Meet Victoria Parker Thacker, Houston Audubon Coastal Shorebird Technician

1. What is your favorite bird?

Before working with Houston Audubon, I had a general admiration for birds but didn’t have a clear favorite. However, after spending more time in the field and closely observing different species, I’ve grown especially fond of the Wilson’s Plover. Their petite frame and spunky, energetic personality make them such a joy to watch. While they aren’t known for melodic songs, their sharp and distinctive calls have become familiar and fascinating to me—especially after hearing them used in different contexts like territory defense or communication between mates. They’ve been the first bird I’ve spent countless hours observing in detail, and through that time, I’ve developed a real affection for their quirky behaviors and quiet charm.

2. What was your first experience connecting to nature (that you can remember)?

Growing up, my family loved getting away from the hustle of everyday life by spending time camping and exploring the woods together. Those early experiences sparked a deep appreciation for the outdoors—sleeping beneath the stars, hearing the quiet sounds of nature settling in at night, and waking up with the sunrise. To this day, I’ll always choose tent camping over any other option.

My love for the coast also began at a young age during our annual summer trips to Destin, Florida, where we stayed at our family timeshare. One of the most special parts of those trips was a tradition my dad and I started when I was little: on the last night of every visit, just the two of us would go for a walk along the beach after dark. With a flashlight in hand, we’d quietly search for crabs, listen to the waves, and soak in the peaceful beauty of the shoreline at night. It became our special father-daughter tradition—one that’s continued every single year, no matter how old I’ve gotten. Those walks are some of my most cherished memories and have played a big part in shaping my deep, lasting connection to coastal places.

Today, my family still prioritizes travel and time spent in nature. We’ve long loved exploring Texas State Parks and continue to seek out new trails, campsites, and landscapes—from state to national parks across the country. Whether we’re hiking, camping, or simply spending time outdoors, it’s one of our favorite ways to stay connected, recharge, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Lord’s creation that has always been such a meaningful part of our lives.

3. What are you most excited about in your new role?

Stepping into the Coastal Shorebird Technician role has been an incredibly exciting and eye-opening experience. Growing up in the Houston area, I spent a lot of time on the beaches of Galveston, but I never truly realized the diversity and importance of the shorebird populations that call this region home. This role has given me a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for something that was always right in front of me.

Although I never considered myself a “bird person” in the past, I’ve quickly developed a passion for these incredible species. I’m eager to continue learning about their behaviors, life cycles, and the challenges they face. I’m especially excited to observe how different shorebird populations thrive—or struggle—throughout the season, and to use that information to inform and improve conservation efforts moving forward.

It’s a privilege to be involved in work that has such a direct impact on the protection of these species, and I’m honored to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts in a place that already feels like home.

4. Who is someone you admire and why?

I deeply admire my parents for who they are and the values they’ve modeled throughout my life. My mom has always been a powerhouse. As a woman in STEM, she pursued a career in chemical engineering and never let anyone’s doubts or biases stop her. Watching her excel in a male-dominated field with resilience and grace taught me that women are not only capable but unstoppable when they set their minds to something. She’s been a true role model to me—not just because of her career, but because she constantly reminds me of the strength, dignity, and importance of women.

My dad, on the other hand, took on the incredible challenge of homeschooling three kids at once and somehow made it look easy. He never missed a beat—teaching us everything from math to life skills with patience, creativity, and love. He made learning fun, and most importantly, he made sure we always felt heard and supported.

Together, my parents have consistently put the needs of others before their own. They’ve shown love and grace to people even when it wasn’t easy or deserved. They’ve stayed strong through difficult seasons of life, always leaning on their faith and never losing sight of hope. One of the greatest gifts they’ve given me is always pointing me to Christ—in every success, struggle, and season. They’ve shown me what it looks like to live a life grounded in love, service, and trust in the Lord.

And on top of it all, they listen to me yap—constantly. Whether it’s rambling about my day or a random deep thought, they’ve always made space for me to speak and feel known. I’m forever grateful for their encouragement through school, checking in on me, helping me study, making sure I don’t miss a deadline, and just being there through it all. Their love, strength, and faith have shaped me in more ways than I can count.

5. What makes you laugh the most?

Oh, I definitely make myself laugh a lot—I mean, I think I’m pretty hilarious! But when it comes to real belly laughs, my husband, Colby, is the one who really gets me. He’s a real jokester and has this amazing ability to make me laugh at the most random things. Whether it’s a perfectly timed joke, a ridiculous comeback, or something completely out of nowhere that’s just so absurd, he knows exactly how to lighten up any moment. Honestly, his humor is one of the things I love most about him—he can always bring a smile to my face, no matter what.

