| Summary: | Bexar Tracks began with Vol. 4, no. 1 (January 1986). It continues Newsletter (Bexar Audubon Society). BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY Tuesday, February 3, 2004, Chapter Meeting First Place, 2000 §< 2002! National Audubon Society newsletter contest tor large chapters Eternal vigilance Pressure is still on to despoil Arctic Wilderness Learn where we stand and what must be done 6:30p.m. - Social Time; 6:45p.m. - Program Free and open to the public-Parking adjacent to the Center Conference Hall of the Grossman International Conference Center of the University of the Incarnate Word Northeast corner ofHwy 281 and Hildebrand Editor's Note: This is not the same room we used last year (the auditorium) but it is in the same building. "Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Under Siege" will be the subject of a slide presentation at the Feb. 3rd meeting of Bexar Audubort. The slide show will cover a range of issues including the threat to the refuge from oil drilling, the refuge's value as habitat for numerous species, its role in the cultural life of the Gwich'n Indian Tribe and its linkage to Texas birding. There will opportunity for questions after the show. Presenter will be Rusty Middleton. Middleton is the Texas Field Representative for Alaska Wilderness League (www.alaskawild.org) and is giving talks and presentations around south Texas to build support for protection of the arctic refuge. What's past is prologue Despite a recent victory Battle for Arctic continues Editor's Note: For some background on the upcoming Member's Meeting, this letter from Audubon's website gives some information on the current status. We encourage you to come and hear Rusty Middleton for more. Another website for more info is: www.protectthearctic.com/news.asp On November 21, the U.S. Senate voted to stop the energy bill from moving forward! This is a tremendous victory, as the House-Senate Conference Committee had passed the bill, the U.S. House of Representatives had passed the bill- all were waiting on the U.S. Senate to follow suit, and this enormously expensive, "polluters paradise" bill would have become law this year! Thanks to steadfast opposition from supporters like you, the bill's backers failed - but only by just 2 votes. As you may know, prior to passing their final bill, Conference Committee leaders removed from the bill the House-passed provisions opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling. They had hoped that this concession would have helped push the bill through. But they were wrong! Even without the Arctic drilling provisions, the bill still includes dangerous provisions granting oil and gas companies exemptions from adhering to portions of the Clean Water Act, provisions delaying the deadline for large cities to come into compliance with the Clean Air Act, and provisions neglecting obvious energy-saving issues that should be addressed! The bill does not call for an increase in the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks. It does not include measures to diversify America's energy supplies with renewable power sources, nor does it address meaningful ways to reduce global. warming pollution. It rolls back existing environmental safeguards for oil and gas drilling on public lands and expanded development to areas currently off-limits due to their environmental fragility. This present 2003 energy bill obviously will not pass in 2003, and should not pass in 2004- or ever! For more than two decades, Audubon and our dedicated chapters, members, and supporters have been fighting to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil and gas drilling. It is truly America's last great wilderness, and provides sanctuary for countless migratory birds and spectacular wildlife including a vast caribou herd, grizzly and polar bears, and musk oxen. And we're certain we'll be called on to protect it again in 2004. In fact, right now, the energy bill's proponents are currently setting their strategy for 2004! Rest assured, we'll be ready when they try to bring the bill back up for vote next year- and we'll once again count on your support to win! J \ BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY Chapter of the National Audubon Society P. 0. Box 6084, San Antonio, TX 78209 21 0-822-4503 GOALS The Chapter's primary goals are to promote species and habitat conservation and environmental education in the community. OFFICERS President Susan Hughes . (susan@wordwright.com) . 