Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
I
Contents: n late summer there were chirps of excitement
building across Houston. Our area is known
At the Crossroads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
worldwide for an abundance of bird species,
Seed Collecting for the especially during spring and fall migration. Most
Bolivar Peninsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 birders head to protected habitats near the coast,
the eastern pineywoods, and the bottomlands to
Addition to the Bird Pond Unit . . . 3 enjoy the migration. However, birder and casual
observer alike rubbed elbows beneath an old
Dos Vacas Cleanup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 sugar refinery situated on a major interstate and
surrounded by the suburbs of Sugar Land.
Bolivar Restoration Project
The Imperial Sugar Company and the refinery
Planting Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
were founded in 1843 and claim to be the oldest
While humankind no longer resides in the
Christmas Bird Counts . . . . . . . . . . . 4 continuously operating business in the state of
structure, a new resident took the opportunity
Texas. The refinery stopped refining in 2003 and
to claim squatter’s rights and has arrived in great
Species Profile has remained just a quiet reminder of days gone
force. Chimney Swifts have discovered the old
Lincoln’s Sparrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 by to the busy citizens of Sugar Land. The char
smoke stacks and have apparently spread the
house building has scattered broken windows
message to swifts from far and wide.
Holiday at the Cabin . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 and a rusty historical marker hidden and forgotten
in the front yard under the old live oaks.
continued on page 7
Membership Meetings
Place: United Way Center Pribilof Islands. repository of bird
50 Waugh Drive population information.
Time: 7:00 p.m. Social Ron is a research &
development engineer An analysis of CBC data
7:30 p.m. Meeting over the past 40 years
with the Dow Chemical
Company. He is the allows scientists to see
November 11, 2009 how more than 300
Immediate Past President
The Attu Experience and Other of the Texas Ornithological species of birds that are
Aleutian Adventures Society, co-author of Birdlife of Houston, common and widespread during early winter
Speaker: Ron Weeks Galveston and the Upper Texas Coast and A respond to warming winter temperatures. A
Birder’s Guide to the Texas Coast, a member of strong northern shift in the center of abundance
For many years, the ultimate in American over the past 40 years for almost 60% of the
birding adventures was a trip to Attu the Texas Bird Records Committee and a regional
editor for North American Birds magazine. species in the study was found. Come hear the
Island at the end of the Aleutian chain. implications of the results of the analysis of this
Nowhere else could one expect to see so data.
December 9, 2009
many Asian vagrants in one spot. Each
day on the island began full of hope that Climate Change and the Northward Greg oversees Audubon’s State of the Birds
lifers such as a Bean Goose, Far Eastern Movement of Birds analyses and other research related to bird
Curlew, or maybe even a new North Speaker: Greg Butcher conservation. He also works closely with
American record would be waiting in the Audubon’s partner organizations including Bird
Gregory Butcher, Ph.D., is Director of Bird
fog. Although annual organized trips Conservation Alliance, BirdLife International, the
Conservation for National Audubon. He is the
through Attour Inc. ceased in the year North American Bird Conservation Initiative, and
co-author of a report on climate change and its
2000, Ron Weeks will take us back in time Partners in Flight.
effects on bird movements, which was published
to when one could still “easily” visit this
in February, 2009. Findings were based on
Alaskan outpost. His talk will not only Find out more about our speakers and their progams
Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
cover the birds, but the birders and World as well as links to resources for further information at
which continues to grow in popularity and
War II history of Attu. We will also visit the www.houstonaudubon.org
has become the world’s longest uninterrupted
Vol. 28, No. 6 November/December 2009 At the Crossroads
Houston Audubon Society by Jim Winn, President
is a chapter of the National Audubon Society
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Year Past volunteers to fund
A
these and the many
PRESIDENT Jim Winn s this is written, one year has passed since
activities in which
PAST PRESIDENT Joy Hester Hurricane Ike came ashore on 9/13/08.
