| Summary: | Bexar Tracks began with Vol. 4, no. 1 (January 1986). It continues Newsletter (Bexar Audubon Society). l f I Recurring Birding Events No Field Trip this Month *First Saturday of Each Month-Friedrich Wilderness Park offers a free guided general natural history hike. For info, call698-1057. , *Second Saturday of Each Month-Bexar Audubon sponsors the "Second Saturday" program at Friedrich Wilderness Park. $2 donation requested. For more information and reservations, call 698-1 057. *Second Saturday of Each Month-san Antonio Audubon Society's Beginners' Blrdwalk. Meet at the Judson Nature Trail in Alamo Heights at 8:00AM. Visitors are welcome. For information, call at 342-2073. *Fourth Saturday of Each Month-Birding at Mitchell Lake. Meet at the gate at 8 am. Led by Ernie Roney of the San Antonio Audubon · Society. Call 656-4239 for more information. mA&S BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY SAN ANTONIO TEXAS Thursday, April IS, 1999-Chapter Meeting The Texas Legislature Is in Session, What Are ·They Doing To (or For) Us 7 p.m. -Social Time 7:30p.m. -Speaker's Program Free and open to the public Ruble Center, 419 E. Magnolia (east of McCullough; take Mulberry exit off 281) For VIA public transportation: take Route 5 (St. Mary's/McCullough/ North Star Mall) to Magnolia The Texas Legislature is in session! Should you run for the hills? If you do, will the hills still be there? Find out the. answers to these and other questions critical to your future at the April BAS meeting. Helping you to understand what seems to being going on in Austin and what is really happening behind the scenes, will be a panel of experienced legislature watchers, some who have had substantial experience testifying before legislative committees and trying to · accelerate or impede the progress of legislation through that august body. There is an outside chance (way outside) that an actual member of the legislature will be on hand for a progress report. What happens in the state capital and capitol in this session will have a major impact on the Texas environment for years to come. Come to the meeting for a look at your future. Susan Rust Reports on San Antonio Enviromental Network Meeting, March 2, 1999: Bexar Nature Preserve System System Making Real· Progress On Tuesday, March 2, an audience of more than 80 citizens, staff, and community leaders was on hand for a progress report on the development of the Bexar Nature Preserve System (BNPS). The enthusiasm was contagious, as the work of the last few months was presented by the Chairmen of the Steering Committee (SC) and the four Working Groups (WGs). Eric Lautzenheiser reviewed the immediacy of the need to preserve examples of our region's rich natural heritage and reviewed the history of the BNPS concept and the process being used to give clarity to the project elements. He commented that from now until the end of the year, the SC would continue to coordinate the activities of the WGs and would be working with agency and organization representatives to develop tile legal documents and secure the commitment necessary to formalize the system. Darcie Woodruff reported that the Operational WG has developed drafts of the formal institutional structure and operational procedures for the BNPS. She read the BNPS' inspirational Vision Statement and commented that the WG will now be working to draft the Strategic Plan and Memorandum of Understanding. They have chosen Chicago Wilderness as the most appropriate working model for shaping the BNPS, since it is a large regional system operated through the collaboration of multiple agencies and organizations. Jill Askins reported that the Financial WG has been compiling profiles of funding agencies and potential contributors, and are now developing funding mechanisms and marketing objectives for the coming year. Fred Wills reported that the Biological WG has been assembling information on the six natural community types which occur in the county, developing a body of reference materials. For much of the remaining year they will be working to refine BNPS' parameters for prioritizing community types and preserve selection, and developing basic management standards for the preserves. Margaret Rasor reported that