Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Volume XXVI, No. 5 March-April 2009
Volume XXVI, No. 5 March-April 2009
For the latest news and updates, see www.bexaraudubon.org and www.sa-naturecenter.org.
Inside this issue:
Field Trips:
Thursday, Bear
November Springs
13, 2008, 6:00 PM & Warbler Woods
Spring Field Trips for BAS Members and Friends in March and April President’s Column 2
MARCH tree. Wear good walking preserve. Experience the
Bear Springs Blossom shoes, and bring a hat, spring migration in their Vegetated Roof 3
Nature Preserve water, binoculars if you backyard sanctuary, plus Extension
wish, and a picnic lunch to take a hike with Don in Basura Bash
Saturday, March 28
eat after the tour. Call/ varied habitats. Those who Mitchell Lake 4
9 AM—1 PM
email to reserve a spot don't wish to walk may sit Government Canyon
Join us on a visit to this and get carpool details: with Susan in the shade
125 acre preserve north- 210.824.1235 or pasztor@ and enjoy watching numer-
west of San Antonio near ix.netcom.com. ous species. There are Community Events 5-6
the town of Pipe Creek. several feeders, water fea-
Owners Peter and Mari- APRIL tures and plenty of chairs! Global Warming & 8
anne Bonenberger will Possible sightings in- Birds
Warbler Woods
give us an overview of the clude Blue-winged War-
land and their conservation Saturday, April 18, 9 AM
blers, Golden-winged War-
philosophy. We will then Warbler Woods is a blers, Ovenbird, Kentucky while hiking. Bring your
hit the trails to enjoy na- private nature/bird sanctu- Warbler and more. The lunch and make it a leisurely
ture—observing birds, but- ary off I-35 between San butterflies should be nu- experience. Get more infor-
terflies, wildflowers, and Antonio and New Braun- merous and the weather mation at www.warbler
more. We'll keep an eye fels. Owners Susan and nice, although they hope woods.com. Call or email
(and ear) out for the Don Schaezler, members for rain! You will also get a Patty Pasztor for reserva-
Golden-cheeked Warbler of Bexar Audubon, are chance to see an 1840 tions and directions,
and expect to see the excited to welcome us to multi-family cistern and 210.824.1235 or pasztor
beautiful Texas Madrone their woodland home/ possibly other artifacts @ix.netcom.com.
Join us for an the 338 bird species that over 20 years. Mr. Reid is
entertaining and are listed as Nearctic- a Photographer, Naturalist
Black and White Warbler enlightening talk Neotropical migrants in and Bird Guide, having led
by naturalist and North America (north of trips to Chile, Belize, Costa
birder, Martin Reid. Mr. Mexico), 333 of them have Rica and Ecuador. He was
Our regular March Bexar Reid will discuss spring been recorded in Texas. President of the Fort Worth
Audubon meeting falls during migrants, including war- This means that of the 615 Audubon Society during
Trinity University’s spring blers, vireos, tanagers, bird species documented 1996/1997. Mr. Reid is
break; there will be no access buntings, thrushes in Texas, over half of them serving his second stint on
to our usual meeting venue, and some of the threats are Neararctic-Neotropical the Texas Bird Records
so March’s meeting has been and challenges these migrants. Committee. He also has a
cancelled. Join us in April for: songbirds face migrating strong interest and exper-
Martin Reid, originally
between the tropics and tise in butterflies and drag-
"Songbirds in from Great Britain, has
North America. Texas is onflies and regularly con-
Spring Migration" lived in Texas for 18 years.
on the Central Flyway and ducts surveys and tours.
Thursday, April 9 He has been a birder for
extremely important. Of Location map, page 7
Page 2 March-April 2009 Bexar Tracks
Local News Better “If you aren’t scared, you just don’t get it.”
Than Global
President’s Column
My president's column the world. It’s going to kick ration, there will still be cause all of them com-
this month is not upbeat. our butts like no one has hard times, as in any war, bined cannot kill as many
Developments around the ever been kicked before. that will stretch us to the Americans as environ-
world and especially the The Fall of the Roman limit. We are tough and it mental collapse can.
