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AUDUBON
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SAN ANTONIO
TEXAS
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649 BEXARS TR CK
Thursday, February 18, 1999-Chapter Meeting
From Natural Initiatives to Master Naturalists,
A Journey to Benefit s ·an Antonio's Environment
7 p.m. -Social Time &-&' Jf<-"'-~
7:30p.m. -Speaker's Program ~r:J' '\
Free and open to the public .<cJ IIIASTER ~
!IATtliiALIST "'\o
Ruble Center, 419 E. Magnolia (east of McCullough; take Mulberry exit off 281) '-, /'ct
For VIA public transportation: take Route 5 (St. Mary's/McCullough/ North Star Mall) to Magnolia "'%1-:.#
A few years ago a little light gleamed in the psychic halos of several members of Bexar Audubon. Its message was, "we need an
organization to advance environmental respect and protection in San Antonio that can encourage everyone to be a part of something
productive and protective of our beautiful city." ·
Under the leadership of BAS stalwart Barb Deluca an organization emerged, Natural Initiatives, to seNe as a sponsor of environmental
protection programs, a clearing house of information and an identifier of environmental protection needs.
The first initiative was promotion of the Texas Parks and Wildlife .Backyard Wildscape program,.still going strong after five years. Then
the group realized that our area parks and natural areas had many perennials, including a shortage of trained staff. Volunteers were the
obvious answer. ObseNing how Master Gardeners perform a vital function in the enhancement of horticultural activities, the group decided
a similar organization, dedicated to the environment, would be useful. Thus was born Master Naturalists. It took a lot of hard work by Nl
members and others representing a variety of local and state governmental and volunteer organizations. BAS seNed as a sponsoring
entity. Master Naturalists is up and running.
Present at the creation and heavily involved with Master Naturalists is our February meeting speaker, Judit Gowen, an urban wildlife
biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife's San Antonio office. She will detail both the genesis of Master Naturalists and benefits,
requirements and obligations of membership. Gowen will describe how the group, headquartered at Friedrich Park has, in a very short
time, provided San Antonio with a cadre of trained and enthusiastic volunteers making their marks in a variety of wildlife enhancement
endeavors. Already, other 'cities are starting their own Master Naturalists programs with San Antonio as the model-a success story BAS
can be proud of.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday-February 26 to 28, 1999, Chapter Outing
Sign Up Now for this Exciting and Rare Opportunity!
Welder Wildlife Refuge
Here it is, folks, a major outing to the largest privately endowed wildlife refuge in the world. This is a chance to see more nature in
three days than San Antonio can offer in three months. It will be interesting, intriguing and we need you to sign up now to assure the
minimum number of 15 required to make this trip.
Here are the details, some of which ar-e subject to minor changes as planning progresses.
February Outing: Welder Wildlife Refuge (Sinton, TX) and Beyond. •
Depart: San Antonio Friday, Feb. 26 in private car caravan.
Return: San Antonio Sunday, Feb. 28 at about 3 p.m.
Cost: An estimated $25 which includes accommodations for two nights and a $5 donation to Bexar Audubon. All meals on your own.
Itinerary: (subject to change) We will start the weekend with an afternoon stop at Choke Canyon State Park. We will arriver at Welder
Wildlife Refuge at about 2 p.m. After settling into the bunkhouses (19 bunk beds on the women's side and the same number for the
men) we will take a tour of the facilities and the surrounding area before heading into town for dinner.
Saturday morning we will board the WWR bus to tour the refuge. Our tour will be led by Selma Glasscock, WWR ConseNation
Education andTexas Audubon Society Board member. You should bring your own breakfast and lunch for Saturday and you can find
dinner that evening in the restaurant of your choice in nearby Sinton, Rockport/Fulton or Aransas Pass.
Saturday morning we will leave WWR and visit several nearby Texas Coastal Birding Trail sites before returning to San Antonio.
We need a minimum of 15 people for this trip. If we fall short of that number the trip will be canceled and full refunds made.
For more information or to reserve a space call Bill Sain, 408-7731.
BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY
Chapter of the National Audubon Society
P. 0. Box 6084,'" San Antonio,. TX 78209
21 0-822-4503
GOALS
The Chapter's primary goals are
to promote species and habitat
conservation and environmental education
in th·e community.