PRESIDENT-ELECT Mary Carter we are engaged. The
Part of Ike’s legacy has been the significant
CORPORATE SECRETARY Judith Boyce myriad of activities occurring at Houston
debris left behind in the Bolivar and Galveston
TREASURER Andrew Lopez Audubon is apparent with a visit to the home
sanctuaries. Debris removal has been an
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE page of our website. To our many supporters
John Bartos Ginger Coleman
added task for sanctuary staff, volunteers,
providing the essential support for all these
Lynn Forster Richard Goldfarb commercial contractors, FEMA and Galveston
programs and activities, we are most grateful.
Kathryn Hale Bernice Hotman County.
The continued support of all our friends will
Ben Hulsey Jeffrey Mills Another part of Ike’s legacy has been a be critical in the coming year. We cannot do it
Geoffrey Newton Laurie Williams
public discussion of storm surge protection. without you.
Jeffrey Woodman
The suggested solutions have been all
Galveston Group
encompassing for Galveston Island and the The Years Ahead
Representative: Alice Anne O’Donell
Bolivar Peninsula. Some proposals have In September 1969, a handful of visionaries,
BOARD OF ADVISORS implications for significant areas on the including Edith Moore who later left her
Gerard A. Bertrand Sara Bettencourt island and the peninsula, including Houston 17.5 acres along Rummel Creek to Houston
Peggy Boston Caroline Callery Audubon’s sanctuaries. We have joined with Audubon, chartered the Houston Audubon
Claire Caudill Gary W. Clark
other organizations in the environmental chapter of the National Audubon Society.
Fred Collins Scott Davis
Victor Emanuel Ted Eubanks, Jr.
community in advocating careful, thorough They had no office, or staff or sanctuary. But
Julia Garrett Stephen Gast study of all proposed solutions. with the charter, they had a start. Today
Gene Graham Terry Hershey Our High Island sanctuaries were not Houston Audubon manages over 3,300 acres
Ford Hubbard, III Ann Wier Jones of protected sanctuaries, provides natural
penetrated by the storm surge. The woods are
Mavis P. Kelsey, Jr. Robert McFarlane science education presentations (over 475
Jeff Mundy Donal C. O’Brien, Jr.
healthy, trails were cleared, and the birds are
back. Invasive species removal and replanting last year ) to youth and adults (over 21,000
Heidi Rockecharlie Rob Rowland
with natives are continuing tasks. individuals last year), and provides an active
Andrew Sansom Steve Smith
Kathryn Smyth James R. Stewart, Jr. voice seeking protection for bird life.
Lucie Wray Todd John L. Whitmire So where do we go from here? The
Lettalou Whittington opportunities exceed our capacity to address
STAFF the needs. Given adequate resources, we
could double our activity in a matter of
Photo: Greg Lavaty
T he Sanctuary Prairie on the Nash something new was blooming: blue waterleaf,
Department’s focus Ranch near West purple pleatleaf, or cluster bushmint. The best
since Hurricane Ike has Columbia. Dr. David resource to carry is the USFWS / USGS’ pamphlet
been debris cleanup. Rosen has identified Paradise Lost? The Coastal Prairie of Louisiana
We are not finished 330 different native and Texas. The pamphlet can be viewed online
yet, but the next phase species at the two at http://library.fws.gov/pubs/paradise_lost.pdf,
has begun, collecting Nash Ranch prairies. but it is far better to carry a copy. Although out
www.houstonaudubon.org 3
Get Involved!
