Bexar tracks : the newsletter of the Bexar Audubon Society, Vol. 29, No. 02

• Main Author: Bexar Audubon Society
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: San Antonio, Tex. : Bexar Audubon Society 2013
• Subjects: Birds > Conservation > Texas > Periodicals.; Ornithology > Texas > Periodicals.; Nature conservation > Texas > Periodicals.; Clubs and Organizations; Science and Technology; Angier; Arctic; Austin; Bandera; Blanco; Endan; Galapagos; Grim; Huffman; Kay; Kendall; Kerr; Marcos; Medina; Patagonia; Swann; Climate change
• Online Access: http://digital.utsa.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15125coll10/id/10669

Bexar Tracks began with Vol. 4, no. 1 (January 1986). It continues Newsletter (Bexar Audubon Society). For the latest news and updates, see www.bexaraudubon.org. Bexar Audubon Society is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. Its primary goals are to promote species and habitat conservation and environmental education in the community. Bexar Tracks Volume XXIX, No. 2 March/April/May 2013 April 18, 2013 Plant-Insect Interactions and Ecology of the Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly by Chris Nice, Ph.D., Texas State University The Pipevine Swallowtail is a familiar species in our area, but many of us know little about the ecology of this beautiful butterfly. Join us in learning about the fascinating interrela-tionship between this insect and the Pipevine plants a/k/a Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia sp.). The chemistry of this relationship forms the foundation of a large butterfly mimicry ring with the Pipevine Swallowtail as the toxic model. Dr. Nice will also touch on some of his research blending eco-logical field experiments with genetic work to test hypothe-ses on the causes of biodiversity. Chris Nice, Ph.D., teaches genetics, entomology and bio-geography at Texas State Uni-versity in San Marcos. His re-search interests include popu-lation genetics, insect-plant interactions, and how biodiver-sity is created and maintained. Dr. Nice’s lab is also involved in studies on the evolution, ecology and genetics of endan-gered and threatened spring-endemic species in the Texas hill country, including the San Marcos salamander. March 21, 2013 Golden-Cheeked Warblers in the City’s Natural Areas by Wendy Leonard Wendy Leonard, biologist with the City’s Natural Areas, will enlighten us on the city's parks, their abundant re-sources and how they are managing the properties for Golden-cheeked Warblers. She will also touch on the future of these endangered birds in this area as well as changes in their habitat. Wendy has a B.S. degree in Wildlife Biology and Geography from Texas State Uni-versity— San Marcos and a Master's degree in Biology with thesis work on Plant Ecology at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her thesis focuses on our local Bracted twistflower (Streptanthus bracteatus) populations and examined the factors that make this endemic wild-flower so rare. Join us for a Golden-cheeked Warbler Field Trip on Friday, March 29 at Crownridge Canyon Natural Area, and a field trip on Sunday, May 12 as a part of Interna-tional Migratory Bird Week! Each trip limited to 14; call 210.837.0577 for reservations and date confirmation. BEXAR AUDUBON PROGRAMS & FIELD TRIPS 6:30 PM, TriPoint Center (map on page 4) 3233 N. St. Mary's (corner of 281 & N. St. Mary's) March, April, May — Programs Free and Open to Public May 16, 2013 Feathered Dinosaurs and the Evolution of Ornamentation in Female Birds by Troy Murphy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Department of Biology, Trinity University Dr. Troy Murphy will summarize some fascinating research done by his colleagues on the evolution of birds from their dinosaur ancestors. He will present evidence that feathers first evolved as communication signals, and that feathers were likely present in the ancestors of birds—all the way back to when their ancestors looked something like T-rex. Troy will then describe some of his recent work on the evolution of ornamental traits in females of modern day dino-saurs (e.g., goldfinches and tropical orioles). Much of his research to date has shown that females often use ornamen-tation to communicate to each other about their own dominance, and that unlike males, females