OFFICERS
President Bill Sain (71634.230@compuserve.com) ... 408-7731
Vice Pres. Mike Mec~e ...... (mmecke@ saws.org) ........ 344-3737
Treasurer Betty Minyard ... (mink@texas.net) .............. 344-6128
Secretary Deborah Robinson ................ ...................... 493-4663
" ...................... (dlr2spirit@oompuserve.com)
Past Pres. Susan Hughes . ...... .... .. ......................... 532-2332
...................... (Susan @w~rdwright.com)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Term Ending 1999:
Kim Hoskins ............................................. .................... 696-3780
Jane Nelka ........... ............ Qsneal@texas.net) .......... 561-0313
Harry Noyes .... .................... . .......................... , ............ 490-3124
Term Ending 2000:
Chris Dullnig .... ................... (cdullnig@juno.com) . 830-980-8156
Maria Elizalde .................... .. .................................... 695-4256
Janis Merrit .. ....................... ........ .. .......................... 698·1 095
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Adopt-a-Park Bill Woller ....................................................... 696·3186
Aud. Adven. Betty Minyard ... (mink@texas.net) .............. 344·6128
Birdathon Bill Sain (71634.230@compuserve.com) .... 408-7731
Conserv. Richard Pipes .. (rjpipes@flash.net) .... 830·281-2452
Education Mary Kennedy .. (mbkenned@aol.com)698·7175x267
................................................................... available
Hospitality Nancy Johnson ............................................. 655-1338
Memb. Deborah Robinson ...................................... 493·4663
....................... (dlr2spirit@compuserve.com)
Natural I nit. Tom Wilson ...... (twilsond@AOL.com) ........ 492-4799
Outings ...................................................................... available
Programs ' Chris Dullnig .... (cdullnig@juno.com) . 830·980-8156
Publicity .. ................................................................... available
SAEN Coord. Fred Loxsom .... (floxsom@trinity.edu) ........ 736·7425
Ways & Means Bill Sain (71634.230@compuserve.9om) ..... 408·7731
Bexar Tracks Tom Wilson ...... (twilsond@AOL.com) ........ 492·4799
Editors Jill Sandeen .......................................... 830-980-3277
Osondeen@ NetXPress.com) ........ Fax: 830-438· 7393
Mailing Karen and Mel Shupp .................... ............. 494·3134
Bexar Tracks is your newsletter.
We welcome your contributions.
Next deadline: February 19, 1999
Please fax Jill or email Tom as above; diskettes
9-nd hard copy should be sent to Tom Wilson,
13227 Hunters Spring, San Antonio, TX 78230.
'.-;;' Printed with soy ink on
recycled paper.
Visit Bexar Audubon's
Web Site:
http://www.audubon.org/chapter/tx/bexar/
Suggestions and contributions are welcome.
Please contact Bill Hurley at
BILLHUR@aol.com
February 1999
Memqers of National Audupon Society and its local chapter, Bexar Audubon,
join the Audubon family for a variety of reasons. Some join because of the beautiful
.Audubon magazine, but most join because they have an interest in the natural
world around them. These folks are interested in birds, other wildlife, and the habitat
that they need to survive. They join in an effort to learn more about wildlife and
habitat and to support the wonderful work that the Audubon family continues to do
to protect this wildlife. These folks enjoy the monthly programs and/or outings or
they want to support the variety of conservation .programs run by the various Audubon
organizations. They learn about the flora and fauna of their area through meetings,
outings> or reading this newsletter. Many of you go a step further and support National
Audubon through additional donations or volunteer to help run the local chapter.
Those of us who have put a lot of our time and effort into running Bexar Audubon
truly appreciate your e.fforts.
Bexar Audubon has around 1 ,500. members. Throughout the year, I get to
meet only a small fraction of those members at meetings, outings, or the various
outreach events we participate in. I have qeen truly impressed by the folks I have
met Our membership is made up of folks from all walks of life, ages, and nationalities.
I would really like to find a way to meet all 1 ,500 members. I know I would be a
better person for knowing all of you. For those .of you who have never been to a
meeting or outing, please come join us.
For those of you who just can't seem to find the time to come to meetings or
outings, there are ways for you to become more involved in your chapter. This
newsletter frequently provides information on issues that you can take some action
on. Call or write your representatives {local, state, and/or national) and let them
know your views about the environment in general as well as ·the specific issue
being addressed.
You can also support this chapter financially. Many years before I became
active in Bexar Audubon, I was a checkbook activist supporting a number of
organizations. I did not show up at meetings or take any active role in the operation
of the organization but I did support the organization financially. I still am a checkbook
activist for a number of these other organizations. You, too, can be a checkbook
activist by financially supporting Bexar Audubon. Your local chapter receives $5.50
of your National Audubon annual dues. This just about covers the cost of producing
this award-winning newsletter and mailing it to you. We have to raise funds in other
ways to cover everything else we do, from supporting Audubon Adventure packages
for local classrooms, to putting together displays for variot,Js outreach events, to
covering the administrative expenses {like insurance) of running the chapter. If you
cannot make it to our meetings or outings and cannot volunteer your time, please
consider sending a tax-deductible contribution. Become a checkbook activist for
Bexar Audubon. Donations of all sizes are welcome.
-Bill Sain
Recurring Events
*First Saturday of Each Month-Friedrich Wilderness Park offers a free guided
general natural history hike. Call 698-1 0(57 for more information.
*Second Saturday of Each Month-Bexar Audubon sponsors the "Second Saturday"
program at Friedrich Wilderness Park. $2 donation requested. For more information
and reservations, call698-1057.
*Second Saturday of Each Month-San Antonio Audubon Society's Beginners'
Birdwaik. Meet at the Judson Nature Trail in Alamo Heights at 8:00AM. (except in
the summer, June through August, when it is 7:30) Visitors are welcome. Membership
is not required and we have a few binoculars to lend. For more information, call at
342-2073.
*Fourth Saturday of Each Month-Birding at Mitchell Lake. Meet at the gate at 8
am. Led by Ernie Roney of the San Antonio Audubon Society. Call 656-4239 for
more information.
