The

N aturalist
Celebrating 40 Years of Bird Conservation

Save the Date for Houston Audubon’s

Houston Audubon Society
July/August 2009

Birds & Bottomlands Benefit

H
ouston Audubon is celebrating Texas’
bottomland hardwood forests and their
importance to
millions of migratory
In This Issue songbirds, waterfowl, and
resident birds by hosting
Horse Races and the Birds & Bottomlands
Other Challenges . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Benefit on October
1, 2009 at the Omni
Notes from HAS Sanctuaries . . . . . 2 Houston Hotel from 6:30
p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
HAS 40th Inspires
Ranked as one of the
History Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
most endangered
Wood Duck: Greg Lavaty
ecosystems in the United
States, bottomland
hardwood forest systems are among the most
diverse in Texas. While they also contribute to
water quality, carbon sequestration, and storm
water retention, they are of special importance to
Ken Burns & Early HAS History . . . 3 birds.
These forests along the Upper Texas Coast and in
Explore the Bottomlands! . . . . . . . 3 East Texas are located in the heart of the Central
Flyway Zone, a migratory bird superhighway.
Birdathon Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Houston Audubon has identified two landscape-
Species Profile scale conservation projects that protect this
Prothonotary Warbler . . . . . . . . . 5 dwindling habitat: the Columbia Bottomlands
project on the Upper Texas Coast, which supports
more than 230 species of migratory and resident
birds, and the Neches River project in East Texas,
which sustains more than 270
species.
Both projects will be
featured during the event
with awards presented for:
Outstanding Achievement
in Columbia Bottomland
Conservation to U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service, National Fish
& Wildlife Foundation, Trust
for Public Land, and Magnolia
Charitable Trust; and
Outstanding Achievement
in Neches River Bottomland Conservation to
Former U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson, Ellen &
Buddy Temple, The Conservation Fund, and Texas
Conservation Alliance.
Carolyn and Scott Davis, and Bonnie and Richard
Donovan have graciously agreed to serve as the
event’s Honorary Chairs. Festivities will include
live and silent auctions; live music by Jazz Avenue;
cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts.
For details about purchasing tickets, sponsoring
the event, or contributing an item to the auctions,
please visit www.houstonaudubon.org.

A Sketch of Two Bottomland Conservation Projects

The Columbia Bottomlands The Neches River

HAS July 4 Field Trip

Sunset on the Katy Prairie . . . . . 5
Festival on the Bayou 2009 . . . . . . 6
Sims 2009-2010 Programs . . . . . . . 7
Swift Night Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
T he Columbia Bottomlands are centered in
Brazoria County where the US Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS’s) goal is to protect a bioreserve
network of critical bird habitat. Houston Audubon
members are familiar with the Columbia
Bottomlands from the many occasions we asked
donors to help us partner with the USFWS, the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Trust for
Public Land, and the Community Foundation of
Brazoria County. Partnering has meant Houston
Audubon is conserving more critical habitat than
ever. Currently, the USFWS has 15,000 acres under
conservation, but the agency has a long-term goal
of conserving 55,000 additional acres.
T he Neches River in East Texas is the largest
contiguous wildlife corridor left in the state.
The bottomlands are not only important for many
rare breeding birds, such as the Swallow-tailed Kite,
American Woodcock, and Swainson’s Warblers, but
are also essential for land birds during migration.
The river supports threatened and endangered
species, including the Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon,
Wood Stork, Swallow-tailed Kite, Rafinesque’s
big-eared bat, Louisiana black bear, paddlefish,
and alligator snapping turtle. Numerous state
and federal agencies, conservation groups, and
individuals have partnered in protecting this vital
ecologically diverse bottomland system.

Learn more about the bottomlands and Houston Audubon’s involvement in protecting them in the
Birds & Bottomlands section at www.houstonaudubon.org
The Naturalist July/August 2009

Vol. 28, No. 4 July/August 2009 Horse Races and Other Challenges
Houston Audubon Society
by Jim Winn, HAS President
is a chapter of the National Audubon Society

