Beak of the Week – Sharp-shinned Hawk

January 31, 2020.Reading time 2 minutes.

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)Family: Accipitridae The Sharp-shinned Hawk gets its name from the thin ridge on its lower legs. They are the smallest hawk in North America. At maturity, these hawks have small dark grey head, nape, wing, and backside, light rufous barring on the cheeks, throat, and underside, and fine horizontal black and white […]

Beak of the Week – Buff-bellied Hummingbird

January 24, 2020.Reading time 2 minutes.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis)Family: Trochilidae Like most hummingbirds, the Buff-bellied Hummingbird is primarily green, especially around the head and back. It has a rufous-colored tail and a buffy wash to its light underside, and its bill is distinctively reddish or orangey-red with a black tip. Weighing just under 5 grams (about as much as two […]

Houston Audubon’s Very Own Mixed Flock

January 23, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

Every serious birder knows that if you’re looking for something special, it’s a good idea to find a mixed flock. Even on days when it seems like nothing is moving, a single mixed flock can be a game changer. I experienced this firsthand a few days ago when I made my way to Bear Creek […]

Welcome to our blog!

January 1, 2020.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Thank you for visiting! We created this blog to offer a place for bird and nature enthusiasts to find expert information on birds and conservation issues, stay in touch with the latest in Houston-area birding, and keep up with the happenings of Houston Audubon. We hope you\’ll stop by to get your bird digest. Be sure […]