2 Bexar Tracks
CHAPTER OCAL NE
January 21, 1999, Meeting Recap: Outback in Tanzania
African Wildlife Protection, Starting at the Beginning
by Tom Wilson
It's not back to the basics for wildlife management in Tanzania. According to James
Stinebaugh, it's let's get started with the basics and build an effective program from there.
Stinebaugh, of the law enforcement branch of the federal Fish and Wildlife Service,
told the BAS January monthly meeting of his two trips to Tanzania as a member of· an
Agency for International Development team trying to help Tanzania cope with a myriad of
game management and environmental problems.
Traveling with several other Fish and Wildlife and National Park Service experts,
Stinebaugh said it was apparent early on that the great needs were not for the variety of
space age measuring and detection devices now available but rather to improve the basic
working conditions for the field-level game wardens.
He noted that several wardens have been killed by poachers and others seriously
wounded, yet they maintain a high esprit de corps in spite of having primitive equipment
and being forced to live in the hot sun in metal buildings with no running water or sanitation.
Uniforms are makeshift and the only weapons available are the Russian AK47, less than
effective in a game management situation. Most employees don't even have wrist watches
which makes effective radio communication difficult, assuming they have radios.
"In this situation," Stinebaugh said, "the best thing you can do to improve law
enforcement, is to do something for the troops."
Unfortunately, in recent times, aid funds sometimes never reach the intended recipient.
Stinebaugh said his group is overseeing the purchase of equipment such as tents, wrist
watches, radios, binoculars, stoves, etc. for delivery to the field. Then, various members of
the group will make on-site visits in the future to make sure the aid arrived. The group will
also oversee the drilling of wells and the improvement of living quarters.
Tanzania is a beautiful country with some of the most amazing collections of wildlife
which has a tourism potential which could make a major contribution if it can be protected,
Stinebaugh said. While the present, untrained personnel are trying hard, the basic protection
for Tanzanian wildlife comes in the form of international treaties which forbid the possession
of ivory and other products that come from wildlife. Local population pressures make the
development of ecotourism-whose benefits are obvious to the local population-essential
for the future protection of wildlife, he said.
OK, What Are They Up To?
Pine Siskin Study Underway
Editors note: Another El Nino effect seems to be the proliferation of bird studies as evidenced by
this recent TEXBIRD request. See pages 6-7 for more studies that need your help.
We are doing a banding study in our backyard on pine siskins. We have banded
close to 1000 since the middle of December. This is the eighth winter for our study. We
would very much like to know what the status of the pine siskins is this winter in other
parts of the state. We do know that we have a very good wintering population here in the
Ingram/ Kerrville/ HunV Fredericksburg area.
We would appreciate it if ya'll would let us know if you have pine siskins at your
feeder-many or just a few-and where you are located. Most of all, if you see any with
a band and which leg. This year we are using the right leg for banding.
Thanks very much for any input. It is much appreciated.
February 1999
-Hanna & Artie Richard, Ingram TX
kestrels@ hctc.net
3
January 30, 1999, Outing Recap
BAS Members Enjoy
Vanishing River Cruise
by Bill Sain
Despite dire weather r----­predictions
and a last
minute flu epidemic which
led to at least 7
cancellations, 13 folks
showed up at La
Buchanan to board th1~'----~-.II.J
"General Johnson" on Saturday morning,
January 30. These hardy souls were
treated to a beautiful, clear, sunny day. It
was a little on the cold side, but the cabin
on the boat was comfortable and the coffee
and gumbo were both hot and delicious.
We saw a number of bird species even
before boarding the boat. Several cardinals
greeted us at the entranc~. Three mallards
and a coot were swimming around the dock.
After boarding the boat, I noticed quite a
few ring-necl:5ed ducks further down the
lake. During the four-hour cruise we learned
much about the natural history of Lake
Buchanan, the Colorado River, and
surrounding areas from our guide, Lucy.
Gulls, cormorants, and terns were
everywhere as we crossed Lake Buchanan
-to reach the Colorado River. We saw our
first bald eagle even , before left Lake
Buchanan. An immature was sitting in the
top of a tree on the lakeshore. According
to Lucy, an immature was in that same tree
on previous day. We saw a total of 8 bald
eagles on this trip. Most were immatures
although we did get a great view of a mature
bald eagle perched in a tree.
We saw eagles both soaring and
perched. One of the immature bald eagles
sat on a snag over the water as we glided
within 20 yards of it. This bird took to the
wing and flew away giving us a wonderfully
close-up view of its magnificent wingspan.
Other birds spotted included red-tailed
hawks, a green-wing teal, common ravens,
Forster's and least terns, black and turkey
vultures, and a robin. We also saw
white-tailed deer and feral hogs.
Deborah and I had a wonderful time
and made many new friends among the
BAS members who joined us. If you missed
this outing but would like to take the cruise
you are in luck. Vanishing Texas River
Cruise operates year-round, although the
eagles will be migrating north within the next
two months. To find out more about the
cruise, call 1-800-474-8374 or check out
their web site at www.vtrc.com.
Bexar Tracks
CONSERVATION NEWS
.A Whooping-Crane Report: Another New Record!
Editor's note: Patty Beasley of Corpus Christi forwarded this report to the TEXBIRDS listserv.
