Travis Audubon Society
3710 Cedar St.
Box 5
Austin, Texas 78705
512.300.BIRD (2473)
info@travisaudubon.org
3710 Cedar St.
Box 5
Austin, Texas 78705
512.300.BIRD (2473)
info@travisaudubon.org
This Month
CHAETURA CANYON EVENTS
May thru September
Second Saturday Swift Watch:
May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, and September 13
This event will is scheduled for the second Saturday of the month
from 7:00PM ‘til 9:00 PM. It is limited to 15 participants who are
encouraged to bring their beverage of choice to share (or not!).
Snacks and water are provided. Each evening will begin with an
orientation and short guided walk of the upper trails. Guests then
socialize on the deck and observe the Chimney Swifts as they
cavort over the Canyon and then go to roost at dusk. Native plants
propagated on site are available for sale along with bird feeders,
note cards, limited edition prints and TAS merchandise. Although
this exclusive event is free, a suggested donation of $10.00 per
person is appreciated.
Please contact Sanctuary Stewards Georgean and Paul Kyle
to make your reservations ASAP:
EMAIL or 512-266-3861
August
Second Saturday Swift Watch: August 9
This “Second Saturday Swift Watch” is special. This date is also
the first of two weekends of “A Swift Night Out”: a continent-wide
Chimney Swift roost monitoring project sponsored by the
Driftwood Wildlife Association. For more information, go to
Chimney Swifts.
September
Second Saturday Swift Watch: September 13
Like the August event, this “Second Saturday Swift Watch” is also
special. This date is the second and last of two weekends of “A
Swift Night Out”: a continent-wide Chimney Swift roost monitoring
project sponsored by the Driftwood Wildlife Association. For more
information, go to Chimney Swifts.
Dinner with the Swifts
September 19, 20
The Travis Audubon Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary is unique. It
is the only place in the world where Chimney Swifts are so
carefully protected and so closely observed in such an intimate
setting. As their numbers dwindle elsewhere, Chimney Swifts
thrive at Chaetura Canyon due to innovative conservation
practices resulting from over 20 years of observation and
research by Georgean and Paul Kyle. To insure conservation for
future generations of swifts and birders alike, Paul and Georgean
donated their beautiful property and home to the Travis Audubon
Society in 2006 to be protected in perpetuity. You can help
maintain this wonderful new TAS resource by attending one of two
unforgettable evenings this Fall:
Dates: Friday, September 19h or Saturday September 20
Time: 6:00 PM
Place: The Kyles’ Residence at Chaetura Canyon
Each evening will begin with an optional stroll that wanders past
numerous Chimney Swift Towers, through a haven of native
plants, carefully restored wildlife habitat including an amazing
grove of sapling Spanish Oaks and several small ponds teaming
with dragonflies, chorusing Leopard Frogs and other aquatic
critters along the easily walkable upper trails.
Enjoy drinks on the covered deck, overlooking the canyon followed
by a seated gourmet dinner hand-prepared by Georgean. At
dusk, Chimney Swifts cavort and circle above the deck before
going to roost. At the conclusion of the impressive aerial show
the Kyles will host a brief video presentation showing rarely seen
nesting activities from Chaetura Canyon.
Each exclusive event is limited to 10 participants per evening, and
last year was a sell out -- so don’t wait too long! To secure your
reservations, please contact:
Georgean and Paul Kyle
EMAIL or (512) 266-3861
Admission is $100 per person with all proceeds going into the
TAS Chaetura Canyon fund.
The fund is used for maintenance and ongoing conservation and
education projects at Chaetura Canyon.
October
Nest Box Workshop: October 12
Paul and Georgean Kyle will hold their annual workshop on
building nestboxes (birdhouses) on Sunday, October 12, from 1-4
pm. Each class member will be given a pre-cut kit to construct
his/her own nestbox during the class. Participants will learn
about the nesting needs of several cavity nesting birds such as
Carolina Wrens, Eastern Bluebirds, Black-crested Titmice, etc.
and the proper placement and care of the boxes. Plans will also
be available for Screech-owl boxes.
After the boxes are completed, Paul and Georgean will lead the
class through the trails of Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary,
looking for nests and checking nestboxes for occupation earlier
this year. One of their Chimney Swift towers will also be
investigated.
Registration is limited to 12 builders. Children age 8 and above
will be welcome if accompanied by a parent. The cost of this
workshop is to be announced.
For more information or to sign up, contact Anne Donovan at
472-3030 or ANNE.
November
Sanctuary Closed
December
Sanctuary closed except for West Cave Christmas Bird Count.
Chaetura Canyon Booth at TAS Holiday Gala
A booth will be set up to sell native plants and merchandise
donated by Rootin’ Ridge Toymakers, the Driftwood Wildlife
Association and other donors. All profits will be donated to TAS to
be used exclusively for projects at Chaetura Canyon.
