Archives

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#003333" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="096d4c00dduajq.gif"> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="95" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 46 WIDTH="91"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="46" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="91" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id53.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bill Lindemann"><U>Bill Lindemann</U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#003333" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Best of Texas Nature Writing . . . </B></FONT>     |     <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Best of Texas Nature Writing . . . "><U>home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id55.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Current Column"><U>Current Column</U></A>   |   <B>Archives</B></div> <div> Archives</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Scissor-tailed Flycatchers</B></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> August 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <div>      The arrival of the sleek and beautiful Scissor-tailed Flycatchers in April is a sure sign that spring has "sprung." The appearance of additional large numbers of these flycatchers in August and September is a sign that the fall migration season is beginning. After spending the summer raising their young throughout Texas and Oklahoma, these birds are beginning to respond to the instincts that tell them to prepare for the trip to Mexico and beyond.</div> <bR> <div>      One of the factors birds apparently use to gauge the right time to move south is the decreasing hours of daylight. Migration south is not based on the general cooling of the days. Here in Texas, August and September can be very hot months. Scissor-tails tend to migrate in small groups rather than large flocks and migrate over land rather than the Gulf of Mexico, so they can feed as they travel.</div> <bR> <div>      For the next month a trip into the country and even along the edges of cities and towns there will be increasing numbers of scissor-tails appearing. One interesting aspect of their migration is that they tend to group up at roosting time. One can imagine that this communal roosting gives the participants an opportunity to "discuss" the summers events, and maybe even brag on the success of their families; however, the real reason lies in an apparent feeling of safety in numbers.</div> <bR> <div>      One of the differences between fall and spring is that many of the fall birds have shorter tails and may not appear as sleek as in their spring breeding plumage. The shorter tails reflect the large number of youngsters who won't grow their long black and white tail feathers until their late winter molt. Females generally have shorter tail feathers and some of the males may be molting or showing signs of territory battles when they may have lost a few feathers.</div> <bR> <div>      One way to locate a fall roosting tree is to find a large number of the long tail feathers on the ground. You will likely hear and see the commotion that goes on in the roost trees before you spot the dropped feathers. Noisy birds during their breeding season, this noise doesn't wane in the fall. Remember that it is against the law to collect feathers of birds other than game birds. Once in a while there is a story about someone in trouble with the law over using wild bird feathers in hats, or jewelry, or other accessories.</div> <div> Using common sense in your judgment about this matter should keep you out of trouble.</div> <bR> <div>      A few weeks ago I wrote a column about birds with "attitudes." Scissor-tailed Flycatchers belong to a family called "tyrant flycatchers." They might be small, but they are very feisty, particularly when the time comes to defend their territories from intruders. They along with their cousins, the kingbirds, lead the charge against hawks and larger birds who cross their territories.</div> <bR> <div>      Over the next month watch the telephone, powerline, and fence wires for small groups of scissor-tails. They might hang around for a couple of days before moving a few miles closer to their winter grounds in southern Mexico and Central America. A few stragglers may stay around until November. After they have all gone south, we can spend the winter anticipating their return</div> <div> in the spring.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Cardinals</B></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> August 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>      Northern Cardinal While picnicking at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park today, someone pointed out a Northern Cardinal, a.k.a. "redbird," or just "cardinal," working over a parked car's side-view mirror. Unhappy with the fact that a "competitor male" had apparently entered into his territory, he felt compelled to run this intruder off. Every year I receive telephone calls from readers asking advice on stopping cardinals from pecking at one or more windows at their house. The callers want to know what is wrong with the bird and also how to solve the problem. </div> <bR> <div>      The bird's behavior is not much different from human reactions when some little thing begins as an irritation and becomes an obsession. After seeing his (sometimes her) own image in the car mirror or window and not being able to make it go away, the bird, too, becomes totally determined to chase the other "bird" away. Once the obsession sets in, there is nothing you can do to convince the cardinal that the mirror or windows are playing tricks on him. In time the bird gives up, probably conceding to the tireless challenger. However, the cardinal may move on from one mirror or window to another. The birds have been known to persist