6. What did you want to be when you were young?

I’ve always had a fascination with animals and the outdoors. As a young kid, all I knew was that if you loved animals, you became a veterinarian—that was the only path I thought existed. While that was true for many, I had no idea how many other careers existed that involved working with and for animals beyond veterinary medicine.

It wasn’t until I was graduating high school that I got a job at an animal hospital, and it reignited that early passion for animal care. For a while, I seriously considered pursuing vet med. Getting to work hands-on with animals, assist in surgeries, and help provide comfort to both pets and their owners was incredibly fulfilling. In many ways, it felt like I was living out my childhood dream—even though I ultimately chose not to continue my education to become a veterinarian.

That experience still plays a huge role in shaping who I am today. It gave me a strong foundation in animal health, handling, and observation—skills that are just as valuable in wildlife conservation. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for the individual care animals need, which has translated into a greater respect for the broader ecosystems that sustain them. Now, I feel grateful to be on a path where I can combine my love for animals with my passion for protecting their wild habitats.

7. Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?

I would definitely choose to ride a horse. I’ve always dreamed of having my own horse, and I got to live out part of that dream when I worked on a ranch that had pasture horses. They weren’t work horses, but I did bond closely with one horse in particular, April, and we became great friends. I miss seeing her every day—giving her carrots, brushing her, and spending time together. I’ve ridden horses before, and every time, I’ve loved the experience. Horses are just so cool—such powerful and graceful animals, yet they’re so willing to work alongside you. It’s amazing how they form a connection with you, and there’s nothing like the freedom of riding them. I also love watching horse races—they’re thrilling to me! The speed, precision, and beauty of the horses are just incredible to watch. Horses truly are magnificent creatures, and I enjoy experiencing that in any way I can.

8. Do you collect anything?

Yes! Every time I travel, especially to state and national parks, I collect a sticker, a postcard, and a collectible pin. I love writing down my favorite memory or experience from that place on the postcard to include in my travel journal. Over the years, I’ve accumulated so many stickers from my various adventures that I’ve actually retired a few water bottles that became overfilled with them! Each item in my collection represents a special moment and place, and it’s always fun to look back on them as a reminder of my travels.

9. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

I’d say I’m more of an extrovert, but with a touch of introvert vibes here and there. I’m definitely a social bug—I love meeting new people, striking up conversations, and talking to just about anyone. It’s one of my favorite things to do! Whether I’m at a social event or just out and about, I’m energized by those interactions. I also love getting hype with friends and sharing in moments of excitement. That being said, college showed me the beauty of being alone and taking time for myself. I’ve learned to appreciate the quiet moments and the time I spend reflecting, whether in nature or just recharging. So, while I’m all about socializing and vibing with others, I also love to step back and enjoy my own company.

10. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?

Well, I had to ask ChatGPT to answer this one for me, and here’s what it told me: I’d be a Great Blue Heron. Apparently, I’m patient, observant, and graceful (who knew?). ChatGPT said I’m like a heron because, just like the bird, I’m always seeking out new experiences—whether that’s hiking, camping, or collecting stickers. The heron is known for being a careful observer, patiently watching for the perfect moment to strike—and I do the same when I’m out exploring nature or working on wildlife conservation projects. I’m someone who takes the time to focus on the details, whether I’m enjoying a quiet moment outdoors or learning from animals in the wild. And while the heron may not be as colorful as some birds, it stands out in its environment with such elegance—kind of like how I love to embrace color in the things I collect, wear, and surround myself with. Plus, just like the heron stands tall and moves with purpose, I’ve always loved embracing adventure with a clear focus and determination. So, there you go, I guess I’m a bird now. Just waiting for the day I start fishing for my own dinner!

11. What is one thing you will never do again?

I think I’d never want to be in a situation where I’m rushing through something that’s important to me. Whether it’s a camping trip, a hike, or a wildlife conservation project, I really value taking my time to fully appreciate my surroundings and the experience. I love being present in the moment and focusing on the details, so rushing through anything that deserves more attention is definitely something I’d avoid. Of course, life doesn’t always allow for that kind of slow, mindful pace, but I’m really hoping I can continue to prioritize savoring the experience whenever possible!

Please join us in welcoming Victoria to the team!