Travis Audubon Society
3710 Cedar St.
Box 5
Austin, Texas 78705
512.300.BIRD (2473)
info@travisaudubon.org
3710 Cedar St.
Box 5
Austin, Texas 78705
512.300.BIRD (2473)
info@travisaudubon.org
Our General Membership Meetings
We work hard to bring to you interesting, knowledgeable speakers
on birds, wildlife, and conservation topics. We also put together
resources for you to expand your knowledge on the topic; see below.
NOTE NEW LOCATION - and see Map on right
January 15, 2009
Speaker: Ted Lee Eubanks
Topic: Faces of flight – Birds of the Upper Texas Coast
Ted’s presentation will cover aspects of the avifauna as outlined I
nhis two books (copies will be available). He will describe the
impacts of Hurricane Ike, and what we can expect as a recovery over
the next severa years.
Ted Lee Eubanks, currently residing in Austin and Galveston,
received a BA in Journalism from the University of Houston in 1978,
and since 1984 has been involved in the founding and development
of a series of businesses. Eubanks founded Fermata in 1992, and
since that time has been engaged in studying and promoting
experiential tourism and outdoor recreation as sustainable
approaches to community revitalization and conservation.
Eubanks frequently speaks and conducts workshops on nature-
based tourism and its economic potential for communities,
agencies, and landholders. Eubanks addresses state tourism
conferences, wildlife meetings, and economic development
forums. Eubanks’ natural history writings and photographs are
widely published. His books, published by Texas A&M press,
include Birdlife of Houston, Galveston, and the Upper Texas Coast,
coauthored with Bob Behrstock and Ron Weeks, and Finding Birds
on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, coauthored with Bob
Behrstock and Seth Davidson.
PAST SPEAKERS:
Robin Doughty
The Whooping Crane
A very Texan Bird, given its status fifty years ago, North America's
tallest and most iconic bird, the Whooping Crane has staged a
remarkable comeback.
A whole range of efforts from bird laws and habitat preserves to
hands-on experiments in breeding, transplanting, and releasing
birds into the wild has counteracted the hunting and killing trophies
that brought the great white crane to the brink of extinction. The US
Fish and Wildlife Service continues to dedicate time an effort into
saving the Whooping Crane from extinction. Robin Doughty detailed
these efforts through his research and experiences with these birds
that resulted in his book, and updated and explained recent moves
to return birds to their former ranges within the US.
Robin Doughty is a faculty member in the Department of Geography
and the Environment at the University of Texas, Austin. He has
written a number of books and articles about wildlife conservation,
especially related to birds, and remains committed to promoting
concerns for wildlife diversity and habitat protection both in North
America and elsewhere.
Bob Petersen
Images for Conservation Fund
Texas Hill Country Nature Photography Alliance
Images for Conservation Fund (ICF), a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
organization, creates sustainable development of rural economies
through the establishment and prosperity of the Private Lands
Nature Photo Tourism Industry. Ninety-four percent of Texas land
and 90% of the Western Hemisphere is privately owned. ICF photo
tournaments, programs and economic incentives encourage private
landowners to restore, preserve and enhance wildlife habitat. The
inaugural Pro-tour photography tournament was held in the Texas
Hill country in April 2006. The second Pro-tour event was recently
complete in April of 2008 in the Texas Coastal Bend region.
The Texas Hill Country Nature Photography Alliance is a group of
conservation minded landowners who have opened their ranches
up to guests for the purpose of nature photography, bird watching
and eco-tourism. All member ranches were participants in the ICF
2006 Pro-tour of nature photography and continue to promote the
Texas Hill Country region as a destination for Nature Photographers.
Mr. Petersen presented an overview of these two organizations and
the important role that private landowners play in conservation. The
presentation was filled with magnificent images take by the
professional photographers that participated in the ICF 2006 Pro-
tour.
Mr. Petersen has spent 25 years in the high tech industry. He holds
B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern Illinois
University-Carbondale. He has held numerous development and
executive positions in the aerospace, robotics and computer
industries, most recently with Dell Computer Corporation.
An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Mr. Petersen has been a
supporter and member of numerous environmental causes and
organizations over the years. Mr. Petersen is Vice-Chairman of the
Images for Conservation Fund, served as chairman of the 2006 ICF
Pro-Tour of nature photography. Mr. Petersen serves on the Texas
advisory board for The Environmental Defense Fund, the advisory
board for the Texas State University Freeman Ranch and the
advisory board for The Hill Country Alliance. Mr. Petersen is the
founder and serves as President of The Texas Hill Country Nature
Photography Alliance.
Mr. Petersen owns a ranch in central Texas where he has been
focusing his conservation efforts on managing the ranch and
restoring its habitat to benefit of endangered species and other
wildlife native to central Texas.
Mr. Petersen believes that the future of conservation is dependent
upon the activities of private landowners and has been working to
educate landowners and the public about conservation activities
taking place on private lands. He is very interested in developing
opportunities for landowners to manage their properties for the
benefit to wildlife while also generating income from those activities
to sustain the habitat over the long term.
Kitty Coley
The Galapagos
Kitty Coley is the perfect naturalist to talk about the Galapagos, a
unique archipelago through which she has led more than 20
expeditions. She has been photographing, diving, snorkeling and
hiking throughout the islands since 2001. Trained as a geologist,
Kitty's knowledge of volcanoes combined with her love of nature and
ornithology make her knowledgeable about the volcanoes, birds,
and marine mammals of these remarkable islands. She is an
enthusiastic lecturer who took us on a stunning and informative
photo tour of the Galapagos, in September's opening lecture to the
2008/09 Audubon program year.
As a geologist, naturalist, and avid birder, Kitty Coley has been
leading and teaching on expeditions since the mid-90’s. Working
with National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Victor Emanuel Nature
Tours, among others, Kitty has led more than 80 expeditions --
spending extensive time in remote rain forests and rugged geologic
settings around the world. Her love of nature has led to exploration
through scuba diving, backpacking, white-water and sea kayaking,
and biking. Kitty is an enthusiastic teacher, an experienced observer
and an excellent lecturer.
Dr. Andrew Kasner
State of the Birds: Audubon Texas Bird Conservation Programs
May 15, 2008
Dr. Kasner gave an overview of the Audubon State of the Birds
reports and the new Audubon Watchlist, and also spoke about our
Texas bird conservation programs, spending most of the time on
the Important Bird Areas Program.
Dr. Andrew C. Kasner is Director of Bird Conservation and Deputy
Director for Audubon Texas. He obtained his B.S. and M.S. degrees
in Biology from Angelo State University and Ph.D. in Wildlife and
Fisheries Sciences from Texas A & M University. He has conducted
research on freshwater fishes in West Texas, ecology and natural
history of shorebirds and waterbirds, and ecology and conservation
of endangered Interior Least Terns in Texas. While on the biology
faculty at Lamar University, he taught courses such as ornithology
and marine biology and directed student research on passerines,
waterbirds, and shrimp. In his current role with Audubon, Dr.
Kasner directs the on-the-ground conservation efforts of Audubon
Texas, focusing on their Coastal Stewardship Program, Quail and
Grassland Birds Initiative, and Important Bird Areas program. In
addition, he continues to collaborate on research and management
efforts on colonial waterbirds, shorebirds, grassland birds, and
endangered species such as Black-capped Vireo and Golden-
cheeked Warbler.
Kevin Connally
Sr. Environmental Resource Management Specialist Travis County
Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
April 17, 2008
"The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve: A Community-Based
Conservation Model"
Travis County and the City of Austin recognized by the early 1980's
that our region's unique rugged beauty was home not only to a
vibrant and rapidly growing center of higher education, medical
advancement, technological innovation, a rapidly diversifying
economic engine and the seat of state government, but also to a
host of plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth. In
order to ensure the continued strength of the local economy while
protecting the area's unique native wildlife, the Balcones
Canyonlands Conservation Plan (or BCCP) was created.
The BCCP is a US Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species
Act permit jointly-held by the City of Austin and Travis County. The
Plan provides a quick and efficient pathway for the permit holders
and private landowners to comply with federal law and mitigate for
impacts that their land use practices may have on protected
species. In exchange for local management of the mitigation
process, USFWS required that 30,428 acres of habitat and a
number of unique cave features and rare plants be set aside and
managed in perpetuity as the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.
The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (or BCP) protects 8
endangered species, including the golden-cheeked warbler and the
black-capped vireo, as well as 27 species of concern throughout 7
watersheds in western Travis County. The BCP preserves a unique
cross section of the flora and fauna along the Balcones Escarpment
of the Edward's Plateau and strives to maintain functioning
ecosystems by managing for the benefit of all our native
vertebrates, invertebrates and plants, regardless of their regulatory
status.
Today, almost 28,000 acres (including Travis Audubon Society's
Baker Sanctuary) have been set aside to create the BCP for the
benefit of our unique native wildlife. Thousands of visitors each year
have the opportunity to visit and learn about the natural treasure in
our collective backyard. Volunteers annually dedicate thousands of
hours to maintaining and restoring the different habitats found in
the BCP. Students from elementary grades to graduate schools visit
and explore the preserve each year. The BCP Hike and Lecture
Series provides monthly guided hikes with the managers of the BCP
as well as opportunities for the public to delve into the issues
related to managing wild lands from some of the leading experts in
the field of conservation throughout the year.
Perhaps most importantly, national attention is being focused on the
model of community-based conservation that seeks to balance a
heathy economy with healthy ecosystems that was created right
here is Austin by the BCP.
Biographic info:
Travis County's Senior Environmental Resource Manager Kevin
Connallyl spoke at the April Membership Meeting about the history
and current status of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. As the
very first multi-species regional Habitat Conservation Plan in the
nation, the BCP forged a model that is being emulated and tailored
to meet the needs of communities across the country.
Kevin spoke about the "Funnel Effect", described how the Lone Star
State is changing right before our eyes, and discussed how local
efforts are working to save what National Audubon has described as
one of the nation's "10 Most Endangered Birds": the Golden-
cheeked Warbler.
For more about the BCP, see Travis County's website at:
Travis County.
Kevin Connally has been working on land management and natural
resource issues for eighteen years, and has been dedicated to the
Balcones Canyonlands Preserve since 2001. His previous resource
management experience includes time with the Nature
Conservancy in remote west Texas, the Oregon Department of Fish
and Wildlife performing salmon and steelhead research in Hell's
Canyon and working to restore declining fisheries on the Mid-
Atlantic Coast. Kevin is a member of the Travis Audubon Society and
the Wildlife Society and uses his time as a TPWD-certified Master
Hunter Education Instructor to forge a wider conservation
consciousness among current and future generations of
Texans. When not scrambling around in remote corners of hidden
wilderness chasing fish or watching birds, he is often found
volunteering his time to engage the public in wildlife and
conservation issues.