American public's loss of Empire will look like Dis- would take more than the Thank you. I’d like to
concern about climate neyland compared to the predicted climate catastro- speak longer, but there is
change are discouraging. impending and (thanks to phe to eliminate all breed- work to do.”
But as luck would have it, a our apathy) increasingly ing pairs of humans: what
few days after writing that, For the public’s part, if
probable global enviro- is at risk is civilization.” we do not demand this
I—along with Tony Wood
cataclysm. Read that again. He’s attitude, if we do not vote
and Bill Hurley of our
board—attended a most Ever since I’ve been saying a few humans will against any politician at
uplifting San Antonio Envi- involved in the environ- survive this century...and any level who fails to make
ronmental Network lunch- mental/conservation that is the good news! the environment his top
eon. It is too early for de- movement, colleagues We’d better get those hel- priority, then we deserve
tails. Let us just say that have been warning me: mets back on. the mass destruction,
we heard a heartening re- “don’t tell people the chaos and ghastly deaths
port about Mayor Hardber- Obama’s heart is in the
truth...it’s too discourag- right place, but it is clear that are rushing towards
ger's Mission Verde plan, ing....they can’t handle it us. We may have 5 years
and that plans are being that he and his team don’t
and they will ignore us if really have a clue about or 20 to make a difference,
laid for environmental
we alarm them.” the disaster that is headed but what we do not have is
groups to work together
and with the city and busi- Well, they were right, our way. If he did, his inau- one more second to waste.
ness to support its suc- of course. The problem is, gural address would have As for “think globally,
cess. This is just the kind they were never able to consisted of the following: act locally,” that’s just a
of win-win collaboration tell me how to get the pub- shovel full of used cattle
Bexar Audubon has been “People of the world, I
lic to leave the burning pledge to you that 100 per- feed. This is a global is-
seeking. Follow the public theater with a namby- sue, and the US is the
media and we'll hope to cent of my time and efforts
pamby message like will be devoted to stopping globe for all practical eco-
have more details for you “Maybe we should have a environmental purposes.
in the next Bexar Tracks. the environmental destruc-
program on fire prevention tion that experts warn will There won’t be any “local”
some time.” Maybe it’s likely destroy human civili- left for us to live in if we
- Harry Noyes - time to just yell, “Fire!” zation and kill 90 percent don’t work as hard on hun-
I was tickled as anyone of us by 2100 or 2150. If ger in Africa and defores-
“After a great victory, tation in Borneo as we do
tighten your helmet strap.” that Obama won, but my we do not launch the most
joy has been undermined fast-moving total effort in on the aquifer in San Anto-
Unidentified officer, vari- nio.
ously attributed to the by a book by world- human history against cli-
German, Japanese or renowned climate expert mate change and related For starters, tell that to
Israeli Army. James Lovelock titled The threats immediately, if we your Congressmen.
Revenge of Gaia. do not sacrifice as we (NOTE: Let me stress
Now that Barack have never sacrificed be-
Obama is in office, the One short quote: that this column is my per-
“Battle will soon be joined fore, there will be no sonal opinion. It has not
American people seem to United States by then and
feel that the environ- and what we now face is been approved by the BAS
far more deadly than any 90 percent of you will not directors and does not rep-
mental threat will simply have any living descen-
evaporate. Recent polls blitzkrieg. By changing the resent the official position
environment, we have dants. I’m going to of the chapter. BAS mem-
show that the public con- squeeze more from this
siders the economy a unknowingly declared war bers with other views are
on Gaia (by which Love- country than we ever welcome to submit guest
higher priority than cli- dreamed of giving, but we
mate change. lock means the Earth and commentaries in response.
its self-correcting bio- WILL win this war. All But first I recommend that
Well, the Earth has got sphere)....The prospects lesser issues—terrorism, you read some of Love-
a real shock in store for are grim and even if we the economy, foreign rela- lock’s books or the refer-
the American people and act successfully in amelio- tions—will be delegated to ences he cites.)
