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Articles by Celeste Silling
NATURE NOTES: Brown pelican survived near-extinction
Brown pelicans are one the most iconic coastal birds here in America, especially in Texas and along the Gulf Coast. Their large bill, brown feathers and heavy build are easily identifiable, either on the water, in the sky or printed on coastal décor. But this large bird, now commonplace on Texas beaches, was not always so abundant. In fact, in recent history, they came pretty close to extinction. kAmx? E96 `hd_D E9C@F89 E96 ’f_D[ 3C@H?
All about the Smith Point Hawk Watch
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory (GCBO) is celebrating the 30th anniversary of our Smith Point Hawk Watch this fall. GCBO has hosted the Smith Point Hawk Watch at the Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area in Anahuac for three decades now, gathering data about all of the raptors that fly overhead during the fall migration.
NATURE NOTES: Gorgeous birds named for flying toy
Above a coastal prairie, a bird hovers as if tied to a string. This bird is called a kite, named for the way it stays in place in the sky as it hunts for prey. Here in Texas, we have three main species of kite: the Mississippi kite, the swallow-tailed kite and the white-tailed kite. All three of these birds exhibit the kite-like flying behavior, and all three are gorgeous birds. kAm%96 |:DD:DD:AA: <:E6 :D 2 D>2==[ 8C2J C2AE@C H:E9 2 D=66< 2?5 2?8F=2C D:=9@F6EE6 :?
NATURE NOTES: Poison ivy just scratches surface
As an aspiring naturalist, there aren’t many organisms that I dislike. Bats, rats, weeds, and spiders are all cool in my book, but there is one plant that this tree-hugger actively hates. Poison ivy, for those of us who are reactive to it, is a perpetual menace on the Upper Texas Coast. But, as always, it is important to know thy ivy enemy, so let’s take a closer look at this infamous plant.
NATURE NOTES: Turn off lights to help migrating birds
Spring migration is well underway on the Texas Coast. Migratory birds that winter in South and Central America are making their way north to the United States and Canada. This is a long, treacherous journey for many birds, especially those who fly directly across the Gulf, instead of circumventing through Mexico. The journey across the Gulf takes around 18 hours if the weather is good.
Nature Notes: Annual painted bunting migration now underway
By Celeste Silling Nature Notes kA 4=2DDlQAbQm$AC:?8 >:8C2E:@? :D H6== F?56CH2J @? E96 %6I2D r@2DE] |:8C2E@CJ 3:C5D E92E H:?E6C :?
Nature Notes: What to know about Anoles
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NATURE NOTES: NestFest volunteers collect tons of trash
On March 10, we helped host NestFest, one of my favorite volunteer events of the year. NestFest is a large-scale beach cleanup that focuses on removing dangerous litter from important sea turtle and shorebird nesting habitat along the upper Texas Coast. Sea turtles and birds can easily get entangled in trash when they come onto Texas beaches to nest. Fishing line in particular is a huge entanglement threat. Sea turtles get the line tangled on their flippers, heads and all around their bodies.
NATURE NOTES: Ivory-billed woodpecker provides valuable lesson
In 2005, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced an ivory-billed woodpecker, Campephilus principalis, had been seen in eastern Arkansas. This announcement thrilled the birding community, leading to numerous studies, excursions, dubious sightings and articles all centered around it. Why? Because the ivory-billed woodpecker had been deemed “extinct” for 60 years.
NATURE NOTES: Don't call a gull by the wrong name
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Nature Notes: No such thing as a seagull
You’ll never hear a seasoned birder using the term “seagull.” I, myself, have used the treasonous term more than once around a group of birders and been quickly corrected; “There’s no such thing as a seagull.” The animals that we commonly refer to as “seagulls” are, in fact, various types of gulls. There are many different species of gulls, and several of them are regularly seen on Texas beaches.
Nature Notes: Learn about the skunk of Texas
Texas has five native species of skunk, more than any other state in the nation. These species are the striped skunk, Western spotted skunk, Eastern spotted skunk, hog-nosed skunk and hooded skunk. The striped skunk is the most well-known species of the five, with a black body and two white stripes down its back. The spotted skunks are slightly smaller, with black bodies with white spots. The hog-nosed skunk has a longer snout and only one white stripe running down its back.