are not using ornaments to impress potential mates. Troy was born in Phoenix, Arizona. He has a B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biol-ogy from the University of Arizona, Ph.D. Cornell University, Neurobiology and Behav-ior (he studied Turquoise-browed motmots in Yucatan, Mexico for his dissertation), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Queen’s University in Kingston Ontario; Troy has been at Trinity University for almost four years. Photo by Chris Nice Page 2 March-April-May 2013 Bexar Tracks The Central Flyway (from the NAS Website) The Central Flyway extends from the grasslands of the Great Plains, the heartland's wetlands and rivers, and the majestic Rocky Mountains to the western Gulf Coast. Many of its migratory bird species winter in Central and South America; some migrate across the Western Hemi-sphere as far north as the Arctic Circle and others south to Patagonia, in southern South America. To survive these arduous journeys, they rely on stopover habitat all along the flyway. Habitat loss and degrada-tion threaten birds of the Central Flyway. Water di-versions and development are taking a toll on riparian and wetland habitats that many birds, including the critically endangered Whooping Crane, rely on each spring. Energy explo-ration and extraction has fragmented sagebrush landscapes of the inter-mountain West, with grim consequences for sage-grouse and other depend-ent wildlife. Grassland birds and habitat are vanishing at an alarming rate as native prairie is erased by agricultural and urban development. The President’s Column Greg Pasztor, President, Bexar Audubon Society Many a northern transplant to Central Texas (myself included!) has bemoaned the lack of clear seasons in our annual cycle of weather. But as I was told, and now know well, one just has to be a bit more observant. Birds have taught me the seasons in Texas. Whether it's the Orange-crowned Warbler that's made a home in our yard this win-ter, the arrival of American Goldfinches, or the lofty calls of migrating Sandhill Cranes high overhead—the birds are moving, following natural rhythms aligned to the seasons. Our region plays an important part in this cycle of life. We live on the Central Flyway, a vast aerial corridor for birds migrating from as far south as Patagonia, in south-ern South America all the way up to the Arctic Circle—and back again in the Fall. Birds like our Native Texan Golden -cheeked Warbler stop in Central Texas where they breed. Others just pass through. All of them need food and habitat. What makes our area even more important is our proximity to the Gulf. We are just a day's flight from the coast, and provide an important rest and feeding stop. Many of those birds, including hummingbirds, are still re-couping from the 600 mile flight over the Gulf waters, and are in need of sustenance. It's easy to get caught up in the crazy busy-ness that has become our urban lifestyle and completely miss the natural world. It's important to recognize and protect these centuries-old patterns of life. We have a responsibility to protect and maintain habitat, whether it's a wild patch in your back yard or ensuring that the fields and hills around us are not all carved into developments. Tell your friends that you live on the Central Flyway! Come out and cele-brate International Migratory Bird Day with us on May 11 (there's more information on the Celebration in this issue). For information about upcoming programs/events for BAS and throughout the San Antonio and surrounding area, log on to www.bexaraudubon.org. Up For a Little Competition? How About the 40 Gallon Challenge? (Excerpted from an article by Writer: Kay Ledbetter, 806.677.5608, [e-mail] Contact: Diane Boellstorff, 979.458.3562, [e-mail]) Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has issued a challenge, and more and more people are signing up to partici-pate in the 40 Gallon Challenge, a program that calls on residents and businesses to reduce their average water use by 40 gallons per day. After one year, an economic impact study showed that Texas participants, based on average municipal rates, were saving an estimated $299,000 a year, in addition to the water savings. The 40 Gallon Challenge allows Texans to compete against other Americans who are taking the challenge