The conservation group behind habitat protection along Seabrook's birding trails has a new name: Birds Houston.
The organization, formerly Houston Audubon, announced the change Wednesday, Aug. 26, saying the new identity is meant to make its 57-year-old mission clearer to the public. The Yellow-throated Warbler, the group's mascot since a 1970s campaign against the Wallisville Dam, anchors the new logo.
The rebrand carries weight for Clear Lake area birders. Seabrook is a designated bird sanctuary on one of the largest migratory paths in North America, with more than 300 species identified across its fresh and salt marsh, bay shoreline and upland woodlands, according to the city of Seabrook. Four birding spots along Todville Road sit on the Clear Lake Loop of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.
Birds Houston says more than 500 species rely on the Upper Texas Coast for survival. Each spring, hundreds of thousands of birds migrating from South and Central America fly more than 600 miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico, a journey lasting over 20 hours. The Upper Texas Coast is the first land they reach.
The formal public launch comes during the eighth annual Houston Bird Week, running Sept. 19 through Sept. 26. Registration opens Sept. 1 at birdshouston.org.
The week opens Sept. 19 with a party at Frost Town Brewing in Houston, where the group will reveal its official Bird Beer for 2026 and host a tattoo fundraiser for the first time. Temporary tattoos will be available as a lower-commitment option.
A family-friendly community party on Sept. 26 will serve as the public launch of the Birds Houston brand.
In its announcement, the organization said the new name is meant to help more people understand its work and find a way to participate in conservation. The group was founded in September 1969 by 18 people concerned about habitat loss.
Houston Bird Week began in 2019 when the organization's Young Professionals Advisory Council created it to mark the group's 50th anniversary. That same year, a citywide competition named the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron as Houston's official bird by proclamation from the Houston Mayor's Office.
Upcoming
- Sept. 1: Houston Bird Week registration opens at birdshouston.org
- Sept. 19: Kickoff Party, Frost Town Brewing, Houston
- Sept. 26: Family-friendly community party and Birds Houston brand launch
Questions can be directed to [email protected].