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Jim Winn
I watched the Kentucky Derby last May and
smile whenever I think about it. Mine That
Bird, a gelding few had heard of, and fewer
and supporters from
here and beyond the
Texas borders made it
PAST PRESIDENT Joy Hester thought had a chance to win, did! After happen.
PRESIDENT-ELECT Mary Carter
one mile, he was last in a field of 19 horses. Now we are working with that second
CORPORATE SECRETARY Judith Boyce
TREASURER Andrew Lopez
Then the jockey gave him the reins, hollered challenge which also began last September
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE “let’s go” and go he did. Finding an opening with the collapse on Wall Street. We all know
John Bartos Ginger Coleman when he needed it, he passed horses like a of this challenge because we all have been
Lynn Forster Richard Goldfarb motorcycle going 50 mph passing cars driving affected one way or another by the resulting
Kathryn Hale Bernice Hotman 30 mph. And when he passed the leaders he economic slowdown and the accompanying
Ben Hulsey Jeffrey Mills just kept going, finishing 6¾ lengths ahead
Geoffrey Newton Laurie Williams uncertainty. Nonprofits have been affected
of the second place winner. It was truly a because their supporters have been affected.
Jeffrey Woodman
remarkable sight to see. HAS has no immunity and a tight budget
Galveston Group
Representative: Alice Anne O’Donell Purchased by a couple of fellows from New has been adopted for the coming year (FY
Mexico for $9,500 and trained by a former 7/1/09 – 6/30/10). Staff and board are anxious
BOARD OF ADVISORS rodeo wild bronco riding cowboy, this little to move ahead with several new projects in
Gerard A. Bertrand Sara Bettencourt horse bested several million dollar plus addition to normal operations. But some plans
Peggy Boston Caroline Callery favored stallions, including that of a Middle now must wait for better economic times, as
Claire Caudill Gary W. Clark
Eastern sheik! For us who love seeing the our challenge today is dictated by reduced
Victor Emanuel Ted Eubanks, Jr.
Stephen Gast Gene Graham underdog win, it was the American story all operating income.
Terry Hershey Ford Hubbard, III over again! It’s exciting and inspiring! HAS has benefited from loyal supporters for
Ann Wier Jones Mavis P. Kelsey, Jr. So what’s it all have to do with Houston forty years now, and your continued support
Robert McFarlane Nancy Powell Moore
Audubon, beside the champion’s name? will carry the day going forward. There are
Jeff Mundy Donal C. O’Brien, Jr.
Ellen R. Red Heidi Rockecharlie HAS successfully completed a race last two ways you can be of real help. First, as you
Rob Rowland Andrew Sansom spring which began with Ike’s devastation consider your situation, please leave HAS in
Steve Smith Kathryn Smyth and continued to the beginning of spring your gifting budget. Secondly, we ask that
James R. Stewart, Jr. Lucie Wray Todd migration. The challenge was to protect and you support us as you are currently able so to
John L. Whitmire Lettalou Whittington clean up the Bolivar Sanctuaries and to clean do. Just stay with us through these lean times,
up, replant trees, and clear trails at the High and the birds and HAS will continue to be
STAFF
Island Sanctuaries in time for avian and human there for you now and when the economy has
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Gina Donovan
SANCTUARY MANAGER Winnie Burkett visitation. Both arrived in late March and both recovered, as recover it will!
SR. SANCTUARY STEWARD Flo Hannah found what they hoped for – shelter, food, Have a good summer and we will see you at
SANCTUARY STEWARD Andrew Beck and rest for the migrants and beautiful birds the September 9 membership meeting.
EDUCATION DIRECTOR Mary Anne Weber for us! It wasn’t easy, but volunteers and staff
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR Vicki Vroble
COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR Robin Leonard
COMMUNITY RELATIONS ASSOCIATE Andrea Ritchie Notes from HAS Sanctuaries
CONTROLLER Barbara Thompson
EXECUTIVE LIAISON Britt Jones
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kathryn Grigsby
North Deer Island BP Cleans Up Bolivar Flats
This past spring North Deer Island was How wonderful it is to see the bus pull up at
CONTACT INFORMATION
designated a Global Important Bird Area by Bolivar Flats with the hard-working volunteers
HAS Office 713-932-1639 the National Audubon Society and BirdLife from BP! They always have their work cut
Education Office 713-640-2407
FAX 713-461-2911
International. Houston Audubon is grateful out for them when they come to clean up
E-mail info@houstonaudubon.org for the additional recognition of what is the the beach. Although the major part of the
Galveston County Group 409-772-3126 most productive colonial waterbird island in hurricane debris was cleaned up during the
Galveston Bay. The island is co-owned and winter, many bits and pieces had floated in,
AUDUBON DOCENT GUILD managed by HAS and Audubon Texas. and many plastic bags were filled.
COORDINATOR Bethany Foshée
docent@houstonaudubon.org 713-464-4900 On May 6 the Exploration Division of BP
High Island held their 14th cleanup at Bolivar Flats. They
www.houstonaudubon.org Thanks to grants from the William A. & removed tons of trash from the beach and left
www.narba.org Madeline W. Smith Foundation and the Ralph it a much cleaner place.
The Naturalist is published bimonthly. H. & Ruth J. McCullough Foundation, we have
Mark Steuer, a long time Houston Audubon
A full color version of The Naturalist in PDF format been able to undertake restoration projects
member and BP employee, began the BP
is available on our website. at Smith Oaks, including improvements to
beach cleanup tradition, and we greatly
Naturalist E-News is published monthly. the boardwalks and levee trail by the Rookery,
To receive The Naturalist by e-mail, sign up for appreciate his efforts. Mark has recently
a covered picnic shelter for the Smith Oaks
Naturalist E-News on our website. retired, but fortunately for us the beach clean-
picnic area, as well as professional tree work
up tradition will continue. We look forward to
and privet removal. We will be engaged in
The Naturalist is made possible by a generous BP’s return to Bolivar Flats in October.
restoration work on the Bolivar Peninsula
gift from Terry Hershey.
throughout the summer. Thanks BP!!!

