What a Bird Week! We loved seeing so many people come out, participate, and show their support for birds and the places they call home.
One of the things that makes Birds Houston so special is our people! Our incredible volunteers, board members, YPAC members, staff, members, and supporters bring passion and energy to our mission. There are so many ways to join them: visit a sanctuary, participate in a bird survey, program, or workday, become a member, or join us for our annual Avian Affair. Thank you for helping make a difference for birds and wildlife across our region!
Jed Aplaca, President & CEO
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| Friday, October 9, 2026 • 6-10 PM
THE REVAIRE
7122 Old Katy Rd.
Houston, TX 77024
Silent Auction • Seated Dinner • Program
Keynote Speaker: Nate Swick
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Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary |
By John LeaRussa, Sanctuary Team Lead
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Greetings from Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary and happy October. Even though summer continues to hang on here at the sanctuary, I hope your fall activities can include some “Octoberfest-like” enjoyment! Things here in the sanctuary continue to be “crispy” and we are really hoping for more rainfall in October to quench our very parched tree population. All of the trails are open and in good shape so please come out and visit! When you visit, please know that Harris County work crews are still working on the drainage improvements project along Wilchester. The good news is that they are on the final phase of the project and the road is estimated to be re-opened by the middle of October. Two-way controlled traffic flow has been re-established in the south bound lane of Wilchester only. We encourage visitors to use the East Gate entrance, and parking is available at the church. Â
We are also looking forward to beginning our monthly community workdays at ELMNS this weekend. We are shifting the workday schedule to fall on the first Saturday of each month (October thru April) to avoid conflicts around the holidays. Everything of beauty throughout the sanctuary is due to the time, talent, and generosity of our volunteers and donors. Thank you so much for all that you do and I hope to see many of you here at ELMNS for the first workday of the season on Saturday, October 3rd, from 9AM to 12PM.Â
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By Wyatt Egelhoff, Sanctuary Manager
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October brings with it the hope for cooler temps and the start of the busy restoration season on the coast. Expect to see a few new faces on the coast this month–Brooke Adam, Kayla Kutka, and Isaac Boden will be joining the coastal team as the latest cohort of Conservation Technicians. They’ll be working closely with staff to execute the various restoration activities planned for this fall/winter, as well as conducting bird monitoring, facilities maintenance, and other habitat management projects.
Fall migration continues to pulse through the woods and mudflats of the Bolivar Peninsula and the diversity and volume of birds continues to increase. As October sets in, it's worth keeping a closer eye on potential cold fronts pushing through to the coast, as these weather patterns tend to produce particularly productive birding. Recent rain has not quite made up for the summer deficit, but it has made for ample mosquitoes in the sanctuaries. Long sleeves and repellent are always recommended.
Wading birds are beginning to congregate before migrating south, so the islands at Smith Oaks are well-attended with roosting birds each evening. Several hundred Neotropic Cormorants are once again beginning to lay eggs for their fall nesting season.
Join us at these upcoming events on the coast!
Bolivar Flats Ramble: Saturday, October 3, 10AM-12PM
High Island Sanctuary Workday: Saturday, October 10, 8:30AM-12PM (lunch provided)
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That's a Wrap on Bird Week 2026 |
By Christine Wehrli, Community Outreach Manager
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The 8th annual Houston Bird Week was a great success! Organized by our YPAC, Birds Houston and 48 partners hosted 50+ birdy events throughout our region, including walks, webinars, trivia, cleanups, and more.
For the first time ever at Bird Week, we hosted a tattoo fundraiser at our Kick-Off Party. Three talented and generous tattoo artists created custom birdy "flash tattoos" and donated a portion of proceeds from all bird tattoos throughout Bird Week to support Birds Houston. Those not interested in getting permanently inked joined in on the fun with a variety of temporary tattoos!
Our wonderful partners at Frost Town brewed up another delicious beer for Bird Week, the Lights Out Lager, a vibrant lager brewed to remind us to keep our beers bright but our lights off. 20% of the proceeds of this beer and associated merch goes to Birds Houston. Bird Week may be over, but you can still grab a pint or six-pack to show your support while supplies last!
If you or someone you know would like to be involved in planning events like Bird Week next year, consider joining YPAC. Applications are open now through October 15.
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| By Schyler Brown, Conservation Project Manager
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Did you miss your opportunity to see a specific bird this spring? Maybe a Northern Yellow Warbler or a Baltimore Oriole? If you are new to birding, worry not. Birds migrating to their breeding grounds in spring must make their way back to their wintering grounds. This gives birders an opportunity to see species they missed in the spring! Additionally, some birds take slightly different routes back south to their wintering grounds, and in some areas of the United States, this means seeing a new composition of bird diversity in the fall!
The miracle of fall migration raises a very important conservation issue – it is a reminder that birds use many different geographic regions, landscapes, and ecoregions throughout their lifecycle. For example, the Blackburnian Warbler breeds in the evergreen forests of the Appalachian Mountains but winters in vastly different habitat like the cloud forests of South America. If you want to support migrating birds throughout the year, wherever they are, consider making a donation to a conservation organization outside of your region!
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This fall, be on the lookout for this striking bird climbing the trees in your yard! If you have mature trees, you have good habitat for this woodpecker. They rely on tall, soft trees such as pines to excavate their nest cavities. Attract them to your yard by converting dead or dangerous trees to snags (20 feet or higher) that can be used for cavities. Red-bellied Woodpeckers eat acorns, insects, and fruit, and are also known to cache food. Attract them to your yard by putting out suet or sunflower seeds.
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Birds Houston is the leading force behind bird conservation on the Upper Texas coast. Since 1969, we have protected habitats that birds need to nest and rest during long migrations. Looking forward, we envision a future where our communities are greener, our water is cleaner, and the entire Houston region is healthier for birds and for all of us.
We invite you to discover the rich diversity of birds that live in and pass through this region; be inspired by the sights and songs that fill our neighborhoods and communities; and to join us in conserving the special habitats birds need, from serene wetlands and lush woodlands to coastal beaches and city parks.
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