Dr. Wayne H. McAlister
March 20, 2008
MATAGORDA ISLAND--an Enchanting Ribbon of Sand.
Matagorda Island is not pristine but it retains much of its natural
aura: royal terns and brown pelicans loaf on the beach,
sheepshead killifish dart amid stalks of smooth cordgrass in the
bayside shallows, wands of sea oats wave over the sand dunes
and ghost crabs scuttle across the sand. The routine number and
diversity of birds rises to a veritable plethora during spring and fall
migration. Although it is not really disjunct from the rest of the world,
the island is an isolated, discrete ecosystem. It has a well-defined
edge, a topography absolutely dominated by the whim of the Gulf of
Mexico and a select cadre of well-adapted creatures forced into tight
alliance by the unforgiving barrer environment. A visit to the island
is a lesson in ecology, a rare delight at experiencing a wild place
still wild, a chance to release and indulge yourself and always, in
one way or another, an adventure. At your March meeting they took a
photo tour of the island to whet your appetite for a scheduled
visit on April 12th.
Dr. Wayne H. McAlister is a retired instructor in biology at Victoria
College who took a position as environmental education specialist
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and was stationed on
Matagorda Island from 1993-2003. He and Martha immediately fell
under the trance of their barrier island home.While leading field
excursions with visiting groups they learned many of the island's
secrets, some of which they reveal in Life on Matagorda Island. The
McAlisters now live near Victoria. When the opportunity arises they
still enjoy returning to Matagorda to guide tours and renew ties.
February 21, 2008
Speaker: Steve Shunk
Where the woodpeckers are:
Woodpecker distribution in Texas, and Beyond
Texas hosts over half of the North American woodpecker species at
some time of year, and ten species breed regularly in the state.
Owing to its immense land area, many Texas woodpecker
populations occupy distantly separated eco-regions, with only the
East Texas Pineywoods supporting a broad diversity of nesting
species. How did the different species get where they are today, and
what adaptations have they acquired that restrict them to certain
habitats?
Oregon naturalist and woodpecker specialist Steve Shunk mapped
out Texas woodpeckers and shed light on their unique natural
histories and behaviors. Steve discussed prehistoric and current
distribution in Texas and beyond, as well as hybridization and range
fluctuations occurring in the state.
For the last 10 years, Steve Shunk has studied woodpeckers on the
east slope of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains and across the
continent, and he is nearing completion of the Peterson Reference
Guide to Woodpeckers of North America. Steve leads birding tours
across western North America through his company, Paradise
Birding, and he coordinates bird surveys for various agencies and
organizations from his home base in Central Oregon. Steve co-
founded the East Cascades Bird Conservancy and served as its first
President. He also co-founded the Oregon Birding Trails program
and coordinated its flagship project, the Oregon Cascades Birding
Trail.
January 17, 2008
Speaker: Steve Holt
Winter and spring in the Rio Grande Valley
Climbing a giant redwood, getting licked by a Brazilian tapir and
slogging through waist-deep mud are just part of the job for Steve
Holt. Steve started his professional photography career when he
lived in Austin just over 20 years ago. He received his degree in
wildlife management from the University of Maryland, and to this day,
he remains broadly focused on wildlife, threats to the natural
environment and constructive solutions to environmental problems.
He has photographed in Ecuador the Caribbean, Mexico, New
Zealand Australia and New Guinea as well as every state in the
Union and most in Canada. His photographs have been published
internationally by TV networks, newspapers and magazines,
including ABC, Audubon, BBC Wildlife, Birder's World, Defenders,
Discover, Environment, International Wildlife, Ranger Rick, Scientific
American, Sierra, the New York Times, and many others. He has
been sole photographer for three children's books and his
photographs have been exhibited at numerous museums, including
the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Field Museum and the
Smithsonian Institution. Steve lives in the Southern Coast Range of
Oregon with his wife and "too damn many cats".
Steve showed his stunning images of birds and wildlife of the Rio
Grande Valley and talked about the great places to go in the valley to
see its specialties for yourselves. He also discussed the history of
the Valley's habitat and the present wildly contradictory impulses in
federal policy of increasing habitat connectivity and installing border
fences. We saw a mix of migrants and native specialties of the Rio
Grande Valley.
Steve visits the Valley often, and he and his wife have entered the
Valley Land Fund Contest three times. He won first place for Deer
in the most recent VLF contest. We viewed a broad range of wildlife
photos from snakes and scorpions to deer and a broad variety of
birds.
For more information on Steve Holt, go to Stock Pix
November 15, 2007
Sonia Ortiz El Cielo, a Model for Sustainable Development through
Birding In Tamaulipas, Mexico
Ms. Ortiz spoke about El Cielo Biosphere Reserve located in the
State of Tamaulipas in northeast Mexico, the northernmost cloud
forest in the American Continent. This reserve is important not only
because of its richness in biodiversity, but also for its role as a
major watershed. Ms. Ortiz told the story of sustainable
development through nature tourism efforts carried out in the area
since 2003, including the training of local birding and butterfly
watching guides and the festivals that are held every year in El
Cielo. Her presentation included pictures of the beautiful
landscape and some of the most representative birds, including
endemics such as Altamira Yellowthroat and Bronze-winged
Woodpecker. Ms. Ortiz was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico.
She received her chemistry degree from the University of Colorado
in 1983. Since 1996 she has been actively involved in conservation
and sustainable development projects throughout Northeast Mexico
such as the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Recovery Team and Laguna
Madre’s Management Plan. She is founder and President of
Gestoria Mexicana de Turismo Sustentable A.C. She is the author
of Tamaulipas Birding and Butterfly Map, and is currently working, as
a co-author, on Northeast Mexico Birding Guide, to be published in
2008.
October 18, 2007 Greg Lasley Birds and Other Wildlife of the
Prairie Grasslands
Greg presented images taken on a trip he took in June, 2007, from
west Texas to New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Montana to
photograph some prairie nesting birds. Some of the nesting bird
species included Burrowing Owl, Grasshopper Sparrow, Savannah
Sparrow, Baird’s Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Chestnut-collared
Longspur, Lazuli Bunting, Marbled Godwit, Long-billed Curlew,
Wilson’s Phalarope, Short-eared Owl, Eared Grebe, both Clark’s
and Western Grebe and others. Also included were images of the
rare and elusive Swift Fox and an American Badger. Greg first
pointed a camera at a bird in 1971, a Horned Lark at Great Salt
Lake, Utah, while he was in the U.S. Air Force. By 1976, as a novice,
but enthusiastic bird-watcher, he became interested in documenting
appearances of rare birds by photographing and tape-recording
them. From the late 1970s until the late 1980s, most of Greg's
wildlife photography focused on documenting rarities and obtaining
slides of birds to illustrate his lectures for Audubon Societies or
other nature-oriented groups. In 1988, Greg took some photos of the
Golden-cheeked Warbler, an endangered species which nests only
in Texas. One of these photos was published on the cover of a
birding guide-book, which led to other requests to publish Greg's
bird photos. In the next several years many of Greg's photos were
published in Texas Highways Magazine, Texas Parks and Wildlife
Magazine, American Birds, Wildlife Conservation, and a few of other
publications. After these initial publication successes, Greg became
more serious about his photography. Over the next few years he
continually upgraded his camera equipment, developed the skills
necessary to become a good wildlife photographer, and traveled the
state of Texas and much of the United States photographing birds.
Through the 1990s, hundreds of his photos found their way into
various publications. In 2000, Greg, along with Larry Ditto of
McAllen, Texas, a fellow photographer and friend, entered the Valley
Land Fund Wildlife Photo Contest as partners. The contest is a six-
month-long wildlife photo competition in far south Texas.
Participants included more than 100 other accomplished
photographers from around the country. Greg and Larry spent long
hours on a single piece of land, working to capture wildlife images
in 50 different categories. This contest forced Greg out of his
"photographic comfort zone" of birds and into the world of spiders,
dragonflies, mammals, and other types of wildlife. Greg and Larry
won first place in this prestigious contest in 2000 and finished third
in 2002. Since then Greg has continued to branch out with his
photography, finding new subjects at which to aim a lens.
Dragonflies and damselflies have been a favorite subject for him in
recent years, however birds are still a prime focus as well. Greg's
photo credits now exceed 2000 published images in more than 100
books and different magazines. Please see Greg's photo image
use page for a listing of these publication credits.
Greg spent 25 years in law enforcement, retiring from the Austin
Police Department in 1997 as a lieutenant. From 1997 through early
2005 he divided his time between photographing wildlife and
leading bird-watching trips over much of the western hemisphere for
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours. He had also led trips for VENT part-
time from 1985 to 1997. In March, 2005, Greg decided to take a
sabbatical from regular tour leading and now concentrates on
photography and other wildlife pursuits. He still leads occasional
trips for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT). His photos appear
regularly in a variety of nature and wildlife-oriented books and
magazines. He and his wife, Cheryl Johnson, reside in Austin,
Texas.
September 20, 2007
Lynn Barber
Great Big Year of Texas Birding
Lynn Barber spoke about the highlights of her record-breaking
Texas Big Year in 2005 and will show pictures of some of the birds
seen and the sites visited. During that year, she drove more than
90,000 miles and observed 522 bird species in Texas. Her quest, in
a year with a remarkable influx of birds from the south, took her to
practically every nook, canyon, forest, and beach in Texas.
Lynn has been a birdwatcher/birder since she was seven years old,
and has birded across much of the United States and in many other
countries. She has given many talks about her birding travels, and
since her big year in 2005, she has spoken to many groups about
the experience. She has also taught a number of courses in
beginning birding at local colleges.
She was born in Wisconsin and has lived in Alaska, Oregon, North
Carolina and, since 2000, Texas. She is a registered patent attorney
in solo practice in Fort Worth. She has a Ph.D. in bacteriology from
the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a JD from Duke University
Law School (1985). She has been active in local Audubon
organizations for many years, and is currently president elect of the
Texas Ornithological Society and past-president of the Fort Worth
Audubon Society.
Information about birds she saw in her big year and a few pictures
of them, as well bird lists for some of the other years since she’s
been in Texas can be found at www.lynnbarber.com
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Jeffrey Green and David Bamberger
"Award-winning author Jeffrey Greene provides a portrait, by turns
lyrical and provocative, of J. David Bamberger’s unlikely transform-
ation from first, a vacuum cleaner salesman, then co-founder and
CEO of Church’s Fried Chicken, to a locally and internationally
recognized conservationist. In fact, Greene tells two integrally related
stories: the evolution of one man’s business sense, applying profit
incentives to land restoration and nature conservancy; and the
creation of a Texas Hill Country preserve where he effectively
demonstrates his own principles, prevailing over skeptics.”
- From the book jacket of Water from Stone.