2
The Naturalist
HAS 40 Inspires History Project
th
T he approach of Houston Audubon’s 40th
anniversary later this year has inspired a
much-needed effort to organize and preserve
the dynamic history of Houston Audubon. Led
by Peggy Boston, a member of the HAS Board of
Advisors, a team of volunteers has worked since
last summer to organize and archive information
found in HAS files. Key people from Houston
Audubon’s past have been interviewed, and
more such interviews are planned.
A skeleton timeline of the history of the
organization has emerged that will be a living
document that can grow with the organization
and guide future documentation of its history,
thanks to HAS Webmaster Susan Billetdeaux.
That timeline can be seen and followed on
the HAS website, along with other pertinent
information and links about the history of the
Ken Burns & Early HAS History
by Joy Hester, HAS Past President
W hen Houston Audubon was incorporated
as a nonprofit organization in 1969, Edith
L. Moore still lived in the log cabin on Rummel
Creek that would later become its home.
High Island and Bolivar Flats were known to
a few birders, but the properties that would
become world famous HAS bird sanctuaries
weren’t even a dream yet. There was much
to be done and no staff to do it, so board
members along with other volunteers did all
the work of the organization. Attorney Ken
Burns was one of those early board members
whose contributions helped build HAS into the
extraordinary organization we know today.
When Houston Audubon was formed, Ken and
his wife Laura were living in the house they’d
built next door to Edith L. Moore on Rummel
Creek. They befriended Edith and her dogs, as
did early HAS president Rob Deshayes and his
wife Mabel. By the time Ken became president
of HAS in 1979, Edith had willed her cabin and
surrounding 18 acres to Houston Audubon, and
HAS had the challenge of dealing with the back
taxes owed on the property. Over the years
prosperous subdivisions had grown up around
Edith’s land, and valuations of the property had
become an annual burden for her that HAS
would now have to shoulder. The exemptions
that landowning nonprofits depend on today
did not exist at that time, so it was a dilemma
that might have kept HAS from being able to
keep this wonderful gift. Through the efforts
of Ken Burns and others such as prior president
Bruce McCandless, the back taxes owed to
various taxing authorities were paid and, with
the help of Ken’s contacts in the legal and
legislative communities, the present exemption
from taxes on land owned by nonprofits (up
organization. An “In Memoriam” section honors
extraordinary HAS supporters who are no
longer with us.
The article below describes part of that history.
It is the last of a series written by Joy Hester for
The Naturalist when she was Executive Director
in an attempt to capture the history of Houston
Audubon from the perspective of some of its
early leaders. It was an effort that she stresses
was random and incomplete. There are many
extraordinary HAS heroes that have yet to be
interviewed and recognized, which the History
Project hopes to do.
To find the History section on our website, click on
“About Us” on the home page.
The log cabin at Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
in the early 1970s.
to 1,000 acres in a county) came into being.
Without that change in Texas law, it is unlikely
that Houston Audubon would hold the 3,300
acres of sanctuary lands that it owns today in
several counties.
Serving as HAS president from 1979 to 1982, and
serving on the board of directors for 12 years,
Ken Burns was also instrumental in the early land
acquisitions that became the HAS High Island
sanctuaries. Because the first purchase of land
at High Island required that HAS take on debt
for the first time, there was considerable and
somewhat heated debate within the board. The
purchase price of $50,000 was, it was argued,
too high a price to pay. Fred Collins, a member
of the board at the time, credits Ken Burns for
a quote that helped sway the decision toward
taking on the debt and buying the first High
Island tract. According to Fred, Ken asked the
board, “How do you value a painting? The
canvas and oil paint the artist uses, or as a
Picasso would? A painting is valued by those
who purchase it!” Fred, who went on to become
a president of Houston Audubon himself, has
also said that HAS would not be the organization
that it is today were it not for Ken and Ken’s
predecessor Rob Deshayes. As HAS president,
Fred continued the work of building the High
Island sanctuaries, as did Fred’s successor as HAS
president, Pete Peltier.
July/August 2009
Summer Escapes
Explore the Bottomlands!
Tips by Gina Donovan & Flo Hannah
Columbia Bottomlands
Visiting the Columbia Bottomlands is now
more fun and accessible than ever.
San Bernard and Brazoria National
Wildlife Refuges: In addition to birding
there are new public fishing opportunities.
At the Brazoria NWR, a new launching ramp
was built to allow access for kayaks and
canoes into the Salt Lake recreation area.
At San Bernard, a new pier and trail provide
fishing and birding access to Cedar Lake
Creek.
Hudson Woods Unit: New trails and
a boardwalk leading to a Scoby Lake
observation platform.
McNeil Unit: A ¾-mile boardwalk leads to
the largest known Live Oak tree in the State
of Texas. For access to the “San Bernard
Oak”, call the refuge headquarters.
Carolyn Raizes Davis Bird Sanctuary:
This HAS sanctuary is part of the Columbia
Bottomlands conservation project. There
are no amenities or formal trails, but the
public is invited to walk in and follow
Chocolate Bayou that is lined with a diverse
mature forest.
Flo and the San Bernard Oak
Neches River Bottomlands
A canoe is the best way to experience what
makes the Neches River so special.
Mary Carter’s Canoe Rentals in
Lumberton (409-791-0040) offer great
prices and excellent service.
For wonderful camping and hiking
adventures, visit: Angelina National
Forest & Boykin Springs Campgound,
Davy Crockett National Forest & 4C’s
Hiking Trail, Big Thicket National
Preserve & Village Creek State Park, and
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park.
Find more information, maps, and links to
resources in the Birds & Bottomlands section
at www.houstonaudubon.org
3
The Naturalist July/August 2009

Birdathon 2009 Award and Prize Winners HAS Sanctuary Bird Sightings
1st Rockport Hummers