Greetings all, The following Whooping Crane Census report
at the Aransas NWR to the Division of Endangered Species,
USFWS, Albuquerque, NM, dated January 14, 1999, is forwarded
with permission from Tom Stehn, USFSW biologist and National
Whooping Crane Coordinator at Aransas NWR, Austwell, Texas.
An aerial census of the Aransas NWR and surrounding areas,
made 1/14/99, revealed the presence of 164 adults and 18 young = 182 whooping cranes.
The flight was made in charter aircraft with Tom Stehn and Doug Bergeson as observers.
Recap of cranes observed: (179*). Refuge: 63+5; Lamar: 4+ 1; San Jose: 33+2;
Matagorda: 44+6; Welder: 17+4; Total:161+18=179. (*One subadult on San Jose and two
subadults on the refuge were apparently overlooked so the population at Aransas remains
estimated at 182.) Remarks: Weather conditions were cloudy in the morning with limited
~iewing conditions, but sunny in the afternoon.
One whooping crane sighted January 4th and 8th near Sabinal west of San Antonio is
the record 183rd bird in the wintering population. This number (183) is believed to be the
high this century, and is one greater than the peak population of the 1997-98 winter. Estimated
present are 100 adults, 65 subadults, and 18 juveniles. (Editor's Note: See how you can
help in related story below.)
The adult female crane with a broken leg, excluded from the numbers above, apparently
departed Quivira NWR in Kansas on December 29 and has not been seen since. Her mate
has re-paired at Aransas.
Numbers and distribution of cranes on today's flight were very similar to last week's.
Total numbers on Matagorda and Welder remained the same. No upland use was
documented on today's flight. Food resources (blue crab and wolfberry) remain excellent
for the whoopers. Salinities remain low in the marsh.
For the second consecutive week, one whooping crane was seen chasing sandhills.
More sandhills than usual are in the salt marsh which may explain seeing interspecific
aggression which is rarely observed at Aransas.
Adult female RwR-YbY continues to reside in her territory with two other unbanded
cranes. Upon arrival at Aransas, she was located three times between Oct. 29-Nov.19 as a
duo. The last 5 locations, Dec. 17 -Jan. 14, she has been with two other apparently larger
birds. I am speculating that she may be re-pairing with a new male.
The Willow Creek·cranes were once again located on Heron Flats, although they had
not been observed there since last week's flight.
One of Our Cranes Is Missing
Have You Seen a Crippled Crane? Information Needed
Editor's Note: Patty Beasley of Corpus Christi asks for any reports. The trail is now very cold,
but the Fish and Wildlife Service would appreciate any information readers can provide.
We need your help to find out if anyone has seen this whooper since January
8th (the date of the last official census of the Aransas NWR population). Tom
Stehn says if it's been seen since then, he would count it as a new bird for the
season, and that would also put it as the record 183rd bird for this season.
Please let Tom know at tom_stehn@fws.gov.
Earlier, a report went out about a whooping crane spotted near Sabinal among a
flock of sandhill cranes. Sylvestre (Junie) Sorola of the TPWD reported, ''As I was driving
down the highway I saw it sticking out like a sore thumb among a large flock of sandhills
about 300 yards away. That part of the flock took to the air. I took out my binoculars and
could see it through openings in the trees and could plainly see black wingtips and a red
crown. It was larger than the sandhi lis. It was completely white and could not see any
black anywhere else on the bird. I didn't notice any leg bands."
If anyone's seen it or can go look for it, please take note of its ability (or not) to walk.
We're missing a female that didn't make it to Aransas as far as we know after breaking
her leg. She cannot put any weight on the bad leg, and jumps from site to site while
feeding. Tom says she's wearing a faded orange band on her left leg. Alternatively, last
winter, a juvenile became separated from its parents and wintered with sandhills near
Brazoria, Texas. It is possible that this bird is the Sabinal bird.
February 1999 4
Cats Indoors!
The Campaign for
Safer Birds and Cats
Editors note: Susan Rust forwarded this
information ..
Scientists estimate that free-roaming
domestic cats kill millions of bird and other
small wildlife each year in the United States.
Cats have a high reproduction rate and are
efficient, non-native predators. Ground
nesting and feeding birds, as well as
·nestlings and fledgling birds of many
specices are particularly at risk.
American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has
launched Cats Indoors! The Campaign for
Safer Birds and Cats to change human
attitudes and behavior regarding free­roaming
cats in order to protect birds and
other wildlife. The hope is to reduce the
pain and suffering of cats and decrease the
spread of feline diseases as well. Despite
diligent efforts by animals welfare groups
to foster responsible pet ownership, millions
still permit their cats to roam, and stray and
feral cats constitute a growing problem.
In partnership with others, ABC is
working to educate cat owners, decision
makers, and the general public that cats
should be kept indoors. because they are a
significant threat to birds and other wildlife,
pose a health threat to humans, and suffer
themselves. The organization is advocating
laws, regulations, and policies to protect
cats and birds; promoting grassroots efforts
to address the issue at the state and local
levels; and working to reduce polarity and
engage all sides in the search for solutions.
For more information contact American Bird
Conservancy, 1250 24th Street, NW, Suite
400, Washington, DC 20037; phone (202)
778-9666; fax (202) 778-9778; email
abc@ abcbi rds. org.