Young Professionals “Team T.L.C” Cabin Crew Bolivar Restoration Project
NIGHT OWLS Join the “Team T.L.C.” at Planting Events
the Edith L. Moore Nature
The launch of the NIGHT OWLS on Sept. 10 Sanctuary! We meet every Saturday, October 31, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
was a huge success! Check our webpage Monday to give the log Tuesday, November 17, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
for photos and news about our upcoming cabin and its gardens
events. We will plant native grasses and wildflowers
some heartfelt TLC. We
provided by the Natural Resources Conservation
November 14: Cocktail Owl Prowl work from 10 to11 a.m. It’s a great way to enjoy
Service at Houston Audubon’s bird sanctuary
the outdoors and meet like-minded friends! On
on either side of the Fort Travis Seashore Park
the TLC agenda are such items as filling bird
entrance road (900 SH 87, Port Bolivar). We need
Galveston County Group feeders, sweeping, prepping craft supplies or
many volunteers to help us with this large-scale
caring for the animals. For more information,
planting. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP
Wednesday, October 28 Meeting contact Juanita Perkins, telephone 713-932-1639.
to abeck@houstonaudubon.org so we have an
Shorebird ID & History with Glenn Olsen If possible, please let us know you’re coming so
accurate count.
we can have supplies ready, but drop ins are also
October 31: Field Trip welcome.
Fall Hot Spots of Galveston Island High Island Work Days
Meet 8:30 a.m. at the east end of the seawall.
Wednesday, November 18: Meeting
Wildflower Seed Collecting Saturday, November 14, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday, December 12, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
What Bird Food Looks Like with Flo Hannah If you would like to help us collect coastal
November 21: Field Trip wildflower seeds, please contact Flo Hannah, The weather is cooler – it’s a great time to be
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory fhannah@houstonaudubon.org, 713-932-1639. outside! We work from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., but
Meet at Fat Boy’s at 7:30 a.m. volunteers are welcome whenever they show
Seed Collecting Days:
up. Houston Audubon supplies lunch, water,
December 15: Galveston CBC Friday, October 30, 8:30 a.m – 11:30 a.m. and some tools. If you have favorite tools,
Contacts: Dick Peake (409-744-4301) or Armand Bayou Nature Center please bring them along. Please sign up with
Gordon Nunn (409-740-0082). Friday, November 27, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Andrew Beck, abeck@houstonaudubon.org or
U of H Coastal Center in La Marque 713-932-1639.
For more information contact
Alice Anne O’Donell at 409-772-3126
Find more information and other volunteer opportunities in the
Volunteer section of our website.
Bird Counts
Monthly Counts Christmas Bird Counts Texas Christmas Bird Counts
December 14 – January 5
T
In December, Houston Audubon’s monthly
he 110th annual Christmas Bird Count
counts and field trips will not be held. Vermilion Flycatcher: Wayne Wendel
is scheduled for December 14, 2009
Instead, we encourage everyone to to January 5, 2010. Organized by National
participate in Christmas Bird Counts. Audubon, this all-volunteer effort takes a Galveston CBC (Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary
snapshot of bird populations to monitor their and Horseshoe Marsh Bird Sanctuary), and Bolivar
Armand Bayou Survey status and distribution across the Western Peninsula CBC (High Island).
Leader: Andrew Hamlett Hemisphere. The results are compiled into a
Monthly on the second Saturday database that is shared with federal, state, and Houston Audubon will once again carry
private authorities. Past data can be viewed on descriptions of all the Texas CBCs on our website.
Bolivar Bird Count National Audubon’s website. Counts are open In addition the CBC section has the descriptions of
This count is currently being retooled. Please last year’s counts, a list of all the counts traditionally
to birders of all skill levels. Novices are placed
check website for updates. held in Texas, and resource links to the National
in groups with more experienced birders. The
West 11th Street Park Survey Upper Texas Coast is fortunate in having over Audubon CBC section and other websites.
Leader: Mary Dodson 20 counts in our region. New to CBCs? Join us in the fun! Discover new
Monthly on the third Tuesday This year the Brazosport Birders are bringing areas to bird which may not be normally accessible
back the Brazoria CBC! Scheduled for Jan. 3, and take advantage of this great opportunity to
Willow Waterhole Survey
this count includes Hudson Woods, Columbia bird with some of our foremost birding experts.
Leader: John Schneider
Monthly on the third Saturday Lake, southern Nash Ranch, and other exciting Start your own goals! Whether you do one or ten,
areas. Houston Audubon sanctuaries are your participation is vital to the success of this
Check www.houstonaudubon.org for included in many of the counts: Buffalo grand tradition!
details and any last minute updates. Bayou CBC (Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary),
www.houstonaudubon.org 5
Thanks to Houston Audubon’s Generous Donors!