532-2332 Vice Pres. Harry Noyes . (harrynoyes@satx.rr.com) . 490-3124 Treasurer Betty Minyard . (mink@texas.net) . 344-6128 Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . available BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dean Bibles . (dbibles@aol.com) . 698-9264 Tom Wilson . (SATXWilsons@aol.com) . 492-4799 Tony Wood . (tmcawood@aol.com) . 493-4684 COMMITTEE CHAIRS Aud. Adven. Betty Minyard . (mink@texas.net) . . 344-6128 Birdathon Marge Lumpe . (birdwatcher@msn.com) . 545-1822 Conserv. Harry Noyes . (harrynoyes@satx.rr.com). 490-3124 Education . . . . available Memb. . . . available Publicity Harry Noyes . (harrynoyes@satx.rr.com) .490-3124 SAEN Coord. . . . . . available Bexar Tracks Tom Wilson . . (SATXWilsons@aol.com) . 492-4799 Editors Jill Sandeen . . (jls2003@gvtc.com) . 830-980-3277 Bexar Tracks is your newsletter. We welcome your contributions. Please email Tom as above; diskettes and hard copy should be sent to Tom Wilson,-13227 Hunters Spring, San Antonio, TX 78230. ., Printed with soy ink on fl.~ recycled paper. Visit Bexar Audubon's Web Site: http://www.BexarAudubon.org Visit San Antonio Environmental Network's Web Site: http://www.sa-naturecenter.org Suggestions and contributions are welcome. Please contact Bill Hurley at billhurley@satx.rr.com What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected. -Seattle, Chief of the Squamish, in a letter to U.S. President Franklin Pierce, 1854- January/ March 2004 BENEATH THE GAVEl: Election year. We're faced with a barrage of international, national, state, and local issues. With all the "crisis" issues taking center stage, it is often easy to lose sight of or postpone longer-term issues, a category into which environmental challenges are often placed. And often our sound-bite news glosses over the deeper and related environmental issues that don't make the headlines. So we form our opinions and make our political decisions based on incomplete information. There are ways to be better informed- to check out the information we receive from the mass media and to see loads of information that never makes it to the newspaper or the evening TV news. Websites, newsletters, and public radio probably top the list for in-depth information. Every major environmental organization has a website and news-alert services, e.g., www.audubon.org, www.environmentaldefense.org, www.nwf.org, www.ucsusa.org, www.oriononline.org. The Center for Responsive Politics - www.crp.org - tracks money in politics and its effect on elections and public policy. REP America is an independent non-profit organization that has no affiliation with the Republican National Committee or any state or local political party; the organization produces a very informative newsletter and website at www.repamerica.org. There's even an environmental newsletter at http:// www.gristmagazine.com that bills itself as "doom and gloom with a sense of humor." If each of us keeps track of real environmental issues this year and pledges to take even one action each month to contact a decision-maker on an important issue, we can together make a real difference. These and many other websites offer click and send opportunities that make it easy to generate letters, faxes, ore-mails to decision-makers. And don't forget local politic-s. We'll have bond issues, sales-tax elections, school b6ard activities, water resource planning meetings, city board and commission meetings, and lots more. The future for your quality of life will be dedded in great part right here where you live. Take part. Let your voice be heard. Have a great 2004! Preliminary results Christmas Bird Count In San Antonio This year's Christmas Bird Count for the 15-rnile diameter circle centered near 1-35 south and Loop 410 was attended by about 30 participants. The circle includes the Medina River from west Bexar Co to the old Applewhite site, farmlands, old ponds, the military bases in southwest San Antonio, and newly developed lands of southwest Bexar County. Pending review by the committee, there was a total of 150 species. The numbers are down. The all-time high was 159. Some of the more interesting birds were: Sprague's pipit, burrowing owl, Swainson's hawks, lark bunting, painted bunting (really rare in December), bushtits, pyrrhuloxia, cactus wren, roadrunner, anhinga. Afterwards, the group assembled for a coundown at Bud Jones' restaurant and a good time was had by all. Ernie Ronie is the compiler. 