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 AUGUST
Second Saturday Swift Watch:
May 9, June 13, July 11, and August 8
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: Driftwood or 512-266-3861
AUGUST
Second Saturday Swift Watch: August 8
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
Dinner with the Swifts
September 11, 12
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 11th or Saturday September 12th
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
DRIFTWOOD
(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 4th
Paul and Georgean Kyle will hold their annual workshop on
building nestboxes (birdhouses) on Sunday, October 4, 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 $25 for TAS members.
For more information or to sign up, contact Anne Donovan at
ANNE.
NOVEMBER
Sanctuary Closed
DECEMBER
Sanctuary closed except for West Cave Christmas Bird Count.
Second Saturday Swift Watch:
May 9, June 13, July 11, and August 8
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: Driftwood or 512-266-3861
AUGUST
Second Saturday Swift Watch: August 8
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
Dinner with the Swifts
September 11, 12
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 11th or Saturday September 12th
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
DRIFTWOOD
(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 4th
Paul and Georgean Kyle will hold their annual workshop on
building nestboxes (birdhouses) on Sunday, October 4, 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 $25 for TAS members.
For more information or to sign up, contact Anne Donovan at
ANNE.
NOVEMBER
Sanctuary Closed
DECEMBER
Sanctuary closed except for West Cave Christmas Bird Count.
Monthly Events
Scroll down for a listing of 2009 Events at Chaetura Canyon |
Chaetura Canyon Calendar of Events - 2009
January and February
Sanctuary Closed
MARCH
Chimney Swift Tower Workshop: March 15
Georgean and Paul Kyle will conduct a workshop on building and
maintaining new habitat for this declining species on Sunday, March
15th, from 1-4 pm.
The workshop will begin with an introduction to Chimney Swifts that
includes a slide presentation and video highlights from a typical
nesting season.
Participants will then construct the Chimney Swift Tower that will be
a memorial to former TAS Board Member, Gray Jolink. The tower
will ultimately be installed at Mayfield Park. The installation date will
be announced at the workshop.
After the project is completed, participants will take 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 will be
opened, and the class will be shown how to evaluate the nesting
productivity of last year’s season. Refreshments will be 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.
Registration is limited to 10 builders (16 years of age and older).
This will be a free workshop open to TAS members.
For more information or to sign up for the workshop, please contact
Anne Donovan at 472-3030 or email her at ajdonovan@austin.rr.
com
For a preview of the walking tour, visit www.ChimneySwifts.org and
click on the “Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary” link.
January and February
Sanctuary Closed
MARCH
Chimney Swift Tower Workshop: March 15
Georgean and Paul Kyle will conduct a workshop on building and
maintaining new habitat for this declining species on Sunday, March
15th, from 1-4 pm.
The workshop will begin with an introduction to Chimney Swifts that
includes a slide presentation and video highlights from a typical
nesting season.
Participants will then construct the Chimney Swift Tower that will be
a memorial to former TAS Board Member, Gray Jolink. The tower
will ultimately be installed at Mayfield Park. The installation date will
be announced at the workshop.
After the project is completed, participants will take 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 will be
opened, and the class will be shown how to evaluate the nesting
productivity of last year’s season. Refreshments will be 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.
Registration is limited to 10 builders (16 years of age and older).
This will be a free workshop open to TAS members.
For more information or to sign up for the workshop, please contact
Anne Donovan at 472-3030 or email her at ajdonovan@austin.rr.
com
For a preview of the walking tour, visit www.ChimneySwifts.org and
click on the “Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary” link.
April
Texas Ornithological Society Field Trip and Lunch: April 25th
TOS Members are invited to join Sanctuary Stewards Georgean and
Paul Kyle for this special event.
