Mark Kulstad, leader of ARRUF's Nature Group and ARRUF director in 2020-2021, has crossed the globe in search of the world's avian wonders. (We think that studying birds in 25 countries on six continents qualifies as "crossing the globe").

He took nearly all of the photographs in this quick-moving, colorful introduction to the world of birds himself, on location. Some videos and bird calls will be included as well. A top birder as well as a leader in 17th and 18th century European philosophy, Mark will prepare us to see outstanding birds from six of the world's seven biogeographical regions. By organizing the talk by region, Mark will prepare you for your own travels or studies, which you can pursue on January 29 or 30.

Want to prepare by viewing a site Mark Kulstad recommends? Take a look here!

But first, join other ARRUF members of the Nature Group on ZOOM on January 13th! A URL will be sent to you on Wednesday, January 12th.

Now about that fieldwork on January 29

Get ready by looking at these sites: In talking about the Nearctic biogeographical realm--roughly, North America--Mark will focus on birds that will simultaneously provide an introduction to the ARRUF bird walk he will lead on January 29 for the ARRUF Nature Group, showing birds that he has seen (with other ARRUF members, on two previous bird walks!) during the winter months. The event will be held at the special bird walk location, Brays Bayou Park.

Let the excitement build! Prepare yourself with these three options:

1. SEE PHOTOS MARK HAS TAKEN AT THE PARK WE"LL VISIT HERE

2. AND FOR MORE BIRD PHOTOS and further information on individual species, see the illustrated checklist of the birds of Brays Bayou [Fiorenza] Park, from Cornell’s citizen science site, eBird: ILLUSTRATED CHECKLIST and

3. Read a recent story from the Houston Chronicle on the birds (and birders) of the park:

As the weekend of January 29 and 30 approaches, we will choose the day when the weather is likely to be better.

This little known park has as its main feature a large "grassy hill" overlooking the western part of the city (a view worth experiencing independently of the bird walk) A huge pond surrounds much of it, which attracts some remarkable birds. If you live in the vicinity of Brays Bayou, you might want to check out this site--it serves as a major flood prevention retention pond, helping to protect you and tens of thousands of others.

As for general location, the park is near the intersection of two main Houston area arteries: Hwy 6 and the Westpark Tollway.

Here is a more exact address (also coordinates, if you prefer these) for the parking lot of Brays Bayou Park:
14102 Schiller Road.
(29.7149795,-95.6388028.)

Google Maps also refers to this as ,"Brays Bayou running trail parking lot."

Don't be confused: It's one and the same lot.