Golden Cheek

10/11/2026

🐦‍⬛ A bird usually found in the mountains of West Texas made a rare stop near Sabine Pass.

It’s believed to be the first painted redstart ever recorded in Jefferson County.

09/25/2026

Here’s a closer look at Athena’s (not so little!) owlet, thanks to Wildflower Center volunteer photographer Bill J. Boyd. Last night’s flight was brief, but getting to that point took months of care.

At the release, Jules Maron explained how Austin Wildlife Rescue decides when a young great horned owl is ready. The team looks for strong flight, the ability to hunt and a natural wariness of people. “We love it when our patients hate us,” Jules said. An owl that wants to keep its distance from humans is acting like a wild owl should.

We’re grateful to AWR for giving Athena’s owlet the time and care it needed to get there, and to Bill for sharing this photo.

06/11/2026

715 acres of protected National Wildlife Refuge land in South Texas could soon be handed over to a corporation run by the world's richest man — SpaceX.

Nestled on the Gulf shore in Texas, the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge is home to endangered ocelots, rare migratory birds, and Kemp's ridley sea turtles.

It's one of the last remaining expanses of public lands in south Texas.

But now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to hand 715 acres of this precious refuge to SpaceX in exchange for smaller land parcels spread across the region.

“Our protected public lands are being gifted for the benefit of the world’s richest man, who could trash them while playing with his exploding rockets,” said Laiken Jordahl, national public lands advocate at the Center.

SpaceX's rocket launch activities have already impacted nearby habitat and destroyed shorebird nests.

Wildlife can't afford this lopsided deal.

We're suing the stop this harmful land trade. Please help support our fight to keep this spectacular wildlife refuge public and protect the wildlife that depends on it. ➡️ https://bit.ly/4uwvmj8

05/16/2026

The BEST Birdwatching Equipment For BEGINNERS IN 2026
https://youtu.be/8XKy4XHjm_s

30 likes, 8 comments. "The BEST Birdwatching Equipment For BEGINNERS IN 2026"

05/06/2026

The Northern Yellow Warbler. Probably one of the most common you’ll see around me, but the first one that gets me excited about the season ahead.

From Merlin: Common and conspicuous warbler with extensive range across North America. Typically bright yellow overall; most males have reddish-brown streaks below, females usually plainer. Some immatures are very drab grayish. Always note uniform appearance, plain face, and rather stout bill for a warbler. Favors brushy habitats near water, often foraging in shrubs fairly low to the ground; migrants found in any wooded or shrubby habitat. Listen for strong chip calls, given incessantly when agitated. Breeds from Alaska to central Mexico, winters to northern South America. In nonbreeding season, overlaps with Mangrove Yellow Warbler; keep in mind that Northern Yellow often winters in mangroves, too! Adult males distinctive; identification of some females and immatures more difficult.

05/05/2026

While the first week of May usually brings birders to Port A for warblers, the shore birds are still fun to observe any time.
The Dunlins were grazing near the trees photogs were focused on for migrating birds, but I couldn’t help and enjoy these birds who did not care about me whatsoever.

05/04/2026

When you’re visiting a birding hotspot you’ll normally hear about a bird being discussed in the different groups at the various birding sights.
On my recent trip to Port Aransas it wasn’t the flamingo anymore, it was the Purple Gallinule, and thankfully it wasn’t shy.
If you love head to the gift shop for birding and hiking gifts. Link in profile.

04/25/2026

Migration Bird Day Festival is Wimberley is fast approaching! Come out and have some fun during this family-friendly, free event:

Celebrate the Journey: Discover the Wonders of Migratory Birds!

04/14/2026

Due to Painted Tree filing for chapter 7 bankruptcy, Golden Cheek is closed at this location. Thanks to everyone that shopped over the last two years. If you’re in the Austin area I hope to be moving through inventory at some upcoming markets and a great festival May 9th.
You can still shop online though! Plenty of online exclusive tees and hats.

Be well!

04/01/2026

What is your life list goal this spring?
Warblers are always the sign for me that spring migration is here, and seeing this Hooded Warbler was one of my favorite shots from last year.