The

Naturalist Celebrating 41 Years of Bird Conservation

Coastal Prairies—Discover, Visit, Protect

September /October 2010
by Flo Hannah, Sr. Sanctuary Steward
Contents:
Coastal Prairies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 T he coastal prairie,
home to hundreds
of species of plants and
30 for the Birds and Bluestem
gala. Or, help us collect native
seeds, volunteer for native plant
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill . . . . . . . 2 animals, is a critically rescues, help us plant at our
imperiled ecosystem. restoration projects, or help us
Birds and Bluestem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 There is a groundswell of by growing out flats of native
interest in preserving and grasses and wildflowers at your
CPP Prairie Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
restoring what remains. home.
Fall Volunteer Activities . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Our coastal prairie
If you have an opportunity to
was once 6.5 million
visit one of the few remaining
Species Profile acres of tallgrasses and
prairie remnants, GO. Our
Dickcissel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 wildflowers, but is now
coastal prairies are beautiful and
estimated to be less than
filled to the brim with diversity.
The Case for Membership . . . . . . . . . 6 65,000 acres. The good
They are rich with hundreds of
news—together we can Texas coneflowers different wildflowers, grasses,
Audubon Docent Fall Programs . . . . 7 make a big difference. in a prairie near Winnie, TX amphibians, reptiles, mammals,
There are many ways you and INSECTS—the ultimate bird
can help Houston Audubon’s stewardship of food. Please join us in celebrating them and
this important habitat. Join us September join us in our efforts to protect them.

Membership Meetings

Place: United Way Center international conservation since 1969. He

50 Waugh Drive
Time: 7:00 p.m. Social
7:30 p.m. Meeting
September 8
Saving the World’s Rarest Birds
Speaker: Dr. Gerard (Jerry) Bertrand
Twelve percent of the world’s bird species,
including dozens of U.S. species, are
threatened with extinction. With photos and
graphs, Jerry Bertrand will examine some of
the key efforts to save species and habitats
around the globe and reasons why those
efforts are succeeding or falling short.
Jerry Bertrand has been active in
environmental science and conservation
for over thirty years. His work in habitat
preservation and bird conservation has been
recognized with the President’s Medal by the
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in
England and through the President’s Medal
of BirdLife International. Jerry was President
of the Massachusetts Audubon Society
for eighteen years and has been active in
is the co-founder of The World Land Trust
where he serves as Honorary President and
the American Bird Conservancy. He was
the first Chairman of the Global Council for
BirdLife International where he is currently a
Vice-President. Jerry is also a member of the
Houston Audubon Board of Advisors.
October 13
South America: Birds, Birdwatching,
and Conservation Wattled Curassow
Speaker: Bennett Hennessey
South America, well-known as the “bird the Wattled Curassow and the Palkachupa
continent”, has more bird species than Cotinga (after 98 years), Bennett Hennessey,
anywhere on earth. Recently, more and a native Canadian, became the executive
more birdwatchers are interested in visiting director of the Bolivian bird conservation
this “hotbed” for birds. Bennett will talk nonprofit, Asociacion Armonía, a partner
about the bird diversity in South America, organization to American Bird Conservancy,
how best to approach birdwatching the BirdLife International and World Land Trust-
continent, and the bird conservation US. Bennett, the first author of the Annotated
challenges and advances unfolding in South List of the Birds of Bolivia (2003), most
America. recently has been involved in developing
private reserves with the World Land Trust in
After years of ornithological field research
Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.
in Bolivia, including the rediscovery of
Vol. 29, No. 5 September/October 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Houston Audubon Society
is a chapter of the National Audubon Society by Gina Donovan, Executive Director