$5,000+
ConocoPhillips • Ducks Unlimited, Inc. • Gene Graham • Terry Hershey • Lynne & Joe Hudson • Seaworld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund
William A. & Madeline Welder Smith Foundation • Connie & Jeffrey Woodman • The Wortham Foundation
$2,500-$5,000
Claire & John Caudill • Greater Houston Community Foundation • Helen & Thomas Smith • Betsy & Jim Winn
$1,000-$2,499
Blaine Adams & Patrick Falcon • Audubon Docent Guild • Baker Hughes Incorporated • Sara & Mark Bettencourt • Judith Boyce • Caroline & Charles Callery
The Garden Club Of Houston • Mr. & Mrs. Hall • Ann Wier Jones • Strabo Tours • Susan & John Maclin Whitmire
$500-$999
Halina & Joseph Caravello • Bettie Clark • Patricia Cravens • Audubon Foundation Of Texas • Marian Harrison • Kay & Larry Medford
National Air Traffic Controller Association Charitable Foundation • La Nell & James Neel • Evelyn & Kevin Shanley • James Taylor • Patricia & John Williams
$100-$499
Mrs. & Mr. Michael Ables • AIG, Inc. • Jonni & Skip Almoney • Kim & Shari Anson • Judy Bailey • Cindy & John Bartos • Sara & Mark Bettencour
Susan & Brad Billetdeaux • Debora & Yochai Birnbaum • Brenda & Ron Bisbee • Eleanor & Robert Borda • Peggy Boston • Craig Bourgeois • BP Foundation, Inc.
Marcia Brazaitis • Carolyn Breslin • Anne Bushman • Barbara Butler • Georgia Carter • Mary Carter • Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Program • Ginger Coleman
Carol Coleman • Vivian Cromwell • Leslie Davidson • Alfred Davis • Melissa & Brit Davis • Mary Decker • William Dirks • Mary Dodson • Gina Donovan
Terzah & James Doyle • Avon Duson • Mr. & Mrs. Eckert • Rebecca & William Edmondson • El Paso • Emily Estill • Samuel Febba • Gene Feigelson
Lynn & Robert Fort • Lynn & Newman Fort • Lori & William Gouldin • Gene Graham • Jean & Don Gray • Kathy Greer • Beverly Griffith • Trudy Guinee
Halliburton Global Impact • Rita & John Hannah • Mary & Edward Hannigan • Marion Hargrove • Kenneth Hartman • Barry Hayes • Joy & Bill Hester
Gurline & John Hruska • Madeleine & William Hussey • Wendy & Mavis Kelsey • David Kring • The Kroger Company • Dina & Robert Kuykendall • Gary Levering
Janet & Bill Lindemann • Nan & Gibbs Macdaniel • E. MacNaughton • John McCreary • Polly & Andrew McCullough • Nancy Moore • Celia Morgan
Shannon Morrison & Mike Lothringer • Clinton Morse • Jeff Mundy • Ginger Nisbet • Brent Ocker • Frank Ohrt • Cheryl & Glenn Olsen • Don Quaintance
Deborah & Ellis Pickett • Helen & Rush Record • Norma & Sandy Rubin • Anne Runge • Safeway, Inc. • Thomas Scarsella • Rosemary Seidler
Martha Ann Sloan • Joanne & Albert Smith • Kathryn Smyth • James Stewart • Lisa Stone • Allsep Tammi • Lucie Wray Todd • Stephen Turnipseed
Mary Van Kerrebrook • Lettalou Whittington • Melanie Wiggins • Laurie Williams • Isabel Wilson • Sara & James Wilson • Martha & Dick Wright
$1-$99
Lee Abrams • Kenneth Albers • John Albright • Ed Allday • Velia Andaverde • Margaret & Richard Atmar • Janet & Walid Attisha • Jennifer & John Backo
Mary David Baker • Sandra Balkema • Brett Banfield • Deborah Bautch • Nancy & Edwin Beck • Karen & Phil Beekman • Sydney Beers • Mark Bik & Nina Rach
