This calendar includes Heartwood’s scheduled chapter, volunteer, and training events.
For a list of unscheduled (work at your own pace) volunteer activities, check out the approved chapter activities: Heartwood Volunteer Projects
Want to suggest a new volunteer opportunity?
Want to suggest a new advanced training opportunity?
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Mercer’s Monthly Bird Survey
March 23, 2023 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Houston Audubon conducts 18 bird surveys across the region. This critical community science effort gathers data that will help scientists evaluate population changes and understand which species might require special management. Survey leaders engage participants of all birding skills, and it’s a great way to be introduced to the joys of birdwatching!
Mercer’s monthly Bird Survey is part of Houston Audubon’s Field Research. The survey meets the fourth Thursday each month (except for June, July, August, and November), similar to many local surveys.
Led by longtime birder Paul Gregg and Mercer staff member Christy Jones, the Mercer survey takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month from 8 AM to 10 AM. Birders of all skill levels who are at least 12 years old are welcome. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Mercer’s 1.7-mile survey loop is primarily crushed asphalt trails. Bring binoculars, water, and insect repellent.
Please contact Christy Jones at Christy.Jones@pct3.hctx.net for more information or to borrow binoculars.
About the Survey
Mercer Botanic Gardens is a Harris County Precinct 3 park spanning almost 200 acres along lower Cypress Creek with viewing opportunities for birders in cultivated gardens, mature riparian woodlands, open grass meadows, and includes water features such as ponds, oxbow lakes, and Cypress Creek. Mercer is surrounded by more than a thousand acres of protected forestland, which will eventually connect to the Cypress Creek Greenway.
Birders at Mercer can expect to see a variety of southeast Texas favorites, such as the Red-bellied Woodpecker, Green Heron, Carolina Wren, and Eastern Bluebird, as well as opportunities to view uncommon or migrating species, such as the Inca Dove, Cliff Swallow, American Woodcock, and Bald Eagle.
Dates/times are:
Thursday, Feb. 23 from 8 – 10 a.m.
Thursday, Mar. 23 from 8 – 10 a.m.
Thursday, April 27 from 8 – 10 a.m.
Thursday, May 25 from 8 – 10 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 28 from 8 – 10 a.m.
Thursday, Oct. 26 from 8 – 10 a.m.
None in Nov. as the day falls on Thanksgiving
Thursday, Dec. 28 from 8 – 10 a.m.
VMS Code: FR: Other partners: Field Research Hours (Description – Mercer Bird Survey)