at a window for a week. </div> <bR> <div>      Despite this little quirk, cardinals are among the most admired and recognized wildlife in our country. Except for those people who live in the northwestern part of our country where the cardinal is not found, the rest of us more or less take this bird for granted. I have had friends from the Pacific Northwest comment on how stunning this bird is and how they can't watch it enough. We see it and think, "Oh, its just a redbird," or not pay any attention at all. Sometimes when I see a particularly vivid bird, I catch myself admiring it and its beauty, realizing then, how easy it is to ignore it on a daily basis. </div> <bR> <div>      I always thought that the general color of cardinals was more or less the same, but while birding a few years ago in southeast Arizona, I noticed the birds there were a more intense red. A few locals reminded me that their cardinals were redder than all other cardinals in the country. I tended to agree with them, making the stipulation that I had not conducted any color studies of our country's cardinals. </div> <bR> <div>      Not only are these red birds with black faces colorful, but they also have very pleasant songs with which to serenade us in the mornings and evenings. Their songs that include, "Cheer, cheer, cheer," or "purty, purty, purty" have a peaceful sound. They afford a wonderful combination of sight and sound. </div> <bR> <div>      The bird is so admired and loved that seven of our states have named it their state bird. If you are a St. Louis baseball fan, or live in a town whose school mascot is the cardinal, love of the bird takes on an added dimension. Considering the love and affection around for this bird, I think we can afford some sympathy for its obsessive, misguided challenges to its own image-even when they occur for days at our windows or car mirrors. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="0dea17b0.jpg" border=0 width="417" height="379" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>More on Hummingbirds</B></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> June 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>      Last Sunday I spent some time in Vahn Adams backyard near Johnson City admiring his two hummingbird visitors from Central America. I was lucky to get a good photograph of the mature Green Violet-ear hummingbird. Although Green Violet-ears seem to show up almost every summer in the Hill Country, the Adam's visitors were special in several ways. They were the first pair (not necessarily a mated pair) to appear at a feeder at the same time, and they have stayed for 16 days. Often these birds are skittish of people being around, but the presence of birders did not appear to affect them.</div> <bR> <div>      The Adamses moved back to their hometown last year after retirement and have a very nice place for birds to congregate. When the violet-ears were not commanding center stage, there were Painted Buntings, Lesser Goldfinches, Black-chinned Hummingbirds and many of the other local birds coming in for a bit to eat, or a sip of water. As the Adamses add native plants and increase cover and food plants, even more birds will come calling.</div> <bR> <div>      In the 16 days they were in the Adam's backyard, more than 100 birders from around Texas came to see them. Adams had inquires from interested birders from as far away as New York. Those people who came to Johnson City in most cases not only saw the birds, but also had good looks at them. Seeing them around the feeders with our Black-chinned Hummingbirds left no question about the visitors being different from our hummers. The violet-ear's larger size and dark plumage definitely set them apart.</div> <bR> <div>       Hopefully the birds will not be frightened away by a thunderstorm passing through the Johnson City area at the present time. If they do not return to the Adams' back yard, they might be calling on your feeders. Keep a vigilant eye on the feeders for the next month or so for them.</div> <bR> <div>      On Saturday, I had the pleasure to visit the Nature Conservancy's Love Creek Preserve near Medina with the Hill Country master naturalist's organization. I got to experience a first for me in seeing a hummingbird nest with two eggs in it. The nest was on a sycamore tree limb about six feet above Love Creek. One of the master naturalists saw the female Black-chinned Hummingbird leave the nest as we passed by. I have found several nests, but never containing eggs. The nest is made of plant down and spider webs. The top opening was about the size of a quarter coin. The two white eggs were larger than I would have expected for such a tiny bird. Another egg would have been capacity for the nest.</div> <bR> <div>      Hummingbirds stick small lichen and moss fragments on the nest to give it excellent camouflage. The builder had the nest well anchored with spider web "guy-wires" to keep it solidly in place. The nest is built to allow for expansion as the offspring grow larger. The size of the opening can double by the time the young birds fledge.</div> <bR> <div>      Please check with Vahn Adams (telephone: 830-868-2558) about the presence of the Green Violet-ears before traveling toJohnson City. Again I extend thanks on behalf of all of the visiting birders to the Adamses for sharing their unusual visitors.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="0da2c2a0.gif" border=0 width="300" height="298" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Green Heron</B></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> June 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div>      Lurking somewhere along a water area near you this summer will be the smallest of the shore patrol of egrets and herons stealthily searching for a fish, frog, large insect or anything else looking attractive - as a meal. Most of the Green Heron's length (size) is divided among its feet, neck and bill; what is left could be described as "chunky." Egrets and herons could best be described as appearing graceful rather than being beautiful, but the Green Heron has a colorful array of plumage feathers.