Gary Binderim • Beth & David Black • Cindy & Daniel Bogard • John Bolen • Kristin & Jason Bonilla • Susan Bretz • Flora Brooks • J. Bruce • Anne Bunting
Keelin Burrows • Kevin Calhoon • Mary Carter • Karen Chiasson • Curtis Chin • Payne Christa • Molly Christie • Eric Cioti • Susan Clark • Rebecca Clearman
John Cobb • Lynn Cole • Dixie Coleman • Marie & Frank Coleman • Brian Connelly • Jesse Couch • Linda Daichman • Carolyn & Scott Davis
Katrina & Timothy Donoughue • Allyn & Clifford Dukes • Karen Eggert • Suzanne Elliott • Katy Emde • Linda Ercole-Musso • Samuel Febba • Lillian Finnell
Nancy & Don Fisher • Diane Flynn • Cheryl Folkes • Karen & David Fronick • Placido Garay • Kathleen Gibson • William Godley • Julie Gold • George Goloby
Royal Oaks Garden Club • Martha Grambau • Elizabeth Gresser • Joan Grimma • Patricia Gutierrez • William Hamilton • Margaret Harger-Allen • Eileen Harris
Rick Harrison • Virginia Hartman • Jean & Bill Harwell • Carl Haynie • Stephen Herrmann • Patricia Hill • Barbara Hoffmann • Barbara & William Holloman
Lillian Holt • Maggie & Bob Honig • Marianne Hosford • Barbara & Ervin Howard • Debra & Gregg Howsmon • Cindy Ivey • Brenda & Fred Jackson • Jane Jackson
Jessica Jenner • Jeannine Jochec • Erin Jones & Nathan Evans • Sharon & Eric Jorgeson • Joanne Kamo • James Kearley • Nancy Kerby • Geni & Edward Kirschner
Heather Kopecky • William Kuchar • Kathy Kukura • Rita Lacaria • Melinda Lamoreaux • Carol Lee • Ed Lindsay • Carolyn Long • Carol & David Lowrey
Kai-wei Lui • Dixie Lum • Michael Lynch • Andrew Mackie • Carol Maddox • Allyson Marceau • Ronald Marek • LaVerne Martin • Sarah Mason
Dana Mattice & Thomas Ebersole • Pattie McBride • Elizabeth & Paul McCarty • Lawrence McCloskey • Mary McGuire • Sandra McHone • Margaret Mckee
Keats McKinney • Gwen & Neill McKinney • Harry McLaughlin • Margaret McNealy • The Mercer Society • Timothy Miller • Kip Miller • Ann Mitchell
Thomas Morris • Leslie & Sammye Munson • Kathryn Newhaus • Virginia & Roger Norton • Robert Ohmart • John O’Neill & Laticia Alamia • Ann & Robert Parker
Caroline Parks • Nickilas Paulson • Charles Pearson • Mary & Jerry Perciful • Bonita Pernell • Ora Lee Peters • N. Philpot • Lynn & Sam Philpot
Patricia Poltrack • Sierra Rambo • Suzanne & Fred Rhodes • Robert Righter • Linda Roche • Gloria Rubac • John Ruckle • Jeff Rusinow • Mike Russell
Rebecca & Bobby Sager • Carol & James Saxon • Richard Schier • Kurt Schwarz • Elizabeth Sears • Lawrence Semander • Paulette Shaunfield • Martha Ann Sloan
Katherine Smart • Carolyn & Kent Smith • Evelyn Smith • Jenny Smith • Megan Smith • Loy Spargo • Ann Sparker • Robert Stavinoha • Carol & Micheal Stelling
Danielle Stillman • Billie Strickland • Lisa & Kelly Tarbell • Texas Master Naturalists, Heartwood Chapter • Mariann Thornton • Barbara & James Tilton • Terry Todd
Ning Tsao • Alison Tyler • Karen Vargas • Vicki Vroble • Miriam Vyles • Jo & Charles Wallace • John Walsh • Donna Waugh • Alexander Webb • Christina West
Doug Wetzel • Bernard White • Betty Williams • H. Wohlford • Susan & Charles Wolcott • David Wright • Betty & Charles Wyatt • Tootsie Zeis • Natalie Zelt
Elizabeth Zivley • Bush Zunich
Gifts In-Kind
