The Owl Post 🦉 August 2026 Newsletter

Catch up on our latest news!

Dear friend,

August is a month of anticipation. We may still have some of the hottest days of the year ahead of us, but there are already signs that the seasons are beginning to change.

Fall migration doesn't arrive all at once. It starts quietly, with Purple Martins gathering before heading south and shorebirds returning to our beaches after a successful breeding season. It may not have the excitement or spectacle of spring migration, but it's a reminder that migration isn't just a season; it's a process. Long before most people notice, birds are already on the move.

I've been thinking about that a lot lately. At Houston Audubon, we're always looking for ways to better fulfill our mission and connect more people with birds and the habitats they depend on. Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing an exciting new chapter for our organization. While some things will look a little different, what won't change is our commitment to conserving birds and the habitats they depend on.

In the meantime, I hope you'll enjoy this month's Owl Post. Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting our work throughout the year.

With gratitude for your support,

- Jed Aplaca, President & CEO

FEATURED NEWS & EVENTS

Purple Martin Watch Party

Saturday, August 1 & 15

SANCTUARY SNAPSHOT

Houston Audubon protects over 4,300 acres of critical habitat for nearly 400 bird species. We invite you to explore these vital ecosystems and connect with nature firsthand. Here are a few highlights from our most popular public sanctuaries.

Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

By John LeaRussa, ELMNS Sanctuary Lead

Our very own Bird of Houston dropped in at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary this month for a little rest and relaxation amid its hectic summer tour schedule.

When asked about the visit, the Yellow-crowned Night Heron replied, "It's a lovely place to relax and take my mind off the rigors of a very busy season." It also added, "The earthworms, tadpoles, and small fish are quite delectable treats."

Many visitors to the sanctuary were lucky enough to witness this splendid bird up close at our turtle pond, and we're happy to report that everyone respected its space and allowed it to enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Thank you to everyone who enjoyed this special sighting while keeping a safe distance!

On the Coast - High Island and Bolivar Flats

By Wyatt Egelhoff, Sanctuary Manager

In July, many people visited High Island to observe a conspicuous pair of Yellow-green Vireos nesting along High School Road. While this species is a rare and irregular summer visitor to High Island—seen more frequently in summer lately than during spring migration—this marks its first documented nesting attempt on the Upper Texas Coast and likely the northernmost record to date. Unfortunately, the nest was quickly discovered by an enterprising female Brown-headed Cowbird. By the third week of July, the nest was largely unoccupied, though the parents remained present. The status of the fledged (?) cowbird and a second chick photographed inside the nest remains unknown.

Though temperatures may not feel appreciably cooler, August brings significantly more migratory movement. Purple Martins have already begun vacating their breeding areas, staging in large flocks for their journey south; many will have departed the US and Canada by the end of August. Orchard Orioles and Louisiana Waterthrush also begin moving in the latter half of July, with many more following in August.

This month also brings peak shorebird diversity to our region for the fall. Breeding species such as Eastern Willets and Wilson’s Plovers are staging in earnest before migrating south. They are joined by returning Boreal and Arctic breeders such as yellowlegs and various peeps. Most Arctic-breeding shorebirds passing through this time of year are adults, with juveniles arriving much later in the fall. This influx of migrant shorebirds will continue well into September.

By late August, migrant flycatchers will become more prevalent, and the first few Prairie, Mourning, and Canada Warblers will begin appearing in coastal woodlots on the Texas Coast. It is also the best time to see migrating Swallow-tailed Kites before they largely depart our region by the first half of September.

While staff-led programs remain limited on the coast this month, our Bolivar Flats Rambles are still taking place on the 1st Saturday of each month! Join coastal staff as we identify and learn about the myriad shorebirds and other waterbirds that use the mudflats, dunes, and coastal prairies of Port Bolivar.

CONSERVATION CORNER

Impacts of Invasive Species in the Field

By Schyler Brown, Conservation Science Project Manager

While invasive species such as fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) and Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) wreak havoc on native systems along the upper Texas coast, they can also cause major problems for the biologists in the field. Plants like Macartney rose (Rosa bracteata) can form dense mats of thorns that tear up and destroy gear, causing hundreds of dollars of damage to equipment and clothing each season. Fire ants, seeking shelter from the rain, often take refuge inside game cameras and Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs), where they lay sticky eggs. Their bodies, eggs, and larvae can become lodged in circuit boards and SD card slots, shorting out the equipment and rendering it unusable. Invasive birds like the European Starling (Sturnis vulgaris) often take over nest boxes intended for declining native species such as the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) and Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), leading to failed nests and wasting the time and effort biologists put into installing and monitoring the boxes.

To help reduce your chances of spreading invasive species, try planting native plants instead of plants from big box stores. Additionally, always clean off your hiking boots/shoes anytime you finish traveling somewhere to remove seeds or any sneaky insects who took a trip back with you!

IN THE COMMUNITY

Summer Birding at Herman Park Conservancy

By Christine Wehrli, Community Outreach Manager

This summer, amidst all the World Cup excitement, Hermann Park Conservancy welcomed the world to Houston with Kicking It at Hermann Park, presented by ExxonMobil—a free, public celebration of culture, community, and the unifying spirit of sport.

Houston Audubon led two Sunset Bird Walks through the park in June and July with current board member, volunteer, and survey leader, Peter Tsan. The wooded areas, ponds and bayou attract over 150 species of birds each year. While summer does not have the same variety of species that appear during migration periods, there was still a lot to notice and appreciate. For several people, it was their first time ever on a bird walk. Some highlights included spotting Cooper's Hawks in treetops, admiring the lone rooster in the park, and seeing ducklings of all species.

To learn more about Hermann Park Conservancy, including their upcoming programming, visit: https://hermannpark.org/