Chaetura Canyon has been the epicenter for Chimney Swift
research and conservation for more than 20 years. A light lunch will
be served on the deck of the Sanctuary Stewards residence
overlooking the small canyon. Following an overview of Chimney
Swift research and conservation efforts over the past two decades,
the Stewards will lead a 1 mile walking tour of the Sanctuary. There
are 16 Chimney Swift Towers located on the Sanctuary representing
several different styles of construction. Three of the towers have
video cameras installed to monitor and record nesting activity of the
swifts.
Birds Likely to be seen: Chimney Swift (over-head and nesting),
Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Western Scrub Jay, Canyon Wren,
Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Lesser Goldfinch
You need to be registered for the TOS spring meeting.
TOWN-Austin Field Trip and Lunch: April 26th
We will meet at 9:00 AM for a presentation about the Sanctuary.
That will be followed by guided walking tour of the Sanctuary. Lunch
will follow on the deck of the residence overlooking the small
canyon at 11:00.
The outing is limited to 12 participants (a minimum of six) at a cost
of $10 per person. Please prepare to pay your $10 fee at the outing.
To sign up, please contact Jacque Austin at: JACQUE
Texas Ornithological Society Field Trip and Lunch: April 25th
TOS Members are invited to join Sanctuary Stewards Georgean and
Paul Kyle for this special event.
Chaetura Canyon has been the epicenter for Chimney Swift
research and conservation for more than 20 years. A light lunch will
be served on the deck of the Sanctuary Stewards residence
overlooking the small canyon. Following an overview of Chimney
Swift research and conservation efforts over the past two decades,
the Stewards will lead a 1 mile walking tour of the Sanctuary. There
are 16 Chimney Swift Towers located on the Sanctuary representing
several different styles of construction. Three of the towers have
video cameras installed to monitor and record nesting activity of the
swifts.
Birds Likely to be seen: Chimney Swift (over-head and nesting),
Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Western Scrub Jay, Canyon Wren,
Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Lesser Goldfinch
You need to be registered for the TOS spring meeting.
TOWN-Austin Field Trip and Lunch: April 26th
We will meet at 9:00 AM for a presentation about the Sanctuary.
That will be followed by guided walking tour of the Sanctuary. Lunch
will follow on the deck of the residence overlooking the small
canyon at 11:00.
The outing is limited to 12 participants (a minimum of six) at a cost
of $10 per person. Please prepare to pay your $10 fee at the outing.
To sign up, please contact Jacque Austin at: JACQUE
MAY
Chalupas and Chimney Swifts: May 2nd
Where? - Travis Audubon’s Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary
When? - May 2nd, 6:00 PM ‘til 10:00 PM (Rain Date: May 3rd)
What? - Observe Chimney Swifts impressive aerial
displays
- Wander the self-guided upper-canyon nature trail
- Enjoy a Mexican Food Buffet with cold beer and
soft drinks
- 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
How Much? - $35 for TAS members / $50 for non-members
How Come? - Simply to enjoy the company of Chimney Swifts
and fellow conservationists
Proceeds to benefit projects at Travis Audubon’s Chaetura Canyon
Sanctuary
Please contact Sanctuary Stewards Georgean and Paul Kyle
to make your reservations ASAP: Driftwood or 512-266-3861
Chalupas and Chimney Swifts: May 2nd
Where? - Travis Audubon’s Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary
When? - May 2nd, 6:00 PM ‘til 10:00 PM (Rain Date: May 3rd)
What? - Observe Chimney Swifts impressive aerial
displays
- Wander the self-guided upper-canyon nature trail
- Enjoy a Mexican Food Buffet with cold beer and
soft drinks
- 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
How Much? - $35 for TAS members / $50 for non-members
How Come? - Simply to enjoy the company of Chimney Swifts
and fellow conservationists
Proceeds to benefit projects at Travis Audubon’s Chaetura Canyon
Sanctuary
Please contact Sanctuary Stewards Georgean and Paul Kyle
to make your reservations ASAP: Driftwood or 512-266-3861
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Annual Report
All activities, events,
projects and
finances for 2008
can be found in the
ANNUAL REPORT
| The Avian Avatars - Birdathon 2006's Winningest Team! |