</div> <bR> <div>      Its former name, "Green-backed Heron," more aptly describes its appearance, as most of the remaining parts of the heron are chestnut-brown, yellow and orange. Its back is more blue-green than green coloring which looks good with its dark crown. Its breast is a rich chestnut color that contrasts with its whitish belly. Mother Nature gave it a light central breast stripe to help it blend into the grassy areas where it hunts. The bird's feet are generally yellowish green, but during the breeding season the male's legs</div> <div> turn orange.</div> <bR> <div>      Young Green Herons have streaked breast pattering, which helps them hide from their predators until they have learned all the survival skills. Nature has many schemes to protect young and immature birds and animals. Most prevalent it is plumage camouflage, but other protection schemes include young being odorless to avoid leaving any scent. A bird's greatest survival</div> <div> risk is during its earliest days of existence.</div> <bR> <div>      The Green Heron is a summer resident of the eastern one-half of the country, in the southwest area and along the western coast. It winters in Florida, the Gulf coast, northwest Mexico and up the Pacific coast. A couple winters ago, one decided it was not up to traveling south and settled in at the lake in Lady Bird Johnson Park in Fredericksburg. We had a light winter (did it know this in advance?) and it survived in good shape. Often wildlife seem to be better long range weather forecasters than humans.</div> <bR> <div>      Most summers I have had one set up territory along Live Oak Creek on my place, so I have enjoyed watching it hunt along the water's edge. The viewing is best when it thinks that I haven't seen him and he goes through his normal hunting routine. Ever vigilant for anything that moves in or near the water, this heron displays extreme patience and goes into his super slow motion mode. His neck is coiled and ready to strike whenever his prey gets within reach. With feet firmly planted, the head and bill propel forward into the fish or small frog. Success reigns more often than failure.</div> <bR> <div>      If you surprise a Green Heron while it is hunting, the bird will let out a loud "skee-op" as it takes flight. It also sends out a burst of "white-wash" as it gets airborne; maybe the heron uses this action much like our spacecraft use rocket boosters on take-off. This act has brought the bird some less than desirable nick-names, but to them making a successful escape is more important than picking up a colorful name. Green Herons take refuge in trees during the day to sleep and rest until they are ready to resume hunting.</div> <bR> <div>      If you see one of these diminutive herons, take some time and watch it perform its slow motion, sneak up and attack routines. You will enjoy, if you are as patient as the hunter.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Exotic Birds in the Hill Country</B></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> May 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <div>      Occasionally I get reports from readers of sightings of unusual birds here in the Hill Country. Generally they are parrots or parakeets that have likely escaped from their keepers, but sometimes other species are seen. Most of these birds have been introduced into the pet trade from foreign countries, some legally and some illegally. Most of the escapees do not survive long in the wild because they can't find adequate food, or they become prey to predators.</div> <bR> <div>      I have read that approximately a million birds are brought into our country every year and of these, one third are illegal. Many of the smuggled birds do not survive their transport. Because many of these birds command large dollar amounts, profit fuels the illegal trade. As these birds are captured for illegal trade, the species' survival in their native areas is greatly stressed.</div> <bR> <div>      Recently I learned of a Monk Parakeet being seen at a feeder in Kerrville. He was likely an escapee. Monk Parakeets have survived in some areas of the country and have formed fairly large colonies in proximity to cities. For the most part these parakeets have not been a problem, but in their native Argentina, they are considered an agricultural pest. To avoid such a problem in this country, many of these colonies have been eradicated, or their numbers reduced to the point that they are harmless to nearby agricultural business.</div> <bR> <div>      I do not think that there are enough Monk Parakeets in the Hill Country for residents to be worried about their becoming pests. There are enough backyard feeders to sustain them for a while, but their chances of survival are low. If one appears at your feeder, just enjoy it while it is visiting. Budgerigars, natives of Australia, and other common pet birds may also escape from time to time, but as with the Monk Parakeets they will not likely present any problem to our community.</div> <bR> <div>      I have had reports of strange looking duck-like geese, most often the Egyptian Goose, being seen in the area. I know that a pair has been at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in Fredericksburg for years and they have produced goslings. Offspring of these long-legged, masked geese have likely ventured away from Fredericksburg and may be found on farm and ranch ponds.</div> <div> As their numbers are very small, these birds not likely to have any impact on our native duck and geese populations.