Photo above taken by Rafael Ruiz
Travis Audubon hosted a sold-out Video Premiere event on March 24, where Paul and Georgean Kyle, the Sanctuary Stewards of Chaetura Canyon, were featured on a Texas Parks and Wildlife TV Series.
The Kyles have taken on the challenge of providing habitat for the endangered Chimney Swift species, which has had serious decline in numbers throughout the years as their Central Texas hill country habitat has been disappearing.
Windows on Nature: From the Trails Photo taken by Rafael Ruiz
Guests enjoyed the hill country smells of fresh spring as they strolled through the trails of Chaetura Canyon, catching glimpses of flittering friends in the trees. One of the most popular areas of the canyon was the Windows on Nature view: a covered sitting area where guests could enjoy a variety of birds flitting to and fro.
Windows on Nature: Bird’s Perspective Photo taken by Rafael Ruiz
This is a very special place for the feathered friends of the Kyles; 56 species have been sighted at the Windows on Nature since April 2017 (see the full list below). “We had Black-chinned Hummingbirds and Broad-winged Hawks nest very close to the Windows last year, and Red-breasted Nuthatches have been there all winter,” Paul remarks. Many guests mentioned how truly special this place is; to the birds, the wildlife, the Kyles, and the friends who get to experience this native hill country oasis.
As the video premiere got closer, guests made their way back to the house for snacks and refreshments.
Photo taken by Rafael Ruiz
Guests enjoyed popcorn, snacks, and fresh air as they sat down to watch the video premiere.
Photo taken by Rafael Ruiz
The video was shown on the outdoor deck, which overlooks the canyon that the Kyles have called their home for many years.
Abe Moore, Texas Parks and Wildlife Videographer Photo taken by Rafael Ruiz
Texas Parks and Wildlife videographer, Abe Moore, took guests on a video adventure of the Kyle’s conservation work at the Video Premiere event. With never-before-seen footage, the video premiere offered over 50 guests a peek into the behind-the-scenes work that the Kyles have been up to.
As the Video Premiere evening drew to a close, there was one more heart-warming surprise that night. As guests parted ways and headed home, there was a sound that resonated through the hill country air. Georgean took off to make sure she and Virginia Rose, a long-time friend had heard right… The first Chimney Swift of the season was heard at the Windows on Nature!
***
Bird List for the Windows on Nature
In the order they were seen or heard and recorded since April 1, 2017
- White-eyed Vireo
- Northern Cardinal
- Broad-winged Hawk
- Ash-throated Flycatcher
- Great Crested Flycatcher
- Chimney Swift
- Carolina Chickadee
- Black-crested Titmouse
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Greater Roadrunner
- White-winged Dove
- Painted Bunting
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Golden-fronted Woodpecker
- Bewick’s Wren
- Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
- Carolina Wren
- Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay
- Great-tailed Grackle
- Ladder-backed Woodpecker
- Northern Mockingbird
- Summer Tanager
- House Finch
- Turkey Vulture
- Yellow Warbler
- Canyon Wren
- Cliff Swallow
- Purple Martin
- Common Raven
- Eastern Phoebe
- Rufous-crowned Sparrow
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo
- American Crow
- Mourning Dove
- Inca Dove
- House Sparrow
- Black-and-white Warbler
- Barn Swallow
- Brown-headed Cowbird
- House Wren
- Dicksissel
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet
- Double-created Cormorant
- Spotted Towhee
- Belted Kingfisher
- Chipping Sparrow
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
2018
- Hermit Thrush
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Blue Jay
- Scott’s Oriole
- Common Grackle
- White-throated Sparrow
2019
- Red-breasted Nuthatch
- Pine Siskin
- American Robin
Thanks to everyone who joined us at the Chaetura Canyon Video Premiere!
