Beak of the Week – LeConte’s Sparrow

LeConte’s Sparrow (Ammospiza leconteii) Family: Passerellidae By Robert Buckert, Houston Audubon Coastal Conservation Technician This week’s beak belongs to one of the most secretive grassland songbirds in North America. Some birders associate late fall birding with sparrows, as most arrive and are prominent in this window after many other songbirds have already passed through. This […]

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Your 2025 Birdy Holiday Gift Guide

Carissa Aguirre, Houston Audubon Marketing Specialist Finding the perfect gift can be tricky, but don’t worry, we did the hard work for you. This year, get your loved one something they didn’t even know they needed! From bird themed accessories to DIY projects, we searched the web to find the best birdy gifts out there. […]

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Welcome to Carissa Aguirre, Houston Audubon’s New Marketing Specialist

Carissa Aguirre is a Houston native, marketer, and professional photographer with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Stephen F. Austin State University. She blends her marketing expertise with a creative eye for visual storytelling and community-centered content. Prior to joining Houston Audubon, Carissa led social media and event efforts for City Orchard Cidery. […]

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Beak of the Week – Piping Plover

Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)

Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) Family: Charadriidae By Spencer Poling, Houston Audubon Coastal Conservation Technician Of all the plover species found in the United States, none is as universally loved as the Piping Plover. They are easily identified by their orange legs, pale tan upperparts, broken breast band, and stubby bill. Two other similar species to […]

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Beak of the Week – Hudsonian Whimbrel

Hudsonian Whimbrel (Numenius hudsonicus) Family: Scolopacidae By Colleen McDonough, Houston Audubon Coastal Conservation Technician With a long, curved bill designed for catching crabs in their burrows, Hudsonian Whimbrels are a joy to watch on their wintering grounds. The species Whimbrel was recently split into Hudsonian Whimbrel and Eurasian Whimbrel based on genetic differences between American […]

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Beak of the Week – Black Rail

Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) Family: Rallidae By Robert Buckert, Houston Audubon Coastal Conservation Technician This week’s beak is held by the smallest rail in North America. Similar in size to a sparrow, the Black Rail is one of the most highly sought-after and difficult species to spot, proving infamously elusive as it buries itself in […]

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Welcome to Colleen, Robert, and Spencer, Houston Audubon’s New Coastal Conservation Technicians!

Please join us in welcoming our new seasonal coastal conservation technicians, Colleen McDonough, Robert Buckert, and Spencer Poling! Our new techs will work at our coastal sanctuaries through the end of spring, helping with maintenance, habitat restoration, and day-to-day operations. Be sure to introduce yourself and say hello if you see them around our sanctuaries! […]

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Beak of the Week – Reddish Egret

Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) Family: Ardeidae By Colleen McDonough, Houston Audubon Coastal Conservation Technician The Reddish Egret is North America’s rarest (and likely most eccentric) heron. An array of fast-paced and erratic hunting movements makes these birds stand out boldly among other wading species. Reddish Egrets are found almost exclusively near saltwater and brackish wetlands, […]

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Houston Bird Week 2025: Community, Celebration and Conservation

By Diego Lopez, Houston Audubon Young Professionals Advisory Council 2025 Community, Celebration, and Conservation were the main themes of Houston Bird Week 2025! During the 7th annual Bird Week, a total of 38 events were held across the Houston region which attracted over 2,000 participants. These events, which included bird walks at the Edith L. […]

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