UPCOMING CHAPTER
MEETING for 1999
March 18-Patty Martin {of A Little Nature
Store in Leon Springs)-Caring for the
Wildlife in Your Area
Bexar Tracks
:
ENVIRON ME NTA:t.:.=;-N=;;;..E;;;;;:;;;.W..w;.,;;;_S;;~-......._,______,...,...-_-....,...._..-.
I~ It CLEAN vs Ingram_ or The People vs TNRCC?
by Jill Sandeen, Chris Dullnig, Anne Eaton, Ros~ Marie and Bill Eash (notes were compiled from each of these attendees)
Ingram Readymix has proposed to
build a moderately· large concrete batch
plant to take care of the rapid development
which is · occurring in the Hill Country. In
December, 1997, they applied to the Texas ·
Natural Resources Conservation
Committee (TNRCC) for a Standard
Exemption 71', which means that they claim
they don't need a permit since they will be
emitting less than 25 tons of air pollutants
per year and that none of emissions will
cross their property line.
Local residents requested a contested
-case hearing at a preliminary hearing held
in 1998. They voiced concerns about the
appropriateness of building a plant which
will use large amounts of water from the
Trinity Aquifer in Western Comal County,
which had been declared a Critical
Underground Water Area in 1990. This plant
will be located 1.1 miles from three Comal
lSD schools, a Christian school and three
day care centers. Concern was also
expressed for health and traffic safety of the
children, since buses, which usually have
the windows rolled down, will be passing
the site twice a day amongst 17 mixers and
aggregate haulers per hour.
Administrative Law Judge Kerry
Sullivan, of the State Office of Administrative
Hearings, agreed to have the
contested-case hearing, and granted party
status to the grass-roots (501 (c)(3))
organization CLEAN (Citizens League for
Environmental Action Now), Comal lSD,
Bulverde, five individuals, and the Comal
Area League of Women Voters. CLEAN, the
individuals, and CISD hired a premier
environmental attorney, Stuart Henry. ·
From January 25-27, 1999, the direct
case portion of Evidentiary rlearing was
held, in which evidence was given by expert
witnesses from both sides, as well as the
Public Interest Council and the Executive
Director of the TNRCC. After the hearing is
over, Sullivan will review the evidence and
make his recommendation to the three
politically-appointed commissioners of the
TNRCC, who will make the final decision.
The vice president of Ingram, and the
designer of the -plant, Gary Johnson,
testified that he had consulted extensively
with the TNRCC in filling out the application
so that he would be in accordance with the
TNRCC's regulations. He even included an
air dispersion model that wasn't required in
the application. In addition, the company
voluntarily committed to limit their
Februqry 1999
production of cement to 54,000 cubic yards
per yea·r. Why a company would build a plant
capable of producing 330,000 cubic yards
per year and· then volunteer to limit their
production is puzzling. However, the
voluntary limit could be changed in the
future, up to 25 tons of emissions per year,
without requiring public notice.
Actually, the 54K cyy is due to the
availability of water. His well-driller
consultant estimated that he could depend
on a continuous (24 hours a day!) pumping
at a rate of 25 gal/min, or 33,000 gal/day.
That is enough for only 688 cubic yards per
day (about 2 house slabs worth). The plant
will have the capacity of 1200 cubic yards
per day. Mention was made of the possibility
of water from the proposed GBRA pipeline
being available in the future.
Henry called John Ashworth, a
hydrologist formerly with the Texas Water
Development Board, who wrote the
definitive study on the Trinity in 1985 still in
use today. Ashworth's best estimate of a
sustainable yield for any well in this area, is
5- 10 gal/min. Ashworth described how the
Trinity is recharged: pretty much only by the
rain that falls on it-which means it can be
completely recharged in good years but that
in drought years it will be very low. However,
if pumpage during the high demand time of
summer is greater than the rainfall during
the wet months when the aquifer usually
refills, the next summer's level will start out
only half full and then be pumped down even
lower the next year. It may get to a point
where it can't catch up. When asked if a
large pumper like Ingram could have an .
impact on nearby wells, Ashworth
answered that the cone of depression from
one well can affect nearby wells since the
lower water table decreases the well's
recharge.
Mike Hunt, a civil engineer with 17
years consulting in air modeling, redid
Ingram's air dispersion model, using all the
data that Ingram's air modeller had as well
as the same basic model, which was the
right one to use, except for a few emission
rates and formulas. Using these minor
changes, Hunt calculated the emissions to
be some 10 times greater than Ingram's.
Plus, the emissions would fail the property
line standard-ranging from 200ft to as far
as a quarter of a mile outside the property
line, depending on the direction. The
emission rates used by Ingram's modeler
and accepted/ recommended by TNRCC-
5
were from an older set of data (1995). The
·EPA has since (1997) come out with
different emission factors based on actual
measurements of batch plants and
published them in an engineering source
book, the AP42. It was revealing that the
attorney for TNRCC asked if Hunt used new
revisions of AP42 every time he reviewed a
- project, to which he answered yes, he uses
the most recent AP42 rather than the older
TNRCC guidelines. Talk about the letter
versus the spirit of the law.
Another difference was that Ingram's
modeller made calculations based on an
average production rate, while the correct
method is to make the calculations based
on the maximum operating capacity.
