The 2013 Spring/Summer Birding Calendar
Compiled by Janis Johnson and Shelly Plante
Spring migration is an incredible time to watch for birds in Texas. In addition to the events listed below, state parks hold frequent birding activities. A regularly updated calendar of all events offered at Texas Parks and Wildlife facilities can be found online (www.tpwd.state.tx.us/calendar/). To find birding-specific events, there is a category of the calendar for “Birds, Bats & More” where you will find a listing of all of the wonderful bird walks, owl prowls, bird identification classes, and more offered at state parks around the state, including the state park World Birding Centers. Additional events at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and Sea Center Texas can be found by selecting “Site Calendars” from the list of options on the main calendar page.
Recurring Events
Daily (except Wednesdays)
Daily Bird Walks – Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Alamo. Experienced birders will take you on a walk to see some of the diverse avian visitors that call the refuge home during different parts of the year. Bring comfortable walking/hiking shoes, insect repellent, water and anything else to protect you from the heat. If you do not have personal binoculars there are some available for loan at the visitors center. 8:30-10:30 a.m. $3 per vehicle (free on first Sunday of each month). (956)784-7500; www.fws.gov/refuge/Santa_Ana.
First, Second and Third Sundays and Second Tuesday
Guided Birding Tours – Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, San Antonio. Monthly birding tours led by Mitchell Lake Audubon Center docents. 8 a.m. $5 for non-MLAC members, $3 for MLAC members. (210) 628-1639. www.mitchelllakeaudubon.org
First Thursday
Monthly Meeting – San Antonio Audubon Society. Meeting and program at The First Tee, 915 E. Mulberry Ave. Nonmembers are welcome. 7 p.m. (210) 308-6788. www.saaudubon.org.
Third Thursday
Baytown Nature Center Monthly Audubon Bird Survey – Baytown. Participants walk the nature center grounds and tally the number of birds and bird species. Great for all levels of birders — those who are very experienced who love doing it and helping others, and those less experienced who can learn so much about birds and how to identify them. 8 a.m. $3 nature center entry. (281) 424-9198. www.baytown.org.
Second Saturday of each month
Beginners’ Bird Walk – San Antonio Audubon Society, San Antonio. Morning walk at the Judson Nature Trails in Alamo Heights, 246 Viesca St. Some binoculars available to borrow. 8 a.m. start time in May; 7:30 a.m. in June and July. Free. (210) 308-6788; www.saaudubon.org.
Third Saturday
Bird Banding – Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Lake Jackson. Volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The banding station is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn about birds in our community. The banding station is operated by Robert and Kay Lookingbill and occurs the third Saturday of every month. 8 a.m.–noon. (979) 480-0999; www.gcbo.org.
Botanical Garden Monthly Bird Walk – San Antonio Botanical Garden, San Antonio. Bask in the relaxing atmosphere found in the garden during a morning bird walk led by an experienced guide. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Ages 10+. 9 a.m. Free for Botanical Society members. $8/adult; $5/child; $6 students/seniors/military, not including dependents. (210) 207-3255; www.sabot.org.
Fourth Saturday
Bird Count and Survey – Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, San Antonio. Monthly birding count/survey led by Mitchell Lake Audubon Center docents. 8 a.m. $5 for non-MLAC members, $3 for MLAC members. (210) 628-1639; www.mitchelllakeaudubon.org.
May – July
Twilight Tours – Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Los Fresnos. Sit back and enjoy the birds, scenery and wildlife along the 15 mile Bayside Drive at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. $3 entrance fee per vehicle. (956)748-3607. For schedule visit: www.friendsofsouthtexasrefuges.org
April – August
Texas Nature Challenge – Houston Audubon Society, Houston. The goal of the Texas Nature Challenge is to get families and kids outdoors by visiting as many participating parks and nature areas in Texas as they can this spring and summer. At each site, participants complete activities designed for family fun and nature exploration. Free for families to register/some fees at parks and centers. (713) 640-2407; www.houstonaudubon.org
May
Ends May 1
High Island Spring Migration – High Island. Birders and birds will once again converge in High Island for the incredible natural phenomenon that is spring migration. Identification workshops, free field trips, and an information kiosk are provided. $8. (713) 932-1639; www.houstonaudubon.org. Event starts March 23 and ends May 1.
May 4
Trinity Bird Count – Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas. Help us count birds that call the 120 acres of the Trinity River Audubon Center their home. 8-10 a.m. Free. (214) 309-5810; www.trinityriveraudubon.org.
Beautiful Birds! A Celebration of Bird Migration – Kleb Woods Nature Preserve, Tomball. Celebrate the annual migration of some of North America’s most beautiful birds. Beginning and experienced birdwatchers can participate in lectures, bird walks and children’s activities. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. (281) 357-5324; www.pct3.hctx.net/parks/klebwoodsnaturepres.aspx.
2013 International Migratory Bird Day – Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen World Birding Center. Celebrate birds with bird walks, presentations, and a special demonstration. 10 a.m. $2 for adults, $1 for children and seniors. (956) 681-3370; www.quintamazatlan.com.
May 9
Bird Banding in the Park – LCRA San Saba River Nature Park, San Saba. Nature lovers are invited to watch the West Texas Avian Research Group, which will set up mist nets to capture and document birds caught. Birds will be removed from the nets, data collected as to species, weight, sex, etc. and then released. 8 a.m.–noon. Free. (325) 372-7615.
May 10
Spring Lecture Series: Bird Art – Kleb Woods Nature Preserve, Tomball. Learn techniques for drawing and painting birds in acrylic, watercolor, and pen & ink with Dennis Shepler. In addition to instruction, the class will include a display of his work. 9-11 a.m. Free. (281) 357-5324; www.pct3.hctx.net/parks/klebwoodsnaturepres.aspx.