the Education WG has been developing a list of community information and outreach projects for the coming year which might include publication of a brochure, production of a video, and selected field trips to examples of each of the six community types. A response panel which included Malcolm Matthews (SA Parks & Recreation Department), Wade Oldham (Bexar County Parks Department), George Kegley (Texas Parks & Wildlife Department), Barbara Bergmann-Lackey (SA Water Systems), Jeff Weigel (Texas Nature Conservancy), and June Kachtik (Bexar Land Trust) commented on how they felt their agency/organization might be involved with the BNPS as it becomes a formal institution. After a period of questions and answers, attendees continued to discuss the project informally, sign up to participate on the SC or a WG, and examine the excellent maps prepared for the BNPS by Ernie Hart (SA Public Works Department). Other graphics and information for the meeting were provided by the SA Open Space Advisory Board and the American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment, both of which had sponsored the forum. For further information or to participate in this exciting initiative, contact Eric Lautzenheiser (698-1 057) or Susan Rust (826-4698). P. 0. Box 6084, San Antonio, TX 7820 " 210-822-4503 . ~ '. GOALS The Chapter's primary goals are to pr6mote species and habitat conservation and environmental education in the community. OFFICERS President Biii·Sain 't71634.230@compuserve.com) . 408-7731 Vice Pres. Mike Mecke . (mmecke@saws.org) . 344-3737 Treasurer Betty Minyard . (mink@texas.net) . 344-6128 Secretary Deborah Robinson . 493-4663 " . (dlr2spirit@compuserve.com) Past Pres. Susan Hughes . . . :. 532-2332 " . (Susan@wordwright.com) BOARD OF DIRECTORS· Term Ending 1999: Kim Hoskins . 696-3780 Jane Nelka . usneal@texas.net) . 561-0313 Harry Noyes . :. . . 490-3124 Term Ending 2000: Chris Dullnig . (cdullnig@juno.com) . 830-980-8156 Maria Elizalde . o. . . 695-4256 Janis Merrit . . . 698-1095 COMMITTEE CHAIRS Adopt-a-Park Bill Woller. . . 696-3186 Aud. Adven. Betty Minyard . (mink@texas.net) . 344-6128 Birdathon Bill Sain (71634.230@compuserve.corri) . 408-7731 Conserv. Richard Pipes . (rjpipes@flash.net) . 830-281-2452 Education Mary Kennedy . (mbkenned@aol.com)698-7175x267 . . . available Hospitality Nancy Johnson . 655-1338 Memb. Deborah Robinson . 493-4663· " . (dlr2spirit@compuserve.com) Naturallnit. Tom Wilson . (twilsond@AOL.com) . 492-4799 Outings . available Programs Chris Dulfnig . (cdullnig@juno.com). 830-980-8156 Publicity . available SAEN Coord. Fred Loxsom . (floxsom@trinity.edu) . 736-7425 Ways & Means Bill Sain (71634.230@compuserve.com) . 408-7731 Bexar Tracks Tom Wilson . (twilsond@AOL.Qom) . 492-4799 Editors Jill Sandeen . 830-980-3277 Osondeen@ NetXPress.com) . Fax: 830-438-7393 Mailing Karen and Mel Shupp . 494-3134 Bexar Tracks is your newsletter. We welcome your contributions. Next deadline: April 16, 1999 Please fax Jill or email Tom as above; diskettes and hard copy should be sent to Tom Wilson, 13227 Hunters Spring, San Antonio, TX 78230. l·'\ Printed with soy ink on recycled paper. Visit Bexar Audubon's Web Site: http://www.audubon.org/chapter/tx/bexar/ Suggestions and contributions are welcome. Please c.ontact Bill Hurley at BILLHUR@aol.com April1999 Re,lectiol1s ~'-~ -: ·. Our fund raising drive is -underway. 'AS, you saw in last month's newsletter, our goal is to raise $3,000 by th·etend ot,May. It has been a little over a week !?ince you · recieved your last newsletter and we already have pledges of $260 (actually $160 · of this has already been recieved). Please take a few minutes right now and send · your:tax-deductible donation; ;let's not only meet the goal, let's sha,tter ·it. April is a ve.ry busy month with Viva Botanica, Fiesta (including Earth Day), and the crunch of spring migration. Gorden-cheeked warblers and black-capped vireos are arriving and nesting activities will be going full tilt. Hummingbirds w!ll be visiting newly opened flowers {and feeders) and the roadsides will be colored with wildflowers. The weather will still bE) relatively nice, so make sure you spend some time enjoying nature during April. · -Bill Sain • & CHAPTER NEWS by_ Bill Sain February 26 -28, '1999, Outing Recap ·Welder Wildlife Refuge Eighteen folks spent the weekend visiting the Welder Wildlife Refuge just north Sinton TX. We started the weekend early, meeting just south of S.A. at 9 a.m. on Friday. We stopped off at Choke Canyon State Park (near Three Rivers) and walked the birding trail and lunched at 90-Acre Lake. Highlights include up close views of 10-15 javelina gorging on prickly pear cactus, 2 great kiskadee, and a green jay. We were joined on our walk by a couple from Corpus who were camping at the state park. We then headed to Welde_r where we were met by intern Liz Ackers. Liz showed us around the headquarters ancj told us a little about the history of the refuge. After dinner in Sinton, we rejoined Liz for a night drive around the refuge. We saw quite a few white-tailed deer and skunks while on this drive. The next day, we were joined by Selma Glasscock who, ably assisted by Liz, led the tour for the day. We started off walking around the headquarters area. Here we spied, among others green jay, chachalaca, and a wonderful view of two white-tailed kites. After a lunch break where many of us saw the buff-bellied hummingbird that Selma said frequented a feeder outside her office, we boarded the bus once again. This time we got to see the refuge in the daytime. Selma told us about many of the research programs that have been undertaken on the ranch. We spotted quite a few more birds and white-tailed deer. Bird highlights included the anhinga, sandhill cranes, quite a few species of ducks, both double-crested and neotropic cormorants, two species of tern, and both great-horned and barred owls. We saw a total of 95 bird species during the two days of birding. Add to that several mammal iJ.nd reptile species, as well as hundreds of plant species and I'm sure you will agree that we had a very productive trip. As usual, it was the people on the outing that made it a special event. Both Dick Pipes and Jerry Brite had onced interned at Welder so they provided many insights into what life was life on the refuge in the past years and how the landscape had changed. I hope that each of the participants had as much fun as I did. I hope to see each of them at upcoming Bexar Audubon events. Saturday, Mar.ch 20, 1999, Outing Recap A PersQnal Tour of Mitchell Lake Wetland Following several days of rain, Saturday morning dawned cool and cloudy. Small showers remained in the area and this probably convinced a number of folks to stay huddled under the covers. Three hardy souls, however, journeyed to Mitchell Lake and were treated to a beautifully sunny day with birds everywhere. Highlights included the first sCissor-tailed flycatcher and black-necked stilts I've seen this year. The purple finches also cooperated nicely as did the cinnamon teal, immature vermilion flycatcher, and other colorful birds of Mitchell Lake. We saw a total of 52 species during our time at the lake. 2 Bexar Tracks LOCAL NEWS April6- June 27, 1999: Va:n~shing Wildlife Exhibit Set For Institute of Texan Cultures The Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio will host an art exhibit of threatened and endangered Texas plant and animal species April 6 through June 27 iQ the Lower Gallery. Vanishing Wildlife of Texas, a collection of more than 50 paintings by internationally known artist Gamini Ratnavira, was created to illustrate a book of the same name. The exhibition shows the value of nature and the need to balance the demands of civilization with the conservation of nature. "We're trying to show people that the encroachment of man upon the wilderness is upsetting the balance of nature in ways we have not begun to understand," said Frank Salzhandler, director of the Endangered Species Media Project. The Institute, at Bowie and Durango in HemisFair Park in downtown San Antonio is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no admission charge for Lower Gallery exhibits; however, admission is charged for the Exhibit Floor. Bird Counters Also Name Chickadee America's Favorite Bird Great Bac~yard Bird Count Backs Punxsutawney Phil Ithaca, NY, March 8, 1999-Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow this groundhog's day, and maybe rightly so. Some 42,000 reports rolled in during the Second Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (February 19- 22, 1999), a BirdSource project <http://birdsource. cornell.edu>. Preliminary results suggest an early spring. "Last year, we saw robins in higher-than-average numbers farther north than usual," says Frank Gill, National Audubon's vice president for science. "This year, the largest concentrations were reported in Florida and other areas where you would expect to find them in February, but sizable flocks were also noted in the Maritime Provinces-Nova Scotia, New Brunswick-where they were not reported during last year's count, he said." This situation coincides with sightings of large flocks of red-winged blackbirds in parts of the Northeast in February, and with early wildflower appearances in Texas and Maine. "There are always more robins wintering in northern regions than most people realize," explains John Fitzpatrick, director of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. "But some of the flock sizes reported during this year's count would suggest that a good many of these birds are migrants on the move, rather than overwinterers." Meanwhile, the 42,000 reports-triple the number from last year-means that BirdSource researchers will have plenty of GBBC data to keep them busy. Mourning dove appeared on the most number of report forms (23,709 forms), followed by northern cardinal (21,310), dark-eyed junco (20,866), American crow (17,205), and house finch (16,981). The most numerous species (species reported in highest numbers) were European starling (217,253 birds reported), Canada goose (188, 189), house sparrow (170,864), common grackle (161 ,763), and dark-eyed junco (161 ,326). Participants were invited this year to vote for their favorite bird. The "Top Ten List" put the chatty little black-capped chickadee at the top, followed by northern cardinal, ruby-throated hummingbird, eastern bluebird, great blue heron, bald eagle, common loon, and Carolina wren. The Great Backyard Bird Count made tremendous strides this year in contributing to the BirdSource database," says Audubon's Gill. "We couldn't have done this without the many bird enthusiasts. They're an important part of this team effort, and we hope they'll join us for next year's GBBC and for the many other BirdSource projects." Editor's note: Shortly after this was written the Northeast suffered a series of paralyzing snow storms. P. Phil was not heard from. Further, BAS congratulates those of its members who participated. April 1999 3 Earthday Set for Saturday, April 20 Now an official Fiesta Event, this year's Earthday celebration will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Woodlawn Lake Park. There will be food, fun and entertainment for the whole family. No admission fees. Wilderness Pow Wow Features Longleaf Ridge Everyone is welcome to the 20th Annual Texas Wilderness Pow Wow April 23 - 25, 1999, at the Caney Creek Recreation Area in the Angelina National Forest near Zavalla, with . walks into Longleaf Ridge, long proposed by Texas Committee on Natural Resources (TCONR) and other groups as a National Recreation and Wildlife Area. The Caney Creek .Recreation Area features developed campsites, running water, rest rooms, and an amphitheater for the Saturday program. You are invited to bring your camping gear (or come for the day) to enjoy these beautiful woods and to learn how you can help protect them. We hope you can join us! DIRECTIONS TO CANEY CREEK: Go east on Hwy 63 from Zavalla to FM 2743. Take FM 2743 several miles almost to its end. Turn left onto Forest Rd 336 at the sign for Caney Creek Recreation Area. To pre-register, include your Name, Address, City/St/Zip, Phone, Fax, Email and mail to the address indicated below. There is no registration fee. However, donations are welcome to help defray event expenses. Please make check or money order payable to TCONR and mail to address below. For additional information contact Texas Committee on Natural Resources (TCONR) at 1301 South IH 35, Suite 301, Austin, TX 78741, 512-441-1122, Fax 512-411 ~ 3300, tconr@mindspring.com Upcoming Chapter Meetings for 1999 May- Lisa O'OonneU ·various U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs to clear juniper. June - Andrew Ballnsky - great photography of Costa Rica birds Bexar Tracks Please Help Bexar Audubon Reach Its Goal for Our New Pledge Drive: Pledged: $260 Goal: $3,000 Please use the form below and send in your tax-deductible donation. Folks, please help us . we will be applying approximately half of the funds toward our environmental education projects, the rest for operating expenses. We need to raise this amount by the end of May. We really need your help. $2 from every one of the 1500 members would do it! Thank you! r --- . Introductory Membership 1 and Donation Form I National Audubon Society I Bexar AudubonSociety (Chapter Code W19) New memberships to National Audubon Society, including a subscription to Audubon magazine, are $20 ($15 for seniors or full-time students). This includes membership in Bexar Audubon and a subscription to Bexar Tracks,as well. Makes a great gift! Name ___________ _ A~ --- ~ --- State ________ Zip ____, --- Phone: ( ) --- Mail this coupon and your check-payable to "National Audubon Society, Chapter W19" to: Bexar Audubon Society P. 0. Box 6084 San Antonio, TX 78209 If you would like to be a checkbook activist and participate in our 1999 Pledge Drive, please fill out your name and address and write the amount of your taxdeductible donation to Bexar Audubon Society here: $ ___ _ Please make your check payable to "Bexar Audubon Society". Please send this form and check to the above address. Thank you very much for supporting our society. W19 7XCH ~Ap-ril- 1-99-9- --- .1 Bexar Audubon Society, Inc. P. 0. Box 6084 . San Antonio, TX 78209 Address Service Requested ~vs~rlf~As 6900 N LOOP 160~ W SAN ANTONIO TX March 18, 1999, Chapter Meeting Recap: Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid San Antonio Permit #590 W19 NOV99 78249-1130 ) Make Your Yard Bird, Critter Friendly Lots of hands-on tips to make members' yards more hospitable for birds and other wild critters were dispensed at the March BAS meeting by Patty Martin of the Little Nature Store in Leon Springs, a zoologist with many years of wildlife management experience. Examples: nectar too old for the hummingbird feeder can be put out for the butterflies, along with old, squashed bananas which will also attract protein-rich fruit flies for hummers. If you are plagued by wasps in your birdhouses, coat the underside of the roof with Ivory soap. If you can't reach your hand inside, drip Palmolive Dish Soap (a very thick brand) onto the roof. Birds are most vulnerable when wet so make sure there is plenty of open space around your birdbath so the cats can't sneak up on them. A perch under the hole in the birdhouse is not only unnecessary, it provides a handy toehold for predators. Martin detailed several methods of getting rid of unwanted critters, from raccoons to deer. Among the most effective, she said, are cayenne pepper solutions, which are available commercially (eg., NIMBY) or which can be home-brewed with cayenne peppers, water and a little oil (let soak, then filter the particles out). If you want to repel squirrels with pepper spray, you must provide an alternative squirrel haven in another part of your yard or the little rodents will grimace a little but keep on eating your bird feed. If you use it for raccoons, beware-they get mad and may maliciously destroy things. Birds, by the way, have no taste buds that react to pepper so it doesn't bother them and is a source of Vit. A. She recommends that for the safety of your yard's wildlife population you "go organic" with fertilizers, pesticides, etc., but caution that many organic substances, if used or mixed improperly, can cause damage to plants and wildlife. So homeowvners, take care. Finally, want lots of hard-working ladybugs controlling the plant pillagers in your yard? If so, buy a package of the little insects and (yes) a ladybug house. Put the house in the yard and the ladybugs in the refrigerator. When ttw little bugs are dormant then put them in the ladybug house. They will awaken slowly, imprint on the house and stick around to eat what's eating your roses. Unrefrigerated ladybugs tend to wander off after a day or so, leaving you at the mercy of wave after wave of aphids. -Tom Wilson 4 Bexar Tracks
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