Days at Dogwood Canyon

*We are reposting this episode to uplift a new movie created by Audubon about the Snowy Plover. Just like the Red Phalarope in this episode of our podcast the Snowy Plover relies on saline lakes for survival. Shoreline Sentinels of Great Salt Lake is a 17-minute film about Snowy Plovers—small shorebirds that nest throughout the busy recreation season on the shores of Great Salt Lake—and the Audubon and Tracy Aviary staff and volunteers working to help them. Like beach-nesting birds everywhere, Snowy Plovers face disturbance from recreators, dogs, and development. Listen to this episode to find out abou...

Summary: University campuses across Texas, and the United States, can start their own Audubon Campus Chapters bringing people together through birding. Not yet a birder? You can still join a chapter to find out more. Join Kiersten and special guest Chloe from Audubon Texas to discover how you can join or start a campus chapter. 

Show Notes: 

Audubon on Campus: https://www.audubon.org/near-you/campus 

Create your own Campus Chapter: https://www.audubon.org/establish-campus-chapter-or-affiliate

Audubon Texas: https://www.audubon.org/texas 

National Audubon: https://www.audubon.org/ 

Summary: Visit with the Black-crested Titmouse as Michaela and Kiersten take you on a journey through the Rio Grande Valley with this interesting Texas resident.

Show Notes:

Black-crested Titmouse audio provided by Lang Elliot Music of Nature: https://musicofnature.com/audubon-bird-songs/

National Audubon: https://www.audubon.org

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center TikTok: @dogwood_canyon

If you have a question or comment you can email...

Summary: The Great Leadtree is a monster of a tree found in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and Kiersten and Michaela are taking you down south for a fun-fact filled episode about this Texas native.

Show Notes:  

Sabal Palm Sanctuary - https://www.sabalpalmsanctuary.org/

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – https://www.wildfower.org 

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://www.audubon.org/dogwood-canyon 

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon 

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center TikTok: @dogwood_canyon

If you ha...

Summary: We usually study birds to understand their behavior and habitat needs, but what if birds could help us study topics such as weather patterns, deep sea currents, and trash dispersal in cities? Join Kiersten to find out how birds are doing just that! 

Show Notes: 

“Help Wanted” by Ashely Stimpson, Audubon Magazine, Spring 2025 

Internet of Animals: https://www.nasa.gov/nasa-earth-exchange-nex/new-missions-support/internet-of-animals/ 

“Great Frigatebirds Wearing Backpacks Map the Atmosphere.” AGU December 2023, https://news.agu.org/press-release/great-frigatebirds-wearing-backacks-map-the-atmosphere 

Cormorant Oceanography Project: https://www.osudashcams.com/

National Aud...

Summary: Snow on the Prairie wildflowers love the heat of summer and bloom in fall, but why are they called Snow on the Prairie and where can I find them? Join Kiersten and Julie to find out more about this unusual and interesting native Texas plant. 

Show Notes:  

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – https://www.wildfower.org 

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://www.audubon.org/dogwood-canyon 

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon 

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center TikTok: @dogwood_canyon

If you hav...

Summary: Wilson’s Warbler is a warbler that breaks all the warbler rules! Join Kiersten and Julie as they talk about this migratory bird that passes through Texas via the Central Flyway during fall migration. 

Show Notes: 

DNA Studies: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/capturing-migration-in-a-strand-of-dna-feathers-reveal-a-birds-origins/ 

Wilson’s Warbler audio provided by Lang Elliot Music of Nature: https://musicofnature.com/audubon-bird-songs/ 

National Audubon’s Migration Explorer: https://explorer.audubon.org/home 

 IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/ 

To find Bird Friendly Coffee: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/bird-friendly...

Summary: Coastal shorebirds need our help this holiday season and every season. Join Kiersten and special guest, Tim Forrester, from Audubon Texas Coastal Team to find out how we can protect the floofs!

Show Notes:

Audubon Texas:https://www.audubon.org/texas

Share the Shore: https://www.audubon.org/texas/projects/share-shore-protecting-beach-nesting-birds-texas

Island Rookery Protection: https://www.audubon.org/texas/projects/texas-rookery-island-protection-and-stewardship

To Volunteer with the Coastal Team: https://www.audubon.org/texas/about-us/contact

Audubon Action Center: https://www.audubon.org/takeaction

Dogwood Canyon...

Summary: What is a bird survey? There are several types of bird surveys, but today we're talking about the kind that helps us understand  how birds and buildings interact. Join Kiersten and special guest Tim Brys to learn about the bird surveys happening in Dallas, Texas and how they are helping us learn to protect birds in urban environments.