NATURE NOTES: Skunks not always smelled before seen
Texas has five native species of skunk, more than any other state in the nation. These species are the striped skunk, western spotted skunk, eastern spotted skunk, hog-nosed skunk and hooded skunk. The striped skunk is the most well-known species of the five, with a black body and two white stripes down its back. The striped skunks are slightly smaller, with black bodies with white spots. The hog-nosed skunk has a longer snout and only one white stripe running down its back.
NATURE NOTES: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Fall Migration
Here at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, we are getting ready for our annual Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza on Sept. 13 and 20. The fall ruby-throated hummingbird migration has already begun, so we’ve been seeing them zipping all around the property, from one flower to another. We are fortunate to be located in the middle of their migration pathway, so there can be hundreds of them on our grounds at once.
Ruby-throated hummingbird fall migration
Here at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, we are getting ready for our annual Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza on September 13th and 20th. The fall Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration has already begun, so we’ve been seeing them zipping all around the property, from one flower to another. We are fortunate to be located in the middle of their migration pathway, so there can be hundreds of them on our grounds at once! The Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration is truly impressive.
Ruby-throated hummingbird fall migration begins
Here at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, we are getting ready for our annual Xtreme Hummingbird Xtravaganza on Sept. 13 and 20. The fall ruby-throated hummingbird migration has already begun, so we’ve been seeing them zipping all around the property, from one flower to another. We are fortunate to be located in the middle of their migration pathway, so there can be hundreds of them on our grounds at once. The ruby-throated hummingbird migration is truly impressive.
NATURE NOTES: House sparrows have made themselves at home in Texas
The most common bird I see around my town is probably the house sparrow. This little bird is quite cute and I like watching them flit around and interact with one another — despite knowing that they don’t really belong there. The house sparrow is a European bird, a non-native to Texas and the rest of the Americas. This species was introduced to this continent several times over many years, largely in the 1800s.
The non-native tiny bird with a big story
The most common bird I see around my town is probably the House Sparrow. This little bird is quite cute and I like watching them flit around and interact with one another… even despite knowing that they don’t really belong there. The House Sparrow is a European bird, a non-native to Texas and the rest of the Americas. This species was introduced to this continent several times over many years, largely in the 1800’s.
Non-native house sparrows can be a nuisance
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NATURE NOTES: The Cormorant Conundrum
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The cormorant conundrum
Humans and birds have a rich and complex history together. Some birds, like the carrier pigeon or the bald eagle, have stronger ties to us than most. The cormorant, believe it or not, is one of these birds. The cormorant is a relatively large bird with dark feathers, a long neck, and a wedge-shaped tail. Here in Texas, we can regularly see two cormorant species: the double-crested cormorant and the neotropic cormorant.
NATURE NOTES: Purple martins common but fascinating
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The well-beloved backyard Purple Martin
A well-beloved backyard bird in our region is the Purple Martin. This large, darkly colored sparrow is a commonly seen visitor in parks, yards, and waterways, especially when there is a Purple Martin house nearby. In fact, these birds are so commonplace that they are often taken for granted, but in fact the Purple Martin is a very interesting species. Purple Martins spend the winter in South America and are one of the species that return earliest in the spring.
Tread carefully to protect beach-nesting birds
Now that the weather is warmer, our researchers here at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory have begun another season of our Beach-nesting Birds monitoring project. Wilson’s Plovers and Least Terns are nesting on the beaches of the Upper Texas Coast, and it is our research team’s job to find them, monitor them, and teach the public how to protect them. Wilson’s Plovers are sneaky shorebirds that nest directly on the ground in the soft sand along dunes, mudflats and shelly areas.
NATURE NOTES: Awareness can save beach-nesting birds
Now that the weather is warmer, our researchers here at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory have begun another season of our beach-nesting birds monitoring project. Wilson’s plovers and least terns are nesting on the beaches of the Upper Texas Coast, and it is our research team’s job to find them, monitor them and teach the public how to protect them. The least tern is a small black-and-white waterbird that nests in colonies on the ground in flat, open, shelly areas.
Be careful with beach-nesting birds
Now that the weather is warmer, our researchers here at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory have begun another season of our beach-nesting birds monitoring project. Wilson’s plovers and least terns are nesting on the beaches of the Upper Texas Coast, and it is our research team’s job to find them, monitor them and teach the public how to protect them. Wilson’s plovers are sneaky shorebirds that nest directly on the ground in the soft sand along dunes, mudflats and shelly areas.