Jeffrey Green received his PhD from the University of Houston. He is
the author of the memoir French Spirits, appearing in nine countries,
and three collections of poetry. He is the winner of the Discovery/
The Nation Award and the Randall Jarrell Prize and has been
supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Connecticut
Commission on the Arts, and the Rinehart Fund.
Texas conservationist J. David Bamberger will speak about his work
and his ranch, which is open to visitors for selected tours,
educational workshops, and field days. Bamberger bought what he
describes as “the sorriest piece of land in Blanco County” and spent
decades restoring the ecological balance of 5,500 acres that had
been virtually destroyed by more than a century of misuse. Naming
his preserve Selah, from the Old Testament term meaning “pause
and reflect,” Bamberger dedicates himself and his resources to
protecting species and educating school children, conservation
groups, government officials, and everyone else who will listen to
his central message: We must take care of the earth, and anyone
can help. David and his wife, Margaret, have received many awards,
and he has been featured in The New Yorker, in Audubon, and on
CNN and network news. Copies of Water from Stone will be
available for signing and purchase at the meeting.
__________________________
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Dwight Wilson
Exploring Nature through Tracks and Sign
Have you ever wondered who left those footprints in the mud or what
prompted a robin's alarm call? Dwight Wilson will share his
experiences exploring nature through reading the tracks and signs
that are left behind. He will share personal stories and photographs.
Learn how birds lend an amazing element to tracking because they
vocalize what is going on in the forest floor. It is possible for you to
understand the signs that nature gives and add a new dimension to
your outdoor experiences.
Dwight Wilson has over 20 years of tracking experience with wildlife
and humans, and has trained with Charles Worsham, Paul
Rezendes, Stanley Liston, Nate Kempton, Jon Young’s Wilderness
Awareness School, and Tom Brown’s Tracker School. He has been
asked to provide his services for the National Park Service, Texas
law enforcement officers, and the Dallas FBI (ERT). He also gives
classes on wildlife tracking and behavior, land navigation, and
wilderness survival.
From the TAS office on nature tracking:
On-line resources:
www.princeton.edu/~oa/nature/tracking.shtml The Outdoor Action
program at Princeton University, this site includes a section on
animal tracking with very detailed guides, instructions, tracking
cards, and more.
www.bear-tracker.com/birds.html This commercial site features bird
tracks including excellent images of 16 species’ tracks. It also has
sections on tracks of many mammals, some reptiles, and other
animals.
On-line for kids:
www.concord.org/~btinker/guide/tracks/tracks_activities.html
From the Concord Consortium, a nonprofit educational organization,
a set of interactive activities and “lessons” that teach tracking and
will definitely appeal to kids.
Recommended reading:
__________________________
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Mike Leggett, Austin American-Statesman
Birding in a Hunting World
Leggett will be talking about bird watching in a hunting world. He
writes, "I've come to appreciate birds more and more over the years
and they add a dimension to hunting that makes it that much more
enjoyable for me. Birding and hunting are compatible in any number
of ways and we'll talk about how that works and how it could work
even better." He will also present a short slide show of wildlife
photos. he has taken during hunting trips.
Mike Leggett has been Outdoor Writer at Austin American-
Statesman since 1985. Prior to that he was a news editor at the
Houston Post and managing editor at Huntsville Item and Marshall
News Messenger. Leggett has received Associated Press Managing
Editors and Sports Editors awards for column writing, environmental
stories on endangered species and canned hunting, and Dallas
Press Club awards for stories on Texas Parks and Wildlife. He lives
in Burnet County with wife Rana and three dogs.
__________________________
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Richard Donovan, Texas Committee on Natural Resources
Paddling the Wild Neches
This talk and slide presentation chronicles Donovan's 235-mile
canoe trip down the Neches River from U. S. 175, just northwest of
Jacksonville, downriver to B. A. Steinhagan Lake. The purpose of the
24-day camping trip was to call attention to the natural beauty of the
area that threads the very heart of the Central Flyway and to create
an awareness of the great variety of birds and animals that inhabit
the water and the hardwood bottomland forest along the river's
trace. Donovan writes, "I was totally surprised at the abundance and
variety of the birds and animals that crossed in the front of the canoe
each day. I was also surprised at the wildness, remoteness, and
beauty that still exist along much of the Neches bottomland forest."
A Texas native, Donovan chairs the Texas Committee on Natural
Resources' Forest Task Force. His book, Paddling the Wild Neches,
published in May 2006 by Texas A&M University Press, is now in its
2nd printing. The Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club awarded him
the Evelyn R. Edens Award, and the National Wildlife Federation
named him a Conservation Hero for his efforts to protect the Neches
and the 200 species of trees, 300 species of birds, 50 species of
animals and countless species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles
that live in the river and its bottomland hardwood habitat.
__________________________
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Mark McClelland, TAS Member
Birding Panama's Canopy Lodge and Canopy Tower
TAS members Mark and Teri McClelland spent 10 days at Canopy
Tower and Canopy Lodge this past January (2006), and took
hundreds of digital and digi-scoped photos of the accommodations,
surroundings, plants, insects, reptiles, mammals, and (mostly!)
birds. Panama is a wonderful destination for tropical birding, and
Canopy Tower is the country’s top birding location. Canopy Lodge
was newly opened at the time of their visit, but is quickly becoming a
top birding destination as well. Mark’s presentation will focus on the
various habitats visited during their stay, and the birds and other
treasures located in those areas. He’ll also discuss accommo-
dations at the Tower and Lodge, the guides, the food, and anything
else that potential visitors might be interested in exploring. Mark has
lived in central Texas since 1968, and became interested in birding
at the age of 20. He has taken nearly all of the TAS birding classes,
and has led field trips to Bastrop and Pedernales Falls. Their trip to
Panama was the third tropical birding trip taken by Mark and Teri.
They had previously visited and birded Trinidad/Tobago and Belize.
_________________________
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Alicia Craig, American Bird Conservancy
The Mexican Grasslands Project
Alicia Craig will talk about an area, located near the city of Saltillo in
northern Mexico, that is a biologically rich grassland owned by
private individuals and communities, and is threatened by
conversion to potato farming. The Saltillo Savannas comprise a
patchwork of key grassland sites maintained as shortgrass prairie
by the grazing of the endangered Mexican prairie dog. Several
migratory bird species of conservation concern are dependent on
these grasslands, including globally significant concentrations of
the Mountain Plover (11% of the global population) and Long-billed
Curlew (15% of the global population). The endangered Worthen’s
Sparrow has its global stronghold in the area. Other priority birds in
the area include Burrowing Owls, Sprague’s Pipits, and Ferruginous
Hawks. The presentation includes photographs of these key bird
species and the significance of the conservation work in the area.
Alicia Frances Craig is Director of the Bird Conservation Alliance for
the American Bird Conservancy. The Bird Conservation Alliance is a
network of organizations whose focus is the conservation, study,
and observation of birds. More information about the Mexican
grasslands project is at Bird Conservation Alliance.
_________________________
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Walt Dabney, Director of State Parks
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Dabney's presentation is an overview of the park idea, the purpose
of parks, the Texas State Park System, the economic importance of
parks, the budget problems in the park system, and the future
needs of parks in Texas. Dabney is responsible for 8 regions, 120
state parks, and over 1,200 employees. Texas has the third largest
state park operation in the US.
From the TAS office on public parks:
On-line resources:
www.environmenttexas.org
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
www.texasoutside.com/parks.htm
www.wildtexas.com/parks
Recommended reading:
__________________________
Bird of the Big Woods: An Ivory-Bill in the 21st Century
Thursday, May 18, 2006
David Luneau, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Travis Audubon is delighted to bring to Austin, for our last member-
ship meeting until Fall, a key member of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker
research team, who will speak about the search. David Luneau was
a member of the core team on the recent year-long search for the
Ivory-billed Woodpecker in eastern Arkansas and is a veteran of
previous ivory-bill searches. He confirmed the rediscovery of the
ivory-billed woodpecker in the Big Woods of eastern Arkansas in
2004 with the only video ever taken of the bird. Previously, he was a
member of the six-person international team that searched the
Pearl River area of Louisiana in 2002, and he organized and led a
search for the woodpecker in the White River National Wildlife
Refuge in 2003. He continues to search for the bird, and he serves
on the species recovery team for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
From the TAS office on Ivory-billed Woodpeckers:
About the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (IBWO):
- Latin name: Campephilus principalis
- Status: Rediscovered or extinct?
- Threats: Loss of habitat
- Habitat: Mature forests, esp. cypress swamps, large hardwoods
- Where: Formerly in Eastern Texas and Southeast U.S.; Cuba
Did you know that IBWOs …
Recommended reading:
The Grail Bird: Hot on the Trail of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, by
Tim Gallagher (Houghton Mifflin, 2005)
The Race to Save the Lord God Bird, by Phillip Hoose (Farrar,
Straus & Giroux, 2004)
In Search of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, by Jerome A. Jackson
(Smithsonian Books, 2004)
Big Woods Bird: An Ivory-bill Story, by Terri Roberts Luneau (Kury
Lane, 2005) [for children]
Web sites:
www.ibwo.org David Luneau’s site
www.ivorybill.org The Big Woods Conservation Partnership
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/ivory/rediscovery/ Rediscovering the
Ivory-billed Woodpecker
www.livescience.com/animalworld/060316_woodpecker_debate.
html Current state of the debate
Joining the search:
The Arkansas Field Office of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has
issued a set of guidelines for those considering a visit to look for the
IBWO. Seasonal and other restrictions apply. The Web site includes
links to Cache River and White River National Wildlife Refuges with
maps, suggested viewing areas, and more:
www.fws.gov/arkansas%2Des/BigWoodsBirding
__________________________
Black-capped Vireos in Northern Mexico
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Craig Farquhar, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
The Black-capped Vireo (BCVI) is a special bird to Central Texans
and we delight in seeing it in our area. But only sparse information
is available on Mexican populations of the federally endangered
BCVI during the breeding season. Breeding habitat and a handful of
nests had been described only from northern Coahuila, prior to a
collaborative study by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and
the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México. This
4-year project, funded by the Endangered Species Act, began in
2001 and was recently concluded. Researchers, including
Farquhar, now have significant new data on habitat, nesting,
geographic distribution, and conservation threats for breeding
populations of this species as far south as SW Tamaulipas. These
new data offer advantages and challenges to the conservation of
this federally endangered species, and Farquhar will discuss these
topics with special attention to the BCVI’s recovery and listing status.