Show Notes:

To volunteer with the Dallas Bird survey: https://www.tcatexas.org/lights-out-dfw

Lights Out Program: https://www.audubon.org/lights-out-program 

How to Bring Lights Out to a City Near...

Summary: The name Standing Cypress probably brings to mind a tall tree but this is a beautiful wildflower native to the Blackland Prairie Ecoregion that attracts hummingbirds like nobody's business! Join Kiersten and Sam to find all about this amazing plant.

Show Notes:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org

National Audubon: https://www.audubon.org

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center TikTok: @dogwood_canyon

Summary:

Most of our beloved songbirds migrate at night and our bright cities and neighborhoods hamper their efforts. Bright buildings can cause birds to collide with windows or meerly confuse them to exhaustion. We can help though! Join Kiersten to find out what we can do to help birds safely reach their destinations during migration season. 

Show Notes: 

Lights Out Program: https://www.audubon.org/lights-out-program 

How to Bring Lights Out to a City Near You: https://www.audubon.org/news/how-bring-lights-out-city-near-you 

Lights Out, Texas!: https://www.audubon.o...

Summary: Today we're talking about the acrobat of the skies, the Common Nighthawk! Join Kiersten and Sam to find our why these birds are some of the coolest out there.

Show Notes:

Common Nighthawk audio provided by Lang Elliot Music of Nature: https://musicofnature.com/audubon-bird-songs/

National Audubon: https://www.audubon.org

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center TikTok: @dogwood_canyon

If you have a...

Summary: The title "Farm Bill" doesn't conjure conservation efforts, but this federal bill holds some of the most important programs to advance our countries bird conservation efforts. Take a listen to find out how the Farm Bill helps birds, their much needed habitats, and the farmers and ranchers that manage the lands. You'll also find out how YOU can support this bill and help us bend the bird curve!

Show Notes:

Audubon Action Center: https://www.audubon.org/takeaction

“The Farm Bill’s Birdy Side” by Andy Mcglashen, Audubon Magazine Summer 2018

F...

Summary: Are you looking for the perfect Texas native plant for your garden? Join Michaela and Kiersten as they talk about the perfect pollinator plant, Texas Lantana.

Show Notes:

National Audubon: https://www.audubon.org

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center TikTok: @dogwood_canyon

If you have a question or comment you can email us at: [email protected]

Summary: We all love feeding birds but when we offer supplementary food stations we have an obligation to keep them disease free. What kinds of diseases can birds get from feeders? And how can we keep our feeders clean? Join Kiersten to find out the answers to these questions.

Show Notes:

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center TikTok: @dogwood_canyon

If you have a question, comment, or would like t...

Summary: Have you ever had an encounter in nature you just couldn't forget? Join Kiersten and Michaela as they talk about emotional connections with Indigo Buntings.

Show Notes:

Indigo Bunting audio provided by Michaela Kral

National Audubon: https://www.audubon.org

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center TikTok: @dogwood_canyon

If you have a question or comment you can email us at: [email protected]

Birds. Plants. Wildlife. Conservation.   Produced by Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, part of the National Audubon Society, this weekly podcast explores the natural world through engaging conversations with our Audubon staff, naturalists, scientists, and community leaders.   From backyard birds and native plants to pollinators, habitats, and conservation in action, each episode offers practical knowledge, fun perspectives, and simple ways to connect with nature—wherever you live.   Whether you're just getting started or already connected to the outdoors, our goal is simple: help you discover something new, get outside, and become an advocate for birds, wildlife, and healthy ecosystems.     Summary: Where have all the...

Summary: Who's that big red songbird singing out there? Could it be a Summer Tanager? Join Kiersten and Julie to learn about this summer resident of Texas.

Show Notes:

Summer Tanager audio provided by Lang Elliot Music of Nature: https://musicofnature.com/audubon-bird-songs/

National Audubon: https://www.audubon.org

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center TikTok: @dogwood_canyon

If you have a question or comment you...

Summary: Looking for an interesting native grass to attract birds to your yard? Join Kiersten and Julie for a look at a grass that can do just that!

Show Notes:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – https://www.wildfower.org

National Audubon’s Migration Explorer: https://explorer.audubon.org/home

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://www.audubon.org/dogwood-canyon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

If you have a question or comment you can email us at: [email protected]

Summary: Looking for something new to do this summer? Join us at Dogwood Canyon! We have fun for everyone.

