Dear friend,
It has been rewarding and joyful to continue our collaboration with this year’s Witness Series—exploring Indigenous, African American, Latino and Asian connections—and Black Birders Week, which returns for its fourth year from May 28-June 3. We are celebrating Black Birders Week a little early this year but are excited to host The Nature Heritage Society, our Sunnyside community partner in conservation, for a day at Smith Oaks Bird Sanctuary on May 21.  This year’s theme for Black Birders Week is “Flying Full Circle— celebrating the variety of expressive ways in which we share our joy for birds across the diaspora.” Our Conservation Science and Land Conservation teams will join forces to guide and curate a great birding experience for over 50 community members. This event will be a first-time rookery experience for many, and I am thrilled we will be able to share the beauty and wonder one can experience at the Rookery with our valued partner. Â
- Helen E. Drummond, Executive Director
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May 18, 2023 from 5 - 7:30 PM
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Join Houston Audubon and some of our regional partners in a conversation about local conservation. Starting with AviChat "Lite," we'll hear from the International Crane Foundation, Galveston Bay Foundation, and Harris County Public Health about local conservation projects. The evening keynote will be delivered by Dr. Richard Gibbons, Gulf Coast Program Manager for American Bird Conservancy. Richard will be speaking on the State of Prairie Bird Conservation on the Upper Texas Coast. Join us to learn more about bird conservation efforts on the Texas coast!
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Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
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Edith L. Moore has not slowed down with spring migrants, and we should expect several more weeks of great birds including increased numbers of small flycatchers (possibly Alder, Yellow-bellied, Willow, Olive-sided) and later-arriving warblers like Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, Mourning, and Canada. Box turtles are on the move all over the property, so keep your eyes out and make sure to enjoy from a distance. There has been pretty low mosquito activity up until this week, but it’s time to pack your bug spray!
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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| Limited Spots Remaining - Summer Camps
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Get your kids outside to explore nature and wildlife! Weekly summer camps include nature hikes, crafts, and fun activities all about birds and wildlife. Immerse your child in the wonders of the natural world and inspire a lifelong curiosity and conservation ethic for all living things. Summer camps with Houston Audubon are small group, nature-focused, and expertly led by our staff naturalists.
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Raptor and Education Center
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Spring is in full swing at the Raptor Center. The Carolina Chickadees and Carolina Wren families already have fledglings that are learning their way around the property and the great brush piles in the forest. These brush piles provide an ample supply of tiny insects to forage on as well as protection from predators. The pond is surrounded by blooming Louisiana Iris and is a regular stop in the morning for the Barred Owls.
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The last chance to come out to a photo shoot before the heat of the summer sets in will be in May. We have two more Raptor Photo Shoots on May 11 & 24.
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Children 8-12 can join us at our Raptors Rock Summer Camp from July 5-7. Campers get to interact with many of our ambassador raptors and participate in outdoor activities, exploratory nature hikes, meaningful crafts, and more.Â
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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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On the Coast - High Island and Bolivar Flats
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We enjoyed several days of cold fronts and north or easterly winds this month, which has meant there have consistently been a greater number and variety of songbird species using the coastal sanctuaries. Highlights have included Cape May and Black-throated Blue Warblers, Tropical Parula, Fish Crow, and multiple nesting Anhinga (in addition to the myriad of other nesting egrets and herons). Least Terns and Wilson’s Plovers have also begun nesting at Bolivar Flats. Migration is far from over, and we’re excited to see which birds visit us in May!
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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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H-E-B Tearpad Campaign
From April 12-May 23, all H-E-B & Central Market customers can contribute a donation to EarthShare Texas environmental nonprofit members. Just add your donation at the register upon checkout!
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