This Year’s Live Auction Items
We have an exciting lineup of five auction items at our 16th annual Victor Emanuel Conservation Award Celebration. Our live auction will feature adventures in Central Texas, Central America, and many places in between. We’d like to extend a huge thank-you to the donors who provided these adventures. Every dollar raised from this auction funds Travis Audubon’s programs, from our three lovely nature preserves to our hundreds of birding classes and trips every year.
Eco-tour to Barton Creek with Bill Bunch
Head out to beautiful Barton Creek for an eco-tour led by none other than Bill Bunch himself. This day-trip will offer hiking, birding, and even some snorkeling, along with plenty of Bill’s stories about the area. Best of all, you’ll get to ride to the start of the hike in the new Save Our Springs sprinter van—no having to worry about parking at busy trailheads. This trip includes 10 spots, with lunch provided, and will take place in spring 2026.
Donated by Save Our Springs Alliance
High Desert Stay in Taos, New Mexico
Gather your friends and family for a tranquil retreat at this lovely 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Taos vacation rental. Boasting a fully equipped kitchen, a furnished patio, a fire pit area, and a sauna, this home offers the perfect setting for rest and relaxation. When you’re not enjoying these perks, shop ‘til you drop at the Taos Plaza or hit the slopes at Taos Ski Valley. After a day of adventure, soak your cares away in the private hot tub or head inside for a cozy movie night by the Smart TV.
This home can accommodate 8 guests, and it can be booked any available four-day block from January – April 2026. There are 5 beds on the property:
Bedroom 1: King Bed | Bedroom 2: Queen Bed | Bedroom 3: 2 Full Beds | Living Room: Queen Sleeper Sofa
Donated by Richard Deulofeut and Matthew Law
From Grassland to Woodland at Hershey Ranch
Head to Hershey Ranch, recognized this year for excellent land stewardship, for a morning of birding where grassland and woodland species abound.
Donated by Andy and Nona Sansom
Sky Island Birding Paradise
Explore The Nature Conservancy’s wild and remote Davis Mountain Preserve, located about 30 miles from Fort Davis, Texas. The Davis Mountains rise from the expansive Chihuahuan Desert, a sky island of temperate and forested habitat in an otherwise arid landscape. The Davis Mountains Preserve protects 32,844 acres of this sky island system. Ranging from an elevation of approximately 6,000’ to 8,378’ on the summit of Mt. Livermore, the habitats on the preserve (juniper-oak-pinyon woodland, ponderosa pine forest, montane grasslands, and mesic canyons) provide habitat for 235 species of birds, including many western and southwestern species that are rare in Texas.
With stunning views of Mt. Livermore, you will stay in the preserve’s cabin, which has two bedrooms and a loft, and features modern amenities (electricity, bathroom, and kitchen). To help you find your target birds, Rich Kostecke will serve as your birding guide. Rich is well-acquainted with the preserve and its birds, having monitored birds on the preserve annually since 2012 to track changes in their populations related to impacts from bark beetles, climate change, and wildfire. Visitors may also enjoy other activities, such as hiking, photography, stargazing, or just taking in the scenic views and fresh mountain air. The preserve is only 10 miles away from the McDonald Observatory.
This cabin stay is for 3 days and 2 nights, and the cabin accommodates four guests. Lodging includes 2 bedrooms and a loft:
Bedroom 1: Queen bed | Bedroom 2: Queen bed | Loft: 3 Twin beds
Donated by The Nature Conservancy and Rich Kostecke
Birding in Belize
Explore the sights and exciting new bird species of Belize from the cozy homebase of the Lamanai Outpost Lodge. This award-winning lodge is on the banks of a remote jungle lake amid the remnants of the Mayan city of Lamanai. It is surrounded by broadleaf forests, pine savannahs, farmlands, and vast wetlands, and Belize’s first and second top birding hotspots on eBird will be right outside your room.
This birding package for two people includes airport transfers, by land and boat; three nights’ lodging; two excursions per day; and all meals. Gift certificate valid October 2025 – October 2026, depending on availability.
Made possible by Jean Warneke of JB Journeys, and donated by the Lamanai Outpost Lodge
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