I
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
n April of this year, the nation’s Gulf The sanctuary team
PRESIDENT Jim Winn
PAST PRESIDENT Joy Hester of Mexico coastline suffered a blow is recording data on
PRESIDENT-ELECT Mary Carter that will be felt for decades, both eBird.
CORPORATE SECRETARY Bernice Hotman economically and biologically. The If the oil slick makes its way to the Upper
TREASURER Andrew Lopez Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, Texas Coast, Houston Audubon has a
DIRECTORS killing 11 workers, injuring 17 others, and
John Bartos Judy Boyce
protection plan for Bolivar Flats Shorebird
damaging the productive estuaries that Sanctuary on file with the GLO. Houston
Ginger Coleman Lynn Forster serve as nurseries for shrimp, oysters,
Richard Goldfarb Kathryn Hale Audubon Sanctuary Manager, Winnie
crabs, and numerous species of fish. Burkett, has worked closely with the agency
Ben Hulsey Jeffrey Mills
Geoffrey Newton Laurie Williams To date, the Texas coast has received in preparing this important protection plan.
Jeffrey Woodman minimal impact as a result of this Houston Audubon has recently formed
Galveston Group catastrophe. Houston Audubon a partnership with the Gulf Coast
Representative: Alice Anne O’Donell Sanctuary Steward, Andrew Beck, Bird Observatory (GCBO) to conduct
BOARD OF ADVISORS
has been conducting site inspections shorebird surveys on the Upper Texas
Gerard A. Bertrand Sara Bettencourt along the Bolivar Peninsula and on July coast. Developing baseline data is vital in
Peggy Boston Dale Bush 9 noted a few oil-coated vegetation preparing effective response strategies if the
Caroline Callery Claire Caudill clumps at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Texas coast is heavily impacted by oil.
Gary W. Clark Fred Collins Sanctuary. The Texas General Land
Scott Davis Victor Emanuel Office (GLO) and the United States Coast Texas’ highly productive coastal resources
Ted Eubanks, Jr. Julia Garrett Guard swiftly removed oiled vegetation may become the biological reserve for the
Stephen Gast Gene Graham United States. A strategy of maximizing
on the peninsula to ensure minimal soil
Terry Hershey Ford Hubbard, III the protection and enhancement of those
Ann Wier Jones Mavis P. Kelsey, Jr.
contamination. Officials believe the
debris was “washed” in as a result of biological resources will be critical for
Robert McFarlane Jeff Mundy
Donal C. O’Brien, Jr. Heidi Rockecharlie the recent tropical storms in the Gulf. long-term sustainability of the ecology
Rob Rowland Andrew Sansom Houston Audubon monitors the beach and fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico and the
Steve Smith Kathryn Smyth at Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary United States.
James R. Stewart, Jr. Lucie Wray Todd weekly for oil, tar balls, and oiled birds.
Lettalou Whittington

STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Gina Donovan Columbia Bottomlands Receive Birding Classic Grant
SANCTUARY MANAGER Winnie Burkett
SR. SANCTUARY STEWARD Flo Hannah by Flo Hannah, Sr. Sanctuary Steward
SANCTUARY STEWARD Andrew Beck
EDUCATION DIRECTOR
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR
Mary Anne Weber
Vicki Vroble
COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR Robin Leonard
C ongratulations to the 2010 Great Texas Birding Classic grand prize winners, REI
Environmental Partners. RRI Energy’s winning team members, Bill Baker, Tom Roberts,
and Andy Dietrich, selected Houston Audubon’s grant request for $20,000 for the Columbia
COMMUNITY RELATIONS ASSOCIATE Andrea Ritchie
Bottomlands. The grand prize money will be added to USFWS’ Austin’s Wood Conservation
CONTROLLER Barbara Thompson
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Juanita Perkins
Plan which has placed over 16,000 acres of important bird habitat under long-term
conservation. Houston Audubon is proud to partner with RRI Energy and the USFWS in
CONTACT INFORMATION protecting the Columbia Bottomlands.
HAS Office 713-932-1639
Education Office 713-640-2407
FAX 713-461-2911
E-mail info@houstonaudubon.org
Galveston County Group 409-772-3126 Bolivar Peninsula Report 2010
AUDUBON DOCENT GUILD Great Birding from High Island to the Ferry
COORDINATOR Bethany Foshée
docent@houstonaudubon.org 713-464-4900

www.houstonaudubon.org Relive spring migration with the Bolivar

www.narba.org
The Naturalist is published bimonthly.
Editor: Susan Billetdeaux
A full color version of The Naturalist in PDF format
is available on our website.
Naturalist E-News is published monthly.
To receive The Naturalist by e-mail, sign up for
Naturalist E-News on our website.
Peninsula Report 2010. The report includes a
review of the spring season by Winnie Burkett,
bird list for January–May 2010, volunteer list,
and photos of some of the birds seen on the
Bolivar Peninsula during spring 2010.
Find the Bolivar Peninsula Report (in PDF format)
in the Sanctuaries section of our website.