Vice President Biden, be-
Page 3 March-April 2009 Bexar Tracks
cleaner air, and ex- August 2009. Judging will for FREE T-shirts &
panded habitat for birds be based on a holistic im- lunch. On Mar. 7th meet at
and beneficial insects. pression of a roof’s effec- the Walker Ranch satellite
tiveness, attractiveness parking lot on Rhapsody
Additional potential and creativity. Judges’
benefits for business in- (just behind Panchito’s on
decisions are final. West Ave). Contact Tony
clude increased customer
traffic; more usable busi- Wood at 210.366.7046 or
twood@teamllc.net.
Page 4 March-April 2009 Bexar Tracks
Mitchell Lake
What’s Happening at Mitchell Lake?
Audubon Center
All events on Saturdays March 21, 1-3 PM March 28, 9-11 AM 10750 Pleasanton Rd.
unless otherwise listed. For Toadily Amazing Am- Beginning Birding: San Antonio TX 78221
more information or to phibians Birds and Habitat 210.628.1639
RSVP for Mitchell Lake Learn about the fascinat- This class is for all ages. In
www.mitchelllakeaudubon.org
events, mlac@audubon.org ing world of amphibians preparation for our annual
and how being a Water Birdathon we are offering a
March Saver can help your local class with Audubon Texas MLAC: Connecting Peo-
March 7, 9-11 AM frogs and toads. Director of Conservation Dr. ple with Nature
Kids Birding 101 • Space is limited. Andrew Kasner. Learn more
Explore a place where na-
A class for children to • Free admission, RSVP about birding, bird identifica-
ture is continually renewing
learn more about this fun required. tion and how to get the most itself. Where birds, insects,
activity. They will learn how enjoyment out of this interest- and wild plants surprise you
to use binoculars and how ing pursuit. with a new spectacle
to identify the birds they • Recommendations on around every corner. A
see. They'll also get a field guides and informa- place where families,
chance to explore the habi- tion on how to use your school groups and individu-
tat at Mitchell Lake. binoculars will be offered. als can reflect and learn
• Space is limited. • Free admission, RSVP about the natural world, just
required. minutes from downtown
• Free admission, RSVP San Antonio.
required.
Conservation Conversation
Nine Forest and Climate Map to Cowles Life Sciences Building, Trinity University, west of Highway 281.
Change Facts
Destruction of forests equals global
warming. The math is really that sim-
ple. But too often, this urgent fact gets
ignored. Help the folks at Conservation
International (www.conservation.org)
spread the word.
4 - hours in which the world loses
acres of tropical forest equivalent in
size to the island of Manhattan
20 - percent of all global CO2 emis-
sions caused by deforestation Cowles is just uphill from Laurie Auditorium &
between Library and Chapman Graduate Center.
2 trillion - amount in dollars that Park by Laurie or in lots or on streets to the west.
burning and clearing forests costs the Handicapped parking across from Cowles. Enter
global economy every year as valued from Oakmont or Rosewood. Call Patty for addi-
through lost fresh water, food and tim- tional directions, 210.824.1235. or see additional
map at bexaraudubon.org/map.jpg.
ber and carbon reduction
70 - number of species of South and
Central American frogs that have gone Bexar Audubon Society Contacts
extinct, likely due to climate change President/Webmaster: Harry Noyes—210.490.3124, harrynoyes@satx.rr.com
Vice President: Tony Wood—210.867.2363; tonywood@sbcglobal.net
95 - percent of living coral Australia’s Treasurer: Caryl Swann—210.653.2860; c.swann@att.net
Great Barrier Reef may lose by 2050 Secretary: Anita Anderson—210.533.8726; ajandrsn@sbcglobal.net
due to climate change At-Large: Amy L. Whitley—210.340.0114; nueces66@yahoo.com
At-Large: Kathy Ikerd— kathy@wordwright.com
25 - percent of all land animals and At-Large: VACANCY
plants at risk of extinction due to cli- Programs/Outings: Patty Pasztor—210.824.1235; pasztor@ix.netcom.com
mate change Editor: Michele Wood—210.492.4684, editor@bexaraudubon.org
25 - percent of all emissions reduc-
tions called for by 2050 that could be
achieved by conserving and restoring Reprinted from Audubon Newswire
tropical forests Volume 7, Number 1
143 million - acres of forest Conser- It's Official!