May 11
2013 International Migratory Bird Day – Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. A celebration of International Migratory Bird Day focused on increasing knowledge and enjoyment of birds and wildlife. The event will consist of interactive, family-friendly activities for all ages. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. (210) 628-1639; www.mitchelllakeaudubon.org.
Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at the San Antonio Zoo – San Antonio. Activities will be held throughout the zoo including games, face painting, keeper talks, live bird presentations and guided tours of the zoo’s birds. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free with zoo admission. (210) 734-7184; www.sazoo.org.
Guided Bird Walk – Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, Lewisville. This guided tour takes birders to some of the best locations to view many of the 270 species of birds documented at this 2,000-acre forest, prairie, river and wetland habitat, including areas not regularly open to the public. Ages 10+. 7:30 a.m. $7 per person includes program/gate fee. Reservations requested but not required. (972) 219-3930; www.ias.unt.edu/llela. Next date is June 8.
Audubon Birding by Boat – Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas. Enjoy a guided float on the Trinity River and witness riparian wildlife in their natural habitat. River guides, kayaks and/or canoes, PFDs and paddles provided. 9–11 a.m. Fee: Nonmembers $60/per person, Members $30/per person. (214) 398-8722; www.trinityriveraudubon.org.
Audubon Birding Basics – Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Cedar Hill. Become part of the fastest-growing and most fascinating recreation activities in the U.S. by learning birding tips & techniques, binocular skills, and go on a guided birding hike. 9-11 a.m. Fee: Nonmembers $15/per person, Members free. (469) 526-1980; www.trinityriveraudubon.org.
May 18
Audubon Forest Fest – Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas. Did you know over 140 species of birds have been seen in the Great Trinity Forest? Come join us to celebrate our feathered friends and neighbors. Guided birding hikes and birds of prey photo opportunities. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free admission with $5 parking. (214) 398-8722; www.trinityriveraudubon.org.
June
June 1
First Saturday Bird Walk – Kleb Woods Nature Preserve, Tomball. Get introduced to the best birding spots in the park while looking for summer residents and their nests. Bird walks meet at the nature center and are suitable for all ages and levels of experience. 8-10 a.m. Free. (281) 357-5324; www.pct3.hctx.net/parks/klebwoodsnaturepres.aspx.
June 8
Senior Birding Bus Trip – The Exotic Species of Texas – Kleb Woods Nature Preserve, Tomball. Travel to several locations in Houston to look for exotic species such as red-vented bulbul, peacock, monk parakeet, nutmeg mannikin and orange bishop. Participants must register for the trip and must be at least 50 years old. 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free. (281) 357-5324; www.pct3.hctx.net/parks/klebwoodsnaturepres.aspx.
Audubon Birding Basics – Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas. Become part of the fastest-growing and most fascinating recreation activities in the U.S. by learning birding tips & techniques, binocular skills, and go on a guided birding hike. 9-11 a.m. Fee: Nonmembers $15/per person, Members free. (214) 398-8722; www.trinityriveraudubon.org.
Bird Nesting Day – Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen World Birding Center. Families are invited to learn about nesting birds. Enjoy a bird walk, bird nest exhibit, and build your own nest box. 10 a.m. $2 for adults, $1 for children and seniors. (956) 681-3370; www.quintamazatlan.com.
Guided Bird Walk – Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, Lewisville. This guided tour takes birders to some of the best locations to view many of the 270 species of birds documented at this 2,000-acre forest, prairie, river and wetland habitat, including areas not regularly open to the public. Ages 10+. 7:30 a.m. $7 per person includes program/gate fee. Reservations requested but not required. (972) 219-3930; www.ias.unt.edu/llela.
June 8
Rio Bosque Wetlands Park Birding Walk – El Paso. Join us as we seek views of burrowing owls, Harris’s hawk, white-tailed kite, painted bunting and gambel’s quail. Hosted by El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society. 6:30 a.m. (915) 637-3521.
June 10-14
Summer Birding Day Camp – Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Lake Jackson. Each day of camp will feature a variety of outdoor learning experiences including what makes a bird a bird, to sketching, avian adaptations, banding, live birds, identifying birds, wetland bingo and much more! Camp runs 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registration required. $150 per participant. (979) 480-0999; www.gcbo.org.
June 16
Freedom Flight – Burnet. Last Chance Forever, a nonprofit organization that rescues birds of prey, and Vanishing Texas Cruises, a premier ecological tour group, partner to provide an awesome opportunity for a limited number of participants to view the release of rehabilitated raptors returned back into the wild. 11 a.m. Cost of entry $37.19 to $48.75. (512) 756-6986; www.vtrc.com.
July
July 13
El Paso’s Upper Valley Sunset Birding Trip – El Paso. Join us on a birding trip to try for views of nesting Mississippi kites, acorn woodpeckers, Wilson’s snipes and red-crowned parrots. Hosted by El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society. 6:30 p.m. (915) 637-3521.
Trinity Bird Count – Trinity River Audubon Center, Dallas. Help us count birds that call the 120 acres of the Trinity River Audubon Center their home. 8-10 a.m. Free. (214) 309-5810; www.trinityriveraudubon.org.
July 21
Freedom Flight – Burnet. Last Chance Forever, a nonprofit organization that rescues birds of prey, and Vanishing Texas Cruises, a premier ecological tour group, partner to provide an awesome opportunity for a limited number of participants to view the release of rehabilitated raptors returned back into the wild. 11 a.m. Cost of entry $37.19 to $48.75. (512) 756-6986; www.vtrc.com.