The Naturalist is made possible by a generous www.houstonaudubon.org

gift from Terry Hershey.

2 The Naturalist • September/October 2010

Birds and Bluestem
by Sara Morse Bettencourt, Gala Chair

H ouston Audubon’s auspicious (1. What?) fundraising

gala (2. Why?), Birds and Bluestem (3. Bluestem?), is just around
the corner, and we need you to make it a success. Please join
For more information and
to escape further odd
communications from the
us on September 30, 2010, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the gala chair, visit the Houston
Houston Country Club for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a little Audubon website and click
jazz, silent auction, and dinner as we celebrate birds, prairies, on Birds and Bluestem.
and those passionate about prairie preservation. At one time,

LeConte’s Sparrow: Greg Lavaty

Texas boasted 6.5 million acres of native prairie, where little 1.
Auspicious: from the Latin
bluestem, purple lovegrass, Indian blanket, and a multitude of meaning “a good omen; to
other native grasses and wildflowers thrived. Today less than tell the future with bird signs.”
one percent exists. And the signs are excellent
To applaud the efforts of those working to protect and for you to have a grand time
preserve what remains, Houston Audubon will present awards that evening, so that we can
for Outstanding Achievement in Prairie Conservation. With ensure a healthy future for Celebrating Birds and Their Environments
great enthusiasm, we announce three distinguished honorees birds and their habitats. September 30, 2010
who have worked tirelessly to protect this vanishing habitat: 2.
Houston Audubon’s annual www.houstonaudubon.org
galas are festive occasions,
• King Ranch
and a heck of a lot of fun, but
• Katy Prairie Conservancy
they also raise critical funds that enable us to put our mission into tangible
• Houston Audubon’s own Sr. Sanctuary Steward, Flo Hannah
(4. Wherefore these three?) action through conservation and education. For the 2010–2011 year, the
gala represents an importance piece of the budget.
You may purchase an underwriting table for 10 with premier 3.
You may have noticed a trend in our gala themes. Each year, Houston
seating and other benefits starting at $2,500 and up. You
Audubon celebrates birds and a particular habitat. Prior galas have been
might consider teaming up with a friend—each of you
Birds and Bayous, Birds and Beaches, and Birds and Bottomlands. This year’s
purchasing half a table—5 seats each. Or perhaps individual
focus is native coastal prairie, thus the name Birds and Bluestem.
tickets is more your purchasing style, in which case, check
your mailbox. Invitations were mailed mid-August. Individual 4.
You don’t need me to tell you why these three are deserving because their
seating is $225 per person. accomplishments speak for themselves. We’ll speak about them at the gala
though, during our video tributes ... and I’m not about to let the bird out of
The short of it is, we can’t celebrate, we can’t have dinner
the bag ahead of time. You’ll just have to come see, and hear for yourself.
among friends, we can’t raise any money, and we can’t honor
our award recipients with the enthusiasm that is due unless Our generous donors to the Birds and Bluestem Gala will be acknowledged
you are there. We’re counting on you. Please join us! as a whole in the next issue of The Naturalist.

CPP Prairie Conference

Sanctuary Wish List
by Flo Hannah, Sr. Sanctuary Steward
Dos Vacas Debris Cleanup
Hurricane Ike left a great deal of debris

N ovember 4 kicks off Coastal Prairie

Partnership’s 2nd Annual State Of
The Prairie Conference at Houston Zoo’s
throughout the back portion of Dos Vacas
Muertas Bird Sanctuary. Funds are needed
to hire contractors to remove the debris
George R. Brown Education Center Hall. from the tide affected area, as the job is too
Keynote speakers are prairie restoration difficult for volunteers to manage.
specialists Daryl Smith of the University
of Northern Iowa and Randy Arndt of Pickup Truck
The Nature Conservancy of Missouri. We are collecting funds for a pickup truck to
Other noted conference speakers include be our work truck on the coast. We’ve made
Dr. Fred Smeins, Jason Singhurst, Matt a great start—please help us reach our goal!
Wagner, Andy Sipocz, and Mike Lange.
The second day of the conference Power Tools
Photo: Don Verser