NATURE NOTES: Bird-friendly Gardens
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How to make your garden bird-friendly
By Celeste Silling NATURE NOTES kA 4=2DDlQAbQm$AC:?8 92D DACF?8 2?5 >2?J @7 FD 2C6 E9:?<:?8 @7 AC6A2C:?8 @FC 82C56?D 7@C H2C>6C H62E96C] (9:=6 D@>6 @7 FD 82C56? 3642FD6 :E’D 7F? @C 3642FD6 H6 H2?E @FC =:G:?8 DA246D E@ =@@< 362FE:7F=[ x’5 =:<6 E@ 255 2?@E96C :>A@CE2?E C62D@? E@ E96 =:DEi 3:C5 4@?D6CG2E:@?] v2C56?:?8[ :7 5@?6 C:89E[ 42? 96=A ?2E:G6 3:C5D 2?5 @E96C H:=5=:76 2?5 6G6? :?4C62D6 E96 ?F>36C @7 762E96C65 G:D:E@CD E@ J@FC J2C5]kDA2?
Bird-friendly gardens make a difference
By Celeste Silling Spring has sprung and many of us are thinking of preparing our gardens for warmer weather. While some of us garden because it’s fun or because we want our living spaces to look beautiful, I’d like to add another important reason to the list: bird conservation! Gardening, if done right, can help native birds and other wildlife and even increase the number of feathered visitors to your yard. Perhaps the most vital part of a bird-friendly garden is the native plants.
NestFest: A Coastal Cleanup
NestFest, one of my favorite volunteer events of the year, is coming up on March 11. NestFest is a coastal cleanup that focuses on removing dangerous litter from important sea turtle and shorebird nesting habitat. Sea turtles and birds are often entangled in trash when they come onto Texas beaches to nest. For this reason, fishing line is perhaps the most dangerous trash item to be found on our beaches.
NATURE NOTES: NestFest, A Coastal Cleanup
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Nature Notes: Join the fight for coastal wildlife: NestFest 2025 Beach Cleanup on March 11
NestFest, one of my favorite volunteer events of the year, is coming up on March 11th! NestFest is a coastal cleanup that focuses on removing dangerous litter from important sea turtle and shorebird nesting habitat. Sea turtles and birds are often entangled in trash when they come onto Texas beaches to nest. For this reason, fishing line is perhaps the most dangerous trash item to be found on our beaches.
NestFest -- a coastal clean-up for all ages
NestFest, one of my favorite volunteer events of the year, is coming up on March 11. NestFest is a coastal clean-up that focuses on removing dangerous litter from important sea turtle and shorebird nesting habitat. Sea turtles and birds are often entangled in trash when they come onto Texas beaches to nest. For this reason, fishing line is perhaps the most dangerous trash item to be found on our beaches.
Elf Owls and their survival, courtship rituals
Christmas is approaching, so I think now is the perfect time of year to write about the Elf Owl. Yes, here in Texas, we are lucky enough to have the world’s smallest raptor visit us during the breeding season. The Elf Owl, which stands only up to 5 inches tall, can be found during breeding season in the far Western and Southern parts of our state. What’s it doing down there, and not at the North Pole? Well, the Elf Owl is doing many things. For one, it’s controlling the insect population.
NATURE NOTES: Elf owls don’t toy around with their prey
Christmas is approaching, so I think now is the perfect time of year to write about the elf owl. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. What’s it doing down there, and not at the North Pole? Well, the elf owl is doing many things. For one, it’s controlling the insect population. While most other owls prefer small mammals, birds or amphibians, the elf owl mainly hunts insects and arthropods.
Nature Notes: A tiny Texas raptor with a big job this holiday season
Christmas is approaching, so I think now is the perfect time of year to write about the Elf Owl. Yes, here in Texas, we are lucky enough to have the world’s smallest raptor visit us during the breeding season. The Elf Owl, which stands only up to 5 inches tall, can be found during breeding season in the far Western and Southern parts of our state. What’s it doing down there, and not at the North Pole? Well, the Elf Owl is doing many things.
NATURE NOTES: Area blessed to be on hummingbirds’ route
Ruby-throated hummingbird migration has begun and we’ve been seeing them regularly at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, visiting our feeders. If you enjoy putting out sugar water for these birds, be sure to do it in August through October. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Another noticeable feature is the ruby-throated hummingbird’s long beak. They use it to reach inside long tubular flowers and drink the nectar inside.