vation International has helped con-
serve over the last three years LEED PLATINUM Designation for Headquarters Announced
40 - number of cars, trucks and On January 6, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Newswire shared
SUVs’ yearly emissions offset by con- the news nationwide that Audubon has once again raised the bar for sustain-
able office design by achieving the top LEED Platinum certification.
serving just one acre of threatened
tropical forest Per the CSR Newsletter: "The bid for the greenest green building title has
taken another step forward in New York City, an epicenter of 'competition,' as
You can help by spreading the word the National Audubon Society's new headquarters earned LEED (Leadership in
today and showing your friends and Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum designation, the highest of four
family why protecting even just one levels of certification. In fact, the Audubon space scored the highest point total
acre of forest is so important.. of any commercial interior in the world evaluated by the US Green Building
From Glenn Prickett, Senior Vice Council (USGBC), the LEED certifier."
President, Conservation International According to MSNBC, "The Audubon home office not only fulfills the organiza-
Executive Director, The Center for En- tion's mission 'to conserve and restore natural ecosystems...' it creates a
vironmental Leadership in Business. standard of excellence in green construction others will strive to emulate."
Spread the word!
Page 8 March-April 2009 Bexar Tracks
Audubon Issues Report on of this species and others that nest Three Summaries from
Global Warming and Birds on Audubon islands. Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Top Ten
Culled from Audubon Newswire (Vol. 7, The northward and inland move- Conservation Stories of 2008
Number 2) and Audubon Texas web ment of North American birds pro- Final State Park in World Birding
(www.audubontexas.org.). vides new and powerful evidence that Center series opens. Resaca de la
global warming is having a serious Palma State Park, the second new
New analyses by Audubon scien- impact on natural systems in the state park TPWD opened in the Val-
tists from 40 years of Christmas Bird USA. Dramatic policy changes and ley this decade, and the largest of
Count data revealed 177 bird species incentives for alternative energy are nine sites that comprise the World
that winter in the continental U.S. needed to combat such ecological Birding Center in the lower Rio
have experienced significant north- disruption. New research from Audu- Grande Valley, officially opened De-
ward shifts in their latitudinal center of bon California reinforces the national cember 6. The 1,200-acre park, like
population over the last 40 years. findings, predicting that about 80 of other units in the World Birding Cen-
Among the big movers are Purple that state's native bird species will ter, shows off the region’s spectacu-
Finch, Pine Siskin, and Boreal experience significant climate-driven lar diversity of bird, butterfly and
Chickadee that have shifted north reductions in their geographic range dragonfly species. Resaca de la
into the Canadian Boreal, their over coming decades. Palma was made possible in part by
ranges moving an estimated 433, increased funding provided by the
288, and 279 miles respectively since Audubon urges citizens to take ac-
tion by signing a petition demanding Texas Legislature in 2007.
1966. Below is a sample of birds cov-
ered in the Texas Report. View the aggressive federal policy action at Biologists to Manage Deer Ac-
complete report and see how you can www.birdsandclimate.org. In Texas, cording to Biological Communi-
help at www.audubontexas.org. here’s how you can help our birds ties. TPWD wildlife biologists this
and habitat in this shifting climate: year proposed a number of deer
Two species that have been sub- Support conservation initiatives that hunting regulation changes that re-
stantially effected in Texas are the protect and restore essential bird flect a broader move away from man-
American Goldfinch and White Ibis. habitat. Audubon Texas’ Coastal Pro- aging deer according to political
The American Gold- gram manages the boundaries such as county lines. In-
finch, a woodland majority of waterbird stead, biologists have identified 33
and feeder bird, has nesting islands on the unique resource management units
moved 219 miles Texas Coast, includ- across the state, part of a continuing
north. Its population ing critically important effort to base Texas wildlife conser-
in Texas has de- sites such as Green vation on the best available science.