(November 5) features field trips to area
high-quality prairie remnants. The public
is welcome.
Costs: The first day at the Zoo is $50. The
field trip on the second day is $25. For
more information, contact Flo Hannah at
fhannah@houstonaudubon.org
Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary needs to
replace a theft of our power tools in May.
About $500 is still needed.
Contact Andrew Beck at 713-932-1639,
abeck@houstonaudubon.org for details.
Bluebells, also known as prairie gentian
(Eustoma exaltatum)

www.houstonaudubon.org 3

Family-friendly!
Sugar Land: August 25
Dayton: August 26
Whole Foods Market: August 31
St. Paul’s: September 24
Nature Discovery Center: September 26
Bird Counts
Swifts Over Houston
Weekly swift counts in Houston (led by
Pam Smolen on Tuesdays) and Dayton
(led by Barbara Tilton on Thursdays).
Armand Bayou Survey
Leader: Andrew Hamlett
Monthly on the second Saturday
Hogg Sanctuary Bird Survey
Leader: Aaron Stoley
Monthly on the first Monday
West 11th St. Park Survey
Leader: Mary Dodson
Monthly on the third Tuesday
Willow Waterhole Survey
Leader: John Schneider
Monthly on the third Saturday
Check www.houstonaudubon.org for
details and any last minute updates.
Smith Point Hawk Watch
14th annual hawk watch sponsored by
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory
August 15–November 15
Check www.gcbo.org for details.
Birding Classes
with Glenn Olsen
Introduction to Birdwatching
October 12–October 30, 2010
Sparrow Identification
November 16–December 4, 2010
Each class consists of two informal
classroom meetings at Edith L. Moore
Nature Sanctuary and two field trips.
Details for these and other classes at
www.houstonaudubon.org
4 The Naturalist • September/October 2010
Fall High Island Work Days
by Andrew Beck, Sanctuary Steward
t's once again time to start looking forward
to spending 2nd Saturdays with the most
dedicated conservation volunteers around
Galveston Bay. October 9 is our first fall work
day to prepare the High Island sanctuaries
for birders and to improve habitat for birds
and all other forms of wildlife.
The first work day is always a lot of fun as we
return to the trails, boardwalks, and habitat
restoration areas we know so well. And yet
the first work day is also like walking into the
sanctuaries for the first time as we check in
on how things have grown, and what areas
need the most work. Depending on how
much rain we’ve had, you can usually expect
to see a big brush pile ablaze, dutifully
turning plant debris into carbon and vapor
and warming the hands of volunteers who
need a break.
Bolivar Flats Beach Cleanup
September 25, 9 a.m.–Noon
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!
High tides from tropical Storm Alex floated
Hurricane Ike boards out of the marsh and
into the sanctuary. We need lots of hands to
pull them out. Houston Audubon will supply
water, gloves and mosquito spray. Bring
your sun screen. Meet on the beach at the
vehicular barrier.
New! ELMNS Work Days
September 25, October 23
Join us at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
on the 4th Saturday of each month for
a morning of gardening and sanctuary
maintenance. We work from 8:30 a.m.
to noon. Bring a sack lunch. If you can
participate, please contact Flo Hannah at
fhannah@houstonaudubon.org or
713-932-1639 by the prior Wednesday.
Booth Volunteers
October 2: Take Me Outdoors Houston at
Discovery Green, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
October 7–9: Bulb & Plant Mart at
Westminster United Methodist Church
October 16–17: Bike Around the Bay
Enjoy these events and also help out
Houston Audubon! Contact: Juanita Perkins
at jperkins@houstonaudubon.org or
713-932-1639.
Andrew Beck
We start work around
8:30 a.m. and work until
about noon, when we
break for lunch, provided
by Houston Audubon and
prepared by the lunch
crew. Lunch at the picnic area of Boy Scout
Woods is a good chance to visit with other
volunteers and recharge from a morning of
exercise and work. After lunch, we take about
an hour to tie up any loose ends and clean up.
Come be a part of sanctuary maintenance,
habitat restoration, and Houston Audubon’s
amazing volunteer workforce. Email me
at abeck@houstonaudubon.org for more
information or to be put on the email list.
2010/2011 High Island Work Days
• October 9 • January 8
• November 13 • February 12
• December 11 • March 12
Birds like this American
Oystercatcher, photographed
trying to eat a snail at Bolivar,
will appreciate a clean beach!
Photo: Joanne Kamo
New Volunteer Orientation
September 18
Whether you like to work outside or in the
office, with adults or kids, we have something
for you! Come to Edith L. Moore Nature
Sanctuary for our Fall Training on Saturday,
Sept. 18, 9 a.m–noon. We’ll explore the many
ways you can get involved with Houston
Audubon. RSVP to Juanita Perkins at
713-932-1639, jperkins@houstonaudubon.org.
Species Profile important to many species of birds.
Dickcissel The Dickcissel is one species that depends upon
grasslands, fields, and open pastures for its
by Glenn Olsen existence. Breeding males are quite handsome
with a gray crown, yellow eyebrow, a yellow