The many squirrel species in Texas
One of the animals we see most often in cities and towns here in Texas is the squirrel. While many people regard squirrels as pests, many others, especially children, enjoy seeing the fluffy little mammals running across their yards. In a rural environment where many creatures would struggle to make a home, it can be encouraging to see squirrels thriving.
Nature Notes: Texas squirrels play big role in tree growth
One of the animals we see most often in cities and towns here in Texas is the squirrel. While many people regard squirrels as pests, many others, especially children, enjoy seeing the fluffy little mammals running across their yards. In a rural environment where many creatures would struggle to make a home, it can be encouraging to see squirrels thriving.
NATURE NOTES: Squirrels have adapted to urban living
One of the animals we see most ofte n in cities and towns here in Texas is the squirrel. While many people regard squirrels as pests, many others, especially children, enjoy seeing the fluffy little mammals running across their yards. In a rural environment where many creatures would struggle to make a home, it can be encouraging to see squirrels thriving. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
It’s all about squirrels
One of the animals we see most often in cities and towns here in Texas is the squirrel. While many people regard squirrels as pests, many others, especially children, enjoy seeing the fluffy little mammals running across their yards. In a rural environment where many creatures would struggle to make a home, it can be encouraging to see squirrels thriving.
Softshell Turtles of Texas
Not long ago, I came across a turtle trying to cross a road. I always try to help turtles cross the street (traffic and road safety permitting) since they’re determined little creatures that often get run over by cars. But this turtle was different from any other I had seen before. When I picked it up, a nearby pedestrian remarked “I didn’t know what that thing was. I thought it was a plastic bag or something.” That should give you an idea of how odd it looked.
NATURE NOTES: Softshell turtles suited for their habitat
Not lo ng ago, I came across a turtle trying to cross a road. I always try to help turtles cross the street (traffic and road safety permitting) since they’re determined little creatures that often get run over by cars. But this turtle was different from any other I had seen before. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. That should give you an idea of how odd it looked.
Nature Notes: Softshell Turtles of Texas have an interesting look
Not long ago, I came across a turtle trying to cross a road. I always try to help turtles cross the street (traffic and road safety permitting) since they’re determined little creatures that often get run over cars. But this turtle was different from any other I had seen before. When I picked it up, a nearby pedestrian remarked “I didn’t know what that thing was. I thought it was a plastic bag or something.” That should give you an idea of how odd it looked.
Nature Notes: Learn about Texas’ softshell turtles
Not long ago, I came across a turtle trying to cross a road. I always try to help turtles cross the street (traffic and road safety permitting) since they’re determined little creatures that often get run over by cars. But this turtle was different from any other I had seen before. When I picked it up, a nearby pedestrian remarked “I didn’t know what that thing was. I thought it was a plastic bag or something.” That should give you an idea of how odd it looked.
Bird-friendly crafts
Last week at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, I hosted a week-long day camp for children focused on nature and birds. We had a very full schedule, including birding walks, a beach day, and bird ecology lessons. But some of my favorite activities were the bird-friendly crafts! I always enjoy seeing the kids’ creativity and how passionate they are about protecting birds.
NATURE NOTES: Crafts connect children with bird world
Earlier this month at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, I hosted a weeklong day camp for children focused on nature and birds. We had a very full schedule, including birding walks, a beach day and bird ecology lessons. But some of my favorite activities were the bird-friendly crafts. I always enjoy seeing the kids’ creativity and how passionate they are about protecting birds.
NATURE NOTES: Bird-friendly Crafts
Earlier this month at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, I hosted a weeklong day camp for children focused on nature and birds. We had a very full schedule, including birding walks, a beach day and bird ecology lessons. But some of my favorite activities were the bird-friendly crafts. I always enjoy seeing the kids’ creativity and how passionate they are about protecting birds.
Nature Notes: Looking for bird-friendly crafts?
Last week at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, I hosted a week-long day camp for children focused on nature and birds. We had a very full schedule, including birding walks, a beach day, and bird ecology lessons. But some of my favorite activities were the bird-friendly crafts! I always enjoy seeing the kids’ creativity and how passionate they are about protecting birds.
Nature Notes: Bird-friendly crafts are fun, helpful
Last week at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, I hosted a week-long day camp for children focused on nature and birds. We had a very full schedule, including birding walks, a beach day and bird ecology lessons. But some of my favorite activities were the bird-friendly crafts. I always enjoy seeing the kids’ creativity and how passionate they are about protecting birds.
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