</div> <bR> <div>      I believe there is little chance exotic birds will ever become the problem that exotic animals, like blackbuck and axis deer, will become on our resident white-tailed deer population and our ecology. These animals have been introduced slowly and have adapted to the climate and plants in our region; therefore, when they escape, they are likely to reproduce in large numbers and negatively impact our region. Birds, like European Starlings and House Sparrows, which were also introduced in our country, have not only survived, but have become pests. I think they are the exception and not the rule.</div> <bR> <div>      If you find someone's "Polly" in your back yard, just enjoy it while it is there. It will not become a threat to our environment. Once these parrot family members taste freedom, they become very difficult to trap, or retrieve. Most birders do not add them to their life lists as they are out of their natural element.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>For the Love of Birds</B></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> May 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <div>      Of the 90 million people in North America who spend some time watching birds during the year, I doubt few of these birders could match the passion and love for birds that Hanna Richard had during her lifetime. Hanna left us this week, but she also left those who knew her a legacy of caring for the feathered creatures she loved, especially hummingbirds. For the past many</div> <div> years, Hanna banded hummingbirds so that ornithologists could learn more about these tiny, colorful flying machines.</div> <bR> <div>      Hanna and her husband Artie retired to Ingram from New York City and together they birded all of the special birding places in Texas and the Southwest. On short notice they would pack up and head to the place where a special or rare bird had been sighted. Being excellent birders, they generally were successful in finding their quarry. When not in pursuit of a rare bird or just making a birding trip to a special place, Hanna used her back yard as her haven to work with hummingbirds.</div> <bR> <div>      Placing a tiny band on a hummingbird's leg requires more patience that Job ever imagined. Watching Hanna handle a hummingbird was a special treat and demonstrated her love and affection for the birds as much so as a skilled nurse caring for one of her patients. Hanna would make the required measurements, identify the bird's species and gender, take its weight and place the numbered band on its leg before releasing it back to the wild. Included in this process is detailed note taking, the part that keeps me from engaging in this activity.</div> <bR> <div>      Hanna told me that her interest in banding started on Long Island in New York where she got involved with a hawk-banding program around a major airport. This adventure sparked an interest in birds that would stay with her for the rest of her life. She obtained the necessary training and licensing that is required to perform the banding operation. Scientists use the banding process to gather data on birds as well as track them in their travels. The bands, which are placed on one leg, and the banding process</div> <div> cause the birds no harm.</div> <bR> <div>      Hanna and Artie's back yard had no special features to attract hummingbirds, but in a normal summer, Hanna would band well over a thousand individuals there. We think that we are feeding just a few hummingbirds, but in fact thousands might be stopping at our feeders for a sip of sugar water. Some of Hanna's banded birds were found in places like Florida and the Pacific Northwest, so these birds drifted far from Ingram in their travels. On the other hand, she often encountered birds that she had banded in the past - some several years previously.</div> <bR> <div>      Hanna as an individual was a special person. She was one of those people who spoke her mind and generally was not one to waste words. Her stature was not tall, but that never bothered her as far as I could tell. Hanna possessed a sharp wit, one that took some time to appreciate. Her compassion and love was evident in one visit with her tending to her hummingbirds. She was</div> <div> special in so many ways and all of us who knew her will miss her spirit that set her apart. Her friends will be reminded of that spirit when they watch the birds she loved most.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Sounds of Spring and Summer</B></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> May 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <div>      Every day more and more of the summer bird residents are taking their places among the permanent residents as this is a busy time of the year for all birds. The males are trying to establish their territories, defend the territory from intruders and seek a mate while the females are looking for nest sites, adjusting their diets to produce healthy eggs and, like the males, looking for attractive mates. We as birders do not see much of what is going on in the daily lives of our bird neighbors, but we can hear them as they tune up for the summer chorus. </div> <bR> <div>      When I was out in the garden a few days ago I heard a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, my first indication that these summer birds have arrived. As this bird is also known as the "rainbird," its appearance is very timely because we need rain again. This cuckoo gets its nickname because it often calls just prior to the arrival of summer thunderstorms. I hope to hear soon the rapid staccato of "kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk" followed by a "kakakowlp-kwolp," a series which sounds as if the cuckoo it tried to swallow all of those "kuks" at one time. </div> <bR> <div>      Another spring and summer sound is Northern Mockingbird's seemingly never ending assortment of phrases, hash calls, imitated calls of other birds and general sounds the bird recently heard. When this bird does not have a mate, it might carry on this singing binge for days, not