Hosting Student Bird Walks at Cullinan Park!

Article and photos by Amanda Jerng I recently collaborated with Houston Audubon to host our first bird walk for students at Cullinan Park, an event that ranks among the most inspiring experiences of my life. I had so much fun sharing everyone’s excitement, talking to parents about the origins of their children’s interest in birds, […]

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From Crutches to Car Birding: Finding Joy in Accessible Nature

By Christine Wehrli, Community Outreach Programs Manager In March, amidst preparation for all things spring migration this year, I received some unfortunate news. I would need to get knee surgery after tearing my ACL and menisci in a rugby game. This meant 7 weeks of crutches and a non-weight bearing left leg, which also meant […]

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Orni-therapy: Birding for Mental Well-being

Roseate Spoonbills nesting at Rookery Smith Oaks

By Jesi Malowitz, Development Manager, Individual Giving, Houston Audubon Standing at Platform A at the Smith Oaks Rookery on Bolivar Peninsula, I fix my binoculars on a Roseate Spoonbill clumsily landing on a nest over Claybottom Pond. In its bill is a carefully chosen stick to add to its nest. As the spoonbill searches for […]

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Meet Marie Olavere, Houston Audubon’s New Development Director!

Marie Olavere grew up in the Philippines and in Houston. She earned her BA in History from the University of Virginia (wahoowa!) and is pursuing an MBA from Rice University. Marie has worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA, Development Associate, Sponsored Programs Associate, and Director of Development for organizations including the Montrose Center, Rice University, Baylor […]

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Protecting Endangered Species in a Fractured World

By Wyatt Egelhoff, Houston Audubon Sanctuary Manager Since it was signed into law in 1973 by US President Richard Nixon, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has been a hallmark of American environmental conservation. The ESA provides a framework by which declining species are identified, designated, and protected. Most importantly, it creates a mandate for a […]

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Meet Victoria Parker Thacker, Houston Audubon Coastal Shorebird Technician

Victoria Parker Thacker is Houston Audubon’s newest seasonal Coastal Shorebird Technician, focusing on the beach-nesting birds initiative. Victoria is a recent graduate of Sam Houston State University (Go Bearkats!), where she earned a B.S. in Animal Science and a minor in Wildlife Management. She also holds an associate’s degree from Alvin Community College, which helped […]

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Thank you to our volunteers! National Volunteer Week 2025

By Caroline Nixson, Houston Audubon Volunteer Coordinator At Houston Audubon, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do — from native plant propagation to bird surveys, from sanctuary maintenance to educational outreach. To our Natives Nursery team: thank you for helping us grow — literally and figuratively. With every seed you sow and every […]

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Beak of the Week – Cape May Warbler

Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina) Family: Parulidae By Theresa Kelly, Houston Audubon Coastal Conservation Technician This week’s Beak of the Week may be more easily recognized by its common name — Cape May Warbler — but its taxonomic species tigrina is a more apt descriptor. Adults boast a bright yellow face, breast, and belly, with […]

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Beak of the Week – Green Heron

Green Heron (Butorides virescens) Family: Ardeidae By Nick Minnich, Houston Audubon Coastal Conservation Technician This week’s Beak is often referred to as “daggerlike,” a perfect tool in the hunt for fish and amphibians. Green Herons are a short, compact heron who often prefer to stand on water’s edge vegetation as opposed to wading in the […]

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