2 -Susan Hughes, president Going to the birds Want to see birds? Try these locations -Mico- pick up a birding map at the Mico post office or go out on your own to the Medina Dam and on country roads. -Dilley- birding maps are available at the Dilley Chamber of Commerce or check out the city water plant, city cemetery, and country roads. See caracaras and green jays, as well as seasonal birds. -Castroville- Birding maps at the Chamber of Commerce. Try Landmark Inn State Park, Castroville Regional Park, Medina River, Greenhouse area, north on Mexico Street. -Von Ormy - Hidden Calley Recreational Park is a great birding area. Call first to check conditions: Teri:210-623-6737. -Ft. Clark Springs/Bracketville - Birding trails and bird sanctuary. Maps and lists at the Visitors' Center or Main Office of Clark Springs, Hwy, 90 West in Bracketville. 830-563-2495. -Thanks to El Camino Market Trail News. Bexar Tracks BIRD TALE_S_ , ___ Whoopers are making whoopie Record numbers arrive in Texas TOM STEHN' S WHOOPING CRANE REPORT Aransas National Wildlife Refuge- January 4, 2D04 www. birdrockport.corn!tom_stehn_ whooping_crane_report.htm Summary: My census flight at 20 cranes last week. Most of these were Aransas on December 17th tallied 194 actually observed in flight. whooping cranes, presumably the highest Status of migration: Low-pressure total of whooping cranes at Aransas in 100 systems that reached Aransas on December years. This was 5 more than the record high 13th and 16th provided good conditions for of 189 announced last week by USFWS- crane migration. The winds on December Region II. The new arrivals included one 16th were particularly strong from the additional family group, bringing the total northwest up to 30 mph most of the day. It of chicks to 25. This excellent production, is estimated that at least one family group combined with average mortality between completed the migration in the last week. spring and fall, accounts for the increase There have been no confirmed reports of of 9 birds over last winter's total of 185. cranes in migration in the past two weeks, Report: An aerial census on though one unconfirmed report was December 17,2003 of the Aransas National received of 3 whooping cranes in flight Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas over Austin, Texas on December 15th. estimated the number of whooping cranes Habitat: Tides were as low as they've present at 169 adults + 25 young = 194 been this winter, with about 50% of San total. Jose Island showing dry mudflats. Oyster Conditions were perfect. Light west reefs were exposed crossing the bays. A winds provided smooth flying with slow rain of 0.6 inches on December 12th cloudless skies throughout the day. All of and 13th helped coastal conditions that had the crane area was covered in 8.0 hours of not had much rainfall in the past month. flight time. It was fitting to be flying todl:).y Perhaps this rain kept the cranes in the salt on the lOOth anniversary of the Wright marsh, with no cranes found at freshwater Brothers first flight at Kitty Hawk. sources. On today's flight, only 2 cranes New arrivals from last week (5 cranes) were in open bay habitat. Notable today included theN. Allyn's Bight family group was the presence of cranes in small open and 2 subadults. This family is unbanded water ponds, where they are presumably and of unknown identity in Canada. The searching for crabs. During the flight, two 194 cranes present is close to the 195 cranes were observed holding crabs. With cranes predicted based on the number of the wolfberry crop winding down for this fledged chicks in August (27) and average year, the cranes are relying more on crabs, adult mortality between spring and fall. It accounting for their presence in open water is unknown whether today's total of 194 ponds. Three cranes were on a prescribed will be the peak for the winter, or whether burn on the south end of Matagorda Island approximately 1- 4 more cranes may be next to Cedar Bayou. These 3 cranes plus accounted for. The 194 cranes consists of one other nearby adult were presumably 135 adults, 34 subadults, and 25 chicks. the Cedar Bayou pair and two subadults. On today's flight, the Allyn's Bight One adult was seen chasing the 2 subadults pair was not on their territory, but was vigorously in a long flight. The 2 subadults assumed to have been encountered landed on a