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November Bird Forecast
Raptor Rapture What birds are considered raptors? To most of us it means birds of prey – birds that kill vertebrates. These birds often exhibit sharp talons, hooked bills and…
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Bird of the Week: Greater Roadrunner
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) Despite popular depictions, there are no documented cases of a Greater Roadrunner being pursued by a coyote who is riding an ACME rocket, and their call…
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Bird of the Week: Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vulture, Cathartes Aura “…murderous aspect–the very look of a professional assassin, and yet a bird which does no murder.” Mark Twain, Following The Equator (1897) Above the…
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Native American History in East Austin
Header Image: Archaeological survey at Blair Woods. November is Native American Heritage Month, and there is much rich Indigenous history and culture to celebrate in Central Texas. Travis…
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In Remembrance of Bob Barth
Robert H. Barth was a long-time member of Travis Audubon Society (TAS). He died on September 26, 2022 and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by hundreds of…
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Soaring at 70: Reflections by Jane Lyons
In this monthly feature, our members and friends have been invited to reflect on and celebrate Travis Audubon’s 70 years. The first…
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Bird of the Week: Orange-crowned Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) This tiny songbird is most common in our region from October through March, though its camouflage makes it…
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Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Gunter
By Alexis Puchek Chris was born in San Marcos, Texas and moved to Austin when he was just six months old; he’s lived in our capital city his…
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Bird of the Week: American Oystercatcher
American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliates) American Oystercatcher. Courtesy of Jeanette Larson. Readily identifiable by its bright orange beak and red-yellow eyes, the…
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Variations on the Theme of Birding
Seasons have come and gone since we got into birding. We have learned to attract birds using feeders, baths, and bird-loving native plants. We think we can recognize their…
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City Council to Review Austin American Statesman Land Use Ordinance
On October 13th the Austin City Council will be reviewing the ordinance to modify the land use plan for the Austin American Statesman “PUD” and Travis Audubon encourages its…
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October Bird Forecast
Nice Day for Ducks There are several expressions in the English language based on ducks. Many elected officials will be “lame ducks” after election day. The idiom “sitting duck” refers…
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Bird of the Week: Bewick’s Wren
Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) If you’ve ever been on a bird walk and heard someone pishing* to attract birds, the sound they are making is very similar to the alarm…
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Bird of the Week: Whooping Cranes
Whooping Crane, Grus americana Eighty years ago, you would have been hard pressed to see a Whooping Crane. Although these cranes have existed for millions of years, by 1938 there…
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Bird of the Week: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Blue-gray Gnatcatcher breeding male. Photo Credit: James A. Giroux Flitting…
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