From the TAS office on Black-capped Vireos:
About the Black-capped Vireo (BCVI)
Latin name: Vireo atricapillus
Status: Endangered (on U.S. and Texas lists)
Threats: Loss of habitat; Brown-headed Cowbirds
Habitat: Low thickets in scrub-oak woodlands, arid hills
Where: Largest concentration of BCVIs is in Central Texas
Did you know that BCVIs …
Some places to look for the BCVI in Texas:
- Black Gap Wildlife Management Area
- Colorado Bend State Park
- Devils River State Natural Area
- Kerr Wildlife Management Area
- South Llano River SP
- Balcones Canyonlands NWR
- Government Canyon SP
- Buck Wildlife Management Area
On-line information about the BCVI:
animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu
www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr
www.friendsofbalcones.org/birding.htm
www.fws.gov/endangered/
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/bcv/
On-line images of the BCVI:
www.greglasley.net/bcvireo.html
www.windowsonnature.com
_________________________
Backyard Wildlife Habitats
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Bill Stout, National Wildlife Federation
The Backyard Wildlife Habitat program gives people the knowledge
to turn their backyards into valuable wildlife refuges and teaches
them the rewards of connecting with nature by inviting wildlife into
their lives. Through this program people learn that habitat
restoration is critical for wildlife survival in urban and suburban
settings, where commercial and residential development has
eliminated most natural areas.
From the TAS office on backyard habitats:
On-line resources:
Recommended reading:
- Kids' Easy-to-Create Wildlife Habitats: For Small Spaces in City-
Suburbs-Countryside by Emily Stetson et alia (Williamson, 2004)
[for kids aged 9-12]
- National Wildlife Federation Attracting Birds, Butterflies & Backyard
Wildlife by David Mizejewski (Creative Homeowner, 2004)
- The Natural Habitat Garden by Ken Druse (Timber, 2004)
- Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife by Noreen Damude and
Kelly Conrad Bender (Texas Parks and Wildlife Press, 1999)
Related local organizations:
- Capital Area Master Naturalists www.camn.org
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center www.wildflower.org
- Native Plant Society of Texas www.npsot.org
- National Wildlife Federation Gulf States Natural Resource Center
www.nwf.org
__________________________
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Texas
Thursday, February 16, 2006
John C. Abbott, University of Texas
The last five years have seen an amazing increase in the interest
surrounding dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) in the United
States. As with birds and butterflies, Texas is a fabulous place to
observe and learn about these insects. There are 223 species of
Odonata (over half the North American fauna) known from Texas
and more are being discovered every year. John will provide an
introduction to the behavior, life history, and biogeography of this
group, with special emphasis on Texas and Austin area species.
He will also discuss how this growing interest in odonates can be
utilized by scientists through citizen science projects. Abbott's book,
on Dragonflies and Damselflies of Texas and the South-central
United States, will be available at the presentation.
From the TAS Office on odonates:
What is a dragonfly (or damselfly)?
In a sentence, it’s a large, predatory, aquatic insect with two pairs of
net-like wings.
Major organizations and their Web sites:
- Dragonfly Society of the Americas
- International Odonata Research Institute
- Worldwide Dragonfly Association
On-line resources and images:
Recommended reading:
A Dazzle of Dragonflies, by Forrest Mitchell and James Lasswell
(Texas A & M University Press, 2005)
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Texas and the South-Central United
States: Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico,
edited by John C. Abbott (Princeton University Press, 2005)
Dragonflies through Binoculars: A Field Guide to Dragonflies of
North America, by Sidney Dunkle (University of Oxford Press, 2000)
Dragonflies (Wild Guide), by Cynthia Berger (Stackpole Books, 2004)
Did you know?
Dragonflies and damselflies have popular colloquial names such
as darner, darning needle, devil's darning needle, mosquito fly,
mosquito hawk, needle, skeeter hawk, and spindle.
_________________________
Native Prairies in Central Texas
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Jason Spangler, Native Prairies Association of Texas
"Prairie" is defined as a diverse community of native plants and
wildlife, dominated by native grasses and flowers in successions
throughout the year with sparse to few trees. Prairie once made up
over half of Travis County and most of Williamson County, but now is
almost completely gone due to plowing for both fertile soils and
development. The tallgrass prairie is the most endangered large
ecosystem in North America with less than 1% remaining, and even
less is left of Texas' own Blackland Prairie. Grassland birds, whose
native habitat is the prairie, have shown more declines than any
other group of North American species. We need to protect what
little remains of our prairies as habitat for the birds, other wildlife,
and native plants that live there, and restore prairie to recreate
habitat that has been lost. Jason's presentation will give an overview
of Texas's Blackland, Grand, and Coastal Prairies, grassland birds
whose habitat is the prairie, and highlight the few remaining prairie
remnants in the central Texas area that need protection.
From the TAS Office on prairies:
Read the Austin Chronicle's December 22, 2005 feature on prairies,
"Dreaming of Buffalo," in which Jason Spangler and other local
experts discuss Texas prairies.
Prairie definitions (from the Environmental Literacy Council)
• Tallgrass prairie: The tallgrass prairie in the easternmost third of
the Great Plains is predominantly made up of Indian grass,
switchgrass, and especially, big bluestem. The tallgrass prairie has
much taller and denser grasses than the western prairies. An acre
of intact tallgrass hosts between 200-400 species of native plants -
3 out of 4 of them wildflowers.
• Mixed-grass prairie: Here the soil is less productive and native
grasses don't grow as tall. This section is known as the mixed-
grass prairie and is basically a transition zone between the tall
grasses of the Midwest and the very short grasses that lie just east
of the Rocky Mountains. Typical grasses of the mixed-grass prairie
are little bluestem, green needlegrass, and prairie dropseed.
• Shortgrass prairie: The far western prairie in the shadow of the
Rockies is the shortgrass prairie. This region is dominated by
drought tolerant plants that grow only 6-12 inches high. The
dominant grasses are blue gamma and buffalo grass. Sagebrush
and other shrubs are numerous and cacti are fairly common.
Major organizations:
- Native Prairies Association of Texas
- Friends of the Prairie Learning Center
- The Prairie Enthusiasts
General information on prairies:
- National Park Service Tallgrass Prairie
Recommended reading:
The Tallgrass Restoration Handbook: For Prairies, Savannas, and
Woodlands ed. by Stephen Packard & Cornelia Mutel (Island, 1997)
Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers: A Field Guide by Doug Ladd (Falcon,
1995)
Where the Sky Began: Land of the Tallgrass Prairie by John Madsen
(University of Iowa Press, 2004)
__________________________
Watching Hummingbirds in Texas: Better than Reality TV
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Cliff Shackelford, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Cliff discussed the new book (of which he is senior author),
Hummingbirds of Texas: With Their New Mexico and Arizona
Ranges (2005, Texas A&M University Press). He also covered the
detailed lives of several of our state's hummingbirds by poking fun
at the titles of several reality television shows, in a humorous as
well as informative presentation. Cliff and one of his collaborators
on the new book were on hand to sign copies, which was for sale by
the Naturally Curious bookstore. Royalties from book sales go back
into the TPWD's Hummingbird Roundup Program.
From the TAS Office on hummingbirds:
- The major organization is the Hummingbird Society.
- The Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory has excellent
information on seeing hummers in Arizona.
- Texas Parks & Wildlife's Hummingbird Roundup Program has a
wonderful, rich resource on Gardening for Hummingbirds.
- In a hurry? Read the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center's brief on
gardening for and safely feeding hummingbirds (PDF file).
- Amazing on-line images of hummer nestlings - a must-see.
Did you know that hummingbirds:
A few recommended books:
Hummingbirds of Texas: With Their New Mexico and Arizona
Ranges, Shackelford et al., Texas A&M University Press, 2005
Hummingbirds of North America: The Photographic Guide, Steve
Howell, Princeton University Press, 2003
A Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America (Peterson Field
Guides), Sheri Williamson, Houghton Mifflin, 2002
Hummingbirds of North America, Paul A. Johnsgard, Smithsonian
Books, 1997
Hummingbirds: Their Life and Behavior, Esther Quesada Tyrrell,
Crown, 1985
__________________________
Bird Window Kills in Downtown Austin and Beyond
Thursday, October 20, 2005
David W. Hall, University of Texas
Annual U.S. window-kill mortality is estimated to be 100 million
birds or more. Dave presented his ongoing research that seeks to
reduce window kills in general and to determine the extent of
window kills in Austin. He also discussed how Travis Audubon
members can help with these projects, such as adopting a
particular Austin building to monitor or monitoring a site for specific
dates each year. Dave welcomes you to contact him at davehall(at)
uts.cc.utexas.edu.
A senior lecturer in biological sciences at the University of Texas at
Austin, Dave also talked about UT's collection of "study skins," a
teaching collection of preserved birds.
From the TAS Office on window collisions:
This is one of first research articles on avian window collisions, by
scholar Daniel Klem, Jr.:
"Bird-Window Collisions," Wilson Bulletin 101: 4 (1989) [PDF file]
Organizations doing key work on window kills and to informational
reading (including preventative how-tos):
- Chicago Bird Collision Monitors
- Toronto’s Fatal Light Awareness Program
- Birds and Buildings
On-line reading materials:
- “Window Collisions” from Bird Conservation Network
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology's “How To Avoid Window Collisions”
- Audubon’s “Minimizing Window Collisions”
We work hard to bring to you interesting, knowledgeable speakers
on birds, wildlife, and conservation topics. We also put together
resources for you to expand your knowledge on the topic; see below.
NOTE NEW LOCATION - and see Map on right
- The meetings take place at LCRA, 3601 Lake Austin Boulevard,
Room 108 (downstairs) Austin 78703.
January 15, 2009
Speaker: Ted Lee Eubanks
Topic: Faces of flight – Birds of the Upper Texas Coast
Ted’s presentation will cover aspects of the avifauna as outlined I
nhis two books (copies will be available). He will describe the
impacts of Hurricane Ike, and what we can expect as a recovery over
the next severa years.
Ted Lee Eubanks, currently residing in Austin and Galveston,
received a BA in Journalism from the University of Houston in 1978,
and since 1984 has been involved in the founding and development
of a series of businesses. Eubanks founded Fermata in 1992, and
since that time has been engaged in studying and promoting
experiential tourism and outdoor recreation as sustainable
approaches to community revitalization and conservation.
Eubanks frequently speaks and conducts workshops on nature-
based tourism and its economic potential for communities,
agencies, and landholders. Eubanks addresses state tourism
conferences, wildlife meetings, and economic development
forums. Eubanks’ natural history writings and photographs are
widely published. His books, published by Texas A&M press,
include Birdlife of Houston, Galveston, and the Upper Texas Coast,
coauthored with Bob Behrstock and Ron Weeks, and Finding Birds
on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, coauthored with Bob
Behrstock and Seth Davidson.
PAST SPEAKERS:
Robin Doughty
The Whooping Crane
A very Texan Bird, given its status fifty years ago, North America's
tallest and most iconic bird, the Whooping Crane has staged a
remarkable comeback.