sandflat next to the burn about elsewhere on the census. Subadults move 113rd mile away from the Cedar Bayou around between different parts of the crane pair. range, with numbers expected to vary Notes: The Behind Middle Pond somewhat from week to week in the family was seen as 2 adults, with a chick different areas. Eleven cranes were known very widely separated and on its own. An to have changed locations on today's flight adult, presumably widowed during the com ared to the more chaotic attern of summer or earl fall, has reunited with its January/ March 2004 3 Watch the birdie You can help protect bird Populations by taking part In winter birdcount Why count backyard birds? All the information you'll need to participate in this year's Great Backyard Bird Count on Feb 13-16, 2004 can be found at: www. birdsource.org/ gbbc/. Scientists and bird enthusiasts can learn a lot by knowing where the birds are. Now that winter has gripped much of the continent, what are our birds doing? Bird populations are dynamic, they are constantly in flux. We want to take a snapshot of North American bird populations and YOU can help us. Everyone's contribution is important. It doesn't matter whether you identify, count, and report the 5 species coming to your backyard feeder or the 75 species you see during a day's outing to a wildlife refuge. Your data can help us answer mariy questions: How will this winter's snow and cold temperatures influence bird populations? Where are the WINTER finches and other irruptive species? Will late winter movements of many SONGBIRD and waterfowl species be as far north as they were last year? The data that you collect will be combined with Christmas Bird Count and Project FeederWatch data to give us an immense picture of our winter birds. Each year that these data are collected makes them more important and meaningful. So as we see patterns, discover new questions and insights, we'll update you. And we'll ask for your help again. The holiday party held on December 2, 2003 was fun for all who attended. Tony Wood, Harry Noyes, Marge Lumpe, and Bonnie Ellison enjoy the whiteelephant gift exchange at the 2003 holiday party. Bexar Tracks J BIRD TALES Please don't quail at the thought, Birds can bring bucks to Texas Ranchers PAINT ROCK- What's a quail worth? Ben Sims, longtime Concho County rancher, figures his wild quail crop last year netted him $16 a bird. He's seen times when a good lamb didn't bring that much. Sims is among a growing number of traditional ranchers who have begun pricking an ear toward wildlife-related enterprises. During the past several years, drought and a tough livestock market have forced many ranchers to seek other income. Recent rains across much of the state and the current bullish livestock trade have eased the situation somewhat, but seasoned ranchers know dry weather and sluggish markets will return. Yet, they're fast finding that those factors have little impact on the hunting dollar. To have a successful hunting enterprise, there must be plenty of game, and wild quail populations are often hard to maintain, according to Dr. Dale Rollins, Texas Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist and author of the "Texas Quail Index." The Index is a five-year project designed to monitor quail happenings on a particular ranch. The project is being implemented in 35 counties across the Texas "quail belt" through Extension. "I see the Texas Quail Index as an opportunity for someone like Ben to inventory his breeding stock of quail, and . to relate his quail abundance to land use and environmental factors," said Rollins. ''He can then measure throughout the summer factors such as nesting success that we hope will predict the quail abundance come December. Over the course of the study, he'll be better suited to manage his land for a wild quail crop." Sims is enthusiastic about the index, now in its second year on his place. "I think this is a great study," he said. "One thing that's easy to see is you couldn't afford to hire this study done. It's very thorough. I'm amazed at it, and I think the agents and Rollins need to be commended for undertaking this." Michael Palmer, Extension agent in Concho County, works with Sims. "As part of the quail index, we've done spring call counts, set up dummy nests to measure depredation, and taken habitat photos to January/ March 2004 assess conditions in the fall and spring. We've also done roadside counts to