creased 41% in 40 Island and Sundown Lands within each RMU have similar
years, but it has in- Island, Globally Im- soils, vegetation types and land use
creased nationally portant Bird Areas for practices. Scoping of the potential
by 81% in areas colony-nesting wad- regulation changes is underway now.
north of Texas. As ing birds. North Deer
these birds move Wetlands Restoration Com-
Island, owned and
north, they may be pleted. Brown pelicans, reddish
managed in partner- egrets and white-faced ibises re-
at increased risk ship with Houston
from unusually cold winters or harsh ceived a reprieve when a coalition of
Audubon and nominated as a Glob-
storms. The White Ibis, a colony- conservation organizations and local
ally Important Bird Area for White businesses finished restoring 1.7
nesting wading bird, has had its cen- Ibis, is the largest breeding colony for
ter of population moved 100 miles miles of North Deer Island shoreline
White Ibis in Texas. this year. The island, in Galveston
north in the last 40 years. It has in-
creased in Texas, but is a species of For more information contact Dr. An- Bay, is the most productive bird nest-
drew Kasner, Audubon Texas Director of ing island on the Texas Gulf Coast,
conservation concern due to habitat
Bird Conservation, 10750 Pleasanton with up to 30,000 pairs of nesting
loss for nesting (undisturbed islands Road, San Antonio TX 78221, 830.
with trees and shrubs) and foraging birds resident each year. Partners
480.2770, akasner@auduaudubon.org.
(freshwater and brackish marsh). barged in 24,100 tons of rock from a
Audubon Texas Coastal Program quarry in Missouri—using the Missis-
manages the largest nesting colonies sippi River and the Intracoastal Water-
of this species along the Texas coast way as a route—to create 6,450 feet of
Leon Springs Farmers Market Rain stone breakwater and armored shore-
together with our conservation part- Barrel Workshop. Saturday, Mar. 7,
ners, and these efforts will be in- line. Planning, engineering, and con-
2-4 PM; information at 210.587.7037 struction costs for the 8-year endeavor
creasingly important for conservation or info@texasrainfallcatchment.com. totaled over $3.2 million dollars.
Page 9 March-April 2009 Bexar Tracks
Many of you have heard me talk about the recurrent cycles of The annual report of the Pacific Institute in
nature. Whether it’s global climate change, a daily sunrise, the Oakland, Alameda County, California concluded
phases of the moon, the tides, the spring bluebonnets in Texas, or that global population growth, changing diets,
the swallows returning to Capistrano, nature offers us a wondrous and ever-greater demands for water could be
human perspective of these recurrent cycles. This field of science bringing an end to the era of inexpensive water.
is called phenology and, with the blessings of the digital age, track- A key element in tackling the crisis, said water
ing nature’s cycles is becoming much easier. Since we are all ob- experts, is to increase public understanding of
servers, you might want to start recording when you see the first the individual water cost of everyday items, also
bluebonnet, golden-cheeked warbler, frog, or baby deer each called "virtual water." The figures come from
year. The National Phenology Network says: "Phenology is the calculating the amount of water used at each
study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events and how these stage of a production process: for example, 1
are influenced by seasonal and interannual variations in climate.” glass of orange juice actually requires 850 liters
TNPN’s examples include the timing of leafing and flowering, agri- of water to produce and 1 kg of microchips re-
cultural crop stages, insect emergence, and animal migrations. “All quires 16,000 liters. Experts also warned that
of these events are sensitive measures of climatic variation and the lack of water was likely to cause more socio-
change, are relatively simple to record and understand, and are political conflicts, especially in West Africa, Ne-
vital to both the scientific and public interest.” You can sign up to pal, Bangladesh and India, and Peru.
be an observer for your own areas of interest by contacting The - summary by Louise Shaler
National Phenology Network (www.usanpn.org). visit www.sahra.arizona.edu
- Tony Wood
www.bexaraudubon.org
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