I want to personally thank everyone for
participating in this year’s Birdathon. We
raised over $40,500, not bad for these tough
economic times. The birding was wonderful
this spring, I even got a life bird. I hope to see
you all again next year on your existing teams,
and maybe on a second team with some
“Birdathon Rookies”!!!!!
Have a wonderful summer, and I’ll see you
again next year!!!!!
– Leslie Calvert, Birdathon Chair
Grand Prize
Winners: Three Cranes and a Curlew
Oberholser Cup – Most Birds Identified
1st Muddy Buddies – 131 species
2nd Three Cranes and a Curlew – 127 species
Whittington Award – Most Money Raised 2nd Avid Avosits
1st Three Cranes and a Curlew – over $7,400 Magic Moment / Funniest Story
2nd Baker Blue Jays – over $6,400 1st Screaming Seagulls
3rd Wandering Warblers – over $4,048 2nd Raven Maniacs
4th Bird and Bean Counters – over $4,007 3rd Wild Turkeys
5th Sharp Shins – over $3,500 Special Award Golden Eagles (youth team)
6th Muddy Buddies – over $1,900
Green Team Award
Most Pledges Received 1st Galveston Bay Kingfishers
1st Rockport Hummers
Sitting Duck Award
2nd Bird and Bean Counters
1st Avid Avosits
Best Bird
Mentor Award
1st Honeyguides – Grasshopper Sparrow
1st Jeff Sexton
2nd Phab Phour Phalaropes – flock of Photo: Greg Lavaty
2nd Arlette Keene
Swainson’s Hawks and Dickcissels
Most Great Blue Herons Seen Find the full list of award and drawing winners as well
1st Sharp Shins as the Magic Moment / Funniest Story entries in the
Birdathon section at www.houstonaudubon.org.

Thanks to all our Birdathon Donors!

Beverly & Ben Aderholt • Victoria Agee • Mary Alfred • Judith Amstutz • Mary Lou Anderson • Maria Anderson • Medrith Appling
Martha Armentrout • Odie Asscherick • Erin Baldwin • Ann & David Barb • Norma Barnes • Glenda & Hugh Barrett • Sarah Bassett • Roselyn Batcheller
Francesca Beaumont • Karen & Phil Beekman • Kathleen Benbrook • Debra Benedict • Theodore Berman • Susan & Brad Billetdeaux • Betsy Black
Lyn Birmingham • Catherine Black • Annetta Black • Beth Black • Garland Kerr & Jim Blackburn • Dorothy Blackwell • T. Blome • Peggy Boston
Jeff Botkin • Judy Boyce • James Boyd • Ron & Marcia Braun • Joan Brennecke • Anne Brinkerhoff • Melanie Brook-Lander • Craig Brooks
Richard Brooks • Shannon Brotherton • Cheryl Burns • David Burns • Mary Jo & Harlan Busse • Leslie Calvert • Margie Camp • Deborah Carpe
Mary Carter • Michael Carter • Patricia Casey • Gloria Casson • Kim Chao • Lorraine Cherry • Chevron Matching Gift Program • David Citek
Jane Cizik • Don Clampitt • Laura Clyburn • Ginger Coleman • Debra Collins • Debra Sue Collins • Marilyn Crane • Helen Crawford • Linda Crist
Ronald Cude • Arthur Cunningham • Kathryn Daniels • Bruce Darlow • Gayle DeGeurin • Denney Ranch 2 Nature Preserve • Mabel Deshayes
John Dickinson • Donna Diggons • Edith Dillon • Nancy Dobbs • Mary Dodson • Glenda Dole • Gina Donovan • Melinda Droege • Gary Eichelberger
Jacqueline Elders • Katy Emde • Susan & Barry Engel • Marjorie Farmer • Charles Ferguson • Lourdes Fernandez • Alan Finger • Phyllis Finn
Graham Fleming • Lynn Forster • Martha Foster • Rosanna Francis • Susan Fulgham • Javier Galvan • Bill Gann • Julia Garrett • Barbara Gase
Joy Gates • Rebecca Giot • Paul Glaves • Carolyn Gore • Bill Graber • Harold Grace • Jim Graves • Susan Green • Clifton Grim • Layton Guinn
Patricia Gutierrez • Ann Haisler • Dorothy Hale • Mary Hale-Hogue • Rita & John Hannah • Babette Harding • Rob Harnded
Carolyn & Tommy Harris • William Harwell • Fawaz Hashmi • Wanda & Sergio Henao • Nancy Henerek • John Hernandez • Rick Herron
Denise Herzberg • Joy Hester • A. Hill • James Hoffman • B.J. Hollingsworth • Marci & Sonny Holub • Maggie & Bob Honig • Ann Hoover
Lydia Hoover • Bernice Hotman • Dee Howell • Ben Hulsey • Marcie Hysinger • Bernice Jackson • Jun Jaing • Charles Jamison • Nancy Jenkins
Karen Jenner • Philip John • Ellen Johnson • Donna Jones • Ann Wier Jones • Bonnie Jones • Matthew Kardesch • Joan Keahey • Arlette Keene
Betty Keith • Darlene Kelleher • John Kelley • Lynn Kelly • Mavis Kelsey • David Key • Suzanne Kitchens • Bill Kleh • Larry Knippa
Linda & David Knowles • Lee Kobayashi • Linda Kuhnen • Barbara Kyse • Rose Lauzon • Julia Lawhon • Charles Lawler • S. Lede • Gene Lege
Stephanie & Paul Leonard • John Leonard • K. Leonard • Bette Lester • Susan Levy • Bill Lindemann • Sue Ling • Linscomb and Williams • Todd Little
Anne Loesch • Andy Lopez • Anna Lopez • Gibbs MacDaniel • Robert Macintyre • Barbara & Bob Malone • Rex Marzke • Barbara Massey
Deborah Matocha • Cheryl & Rodney McKellar • Pat McLeod • Peggy McNealy • Cathleen McQuillan • Stennie Meadours • Kay & Larry Medford
Evelyn Merz • Marjorie Milby • Shiela Miller • Debbie Mitchamore • Pamela & Bob Moore • Jim Morgan • Elayne Morgan • Chris & Donald Mullen
Christine & Donald Mullen • Nadine Murphy • Stephen Newland • Paula & Geoffrey Newton • Deana Nguyen • Andrea & Edward Nove
Alice Anne O’Donell • Robert Ohmart • John Old • Bobbie Oldfield • William Owens • Charles Parker • Jo Parks • Quinn Passey • Marion Peace
Richard Peake • Pelletier • Glenda Perry Rob Peterson • Richard Plumb • Natalie Ponder • Pam Pool • Jet Prenderville • Warren Pruess
Nancy Purcell • Brad Raffle • JoAnn Raine • James Reeder • V. Revere • Pamela Richardson • Patricia Roberts • Ellen Rodriguez • J.P. Rose
Peggy Rowell • Marlene Rubin • Bertha Rutherford • Dora & Doug Rutledge • Carey & Douglas Rutledge • Allison Ryder • Clarence Sanders
Dolores Sandling • Bill Saulmon • John Schneider • Susan Schneider • Steve Schneider • Judith Schott • Kathie Schultz • Robert Schwartz
Richard Senechal • Linda Sexton • Linda Shead • Robert Sherwood • Kathie & Al Shultz • Virginia Simons • Laurie Sines • Lillian & Jim Skogsberg
Frank Smith • Maja Smith • Pam & Steve Smolen • Paul Smolen • Jose Solis • Susan Spence • Richard Stade • Robert Stanfield • Sybill Stephens
James Stewart • Eleanor & JC Stormberger • Rosemary Sullivan • David Swaim • Gretchen Thoman • Barbara & Mark Thompson • Barbara Tilton
Brenda Tinsley • Sonia Townsend • Eliot Tucker • Tobi Troxell • Pamela Urban • Don Verser • Grace Versfelt • Theodore Vora • Miriam Vyles
Wallcoverings International • Deean Watson • Virginia Wells • Gerry Wells • Weston Solutions • Lettalou Whittington • Anne White
Rowena & Jack White • Robert White • Sherry Wilkerson • Laurie Williams • Tom Williams • Betty Williams • Page Williams • Glenn Wilson
Betsy & Jim Winn • Ardis Wipf • Johanna Wolfe • Michele Wood • Anita Woods • Steve Woodward • Martha Wynn • Brenda Zeh • Elizabeth Zivley