measure quail abundance and set out scent stations to monitor predator trends. "Things are looking better than they were last year," he said. "Our call counts and roadside counts are improving, indicating higher numbers of quail. The Sims place has caught some rain, and conditions are rapidly improving. Ben has implemented a four-pasture rotational grazing system which has helped conserve some of the plant communities important to quail. With this system, he defers one pasture for four months each year." Palmer said wildlife is Sims' prime concern with livestock a close second. Palmer and Sims both said years of drought have taken their toll on the tall grasses quail prefer for nests. In recent years, the quail have turned to prickly pear as a secondary nesting site. "By implementing the index on Ben's ranch, we'll be able to provide some good information on successful practices other producers in the county can emulate. Sims' low-input approach works like this: the quail index site is day-hunted only; usually two days a week during November and December. The hunters determine how many they want in their party. The fee per hunter is $75 per gun per day. "We evaluate our hunting in January which gives us an idea of what we have left," he said. "We may then hunt some more. Normally, our hunting slows up after the first of the year. With the long season on quail, you need to set your own limits and season or you stand to lose too many birds. Four months is just way too long. With a 15-bird bag limit, a hunter could get a covey a day. So, if you really want to improve your quail situation you have to know what's out there, and limit the hunting days on a place. "Our hunters last season killed 214 birds on the quail index part of the ranch. I figured each bird made us $16 apiece." Sims figures that's not bad for a cash crop he didn't realize he had before the bird hunting boom hit Concho County. 4 Not by seeds alone Birdfeeder maintenance Keeps visiting birds healthy These winter bird feeding hints are from Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. birds.cornell.edu/pfw/ AbourBirdsandFeeding/ Clean your feeders about once every two weeks, more often during times of heavy use. Scrub them with soap and water, then dip them into a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water. Rinse them well and allow them to dry thoroughly before refilling them with birdseed. Another important maintenance activity is to periodically rake up birdseed hulls beneath your feeders. Decomposing hulls may harbor bacteria that could spread bird diseases to your feathered gests and may kill your lawn or flowers. Poorly maintained feeders may contribute to the spread of infectious diseases among birds. The feeders themselves can sometimes pose hazards too. Here are some helpful hints: -Avoid overcrowding at feeders by placing numerous feeders several feet apart. - Keep your feeding area and feeders clean. - Keep food and food-storage containers dry and free of mold and fungus. - Check your feeders for safety. Sharp edges can scratch birds and make them susceptible to infection. Economic report Learn what millions Spent watching birds A new federal economic report found that 46 million birdwatchers across America spent $32 billion in 2001 pursuing one of the Nation's most popular outdoor activities according to "Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis," the first of its kind analyzing data from the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation. Birders spent on gear such as binoculars, travel, food, and big ticket items such as canoes, cabins, and off-road vehicles. This spending generated $85 billion in overall economic output and $13 billion in federal and state income taxes, and supported more than 63,000 jobs. See the full report at http:// federalaid.fws.gov Bexar Tracks REGISTRATION FORM Please print- NAME(S): ADDRESS/CITY/ST/ZIP: --- ~- FARM/RANCH NAME (if applicable) and/ or ORGANIZATION: _____ _ AREACODE/PHONE: FAX: _______ _ E-MAIL: --- BOTH DAYS: __ @ $75 (Audubon members) __ @ $85 (non-members*) Note: Additional individuals from the same household may receive a $10 discount on member or non-member 2-day registration only (first registration at full price, second and subsequent at $10 discount) __ @ $30 (full-time students) FRIDAY ONLY: __ @ $35 (member or non-member) __ @ $20 (full-time students) SATURDAY ONLY: __ @ $45 (Audubon members) __ @$55 (non-members*) __ @ $20 (full-time students) [*includes introductory one-year membership in Bexar & National Audubon Societies, a $20 value] TOTAL $ Enclose check or money order payable to: "Texas Wildlife Assoc." MAIL TO: TWA, 401 Isom Road, Ste 237, San Antonio TX 78216. To pay by credit card: _Master Card _Visa _American Express Credit card number: Exp date __ __ Signature: Mail or fax to: 210-826-4933 Check area(s) of business or interest:_ farming _ranching _organic production _nature tourism _wildlife management _hunting _wildlife viewing _education _ ag-related industry _conservancy _sustainable living_ government _other __ _ Please briefly describe your farming/ranching operation:. __________________ _ Have you attended previous South Texas Farm & Range Forums? 2000 2001 2002 2003 NO How did you learn about this year's Farm & Range Forum? ________________ _ What are your reasons for attending this forum? What are your expectations? Would you want to receive CEUs for Pesticide Applicator's License? YES NO CEUs for Certified Professional in Rangeland Management? YES NO For more information contact Susan Hughes, 210-822-4503 or 862~1150, susan@wordwright.com. The Fifth Annual Spring South Texas Farm & Range Forum Managing to Make a Living: The Texas Hill Country February 27-28, 2004 Bulverde, Texas Honey Creek State Natural Area & Guadalupe Valley Telephone Cooperative Building State Highway 46, near US 281 The STFRF is a project of Bexar Audubon Society and its cooperating agencies and organizations, including: Margaret Cullinan Wray Charitable Trust, Resource & Land Management, San Antonio Water System, Texas Council of Chapters - Soil & Water Conservation Society, Texas Section Society for Range Management, Texas Wildlife Association, USDA NRCS, and others. • For sponsorship, partnership, and exhibitor opportunities contact Helen Holdsworth, 210-826-2904 x120, h_holdsworth@texas-wildlife.org or Susan Hughes, 210-822-4503, susan@wordwright.com PRELIMINARY PROGRAM (subject to change) -January 9, 2004 Managing to Make a Living: The Texas Hill Country Wildlife need habitat. Humans need ecosystem services. In Texas, about 97 percent of land is held privately, so landowners must engage in conservation, and urban conservationists must work with and support their efforts. We believe the preservation of Texas family farms and ranches is key to developing and maintaining sustainable agriculture. Good stewardship ensures the healthy habitats and ecosystems essential for a biologically and economically healthy Texas now and in the future. But, making a living off the land is hard to do. By combining hunting, tourism, agriculture, and assistance from government and private programs, land-owning families can diversify, optimize management practices, and improve the chances of sustaining a family legacy. With 80+ percent of Texans now living in cities, we think urban conservationists must make an effort to understand rural issues and urban-rural connections. Urban dwellers must direct their political will to help rural communities retain and ~anage land sustainably and support nature's ability to provide important services for people and wildlife. We have a lot in common. The Texas Hill Country has seen explosive growth and an amazing influx of human residents over the past several decades. The challenges for long-time Hill Country residents to accommodate these changes are great, and the challenges for new residents to learn about and adapt to this harsh, though beautiful, environment are enormous. Our program will address many of these issues and provide a forum for sharing and discussion. Friday 12:30pm- Meet at Honey Creek State Natural Area/Registration 1:OOpm- Welcome and Introductions 1 : 15pm - Tour Honey Creek State Natural Area, paired watershed study area, rainfall simulation event 5:30pm- Social 6:00pm- Dinner & campfire discussion Saturday - Guadalupe Valley Telephone Cooperative Building 7:30am -Breakfast and registration 8:00am- Welcome and introductions 8:15am- "Watershed management, brush management, ashe juniper (cedar) research"- Keith Owens, Ph.D., TAMU Experiment Station, Uvalde; Brad Wilcox, Ph.D., TAMU, College Station; Larry Allen & Phillip Wright, NRCS, Hondo 9:40am- BREAK 10:00am- "Deer management, poaching, high fencing, exotics, 'deer-proof' gardening"- Calvin Finch, Ph.D., San Antonio Water System; David Sinclair, Chief, TPWD Wildlife Enforcement Branch 11 :20pm- "Managing