stopping even at night. It is fun to watch him add a little choreography to his concert as he rises from his perch and descends back to his perch with a few wing flutters and aerobatics. </div> <bR> <div>      The beautiful and sleek Scissor-tailed Flycatcher adds cackling sounds from a lofty perch in the area. As he gets excited in doing his song, he, like the mockingbird will take to the air and perform aerobatic maneuvers during which he opens and closes his long black and white tail feathers. It is during these flights that he displays the bright peach red colors generally hidden under his wings. The sights and sounds of this flycatcher is one of the better displays of the spring and summer. </div> <bR> <div>      As the sun sets after a long day, the Chuck-wills-widow tunes up for his all night calling sessions. A member of the nighthawk family, the Chuck-wills-widow makes a four note call which sounds like its name. I sometimes wonder when they take a break to catch a bug or two for dinner, as they can call for long periods. If the birds sets up his station near an open bedroom window, it can be a little nerve racking. Several times I have had to go out and "encourage them" to move further away so that I could get a good night's sleep. </div> <bR> <div>      Having grown up in Central Texas, I have fond memories of the summer calls of another nighthawk, the Common Nighthawk, or "bullbat." Unfortunately they are not as common in our area as they were twenty years ago, but it is always fun to hear them make their whirring and booming sounds during a dive in their flight. They seem to be more common further north than here in Central Texas.</div> <bR> <div>       I have not heard from some members of the summer chorus yet, like the Painted Bunting, but in time they will all be at their stations chiming in with songs and calls. I have mentioned only a few of the songsters, but they make for summer fun. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" ><B>Conservation and Preservation: Land Stewardship</B></FONT></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> May 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <div>      As a naturalist I am concerned about the long term vitality of the Texas Hill Country. We enjoy a wonderful natural heritage and it is important to me to do what I can to insure that our future generations have that privilege as well. Our birds and other wildlife depend on us to conserve and preserve their habitats for their future generations. </div> <bR> <div>      Last week I expressed some of my concerns about the status of the once incredible ecological diversity found in our state and mentioned a recent meeting in Blanco of organizations interested in conserving and preserving our land for future generations. Today I want to look briefly at a couple of options that we as landowners and residents can do to be better land stewards. </div> <bR> <div>      Birds and other animals need three elements to survive: food, water and cover (shelter). Two hundred years ago our state was covered with vast grassland prairies and savannahs. Today, many bird species dependant on grassland habitats are threatened. From a conservation point of view I believe that we have to take steps to return our land to conditions where the three ingredients of survival exist and flourish. Restoring our grasses provides the basic building block of good land stewardship for the future. </div> <bR> <div>      Besides being an essential part of the food chain for animals, grasses anchor the soil, allow rainwater to permeate to aquifers, restore carbon to the soils and provide cover to both plants and animals. Many years of overgrazing, conversion of grassland to farmland, and industrial and urban development have all but decimated our once thriving grasslands. Soil loss, water runoff, and the invasion of water consuming plants like juniper, have taken a toll of our Hill Country land, but hope is not lost. Restoration can be achieved as exemplified by the work done on the Bamberger Ranch Preserve near Johnson City. </div> <bR> <div>      Over 35 years ago J. David Bamberger began applying good land stewardship practices. Bamberger converted 5,000 acres of what he called the worst land in Blanco County into a thriving grassland which rejuvenated aquifers, stabilized the soil and provided food and cover not only to wildlife but domestic animals as well. Over a 30-year census survey on the ranch, the number of bird species has increased every year from less than 50 species to 169 species. The key is habitat restoration. What works on the Bamberger Ranch Preserve will work on any parcel of land of any size in the Hill Country. </div> <bR> <div>      What can we do as landowners to preserve our good native habitats? In the limited space I have, I want to introduce an option landowners might want to consider to preserve their land. Private landowners who elect to preserve the natural character of their property can work in partnership with a non-profit land trust, such as the Hill Country Land Trust, to donate a conservation easement on their property. A conservation easement is a deed restriction placed on the land to protect such resources as productive agricultural land, water, wildlife habitat, historic sites and scenic views. Over time the property may change owners, but each successive owner will be bound by the terms of the easement. </div> <bR> <div>      The Hill Country Land Trust's primary activity is to accept and hold conservation easements on appropriate properties, with an emphasis on land in a 14 county area of the Texas Hill Country. For more information on conservation easements, or alternative programs to protect land, please call 830-997-0027. Please remember that better habitats translate to a higher diversity of birds and all wildlife. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Land Conservation And Preservation Concerns</B></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> April 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <div>       Two hundred years ago what is now Texas was an ecological wonderland covered by seemingly endless grass covered prairies located between lush forests in the east and the  mountainous desert region in the west. These grasslands have all but disappeared; having first been transformed into rich faming and ranching development and now is changing again to a more urban and industrial development.</div> <bR> <div>      Severe overgrazing has impacted erosion of our once rich topsoil, limited recharge of our aquifer systems and fostered large tracts of land being occupied by juniper, mesquite and cactus. These changes in our eco-systems have also impacted the quality of life of our wildlife, the scenic beauty of the landscape and eventually will impact our quality of life.</div> <bR> <div>      What can be done to protect our land and preserve our rich natural heritage for future generations to enjoy? A number of conservation minded organizations have formed to do what they can to inform the public about land conservation issues, raising public awareness of options available that encourage responsible land stewardship, and working in partnership with landowners who elect to preserve the natural character of their property through the donation of a conservation easement. On April 4 a group of twenty such organizations met in Blanco to discuss and compare plans on how to be more supportive in reaching common goals.</div> <bR> <div>      More than five land trust groups from Central Texas were represented, as well as representatives from the Texas Land Trust Council, The Nature Conservancy, Hill Country Conservancy, Natural Area Preservation Association, Land and Greenspace Committee of the Austin/San Antonio Corridor, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Forest Service, Texas Historical Commission, National Audubon Society, and the Cave Conservancy. My interest here is that I am a member of the Hill Country Land Trust Board, who hosted and organized this meeting.</div> <bR> <div>      Each of the representative groups was given an opportunity to report on their activities in the region. In a round table  discussion and  brainstorming session after lunch, everyone  discussed how they could share mapping technology, improve communication, and help each other reach common goals. This was the fourth such meeting to allow all of the participants to</div> <div> meet and share ideas.</div> <bR> <div>      The Texas Hill Country is current undergoing a substantial population growth. Many retirees are choosing the area in which to relocate, while urban sprawl from Austin and San Antonio is beginning to reach into the area as well. That ranches are being bought and sub-divided by developers applies increased pressure on our aquifer systems and affects the visual serenity of</div> <div> the landscape. Many scenic natural areas like, Enchanted Rock Natural Area lie in the path of increased development pressure. Increased development in the region also impacts wildlife like the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo. In my opinion, much is at stake for the long term vitality of our region.</div> <bR> <div>      Next week, I plan to discuss some of the options available to landowners who might be interested in meeting the challenges of conserving and preserving our Hill Country land and eco-systems.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Nature In The Heart Of Texas</B></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> April 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <div>     When the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department completed their Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail in 2000, a wonderful precedent was established to showcase nature, in this case birding, in our state. The maps of the three zones of the 400-mile Texas Gulf of Mexico coastline featured over 300 excellent birding sites on both public and private lands stretching across 43 counties. Other states scrambled to develop similar guides for their birding areas to match this very successful Texas venture. </div> <bR> <div>      Now these same two Texas agencies are ready to unveil a new set of maps to cover wildlife viewing across our state's expansive and diverse ecological regions. The first map will feature wildlife viewing in the Panhandle Plains and is expected to be released sometime in late April or early May. Following soon after will be a map of the Heart of Texas West beginning in the Del Rio area and winding its way to the San Angelo area. The third map will feature the Heart of Texas East, which begins in the Brownwood area and ends in the Laredo area. </div> <bR> <div>      Each of these wildlife trails will be divided into loops and within each loop will be a number of stops or sites for nature buffs to explore for wildlife. The Hill Country is mostly covered in the Heart of Texas West map; Fredericksburg area sites are part of the Peach Loop, while Kerrville sites are included in the Little Deutschland Loop. The featured sites will be given a number corresponding to the locations on the map and signposts located along the access highway. A text portion in the map will give directions to the site and list some of the wildlife that might be seen there. </div> <bR> <div>      Selected sites include state parks, city parks, nature centers, lakes, historic sites, nature oriented businesses, private ranches and bed and breakfast businesses. Some sites will be free, while others will have admission fees. The Heart of Texas West Wildlife Trail will have twelve loops and 115 sites. Each site will be responsible for providing any literature, checklists and other information pertinent to that stop. Each stop will be unique as it could provide historic and cultural insights in addition to the wildlife and scenery. </div> <bR> <div>      