4
The Naturalist
Species Profile
Prothonotary Warbler
by Glenn Olsen
T he Prothonotary Warbler is the iconic
breeding warbler of bottomlands, wooded
bayous, creeks, rivers, and swamplands of the
eastern United States, including those habitats
in the eastern half of Texas.
This denizen of the dark bottomlands and
swamps glistens like a golden flame as it darts
about defending territory or in search of food.
The head, throat, breast, and belly of the male
are a rich, bright, golden yellow. The blue-
gray wings and yellow-green back go almost
completely unnoticed, so compelling is the
bright yellow. The female looks very similar but
is not as brightly colored. A.C. Bent thought
that a more befitting common name for this
species should be “Golden Swamp Warbler”.
This name seems quite appropriate both for the
color and habitat of the bird, but it just makes
too much sense to be accepted.
This species begins arriving in Texas mid to late
March. Many more arrive in April, and most
continue northward to other breeding ranges.
Once a suitable territory is located, the “Golden
Swamp Warbler” begins to search for nesting
cavities. This species has the unique habit
HAS Summer Field Trip
July Natural History – Sunset on the Katy Prairie
Saturday, July 4, 2009 5:00 p.m. until dark (about 9:00 p.m.)
A
lthough many feel that July is just too
hot for a field trip, early morning and late
evening can be comfortable, especially away
from the heat-retaining concrete of the city. The
Katy Prairie, only an hour or so west of Houston,
is just such a place to enjoy those comfortable
hours. So HAS will reprise last year’s very
successful Katy Prairie July 4th field trip (OK, to
be perfectly accurate, it actually was July 5th
in 2008). We will explore grasslands, wetlands,
and tree lines to observe the diversity of wildlife
and flora on the Katy Prairie – all on properties
owned by the Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC,
www.katyprairie.org), which has protected
thousands of acres in west Harris County and
east Waller County. We hope to see a variety of
birds (possibly Painted Buntings and Orchard
Orioles on territory), butterflies visiting flowers,
and dragonflies cruising over ponds. At sunset
we plan to be near a wetland where many
White-faced Ibis, as well as other waterbirds,
may return in the evening to roost; and we hope
to be treated to a chorus of frogs and toads,
insects, displaying Common Nighthawks, and
maybe even a King Rail or two.
Photo: Wayne Wendel
Prothonotary Warbler – Protonotaria citrea
of nesting in natural cavities and abandoned
woodpecker holes within its breeding range. It is
the only eastern warbler known to do so. Females
arrive, courtship begins, and the timeless story of
raising a family is retold.
Once the young are self sufficient, much quicker
in warblers than humans, individuals begin their
fall migration to the southern areas of Central
America and northern South America where
they will remain until the following March.
Most individuals have left the U.S, by the end of
October.
I encourage you to find a bottomland, wooded
bayou, or swamp and search for this strikingly
beautiful bird before they begin leaving our area.
Find this profile in the Bird Gallery of our website:
www.houstonaudubon.org
Guide: Bob Honig – As a member of the KPC’s
Board of Directors and a frequent KPC volunteer,
Bob is very familiar with the Katy Prairie. Bob has
been an avid naturalist for many years, regularly
leading field trips and lecturing (in recent years
on dragonflies in particular) for southeast Texas
conservation groups. Bob was Compiler of the
Buffalo Bayou Christmas Bird Count for 21 years,
was co-founder and an initial Co-Compiler of
the Brazos Bend CBC, and served as Chairman of
the Outdoor Nature Club’s Ornithology Group.
Bob and his wife, Maggie, live on the Katy Prairie
just down the road from our field trip meeting
site on property bordered by KPC land.
Directions: Meet at KPC’s Field Office in Waller
County at 5:00 p.m. From Houston go west
on Interstate 10 – Take the Exit 737 Pederson
Rd. and turn right (North) on Pederson Rd. Go
north on Pederson Rd. about ½ mile until it tees
into US 90 (note: no sign for US 90 here). Turn
left (west) on US 90 and go about ½ mile to the
first right (turn north) which is FM 2855. Go 6
miles on FM 2855 to the intersection with FM
529. Continue straight across FM 529 – you are
now on Morrison Rd. After 1 mile, Morrison
makes a sharp left turn – continue 1 more mile
July/August 2009
HAS Birding Classes
with Glenn Olsen
Introduction to Ornithology
June 25 – July 23, 2009
The first in a series of classes to study the
remarkable physiology of birds that makes
them such amazing creatures of flight,
migration, and beauty.
Hawk Identification & Migration
August 20 – September 12, 2009
Hawk Migration is a great opportunity
to see large numbers and many species
of these beautiful birds. Learn how and
why hawks migrate and the key elements
that enable you to identify hawks in flight.
Classroom sessions and field trips.
Details and registration forms at
www.houstonaudubon.org
Toh Festival de Aves
November 19 – 22, 2009
HAS is a sponsor of this annual
Yucatan Bird Festival.
Birding, Workshops,
Competitions, Exhibits, & More!
www.yucatanbirds.org.mx
to Pattison Rd. Turn right (north) onto Pattison
Rd and go north for 3 miles where Pattison
tees into Hebert Rd. Turn left (west) on Hebert
Rd.; go 1 mile to the Katy Prairie Conservancy
Field Office sign on the left – 31950 Hebert
Rd. Turn left (south) through the entrance
gate and go about 400 yards to the office.
See our website description for a link to other
directions.
Reservations are required. To sign up,
contact Bill Saulmon (dean1960@aol.com) at
281-537-6924. You must sign a KPC release of
liability form to get on KPC property. (Forms
are available at www.katyprairie.org). Bring a
flashlight (with a red filter if you have it); also
wear footwear that you don’t mind getting
a bit wet, in case we have a rainy spell; and
don’t forget water, a hat, sunscreen, and
insect repellent. Regardless of the weather,
please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
It may be buggy, so you may also want to
wear long sleeves. For more info on the field
trip and a link to the KPC release form, see
the description in the Birding section of the
HAS website. Participants, please check the
website for any last minute updates.
5
The Naturalist July/August 2009