Show Notes:

Beginning Birding Workshop for Teens and Adults: https://tickets.audubon.org/events/019dff7f-37c0-2f4a-1b25-43691bc4d245

Kids Summer Classes – Operation: Plants for Birds: https://tickets.audubon.org/events/019e8d97-f39b-e8a5-2bb8-9a2d897aa035

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Summer Events: https://www.audubon.org/events?view_type=row&location=Dogwood%20Canyon%20Audubon%20Center

For Cedar Hill or DF...

Summary: Join Kiersten to learn about four projects Audubon’s new partner in the Latin American region, Conserva Aves, is supporting.

Show Notes:

National Audubon Latin America and Caribbean: https://www.audubon.org/our-work/americas?int_src=site_search&int_query=Latin%20America

Conserva Aves: https://www.audubon.org/our-work/americas/colombia/conserva-aves?int_src=site_search&int_query=conserva%20aves

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://www.audubon.org/dogwood-canyon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

If you have a qu...

Summary: Is it a plane? Is it Superman? No! It’s a Black Vulture. Join Kiersten and Sam to learn about the amazing Black Vulture in this episode of Birds of Dogwood Canyon.

Show Notes:

Black Vulture imitation provided by Kiersten

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://www.audubon.org/dogwood-canyon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

If you have a question or comment you can email us at: [email protected]

Summary: “What’s that bird?” Has that thought ever crossed your mind? Would you like to gain the skills to answer that question? Join us for a Birding 101 class.

Show Notes:

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Events: https://www.audubon.org/events?view_type=row&location=Dogwood%20Canyon%20Audubon%20Center

Trinity River Audubon Center Events: https://www.audubon.org/events?view_type=row&location=Trinity%20River%20Audubon%20Center

Beginning Birding Workshop for Teens and Adults: https://tickets.audubon.org/events/019dff7f-37c0-2f4a-1b25-43691bc4d245

Audubo...

Summary: Is that a grass? Nope! It’s a sedge. Want to know what a sedge is? Join Kiersten and Sam for a look at this cool native Texas plant.

Show Notes:

Shop Online here for Native Plants: https://dcacplantsale.myshopify.com/

Cherokee Sedge: https://dcacplantsale.myshopify.com/products/cherokee-sedge-carex-cherokeensis

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://www.audubon.org/dogwood-canyon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

If you have a question or comment you can email us at: [email protected]

Summary: Got rats? Think before you use a rodenticide to solve your problem. Some poisons can be deadly to more than just rats.

Show Notes:

Special thanks to Cheryl MacAllister who wrote the original version of this and gave me permission to use it.

”Poisons Used to Kill Rodents Have Safer Alternatives” by Ted Williams, Audubon Magazine, January-February 2013 https://www.audubon.org/magazine/poisons-used-kill-rodents-have-safer-alternatives?int_query=rodenticide&int_src=site_search

“Rodenticides may not target birds, but they do kill them,” from Audubon Staff at Audubon Connecticut, Audubon Magazine, March 19...

Summary: Updated episode! Are you, or someone you know, a young birder looking for a group of like minded young birders? 

Listen to the end for new information.

Show Notes:

“The (Before) Breakfast Club” by Ryan Goldberg, Audubon Magazine Spring 2019

Ohio Young Birders Club: https://www.ohioyoungbirders.org/

eBird: https://ebird.org/home

Start your own young birders club: https://www.ohioyoungbirders.org/start-a-young-birders-club.html

For Cedar Hill or DFW Residents interested in joining the Dallas County Soarers:

Contact Kiersten Gibizov, Center Coordinator Commu...

Summary: Join Kiersten and Julie as they take a closer look at the Black-chinned Hummingbird.

Show Notes:

Black-chinned Hummingbird audio provided by Lang Elliot Music of Nature: https://musicofnature.com/audubon-bird-songs/

Audubon’s Migration Explorer: https://explorer.audubon.org/home

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://www.audubon.org/dogwood-canyon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

If you have a question or comment you can email us at: [email protected]

Summary: This spring we are talking about Gregg’s Mistflower, a pretty little bluish-purple flower that is the talk of the town!

Show Notes:  

We forgot to mention that Gregg’s Mistflower is a lovely bluish purple flower when in bloom. Here is a link to photos from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=89852

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – https://www.wildfower.org

Native Plant Sale is April 11, 2026: https://dogwood.audubon.org/plantsale

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon...

Summary: Are you looking for a quiet place to spend some free time and contribute to your community? Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center would love to have you as a volunteer. Join Kiersten as she tells you all about the volunteer opportunities at the center. 

Show Notes:

Volunteer Applications can be found here: https://dogwood.audubon.org/volunteeropportunities

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

If you have a question or comment you can em...

