter of and participant in Houston Audubon’s conservation work, your input is important to us. Thank you in advance for your feedback, and thank you for being a part of Houston Audubon. Here is to a fruitful 2023- Happy New Year!Â
- Helen E. Drummond, Executive Director
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Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
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We survived the freeze, but that's not all we'll see of the cold weather in the coming months. A lot of our critters are out grabbing a bite to eat during the warmer minutes of the day. Give them space and watch your step for sunning reptiles and amphibians. Bridges and walkways ice up more quickly in the sanctuary just as they do on the highway, so use caution while hiking the trails. Enjoy the change of seasons and know that spring is not far away!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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Winter programming continues, and plans are underway for spring break and summer camps! Registration for both will open on February 1. Email Mary Anne Morris for details and registration.
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The Raptor and Education Center is open for visitors on Fridays from 10 AM - 4 PM and by appointment. 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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Upcoming Programs at the Raptor and Education Center
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On the Coast - High Island and Bolivar Flats
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We've continued to develop the trail and parking infrastructure at our Horseshoe Marsh Sanctuary in Port Bolivar and will be hosting a volunteer tree planting in February. We are also partnering with SPLASh and American Bird Conservancy on a trash clean-up on Frenchtown Road in Port Bolivar on Saturday, January 21st. This site borders the Horseshoe Marsh property, and these clean-ups help prevent trash (especially microfilament) from entering the sanctuary. Click here to register.Â
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With the help of a dozen volunteers, we managed to remove several hundred yards of old barbed-wire fencing from within Smith Oaks. Our next volunteer workday will be Saturday, January 14th. Email volunteer@houstonaudubon.org for details.Â
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The Coastal Sanctuaries staff and a few intrepid birders managed to record over 120 bird species in 24 hours while covering High Island and the surrounding marshes for the Bolivar Christmas Bird Count. Some stand-outs were an Ash-throated Flycatcher discovered at Smith Oaks (Grackle Pond), three species of wintering Hummingbirds (Ruby-throated, Buff-bellied, and Rufous), and an impressive single flock of 31 Black Scoters that flew within 20 yards of shore at the High Island sea-watch.Â
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The mosquitos are still ravenous here on the coast, so ample repellent and a head-net are recommended for those planning on visiting the High Island Sanctuaries, which are open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.Â
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We're excited to welcome our 2023 Young Professionals Advisory Council! Meet the new group and stay tuned to hear about the wonderful things they plan to accomplish this year.Â
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The photo blind at Boy Scout Woods will be available for reservations every day from March 26-May 5, 2023. General registration begins on January 16. Houston Audubon members receive access to early registration from January 9-15. Become a member now to have first dibs on the best slots!Â
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It's not too late to donate to our year-end giving campaign! Your contribution will help us protect more critical habitat, provide more native plants to urban communities, make our community science efforts more robust, and reach more people with nature-based education. Â
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You can support Houston Audubon by shopping our Amazon wish list! Your donation will help our staff and volunteers carry out their critical work. Be sure to shop AmazonSmile and select us as your charity of choice-we get an additional donation from Amazon with no cost to you!
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Support the care of our education ambassador birds with an honorary adoption - perfect as a gift to yourself or the raptor lover in your life. Proceeds go towards housing, food, and vet care.Â
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440 Wilchester Blvd. | Houston, TX 77079 US
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