Festival on the Bayou 2009 wonderful AARP volunteers to assist with activities,
and the Meadowbrook Garden Club hosted a plant
by Mary Anne Weber, Education Director
sale. Linda and Flavio Del Angel kept the kids busy

T he annual celebration of International

Migratory Bird Day was another big
success at Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center.
This is the 4th Festival on the Bayou, and each
year it gets better.
For this year’s May 2 festival, the grounds of
the nature center were converted into an
outdoor classroom about birds and other
native fauna and flora. Flo gave prairie chats
in the pocket prairie, and visitors enjoyed the
life size bison that Vicki painted. It looked
amazing! Houston Wilderness and Mothers
for Clean Air spread the message of green
living and discovering the wealth of natural
resources around the Houston area.
Mr. Clint the “snake man” wowed the kids with
his collection of reptiles and gave a great
talk about snake identification. We added
30-minute chats under the big tent and were
fortunate to have Clint and Sharon Schmaltz
from Wildlife Rehab and Education available
to share with the crowd. Sharon brought four
wonderful raptors. All are non-releasable and
help with their education efforts.
at the turtle booth, and Andy Lopez, his daughter
Ana, and Ron Jones were crucial help with set
up. The HAS staff spread the bird conservation
message at the HAS booth, and Andy Lopez and
Michael Williams helped visitors spot birds along
Sims Bayou. HAS staff also helped set up tents and
booths and stayed late to drag everything back to
Bayou Buddy Mikayla Olumba (sporting the barn. Bayou Buddies graduation was a huge hit
a wonderful face painting by a talented for parents and buddies alike.
volunteer parent from Park Place Elementary)
This festival is only possible with all the help we
receive from the community and supporters. We
Ginger Coleman staffed her popular Texas thank them all! Mark your calendars for May 1, 2010
Master Naturalist booth, and our garden club for our 5th annual Festival on the Bayou!
from Park Place Elementary gave garden tours
and shared their newly learned culinary skills.
Our new volunteer, Nancy Russell, shared her
gardening expertise and delicious garden
bread with the visitors while helping at the
Junior Master Gardening booth. Bob and
Paula Wynhoff took care of the nature store,
while volunteers from Baker Hughes, girl
scouts, and Westside High School students
helped staff booths and the registration
table. Pam Smolen educated everyone about
Chimney Swifts and our “Swifts over Houston”
initiative. Lucy Goldsmith arranged for her

Thanks to Houston Audubon’s Generous Donors!