to Make a Living"- Stan Meador, X-Bar Ranch, Eldorado, Texas 12:00noon- LUNCH served 1:OOpm - "The Texas Hill Country -An Historical Perspective" 1:30pm- "Habitat Fragmentation"- Neal Wilkins, Ph.D., Texas A&M University 2:00pm- Boot Contest 2:15pm- BREAK 2:45pm- "Predators arid non-game species, wildlife appreciation, nature tourism, endangered species, birding in the Texas Hill Country" - panel including Shelly Scroggs, TPWD; Ken Cearley, Texas Cooperative Extension 4:1Opm- "Wildlife valuation and Landowner Liability Update" - Kirby Brown, Executive VP, Texas Wildlife Association 4:30pm- Wrap-up & Q&A with speakers 5:00pm -Adjournment Speakers & schedule subject to change without notice. Recommended attire: country casual. Layers recommended since the weather is unpredictable and some events will be outdoors. There will be heat and air conditioning available on Saturday! FIRST SATURDAYS INTERPRETIVE NATURE HIKES FEBRUA~Y 7, 2004 - 9:00- 11:00 am. EISENHOWER PARK NW Military - South of Camp Bullis Gate Join the Natural Areas Staff for a natural and cultural history hike in the hill country atmosphere of Eisenhower Park. Stay after the hike and visit with the Bare Pots Dutch Oven Group who will be serving samples of their cooking near the large pavilion until12:00 noon. Reservations are highly recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no pre-registered participants. Call210/ 698-1057. Participants are limited to 15 per hike. For groups. of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near the parking lot in each park. A donation of $2 is suggested. Sponsored by San Antonio Natural Areas - www.sanaturalareas.org. Future hikes will be conducted: March 6, 2004- Friedrich Wilderness Park April 3, 2004- Walker Ranch Historical Park May 1, 2004- Eisenhower Park In November Hold still now, Scenes to remember On November 8, 2003, Cindy Sims, a photography instructor at San Antonio College, and Jayne Neal, a City of San Antonio Park Naturalist, demonstrated hints on taking photographs of natural subjects and landscapes. Five adults and 2 children attended the Eisenhower Park in Second Saturday program entitled "Be still while we shoot- nature photography." Specific topics addressed during the presentation and the hike included backlighting, shadows, landscape, and close-ups. Some participants used their own cameras to take pictures and some used the park digital camera. Their pictures will be printed and mailed to them. Since the group was small, people were able to get individual attention with their photography issues and questions. Maybe we'll get an Ansel Adams from this group! June 5, 2004- Friedrich Wilderness Park October 2, 2004 - Walker Ranch Historical Park November 6, 2004- Eise'nhower Park December 4, 2004 - Friedrich Wilderness Park SECOND SATURDAYS PAST by Peggy Spring In December In nature, we find nurture and ourselves On this brisk, cold December morning Bonnie Abadie lead a group of 9 participants (7 adults, 2 youths) through a program of song, thoughts on nature from the Native American heritage and a walk with a time to reflect on nature as it surrounded them that day. The program was entitled: "Winter reflections: Using nature to connect with our spiritual side." Each participant was encouraged to pick an object from nature to draw and to consider its characteristics and wisdom lessons. The varied audience chose things from rocks to leaves to grass to cactus (a "cactus fountain" was one analogy)! As people considered the spiritual and healing aspects of nature many reflected that so many things in nature run in cycles as did things in their lives and that we would all be better off if we could learn some lessons of conservation and making do with less. One participant reflected on a fallen oak leaf and surrp.ised that even though the leaf was old, it still had something to contribute - it would be decomposed and returned to resources for future leaves. Her connection was that even though she was old, she still had things to contribute, also. All agreed that this was peaceful interlude in a hectic season. SECOND SATURDAYS FUTURE The program for February 14 is entitled: First Contact: Spain and the Mission Indians of South Texas. Join Tom Castanos, a freelance educator who has worked with the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and with the Center for Archaeological Research at UTSA, for a presentation about South Texas in the early 1700's. There is misunderstanding about the dynamic between the Spanish Mission builders and the indigenous people of the San Antonio River Valley. We will shed light on who these Native Americans really were and how they helped form a distinct culture that still exists today. On display will be stone artifacts representing the technology of the day. This talk is suitable for all ages. Time: 10- 11:30 a.m. $3 donation suggested for individuals, $5 for families. 