G rasslands or prairies are one of the

most endangered ecosystems in
North America. While many people may
breast, and a black bib below the white chin;
this pattern is similar to a meadowlark, another
grassland-dependent bird. Females lack the black

Photo: Wayne Wendel

view a prairie as dull and lifeless because
they do not see lots of trees; a prairie is
actually teeming with abundance and
diversity in plants, insects, and birds.
Originally our prairies were a web of life
consisting of an amazing diversity of
grasses and wildflowers that supported
the bison, antelope, deer, numerous
species of birds, an abundance of insect
species, and other wildlife.
While we have almost no original prairie
ecosystems remaining, the ranchland and
farmland that now occupies part of the
original Katy Prairie Area does offer an
opportunity to observe birds, plants, and
insects associated with grassland habitat.
The protection of this open land is critically
bid and have muted colors and appear sparrow-
like in appearance.
During the breeding season, Dickcissels feed
their young thousands of caterpillars and soft-
bodied insects such as flies. The diet of adult
birds consists of about one-third insects (mainly
grasshoppers), and two-thirds seeds.
Dickcissel – Spiza Americana
Dickcissels are Neotropic migrants. Their primary
winter range extends from Mexico to South
America, with most residing in the northern So, if you missed seeing a Dickcissel during
countries of South America. They arrive in our spring migration, fall migration is another
area in April, and some remain to breed while good time to observe this beautiful
others continue north. The primary breeding bird. Look for it in fields, pastures, and
range consists of the states of the central U.S. By grasslands.
early November most have departed the U. S.
for their tropical wintering grounds, which are Find this profile in the Bird Gallery of our
grasslands, field, pastures, and farmland. website.

Houston Audubon Field Trips

Reservations are required for all Houston Audubon field trips. Sign up at the HAS Membership Meeting or with Skip Almoney (skipalm@aol.com)
at 713-524-4285. Remember to bring your binoculars, scope, camera, sunscreen, insect protection, sturdy shoes, hat, raingear, water, and snacks
or a lunch if you want to bird into the afternoon. For more information about the field trips and resource links, see the description in the Birding
section of our website. Participants, please check the website for any last minute updates.

Cullinan Park and Willow Waterhole Bolivar Peninsula

Saturday, September 25, 8:00 a.m. Saturday, October 23, 8:00 a.m.

