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SUBJECTS
Birds: Identification, Help for Injured/Orphaned Birds, Threats to Birds, Birdhouses, Backyard Bird Problems
Bird Sightings: What's Being Seen at Houston Audubon Sanctuaries and on the Upper Texas Coast, Seasonal Reports, Rare Bird Alerts
Conservation: Houston Audubon Sanctuaries, Land Conservation Projects, Hot Topics (Current Environmental Concerns)
Houston Audubon Activities: Events and Programs for
Adults, Children, and Families, Membership, and Donation Programs
Resources: Newsletters, Maps, Checklists, Nature Areas, Nature Guides, Nature Fact Sheets
If you can't find your answer here, please
contact us. Find full contact information, including office hours, locations, and telephone numbers, on our
contact page.
BIRDS
What is this bird?
To identify a bird, try the
Right Bird online guide.
Once you've narrowed it down a bit, use the
Cornell Lab's online guide for more information.
To learn more about a bird species found on the Upper Texas Coast, visit our
Bird Gallery, which has photos and notes for most of the species seen locally.
I found an injured/baby bird. What do I do?
For emergency procedures see the Frequently Asked Questions on the Wildlife Rehab & Education site.
For a list of wildlife rehabbers, visit the Wildlife Rescue & Rehab Links on our website.
How do I report a threat to birds or their habitat?
Our Threats to Birds and Their Habitat explains the laws and has contact information.
Where can I find birdhouse plans?
Nest box plans on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website
Birdhouses 101
Nest Structures, Feeders, and Photo Blinds on the USGUS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center website.
How do I discourage a bird who is being a pest or is flying into my windows?
How to Prevent Birds From Flying into Windows: fact sheet prepared by the American Bird Conservancy.
Dealing with Predators and Pests in Your Yard (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) has much helpful advice.
For more tips, see Backyard Bird Problems on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife site.
Please remember that under Texas law it is illegal to tamper or destroy the nest, eggs, or young of any wild bird.
BIRD SIGHTINGS
What's being seen at the Houston Audubon sanctuaries and on the Upper Texas Coast?
The High Island and Bolivar Peninsula sanctuaries, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, and Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center are all eBird HotSpots. You can check what is being seen by using the observation summary tables. (It is not necessary to register to use the tables).
Check the Houston Audubon sanctuary blog for notes on what's happening at Houston Audubon sanctuaries.
Explore the Texbirds archives for what's being seen in Texas.
What should I expect to see July - November?
The Upper Texas Coast witnesses a steady flow of migratory birds beginning as early as July and lasting through November. Many species hug the coastline on their way to South and Central America for the winter.
Shorebirds: See
A Birdwalk at Bolivar Flats by Cin-Ty Lee of Rice University.
The Rookery at Smith Oaks: Sunset is a magical time at the Rookery in late summer and fall, with potentially thousands of birds coming to roost on the island in Claybottom Pond. This show starts about an hour before sunset when the first birds trickle in, soon it is small flocks, then big flocks, then they pour in from all directions. (The Rookery webpage).
Hawks: Hawk migration begins in August. Within the city limits, in August
Mississippi Kites soaring overhead are a common sight. The
Smith Point Hawk Watch, sponsored by the
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory has counters and volunteers daily August 15 - November 15.
Hummingbirds: Migration begins in July and lasts through October; peak numbers are in September.
Houston Audubon Hummingbird Fact Sheet.
Swifts and Swallows: Peak numbers for
Purple Martins are in July and August. The largest congregations of
Chimney Swifts are in September and October. Not as well known are the spectacular numbers of swallows, particularly
Barn and Tree, which may be seen along the coast August through October.
Fall Coastal Landbirds: See Don Verser's article and spreadsheet of
Fall Migration Data on this website.
Radar Patterns: Migration patterns, particularly of Purple Martins, are sometimes visible on weather surveillance radar. To learn more, see our Purple Martins page and
Radar Ornithology: Introduction on the Clemson University website.
More information: on Houston Audubon's Fall Migration webpage.
What rarities are being seen?
The NARBA website, a service of Houston Audubon, is the home for both the North American Rare Bird Alert (NARBA) and the Texas Rare Bird Alert.
CONSERVATION
Where can I find out about Houston Audubon sanctuaries?
Our Sanctuary Section has pages on all sanctuaries. Information includes descriptions, locations, hours, maps, and checklists.
What are Houston Audubon's land conservation projects?
Houston Audubon Land Conservation Section
What are Houston Audubon's current environmental concerns?
Houston Audubon Hot Topics
HOUSTON AUDUBON ACTIVITIES
What events and programs does Houston Audubon have?
Monthly Membership Meetings, September through May.
Houston Audubon Family and Children's Programs: Houston Audubon holds programs at Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center and at away locations. Offerings include Bayou Buddies (preschoolers), Girl Scout Badge workshops, Discover Birds Outreach Programs, Family Nature Explore Club, Library Programs, Summer Camps, and Bird Educator Workshops
The Audubon Docents: offer family and children's programs at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, including Titmouse Club (preschoolers), Guided Tours, Birthday Parties, After-School Nature Explorers Club, Owl Prowls, Open Houses, Library Programs, and Summer Camps.
Houston Audubon Bird Counts and Surveys
Houston Audubon Birding Classes
Galveston County Group
Houston Audubon Nature Photography Association (HANPA)
Volunteer Activities: work days and trail days, sanctuary office help, festival assistance, and more.
Donation Programs
How do I Join Houston Audubon?
Membership Information: for new and renewing members.
Houston Audubon Young Professionals: The Night Owls conservation group for ages 21-40.
RESOURCES
What additional resources does Houston Audubon have?
Houston Audubon Newsletters and E-News
Maps and Checklists for Houston Audubon sanctuaries
Houston Audubon Nature Fact Sheets on Gardening for Wildlife, Nocturnal Wildlife, Butterflies and Moths, Bats, Snakes, Make Your Cup of Joe Work for Bird Conservation, and Fall for Composting
Information about Nature Areas on the Upper Texas Coast
Recommended Local Nature Tour Guides
Nature Links for Kids
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