A whole range of efforts from bird laws and habitat preserves to
hands-on experiments in breeding, transplanting, and releasing
birds into the wild has counteracted the hunting and killing trophies
that brought the great white crane to the brink of extinction. The US
Fish and Wildlife Service continues to dedicate time an effort into
saving the Whooping Crane from extinction. Robin Doughty detailed
these efforts through his research and experiences with these birds
that resulted in his book, and updated and explained recent moves
to return birds to their former ranges within the US.
Robin Doughty is a faculty member in the Department of Geography
and the Environment at the University of Texas, Austin. He has
written a number of books and articles about wildlife conservation,
especially related to birds, and remains committed to promoting
concerns for wildlife diversity and habitat protection both in North
America and elsewhere.
Bob Petersen
Images for Conservation Fund
Texas Hill Country Nature Photography Alliance
Images for Conservation Fund (ICF), a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
organization, creates sustainable development of rural economies
through the establishment and prosperity of the Private Lands
Nature Photo Tourism Industry. Ninety-four percent of Texas land
and 90% of the Western Hemisphere is privately owned. ICF photo
tournaments, programs and economic incentives encourage private
landowners to restore, preserve and enhance wildlife habitat. The
inaugural Pro-tour photography tournament was held in the Texas
Hill country in April 2006. The second Pro-tour event was recently
complete in April of 2008 in the Texas Coastal Bend region.
The Texas Hill Country Nature Photography Alliance is a group of
conservation minded landowners who have opened their ranches
up to guests for the purpose of nature photography, bird watching
and eco-tourism. All member ranches were participants in the ICF
2006 Pro-tour of nature photography and continue to promote the
Texas Hill Country region as a destination for Nature Photographers.
Mr. Petersen presented an overview of these two organizations and
the important role that private landowners play in conservation. The
presentation was filled with magnificent images take by the
professional photographers that participated in the ICF 2006 Pro-
tour.
Mr. Petersen has spent 25 years in the high tech industry. He holds
B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern Illinois
University-Carbondale. He has held numerous development and
executive positions in the aerospace, robotics and computer
industries, most recently with Dell Computer Corporation.
An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Mr. Petersen has been a
supporter and member of numerous environmental causes and
organizations over the years. Mr. Petersen is Vice-Chairman of the
Images for Conservation Fund, served as chairman of the 2006 ICF
Pro-Tour of nature photography. Mr. Petersen serves on the Texas
advisory board for The Environmental Defense Fund, the advisory
board for the Texas State University Freeman Ranch and the
advisory board for The Hill Country Alliance. Mr. Petersen is the
founder and serves as President of The Texas Hill Country Nature
Photography Alliance.
Mr. Petersen owns a ranch in central Texas where he has been
focusing his conservation efforts on managing the ranch and
restoring its habitat to benefit of endangered species and other
wildlife native to central Texas.
Mr. Petersen believes that the future of conservation is dependent
upon the activities of private landowners and has been working to
educate landowners and the public about conservation activities
taking place on private lands. He is very interested in developing
opportunities for landowners to manage their properties for the
benefit to wildlife while also generating income from those activities
to sustain the habitat over the long term.
Kitty Coley
The Galapagos
Kitty Coley is the perfect naturalist to talk about the Galapagos, a
unique archipelago through which she has led more than 20
expeditions. She has been photographing, diving, snorkeling and
hiking throughout the islands since 2001. Trained as a geologist,
Kitty's knowledge of volcanoes combined with her love of nature and
ornithology make her knowledgeable about the volcanoes, birds,
and marine mammals of these remarkable islands. She is an
enthusiastic lecturer who took us on a stunning and informative
photo tour of the Galapagos, in September's opening lecture to the
2008/09 Audubon program year.
As a geologist, naturalist, and avid birder, Kitty Coley has been
leading and teaching on expeditions since the mid-90’s. Working
with National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Victor Emanuel Nature
Tours, among others, Kitty has led more than 80 expeditions --
spending extensive time in remote rain forests and rugged geologic
settings around the world. Her love of nature has led to exploration
through scuba diving, backpacking, white-water and sea kayaking,
and biking. Kitty is an enthusiastic teacher, an experienced observer
and an excellent lecturer.
Dr. Andrew Kasner
State of the Birds: Audubon Texas Bird Conservation Programs
May 15, 2008
Dr. Kasner gave an overview of the Audubon State of the Birds
reports and the new Audubon Watchlist, and also spoke about our
Texas bird conservation programs, spending most of the time on
the Important Bird Areas Program.
Dr. Andrew C. Kasner is Director of Bird Conservation and Deputy
Director for Audubon Texas. He obtained his B.S. and M.S. degrees
in Biology from Angelo State University and Ph.D. in Wildlife and
Fisheries Sciences from Texas A & M University. He has conducted
research on freshwater fishes in West Texas, ecology and natural
history of shorebirds and waterbirds, and ecology and conservation
of endangered Interior Least Terns in Texas. While on the biology
faculty at Lamar University, he taught courses such as ornithology
and marine biology and directed student research on passerines,
waterbirds, and shrimp. In his current role with Audubon, Dr.
Kasner directs the on-the-ground conservation efforts of Audubon
Texas, focusing on their Coastal Stewardship Program, Quail and
Grassland Birds Initiative, and Important Bird Areas program. In
addition, he continues to collaborate on research and management
efforts on colonial waterbirds, shorebirds, grassland birds, and
endangered species such as Black-capped Vireo and Golden-
cheeked Warbler.
Kevin Connally
Sr. Environmental Resource Management Specialist Travis County
Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
April 17, 2008
"The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve: A Community-Based
Conservation Model"
Travis County and the City of Austin recognized by the early 1980's
that our region's unique rugged beauty was home not only to a
vibrant and rapidly growing center of higher education, medical
advancement, technological innovation, a rapidly diversifying
economic engine and the seat of state government, but also to a
host of plant and animal species found nowhere else on earth. In
order to ensure the continued strength of the local economy while
protecting the area's unique native wildlife, the Balcones
Canyonlands Conservation Plan (or BCCP) was created.
The BCCP is a US Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species
Act permit jointly-held by the City of Austin and Travis County. The
Plan provides a quick and efficient pathway for the permit holders
and private landowners to comply with federal law and mitigate for
impacts that their land use practices may have on protected
species. In exchange for local management of the mitigation
process, USFWS required that 30,428 acres of habitat and a
number of unique cave features and rare plants be set aside and
managed in perpetuity as the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.
The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (or BCP) protects 8
endangered species, including the golden-cheeked warbler and the
black-capped vireo, as well as 27 species of concern throughout 7
watersheds in western Travis County. The BCP preserves a unique
cross section of the flora and fauna along the Balcones Escarpment
of the Edward's Plateau and strives to maintain functioning
ecosystems by managing for the benefit of all our native
vertebrates, invertebrates and plants, regardless of their regulatory
status.
Today, almost 28,000 acres (including Travis Audubon Society's
Baker Sanctuary) have been set aside to create the BCP for the
benefit of our unique native wildlife. Thousands of visitors each year
have the opportunity to visit and learn about the natural treasure in
our collective backyard. Volunteers annually dedicate thousands of
hours to maintaining and restoring the different habitats found in
the BCP. Students from elementary grades to graduate schools visit
and explore the preserve each year. The BCP Hike and Lecture
Series provides monthly guided hikes with the managers of the BCP
as well as opportunities for the public to delve into the issues
related to managing wild lands from some of the leading experts in
the field of conservation throughout the year.
Perhaps most importantly, national attention is being focused on the
model of community-based conservation that seeks to balance a
heathy economy with healthy ecosystems that was created right
here is Austin by the BCP.
Biographic info:
Travis County's Senior Environmental Resource Manager Kevin
Connallyl spoke at the April Membership Meeting about the history
and current status of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. As the
very first multi-species regional Habitat Conservation Plan in the
nation, the BCP forged a model that is being emulated and tailored
to meet the needs of communities across the country.
Kevin spoke about the "Funnel Effect", described how the Lone Star
State is changing right before our eyes, and discussed how local
efforts are working to save what National Audubon has described as
one of the nation's "10 Most Endangered Birds": the Golden-
cheeked Warbler.
For more about the BCP, see Travis County's website at:
Travis County.
Kevin Connally has been working on land management and natural
resource issues for eighteen years, and has been dedicated to the
Balcones Canyonlands Preserve since 2001. His previous resource
management experience includes time with the Nature
Conservancy in remote west Texas, the Oregon Department of Fish
and Wildlife performing salmon and steelhead research in Hell's
Canyon and working to restore declining fisheries on the Mid-
Atlantic Coast. Kevin is a member of the Travis Audubon Society and
the Wildlife Society and uses his time as a TPWD-certified Master
Hunter Education Instructor to forge a wider conservation
consciousness among current and future generations of
Texans. When not scrambling around in remote corners of hidden
wilderness chasing fish or watching birds, he is often found
volunteering his time to engage the public in wildlife and
conservation issues.
Dr. Wayne H. McAlister
March 20, 2008
MATAGORDA ISLAND--an Enchanting Ribbon of Sand.
Matagorda Island is not pristine but it retains much of its natural
aura: royal terns and brown pelicans loaf on the beach,
sheepshead killifish dart amid stalks of smooth cordgrass in the
bayside shallows, wands of sea oats wave over the sand dunes
and ghost crabs scuttle across the sand. The routine number and
diversity of birds rises to a veritable plethora during spring and fall
migration. Although it is not really disjunct from the rest of the world,
the island is an isolated, discrete ecosystem. It has a well-defined
edge, a topography absolutely dominated by the whim of the Gulf of
Mexico and a select cadre of well-adapted creatures forced into tight
alliance by the unforgiving barrer environment. A visit to the island
is a lesson in ecology, a rare delight at experiencing a wild place
still wild, a chance to release and indulge yourself and always, in
one way or another, an adventure. At your March meeting they took a
photo tour of the island to whet your appetite for a scheduled
visit on April 12th.
Dr. Wayne H. McAlister is a retired instructor in biology at Victoria
College who took a position as environmental education specialist
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and was stationed on
Matagorda Island from 1993-2003. He and Martha immediately fell
under the trance of their barrier island home.While leading field
excursions with visiting groups they learned many of the island's
secrets, some of which they reveal in Life on Matagorda Island. The
McAlisters now live near Victoria. When the opportunity arises they
still enjoy returning to Matagorda to guide tours and renew ties.
February 21, 2008
Speaker: Steve Shunk
Where the woodpeckers are:
Woodpecker distribution in Texas, and Beyond
Texas hosts over half of the North American woodpecker species at
some time of year, and ten species breed regularly in the state.