W e will visit two great birding areas

on this trip, both on Houston’s
southwest side . The first is Cullinan Park
near Sugar Land. There should be plenty
of waterfowl on the lake and around
the boardwalk area. One target species
is the Purple Gallinule, which has been
seen in this park. There is also a good
chance for some raptors. After birding
the boardwalk, we will check the wooded
areas for migrating passerines. We will
continue our birding at Willow Waterhole
for more waterfowl and raptors. Both
locations provide excellent opportunities
for birding—find out more about them in
the website description.
Our guide will be Stanley (Skip) Almoney,
who is Houston Audubon’s coordinator
for field trips. Skip served for many years
on our Board of Directors and has worked
as a volunteer on work days at High
Island and Bolivar Flats, as a mentor at
the Boy Scout Woods rookery, and at the
High Island kiosk. Skip has also served
as Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the
Ornithology Group of the Outdoor Nature
Club and is a certified Texas Master Naturalist.
Directions: Cullinan Park is located off State
Highway 6 just north of US 90A in Sugar Land.
If coming from Houston, take US 59 South and
exit at SH 6 North. After approximately 3.4 miles
north on SH 6, the entrance to Cullinan Park
will be on the left (west). Follow the entrance
driveway about 0.5 miles to the parking area.
Future Field Trips
November 27: San Bernard NWR
December 18: Houston CBC
January 21: Katy Prairie
February 26: Mad Island/Clive Runnels
March 26: TBA
April 23: West Galveston Island
May 28: Anahuac NWR
B irders will explore a variety of habitats
on the Bolivar Peninsula, including
the grassy area of Fort Travis, the roadside
marshes along Frenchtown Road, the mud/
sand flats of Bolivar Flats, plus many more
hotspots. If time permits, the afternoon
will include birding at the High Island
sanctuaries. Last year a Burrowing Owl was
found during this field trip. Be prepared
for the unexpected!
Tom Kihn will be the field trip leader. Tom
has led the monthly bird count on Bolivar
Flats and has unique knowledge of the
habitats on Bolivar Peninsula.
Directions: We will meet on the eastern
side of the Bolivar Ferry. Traveling from
Houston, go south on I-45 through
Galveston to the Bolivar Ferry. After
leaving the ferry, pull into the parking area
on the south side of the road. As this is
a long trip, please try to car pool. Those
who sign up via e-mail will enable Houston
Audubon to facilitate carpooling.

www.houstonaudubon.org 5
The Case for Membership
by Ben Hulsey, Houston Audubon Board of Directors

Roseate Spoonbill family at the Rookery: Joanne Kamo

am sometimes asked why it is important to
become a member of Houston Audubon.
My experience has been that every member
has his or her own answer to that question.
The most common answer is that at
some point they felt a connection to the
organization that led them to want to make a
tangible statement of support.
That feeling of connection usually starts with
a belief that a healthy bird population is a
good thing .... that birds are important.
The next step is a conviction that birds
need our help. We have not made it easy
to be a bird in today’s world. Urban sprawl,
deforestation, pollution, climate change,
invasive species, wetlands loss, etc., all
negatively impact birds and their habitat. It
is a long list, most of it created by us, and
there exists an even greater stewardship
responsibility in the Greater Houston area
due to the abundance of birds and diverse
habitat and the importance of the area to
migrants.
Finally, those who have felt connected have
looked at the work of Houston Audubon
and seen an organization that is uniquely
qualified to provide that help. Most of the
difficulties we have created for birds we have
the power to stop or reverse. That is exactly
what Houston Audubon strives to do though
our work in the protection and restoration of
habitat, education programs, and advocacy.
This newsletter provides a great snapshot of
the breadth and depth of that effort.
In short, somewhere along the line a lot of
people have said to us, “I like what you are
doing. I think it is important, and I want to
be a partner with you in the effort.” Whatever
the level of that partnership commitment, Stand Up and Be Counted
the fact is, members are the lifeblood of
Houston Audubon. We do what we do at their Become a Member!
direction through their Board of Directors,
and we do it with their resources of time,
supports programs in this area whereas your
talent, and funds.
membership in Houston Audubon supports
If you are not yet a member of Houston local efforts. Houston Audubon and the
Audubon I hope you will give it consideration. birds and other wildlife we support can use
If you are only a member of National all the partners we can get, and you will be
Audubon Society, please consider joining demonstrating tangibly where you place your
Houston Audubon as well. Only a very values and support.
small part of your National Audubon’s dues

Thanks to Houston Audubon’s Generous Donors!