18 Hands Gallery • Apache Foundation • Artist Boat • Keiji Asakura • Margaret Atmar • Austin Steam Train Association • Buchanan’s Native Plants
Captain Clark’s Flagship • Kathy Adams Clark • Fred Collins • Susan & Peter Conaty • Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau • Cypress Bend Resort
Cypress Valley • Canopy Tours • Da Camera of Houston • Craig Damuth • Eagle Optics • Victor Emanuel • Events Gifts • Janet & David Griffiths
Haak Vineyards & Winery • David Hogue • Flo Hannah • Denise Herzberg • Houston Ballet • Houston Camera Exchange • Houston Symphony
Linda & David Knowles • Ann & Joe Liggio • Lone Star Riverboat • Nan & Gibbs MacDaniel • Lalise & Greg Mason • Joann McLaughlin & Michael King
Katherine & Jeff Mundy • Naturally Curious, Inc. • Jeff Offeman • Glenn Olsen • Omni Corpus Christi Hotel • REI-Recreational Equipment Inc
Ricca Face & Body Care • Scarborough Farm • Sense of Touch Massage • Ten Thousand Villages • Texas State Aquarium • The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The Gilbert & Sullivan Society • Truro Vineyards of Cape Cod • Gloria & John Tveten • Don Verser • Victor Emanuel Nature Tours • Whole Earth Provision Company
The severe drought in 2009 has been difficult These birds are a great hook for all ages. They
for bird and Texan alike. Perhaps the natural circle and spin as if in a tornado between the at Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center
creeks and manmade lakes in Sugar Land smoke stacks and the old silos. It is quite a
along with the watered lawns attracted the spectacle. Nature always seems to find a way Food, Fun, Crafts, and much more...
great numbers of the aerial insectivores or to delight and survive in the midst of so much Take a picture with
perhaps the continued pressure from loss development and economic woes. These birds Santa’s favorite rooster –
of nesting and roosting sites pushed them bring together folks from all walks of life, all ages, Scooter!
further into the city. For whatever reason, the and all levels of interest. There is no long drive 10% off your purchases at the
swifts came and delighted young and old, to get to the swifts. No long buggy hike to reach SBUNC Nature store.
novice and experienced bird watcher. their location. No long wait. Just pull into the
parking lot at 7:30 p.m., and the show begins. At December 5, 2009 5 PM – 8 PM
To many the best part of the story is that the
8:00 p.m., as if by magic, the old “Imperial Sugar” 3997 River Drive, Houston, TX 77017
discovery was made by a local resident, Gene
sign turns on as if to welcome these new guests.
Odom. He and his wife Kathy live just down
The swifts disappear in the darkening sky by
Oyster Creek from the old sugar refinery
8:15, and you can go home knowing that you Shopping Ideas
and enjoy feeding the turtles and fish from
have watched a very special event.
the dock in their backyard. They had been
observing small dark birds darting and circling By the end of October the swifts will have
over the water for a few weeks. They both had departed for wintering grounds in South Support Houston Audubon
guessed they were watching Purple Martins. America, perhaps to delight a people separated when you shop online!
