Bird watching is a calming hobby enjoyed by people of all ages, but there are many things to learn from it as well. These informative websites will surely become helpful resources for your next birding adventure.

All About Birds
Beginning bird watchers will benefit greatly from this helpful website, which is manned by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at Cornell University. Featuring birding basics, a comprehensive bird species guide, fascinating videos, scientific facts about birds, and much more, All About Birds is all you need to begin birding as a hobby.

Audubon
One of the most popular sources of information for all of your birding needs, Audubon’s website is packed full of information about bird conservation, bird watching, and furthering your education about birds. This site is updated regularly to include which birds can be found as the seasons change, and it also highlights initiatives to save endangered birds all over the world.

ABA Blog
The American Birding Association’s blog keeps readers up-to-date with the organization’s latest events and initiatives. Posts from a number of contributors discuss the latest issues in birding, and features like the photo quiz and the birder’s exchange make sharing your love of birding fun.

Public Domain/Public Domain

Spend an afternoon browsing at Market Street, an outdoor shopping center with a downtown feel right in The Woodlands.

Window shop at upscale and specialty stores like Tiffany's, Lululemon, Tommy Bahamas Michael Kors, and J. Crew. Many shoppers enjoy people watching while indulging in ice cream from Red Mango or Cold Stone Creamery. There are plenty of full service dining options as well including Cru Wine Bar, Jasper's, and Grotto.

On warm days, the kid-friendly splash park attracts families, and as the days turn cooler Market Street exudes holiday charm with lights, decorated trees, creative window displays, and even horse drawn carriage rides!

Market Street
9595 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 419-4774
www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/default
www.yelp.com/biz/market-street-the-woodlands-the-woodlands

In need of a little retail therapy? Treat yourself to a shopping spree at The Woodlands Mall, a mall boasting both indoor and outdoor shopping areas. Anchored by Nordstrom, Macy's, Dillard's, JCPenney, and Forever 21, this mall offers a wide variety of retailers and specialty stores. Think Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Coach, Vera Bradley, Williams-Sonoma, Fossil, and many more.

The mall is clean, and dining options are available. If you have children in tow, take them for a ride on the carousel located on the second floor.  Parking can be a challenge here, but valet service is only $5, cash. The Woodlands Mall is open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Woodlands Mall
1201 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 363-3409
www.thewoodlandsmall.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-woodlands-mall-the-woodlands

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