The last witness for Henry was former
Bulverde mayor, Bob Barton of CLEAN.
Barton had taken photographs of existing
sites in New Braunfels, San Marcos and
Boerne. All the existing sites showed that
Ingram did not perform as stated in their
permit exemptions.
This is a prime example of what can
happen in an unregulated rural, rapid­growth
area with limited natural resources.
For concerned citizens, involvement is a
very difficult and expensive ordeal.
Attorneys MUST be used, and costly-but
necessary-expert witnesses must be
hired. It is mind boggling that the Executive
Director of TNRCC, the only entity allowed
in the state of Texas to oversee protection
of natural resources and prevention of
pollution in rural areas, is aligned with the
applicants in this case. Then, again, maybe
it's not so mind boggling. After all, they came
up with the regulatory process and they
obviously are going to defend it.
The TNRCC rules for contestitig a
standard exemption limits discussion to only
air emissions. No mention of water
availability and quality or traffic safety are
allowed. The oniy reason that some
discussion of water availability was allowed
in this case was that water will be used to in
the pollution control devices. Furthermore,
special permission must be obtained tb use
air dispersion' models.
What you can do: The TNRCC faces
Sunset next session and that will be an
opportunity to get changes made. Plan now
to contact your elected representatives and
senators to let them know that contested
case hearings should be expanded and all
natural resource and safety concerns
should be included. ·
Bexar Tracks
It's About That Time
Purple Martin
Group Seeks Help
. - The Purple Martin
Conservation Association
(PMCA) needs your help.
As part of an ongoing study
into the migration-timing of
purple martins, we are
asking you to let us know
the date when the first
martins are observed back
in your area this year.
Please report the sighting using the
scout-arrival report form at our web site:
www.purplemartin.org. Your sightings will be
posted at our web site daily -follow the
martins' northward advance.
The best way to pinpoint the exact date
martins arrive at your site is to make sure
your housing is up and open in advance of
martin arrival time. Look out at the housing
several times a day. Go out and shake the
pole (or pound .on it) at least twice a day.
Martins most often arrive during the night,
especially preceding the arrival of a low
pressure system. Be sure to also listen for
them and scan the sky frequently.
If you are skilled at identifying
one-year-old males, please also send us
the date when you see your first subadult
male this year. You can expect them to
begin arriving about 4-6 weeks (or longer)
after the first adults return.
If you are the type of martin landlord
who keeps written records of when your
martins return each year, we would also love
to add your dates from previous years to
our computerized database. These are
extremely valuable to us and can be entered
directly into theCOMMENTS section of our
report form, or they can be mailed or faxed.
You might be interested to know that
the 1999 martin season got off to an early
start already this year. On January 1, 1999,
martins were spotted at two sites in extreme
southern Florida, just outside the
northwestern boundary of the Everglades
National Park.
P.S. Be sure to visit the Purple Martin
Forum at <www3.vantek.netlpmh/forum>.
-James R. Hill, Ill
Executive Director/Founder, PMCA,
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania,
Edinboro, PA 16444 USA. 814-734-4420
phone); 814-734-5803 (fax);
pmca@edinboro.edu (e-mail)
February 1999
BIRD TALEw__.~~~-~~------.,...----~
Log On and Be Counted!
Second Annual Great Backyard Bird
Count Needs Your Bird Sightings
York, NY January
1-Last year, El Nifio
eant rough weather
nd rough times for
and birds in parts
North America. Now,
El Nifio and the
year on record,
how are our beloved birds faring? Bird
enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds are
being urged to help researchers find out by
participating in the 2nd Annual Great
Backyard Bird Count, February 19-22,
1999.
A project of the National Audubon
Society <www.audubon.org> and Cornell
Laboratory of Ornithology <birds.
corn.ell.edu>, the Great Backyard Bird
Count wants everyone-kids, adults,
seniors, families, classrooms and
community groups-to count the birds they
see at their backyard bird feeders, local
parks, and other areas. Reports are entered
online at BirdSource <birdsource .
cornell.edu>, an interactive, state-of-the-art
website developed by the Cornell Lab and
the National Audubon Society.
Frank Gill, senior vice president for
science at National Audubon, says ''This
observation power allows us to immediately
begin assessing 1999's distribution and
abundance of North American birds, the
week before spring migrations begin."
To do this, Cornell and Audubon count
on the estimated 60-million who feed or
watch birds. "We need them to help us by
spending as little as 15 minutes-<>n any or
all of the days-counting the numbers and
kinds of birds they see during their morning
coffee. break, while driving to work, taking a
stroll, or while purposefully out
birdwatching," continued Gill. Participants
tally the highest number of each species
seen at one time (so as not to count the
same birds more than once). When logging
onto BirdSource to report their observations,
participants click on their state or province
and receive a checklist of the most
frequently reported birds in their region.
Within hours, they will be able to see how
their reports combine with others across the
continent to create a kind of "snapshot" of
North American birds.
Prospective bird counters don't have
to be online to participate in the 2nd Annual
6
Great Backyard Bird Count. Wild Birds
Unlimited, a GBBC sponsor, will accept and
enter reports from people who are not online
(To find out how to get your information to
them, call them toll-free · at
1-800-326-4WBU). "We want every U.S. zip
code and Canadian Postal Code to be
represented on this year", says John
Fitzpatrick, director of the Cornell Lab.