in their states. At the program’s website, www.40gallonchallenge.org. Texans can pledge to adopt water-saving practices and see how many gallons of water they can expect to save. The website also shows the most popular practices being pledged, the practices that are saving the most water daily, and counties and states that are pledging the most daily savings. Currently, the top water savers in Texas are “reduce irrigation station runtimes by two minutes,” “use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks,” and “fix a leaky toilet.” In Texas, the three counties registered to save the most gallons are Collin, Ellis and Dallas. Where does Bexar stand? How about Guadalupe? Wilson? Medina? To start saving water and take the challenge, go to the website and complete the checklist of water-saving practices. Read the full article and find more stories, photos, videos and audio at http://today.agrilife.org. Did you know? Bexar Audubon Society covers these counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Wilson. We’re not just in San Antonio! Find out more: www.bexaraudubon.org. Page 3 March-April-May 2013 Bexar Tracks CELEBRATE BEXAR COUNTY BIRDS! On International Migratory Bird Day Saturday May 11, 2013 3 locations in 3 habitats!  Government Canyon State Natural Area from 9 AM–1 PM (Golden-cheeked Warbler)  Mitchell Lake Audubon Center from 9 AM–Noon (Painted Bunting)  The San Antonio Zoo from 10 AM–2 PM (Whooping Crane)  Plus Avenue A and Judson Nature Trails Bring your binoculars and your sense of adventure! Guided bird walks at all locations and at Avenue A (Brackenridge Park) and Judson Nature trails (Alamo Heights). Flying Wild fun activities for kids at all locations. Kids, get your pass-port stamped and win a prize! A special "Important Bird Area Celebration" at Government Canyon will start at noon to honor the endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler and honor the Important Bird Area volunteers as well as the Gov-ernment Canyon Coalition, the volunteers who made protecting the GCW their mission. This assembly of leaders and scientists which began in 1991 went on to found what finally became the Government Canyon State Natural Area. The IMBD day's theme is Life Cycle of Migratory Birds: Conservation Across the Americas. This theme explores a migratory bird's journey from non-breeding grounds south in the Latin and South Americas to nesting sites in North America. The day will highlight the importance of conservation efforts during every stage. Texas is prime country for migratory birds along the Central Flyway (see the map on page 2). Go to one or all! Celebrate Our San Antonio Birds! Details, www.bexaraudubon.org. GCSNA: 210.688.9055 x 292; friendsofgc.org; MLAC: mitchelllakeaudubon.org; SA Zoo: sazoo.org Starting Out Wild New Toddler Program for Ages 1–3 years Friedrich Park classroom, 10–11 AM March 8, Clever Spiders April 12, Worm Tracks May 10, Mighty Ants These high energy, engaging programs include stories, music, games, finger play, crafts and snacks all based on sound ecological principles. A perfect way to begin or foster your young child’s enjoyment of the natural world! Children who learn and play outside are smarter, happier and health-ier. Program descriptions, see the calendar at www.sanaturalareas.org. More info: contact Peggy Spring, 210.564.6402 or [e-mail]. Get Out & PLAY Day at the San Antonio Zoo Saturday, April 6, 10 AM–2 PM Natural sites and organizations will have stations set up throughout the Zoo, and conduct an activity that promotes their site. www.sazoo.org. From Annalisa Peace, GEAA Executive Director Alliance for a Clean Texas presents Lobby Day 2013 Wednesday, March 20th at the Texas Capitol, 9 AM–1 PM Concerned about fracking, the drought, and water? How about climate change, clean energy, and recycling? Join GEAA and other groups from across Texas on Wednes-day, March 20 at the State Capitol. Come share your story, learn the issues, and show your elected officials that Tex-ans support a healthy environment! Registration info at http://www.acttexas.org/lobby-day-2013-in-austin/. For carpooling and more information, contact Annalisa Peace, 210.320.6294; www.aquiferalliance.org. The 2013 Picture Your World Youth Photography Contest Attention young photographers! Green Spaces Alliance of South Texas invites you to submit your photographs of na-ture to the annual Picture Your World Youth Photography Contest. Entry deadline is April 12, 2013. Photographs may be submitted in digital form on a CD, or via e-mail. Profes-sional photographers/artists will judge the entries in two age groups: students 8-12, and students 13-18. Winners will be announced at a May reception. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three photographers in each age group. Info/registration: www.greensatx.org, or call 210.222.8430, or email [e-mail]. Southwest Stream Restoration Conference San Antonio, Texas May 28-30, 2013 Learn more about this at www.southweststream.org; also check out the Texas Chapter for the Society of Eco-logical Restoration, www.txwser.org. EARTH HOUR On March 23 at 8:30 PM local time, hundreds of millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for Earth Hour, the world’s largest collective display of commitment to protect the planet. Dare the World to Save the Planet! Earth Hour is a simple idea that quickly turned into a global phenomenon. Hundreds of millions of people around the world turn off their lights for one hour on the same night, to focus on the one thing that unites us all—our planet. More at earthhour.org, Earth Hour Video on You Tube: www.youtube.com/watch? v=2UywrjnOaUE Back to Nature First Saturday Nature Walks and Second Saturday Programs (Co-sponsored by City of San Antonio and Bexar Audubon Society) Reservations suggested; walks occasionally change. Donations suggested. More info: 210.207.5320 or [e-mail]. Nature’s Storehouse, Nature Walk at Friedrich Park — Mar. 2, 10 AM–Noon Explore the uses of native plants for food, fiber, shelter and more. Fantastic Fossils, Friedrich Park — Mar. 9, 10 AM–Noon Examine local fossils & sort through fossil rock material for some to take home! Sounds of Spring, Nature Walk at Crownridge Canyon — Apr. 6, 10 AM–Noon In the spring, the birds are very vocal while attracting their mates and defend-ing their territories; walk with experienced local birders. Slithering Serpents, Eisenhower Park — Apr. 13, 10 AM–Noon Enjoy a beautiful morning in one of San Antonio’s Natural Areas while learning about non-venomous and venomous snakes; pre-sented by the South Texas Herpetological Association. San Antonio Natural Areas, www.sanaturalareas.org Page 4 March-April-May 2013 Bexar Tracks Check the Nature Calendar at bexaraudubon.org for more listings. Government Canyon State Natural Area (GCSNA) 12861 Galm Road, San Antonio Lots of great programs and more than 40 miles of hiking & biking trails ranging from remote rugged canyon lands to gently rolling grasslands. Information: [e-mail]; 210.688.9055x289. Also TPWD’s website: www.tpwd.state. tx.us/state-parks/government-canyon. Cibolo Nature Center 140 City Park Road, Boerne Spring Break Camp, Harvesting Rain-water & Solar Energy, Native Landscape Design and much more! CNC lists a full schedule of great programs—check them out at www.cibolo.org; 830.249.4616. March, April & May BAS Programs at TriPoint, 3233 N. St. Mary’s St. Corner of 281 & N. St. Mary’s TriPoint N. St. Mary’s St. WANTED: New editor for Bexar Tracks. Desktop publishing experience preferred. Contact [e-mail]. Mitchell Lake Audubon Center 10750 Pleasanton Rd., San Antonio TX 210.628.1639 www.mitchelllakeaudubon.org Connecting People with Nature MLAC Monthly Birding Tours No reservation necessary.1st, 2nd, 3rd Sundays at 8 AM; 2nd Tuesdays at 8 AM Bird count/survey: 4th Saturdays, 8 AM $5 for non-members, $3 for members, no reservations neces-sary. Information: [e-mail] or 210.628.1639. Kids Birding 101 Saturday, March 16, 9–11 AM A great program for kids to learn about birds, their habitat and behavior. RSVP 210.628.1639 or [e-mail]. San Antonio Botanical Garden Programs 3rd Saturday Bird Walks, 9 AM, Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 18 Check out Spring Break at the Gardens! Sand Sculpture Exhibit and Family Flashlight Night; info: www.sabot.org. Flying WILD 2013 Workshops in the San Antonio Area June 6, San Antonio Botanical Garden July 1, Cibolo Nature Center, Boerne July 2, Cibolo Nature Center, Boerne (facilitator training) Nov. 9, San Antonio Zoo Dec. 7, Mitchell Lake Audubon Center Alamo Sierra Club Programs Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 PM New Carsharing System: Flexible, Efficient Bill Barker of the COSA’s Office of Sustainability will give an overview of the new, downtown carsharing system. Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 PM Local Micro-Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles www.texas.sierraclub.org/alamo/ San Antonio Audubon Society Meetings First Thursdays at First Tee (915 E Mulberry) at 7 PM April 4, Ron Huffman on Pantanal Brazil: Jaguars, Giant Ant-eaters, Giant River Otters, Pampas Deer, Birds & More May 2, Shyamala Rao will tell Galapagos Adventure Stories accompanied by her excellent photographs. Phil Hardberger Park 8400 NW Military Hwy & 13203 Blanco Rd. 210.207.3111 or 210.207.3284 www.philhardbergerpark.org Oak Loop Walk Expert Series Nature-lovers: you don't want to miss our expert-led series of Oak Loop Walks on the following Saturdays, 8 AM: March: Wildflowers Nature Walk, March 23 April: Grasses Nature Walk, April 27 May: Geology Nature Walk, May 25 Native Plant Society Program Tuesday, March 26, Lions Field Adult Center Native plant & seed exchange 6:30, program 7 PM “Invite a Monarch to Lunch: Plant Milkweed” with Kip Kiphart, Hill Country Chapter Master Naturalist, scientist, and monarch specialist. Info: www.npsot.org/sanantonio. Page 5 March-April-May 2013 Bexar Tracks Earth Share of Texas raises money for environmental and conservation or-ganizations through workplace giving. If your employer participates in such programs, please ask them to add Earth Share to your giving options. By des-ignating the Audubon Foundation of Texas (AFT), Bexar Audubon Society can benefit. BAS receives credit for our support and receives funding annually form AFT. For more information, call, email or log on: 800.GREENTX, [e-mail], or www.earthshare-texas.org. Bexar Audubon Society Contacts President: Greg Pasztor—210.824.1235, [e-mail] Vice President: Anita Anderson—210.533.8726; [e-mail] Treasurer: Caryl Swann—210.653.2860; [e-mail] Secretary: Anne Parrish—[e-mail] At-Large: Jessica Leslie—[e-mail] Webmaster: Greg Pasztor—210.824.1235, [e-mail] Programs/Outings: Patty Pasztor—210.824.1235; [e-mail] Education Chairperson: Mary Kennedy—[e-mail] Editor: Michele Wood—[e-mail] Bird’s Eye View Audubon Texas – 2012 Audubon Texas is proud to an-nounce the release of its 2012 Annual Report: Bird’s Eye View. The year 2012 was a great year for Audubon's education and conservation efforts in Texas. Follow this link to view report online and read about our ac-complishments: http:/ /tx.audubon.org/sites/ default/files/documents/2012_annual_report.pdf Bill Sinkin’s 100th Birthday Celebration Friday, May 17, 6:30–10:30 PM Dinner, Dancing & Silent Auction Info at www.solarsanantonio.org/birthday/ Solar Tour 2013 — Saturday, April 13 Free, self-guided event, 10 AM–3 PM More info: solartoursa.com Grasses of South Central Texas with Floyd Waller Three Fridays, April 5, 12, and 19, 9 AM–Noon Tuition: $45/3 sessions. Register by March 29. To register, contact the SoL Center at 210.732.9927. What makes a grass a grass? How do you tell them apart? Learn from an experienced taxonomist about the basic structure and morphology of grass plants and how to identify the common grasses in our region. The first session meets at the SoL Center, to be fol-lowed by field trip locations. Floyd Waller has a Ph.D. in grass systematics from Texas A&M University. Dr. Waller has taught classes in grass identification at the SA Botanical Gardens, Friedrich Wilderness Park and Cibolo Nature Center, and he does taxonomic con-sulting work at Texas Tech University at Junction. 14th Annual Nature Quest April 24-28, 2013 Texas Hill Country Birds, Bats, Butterflies & more! www.hillcountrynaturequest.com/ From This Green Life (NRDC) Small Homes for a Small Planet A monthly journal of sorts by Sheryl Eisenberg Downsize your footprint, free up your life In the last six decades, the average size of a new single family home in the United States rose from roughly 1,000 square feet to 2,500, not because we grew 250% richer but because we found a way to finance what we couldn't afford. Our economic mess is the fallout from this conjuring trick, but it hasn't stopped the trend. After a brief reversal during the recession, the rise in square footage has resumed. Our sense of our needs has increased since 1950 despite the fact that our households average 23% fewer people. Like Dick-ens' Pip, we now have great expectations, fed by eager lenders and builders. The trouble with the fantasy (beyond the debt) is the waste. We live in a world of limited resources and a country with a growing popula-tion that is projected to reach 420 million by 2060. Even small homes to accommodate those "extra" hundred million will eat up open land, down trees and increase carbon emissions, besides raising the al-ready heavy pressure to drill, baby, drill. So, can we really afford more large homes? The extra space they offer is both unnecessary and underutilized. Read the full article at http://www.nrdc.org/thisgreenlife/?utm_source= thisgreenlife&utm _medium=tgllink&utm_campaign=email Cuddly Kitty or Killer Cat? Excerpted from The New York Times, by Natalie Angier For all the adorable images of cats that play the piano, flush the toilet, mew melodiously and find their way back home over hundreds of miles, scientists have identified a shocking new truth: cats are far deadlier than anyone realized. Scientists have esti-mated that domestic cats in the United States kill a median of 2.4 billion birds and 12.3 billion mammals a year… Read the full New York Times article at http:// www.nytimes.com/2013/01/30/science/that-cuddly-kitty- of-yours-is-a-killer.html?_r=1& www.bexaraudubon.org For the latest information on environmental events and happenings throughout the San Anto-nio community and surrounding areas, check out www.bexaraudubon.org. Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid San Antonio TX Permit #167 Bexar Audubon Society PO Box 6084 San Antonio TX 78209-0084 Bexar Tracks Bexar Tracks is the official newsletter of the Bexar Audubon Society, a Chapter of the National Audu-bon Society. The Chapter’s primary goals are to promote species and habitat conservation and environmental education in the community. Your membership includes National Audubon and Bexar Audubon and subscriptions to both Audubon and Bexar Tracks. March-April-May 2013 Membership and Support for Your Environmental Voice in Our Community Bexar Audubon welcomes new members to join Audubon through the chapter. This brings 100 percent of the first year’s dues directly back to support local work. The same applies to gift memberships placed through the chapter. Your additional tax deductible donation is greatly appreciated. Bexar Audubon receives only a few thousand dollars each year from National Audubon Society as dues share. The rest we must raise ourselves. Your help is needed, and your donations will be put to good use right here in South Central Texas to provide environ-mental news and education to the community, including the newsletter, programs, San Antonio Environmental Network Issues Forum, Sec-ond Saturday programs, and other activities you may or may not hear about. Individual introductory memberships are $20; seniors and stu-dents join for $15. Please provide the following information for each personal subscription or gift: Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address with Zip Code: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone w/Area Code: _________________________________ e-mail ________________________________________ Do you wish to opt out of other mailings by Audubon or those with whom it shares lists? ____ yes ____ no Make checks payable to “Bexar Audubon Society” and mail to the address at the top of this page. Enclosed: $__________ for subscription(s) $_________ additional donation NOTE: Renewals should be sent directly to National Audubon Society. NOTE: If you change address or cancel membership, you do NOT need to contact Bexar Audubon but MUST contact National Audubon (and we will automatically get that change when we download labels). Save time and energy by mailing your change of address information to National Audubon Soci-ety Membership Data Center, PO Box 52529, Boulder CO 80322-2529; phoning 800.274.4201; or e-mailing [e-mail]. CELEBRATE BIRDS on INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY! Saturday May 11, 2013  Government Canyon State Natural Area from 9 AM–1 PM (Golden-cheeked Warbler)  Mitchell Lake Audubon Center from 9 AM–Noon (Painted Bunting)  The San Antonio Zoo from 10 AM–2 PM (Whooping Crane)  Plus Avenue A and Judson Nature Trails Read more on page 3