$2,500+
BP Foundation, Inc. • Connie & Jeff Woodman • S. Craig Damuth
$1,000-$2,499
Jamie Fairchild • Hobby Family Foundation • Marilyn Lummis • Alice Anne O’Donnell
$500-$999
BP Fabric of America • Patricia Cravens • ExxonMobil • Francine Fleming • William Lyons • The Powell Foundation • Antionette Taylor
Nancy Thompson
$100-$499
Richard Alexander • Barbara & John Arnett • Brenda Bennett • Catherine Brown • Chevron Matching Gift Program • John Cody •
Mary Lou Fowler • Arlyne & Robert Gibbs • Shelia Hargis • Paul Herman • Dana & Ken Kromka • Sarah Lane • Eva Moldovanyi • Melanie Myal
Sandra & Robert Poppelreiter • Outdoor Nature Club • Ornithology Group • Lee & Ray Roeder • Rice Epicurian • Norma & Sandy Rubin
Ann Satterback • Michael Smith • Town & Country Garden Club • Wachovia Foundation • Ann Wales • Ron Weeks • Safeway, Inc.
Stephen Williams • Betsy & Jim Winn • Norman Young • Horacio Zea
$1-$99
Dwain Akins • John Baker • George Bathey • Christine Battan • Geraldine Beck • Judy & Ronald Bell • Gary Binderim • Geraldine Block
William Bouldin • Roger Breedlove • Thomas Brooker • Heather Burket • Alta & Richard Cate • Chevron Matching Gift Program • Henri Childers
William Clendenen • Kristin Coleman • Judith & Richard Cooper • Diane & James Dallas • David Dean • Don Dunnington • Joel Dunnington
Toni Duperies • Edward Earles • Sandy Elers • Alex Gaines • Barbara Gardner • Susan Gardner • Thomas Gederberg • James Gensheimer
Janet Graney • Greater Park Place • Janet Griffiths • Laurel Hanscom • Terry Hershey • Denise Herzberg • Jim Hinson • Mary Hooper
Katya Horner • Benjamin Hortsman • Barbara Howard • Kathleen Hunsdorf • Brandy Ischy • Monica Jordan • Judith Kammerer • Joanne Kamo
Betty & Henry Keith • Linda & William Kimball • Jackie Klieger • Andrea Krofina • Ann Kuhn • Charles Lawler • Donna Lewis • Brad Lirette
Karl Long • Gene Luhn • Sonny Manley • Harry Marr • Sheryl Maruca • Dale McClanhan • Betty McCutchan • Sandra McHone • Shirley Mohney
Janet Neath • Ken Noack • Bryan Patrick • Richard Payne • Patricia Pease • Eloise Powers • James Tapner • Shari Provenzano • Julie Rabik
Barbara Railey • Timothy Robbins • Kenneth Russell • Otto Schreiber • Sue & Jack Schwaller • Lawrence Semander • Marsha Seyffert
Hazel Shaughnessy • Theresa & James Sigmund • Nina Sitra • Fielding Smith • Susan Snider-Osterberg • Doris Spiegel • Ann & Alvis Starr
Mary Anthony Starz • Barbara Stern • Jane & John Stormer • Joann Thompson • Newell Tilton • Ayse Tobey • Jarka Trojan • Sarah Tyler
Arthur Vallier • Steven Vealy • Elise & John Vroble • Gay & John Vroble • Shirley Wagner • Jacqueline Weaver • Carl Wilkerson
Sherry Wilkerson • Paula & Bob Wynhoff • Dennis Wysong • Mary Yurkovich
*Donations received and processed by May 20, 2009

