Dear friend,
The inaugural season of Houston Audubon’s Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship Program (MAPS) banding at Carolyn Raizes Davis ends this month. Our conservation science team weathered the summer heat over the last couple of months to begin the bird banding program. Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, White-eyed Vireos, and Swainson’s Thrush were among the species banded this breeding season. The project will not only help us better understand how our 63-acres of bottomland forest adjacent to Chocolate Bayou in Brazoria County is being used by our local bird population, but also enables Houston Audubon to collaborate with others on a continental scale and contribute much needed data to a larger project studying breeding birds’ survival and productivity. Bird banding during the summer breeding season in our region is not for the faint of heart but we are excited about adding this element of monitoring to our sanctuary assessments.
- Helen E. Drummond, Executive Director
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Luis Revilla Mata. 2022 Winner, Bird City
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| FLOCK TOGETHER PHOTO CONTEST
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SUBMISSIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
AUGUST 1-31, 2023
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Photographers of all skill levels are invited to participate in Houston Audubon's 3rd annual Flock Together Photo Contest coordinated by our YPAC. Categories include: Sanctuary Spotlight, Raptors, Not Just A, Small in Frame, Birds of all Feathers, and the People's Choice Award! Learn more and submit a photo by August 31!
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Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
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Hot weather and lack of rain is having an effect on trees at Edith Moore. Heat-stressed older trees can die or lose branches for a variety of reasons. We are keeping a close eye on the forest and removing trees that pose a danger to visitors, but stay aware of what’s above you while you visit! Please let us know if you see any trees or branches that have fallen or look suspicious. Don’t worry – this is the life-cycle of the forest, the smaller trees will survive and grow up to fill the spaces left by larger trees.
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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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August for the education department is a time to regroup after a successful summer of camps and outreach. We will be working on some maintenance issues at the Bayou Barn this month to provide a safer and climate-controlled experience for our upcoming fall programming. All of our fall and winter programming is open for registration. Whether you're interested in tours, photography, art, or owl prowls, be sure to make plans to join us!
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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.
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On the Coast - High Island and Bolivar Flats
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The heat of summer is far from over, but fall songbird migration is getting its tentative start in the coastal sanctuaries. Our earliest migrants such as Louisiana Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, and Purple Martins have begun trickling southward, joining the growing congregations of shorebirds that are now moving in earnest for the autumn season. Our local breeding wading birds at Smith Oaks have been joined by the season’s first Wood Storks, having dispersed northward from breeding colonies in Eastern Mexico.
Help keep our coast clean for birds and people by joining our North Jetty Bait Camp Cleanup in partnership with SPLASh and Texas Conservation Alliance on August 12!
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Shop our Amazon Wish List
You can support Houston Audubon by shopping our Amazon wish list! From office supplies to sanctuary maintenance equipment, your donation will help our staff and volunteers carry out their critical work.
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Adopt a Bird
Did you know August 4 is International Owl Awareness Day? You can show your support with an honorary adoption of one of our hardworking owl ambassadors! Each adoption kit contains a beautiful photograph of the owl you choose, a personalized certificate and a fact sheet. Give a Hoot and adopt today!
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Avian Affair Wine Pull
Donate a bottle of wine valued at $40 or more for the Avian Affair Wine Pull. You can purchase a bottle at Houston Wine Merchant by calling them at (713) 524-3397 or stopping by their location at 2646 S Shepherd Dr. Be sure and mention Houston Audubon. Supporters will also receive 10% off on any other wine purchases that they make for themselves!
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440 Wilchester Blvd. | Houston, TX 77079 US
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