210-698-1057. Eisenhower Park, Harris Pavilion, 19399 NW Military Hwy. Take FM 1535/Military Hwy/Shavano Park exit off Loop 1604 on the city's northwest side. Go north on FM 1535/Military Hwy about 2 miles. Park entrance is on the left, just before Camp Bullis. The Pavilion is the gated one to the right. Gates open 8:30 am. The Parks & Rec Calendar is at www.sanantonio.gov/sapar/calendar.asp?res==800&ver==true or visit www.sanaturalareas.org Second Saturdays are co-sponsored by the San Antonio Parks & Rec and BAS. January/ March 2004 7 Bexar Tracks Mark your 2004 calendar February 3 - Member Meeting Feb 27 - 28 - 2004 Farm & Range Forum March 6- Deadline for Bexar Tracks EVENT On Saturday and Sunday, April 3 and 4, the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge in Eagle Lake, Texas, will celebrate the 1Oth annual Attwater' s Prairie Chicken Festival: "Booming -n- Blooming." The star attraction is one of the most endangered birds in North America. The festival includes prairie chicken viewing tours, refuge van tours, bird walking tours, marsh birding tours, native plants walking tours, nature oriented booths, and special demonstrations and talks. The APCNWR is located south of I -10 between San Antonio and Houston. In Sealy, take exit #720, go south 1 mile on Hwy 36, then right on FM 3013 for 10 miles. From Eagle Lake, take FM 3013 northeast for 6.5 miles. For information, including a list of local lodging options and resources, contact Gwen at 979-234-3021 ext 12. January 28-30, 2004 Future of sustainable Organic agriculture is Up to you The 2004 Valley Conference of Sustainable Agriculture will be held in Weslaco, Texas. This very important conference supports the efforts being made by the USDA in the area of sustainable organic agriculture. It will provide practical, safe, and sustainable solutions to many of the problems facing us today. A Wednesday afternoon tour of the Rio Delta Research Farm will feature groundbreaking work being done at this USDA facility. On Thursday and Friday, speakers ranging from researchers on the cutting edge of organic science to farmers and ranchers who have successfully adopted organic methods in their commercial operations. The conference websites are www. texasorganicgrowers.org and www.hrm-texas .org. For phone information call Texas Organic Growers Association - Louise Placek- toll free at 877-326-5175. January/ March 2004 Bexar Audubon Society, Inc. P. 0. Box 6084 San Antonio, TX 78209 MITCHELL LAKE ACCESS ~ Birding trips to Mitchell Lake have re-sumed. Information appears on the Mitchell Lake Wetlands Society's web site www.mlws.org. RECURRING EVENTS San Antonio Audubon Society's Beginners' Bird walk is held at 8:00a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Meet at the Judson Nature Trail in Alamo Heights. Visitors are welcome. There are binoculars to lend. Meet at the Nature Trails next to the Alamo Heights Swimming Pool on Viesca St. From the 5900 block of Broadway, turn west on Ogden to Greeley St., turn left one block, then right again to the parking lot on the left. More information at 210-342-2073. .•.:·· Earth Share of • E h Sh Texas represents art are the Audubon Foun• OF TEXAS dation of Texas and the National Audubon Society in payroll deduction plans for charitable giving. For information, call 1-800-GREENTX or email <estx@earthshare-texas.org>. 8 Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid San Antonio Permit #590 r --- . 1 Membership Form 1 I National Audubon Society 1 1 Bexar AudubonSociety 1 Membership rates are: Student/Senior $15 Basic $35 Introductory 1-year $20 (2-year: $30) Name __________________ _ Address. _________________ City ____ State _Zip. __ _ Phone: ). ___________ Emaii:. _ ____ -: --- :--: --- : --- For a new membership, 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 W19, 7XCH oopt out for other mailings By using this form, 100 percent of your first year's dues will benefit the chapter. I . ____________ . Bexar Tracks
|
|---|