MAY 2020

Dear Friend,

Here are the latest happenings at Houston Audubon.

THE NATURALIST

The May issue of our bi-monthly print newsletter, The Naturalist, will be digital only. Please use the link below to view the web version or download a PDF.

We would also appreciate your feedback on this short survey.

Read The Naturalist Online

COVID-19 RESPONSE

In line with Governor Abbott's plan to re-open the state, Houston Audubon is pleased to announce that beginning May 4, sanctuaries will open to the public. In our effort to open responsibly, access to restrooms and other facilities will be limited at all sanctuary locations. Please check our website for details, restrictions, entry and rules before planning your visit and be mindful that Houston Audubon trails are narrower than many state and federal parks. Visitors are strongly advised to adhere to social distancing practices and use face masks to reduce the chances of coronavirus transmission.

As a special announcement, High Island entrance fees are waived for the remainder of the season. We hope opening the sanctuaries now will provide an opportunity for many to enjoy the few remaining days of spring migration and take in the wonder of these beautiful natural spaces.

Keep up with the latest updates.

WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY - VIRTUAL EVENT

This year, Houston Audubon and the City of Houston, along with our partners in conservation, will host the first online-only World Migratory Bird Day event. We will have links to activities and a variety of virtual workshops, presentations, birding, and more! Join in on any and all of the events and activities to learn more about the importance of Houston for migratory birds and how you can celebrate, enjoy, and protect our migratory species from home!

Click for more information.

There's just a couple of weeks left to participate in or support Birdathon! Our teams are super creative this year and have learned new ways to count species while practicing social distancing! Read how the Eager Egrets Team each birded in a different part of Houston and combined their species lists. Whether you're digital birding from home, birding outside solo or with your virtual team, or simply supporting the cause, we hope everyone will be able to enjoy the birding fun this spring. Please consider donating as you are able during these challenging times.

Support Birdathon

LIGHTS OUT FOR BIRDS!

Lights Out Texas! Dark Skies for Bird Safety

Spring bird migration is in its peak over Texas, filling Houston with a plethora of colorful, melodious visitors. Turning out nonessential lights from April 19 - May 7 is one of the most impactful local actions you can make to save the lives of birds on their journey. As an extension of the city-wide Lights Out for Birds program, Houston Audubon has partnered with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to launch Lights Out Texas - a science-based campaign with the goal of protecting migratory birds from the deadly hazards of artificial light. Learn more on our blog.

RAPTOR PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT

May 22 | 8 AM

Houston Audubon Raptor and Education Center

Hawks, falcons, owls and more await you at Houston Audubon's Raptor Photo Shoots. Whether you use a simple point and shoot or serious photography equipment, you will enjoy meeting and learning about these awesome birds.

We're taking precautions against the spread of COVID-19 with smaller group sizes and increased sanitation at our sanctuaries.

#ForTheBirds

#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Since closing our sanctuaries at the end of March, Houston Audubon has been working behind the scenes connecting people to nature virtually through our bird webcams, live sanctuary broadcasts, virtual education programming, and at-home education resources. Your generous support will help us recover significant revenue losses resulting from uncollected entrance fees and cancellations of programs and events. With your help, we can continue protecting birds and their environment. Please consider supporting us #ForTheBirds. Click the button below to access our Facebook fundraiser, or donate through our website.

Donate today.

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440 Wilchester Blvd.
Houston, TX | 77079 US

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