By Glenn Olsen, GO Birding Ecotours July on the upper Texas Coast is hot–too hot for many of us to enjoy getting out and birding. However, the early mornings and early evenings can be bearable, and provide an opportunity to see some of the birds that will soon be leaving us. Fortunately, we have our […]
Read MoreBy Nhu Bui and Hannah Guyton, Interns, Citizens\’ Environmental Coalition (CEC) You\’ve probably heard all about the three R\’s to save the environment. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It\’s been drilled into our heads since childhood, and these steps are undoubtedly crucial parts to creating a sustainable society. However, this month we are focusing on the lesser-known fourth […]
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By Sasha Francis, Community Engagement Coordinator, Galveston Bay Foundation Plastic pollution in waterways is a huge problem all around the world with concerning global and local impacts. In the Houston-Galveston area, plastic pollution increases flood risks to neighborhoods when it is trapped in drains, causes water quality issues, and creates an unsightly view while you […]
Read MoreBrown-headed Nuthatch(Sitta pusilla)Family: Sittidae Often found clinging to tree trunks and branches, the Brown-headed Nuthatch is equally at home climbing upward and downward among the high branches of pine forests. Their rather unique habit of walking down tree trunks headfirst may appear silly, but it comes in handy when they are foraging for insects in […]
Read MoreWhite-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) Family: Columbidae “Who cooks for you?” Though the Barred Owl has made this phrase famous in the bird world, the call of the White-winged Dove also fits this same rhythm – albeit at a bit higher pitch. In large parts of its breeding range in the desert southwest, the White-winged Dove […]
Read MoreFulvous Whistling-Duck(Dendrocygna bicolor)Family: Anatidae The Fulvous Whistling-Duck can generally be found visiting the Houston area during the summer breeding season. They visit our area while most species of North American waterfowl are breeding further north, taking up residence in marshy ponds, irrigated fields, and coastal wetlands. While their regular migration may be rather well understood, […]
Read MoreRed-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) Family: Picidae The Red-headed Woodpecker can easily be recognized by – you guessed it – its red head. In fact, the Red-headed Woodpecker’s red head is so vibrantly colored that scientists have given it a Latin name that also means ‘woodpecker with a red head’. Aside from its bright red head, […]
Read MoreCave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva)Family: Hirundinidae The Cave Swallow is an increasingly common species in the greater Houston area. At first glance, the Cave Swallow appears very similar to the closely related (and more abundant) Cliff Swallow. Both species are generally light below and darker above, both species have a buffy rump patch that is easily […]
Read MoreEvery spring, Houston Audubon and other conservation organizations along the Texas coast participate in the Texas Colonial Waterbird Surveys to help monitor population trends in our state’s seabirds and wading birds. Houston Audubon, Audubon Texas and several additional undivided interest owners co-own North Deer Island, the largest and most productive breeding colony in Galveston Bay. […]
Read MoreGreen Heron (Butorides virescens)Family: Ardeidae What do you mean, I’m short? The Green Heron – our Beak of the Week – is one of the smallest resident members of the heron family in the Houston area. Full-size Green Herons are approximately 18 inches (45 cm) from beak to tail, which means they are comparable in […]
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