WBU and another exclusive Great
Backyard Bird Count sponsor, the Ford
Motor Company, also provided support this
year for the development of exciting new
beginner-level materials for the web site.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a perfect
family or youth group activity, and last year,
many classrooms logged on for the count.
This year, to encourage even more
schools and families, the site features a
"Let's Talk About Birds" vocabulary list to
help them learn words commonly
associated with birds and their
environments. The "Bird-Brained
Bibliography" takes learning about birds
even further by suggesting reference books,
field guides, even novels that might be of
interest to educators, students, and
beginning birders. There are also tips on
how and what to feed birds. Site visitors
will be able to view colorful bird images, hear
examples of their vocalizations, look at trend
data from last year's count and other
citizen-science projects, such as Project
FeederWatch.
"We're excited to see how this year's
data compare to what we accumulated last
year," said Fitzpatrick. "Each year of ~he
count is important, and serves as a v1tal
component in establishing a picture of North
American birds' long-term population
trends. The more information we have, the
better we'll be able to ensure our common
birds will remain common and take
measures to protect species already in
decline. That's why it's so important to get
as many people as possible to tell us what
they're seeing." .
To participate, go to the BirdSource
website at <birdsource.cornell.edu> and
click on the Great Backyard Bird Count
button. Directions and other information are
provided at the site. Participation is free
and no registration is necessary. For more
information, prospective counters can call
toll-free 1-800-843-BIRD (2473).
Bexar Tracks
BIRD TALES
Tales from the Sandwich Bar
Celebrating Those Who Stand Out From "The Flock"
By Mari Bailey
Most people who feed wild birds enjoy watching their antics in a general way. Many
of these folks do not indulge in what can perhaps be considered a type of "specialty"
birdwatching-looking for INDIVIDUAL birds who can be distinguished easily from others
of their kind. Through the years, several such "characters" have fed at my Sandwich Bar.
It has always seemed to spice up the viewing "flavor'' watching for these special birds. I
am ever pleased to be able to welcome them as individuals to the feeder(s).
Some of these birds return for more than one season, which seems especially
flattering-they escape all of their predators and, though they could go almost anywhere,
return to the habitat they apparently consider most favorable. For me it has been very
natural to often photograph and even "name" these birds: Ghost, Dusky, Capitan, Pinta,
Blue Eyes and our current favorite-Biondie.
Ghost was a whitewing dove who was such a lovely moonlit shade of pale silver that he
really did appear to be otherworldly. The year after Ghost's final appearance, Dusky showed
up and was clearly Ghost's Heir Apparent-he was a muted pearl grey in color, a "whiter
shade of pale" and we like to speculate that he was Ghost's offspring, since his color was
halfway between that of a normal whitewing and that of Ghost. Dusky was one of the first
whitewings in our yard to exhibit a semi-tame attitude, so he was easy to photograph on
top of our vehicles, etc. Both Ghost and Dusky were around for 2 breeding seasons back
in the days when all the whitewings migrated south for the winter.
Not so Blue Eyes, who was a whitewing with absolutely stunning intensely deep blue
facial color around his eyes. Despite his nervous persona, which might have stood him in
good stead in terms of survival skills, Blue Eyes was quite large and a gaudy fellow who
stood out from his peers. Pinta was also a standout whitewing, since she was almost all
white, with but a few patches of normal dove colors on her body above her dark pink legs.
Neither bird was ever seen again once hunting/migration season began.
Blondie is a female house sparrow who has become a regular at the
Sandwich Bar since her first appearance in the spring of 1998. Blondie
is completely very light cinnamon in color. Her beak and legs are of
,.. such a lighter shade than is usually seen on sparrows that we initially
first thought she was an escapee canary! She is a feisty female and will not leave the Bar
without her fill of a Peanut Butter-and-Seed Sandwich, no matter how many other birds
have to be held off! Upon arrival at the Bar, she will land on a nearby branch to study the
situation and weigh her options. Sometimes she views things from many angles, analyzing
the possibilities from several strategic positions. And her plotting always pays off-she
finds an available feeding area and defends it heartily until she is sated!
And Capitan? Well, the circumstances surrounding that fellow require a separate column.
Until next month then, when I'll tell you about Capitan ....
Help Scientists Learn More About Cavity Nesting Birds
Scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (CLO) need your help to learn more about
cavity-nesting birds. The successes of bluebird recovery programs have taught us that people
can have a positive effect on cavity-nesting bird species.
The Nest Box Network is a fun, "hands-on" study of birds for people of all ages-a great
family activity you can do at home. We provide all of the information you need to build (or
purchase) a functional nest box and place it in a good spot. You'll also receive details on how
to safely monitor your new feathered neighbors without causing harm; descriptions of what
you'll find in your nest box, such as nesting material and eggs; a quarterly newsletter in
which we report the results of your research back to you; and access to an e-mail discussion
group (a listserv) to interact with other nest-box monitors. Share your observations with us
by using our software or the data forms that are included with your project materials. The
Nest Box Network is supported by participant fees and a grant from the National Science
Foundation. The participation fee of $20 ($15 for renewal years) covers the cost of project
materials and data processing. Call (800) 843-BIRD, e-mail <cornellbirds@cornell.edu>, or
use the online form on our web site at <birds.cornell.edu>. Click on citizen science and
Cornell Nest Box Network.