Summary: This is a piece of legislation that many people have heard of but maybe don’t know exactly what it is or what it does. Join Kiersten as she looks at the past and future of the Endangered Species Act.

Show Notes:

“How to Fortify the Endangered Species Act for the Next 50 Years” by Rene Ebersole. Audubon Magazine Winter 2023, https://www.audubon.org/magazine/how-fortify-endangered-species-act-next-50-years?int_src=site_search&int_query=endangered%20species%20act

“A Force of Conservation, the Endangered Species Act Faces a Fraught Future” by Rene Ebersole. Audubon Mag...

Summary: The Golden-cheeked Warbler is one of the birds you can find residing through the summer at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center in Cedar Hill, TX. Join us to learn about them and find out where you can see them in our nature preserve.

* This is an archived episode, but has an update about the 2025 data from our Golden-cheeked Warbler studies at the end of the episode.

Show Notes:

Golden-cheeked Warbler Walks: https://dogwood.audubon.org/events

or check our Facebook Page.

https://dogwood.audubon.org/

h...

Summary: It’s spring 2026, what plants should we be looking for? Join Kiersten to find out about an early spring bloomer.

Show Notes:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – https://www.wildfower.org

Native Plant Sale is April 11, 2026! : https://dogwood.audubon.org/plantsale

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

If you have a question or comment you can email us at: [email protected]

Soil Health and Birds

Summary: We often overlook the importance of our soil, but it has a huge impact on our birds and our own health. Join Kiersten and a special guest as they discuss this highly interesting and valuable topic.

Show Notes:

Louisa Kimmel, Range Ecologist with Audubon Rockies:  [email protected]

Audubon Rockies: https://www.audubon.org/rockies

Conservation Ranching in the Rockies: https://www.audubon.org/rockies/projects/conservation-ranching-rockies

Soil Restoration: https://www.audubon.org/rockies/news/soil-restoration-rafter-w-ranch

Dogwood Ca...

Summary: Have you ever asked “What’s that tree?” Our Guided Tree ID Walks can help you answer that question!

Show Notes:

Link to sign up: https://tickets.audubon.org/events/019c6293-43d0-1eca-8d5b-741d1ac1198a

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

If you have a question or comment you can email us at: [email protected]

Summary: This plant episode is dedicated to an exotic invasive we want you to be on the lookout for, Sacred Bamboo aka Nandina.

Show Notes:

Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica): Native Plant Society of Texas, https://www.npsot.org

“Nandina: A Not So Heavenly Bamboo,” by Doug Lockard. South Carolina Native Plant Society, https://scnps.org

Native Plant Sale at Dogwood Canyon: https://dogwood.audubon.org/plantsale

Volunteer at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center:  https://dogwood.audubon.org/volunteeropportunities

Habitat Workdays at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center: https://dogwood.audubon.org/e...

Summary: Who will we meet this year at Dogwood Canyon? Let’s start off the year with the Blackburnian Warbler.

Show Notes:

Blackburnian Warbler audio provided by Lang Elliot Music of Nature: https://musicofnature.com/audubon-bird-songs/

National Audubon: https://www.audubon.org

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center TikTok: @dogwood_canyon

If you have a question or comment you can email us at: [email protected]

Summary: How do people become birders? You aren’t the first person to ask that question. Join Kiersten as she discusses a project looking at how people become birders.

Show Notes:

“On the Origin of Birders,” by Anna Gibbs. Audubon Magazine, Fall 2025.

The Spark Bird Project: https://www.spark-bird.org

Roger Tory Peterson Institute: https://rtpi.org

National Audubon: https://www.audubon.org

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

If y...

Summary: Join Kiersten to find out about a Dogwood Canyon winter resident, the Hermit Thrush.

Show Notes:

Dogwood Canyon Events: https://dogwood.audubon.org/events

Audio provided by Lang Elliot Music of Nature: https://musicofnature.com/audubon-bird-songs/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

If you have a question or comment you can email us at: [email protected]

Summary: We have a native poinsettia? Yes, we do! Join Kiersten to learn a bit about the Green Poinsettia.

Show Notes: 

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – https://www.wildfower.org

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

If you have a question or comment you can email us at: [email protected]

Summary: What does Christmas, birds, and counting have to do with each other? Join Kiersten as she tells you the story of National Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count and explains how you can participate!

Show Notes:

National Audubon Christmas Bird Count: https://www.audubon.org/community-science/christmas-bird-count

Local Texas Audubon Chapters: https://www.audubon.org/about/audubon-near-you?state=TX

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Registration for CBC: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-bird-count-tickets-1975579677998?aff=oddtdtcreator

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Pa...