$5,000+
Ducks Unlimited, Inc. • The Helm Foundation • Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation • The Whitmire Foundation • Lettalou Whittington
The Wortham Foundation
$2,500-$4,999
National Audubon Society • Betsy & Jim Winn
$1,000-$2,499
Baker Hughes Incorporated • Jean & Don Gray • Houston-Galveston Area Council • Nancy Powell Moore • Ray C. Fish Foundation
$500-$999
Patricia Cravens • Strabo Tours • Urban Outfitters • Susan & John Whitmire
$100-$499
Steven Abbey • Jonni & Skip Almoney • April & Kurt Andres • Erin Baldwin • Gary Ballard • Gerard Bertrand • Connie Brooks
Leslie & Roger Calvert • Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Program • Kathy & Gary Clark • Michael Clark • Kassie & Fred Collins
Christopher Dunford • Rebecca & William Edmondson III • Ann Francese • Lisa Francisco • Kathy Greer • Jean & Bill Harwell
Justine & Donald Henley • Sandi & Richard Hoover • Michael Lynch • Noelle Macgregor • Judy & Robert McFarlane • Jeff Mundy
Billie Nowak • Lynn & John Old • Joann & William Owens • Marjie Pierce • Dolores Sandling • Sylvia Schmidt • Sheltered Wings, Inc.
James Stewart • Stephen Turnipseed • Ron Weeks
$1-$99
Beverly & Ben Aderholt • Amazon Services, LLC • Pat & Les Berkheiser • Peggy Boston • BP Foundation, Inc. • Jan & Gardner Campbell
Connie & Mike Carden • Phyllis Carney • Diane & David Citek • Loren Dickson • Margaret Dickson • Melinda & Daniel Droege • R. Eagan
Gary Eichelberger • Dana Euler • Mary Beth Hanlan • James Hein • Sara Komenda • Ann & William Kuhn • Hal March
Cheryl & Rodney McKellar • Marion & Frank Peace • Sumita & Rupe Prasad • Warren Pruess • Martha Schwartz • Kathie & Al Shultz
Laurie Sines • Don Verser
Gifts In-Kind
Katy Emde • Mary Gwen & Ben Hulsey • Linda & David Knowles • Vopak Terminal Deer Park
And finally, we thank all our new and renewing Members, the lifeblood of Houston Audubon
Donations received and processed by July 20, 2010

6 The Naturalist • September/October 2010

Give a Cheer to Our Sims Camp Counselors!
by Mary Anne Weber, Education Director
E very summer Houston Audubon presents
a variety of summer camp options for
children between the ages of 5 and 12. Vicki
and I look forward to camp each summer
and reuniting with our awesome camp
counselors. Our counselors volunteer their
time and energy to help before, during, and
after camp.
This past summer we were delighted to have
Laura Mills and Jadan Weber assisting with
Nature Detectives Camp and Wild about
BIRDS camp! Laura Mills also assisted with
Habitat Heroes Camp, along with Linda Del
Angel and Jeanette Lambert who both live
in the neighborhood around SBUNC. Former
bird campers Rachael and Ryan Lanier came
out from Katy, TX to volunteer every day for
Bird Camp. It was great to see how much
they had grown up.
Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary Fall Family Programs
offered by the Audubon Docents
N ow that the summer camp season has
come to a close, Houston Audubon’s
Edith L Moore Nature Sanctuary (ELMNS)
is once again offering our environmental
education programs for children and families.
The 18-acre preserve provides a special place
to experience nature in our city, and we hope
you’ll join us for outdoor family fun this fall.
Preschool Story Hour: Titmouse Club
Titmouse Club is our preschool program
for children ages 2½ to 5 years. Through
stories, crafts, hands-on activities, and nature
walks your children will be inspired with a
deeper understanding and appreciation for
the natural world around them. Resuming
on September 14, Titmouse Club meets on
Tuesday and Wednesday mornings through
mid-May, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Moore Log Cabin Open Houses
Built in 1932, the Moore Log Cabin is a State
Historic Landmark and home to Houston
Audubon’s ELMNS education programs.
Open Houses are held on the second
Saturday of each month, September through
May. Families can explore the cabin and
learn about the fascinating history and
ecology of ELMNS. Join us for our first Open
House of the fall on Saturday, September 11,
10 a.m–1 p.m.
www.houstonaudubon.org
We truly appreciate this volunteer help each
year and hope we make their experience
just as rewarding and educational as the
campers’ experience. Laura Mills says, “Camp
is AWESOME at Sims Bayou Urban Nature
Center because the kids are really interested
in nature and I always learn new things each
year.”
Owl Prowls
Owl Prowls begin with a lively program on
these fascinating nighttime hunters, including
a chance to meet the Houston Audubon
rehabilitated owls at the Moore Log Cabin.
Then we take owl recordings out onto the
ELMNS wooded trails in hopes of attracting
our resident owls who are busy setting up their
nesting territories. This year, owl prowls will be
held on November 12, December 17,
January 21, and February 18.
Afterschool Nature Explorers Club
Nature Explorers Club is designed for
school-age children who are interested in
investigating the natural world. Each month,
we’ll explore a different ecology topic, focusing
on our own native plants and animals. We’ll
make a craft to take home, go on a nature hike,
dip-net in the ponds, and get to know the
plants and animals of the Bayou City! Nature
Explorers Club is held on the third Thursday,
September–May, beginning on Thursday,
September 16.
Halloween Night Hikes
Get ready for a night of adventure as we learn
about life after dark in the ELMNS woods! Wear
your costume and stop by the cabin for candy,
crafts, guided hikes, and nighttime nature
activities! This year’s Halloween Hikes program
will take place on Friday, October 29.
On the Calendar
Family Nature Explore Club
August 31: FNEC Kick Off, 7:15 p.m.
Swift Night Out at Pershing Middle
School
September 11: SBUNC , 9–noon
Bring sack lunch to picnic afterwards.
October 9: SBUNC, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
“By the Light of the Moon”
Owls, Bats, Spiders—OH MY!
Live owls, owl pellet
dissection, night hike
and more!
Flying WILD
Next Workshop: October 16
Details at www.houstonaudubon.org
Guided Tours
We offer guided natural history tours
of ELMS for all interested groups. Tour
programs include: a guided walk in the
woods, lessons on native flora and fauna,
pond dip-netting, a tour of the cabin, and
an opportunity to meet our education
animals.
Children’s Birthday Parties
Available for children ages 4–10, docent-
led birthday programs feature private use
of the log cabin for your child’s party, a
guided hike in the woods, pond dip-
netting, nature games, and crafts.
Details at www.houstonaudubon.org
or contact Docent Guild Coordinator
Bethany Foshée at 713-464-4900,
docent@houstonaudubon.org.
7
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All funds remain with Houston Audubon