When an article appeared in the Houston from us by geography, politics, and language. It
Chronicle about the Swifts over Houston is now up to the newly formed “swiftaholics” to By making your purchases using the links
initiative, the light bulb flicked on. These make sure the swifts’ new favorite roost will be on our website, we will receive a portion of
birds were Chimney Swifts! They read about waiting for them next September. Moments the dollars you spend with our
the counts happening in the Houston area, like this are too important in terms of education shopping partners, including
including one at an old abandoned rice dryer to let just drift by. We would never belittle the Amazon, Eagle Optics, REI and many more!
north of town. Gene and Kathy were curious migration of any bird, but when you can bring
about where their swifts were going after dark. a teacher, parent, student, and retiree out to a
For The Birder On Your List
They looked up the creek, and there stood parking lot to watch thousands of swifts get
the old sugar refinery. They ventured out and comfortable for the night, it is an opportunity
Gift membership in NARBA
discovered possibly the largest roost outside not to be missed.
(North American Rare Bird Alert).
of Virginia. Gene started emailing the folks he The story is still unfolding, and there is much Proceeds from gift memberships
read about in the article, and the word spread. work to be done to ensure the security of the benefit the Bolivar Restoration Fund.
Counts in the thousands were happening stack and the education of the local residents.
every night. It wasn’t long until the crowd of Keep up with the latest news in the Swifts Over Splurge Present: Experience the
interested observers was over 50. Houston section of our website. best in explorations with our partners
in world travel, Tropical Birding and
Kathy Adams Clark!
www.houstonaudubon.org 7
Houston Audubon Membership Form The
Naturalist Nonprofit Org.
U.S Postage
Houston Audubon Society
PAID
Name 440 Wilchester Boulevard Houston, Texas.
Houston, Texas 77079-7329 Permit No. 9349
Address Please check box to indicate address change
November/December 2009 Solicited mail
City State Zip Time-sensitive material
DO NOT DELAY
Home Telephone E-mail Address
Card Number:
Mission Statement
Houston Audubon Society promotes the conservation and
appreciation of birds and wildlife habitat.
Bulletin Board
October 19 After-School Nature Explorers Club, ELMNS
28 Galveston Group Meeting: Shorebird ID and History 20 Owl Prowl, ELMNS
with Glenn Olsen
21 Willow Waterhole Survey
30 Seed Collecting at Armand Bayou Nature Center (see p. 4)
21 Galveston Group Field Trip: Bird Banding at GCBO
30 Halloween Night Hikes, ELMNS (see website for details)
27 Seed Collecting at U of H Coastal Center in La Marque (see p. 4)
31 Bolivar Planting Event at Fort Travis Park (see p. 4)
28 HAS Field Trip: Brazos Bend State Park (see p. 5)
31 Galveston Group Field Trip to Galveston Island Hot Spots
December
November Weekly Bayou Buddies on Friday, SBUNC
Weekly Bayou Buddies on Friday, SBUNC
Weekly Titmouse Club on Tuesday & Wednesday, ELMNS
Weekly Titmouse Club on Tuesday & Wednesday, ELMNS
5 Holiday at the Cabin, SBUNC (see p. 7)
11 Membership Meeting: The Attu Experience & Other Aleutian
9 Membership Meeting: Climate Change and Birds’ Northward
Adventures with Ron Weeks (see p. 1)
Movement with Greg Butcher (see p. 1)
14 High Island Work Day (see p. 4)
12 High Island Work Day (see p. 4)
14 Armand Bayou Nature Center Survey
14 Christmas Bird Counts begin
14 Family Nature Explore Club: Family Day at
17 After-School Nature Explorers Club, ELMNS
Katy Prairie’s Nelson Farms
18 Owl Prowl, ELMNS
14 NIGHT OWLS Cocktail Owl Prowl (see p. 4) Christmas Bird Counts
17 Bolivar Planting Event at Fort Travis Park (see p. 4) Visit the CBC section of our
17 W. 11th St. Park Bird Survey website for details on Texas
Audubon Foundation of Texas represents Christmas Bird Counts.
18 Galveston Group Meeting: What Bird Food Looks Like Houston Audubon in the Earth Share of Texas
payroll deduction plan for charitable giving.
with Flo Hannah
The Naturalist is printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper.