Bexar tracks : the newsletter of the Bexar Audubon Society, Vol. 07, No. 03
Bexar Tracks began with Vol. 4, no. 1 (January 1986). It continues Newsletter (Bexar Audubon Society). gYacRs VOLUME VII, NO. 3 MARCH, 1989 THE CHAPTER'S PRIMARY GOALS ARE TO PROMOTE SPECIES AND HABITAT CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL -EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY. SUPPORT THESE GOALS! PRESIDENT...
Main Author: | |
---|---|
Format: | Text |
Language: | English |
Published: |
San Antonio, Tex. : Bexar Audubon Society,
1989
|
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://digital.utsa.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15125coll10/id/8122 |
id |
ftutexasanantodc:oai:digital.utsa.edu:p15125coll10/8122 |
---|---|
record_format |
openpolar |
institution |
Open Polar |
collection |
UTSA Digital Collections (The University of Texas at San Antonio) |
op_collection_id |
ftutexasanantodc |
language |
English |
topic |
Birds--Conservation--Texas--Periodicals. Ornithology--Texas--Periodicals. Nature conservation--Texas--Periodicals Clubs and Organizations Science and Technology |
spellingShingle |
Birds--Conservation--Texas--Periodicals. Ornithology--Texas--Periodicals. Nature conservation--Texas--Periodicals Clubs and Organizations Science and Technology Bexar Audubon Society Bexar tracks : the newsletter of the Bexar Audubon Society, Vol. 07, No. 03 |
topic_facet |
Birds--Conservation--Texas--Periodicals. Ornithology--Texas--Periodicals. Nature conservation--Texas--Periodicals Clubs and Organizations Science and Technology |
description |
Bexar Tracks began with Vol. 4, no. 1 (January 1986). It continues Newsletter (Bexar Audubon Society). gYacRs VOLUME VII, NO. 3 MARCH, 1989 THE CHAPTER'S PRIMARY GOALS ARE TO PROMOTE SPECIES AND HABITAT CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL -EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY. SUPPORT THESE GOALS! PRESIDENT'S LETTER The busy pace continues! Our endangered species conf~rence focusing on the black-capped vireo is commg up March 10 with afield trip to Camp Bullis on March 11. The conference will give us an opportunity to learn not only about our local endangered bird but also how to deal with endangered species in general and how other areas are dealing with the problem. Thanks to all who have worked so hard to make this confere~ce succe~sful. It is absolutely inspirational to work With the kmd of talent and spirit that surfaces each time a project is undertaken. Our chapter received a letter of thanks from state representative Ciro Rodriguez for our efforts on behalf of the Applewhite Reservoir. Susan Rust represented ou~ chapter at the last public hearing, and we have wntten <1: Jette~ requestin~ denial of the permit for Applewhite with a detailed report of objections attached. Thanks to Susan and all who have done so much work on this project! Please ma~e plans to join _us for our annual meeting March 16. It IS an opportumty to hear briefly what we have accomplished in the past year, what we have planned_ f?r 1989, and how we are doing so far. Of cour~e, It I_s also one of the few occasions during the year m which ~e allot time for socializing. The trip to see .the whoopmg cranes, as always, will be a terrific outmg. If you have not made your reservations, I suggest you do so at once. We have had some response for help with the newsletter, but our education committee could use some assist~nce in ~eeping up with the various projects our educatiOn chauman, Betty Minyard, has under way. If education is your area of interest, please give Betty a call at 344-6128. Hope to see you March 16! Watch for information on Birdathon next month! marge Jlande;rneyer BAS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING March 16, 1989 Ruble Center, 6:30 p.m. . Plan to join us at our Annual Meeting, pot-luck dmner, program and entertainment starting at 6:30 p.m. at the RuBle Center, 419 East Magnolia. We ask that you bring a covered dish to share with several other attendees and a $2.00 registration fee to cover the furnished condiments, utensils and refreshments. We c?uld also use some help in setting up the tables for dmner. Please call Nettie Birnbaum, 695-2646, to volunteer. Also, it would be extremely helpful for planning purposes if you would RSVP to Nettie if you plan on attending the pot-luck dinner and meeting. Our guest speaker this year is Mr. David Braun Director of the Texas Nature Conservancy. In hi~ presentation Mr. Braun will address the goals of the TNC and describe their current projects. Many of the more beautiful areas of the state, having met the requirements of being the habitat of rare and endangered species or communities, are protected by the TNC. The TNC accomplishes this through land purchase and management. Follo~ing our guest speaker, back by popular demand IS the Cactus Canyon String Band, which will entertain us with their special environmental songs and other well-known tunes, ending the first part of the annual general meeting. If yoll: plan on joining the group for the whooping crane tnp o~ Ma~ch 18, you'd better hurry and get your reservatiOns m--there are only a few tickets left! The 4-hou~ boat trip offers ample opportunity to see t~e whoopmg cranes as well as many shore and wading buds. Anyone who has taken a boat trip into the area of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge wil tell you that, at $16.00 per person, this trip is a bargain! Again, call Nettie at 695-2646 to reserve your space! •-•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•- AUDUBON SPECIALS! The. next W, orld of Audubon TV Special is on poachmg and Illegal trafficking in wildlife. It airs on SuperStatio~ TBS on March 3, 18, 21 and 26 (check your TV Gmde for local times). Richard Chamberlain is the narrator. Other Audubon Specials on the California condor, the black-footed ferret, and on biological diversity were released to the home video market in January by Vestron Video. UPCOMING EVENTS -- John Karger of "Last Chance Forever", a nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation project for injured birds of prey, will be performing at the Botanical Center twice daily at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on five Sundays in March and April. In addition to his annual Viva Botanica performances on April 8 and 9, John and his dedicated staff of volunteers will be entertaining and educating the public on March 26, April 2, 16, 23 and 30. No extra charge besides admission to the grounds. -- The Tenth Annual Texas Wilderness Pow-Wow will be held April 7-9, 1989, in Davy Crockett National Forest with headquarters at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area. Hundreds are expected from as many as 20 or more states. Members and friends of BAS are invited to participate in the camping weekend. Long and short guided walks to Big Slough Wilderness will be featured. Folk singer Bill Oliver of Austin will perform for the big Saturday night campfire program. In addition to the guided walks, which include a Star Walk on Saturday night, there will be opportunity for bicycle scenic tours and a guided canoe trip. Visits to the clearcut areas of the national forest and to selection managed private forests are being arranged as educational opportunities. For more information, call Texas Committee on Natural Resources, (214) 368- 1791. -- Each year 60 eager, inquisitive people gather in the shadow of Arizona's Santa Catalina Mountains to explore and celebrate the varied ecosystems of the Sonoran Desert. With the enthusiastic guidance of some of Arizona's foremost natural history authorities as teachers and guides, participants camp at Catalina State Park and take part in camp and field sessions which focus on the relationships between plants, wildlife, and the desert environment. The intensive daily schedule begins at dawn and ends with owling, blacklighting for insects, and star talks. Anyone who is newly fascinated by natural history or who would enjoy a new perspective on a lifetime of experience and observations should consider attending the 1989 Institute of Desert Ecology, April 20-23. For more information, contact Mary Ann Chapman, Tuscan Audubon Society, 300 East University Blvd., #120, Tucson AZ 85705 or call (602) 881-1660. J-~'~-V-.--W-~+--¥--+-+&-~--"-~"--"--"-~-~---v--~-~v--m- -~( DID YOU KNOW ~ 1·~1 Most penguins live in the cold waters ~ surrounding the continent of Antarctica. But the Galapagospenguin lives in the warm Gal a pagos Islands, right on the equator. ENDANGERED SPECIES CONFERENCE This conference, scheduled for March 10 at Chapman Auditorium, Trinity University, will focu on the Black-capped Vireo, its natural history, programs currently being developed in other parts of the state, and implications for San Antonio in its future efforts to protect this and other endangered species while continuing urban expansion. Garry Mauro, Commissioner, Texas General Land Office, will open the conference. Other participants include Dede Armentrout, Vice President, National Audubon Society at our Southwest Regional Office, representatives from the military, state agencies, city departments, members of the building and development community and many other knowledgeable and experienced individuals. Several individuals from Austin, representing various viewpoints, will be relating their extensive experience in dealing with this same issue. While we know of two pair of Black-capped Vireos that nest at Friedrich Park, a census has never been done for the remainder of Bexar County. It would be a shame if the Black-capped Vireo habitat were totally destroyed before we knew of the bird's presence. With the field trip scheduled for Saturday morning, March II, at Camp Bullis, combined with the high quality and depth of information to be presented at the Friday conference, our community should be much better prepared to deal with the very serious issue of protecting endangered species in general and the Black-capped Vireo in particular. Attendance is free and open to the public. You can help by telling people about it and encouraging attendance. For more information, call Marge Flandermeyer, 684-2668. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE REPORT Don't forget the SA Environmental Coalition meeting on March 8 at the Read Stremmel Gallery at 7:30 p.m. Dede Armentrout, National Audubon Society, and Ken Kramer, Sierra Club, will review the current status and the outlook for Texas environmental legislation in the current session. Please plan to attend! -- BAS testified briefly at the February 9 public hearing on the proposed Applewhite Reservoir. More detailed comments were submitted explaining our continued opposition to the project. -- The committee is following the rivers conservation bill, various groundwater bills, the cave protection bill, and others. -- Recommendations of the Mitchell Lake task force are going to the City on March 2; dam work will begin in March; Police Academy construction is now underway. -- 1988-89 Non-game Wildlife Stamps now available; contact Susan Rust, 826-4698. ADOPT-A-PARK COMMITTEE MEETS The Adopt-A-Park committee met at the Botanical Center on February 9 to discuss the concerns of Friedrich Wilderness park. This productive session laid out a continuance and expansion for Bexar Audubon commitments. First to be worked out were the 2nd Saturday educational programs. Topics and potential speakers were designated through early 1990. This in itself is admirable progress but was only the beginning. Next a summary of a meeting two days earlier with city representatives was given. At this meeting a financial commitment was made to improve the handicap access and facilities at Friedrich. Also discussed were possible acquisition of additional acreage, a visitors center, and other vital topics. Ari oustanding omen! At this point the members present began to explore means of increasing Bexar Audubon's role at Friedrich Park. Several projects were approved by the committee. First is the expansion of service projects to a minimum of six per year on the 4th Saturday of March, April, May, September, October, and January. These will include plant rescue operations, biological censusing, and trail maintenance. The newest and most exciting project to be proposed was a docent program. The 2nd Saturdays have been a tremendous success with crowds of 50 to 60 people attending. To meet this increasing demand it was decided to offer a 1st Saturday Guided Walk. These general tours will be led by volunteers. Training will begin this summer in preparation for the first docent walk by fall. Please look for details on the docent program in the April "Bexar Tracks". Friedrich Park Needs You! Lastly we discussed the desirability of an alternative to meeting and beginning programs in the parking lot. A small, rustic amphitheater was proposed as a solution. Siting is the main problem. So there it is, folks. Something for everyone: education, research, and service. The proposals of the evening were aggressive and ambitious. When in place they will do much to bring Friedrich Wilderness Park into the prominent position it deserves in the San Antonio park system and in the community. The glove is down and the challenge made. Take part in meeting these goals and everyone, especially Friedrich Park, will benefit. Eric Lautzenheiser Park Superintendent THANKS to DAVID STEED for his informative presentation on the black-capped vireo at February's general meeting. We especially enjoyed his "show and tell" box containing nests of the black-capped vireo. PUBLICITY COMMITTEE UPDATE Got a pair of scissors? Good . you can help with a big (or little) publicity committee task. NAS Southwest Regional Office has requested that BAS save (and send) newspaper clippings publicizing our chapter programs, outings, goals, etc. (or N AS information). We have recently expanded our publicity mailing list coverage to include several area papers, and it would be impossible to get clippings of all the publicity without assistance from our members. Please clip items with the paper name and date, and either bring to a meeting or mail to Nancy Kent, BAS Publicity Chair, 2922 Oak Leaf, San Antonio, TX 78209. I'd also be interested in know if you have heard or seen any of our "public notice" announcements that are mailed to television and radio stations, universities and colleges, Chambers of Commerce, etc. If you have volunteered to do publicity committee work, thank you. The committee is in the middle of reorganization. A list of "things we need to do" is being drafted, and you will be contacted as soon as it finalized. Until then YOU (and other BAS members) ARE OUR BEST PUBLICITY WE CAN GET! Talk about BAS/NAS goals and programs with a friend or colleague at work. Come to our next general meeting . and bring a guest. Speaking to a particular important event to publicize . it is very important to the advancement of both chapter and national goals to have a successful Black-Capped Vireo Conference on March 10 (see article). Besides everything else, it is just plain politically favorable to solve environmental problems this year. Join me in the audience at Trinity University's Chapman Auditorium so that the governmental agencies present and all of Texas know that BAS membership is a leader in recognizing and bringing solutions to the problems affecting man and his environment. Nancy Kent VIVA BOTANICAl Well, it's that wonderful time of the year again for Bexar Audubon -- a time when we share our knowledge and enthusiasm for our chapter with all those attending Viva Botanica. We have an information booth set up near the Outdoor Classroom, which John Karger from "Last Chance Forever" uses to show his raptors. Nancy Kent paints faces of children and adults for a nominal sum, while literature about our chapter is distributed to their families. We would like to share the fun of all this on Saturday, April 8 and/ or Sunday, April 9. We are asking for volunteers who would serve for two hours. You need not be an expert in anything-all that is called for is time. We would like to encourage those members who are fairly new to take part. Officers will also be present to help, should such help be needed. Nancy could use help in the face painting, too. Please don't be shy; call 824-8199 or 822-4503 and sign up today!!! An Environmental Preview The JOist Congress By Brooks Yeager NAS Vice-President for Government Relations C ongress began organizing in late January at the tail end of one of the longest winter wann spells in W: ashin?lon memory. Things promise to get a lot hotter by m1d-spnng, when some of the most significant environmental battles of the last decade will be fought over the quality of the nation's air and the fate of some of its treasured wild places. Two significant changes since last winter have conservationists' hopes high. The inauguration of George Bush, who ran for election emphasizing his conservation credentials, is expected to ease the partisan rancor that has characterized environmental politics for the past eight years. The replacement of Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) by George Mitchell (D-Me.) as Senate Majority Leader means that, for the first time, a true conservation champion fills one of the most important leadership posts in Congress. Despite these important gains, the struggle to pass a s~rengthened Clean Air Act is expected to be long and difficult. The opposition of the utility. and auto industries to meaningful emissions controls remains strong. John Dingell, the powerful chainnan of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, stands ready to support them. However, if activists can keep up the call for a renewed commitment on clean air, Congress is likely to produce a bill this year. The effort to protect the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from ill-founded oil and gas development schemes continues. The conservation community, including Audubon, has taken the offensive. A year ago, many members of Congress assumed that the Arctic could not be successfully defended against the power of the oil lobby, but our victory in preventing floor action on development legislation in the tOOth Congress has given new fortitude to our friends in the House and Senate and new hope that the land of the porcupine caribou and Arctic wolf can be saved. Other conservation battles are looming, too. New bills have been introduced to begin to address global wanning. The campaign to save the last stands of magnificent ancient forest in the Pacific Northwest is gathering steam and will soon reach the halls of Congress. A concerted effort to halt the steady loss of American wetlands will begin, based on the recommendations of the National Wetlands Policy Forum, in which Audubon was a key participant. Altogether, an interesting and exciting prospect, this IOlst Congress. With the continued help of concerned activists from across the country, it could be the environmental Congress we have all been waiting for. Coming Soon: National Audubon's Biennial Convention "OuR SouTHWEST-CHALLENGED BY GRoWTH". is the theme of the upcoming Biennial Convention of the National Audubon Society, to be held September 12 to 16 at the Doubletree Hotel in Tucson, Arizona. The convention program will highlight the unique characteristics of the natural world in the Southwest. There's a full menu planned for participants, with pre- and postconvention tours and diverse field trips to areas such as Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Madera Canyon, and Patagonia Sanctuary, as well as to mission churches and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. In addition to the fun and entertainment, there will also be sessions discussing Audubon's high-priority issues: the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Clean Air Act, Platte River, wetlands, and ancient forests. And if that isn't enough, a variety of workshops will feature education, fund raising, citizen involvement, energy conservation, sanctuary and nature center outreach, and many more topics. Registration for field trips and tours is limited, so be sure to sign up in advance. For complete infonnation on Audubon's Biennial Convention, including registration and hotel reservation infonnation, write to: Audubon Convention Office, 4150 Darley Ave., #5, Boulder, Colo. 80303; (303) 499-3622. Birding Adventures T he Randall Davey Audubon Center, National Audubon's education center and state office in Santa ~e. New Mexico, is offering a unique birding opportunity m northern New Mexico. Join the center's education staff on a float trip down the serene and beautiful Rio Chama or in the deep canyons of the Rio Grande. These rivers are important wildlife corridors for migratory birds and other wildlife. Take yourself away from the hustle and bustle of roadside birding to the heart of the action. All trips will be guided by professional boaters and will include a birding expert. •RioChamaBirding(3days}-May 12,13,14-$200 •Rio Chama Birding (2 days}-May 20, 21-$150 •Rio Grande Birding (2 days)-June 3, 4-$185 For further infonnation and reservations, call or write: Randall Davey Audubon Center, P.O. Box 9314, Santa Fe, N.M. 87504-9314; (505) 983-4609. Space is limited, so reserve early. In addition, a unique art history/birding tour is being offered, June 11-18. Contact Ellen Bradbury, Recursos de Santa Fe, 826 Camino del MonteRey, Santa Fe, N.M. 87501; (505) 982-9301. CALENDAR MARCH 6 Salado Creek Foundation meeting, Pecan Valley Country Club, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.; call June Kachtik for information, 342-0135. 8 SA Environmental Coalition meeting, Read Stremmel Gallery, 100 West Olmos, 7:30p.m.; call Susan Rust for information, 826-4698. 9 BAS board meeting, 403 Bryn Mawr, 7:30p.m. 10 Vireo Conference, Trinity University, Chapman Auditorium, 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; call Marge Flandermeyer for information, 684-2668 11 2nd Saturday, Friedrich Park; field trip to Camp Bullis for a look at Black-capped Vireo habitat. Meet in Friedrich Park parking lot at 9:00 a.m. or call Bruce Aird for information, 558-7103. 16 BAS Annual Meeting, Ruble Center, 6:30p.m. (see article). 18 Field trip to whooping cranes' wintering area; call Nettie Birnbaum for information, 695- 2646. 25 Adopt-a-Park service outing; plant census at Friedrich Park, 8:00 a.m. Call Kathy Oliver for details, 533-1415. 31 Rare and Endangered Plant Conference, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; free and open to the public; call Betty Hughes for information, 824-5375. 31 Wildflower Photography Lecture and Slide Show, given by John Smithers of the National Wildflower Research Center; San Antonio Garden Center, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (small fee charged). APRIL Coastal Protection Workshop on proposed additions to the protective Coastal Barrier Resources System along Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. Workshop will be held in Austin, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; call Ken Kramer at 1-476- 6962 for details. 1-2 Wildflower Photography Workshops; aU-day classes limited to 10 students; San Antonio Botanical Center. Call821-5143 for registration information. 2 American Lung Association Clean Air Walkabout, Eisenhauer Park; 3-mile walk starts at 2:00 p.m. Entry fee $10.00, children under 12 free. For more information, call Dan Martindale, 699-8094. 7-9 Wilderness Pow-Wow, Davy Crockett National Forest; call Janice Bezanson, 1-327-4119, for information. 8 2nd Saturday at Friedrich Park; wildflower walk with Superintendent Eric Lautzenheiser, 9:00 a.m. Brown-bag picnic lunch following program. 8 Recycling for Texas meeting, 10:00 a.m., SFA Building, Austin; call Bill Carter, 1-385-6204 for information. ' 8-9 Viva Botanica, San Antonio Botanical Center musical entertainment, demonstrations of old~ time crafts, food; falconry demonstrations at 2:00 and 4:00p.m. Admission reduced to $1.00 r-'· for adults, children free. _ __ L 20 BAS general meeting, "Our Native Texas- an 7 _ E~ologi~al Adventure", Ruble Center, 7:30 p~ 22 Field tnp to James E. Daugherty Wildlife -Management Area, Choke Canyon; call Caryl Swann, 653-2860. 28-30 Special trip to East Texas; visit the best bottomland in the state! Call Susan Rust for information, 826-4698. C' 29 Adopt-a-Park service outing; plant census at~ ( Friedrich Park, 8:00a.m.; call Kathy Oliver for details, 533-1415. 29-30 BI~bATHON! Call Betty Minyard, 344-6128, for mformation. EDUCATION NOTES National Wildlife Week will be March 19-25 this year. This year Wildlife Week focuses on all kinds of predators, from the tiny, delicate-looking ladybird beetles that "p~trol'' lawns and gardens to the graceful a~d powerful Jaguar that hunt in tropical forests. The Discovery Ch~nnel o~ cable TV will have special programs relatmg t<_> this theme; check your TV guide for local dates and times. Also, kits are available again for teachers and other interested persons through the Sportsmen Conservationists of Texas 807 Brazos #311, Austin, TX 78701. Send $1.00 to ~over postage a~d _handling. The kit consists of two posters, a page of ~mm-pos~er staJ?pS, and a teacher's guide with mformatwn, proJects and activities targeted for grades K-9, but excellent for all ages. -- Another tape has been made available to our BAS library; it is "Attracting Birds to Your Backyard", with Roge~ Tory Peterso!l. The tape is 60 minutes long and contams excellent mformation (and no charge for use!). Call Betty Minyard to obtain. -- F<_>r over 50 years the Audubon Camp Program has provided an exceptional training opportunity for edu~ators acro~s the continent. At NAS camps in Mame, Wyommg and Connecticut, thousands of educ~tors have exper~enced the benefits of programs focusmg on natural history and environmental issues. For the first time, Bexar Audubon Society is offering a $500.00 sch_olarship to one individual (a teacher or any person actl~ely engaged in teaching children). To apply, obtam a scholarship application form from Betty Minyard, 344-6128, or Thelma Nungesser, 824- 8199. The deadline for applying is Apri/15, 1989! DISCOVERING BIRDING AT MITCHELL LAKE I always assumed that bird watching was an art open only to people blessed with excellent sensing mechanisms which enabled them to pinpoint the elusive source of song or movement in a setting designed for camouflage. I marveled at the thought of sighting birds I'd need a field guide to identify. It was with this frame of mind that I joined Thelma Nungesser and Nancy Kent on a cold, gray morning usually considered more suitable for sleeping in. As soon as we started down the path in Nancy's car, I knew something was strange. Fluttering in the brush, bobbing in the pond, flying overhead, swimming and perching were birds that I did need a field guide to identify--varieties of shore birds, ducks and hawks, a great blue heron, a loggerhead shrike--even a rather oversized rodent, a nutria, which wondered up from Central America. There is no sign post alerting you to the entrance of Mitchell Lake-nothing to advertise the variety of life inside; perhaps that is a blessing to infants in the art of bird watching such as I, who can now eagerly arise on gray mornings and know that a sanctuary busy only with birds still exists close to home. ~ ~Caryl Swann ~ HELP NEEDED! -- We. still need volunteers to: (l) be our Conservation Bulletm Board "guardian" at general meetings; and (2) man ~mr conservation information table at the general meetmgs. -- Interested in sharing your favorite spot with other BAS members? Your outings chairman and your· fellow members encourage you to share your interests and knowle?~e by helping to conduct an outing. If you would be wllhng to help on these fun and educational trips, please call Caryl Swann at 653-2860. BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY P.O. BOX 6084 • SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209 ALL WE NEED IS YOU! For us officers and those of us who have been active in Bexar Au~ubon Society since its inception, it doesn't seem possible that there are those who receive ou monthly "Bexar Tracks" newsletter who do not realize they b.elong to our organization because they have subscnbed to Audubon Magazine. However, it has been brought to our attention that this is the case. -;tnybo_dy who recei~e.s the magazine does belong and IS entitled to partiCipate in all our activities--the monthly general meetings, the outings, the special events . anything that is covered in the newsletter! In addition, and just as important, is that this !lle~bership also ~ntitles one to the "responsibilities"; 1.e., mvolvement m our environmental activities. We ~nvite you to be.come a w<;>rking member--taking part m the conservatiOn committee, for example. Or in any of the other supporting committees all of which are working to protect our Planet Earth. Get involved-you'll be glad you did! BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY OFFICERS AND BOARD Marge Flandermeyer, President . 684-2668 Betty Minyard, Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344-6128 Betty Hughes, Secretary . 824-5375 Walter Barfield, Treasurer . 736-0355 Russell Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-7184 Nathan Ratner . 732-3580 Pat Honsberger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 695-8254 Nancy Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 824-8199 Mary Anne Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826-656 Committee Chairmen Conservation, Susan Rust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826-4698 Education, Betty Minyard . 344-6128 Finance, Mary An_ne Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826-6562 Membership, Thelma Nungesser . 824-8199 Newsletter Editor, Pat Honsbere;er . 695-8254 Outings, Caryl Swann . 653-2860 Programs, Stu and Nettie Birnbaum . 695-2646 Publicity, Nancy Kent . 824-8199 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS Permit No. 590 |
format |
Text |
author |
Bexar Audubon Society |
author_facet |
Bexar Audubon Society |
author_sort |
Bexar Audubon Society |
title |
Bexar tracks : the newsletter of the Bexar Audubon Society, Vol. 07, No. 03 |
title_short |
Bexar tracks : the newsletter of the Bexar Audubon Society, Vol. 07, No. 03 |
title_full |
Bexar tracks : the newsletter of the Bexar Audubon Society, Vol. 07, No. 03 |
title_fullStr |
Bexar tracks : the newsletter of the Bexar Audubon Society, Vol. 07, No. 03 |
title_full_unstemmed |
Bexar tracks : the newsletter of the Bexar Audubon Society, Vol. 07, No. 03 |
title_sort |
bexar tracks : the newsletter of the bexar audubon society, vol. 07, no. 03 |
publisher |
San Antonio, Tex. : Bexar Audubon Society, |
publishDate |
1989 |
url |
http://digital.utsa.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15125coll10/id/8122 |
op_coverage |
2012-07-02 |
long_lat |
ENVELOPE(147.813,147.813,59.810,59.810) ENVELOPE(-113.152,-113.152,58.817,58.817) ENVELOPE(-59.633,-59.633,-62.333,-62.333) ENVELOPE(-155.067,-155.067,-86.017,-86.017) ENVELOPE(-58.567,-58.567,-61.967,-61.967) ENVELOPE(9.842,9.842,63.280,63.280) ENVELOPE(-62.233,-62.233,-63.350,-63.350) ENVELOPE(-64.017,-64.017,-65.447,-65.447) ENVELOPE(-99.183,-99.183,-74.550,-74.550) ENVELOPE(167.667,167.667,-72.800,-72.800) ENVELOPE(-56.720,-56.720,-63.529,-63.529) ENVELOPE(-127.174,-127.174,54.780,54.780) ENVELOPE(-62.967,-62.967,-73.867,-73.867) |
geographic |
Arctic Ari Austin Big Slough Byrd Catalina Crockett Davey Follo Garry Kramer Moses Pacific Patagonia Randall Rodriguez Smithers Swann |
geographic_facet |
Arctic Ari Austin Big Slough Byrd Catalina Crockett Davey Follo Garry Kramer Moses Pacific Patagonia Randall Rodriguez Smithers Swann |
genre |
Antarc* Antarctica Arctic |
genre_facet |
Antarc* Antarctica Arctic |
op_relation |
https://utsa.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma9926776313904621&context=L&vid=01UTXSANT_INST:DEFAULT&search_scope=MyInstitution&tab=LibraryCatalog&lang=en Newsletter (Bexar Audubon Society) QL684.T4 B49 http://digital.utsa.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15125coll10/id/8122 |
op_rights |
https://lib.utsa.edu/specialcollections/reproductions/copyright |
_version_ |
1766258093274955776 |
spelling |
ftutexasanantodc:oai:digital.utsa.edu:p15125coll10/8122 2023-05-15T13:53:08+02:00 Bexar tracks : the newsletter of the Bexar Audubon Society, Vol. 07, No. 03 Bexar Audubon Society 2012-07-02 1989-03 pdf Periodicals http://digital.utsa.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15125coll10/id/8122 eng eng San Antonio, Tex. : Bexar Audubon Society, University of Texas at San Antonio https://utsa.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma9926776313904621&context=L&vid=01UTXSANT_INST:DEFAULT&search_scope=MyInstitution&tab=LibraryCatalog&lang=en Newsletter (Bexar Audubon Society) QL684.T4 B49 http://digital.utsa.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15125coll10/id/8122 https://lib.utsa.edu/specialcollections/reproductions/copyright Birds--Conservation--Texas--Periodicals. Ornithology--Texas--Periodicals. Nature conservation--Texas--Periodicals Clubs and Organizations Science and Technology text 1989 ftutexasanantodc 2019-02-19T18:10:25Z Bexar Tracks began with Vol. 4, no. 1 (January 1986). It continues Newsletter (Bexar Audubon Society). gYacRs VOLUME VII, NO. 3 MARCH, 1989 THE CHAPTER'S PRIMARY GOALS ARE TO PROMOTE SPECIES AND HABITAT CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL -EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY. SUPPORT THESE GOALS! PRESIDENT'S LETTER The busy pace continues! Our endangered species conf~rence focusing on the black-capped vireo is commg up March 10 with afield trip to Camp Bullis on March 11. The conference will give us an opportunity to learn not only about our local endangered bird but also how to deal with endangered species in general and how other areas are dealing with the problem. Thanks to all who have worked so hard to make this confere~ce succe~sful. It is absolutely inspirational to work With the kmd of talent and spirit that surfaces each time a project is undertaken. Our chapter received a letter of thanks from state representative Ciro Rodriguez for our efforts on behalf of the Applewhite Reservoir. Susan Rust represented ou~ chapter at the last public hearing, and we have wntten <1: Jette~ requestin~ denial of the permit for Applewhite with a detailed report of objections attached. Thanks to Susan and all who have done so much work on this project! Please ma~e plans to join _us for our annual meeting March 16. It IS an opportumty to hear briefly what we have accomplished in the past year, what we have planned_ f?r 1989, and how we are doing so far. Of cour~e, It I_s also one of the few occasions during the year m which ~e allot time for socializing. The trip to see .the whoopmg cranes, as always, will be a terrific outmg. If you have not made your reservations, I suggest you do so at once. We have had some response for help with the newsletter, but our education committee could use some assist~nce in ~eeping up with the various projects our educatiOn chauman, Betty Minyard, has under way. If education is your area of interest, please give Betty a call at 344-6128. Hope to see you March 16! Watch for information on Birdathon next month! marge Jlande;rneyer BAS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING March 16, 1989 Ruble Center, 6:30 p.m. . Plan to join us at our Annual Meeting, pot-luck dmner, program and entertainment starting at 6:30 p.m. at the RuBle Center, 419 East Magnolia. We ask that you bring a covered dish to share with several other attendees and a $2.00 registration fee to cover the furnished condiments, utensils and refreshments. We c?uld also use some help in setting up the tables for dmner. Please call Nettie Birnbaum, 695-2646, to volunteer. Also, it would be extremely helpful for planning purposes if you would RSVP to Nettie if you plan on attending the pot-luck dinner and meeting. Our guest speaker this year is Mr. David Braun Director of the Texas Nature Conservancy. In hi~ presentation Mr. Braun will address the goals of the TNC and describe their current projects. Many of the more beautiful areas of the state, having met the requirements of being the habitat of rare and endangered species or communities, are protected by the TNC. The TNC accomplishes this through land purchase and management. Follo~ing our guest speaker, back by popular demand IS the Cactus Canyon String Band, which will entertain us with their special environmental songs and other well-known tunes, ending the first part of the annual general meeting. If yoll: plan on joining the group for the whooping crane tnp o~ Ma~ch 18, you'd better hurry and get your reservatiOns m--there are only a few tickets left! The 4-hou~ boat trip offers ample opportunity to see t~e whoopmg cranes as well as many shore and wading buds. Anyone who has taken a boat trip into the area of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge wil tell you that, at $16.00 per person, this trip is a bargain! Again, call Nettie at 695-2646 to reserve your space! •-•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•·•- AUDUBON SPECIALS! The. next W, orld of Audubon TV Special is on poachmg and Illegal trafficking in wildlife. It airs on SuperStatio~ TBS on March 3, 18, 21 and 26 (check your TV Gmde for local times). Richard Chamberlain is the narrator. Other Audubon Specials on the California condor, the black-footed ferret, and on biological diversity were released to the home video market in January by Vestron Video. UPCOMING EVENTS -- John Karger of "Last Chance Forever", a nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation project for injured birds of prey, will be performing at the Botanical Center twice daily at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on five Sundays in March and April. In addition to his annual Viva Botanica performances on April 8 and 9, John and his dedicated staff of volunteers will be entertaining and educating the public on March 26, April 2, 16, 23 and 30. No extra charge besides admission to the grounds. -- The Tenth Annual Texas Wilderness Pow-Wow will be held April 7-9, 1989, in Davy Crockett National Forest with headquarters at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area. Hundreds are expected from as many as 20 or more states. Members and friends of BAS are invited to participate in the camping weekend. Long and short guided walks to Big Slough Wilderness will be featured. Folk singer Bill Oliver of Austin will perform for the big Saturday night campfire program. In addition to the guided walks, which include a Star Walk on Saturday night, there will be opportunity for bicycle scenic tours and a guided canoe trip. Visits to the clearcut areas of the national forest and to selection managed private forests are being arranged as educational opportunities. For more information, call Texas Committee on Natural Resources, (214) 368- 1791. -- Each year 60 eager, inquisitive people gather in the shadow of Arizona's Santa Catalina Mountains to explore and celebrate the varied ecosystems of the Sonoran Desert. With the enthusiastic guidance of some of Arizona's foremost natural history authorities as teachers and guides, participants camp at Catalina State Park and take part in camp and field sessions which focus on the relationships between plants, wildlife, and the desert environment. The intensive daily schedule begins at dawn and ends with owling, blacklighting for insects, and star talks. Anyone who is newly fascinated by natural history or who would enjoy a new perspective on a lifetime of experience and observations should consider attending the 1989 Institute of Desert Ecology, April 20-23. For more information, contact Mary Ann Chapman, Tuscan Audubon Society, 300 East University Blvd., #120, Tucson AZ 85705 or call (602) 881-1660. J-~'~-V-.--W-~+--¥--+-+&-~--"-~"--"--"-~-~---v--~-~v--m- -~( DID YOU KNOW ~ 1·~1 Most penguins live in the cold waters ~ surrounding the continent of Antarctica. But the Galapagospenguin lives in the warm Gal a pagos Islands, right on the equator. ENDANGERED SPECIES CONFERENCE This conference, scheduled for March 10 at Chapman Auditorium, Trinity University, will focu on the Black-capped Vireo, its natural history, programs currently being developed in other parts of the state, and implications for San Antonio in its future efforts to protect this and other endangered species while continuing urban expansion. Garry Mauro, Commissioner, Texas General Land Office, will open the conference. Other participants include Dede Armentrout, Vice President, National Audubon Society at our Southwest Regional Office, representatives from the military, state agencies, city departments, members of the building and development community and many other knowledgeable and experienced individuals. Several individuals from Austin, representing various viewpoints, will be relating their extensive experience in dealing with this same issue. While we know of two pair of Black-capped Vireos that nest at Friedrich Park, a census has never been done for the remainder of Bexar County. It would be a shame if the Black-capped Vireo habitat were totally destroyed before we knew of the bird's presence. With the field trip scheduled for Saturday morning, March II, at Camp Bullis, combined with the high quality and depth of information to be presented at the Friday conference, our community should be much better prepared to deal with the very serious issue of protecting endangered species in general and the Black-capped Vireo in particular. Attendance is free and open to the public. You can help by telling people about it and encouraging attendance. For more information, call Marge Flandermeyer, 684-2668. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE REPORT Don't forget the SA Environmental Coalition meeting on March 8 at the Read Stremmel Gallery at 7:30 p.m. Dede Armentrout, National Audubon Society, and Ken Kramer, Sierra Club, will review the current status and the outlook for Texas environmental legislation in the current session. Please plan to attend! -- BAS testified briefly at the February 9 public hearing on the proposed Applewhite Reservoir. More detailed comments were submitted explaining our continued opposition to the project. -- The committee is following the rivers conservation bill, various groundwater bills, the cave protection bill, and others. -- Recommendations of the Mitchell Lake task force are going to the City on March 2; dam work will begin in March; Police Academy construction is now underway. -- 1988-89 Non-game Wildlife Stamps now available; contact Susan Rust, 826-4698. ADOPT-A-PARK COMMITTEE MEETS The Adopt-A-Park committee met at the Botanical Center on February 9 to discuss the concerns of Friedrich Wilderness park. This productive session laid out a continuance and expansion for Bexar Audubon commitments. First to be worked out were the 2nd Saturday educational programs. Topics and potential speakers were designated through early 1990. This in itself is admirable progress but was only the beginning. Next a summary of a meeting two days earlier with city representatives was given. At this meeting a financial commitment was made to improve the handicap access and facilities at Friedrich. Also discussed were possible acquisition of additional acreage, a visitors center, and other vital topics. Ari oustanding omen! At this point the members present began to explore means of increasing Bexar Audubon's role at Friedrich Park. Several projects were approved by the committee. First is the expansion of service projects to a minimum of six per year on the 4th Saturday of March, April, May, September, October, and January. These will include plant rescue operations, biological censusing, and trail maintenance. The newest and most exciting project to be proposed was a docent program. The 2nd Saturdays have been a tremendous success with crowds of 50 to 60 people attending. To meet this increasing demand it was decided to offer a 1st Saturday Guided Walk. These general tours will be led by volunteers. Training will begin this summer in preparation for the first docent walk by fall. Please look for details on the docent program in the April "Bexar Tracks". Friedrich Park Needs You! Lastly we discussed the desirability of an alternative to meeting and beginning programs in the parking lot. A small, rustic amphitheater was proposed as a solution. Siting is the main problem. So there it is, folks. Something for everyone: education, research, and service. The proposals of the evening were aggressive and ambitious. When in place they will do much to bring Friedrich Wilderness Park into the prominent position it deserves in the San Antonio park system and in the community. The glove is down and the challenge made. Take part in meeting these goals and everyone, especially Friedrich Park, will benefit. Eric Lautzenheiser Park Superintendent THANKS to DAVID STEED for his informative presentation on the black-capped vireo at February's general meeting. We especially enjoyed his "show and tell" box containing nests of the black-capped vireo. PUBLICITY COMMITTEE UPDATE Got a pair of scissors? Good . you can help with a big (or little) publicity committee task. NAS Southwest Regional Office has requested that BAS save (and send) newspaper clippings publicizing our chapter programs, outings, goals, etc. (or N AS information). We have recently expanded our publicity mailing list coverage to include several area papers, and it would be impossible to get clippings of all the publicity without assistance from our members. Please clip items with the paper name and date, and either bring to a meeting or mail to Nancy Kent, BAS Publicity Chair, 2922 Oak Leaf, San Antonio, TX 78209. I'd also be interested in know if you have heard or seen any of our "public notice" announcements that are mailed to television and radio stations, universities and colleges, Chambers of Commerce, etc. If you have volunteered to do publicity committee work, thank you. The committee is in the middle of reorganization. A list of "things we need to do" is being drafted, and you will be contacted as soon as it finalized. Until then YOU (and other BAS members) ARE OUR BEST PUBLICITY WE CAN GET! Talk about BAS/NAS goals and programs with a friend or colleague at work. Come to our next general meeting . and bring a guest. Speaking to a particular important event to publicize . it is very important to the advancement of both chapter and national goals to have a successful Black-Capped Vireo Conference on March 10 (see article). Besides everything else, it is just plain politically favorable to solve environmental problems this year. Join me in the audience at Trinity University's Chapman Auditorium so that the governmental agencies present and all of Texas know that BAS membership is a leader in recognizing and bringing solutions to the problems affecting man and his environment. Nancy Kent VIVA BOTANICAl Well, it's that wonderful time of the year again for Bexar Audubon -- a time when we share our knowledge and enthusiasm for our chapter with all those attending Viva Botanica. We have an information booth set up near the Outdoor Classroom, which John Karger from "Last Chance Forever" uses to show his raptors. Nancy Kent paints faces of children and adults for a nominal sum, while literature about our chapter is distributed to their families. We would like to share the fun of all this on Saturday, April 8 and/ or Sunday, April 9. We are asking for volunteers who would serve for two hours. You need not be an expert in anything-all that is called for is time. We would like to encourage those members who are fairly new to take part. Officers will also be present to help, should such help be needed. Nancy could use help in the face painting, too. Please don't be shy; call 824-8199 or 822-4503 and sign up today!!! An Environmental Preview The JOist Congress By Brooks Yeager NAS Vice-President for Government Relations C ongress began organizing in late January at the tail end of one of the longest winter wann spells in W: ashin?lon memory. Things promise to get a lot hotter by m1d-spnng, when some of the most significant environmental battles of the last decade will be fought over the quality of the nation's air and the fate of some of its treasured wild places. Two significant changes since last winter have conservationists' hopes high. The inauguration of George Bush, who ran for election emphasizing his conservation credentials, is expected to ease the partisan rancor that has characterized environmental politics for the past eight years. The replacement of Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) by George Mitchell (D-Me.) as Senate Majority Leader means that, for the first time, a true conservation champion fills one of the most important leadership posts in Congress. Despite these important gains, the struggle to pass a s~rengthened Clean Air Act is expected to be long and difficult. The opposition of the utility. and auto industries to meaningful emissions controls remains strong. John Dingell, the powerful chainnan of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, stands ready to support them. However, if activists can keep up the call for a renewed commitment on clean air, Congress is likely to produce a bill this year. The effort to protect the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from ill-founded oil and gas development schemes continues. The conservation community, including Audubon, has taken the offensive. A year ago, many members of Congress assumed that the Arctic could not be successfully defended against the power of the oil lobby, but our victory in preventing floor action on development legislation in the tOOth Congress has given new fortitude to our friends in the House and Senate and new hope that the land of the porcupine caribou and Arctic wolf can be saved. Other conservation battles are looming, too. New bills have been introduced to begin to address global wanning. The campaign to save the last stands of magnificent ancient forest in the Pacific Northwest is gathering steam and will soon reach the halls of Congress. A concerted effort to halt the steady loss of American wetlands will begin, based on the recommendations of the National Wetlands Policy Forum, in which Audubon was a key participant. Altogether, an interesting and exciting prospect, this IOlst Congress. With the continued help of concerned activists from across the country, it could be the environmental Congress we have all been waiting for. Coming Soon: National Audubon's Biennial Convention "OuR SouTHWEST-CHALLENGED BY GRoWTH". is the theme of the upcoming Biennial Convention of the National Audubon Society, to be held September 12 to 16 at the Doubletree Hotel in Tucson, Arizona. The convention program will highlight the unique characteristics of the natural world in the Southwest. There's a full menu planned for participants, with pre- and postconvention tours and diverse field trips to areas such as Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Madera Canyon, and Patagonia Sanctuary, as well as to mission churches and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. In addition to the fun and entertainment, there will also be sessions discussing Audubon's high-priority issues: the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Clean Air Act, Platte River, wetlands, and ancient forests. And if that isn't enough, a variety of workshops will feature education, fund raising, citizen involvement, energy conservation, sanctuary and nature center outreach, and many more topics. Registration for field trips and tours is limited, so be sure to sign up in advance. For complete infonnation on Audubon's Biennial Convention, including registration and hotel reservation infonnation, write to: Audubon Convention Office, 4150 Darley Ave., #5, Boulder, Colo. 80303; (303) 499-3622. Birding Adventures T he Randall Davey Audubon Center, National Audubon's education center and state office in Santa ~e. New Mexico, is offering a unique birding opportunity m northern New Mexico. Join the center's education staff on a float trip down the serene and beautiful Rio Chama or in the deep canyons of the Rio Grande. These rivers are important wildlife corridors for migratory birds and other wildlife. Take yourself away from the hustle and bustle of roadside birding to the heart of the action. All trips will be guided by professional boaters and will include a birding expert. •RioChamaBirding(3days}-May 12,13,14-$200 •Rio Chama Birding (2 days}-May 20, 21-$150 •Rio Grande Birding (2 days)-June 3, 4-$185 For further infonnation and reservations, call or write: Randall Davey Audubon Center, P.O. Box 9314, Santa Fe, N.M. 87504-9314; (505) 983-4609. Space is limited, so reserve early. In addition, a unique art history/birding tour is being offered, June 11-18. Contact Ellen Bradbury, Recursos de Santa Fe, 826 Camino del MonteRey, Santa Fe, N.M. 87501; (505) 982-9301. CALENDAR MARCH 6 Salado Creek Foundation meeting, Pecan Valley Country Club, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.; call June Kachtik for information, 342-0135. 8 SA Environmental Coalition meeting, Read Stremmel Gallery, 100 West Olmos, 7:30p.m.; call Susan Rust for information, 826-4698. 9 BAS board meeting, 403 Bryn Mawr, 7:30p.m. 10 Vireo Conference, Trinity University, Chapman Auditorium, 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; call Marge Flandermeyer for information, 684-2668 11 2nd Saturday, Friedrich Park; field trip to Camp Bullis for a look at Black-capped Vireo habitat. Meet in Friedrich Park parking lot at 9:00 a.m. or call Bruce Aird for information, 558-7103. 16 BAS Annual Meeting, Ruble Center, 6:30p.m. (see article). 18 Field trip to whooping cranes' wintering area; call Nettie Birnbaum for information, 695- 2646. 25 Adopt-a-Park service outing; plant census at Friedrich Park, 8:00 a.m. Call Kathy Oliver for details, 533-1415. 31 Rare and Endangered Plant Conference, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; free and open to the public; call Betty Hughes for information, 824-5375. 31 Wildflower Photography Lecture and Slide Show, given by John Smithers of the National Wildflower Research Center; San Antonio Garden Center, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (small fee charged). APRIL Coastal Protection Workshop on proposed additions to the protective Coastal Barrier Resources System along Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. Workshop will be held in Austin, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; call Ken Kramer at 1-476- 6962 for details. 1-2 Wildflower Photography Workshops; aU-day classes limited to 10 students; San Antonio Botanical Center. Call821-5143 for registration information. 2 American Lung Association Clean Air Walkabout, Eisenhauer Park; 3-mile walk starts at 2:00 p.m. Entry fee $10.00, children under 12 free. For more information, call Dan Martindale, 699-8094. 7-9 Wilderness Pow-Wow, Davy Crockett National Forest; call Janice Bezanson, 1-327-4119, for information. 8 2nd Saturday at Friedrich Park; wildflower walk with Superintendent Eric Lautzenheiser, 9:00 a.m. Brown-bag picnic lunch following program. 8 Recycling for Texas meeting, 10:00 a.m., SFA Building, Austin; call Bill Carter, 1-385-6204 for information. ' 8-9 Viva Botanica, San Antonio Botanical Center musical entertainment, demonstrations of old~ time crafts, food; falconry demonstrations at 2:00 and 4:00p.m. Admission reduced to $1.00 r-'· for adults, children free. _ __ L 20 BAS general meeting, "Our Native Texas- an 7 _ E~ologi~al Adventure", Ruble Center, 7:30 p~ 22 Field tnp to James E. Daugherty Wildlife -Management Area, Choke Canyon; call Caryl Swann, 653-2860. 28-30 Special trip to East Texas; visit the best bottomland in the state! Call Susan Rust for information, 826-4698. C' 29 Adopt-a-Park service outing; plant census at~ ( Friedrich Park, 8:00a.m.; call Kathy Oliver for details, 533-1415. 29-30 BI~bATHON! Call Betty Minyard, 344-6128, for mformation. EDUCATION NOTES National Wildlife Week will be March 19-25 this year. This year Wildlife Week focuses on all kinds of predators, from the tiny, delicate-looking ladybird beetles that "p~trol'' lawns and gardens to the graceful a~d powerful Jaguar that hunt in tropical forests. The Discovery Ch~nnel o~ cable TV will have special programs relatmg t<_> this theme; check your TV guide for local dates and times. Also, kits are available again for teachers and other interested persons through the Sportsmen Conservationists of Texas 807 Brazos #311, Austin, TX 78701. Send $1.00 to ~over postage a~d _handling. The kit consists of two posters, a page of ~mm-pos~er staJ?pS, and a teacher's guide with mformatwn, proJects and activities targeted for grades K-9, but excellent for all ages. -- Another tape has been made available to our BAS library; it is "Attracting Birds to Your Backyard", with Roge~ Tory Peterso!l. The tape is 60 minutes long and contams excellent mformation (and no charge for use!). Call Betty Minyard to obtain. -- F<_>r over 50 years the Audubon Camp Program has provided an exceptional training opportunity for edu~ators acro~s the continent. At NAS camps in Mame, Wyommg and Connecticut, thousands of educ~tors have exper~enced the benefits of programs focusmg on natural history and environmental issues. For the first time, Bexar Audubon Society is offering a $500.00 sch_olarship to one individual (a teacher or any person actl~ely engaged in teaching children). To apply, obtam a scholarship application form from Betty Minyard, 344-6128, or Thelma Nungesser, 824- 8199. The deadline for applying is Apri/15, 1989! DISCOVERING BIRDING AT MITCHELL LAKE I always assumed that bird watching was an art open only to people blessed with excellent sensing mechanisms which enabled them to pinpoint the elusive source of song or movement in a setting designed for camouflage. I marveled at the thought of sighting birds I'd need a field guide to identify. It was with this frame of mind that I joined Thelma Nungesser and Nancy Kent on a cold, gray morning usually considered more suitable for sleeping in. As soon as we started down the path in Nancy's car, I knew something was strange. Fluttering in the brush, bobbing in the pond, flying overhead, swimming and perching were birds that I did need a field guide to identify--varieties of shore birds, ducks and hawks, a great blue heron, a loggerhead shrike--even a rather oversized rodent, a nutria, which wondered up from Central America. There is no sign post alerting you to the entrance of Mitchell Lake-nothing to advertise the variety of life inside; perhaps that is a blessing to infants in the art of bird watching such as I, who can now eagerly arise on gray mornings and know that a sanctuary busy only with birds still exists close to home. ~ ~Caryl Swann ~ HELP NEEDED! -- We. still need volunteers to: (l) be our Conservation Bulletm Board "guardian" at general meetings; and (2) man ~mr conservation information table at the general meetmgs. -- Interested in sharing your favorite spot with other BAS members? Your outings chairman and your· fellow members encourage you to share your interests and knowle?~e by helping to conduct an outing. If you would be wllhng to help on these fun and educational trips, please call Caryl Swann at 653-2860. BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY P.O. BOX 6084 • SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209 ALL WE NEED IS YOU! For us officers and those of us who have been active in Bexar Au~ubon Society since its inception, it doesn't seem possible that there are those who receive ou monthly "Bexar Tracks" newsletter who do not realize they b.elong to our organization because they have subscnbed to Audubon Magazine. However, it has been brought to our attention that this is the case. -;tnybo_dy who recei~e.s the magazine does belong and IS entitled to partiCipate in all our activities--the monthly general meetings, the outings, the special events . anything that is covered in the newsletter! In addition, and just as important, is that this !lle~bership also ~ntitles one to the "responsibilities"; 1.e., mvolvement m our environmental activities. We ~nvite you to be.come a w<;>rking member--taking part m the conservatiOn committee, for example. Or in any of the other supporting committees all of which are working to protect our Planet Earth. Get involved-you'll be glad you did! BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY OFFICERS AND BOARD Marge Flandermeyer, President . 684-2668 Betty Minyard, Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344-6128 Betty Hughes, Secretary . 824-5375 Walter Barfield, Treasurer . 736-0355 Russell Smith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-7184 Nathan Ratner . 732-3580 Pat Honsberger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 695-8254 Nancy Kent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 824-8199 Mary Anne Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826-656 Committee Chairmen Conservation, Susan Rust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826-4698 Education, Betty Minyard . 344-6128 Finance, Mary An_ne Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826-6562 Membership, Thelma Nungesser . 824-8199 Newsletter Editor, Pat Honsbere;er . 695-8254 Outings, Caryl Swann . 653-2860 Programs, Stu and Nettie Birnbaum . 695-2646 Publicity, Nancy Kent . 824-8199 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS Permit No. 590 Text Antarc* Antarctica Arctic UTSA Digital Collections (The University of Texas at San Antonio) Arctic Ari ENVELOPE(147.813,147.813,59.810,59.810) Austin Big Slough ENVELOPE(-113.152,-113.152,58.817,58.817) Byrd Catalina ENVELOPE(-59.633,-59.633,-62.333,-62.333) Crockett ENVELOPE(-155.067,-155.067,-86.017,-86.017) Davey ENVELOPE(-58.567,-58.567,-61.967,-61.967) Follo ENVELOPE(9.842,9.842,63.280,63.280) Garry ENVELOPE(-62.233,-62.233,-63.350,-63.350) Kramer ENVELOPE(-64.017,-64.017,-65.447,-65.447) Moses ENVELOPE(-99.183,-99.183,-74.550,-74.550) Pacific Patagonia Randall ENVELOPE(167.667,167.667,-72.800,-72.800) Rodriguez ENVELOPE(-56.720,-56.720,-63.529,-63.529) Smithers ENVELOPE(-127.174,-127.174,54.780,54.780) Swann ENVELOPE(-62.967,-62.967,-73.867,-73.867) |