Owing to its immense land area, many Texas woodpecker
populations occupy distantly separated eco-regions, with only the
East Texas Pineywoods supporting a broad diversity of nesting
species. How did the different species get where they are today, and
what adaptations have they acquired that restrict them to certain
habitats?
Oregon naturalist and woodpecker specialist Steve Shunk mapped
out Texas woodpeckers and shed light on their unique natural
histories and behaviors. Steve discussed prehistoric and current
distribution in Texas and beyond, as well as hybridization and range
fluctuations occurring in the state.
For the last 10 years, Steve Shunk has studied woodpeckers on the
east slope of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains and across the
continent, and he is nearing completion of the Peterson Reference
Guide to Woodpeckers of North America. Steve leads birding tours
across western North America through his company, Paradise
Birding, and he coordinates bird surveys for various agencies and
organizations from his home base in Central Oregon. Steve co-
founded the East Cascades Bird Conservancy and served as its first
President. He also co-founded the Oregon Birding Trails program
and coordinated its flagship project, the Oregon Cascades Birding
Trail.
January 17, 2008
Speaker: Steve Holt
Winter and spring in the Rio Grande Valley
Climbing a giant redwood, getting licked by a Brazilian tapir and
slogging through waist-deep mud are just part of the job for Steve
Holt. Steve started his professional photography career when he
lived in Austin just over 20 years ago. He received his degree in
wildlife management from the University of Maryland, and to this day,
he remains broadly focused on wildlife, threats to the natural
environment and constructive solutions to environmental problems.
He has photographed in Ecuador the Caribbean, Mexico, New
Zealand Australia and New Guinea as well as every state in the
Union and most in Canada. His photographs have been published
internationally by TV networks, newspapers and magazines,
including ABC, Audubon, BBC Wildlife, Birder's World, Defenders,
Discover, Environment, International Wildlife, Ranger Rick, Scientific
American, Sierra, the New York Times, and many others. He has
been sole photographer for three children's books and his
photographs have been exhibited at numerous museums, including
the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Field Museum and the
Smithsonian Institution. Steve lives in the Southern Coast Range of
Oregon with his wife and "too damn many cats".
Steve showed his stunning images of birds and wildlife of the Rio
Grande Valley and talked about the great places to go in the valley to
see its specialties for yourselves. He also discussed the history of
the Valley's habitat and the present wildly contradictory impulses in
federal policy of increasing habitat connectivity and installing border
fences. We saw a mix of migrants and native specialties of the Rio
Grande Valley.
Steve visits the Valley often, and he and his wife have entered the
Valley Land Fund Contest three times. He won first place for Deer
in the most recent VLF contest. We viewed a broad range of wildlife
photos from snakes and scorpions to deer and a broad variety of
birds.
For more information on Steve Holt, go to Stock Pix
November 15, 2007
Sonia Ortiz El Cielo, a Model for Sustainable Development through
Birding In Tamaulipas, Mexico
Ms. Ortiz spoke about El Cielo Biosphere Reserve located in the
State of Tamaulipas in northeast Mexico, the northernmost cloud
forest in the American Continent. This reserve is important not only
because of its richness in biodiversity, but also for its role as a
major watershed. Ms. Ortiz told the story of sustainable
development through nature tourism efforts carried out in the area
since 2003, including the training of local birding and butterfly
watching guides and the festivals that are held every year in El
Cielo. Her presentation included pictures of the beautiful
landscape and some of the most representative birds, including
endemics such as Altamira Yellowthroat and Bronze-winged
Woodpecker. Ms. Ortiz was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico.
She received her chemistry degree from the University of Colorado
in 1983. Since 1996 she has been actively involved in conservation
and sustainable development projects throughout Northeast Mexico
such as the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Recovery Team and Laguna
Madre’s Management Plan. She is founder and President of
Gestoria Mexicana de Turismo Sustentable A.C. She is the author
of Tamaulipas Birding and Butterfly Map, and is currently working, as
a co-author, on Northeast Mexico Birding Guide, to be published in
2008.
October 18, 2007 Greg Lasley Birds and Other Wildlife of the
Prairie Grasslands
Greg presented images taken on a trip he took in June, 2007, from
west Texas to New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and Montana to
photograph some prairie nesting birds. Some of the nesting bird
species included Burrowing Owl, Grasshopper Sparrow, Savannah
Sparrow, Baird’s Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Chestnut-collared
Longspur, Lazuli Bunting, Marbled Godwit, Long-billed Curlew,
Wilson’s Phalarope, Short-eared Owl, Eared Grebe, both Clark’s
and Western Grebe and others. Also included were images of the
rare and elusive Swift Fox and an American Badger. Greg first
pointed a camera at a bird in 1971, a Horned Lark at Great Salt
Lake, Utah, while he was in the U.S. Air Force. By 1976, as a novice,
but enthusiastic bird-watcher, he became interested in documenting
appearances of rare birds by photographing and tape-recording
them. From the late 1970s until the late 1980s, most of Greg's
wildlife photography focused on documenting rarities and obtaining
slides of birds to illustrate his lectures for Audubon Societies or
other nature-oriented groups. In 1988, Greg took some photos of the
Golden-cheeked Warbler, an endangered species which nests only
in Texas. One of these photos was published on the cover of a
birding guide-book, which led to other requests to publish Greg's
bird photos. In the next several years many of Greg's photos were
published in Texas Highways Magazine, Texas Parks and Wildlife
Magazine, American Birds, Wildlife Conservation, and a few of other
publications. After these initial publication successes, Greg became
more serious about his photography. Over the next few years he
continually upgraded his camera equipment, developed the skills
necessary to become a good wildlife photographer, and traveled the
state of Texas and much of the United States photographing birds.
Through the 1990s, hundreds of his photos found their way into
various publications. In 2000, Greg, along with Larry Ditto of
McAllen, Texas, a fellow photographer and friend, entered the Valley
Land Fund Wildlife Photo Contest as partners. The contest is a six-
month-long wildlife photo competition in far south Texas.
Participants included more than 100 other accomplished
photographers from around the country. Greg and Larry spent long
hours on a single piece of land, working to capture wildlife images
in 50 different categories. This contest forced Greg out of his
"photographic comfort zone" of birds and into the world of spiders,
dragonflies, mammals, and other types of wildlife. Greg and Larry
won first place in this prestigious contest in 2000 and finished third
in 2002. Since then Greg has continued to branch out with his
photography, finding new subjects at which to aim a lens.
Dragonflies and damselflies have been a favorite subject for him in
recent years, however birds are still a prime focus as well. Greg's
photo credits now exceed 2000 published images in more than 100
books and different magazines. Please see Greg's photo image
use page for a listing of these publication credits.
Greg spent 25 years in law enforcement, retiring from the Austin
Police Department in 1997 as a lieutenant. From 1997 through early
2005 he divided his time between photographing wildlife and
leading bird-watching trips over much of the western hemisphere for
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours. He had also led trips for VENT part-
time from 1985 to 1997. In March, 2005, Greg decided to take a
sabbatical from regular tour leading and now concentrates on
photography and other wildlife pursuits. He still leads occasional
trips for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT). His photos appear
regularly in a variety of nature and wildlife-oriented books and
magazines. He and his wife, Cheryl Johnson, reside in Austin,
Texas.
September 20, 2007
Lynn Barber
Great Big Year of Texas Birding
Lynn Barber spoke about the highlights of her record-breaking
Texas Big Year in 2005 and will show pictures of some of the birds
seen and the sites visited. During that year, she drove more than
90,000 miles and observed 522 bird species in Texas. Her quest, in
a year with a remarkable influx of birds from the south, took her to
practically every nook, canyon, forest, and beach in Texas.
Lynn has been a birdwatcher/birder since she was seven years old,
and has birded across much of the United States and in many other
countries. She has given many talks about her birding travels, and
since her big year in 2005, she has spoken to many groups about
the experience. She has also taught a number of courses in
beginning birding at local colleges.
She was born in Wisconsin and has lived in Alaska, Oregon, North
Carolina and, since 2000, Texas. She is a registered patent attorney
in solo practice in Fort Worth. She has a Ph.D. in bacteriology from
the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a JD from Duke University
Law School (1985). She has been active in local Audubon
organizations for many years, and is currently president elect of the
Texas Ornithological Society and past-president of the Fort Worth
Audubon Society.
Information about birds she saw in her big year and a few pictures
of them, as well bird lists for some of the other years since she’s
been in Texas can be found at www.lynnbarber.com
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Jeffrey Green and David Bamberger
"Award-winning author Jeffrey Greene provides a portrait, by turns
lyrical and provocative, of J. David Bamberger’s unlikely transform-
ation from first, a vacuum cleaner salesman, then co-founder and
CEO of Church’s Fried Chicken, to a locally and internationally
recognized conservationist. In fact, Greene tells two integrally related
stories: the evolution of one man’s business sense, applying profit
incentives to land restoration and nature conservancy; and the
creation of a Texas Hill Country preserve where he effectively
demonstrates his own principles, prevailing over skeptics.”
- From the book jacket of Water from Stone.
Jeffrey Green received his PhD from the University of Houston. He is
the author of the memoir French Spirits, appearing in nine countries,
and three collections of poetry. He is the winner of the Discovery/
The Nation Award and the Randall Jarrell Prize and has been
supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Connecticut
Commission on the Arts, and the Rinehart Fund.
Texas conservationist J. David Bamberger will speak about his work
and his ranch, which is open to visitors for selected tours,
educational workshops, and field days. Bamberger bought what he
describes as “the sorriest piece of land in Blanco County” and spent
decades restoring the ecological balance of 5,500 acres that had
been virtually destroyed by more than a century of misuse. Naming
his preserve Selah, from the Old Testament term meaning “pause
and reflect,” Bamberger dedicates himself and his resources to
protecting species and educating school children, conservation
groups, government officials, and everyone else who will listen to
his central message: We must take care of the earth, and anyone
can help. David and his wife, Margaret, have received many awards,
and he has been featured in The New Yorker, in Audubon, and on
CNN and network news. Copies of Water from Stone will be
available for signing and purchase at the meeting.
__________________________
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Dwight Wilson
Exploring Nature through Tracks and Sign
Have you ever wondered who left those footprints in the mud or what
prompted a robin's alarm call? Dwight Wilson will share his
experiences exploring nature through reading the tracks and signs
that are left behind. He will share personal stories and photographs.
Learn how birds lend an amazing element to tracking because they
vocalize what is going on in the forest floor. It is possible for you to
understand the signs that nature gives and add a new dimension to
your outdoor experiences.
Dwight Wilson has over 20 years of tracking experience with wildlife
and humans, and has trained with Charles Worsham, Paul
Rezendes, Stanley Liston, Nate Kempton, Jon Young’s Wilderness
Awareness School, and Tom Brown’s Tracker School. He has been
asked to provide his services for the National Park Service, Texas
law enforcement officers, and the Dallas FBI (ERT). He also gives
classes on wildlife tracking and behavior, land navigation, and
wilderness survival.