February 1999 7
Excavators and Squatters
Who Lives Inside Trees?
Editor 's Note: Clifford Shackelford of the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department told TEXBIRD
readers who may have made the hole and who
may be living in it now.
There is a huge list
of animals (both
vertebrates and
invertebrates) that use
tree cavities created by
woodpeckers,
nuthatches, natural
rotting processes, etc.
For example, there are
over 80 species of
birds in North America
that require the use of
cavities for nesting
and/or roosting, bu
they in turn cannot excavate these homes.
These species are called Secondary Cavity
Nesters and include well-known species like
wood duck, American kestrel, tufted
titmouse, bufflehead, great crested
flycatcher and many, many more. You
guessed it, woodpeckers, nuthatches, etc.
that excavate cavities are called Primary
Cavity Nesters.
· Many species of squirrels fall into the
former category. Squirrels are known to
chew existing holes to enlarge them for their
size and bulk or they can chew and dig
cavities in very rotten tree stubs, but it's
much easier to move into an old
woodpecker hole. In Texas, fox, eastern
gray and southern flying squirrels all seek
abandoned or occupied woodpecker
cavities whenever possible, especially in
cooler seasons. Summers are spent high
in the canopy in leaf nests where they laze
on a hammock in the breeze and shade.
There is a lot of competition over
cavities in the spring when critters are
nesting. You'll see aggressive squirrels,
starlings, etc. trying to usurp woodpeckers
from the cavity they just spent days/weeks
constructing (depending on tree hardness).
A paucity of snags (standing, dead trees)
or dead limbs in live trees is a serious threat
to cavity nesters especially in urban settings
where dead wood is not desirable to most
urbanites-it's a limiting resource in the
cavity-nesting world. The best thing one
can do is leave a little dead wood for these
cavity nesters. If competition exists in your
yard, you can hang more artificial nest boxes
to insure that everyone has a home.
Editor's Note: See how you can help in the
article to the left.
Bexar Tracks
I•
aububon applau~t
Thanks to Education Committee
members Mary Kennedy and Karen
Peissinger for teaching 80 enthusiastic Girl
Scouts and their Leaders the importance of
habitat at the ornithology session at Girl
Scout Botannica. It was held on a sunny but
cool Saturday morning, January 16, 1999.
Our educational and outreach programs are
among the most important of this society and
your dedication is greatly appreciated.
Clarification: The article that appeared
on page 3 ·of January's Bexar Tracks on the
Project WILD! event was written by Mary
Kennedy, Chair of the Education Committee.
Thank you, Mary.
r------------.. Introductory Membership
and Donation Form
National Audubon Society
Bexar AudubonSociety
(Chapter Code W19)
New memberships to National
Audubon Society, including a
subscription to Audubon magazine, are
$20 ($15 for seniors or full-time
students). This includes membership in
Bexar Audubon and a subscription to
Bexar Tracks,as well.
Makes a great gift!
Name ____________________ _
Add~·---------------------
c~---.---------------.
State ________ Zip --------=---
Phone: ( ) ______ _
Mail this coupon and your check­payable
to "National Audubon Society,
Chapter W19" to:
Bexar Audubon Society
P. 0. Box 6084
San Antonio, TX 78209
If you would like to be a checkbook
activist, please fill out your name and
address and write the amount of your
tax-deductible donation to Bexar
Audubon Society here: $. ______ __
Please make your check payable to
"Bexar Audubon Society".
Please send this form and check to
the above address. Thank you very
much for supporting our society. .. ____________ ..
February 1999
Bexar Audubon Society, Inc.
P. 0. Box 6084
Non-profit
Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
San Antonio
Permit #590
San Antonio, TX 78209
Address Service Requested
W19
UNIV Of TEXAS NOV99
LIB SERIALS
b900 N LOOP 160~ W
SAN ANTONIO TX 782~~-1130
San Antonio Environmental Network
Quarterly Environmental Issues Forum
Is it Becoming a Reality? Help Guide the Next Phases
Bexar N a tore Preserve System
Thesday, March 2nd, 1999, 7:00pm
Witte Museum Auditorium
The public is encouraged to attend.
Beginning with a public-input meeting in 1997 attended by over 120 citizens, the
idea of developing a local nature preserve system began to take shape. Public agencies
seemed as enthusiastic as private citizens in supporting this initiative. After a follow-up
workshop and additional public meetings, a Steering Committee was selected to begin
developing a plan, and Working Groups were organized to begin dealing with the major
elements of the System: Operational Structure, Biological Issues, Educational
Programming, and Financing.
Sponsored by the San Antonio Open Space Advisory Board and American Institute
of Architects Committee on the Environment, this quarterly forum of the San Antonio
Environmental Network will feature a progress report from the Steering Committee and
Working Groups, a response panel of public and private resource managers, and an
open public discussion to help guide the next phases of this important work.
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend and participate. The forum is
free. The public is encouraged to attend. For further information call826·4698 or
828·8705 .
8 Bexar Tracks
! I !1 !r.I l