Second Saturday Swift Watch:
May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, and September 13
This event will is scheduled for the second Saturday of the month
from 7:00PM ‘til 9:00 PM. It is limited to 15 participants who are
encouraged to bring their beverage of choice to share (or not!).
Snacks and water are provided. Each evening will begin with an
orientation and short guided walk of the upper trails. Guests then
socialize on the deck and observe the Chimney Swifts as they
cavort over the Canyon and then go to roost at dusk. Native plants
propagated on site are available for sale along with bird feeders,
note cards, limited edition prints and TAS merchandise. Although
this exclusive event is free, a suggested donation of $10.00 per
person is appreciated.
Please contact Sanctuary Stewards Georgean and Paul Kyle
to make your reservations ASAP:
EMAIL or 512-266-3861
August
Second Saturday Swift Watch: August 9
This “Second Saturday Swift Watch” is special. This date is also
the first of two weekends of “A Swift Night Out”: a continent-wide
Chimney Swift roost monitoring project sponsored by the
Driftwood Wildlife Association. For more information, go to
Chimney Swifts.
September
Second Saturday Swift Watch: September 13
Like the August event, this “Second Saturday Swift Watch” is also
special. This date is the second and last of two weekends of “A
Swift Night Out”: a continent-wide Chimney Swift roost monitoring
project sponsored by the Driftwood Wildlife Association. For more
information, go to Chimney Swifts.
Dinner with the Swifts
September 19, 20
The Travis Audubon Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary is unique. It
is the only place in the world where Chimney Swifts are so
carefully protected and so closely observed in such an intimate
setting. As their numbers dwindle elsewhere, Chimney Swifts
thrive at Chaetura Canyon due to innovative conservation
practices resulting from over 20 years of observation and
research by Georgean and Paul Kyle. To insure conservation for
future generations of swifts and birders alike, Paul and Georgean
donated their beautiful property and home to the Travis Audubon
Society in 2006 to be protected in perpetuity. You can help
maintain this wonderful new TAS resource by attending one of two
unforgettable evenings this Fall:
Dates: Friday, September 19h or Saturday September 20
Time: 6:00 PM
Place: The Kyles’ Residence at Chaetura Canyon
Each evening will begin with an optional stroll that wanders past
numerous Chimney Swift Towers, through a haven of native
plants, carefully restored wildlife habitat including an amazing
grove of sapling Spanish Oaks and several small ponds teaming
with dragonflies, chorusing Leopard Frogs and other aquatic
critters along the easily walkable upper trails.
Enjoy drinks on the covered deck, overlooking the canyon followed
by a seated gourmet dinner hand-prepared by Georgean. At
dusk, Chimney Swifts cavort and circle above the deck before
going to roost. At the conclusion of the impressive aerial show
the Kyles will host a brief video presentation showing rarely seen
nesting activities from Chaetura Canyon.
Each exclusive event is limited to 10 participants per evening, and
last year was a sell out -- so don’t wait too long! To secure your
reservations, please contact:
Georgean and Paul Kyle
EMAIL or (512) 266-3861
Admission is $100 per person with all proceeds going into the
TAS Chaetura Canyon fund.
The fund is used for maintenance and ongoing conservation and
education projects at Chaetura Canyon.
October
Nest Box Workshop: October 12
Paul and Georgean Kyle will hold their annual workshop on
building nestboxes (birdhouses) on Sunday, October 12, from 1-4
pm. Each class member will be given a pre-cut kit to construct
his/her own nestbox during the class. Participants will learn
about the nesting needs of several cavity nesting birds such as
Carolina Wrens, Eastern Bluebirds, Black-crested Titmice, etc.
and the proper placement and care of the boxes. Plans will also
be available for Screech-owl boxes.
After the boxes are completed, Paul and Georgean will lead the
class through the trails of Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary,
looking for nests and checking nestboxes for occupation earlier
this year. One of their Chimney Swift towers will also be
investigated.
Registration is limited to 12 builders. Children age 8 and above
will be welcome if accompanied by a parent. The cost of this
workshop is to be announced.
For more information or to sign up, contact Anne Donovan at
472-3030 or ANNE.
November
Sanctuary Closed
December
Sanctuary closed except for West Cave Christmas Bird Count.
Chaetura Canyon Booth at TAS Holiday Gala
A booth will be set up to sell native plants and merchandise
donated by Rootin’ Ridge Toymakers, the Driftwood Wildlife
Association and other donors. All profits will be donated to TAS to
be used exclusively for projects at Chaetura Canyon.
Monthly Events
Scroll down for a listing of 2008 Events at Chaetura Canyon |
CHIMNEY SWIFT TOWER WORKSHOP: MARCH 9
Georgean and Paul Kyle conducted a workshop on building and
maintaining new habitat for this declining species on Sunday,
March 9th, from 1-4 pm.
The workshop began with an introduction to Chimney Swifts that
includes a slide presentation and video highlights from a typical
nesting season.