From the TAS office on nature tracking:
On-line resources:
www.princeton.edu/~oa/nature/tracking.shtml The Outdoor Action
program at Princeton University, this site includes a section on
animal tracking with very detailed guides, instructions, tracking
cards, and more.
www.bear-tracker.com/birds.html This commercial site features bird
tracks including excellent images of 16 species’ tracks. It also has
sections on tracks of many mammals, some reptiles, and other
animals.
On-line for kids:
www.concord.org/~btinker/guide/tracks/tracks_activities.html
From the Concord Consortium, a nonprofit educational organization,
a set of interactive activities and “lessons” that teach tracking and
will definitely appeal to kids.
Recommended reading:
- Field Trips: Bug Hunting, Animal Tracking, Bird-watching, Shore
- Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American Species by
- Peterson Field Guide to Animal Tracks: Third Edition, by Peterson
- Tracking and the Art of Seeing: How to Read Animal Tracks and
__________________________
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Mike Leggett, Austin American-Statesman
Birding in a Hunting World
Leggett will be talking about bird watching in a hunting world. He
writes, "I've come to appreciate birds more and more over the years
and they add a dimension to hunting that makes it that much more
enjoyable for me. Birding and hunting are compatible in any number
of ways and we'll talk about how that works and how it could work
even better." He will also present a short slide show of wildlife
photos. he has taken during hunting trips.
Mike Leggett has been Outdoor Writer at Austin American-
Statesman since 1985. Prior to that he was a news editor at the
Houston Post and managing editor at Huntsville Item and Marshall
News Messenger. Leggett has received Associated Press Managing
Editors and Sports Editors awards for column writing, environmental
stories on endangered species and canned hunting, and Dallas
Press Club awards for stories on Texas Parks and Wildlife. He lives
in Burnet County with wife Rana and three dogs.
__________________________
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Richard Donovan, Texas Committee on Natural Resources
Paddling the Wild Neches
This talk and slide presentation chronicles Donovan's 235-mile
canoe trip down the Neches River from U. S. 175, just northwest of
Jacksonville, downriver to B. A. Steinhagan Lake. The purpose of the
24-day camping trip was to call attention to the natural beauty of the
area that threads the very heart of the Central Flyway and to create
an awareness of the great variety of birds and animals that inhabit
the water and the hardwood bottomland forest along the river's
trace. Donovan writes, "I was totally surprised at the abundance and
variety of the birds and animals that crossed in the front of the canoe
each day. I was also surprised at the wildness, remoteness, and
beauty that still exist along much of the Neches bottomland forest."
A Texas native, Donovan chairs the Texas Committee on Natural
Resources' Forest Task Force. His book, Paddling the Wild Neches,
published in May 2006 by Texas A&M University Press, is now in its
2nd printing. The Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club awarded him
the Evelyn R. Edens Award, and the National Wildlife Federation
named him a Conservation Hero for his efforts to protect the Neches
and the 200 species of trees, 300 species of birds, 50 species of
animals and countless species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles
that live in the river and its bottomland hardwood habitat.
__________________________
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Mark McClelland, TAS Member
Birding Panama's Canopy Lodge and Canopy Tower
TAS members Mark and Teri McClelland spent 10 days at Canopy
Tower and Canopy Lodge this past January (2006), and took
hundreds of digital and digi-scoped photos of the accommodations,
surroundings, plants, insects, reptiles, mammals, and (mostly!)
birds. Panama is a wonderful destination for tropical birding, and
Canopy Tower is the country’s top birding location. Canopy Lodge
was newly opened at the time of their visit, but is quickly becoming a
top birding destination as well. Mark’s presentation will focus on the
various habitats visited during their stay, and the birds and other
treasures located in those areas. He’ll also discuss accommo-
dations at the Tower and Lodge, the guides, the food, and anything
else that potential visitors might be interested in exploring. Mark has
lived in central Texas since 1968, and became interested in birding
at the age of 20. He has taken nearly all of the TAS birding classes,
and has led field trips to Bastrop and Pedernales Falls. Their trip to
Panama was the third tropical birding trip taken by Mark and Teri.
They had previously visited and birded Trinidad/Tobago and Belize.
_________________________
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Alicia Craig, American Bird Conservancy
The Mexican Grasslands Project
Alicia Craig will talk about an area, located near the city of Saltillo in
northern Mexico, that is a biologically rich grassland owned by
private individuals and communities, and is threatened by
conversion to potato farming. The Saltillo Savannas comprise a
patchwork of key grassland sites maintained as shortgrass prairie
by the grazing of the endangered Mexican prairie dog. Several
migratory bird species of conservation concern are dependent on
these grasslands, including globally significant concentrations of
the Mountain Plover (11% of the global population) and Long-billed
Curlew (15% of the global population). The endangered Worthen’s
Sparrow has its global stronghold in the area. Other priority birds in
the area include Burrowing Owls, Sprague’s Pipits, and Ferruginous
Hawks. The presentation includes photographs of these key bird
species and the significance of the conservation work in the area.
Alicia Frances Craig is Director of the Bird Conservation Alliance for
the American Bird Conservancy. The Bird Conservation Alliance is a
network of organizations whose focus is the conservation, study,
and observation of birds. More information about the Mexican
grasslands project is at Bird Conservation Alliance.
_________________________
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Walt Dabney, Director of State Parks
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Dabney's presentation is an overview of the park idea, the purpose
of parks, the Texas State Park System, the economic importance of
parks, the budget problems in the park system, and the future
needs of parks in Texas. Dabney is responsible for 8 regions, 120
state parks, and over 1,200 employees. Texas has the third largest
state park operation in the US.
From the TAS office on public parks:
On-line resources:
www.environmenttexas.org
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
www.texasoutside.com/parks.htm
www.wildtexas.com/parks
Recommended reading:
- The Future of the Wild: Radical Conservation for a Crowded World
by Jonathan S. Adams (Beacon, 2006) - The Invention of the Park by John Wills and Karen Jones (Polity,
2005) - “Once Again, Why Public Parks? The Meaning of Nature:
Wilderness, Wildlife, and Ecological Values in the National
Parks,” article by James A. Pritchard (PDF file) - Our National Parks by John Muir (Houghton Mifflin, 1901)
- Parks & Recreation, the journal of the National Recreation and
Park Association (www.nrpa.org)
__________________________
Bird of the Big Woods: An Ivory-Bill in the 21st Century
Thursday, May 18, 2006
David Luneau, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Travis Audubon is delighted to bring to Austin, for our last member-
ship meeting until Fall, a key member of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker
research team, who will speak about the search. David Luneau was
a member of the core team on the recent year-long search for the
Ivory-billed Woodpecker in eastern Arkansas and is a veteran of
previous ivory-bill searches. He confirmed the rediscovery of the
ivory-billed woodpecker in the Big Woods of eastern Arkansas in
2004 with the only video ever taken of the bird. Previously, he was a
member of the six-person international team that searched the
Pearl River area of Louisiana in 2002, and he organized and led a
search for the woodpecker in the White River National Wildlife
Refuge in 2003. He continues to search for the bird, and he serves
on the species recovery team for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
From the TAS office on Ivory-billed Woodpeckers:
About the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (IBWO):
- Latin name: Campephilus principalis
- Status: Rediscovered or extinct?
- Threats: Loss of habitat
- Habitat: Mature forests, esp. cypress swamps, large hardwoods
- Where: Formerly in Eastern Texas and Southeast U.S.; Cuba
Did you know that IBWOs …
- Are 18-20 inches in size (wingspan about 30 inches)
- Eat insects, fruit, and nuts
- May mate for life
- Have a bill (in adults) more than 7 cms. long
Recommended reading:
The Grail Bird: Hot on the Trail of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, by
Tim Gallagher (Houghton Mifflin, 2005)
The Race to Save the Lord God Bird, by Phillip Hoose (Farrar,
Straus & Giroux, 2004)
In Search of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, by Jerome A. Jackson
(Smithsonian Books, 2004)
Big Woods Bird: An Ivory-bill Story, by Terri Roberts Luneau (Kury
Lane, 2005) [for children]
Web sites:
www.ibwo.org David Luneau’s site
www.ivorybill.org The Big Woods Conservation Partnership
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/ivory/rediscovery/ Rediscovering the
Ivory-billed Woodpecker
www.livescience.com/animalworld/060316_woodpecker_debate.
html Current state of the debate
Joining the search:
The Arkansas Field Office of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has
issued a set of guidelines for those considering a visit to look for the
IBWO. Seasonal and other restrictions apply. The Web site includes
links to Cache River and White River National Wildlife Refuges with
maps, suggested viewing areas, and more:
www.fws.gov/arkansas%2Des/BigWoodsBirding
__________________________
Black-capped Vireos in Northern Mexico
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Craig Farquhar, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
The Black-capped Vireo (BCVI) is a special bird to Central Texans
and we delight in seeing it in our area. But only sparse information
is available on Mexican populations of the federally endangered
BCVI during the breeding season. Breeding habitat and a handful of
nests had been described only from northern Coahuila, prior to a
collaborative study by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and
the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, México. This
4-year project, funded by the Endangered Species Act, began in
2001 and was recently concluded. Researchers, including
Farquhar, now have significant new data on habitat, nesting,
geographic distribution, and conservation threats for breeding
populations of this species as far south as SW Tamaulipas. These
new data offer advantages and challenges to the conservation of
this federally endangered species, and Farquhar will discuss these
topics with special attention to the BCVI’s recovery and listing status.
From the TAS office on Black-capped Vireos:
About the Black-capped Vireo (BCVI)
Latin name: Vireo atricapillus
Status: Endangered (on U.S. and Texas lists)
Threats: Loss of habitat; Brown-headed Cowbirds
Habitat: Low thickets in scrub-oak woodlands, arid hills
Where: Largest concentration of BCVIs is in Central Texas
Did you know that BCVIs …
- Nest in Texas April - July
- Winter on the western coast of Mexico
- Build cup nests only 2-4 feet from the ground
- Live 5-6 years
- Return year after year to the same area to nest
Some places to look for the BCVI in Texas:
- Black Gap Wildlife Management Area
- Colorado Bend State Park
- Devils River State Natural Area
- Kerr Wildlife Management Area
- South Llano River SP
- Balcones Canyonlands NWR
- Government Canyon SP
- Buck Wildlife Management Area
On-line information about the BCVI:
animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu
www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr
www.friendsofbalcones.org/birding.htm
www.fws.gov/endangered/
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/species/bcv/
On-line images of the BCVI:
www.greglasley.net/bcvireo.html
www.windowsonnature.com
_________________________
Backyard Wildlife Habitats
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Bill Stout, National Wildlife Federation
The Backyard Wildlife Habitat program gives people the knowledge
to turn their backyards into valuable wildlife refuges and teaches
them the rewards of connecting with nature by inviting wildlife into
their lives. Through this program people learn that habitat
restoration is critical for wildlife survival in urban and suburban
settings, where commercial and residential development has
eliminated most natural areas.
