Contact Information

Inquiries about NARBA, memberships, and this site should be directed to Susan Billetdeaux, NARBA webmaster. The Houston Audubon Society's telephone number is 713-932-1639. Office hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, CST, Monday through Friday. The address for the Houston Audubon Society is 440 Wilchester Blvd, Houston, TX 77079.

Membership Fees

NARBA is a subscription service. Reports are written by volunteers, including Steve Matherly and Susan Billetdeaux who act as principal compilers, and several regional reporters. Funds generated by membership fees are used to support the conservation programs of the Houston Audubon Society. Membership Payment Options.

History

In 1989 the Houston Audubon Society acquired NARBA, which had been run by a private individual since 1985. After a brief "audition" as the voice of the Texas tape, Dr. Mike Austin of Friendswood (popularly known as "Dr. Bird") had primary responsibility for the North American tape from 1989 to 1997. Beginning in 1997 he shared responsibility for tape updates for eight months of the year with Steve Matherly of Houston and Jim Beard of Martinsville, VA. Steve Matherly now oversees NARBA operations. NARBA has undergone a metamorphosis over the years, from primarily a telephonic report to web and email service. Preparing reports requires extensive monitoring from a variety of sources concerning local bird sightings. The reports are updated multiple times a day to ensure the most up-to-date information.