in support of its mission and local sanctuaries.

Mission Statement
Houston Audubon Society promotes the conservation and
appreciation of birds and wildlife habitat.

Bulletin Board
August 25 HAS Field Trip: Cullinan Park and Willow Waterhole
26 Swift Night Out, Nature Discovery Center
25 Swift Night Out, Sugar Land
26 Swift Night Out, Dayton 30 Birds and Bluestem Gala, Houston Country Club
31 Swift Night Out, Whole Foods Market. Kick off for October
Family Nature Explore Club at this event.
Weekly Bayou Buddies on Friday, SBUNC
September Weekly Titmouse Club on Tuesday & Wednesday, ELMNS
Weekly Bayou Buddies on Friday, starting Sept. 10, SBUNC 4 Hogg Bird Sanctuary Survey
Weekly Titmouse Club on Tuesday & Wednesday, starting Sept. 14, 9 High Island Work Day
ELMNS
9 Family Nature Explore Club: By the Light of the Moon
6 Hogg Bird Sanctuary Survey
Owl, Bats, Spiders—Oh My!, SBUNC
8 Membership Meeting: Saving the World’s Rarest Birds
with Dr. Gerard Bertrand 9 Armand Bayou Nature Center Survey

11 Family Nature Explore Club, SBUNC 9 Log Cabin Open House, ELMNS
11 Armand Bayou Nature Center Bird Survey 13 Membership Meeting: South America: Birds, Birdwatching,
& Conservation with Bennett Hennessey
11 Log Cabin Open House, ELMNS
16 Flying WILD Workshop, SBUNC
16 Afterschool Nature Explorers Club, ELMNS
18 New Volunteer Orientation, ELMNS 16 Willow Waterhole Bird Survey

18 Willow Waterhole Bird Survey 19 W. 11th St. Park Bird Survey

Audubon
21 W. 11th St. Park Bird Survey 21 Afterschool Nature Explorers Club, ELMNS
Foundation of Texas
24 Swift Night Out, St. Paul’s Methodist Church 23 HAS Field Trip: Bolivar Flats represents Houston
Audubon in the
25 Bolivar Flats Beach Cleanup 23 ELMNS Work Day Earth Share of Texas
payroll deduction
25 ELMNS Work Day 29 Halloween Night Hikes, ELMNS
plan for charitable
giving.

The Naturalist is printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper.