Dear friend,
Houston Audubon is an organization rich in history and full of stories. The “spark bird” is a classic Houston Audubon story, one many of us share. The story of the bird that first inspired us to want to see more birds is memorable. Like our “spark bird,” sharing the opportunity to experience nature with someone who has not had a meaningful experience can be impactful. I’ve seen this firsthand, not only with my daughter, but with children our education team have touched with their programs, and with adults who have joined us on bird walks or community events. Connecting more people to nature in a meaningful way is one of Houston Audubon’s goals. Imagine if everyone loved nature as much as we do. The state of conservation could look vastly different. Help us connect more people to nature by sharing your story, volunteering, taking someone on a bird walk, or simply introducing people to the world of Houston Audubon. We can all be a spark!
- Helen E. Drummond, Executive Director
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Join Houston Audubon YPAC members for a lively discussion of avian literature! This meeting's selection will be Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy, available for checkout at Houston Public Libraries.
Books are selected with the intention of showcasing how birds and books are connected, to foster an environment where readers and birders alike can connect. Everyone is invited and welcome to join for free! Registration required.
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Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 2-3 PM
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Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
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School’s out for the summer and all the animals are out and about as well! Look for swamp rabbits, turtles, cichlid fish and gar in the creek, and of course birds. We're putting the finishing touches on a new educational installation inside the historic log cabin. The artifacts featured tell the story of Edith L. Moore, the sanctuary, Houston Audubon and bird conservation. Please stop by and enjoy taking a deeper look into the history of our headquarters location.
Remember: Rummel Creek is part of the Houston city bayou system and is not considered a safe area to swim or play, especially for young children. Summer camps and other activities will make the sanctuary a little busier than usual, but our gates open at 7 am Monday – Saturday so come early to avoid the heat and the crowds.
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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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This spring brought visitors from all over including Canada, South Carolina, Ohio, New Hampshire and of course Texas. We have experienced angry snakes, happy butterflies and lots of interesting fungus growth. Stop by this summer to meet our raptors and explore the beautiful sanctuary!
There are still spots available for our Raptors Rock Summer Camp from July 5-7 for kids ages 8-12. Learn more and register.
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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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As May turns to June, most of the migrant species that graced the coast this spring have departed for points north, with only a few stragglers left. A few days of light North winds in the latter half of May produced uncharacteristically cool temperatures and many of the expected late-season migrants were in abundance. These included several hundred Eastern Wood-Pewees and various Empidonax flycatchers in the High Island Sanctuaries, along with many Magnolia, Canada, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted Warblers, and American Redstarts. While this doesn’t happen every year, it served as a good reminder that a large volume of migrants are often still moving through the Upper Texas Coast into the third week of May.
The wading-bird rookery at Smith Oaks is becoming increasingly noisy as more and more nests hatch. Most of the Neotropic Cormorant and Great Egret nests (which started in February/March) are sporting large chicks. Snowy Egret and Tricolored Heron nests are beginning to hatch, and Cattle Egrets are sitting tight on eggs. A few Roseate Spoonbills now have chicks, and many more are expected to hatch in the coming week. Our Anhinga nest (visible off to the south of the Clay Bottom Pond overlook of the canopy) has large chicks now. While mosquitoes and deer flies are now in abundance, the canopy walkway usually provides an insect-free way of enjoying Smith Oaks.
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The nesting season at Bolivar Flats continues to ramp up as well. There are a smattering of Wilson’s Plover pairs nesting along the beach front, with one or two nests already hatching chicks. Several dozen Least Tern pairs are also nesting both within and outside of the symbolic fencing we erected back in March. A reminder to those recreating at Bolivar Flats that the safest place to walk is in the wet sand near the surf. This will reduce the chances of stepping on a nest and will make it easier to see camouflaged chicks (which stand out much better against the darker wet sand). We will continue to have monthly rambles at Bolivar Flats on the first Saturday of the month - the next one is June 3rd. Remember to bring ample water and sun protection.
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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.
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Summer Membership Sale
Become a Houston Audubon member between June 1-30 for 15% off ALL membership levels! View all the great benefits and sign up today to support birds all year long.
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440 Wilchester Blvd. | Houston, TX 77079 US
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