Eco-tourism is the driving force in bringing government agencies, businesses, conservation groups, private citizens and communities together to make such a venture possible. In the past ten to twenty years more and more tourist dollars are being spent each year by birders and other nature enthusiasts to pursue and enjoy their interests in the great outdoors. If you look in travel magazines today, many advertisements are aimed at the tourists with nature-oriented interests. </div> <bR> <div>      This scenario is a win-win situation for all concerned, but the biggest winners will be the wildlife residents. They will benefit from heightened awareness of their plights and the enhancement of the habitats in which they live. Nature enthusiasts benefit by having more areas opened for exploration and discovery, while businesses and communities are happy to see new opportunities for financial gain. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Port Aransas Birding</B></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> April 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <div>      The Texas Gulf Coast is a springtime Mecca for birders from all over the country as the millions of migrants pass over the shoreline heading northward to their breeding areas. Many of the birds take the direct approach over the water from the Campeche Peninsula in Mexico to the United States Gulf of Mexico coastline. Some prefer to travel up the coastline over land - a longer, but safer trip. Many great spots along the Texas coast afford opportunities to find them, but the city of Port Aransas, aware of the potential eco-tourism dollars, has developed a number of excellent birding sites. </div> <bR> <div>      The first venture the city undertook was to make their wastewater facility available to birders. They built boardwalks and towers for birders to be able close looks at birds that prefer wet habitats. As enticement, the city painted murals on the sides of their water storage tanks of birds that can be seen on the premises. From the boardwalks, birders can see ducks, egrets, shorebirds (and occasionally an alligator) up close and personal - so close that binoculars are not necessary. Native plants are planted around the parking lot perimeter to add to the site's education and esthetic value. </div> <bR> <div>      Last week I passed through Port A, as it is known to the locals, and found new construction at Paradise Pond, a migrant trap just south of the water treatment plant mentioned above. A migrant trap is a wooded area along the coast where tired migrants take refuge after completing the 500 plus mile journey over the Gulf of Mexico. Paradise Pond, has been a favorite place for birders, but it was undeveloped and behind private property - not an easy place to view birds around the pond. </div> <bR> <div>      Port A officials who have now designated the site as a birding center, have built a parking lot, a concrete sidewalk to the pond and a wonderful board walk out into the pond, making it almost too easy for us hardy birders now. However, we will enjoy with much appreciation the results of the city's efforts. The timing of my visit to the pond was fortunate; a north wind was making travel for the migrants difficult so the tired travelers were taking refuge there. </div> <bR> <div>      Thirty or more Black and White Warblers were foraging along the willow tree limbs looking for bugs to replenish their lost body fat. Many of the warblers were within an arm's reach and not taking notice of us gawking birders. There were nine species of warblers working the vegetation around the pond, including Nashville, Yellow-throated, and Black-throated Green warblers and a couple of Louisiana Waterthrushes. </div> <bR> <div>      The checklist of birds for the Port Aransas area includes almost 300 species of resident and migrating birds. Located on the north end of Mustang Island, the city is close to Corpus Christi, Padre Island, and Rockport, all good birding venues. Many habitats, i.e. coastal prairies, jetties, beaches, tidal flats and the migrant trap woods give birders many opportunities to find a wide variety of birds. For example, a good bird I was pleased to find was a Peregrine Falcon perched on one of the water towers. </div> <bR> <div>      All cities interested in bringing eco-tourism to their area should look at what Port Aransas has done to make birding more accessible and fun. If you want to take in this spring migration spectacular, take a few days off in April and visit Port A and surrounding areas. Birding doesn't get much better, anywhere. </div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Springtime Birding</B></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> March 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <div>      Enthusiastic birders anticipate spring more than any other time of the year. The northward migration of Neotropic  birds from Central and South America makes up the main event during the time period from February to May. An extra bonus for birders is the change in plumage of our wintering birds from the drab non-breeding colors to the more colorful breeding plumages. While we enjoy the change of our weather to warmer days, the change is not critical to our enjoyment of the migration parade.</div> <bR> <div>      The first of the migrants to arrive in Central Texas are generally the Purple Martins; the first arrivals this year I know of came on January 15 to houses managed by Glenn Thompson of Fredericksburg. He told me that these early birds survived our very cold mid-February weather period. The martins and their cousins, the Cliff and Barn swallows are presently streaming into our area by the thousands. Check local bridges, buildings and cliff faces for these swallows.