From the TAS office on backyard habitats:
On-line resources:
- www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat National Wildlife Federation’
s rich resource page covers how to get started, how to attract
wildlife, tips and field guides, how to get your yard certified by
NWF, and more - www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/wildscapes Texas Parks &
Wildlife Department’s Texas Wildscapes program on habitat
restoration and conservation plan for rural and urban areas - www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/WildHab.html The U.S.
Dept. of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service
Recommended reading:
- Kids' Easy-to-Create Wildlife Habitats: For Small Spaces in City-
Suburbs-Countryside by Emily Stetson et alia (Williamson, 2004)
[for kids aged 9-12]
- National Wildlife Federation Attracting Birds, Butterflies & Backyard
Wildlife by David Mizejewski (Creative Homeowner, 2004)
- The Natural Habitat Garden by Ken Druse (Timber, 2004)
- Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife by Noreen Damude and
Kelly Conrad Bender (Texas Parks and Wildlife Press, 1999)
Related local organizations:
- Capital Area Master Naturalists www.camn.org
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center www.wildflower.org
- Native Plant Society of Texas www.npsot.org
- National Wildlife Federation Gulf States Natural Resource Center
www.nwf.org
__________________________
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Texas
Thursday, February 16, 2006
John C. Abbott, University of Texas
The last five years have seen an amazing increase in the interest
surrounding dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) in the United
States. As with birds and butterflies, Texas is a fabulous place to
observe and learn about these insects. There are 223 species of
Odonata (over half the North American fauna) known from Texas
and more are being discovered every year. John will provide an
introduction to the behavior, life history, and biogeography of this
group, with special emphasis on Texas and Austin area species.
He will also discuss how this growing interest in odonates can be
utilized by scientists through citizen science projects. Abbott's book,
on Dragonflies and Damselflies of Texas and the South-central
United States, will be available at the presentation.
From the TAS Office on odonates:
What is a dragonfly (or damselfly)?
In a sentence, it’s a large, predatory, aquatic insect with two pairs of
net-like wings.
Major organizations and their Web sites:
- Dragonfly Society of the Americas
- International Odonata Research Institute
- Worldwide Dragonfly Association
On-line resources and images:
- Dragonflies and Damselflies of North America (Abbott's site)
- U.S. Geological Survey’s Northern Prairie Wildlife Research
Center (distribution maps, checklists, and much more) - Damselflies of Texas (images)
- Digital Dragonfly Museum (images)
- Digital Dragonflies (images)
- www.uta.edu/biology/robinson/bocanegra/images.htm (images
plus checklists of dragonflies of Texas and damselflies of Texas)
Recommended reading:
A Dazzle of Dragonflies, by Forrest Mitchell and James Lasswell
(Texas A & M University Press, 2005)
Dragonflies and Damselflies of Texas and the South-Central United
States: Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico,
edited by John C. Abbott (Princeton University Press, 2005)
Dragonflies through Binoculars: A Field Guide to Dragonflies of
North America, by Sidney Dunkle (University of Oxford Press, 2000)
Dragonflies (Wild Guide), by Cynthia Berger (Stackpole Books, 2004)
Did you know?
Dragonflies and damselflies have popular colloquial names such
as darner, darning needle, devil's darning needle, mosquito fly,
mosquito hawk, needle, skeeter hawk, and spindle.
_________________________
Native Prairies in Central Texas
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Jason Spangler, Native Prairies Association of Texas
"Prairie" is defined as a diverse community of native plants and
wildlife, dominated by native grasses and flowers in successions
throughout the year with sparse to few trees. Prairie once made up
over half of Travis County and most of Williamson County, but now is
almost completely gone due to plowing for both fertile soils and
development. The tallgrass prairie is the most endangered large
ecosystem in North America with less than 1% remaining, and even
less is left of Texas' own Blackland Prairie. Grassland birds, whose
native habitat is the prairie, have shown more declines than any
other group of North American species. We need to protect what
little remains of our prairies as habitat for the birds, other wildlife,
and native plants that live there, and restore prairie to recreate
habitat that has been lost. Jason's presentation will give an overview
of Texas's Blackland, Grand, and Coastal Prairies, grassland birds
whose habitat is the prairie, and highlight the few remaining prairie
remnants in the central Texas area that need protection.
From the TAS Office on prairies:
Read the Austin Chronicle's December 22, 2005 feature on prairies,
"Dreaming of Buffalo," in which Jason Spangler and other local
experts discuss Texas prairies.
Prairie definitions (from the Environmental Literacy Council)
• Tallgrass prairie: The tallgrass prairie in the easternmost third of
the Great Plains is predominantly made up of Indian grass,
switchgrass, and especially, big bluestem. The tallgrass prairie has
much taller and denser grasses than the western prairies. An acre
of intact tallgrass hosts between 200-400 species of native plants -
3 out of 4 of them wildflowers.
• Mixed-grass prairie: Here the soil is less productive and native
grasses don't grow as tall. This section is known as the mixed-
grass prairie and is basically a transition zone between the tall
grasses of the Midwest and the very short grasses that lie just east
of the Rocky Mountains. Typical grasses of the mixed-grass prairie
are little bluestem, green needlegrass, and prairie dropseed.
• Shortgrass prairie: The far western prairie in the shadow of the
Rockies is the shortgrass prairie. This region is dominated by
drought tolerant plants that grow only 6-12 inches high. The
dominant grasses are blue gamma and buffalo grass. Sagebrush
and other shrubs are numerous and cacti are fairly common.
Major organizations:
- Native Prairies Association of Texas
- Friends of the Prairie Learning Center
- The Prairie Enthusiasts
General information on prairies:
- National Park Service Tallgrass Prairie
Recommended reading:
The Tallgrass Restoration Handbook: For Prairies, Savannas, and
Woodlands ed. by Stephen Packard & Cornelia Mutel (Island, 1997)
Tallgrass Prairie Wildflowers: A Field Guide by Doug Ladd (Falcon,
1995)
Where the Sky Began: Land of the Tallgrass Prairie by John Madsen
(University of Iowa Press, 2004)
__________________________
Watching Hummingbirds in Texas: Better than Reality TV
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Cliff Shackelford, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Cliff discussed the new book (of which he is senior author),
Hummingbirds of Texas: With Their New Mexico and Arizona
Ranges (2005, Texas A&M University Press). He also covered the
detailed lives of several of our state's hummingbirds by poking fun
at the titles of several reality television shows, in a humorous as
well as informative presentation. Cliff and one of his collaborators
on the new book were on hand to sign copies, which was for sale by
the Naturally Curious bookstore. Royalties from book sales go back
into the TPWD's Hummingbird Roundup Program.
From the TAS Office on hummingbirds:
- The major organization is the Hummingbird Society.
- The Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory has excellent
information on seeing hummers in Arizona.
- Texas Parks & Wildlife's Hummingbird Roundup Program has a
wonderful, rich resource on Gardening for Hummingbirds.
- In a hurry? Read the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center's brief on
gardening for and safely feeding hummingbirds (PDF file).
- Amazing on-line images of hummer nestlings - a must-see.
Did you know that hummingbirds:
- Generally weigh 2 to 20 grams
- Number approximately 330 species
- Feed on nectar and insects
- Can fly up, down, left, right or hovering
- Have feet designed for perching, not walking
- Live only in the Western Hemisphere
- 28 species are endangered or vulnerable
A few recommended books:
Hummingbirds of Texas: With Their New Mexico and Arizona
Ranges, Shackelford et al., Texas A&M University Press, 2005
Hummingbirds of North America: The Photographic Guide, Steve
Howell, Princeton University Press, 2003
A Field Guide to Hummingbirds of North America (Peterson Field
Guides), Sheri Williamson, Houghton Mifflin, 2002
Hummingbirds of North America, Paul A. Johnsgard, Smithsonian
Books, 1997
Hummingbirds: Their Life and Behavior, Esther Quesada Tyrrell,
Crown, 1985
__________________________
Bird Window Kills in Downtown Austin and Beyond
Thursday, October 20, 2005
David W. Hall, University of Texas
Annual U.S. window-kill mortality is estimated to be 100 million
birds or more. Dave presented his ongoing research that seeks to
reduce window kills in general and to determine the extent of
window kills in Austin. He also discussed how Travis Audubon
members can help with these projects, such as adopting a
particular Austin building to monitor or monitoring a site for specific
dates each year. Dave welcomes you to contact him at davehall(at)
uts.cc.utexas.edu.
A senior lecturer in biological sciences at the University of Texas at
Austin, Dave also talked about UT's collection of "study skins," a
teaching collection of preserved birds.
From the TAS Office on window collisions:
This is one of first research articles on avian window collisions, by
scholar Daniel Klem, Jr.:
"Bird-Window Collisions," Wilson Bulletin 101: 4 (1989) [PDF file]
Organizations doing key work on window kills and to informational
reading (including preventative how-tos):
- Chicago Bird Collision Monitors
- Toronto’s Fatal Light Awareness Program
- Birds and Buildings
On-line reading materials:
- “Window Collisions” from Bird Conservation Network
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology's “How To Avoid Window Collisions”
- Audubon’s “Minimizing Window Collisions”
| Click below for a Yahoo map of our meeting location. |
We are very grateful to
LCRA for hosting our
general membership
meeting in their fine
facility. Please visit the
Lower Colorado River
Authority Web site to
learn about their work.
LCRA for hosting our
general membership
meeting in their fine
facility. Please visit the
Lower Colorado River
Authority Web site to
learn about their work.
Scroll down this page to
read about recent past
meetings
read about recent past
meetings
- Exploring Nature through
Tracks and Sign - Birding in a Hunting World
- Paddling the Wild Neches
- Birding Panama's Canopy
Lodge and Canopy Tower - Mexican Grasslands
Project - Texas State Parks
- Ivory-billed Woodpeckers
- Black-capped Vireos
- Backyard Habitats
- Dragons and Damselflies
- Native Prairies
- Hummingbirds
- Bird Window Collisions
Travis Audubon Meetings
| Male Wild Turkeys in display; found in Texas all seasons. |
As a service to Austin
and the surrounding
communities, our
general membership
meetings - each
featuring an expert
speaker - are free and
open to the public.
and the surrounding
communities, our
general membership
meetings - each
featuring an expert
speaker - are free and
open to the public.
| Give Us a Try |
| Next Meeting: January 15, 2009 Doors open at 6:30 pm for social time Speaker: Ted Lee Eubanks |
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