Days at Dogwood Canyon

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
If you have a question or comment you can email us at: dcac@audubon.org
 
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:
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.org/texas/projects/lights-out-texas 
Texas Conservation Alliance: https://www.tcatexas.org/lights-out-dfw 
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center: https://abcbirds.org/news/dallas-convention-center-bird-friendly/ 
Audubon Action Center: https://www.audubon.org/takeaction 
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://www.audubon.org/dogwood-canyon 
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center TikTok: @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: dcac@audubon.org 
 
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: 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 question or comment you can email us at: dcac@audubon.org
 
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: 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
Farm Bill 101: https://www.farmaid.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
If you have a question or comment you can email us at: dcac@audubon.org
 
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: 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: dcac@audubon.org

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 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 have a question, comment, or would like to share a bird or native plant sighting you can email us at: dcac@audubon.org
 
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: 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: dcac@audubon.org

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 Mallards gone? In 2021, biologists asked this question. To find the answer they would create the largest bird population study in recent history and employ Fitbits to help them gather data.
 
Show Notes: 
National Audubon Action Center: https://www.audubon.org/takeaction
Audubon Magazine: https://www.audubon.org/magazine
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 have a question, comment, or would like to share a bird or native plant sighting you can email us at: dcac@audubon.org

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 can email us at: dcac@audubon.org

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: dcac@audubon.org

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 DFW Residents interested in joining the Dallas County Soarers:
Contact Kiersten Gibizov, Center Coordinator Community Programs: kiersten.gibizov@audubon.org
Chelsey Randel, Teen Librarian: Chelsey.randel@cedarhilltx.com
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: dcac@audubon.org

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 question or comment you can email us at: dcac@audubon.org
 

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: dcac@audubon.org

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
Audubon Dallas Birding: https://audubondallas.org/birding/birding-in-the-metroplex/
Fort Worth Audubon Society: https://fwas.org/events/
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: dcac@audubon.org

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: dcac@audubon.org

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, 2024 https://www.audubon.org/connecticut/news/rodenticides-may-not-target-birds-they-do-kill-them?int_src=site_search&int_query=rodenticide
Alternatives to poison: Raptors are the Solution, https://raptorsarethesolution.org/
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: dcac@audubon.org

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 Community Programs: kiersten.gibizov@audubon.org
Chelsey Randel, Teen Librarian: Chelsey.randel@cedarhilltx.com
 
Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce: https://www.cedarhillchamber.org/
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center https://dogwood.audubon.org/
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Dogwood.Canyon.Audubon

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: dcac@audubon.org
 

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.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: dcac@audubon.org

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 email us at: dcac@audubon.org