September's Presentation

The new Birds of Texas spans 614 pages, but even that can’t tell the full story of Texas birds. Some of the most fascinating details don’t fit into a field guide—like how one of the state’s most common ducks is mostly nocturnal, or the surprising connections behind Rivoli and Anna of hummingbird fame that tie into James Bond. In this talk, David Sarkozi goes beyond the guide to share fresh insights, unexpected stories, and behaviors that deepen our appreciation of Texas birdlife.

David Sarkozi began birding as a teenager in central Texas and never stopped—he still owns his first field guide. He has served as Chairman of the Houston Outdoor Nature Club – Ornithology Group, President of the Friends of Anahuac Refuge, and President of the Texas Ornithological Society, serving 16 years on its board.

Retired after 35 years with the University of Houston, David has completed two Texas Big Years (500 species in 2015, 509 in 2017) and invented the Texas Century Club challenge. In 2019, he accomplished the feat of birding in all 254 Texas counties. His latest achievement is the new Birds of Texas field guide, published by Timber Press in July 2025.