6
The Naturalist
Sims Bayou Urban Nature Center 2009-2010 Programs
Bayou Buddies
Reunion & Registration for New Classes
July 31, 2009 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Veterans and newcomers interested in the
program can mingle at this fun event. Make
crafts, enjoy snacks, and learn and see what
Bayou Buddies is all about! Receive a schedule
of all the creatures the youngsters will be
learning about in the coming year.
Bayou Buddies is an educational and fun class
for 3-5 year olds. Each week we explore a
different native Texas animal or habitat as we
work our way through the alphabet.
New this year, you may choose Friday morning
or Friday afternoon sessions. In addition to
the classes, the price includes a youth T-shirt,
and graduation packet (cap, diploma, photo
collage). Please note that you must register
for the entire year. Because of this program’s
popularity, registration for a single session is
no longer possible.
Girl Scout Badge Workshops
The schedule of workshops through January is
now posted. Sign up now!
Repo on the Bayou and a Sad Goodbye
by Mary Anne Weber, Education Director
I know it sounds like a bad paperback but
the story is true. Vicki and I bade farewell
to Katerina Graham on May 27. She and her
family are moving to the open country of
Colorado. After being so fortunate to have
Katerina and her expertise for almost two
years, it was hard to let go. Her knowledge
and work ethic brought our gardening
program to new levels, and our mission to
create the highest quality native gardens and
natural play areas moved forward by leaps and
bounds under her guidance, instruction, and
sheer hard work.
You have probably heard us say over and
over that no two days at Sims Bayou Urban
Nature Center are alike, and Katerina’s last day
was no exception. Katerina had planned to
simply come in and finish some work on the
computer, and then we would head off for a
long overdue lunch together as the educa-
tion team. At lunch Vicki reminded us that
someone had stolen the canoe, and it was tied
up a ways down the bayou. Well, why not take
Katerina out for her first and most definitely
Family Nature Explore Club
Houston Audubon’s Family Nature Explore Club
allows families to explore the natural resources of
the Houston area. There are no age requirements
and everyone is welcome. You can join at any
time. We meet at Sims to caravan and carpool
to our destination. You can also meet the group
at the destination if that is easier. Times and
details will be sent by email. There is no fee,
but all families are asked to consider becoming
HAS members. Membership funds go directly
to conservation and education efforts on the
Upper Texas Coast. Family Nature Explore Club
membership cards will be given out at the first
meeting in September and to new members as
they join. Come and explore the natural world,
make new friends, and create lasting memories
with your children and grandchildren.
For full details and destinations, visit the Family
Nature Explore Club page on our website.
Outreach Programs
Important programming note for educators: Due
to increased demand for educational outreach
programs and field trips to Sims Bayou Urban
Nature Center, we are encouraging all educators
to contact us at the beginning of the school year
even if they are booking for spring of 2010.
last chance to paddle Sims. What ensued was
a tale of thick clay mud hillsides, mucky messes,
waterlogged canoes, crazy ants, and more mud.
Find the full drippy account in the Education
Blog on the website. At the end we were all a
mess but the job got done. Repo complete!
It seems like only yesterday that Katerina came
into our little nature center and started making
such a great impact, and as quick as she was
here, she was gone. She drove off in the rain,
covered and smelling of good ol’ Houston bayou
mud and muck. What a way to finish! We will
miss you, Katerina!
July/August 2009
Mark Your Calendars to Join Us for
Swift Awareness Events!
Dayton: Thursday, August 27
Bellaire: Tuesday, September 1
On August 5, 7-8:30 p.m., Pam Smolen will
present a free program on Chimney Swifts
at the Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire
to kick off our special events.
The Bellaire Swift Night Out is
co-sponsored by the Nature Discovery
Center and Whole Foods Market.
We’ll meet at 7 p.m. at the Whole Foods
parking lot at 4004 Bellaire Blvd.
Swift Night Out in Dayton begins at 7 p.m.
in the parking lot of the old rice dryer.
Visit the Swifts Over Houston section of our
website for details on all events.
Summer Bird Counts
Houston Bird Survey: June 2009
Don’t forget to report your sightings!
Online report forms are on the website.
Armand Bayou Survey
Leader: Andrew Hamlett
Monthly on the second Saturday
Bolivar Bird Count
Leader: Tom Kihn
Monthly on the third Saturday
Swifts Over Houston
Leader: Pam Smolen
Weekly on Tuesday evenings
Swifts Over Dayton
Leader: Barbara Tilton
Weekly on Thursday evenings
West 11th Street 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
7
HAS Membership Form

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Naturalist Nonprofit Org.

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Address Please check box to indicate address change 440 Wilchester Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77079-7329 Solicited mail
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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
June 27-31 ADG Nature Explorers Summer Camp 8, ELMS
25 Introduction to Ornithology Class, ELMS (see p. 5) 31 Bayou Buddies Reunion and Sign-up for the new year, SBUNC
(see p. 7)
29-3 ADG Nature Explorers Summer Camp 4, ELMS
30 Last Day of Houston Bird Survey August
July Weekly Pershing/Whole Foods Market Swift Count on Tuesdays
Weekly Dayton Swift Count on Thursdays
Weekly Pershing/Whole Foods Market Swift Count on Tuesdays
3-7 HAS By the Light of the Moon Summer Camp, SBUNC
Weekly Dayton Swift Count on Thursdays
3-7 ADG Survivor Camp, ELMS
2 Introduction to Ornithology Class, ELMS
5 Chimney Swifts with Pam Smolen, Nature Discovery Center
4 HAS Field Trip to the Katy Prairie (see p. 5)
(see p. 7)
6-10 ADG Nature Explorers Summer Camp 5, ELMS
8 Armand Bayou Nature Center Survey
9 Introduction to Ornithology Class, ELMS
10-14 ADG X-treme Pond Camp, ELMS
11 Armand Bayou Nature Center Survey
15 Bolivar Bird Count
13-17 HAS Nature Detectives Summer Camp, SBUNC
15 Willow Waterhole Survey
13-17 ADG Nature Explorers Summer Camp 6, ELMS
18 W. 11th St. Park Bird Survey
16 Introduction to Ornithology Class, ELMS Earth Share
20 Hawk Migration Birding Class, ELMS
18 Bolivar Bird Count OF TEXAS
22 Hawk Migration Field Trip (see p. 5)
18 Willow Waterhole Survey Audubon Foundation
27 Swift Night Out in Dayton (see. p. 7) of Texas represents
20-24 ADG Nature Explorers Summer Camp 7, ELMS Houston Audubon in
21 W. 11th St. Park Bird Survey September the Earth Share of Texas
payroll deduction plan
23 Introduction to Ornithology Class, ELMS 1 Swift Night Out in Bellaire (see p. 7) for charitable giving.

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