</div> <bR> <div>      Another early migrant is the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler. They, like the Purple Martins, come early and leave early, usually by mid-July to early August. I do not know of active nesting sites in Gillespie County, but golden cheeks are known to nest in deep wet canyons in Kerr and Bandera counties that feature a mixture of old juniper trees and oaks. Try Lost Maples State Recreation Area near Vanderpool for these warblers.</div> <bR> <div>      The bird I most eagerly anticipate each spring is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Late March and early April is their expected arrival time. Along with them come their flycatcher relatives, the Ash-throated Flycatchers and Western Kingbirds. Look for yellow plumages on these gray flycatchers, while the scissortails will flash their reddish orange under wing colors. Flycatchers are noisy creatures, so you might hear them before you see them.</div> <bR> <div>      Hummingbirds are other spring migrants welcomed by all of those folks who diligently feed them during the summer months. The Black-chinned males have been here for about a week now and soon their mates will be arriving. Also look for the spectacular red- throated hummingbirds - the Ruby-throated and Broad-tailed hummingbirds. The latter is identified by a high pitched whistle emitted by the male's wing feathers. If you haven't put your feeders out, please do so asap.</div> <bR> <div>      I mentioned the winter residents changing their plumage colors; the American Goldfinch is my favorite of this group. I justify my winter feeding bill by hoping they will stay around long enough to change from their olive drab winter plumage to their bright yellow, black and white breeding plumage. The common Yellow-rumped Warbler also changes from drab colors to dark contrasting yellow, black and white colors and patterns.</div> <bR> <div>      The ducks, hawks and sparrows will soon be leaving, but they overlap sufficiently long to be included in spring birding trip counts. Be sure to check flocks of Sandhill Cranes for any white companions - they could be Whooping Cranes. It is that marvelous time when both the expected and unexpected birds might appear. Be vigilant.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Hill Country Woodpeckers</B></div> <div> <B>Bill Lindemann</B></div> <bR> <div> Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post, Kerrville Daily Times</div> <div> March 2003</div> <div> © <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Times New Roman" >2003 Bill Lindemann</FONT></div> <bR> <div>      I have had a number of recent inquiries about our woodpeckers and some of their tactics which can be annoying to some home owners. We have two common species of woodpeckers who permanently reside here and equal number of common woodpeckers who spend only the winter months with us.</div> <bR> <div>      Let's start with our two common permanent residents, the smaller Ladder-backed  and the larger Golden-fronted woodpeckers. The barred backs gave one of them its name, "ladder-backed." Both of theses species have a preference for drier habitats, feeling very much at home in mesquite and oak woodlands. Most male woodpeckers have some red on their heads, and in the case of the Golden-fronted, a red orange cap with golden yellow on his forehead and nape.</div> <bR> <div>      Both of these species dig holes in dead tree limbs. The Golden-fronted often carries his penchant for cavity construction to telephone and high power line poles; a habit which does not make him popular with the electrical companies. Equipped with chisel-like bills, these birds penetrate mainly dead wood to search for ants and beetle larva, their main food sources. Their abandoned cavities are also used as nesting sites, including several other non-woodpecker species, such as bluebirds, flycatchers and titmice.</div> <bR> <div>      When these birds are in the neighborhood, it is difficult to not hear their noisy calls and hammering exercises. The Ladder-backed Woodpecker has a distinctive squeaky "whinnying" call, while the Golden-fronted makes a ratcheting-like sound and series of  cackling 'kek-kek" calls. Both species come to my suet feeder; the golden-fronted will also carry off sunflower seeds to store for another day's meal.</div> <bR> <div>      Our winter residents are the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and the Northern Flicker. The former's name is often used in cartoons to poke fun at birders and their pastime. Many people are surprised to learn that there really is a bird with that name, but his name adequately describes his plumage and his use of tree sap as food and a trap for catching insects. Besides their yellow bellies, sapsuckers have a distinctive white bar on their wings. If you have ever noticed a pattern of equally spaced holes on smooth barked trees, it is the work of this woodpecker.</div> <bR> <div>      Flickers in the Hill Country come in two forms,  a yellow-shafted (eastern) and a red-shafted (western) When flying the bird's under sides of the wing feather shafts will show either yellow or red. I am pleased to have one of each bird roosting in a building on my place. Both forms have a black bib, spotted breasts and white rump patches. The males have common red nape patches, but differ with different colored "mustache" stripes - black in the yellow-shafted and red in the red-shafted forms.</div> <bR> <div>      Flickers often get in trouble with homeowners who have wooden-sided houses. The birds will peck holes in the siding to gain entry to a warm roosting site. Unfortunately they are persistent in their mission to make the hole and often meet the wrath of the homeowner.</div> <bR> <div>      Woodpeckers as a whole are beneficial birds, although there are those who might disagree with that assessment. I think they are great birds to have around both to see and hear as they go about their daily activities. Please have patience with their occasional crossing the line and becoming bad-boys.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>