Participants constucted an actual Chimney Swift Tower. After the
project was completed, participants took a one-mile walking tour
of the Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary. There are currently 16
Chimney Swift towers on the property that demonstrate a variety of
designs and materials. One of the towers was opened, showing
the class how to evaluate the nesting productivity of last year’s
season. Refreshments were served on the deck overlooking the
Canyon following the tour.
Chaetura Canyon has been the epicenter for Chimney Swift
conservation and research world-wide for more than 20 years.
Master Naturalists and property owners with wildlife exemptions
may find this workshop useful in their conservation efforts.
Chimney Swift Towers also make great Eagle Scout projects, so
Scout Masters, Eagle candidates and their parents should
consider taking advantage of this unique opportunity.
For a preview of the walking tour, visit Chimney Swifts and click on
the “Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary” link.
maintaining new habitat for this declining species on Sunday,
March 9th, from 1-4 pm.
The workshop began with an introduction to Chimney Swifts that
includes a slide presentation and video highlights from a typical
nesting season.
Participants constucted an actual Chimney Swift Tower. After the
project was completed, participants took a one-mile walking tour
of the Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary. There are currently 16
Chimney Swift towers on the property that demonstrate a variety of
designs and materials. One of the towers was opened, showing
the class how to evaluate the nesting productivity of last year’s
season. Refreshments were served on the deck overlooking the
Canyon following the tour.
Chaetura Canyon has been the epicenter for Chimney Swift
conservation and research world-wide for more than 20 years.
Master Naturalists and property owners with wildlife exemptions
may find this workshop useful in their conservation efforts.
Chimney Swift Towers also make great Eagle Scout projects, so
Scout Masters, Eagle candidates and their parents should
consider taking advantage of this unique opportunity.
For a preview of the walking tour, visit Chimney Swifts and click on
the “Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary” link.
STEWARDSHIP DAY WITH CAPITAL AREA MASTER
NATURALISTS: FEBRUARY 10
NATURALISTS: FEBRUARY 10
On Sunday, February 10 from 9:00 AM until 12:00 noon, six
enthusiastic CAMN members took a one-hour tour of the
Canyon and then spent two hours hauling out an old brush
pile and re-vegetating the area with native plants. The work
was followed by a lunch of pasta salad and bread on the deck
overlooking the Canyon. Participants all got good looks at
American Goldfinches, House Finches and Golden-fronted
Woodpeckers visiting the feeders around the deck.
STEWARDSHIP DAY WITH NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION
HABITAT STEWARDS: JANUARY 13
HABITAT STEWARDS: JANUARY 13
The event took place on Sunday, January 13 from 9:00 AM
until 12:00 noon. There was a two hour plant and bird walk
followed by a lunch of two varieties of home-made soup with
bread and desert on the deck overlooking the Canyon. In
addition to the usual local bird life, a group of three Ospreys
was sighted flying out over Lake Austin just east of the
Sanctuary. The 15 participants ended their visit by rescuing
some of the native plants that had sprouted in the trails.
until 12:00 noon. There was a two hour plant and bird walk
followed by a lunch of two varieties of home-made soup with
bread and desert on the deck overlooking the Canyon. In
addition to the usual local bird life, a group of three Ospreys
was sighted flying out over Lake Austin just east of the
Sanctuary. The 15 participants ended their visit by rescuing
some of the native plants that had sprouted in the trails.
CHALUPAS AND CHIMNEY SWIFTS: APRIL 12
Where? - Travis Audubon’s Chaetura Canyon Bird
Sanctuary
When? - April 12th, 6:00 PM -10:00 PM
What? - Observe Chimney Swifts impressive aerial
displays
- Wander the self-guided upper-canyon nature trail
- Enjoy a Mexican Food Buffet
-Marvel at a screening of
“The Secret Home Life of Chimney Swifts”
Starring Twig, Timber and Puddin’
Who? - The first 25 Travis Audubon Members to sign up
Cost? - $35 for TAS members / $50 for non-members
Why? - Simply to enjoy the company of Chimney Swifts
and fellow conservationists
- Proceeds to benefit projects at Travis Audubon’s
Chaetura Canyon Sanctuary
Sanctuary
When? - April 12th, 6:00 PM -10:00 PM
What? - Observe Chimney Swifts impressive aerial
displays
- Wander the self-guided upper-canyon nature trail
- Enjoy a Mexican Food Buffet
-Marvel at a screening of
“The Secret Home Life of Chimney Swifts”
Starring Twig, Timber and Puddin’
Who? - The first 25 Travis Audubon Members to sign up
Cost? - $35 for TAS members / $50 for non-members
Why? - Simply to enjoy the company of Chimney Swifts
and fellow conservationists
- Proceeds to benefit projects at Travis Audubon’s
Chaetura Canyon Sanctuary
PAST EVENTS: