signal smoke - travis audubon

VOLUME 59, NO. 3 & 4 Inspiring Conservation Through Birding March/April 2010

Signal SmokeThe Newsletter of Travis Audubon

Thursday, Mar 18 7:00 pmInsect Diversity

Speaker: Dr. David Kattes

T r a v i s A u d u b o n

LBJ Fire Science students. Photo credits: Nancy Manning

TRAVIS AUDUBON SANCTUARY:BLAIR WOODS

Travis Audubon is pleased to announce a new, regularly occurring feature in Signal Smoke highlighting our third sanctuary; Blair Woods.

A big thank you goes out to the Shield-Ayres Foundation for their recent grant of $15,000 to support our work and programming at Blair Woods. The Shield-Ayres grant will be used to create a small parking area, secure our small historical barn, provide signage and fencing to delineate our area from that used by Wildlife Rescue, and to provide the supplies, materials and equipment for Blair Woods educational programming. Work on the parking area and trail from the parking area to the pond, began on January 18, 2010.

On January 18, 2010, Martin Luther King Day, 55 volunteers heeded the call to volunteer on this National Day of Service by committing their time and energy to Blair Woods. Larry

Thursday, Apr 15 7:00 pmThe Aransas ProjectSpeaker: Jim Blackburn

Complete meeting details on Page 3

Westminster Presbyterian Church3208 Exposition Blvd. Austin, TX

Doors open at 6:30 pm for social time

TA Monthly Meetings

McKee, President of the Stonegate/Oaklawn neighborhood association, of which Blair Woods is a part, is a retired firefighter and current instructor of Fire Science at LBJ Science Academy. Fire Science is a two-year program for junior and senior high school students, culminating in certification as firefighters. Larry committed several of his junior and senior Fire Science students to our Martin Luther King work day at Blair Woods. As an added bonus, five other firefighters/instructors provided muscle to that ligustrum. The results were phenomenal. Thank you, Larry!

Dustin Howell, the co-chair of the Community Service Committee of the Young Lawyers Association, rounded up eight lawyers who contributed their energy to the work at Blair Woods on MLK day. Rounding out the phenomenal group of workers were several members of the Windsor Park Neighborhood Association and Karon Smutzor, the Norman Elementary After School supervisor, who brought several of her family members.

We have reached a milestone in the restoration of Blair Woods. To see pictures and a report of the work completed on January 18, 2010, go to www.travisaudubon.org/new_blair.html.

Nancy Manning

2 S I G N A L S M O K E / March/April 2010 T R A V I S A U D U B O N

TRAVIS AUDUBON COMMITTEE CHAIRS

ABOUT SIGNAL SMOKE

Mission StatementTravis Audubon promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and conservation

of native birds and their habitats.

From the Travis Audubon President

TAS Rare Bird Alert Eric Carpenter [email protected] Advocacy Vacant Bird Records Lawrence Buford 452-6344 Ethel Kutac 346-7659 Habitat Conservation Laurie Foss 300-BIRD Education Byron Stone 970-5154 Frances Cerbines 300-BIRD Field Trips Jeff Patterson 300-BIRD Terry Banks 300-BIRD Hornsby Bend Julia Balinsky 300-BIRD Hospitality Susan Moak 925-4590 Latin America Bob Warneke 300-BIRD Fundraising/Membership/Outreach Nancy Manning 300-BIRD Programs Ann Gardner 306-0737 Property and Finance Vacant Publications Tess Sherman 300-2473 Sanctuary Chair Terri Siegenthaler 263-2237 Youth Education Nancy Manning 300-BIRD Urban Habitat Jane Tillman 794-0058

Travis AudubonGeneral Address

3710 Cedar Street, Box 5Austin, TX. 78705

Phone numbers listed below without an area code are local numbers in the

512 area.

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS2009-2010

President Valarie Bristol 300-BIRDVice President Chris Masey 300-BIRDTreasurer Vacant 300-BIRDSecretary Claude Morris 300-BIRD Directors Robin Doughty Bill Edwards Ann Gardner Shelia Hargis Clif Ladd Kelly Logan Marsha May Jeff Mundy

Executive Director Nancy Manning 300-BIRD

Office Administrator Gail Buxton 300-BIRD

Volunteer/Membership Director Jocelyn Taijeron 300-BIRD

BAKER SANCTUARY STEWARDDerik Caudill 219-8425

CHAETURA CANYON SANCTAURY STEWARDS

Georgean & Paul Kyle 266-3861

ACT REPRESENTATIVESTony Wood (interim state president) 210 408-1284Bryan Hale (state treasurer) 474-5599

SIgNAl SmoKE EDITORTess Sherman 300-BIRD

TRAVIS AUDUBON TELEPHONE The office number is 512-300-BIRD

(2473).

TRAVIS AUDUBON WEB SITEwww.travisaudubon.org

TRAVIS AUDUBON [email protected]

Signal Smoke (ISSN 1931-9282)

Subscription InformationSignal Smoke (ISSN 1931-9282), was pub-lished 11 times yearly through Volume 56, No.4, and beginning with Volume 56, No.5, is published 6 times yearly. Subscription is a TA mem ber ship bene fit. To join, use the form on the back page of this issue or go to www.travisaudubon.org for an online form. For address or subscription changes, please call 512.300.BIRD (2473) or e-mail [email protected]. The USPS does not forward Signal Smoke. Copyright © 2010. No part of this publication may be reproduced

Newsletter DeadlineThe submissions deadline is the first day of the month preceding the first month of publication (for example, June 1 for the July/August issue).Sub mit uncopyright ed arti cles, an nounce ments, and art to Tess Sherman, [email protected]; or mail to 210 E. Walnut Dr., Austin, TX 78753. Sub mis sions by e mail or on a CD are pre ferred but not re quired. Call Tess at 300-BIRD if you have questions.

without permission in writing from Travis Audubon.

Signal Smoke is printed on recycled paper with soy ink.

Fellow birders and conservationists, we have been given a wonderful challenge! The Malcolm C. Damuth Foundation has presented Travis

Audubon with a $40,000 challenge grant to expand Chaetura Canyon Sanctuary. Every dollar raised by Travis Audubon will be matched dollar for dollar up to $40,000.

Paul and Georgean Kyle have lovingly stewarded this remarkable place from cedar brake to a thriving habitat for birds and other critters for over thirty years. There is some remaining undeveloped land adjacent to Chaetura, but houses are being built all around it.

Now is the moment to secure Chaetura Canyon’s amazing diversity of native plants, birds and geology. Thirty bird species nest on the property and over 150 species have been documented using it. Chaetura is a treasure. Help protect this precious land for generations by donating to the Chaetura Canyon Challenge when the appeal is launched in March.

Valarie Bristol

T R A V I S A U D U B O N S I G N A L S M O K E / March/April 2010 3

INSIDETHIS ISSUE From the President...........................2

Naturalist’s Calendar........................4

TA News and Notes.........................5

Bird-a-thon 2010...............................6

Monthly Meeting InformationTravis Audubon Regular Monthly Meeting - 7:00 pm

(doors open at 6:30 pm for social time, 7:00 pm for announcements, speaker at 7:30 pm)

NOTE: New permanent location for general membership meetings - Westminster Presbyterian Church at 3208 Exposition Blvd. Austin TX 78703 512-459-5497

Directions: From Mopac, take the 35th street exit and go west on 35th to Exposition Blvd. Turn left on Exposition approximately two blocks to Carlton Lane. The church sits on the corner of Carlton and Exposition. Drive down Carlton past the church to the parking lot on your left. The Fellowship Hall is the large building just east of the parking lot. The building is identified with the words “Fellowship Hall” on the outside of the building. Refreshments provided. No monthly meetings during June, July, or August.

March 18, 2010Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church3208 Exposition Blvd. Austin TX

Guest Speaker: Dr. David KattesTopic: Insect DiversityIt is common knowledge that insects are an important component of any ecosystem. Insects feed on plants, eat other insects, and serve as food for birds and other animals. They are also important pollinators and in the recycling of organic matter. But have you ever really considered the diversity of these tiny creatures? In this program, we will explore the vast niches that insects occupy and discuss how they can survive in this peril-filled world.

The program will begin with an overview of the importance of insects in the food web and the interdependence of these creatures with other organisms. We will then explore the numerous methods used by insects to find food and to keep from becoming foodthemselves.

Dr. Kattes is a full professor at Tarleton State University as well as the author of Insects of Texas; A Practical Guide, published by TAMU Press. His current research covers a variety of topics including insects, wildlife, native and exotic grasses throughout Texas.

April 15, 2010Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church3208 Exposition Blvd. Austin, TX

Guest Speaker: Jim Blackburn Topic: The Aransas ProjectIn the winter of 2008 – 2009, 28 Whooping Cranes starved to death on their wintering grounds here in Texas. There is a significant risk of more starving to death this winter. The root cause of their starvation is the lack of adequate freshwater inflows into the bay system. The lack of adequate water flow into the bay causes a crash in blue crabs, which are the primary food for the cranes.

In light of the extremely serious threat to the cranes, the board of the Travis Audubon Society voted to join with Houston Audubon, the International Crane Foundation, Aransas County, and other diverse groups to seeking court intervention to protect the Guadalupe River watershed and inflows into the bay. This effort is known as “The Aransas Project.”

Attorney Jim Blackburn is the lead attorney for the The Aransas Project. He will brief the TA membership on the efforts to save the cranes. In 2004, Texas A&M Press published The Book of Texas Bays written by Jim, with photos by renowned Houston photographer Jim Olive. He is an Adjunct Professor and Lecturer in Environmental Law in the Environmental Sciences and Engineering Department of Rice University.

Our Donors........................................7

Hornsby Bend News.........................8

Committee Corner ..........................9

Notes from Chaetura Canyon.....10

Baker Sanctuary News...................11

TA Events....................................12-13

TA Classes........................................14

Brunch with the birds....................15

Travis Audubon Membership Form ...........Back page


NATURALIST’S CALENDAR

by Bill Reiner

photo by Robert Baumgardner

The displays are accompanied by loud cackling, or, especially at dawn and dusk, by the dawn song, which has been effectively described as “pup-pup-pup-pup-pup-pup-perLEEP.” The last note is loudest and highest in pitch. (This helps to distinguish it from the similar dawn song of the related Western Kingbird, which accents the third or fourth note from the end, then drops in pitch.)

As showy as it is, the tail may be a bit of a handicap when the birds try to chase down their insect prey. One study found that the shorter-tailed females have a higher success rate on aerial sallies. The females also tend to forage from lower perches than the males, though this may not be a deliberate attempt by the pair to avoid competing with each other. Rather, the males may choose higher foraging perches so they can also more effectively defend their territories.

Grasshoppers are by far the favored prey of Scissor-tailed Flycatchers. They consume a higher percentage of these insects, so abundant in their habitat, than any other flycatcher. They are also more likely than any of their kin to drop to the ground, bluebird-like, to snatch it up.

Scissor-tails are most at home on the prairies and savannas, and are rarely seen in woodlands, except as they migrate overhead. The female generally chooses a large, isolated tree for her nest, and is particularly likely to pick a mesquite. She will use a variety of twigs, rootlets, grasses, and other small plants, especially the low fuzzy-white plants called rabbit-tobacco (Evax sp.). She will commonly also incorporate cotton, twine, horsehair, or bits of rags.

The birds are quite adaptable to artificial environments. They frequently make their homes in trees around shopping-center parking lots, though they are less likely to thrive in urban areas than their Western Kingbird cousins. Their adaptability even earned them a footnote in Austin history. George Finlay Simmons, in his 1925 publication, Birds of the Austin Region, wrote that Scissor-tails were building nests in the light towers around Austin, a mere 30 years after the first “moon towers” were constructed in 1895.

Perhaps the reason was the wealth of moths and other flying insects drawn to these lights after dark. Scissor-tails have learned to exploit this bonanza, staying up well past sunset to do so. Wasn’t it nice of us to provide them the equivalent of an all-night diner?

In addition to the sources cited within the article, references included Life Histories of North American Flycatchers, Larks, Swallows, and their Allies, by Arthur Cleveland Bent,

and “Foraging Patterns of Male and Female Scissor-tailed Flycatchers,” by Kevin Teather, in The Journal of Field

Ornithology, vol. 63, no. 3.

The scissor-tail has the philosophic self-assurance of an elite, the aplomb of a settled and unchallenged aristocracy whose ancient privileges it is bad form even to question. He takes

his lumbersome prey on the wing in playful mood, and fights as if he were breaking a lance more in sport than in anger. He simply devils hawks, vultures, and crows – especially crows, enjoying mildly the impotence of their anger. – Roy Bedichek, Karankaway Country.

Dapper, graceful, flamboyant, and seemingly fearless, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are favorites of birders and non-birders alike. Sometimes called the Texas bird-of-paradise, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher breeds nowhere else but on the southern plains of the United States and adjacent Mexico. The birds can be found nearly throughout Texas, but only Oklahomans were savvy enough to designate this delightful species as their state bird.

Scissor-tails return to Austin from their Central American wintering grounds about mid-March, soon after the Golden-cheeked Warblers, and along with some of the other early migrants such as Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Ash-throated Flycatchers, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds. But unlike these other migrants, which are primarily nocturnal, you may see small groups of Scissor-tails winging their way north during the day, when their long, banner-like tails make them instantly recognizable.

Of all the birds that breed in North America, Scissor-tails have the longest tails in proportion to their bodies. Males sport 9-inch streamers, at the end of a 6-inch body. Females have more modest 6- to 6.5-inch tails, but these are still greater than half their total length. The outermost feathers are much longer than the other tail feathers, so that when the tail is fanned, the resemblance to a pair of scissors is quite remarkable.

Soon after he arrives in central Texas, a male Scissor-tail will put his tail to use in a spectacular, tumbling, courtship display. Powering

up to maybe a hundred feet above the ground, he dives, climbs again, dives again in roller-coaster flight, all the

while snapping his tail open and shut as if he could be pruning a hedge with it. He also shows off

the stunning salmon-pink coloring under his wings, as Bedichek notes: “The

sides of these birds are afire in the setting sun. Never

before have I felt the real glory of

pink.”

Photo credit: Jim deVries


N e w s a n d N o t e s

TRAVIS AUDUBON ANNOUNCES NEW VIP FIELD TRIPAs a special thank you to our members who support Travis Audubon with annual donations totaling $250 or more, Travis Audubon has instituted a special VIP Field Trip just for you! The total amount donated will be calculated from all donations made between January 1 and December 31, including membership fees, annual appeals, and any other type of donation. The field trip leaders will be awesome and the location will be special. So, don’t miss out on this! Leaders and location will be announced toward the end of the year.

The Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge cordially invite you to join them for the 10th annual Balcones Songbird Festival, April 23 – 26, 2010. This year there are more ways than ever to experience the refuge and the birds, so don’t delay. Register today at www.friendsofbalcones.org.

SIGNAL SMOKE CHANGESAs you can see we are experimenting with some changes to our newsletter. We have gone to color, thanks to a grant we recently received. Some of you have asked questions about the type of paper we have chosen. Here is everything you ever wanted to know about paper.

Paper is either “coated” or “uncoated.” Coated means it is coated with a clay base, which gives it its sheen once it is “calendared.” What is “calendared” you may ask? “Calendaring” is when the paper is put through steel rollers, which smash it down. The more it is “calendared” the glossier the paper. The paper we used for our newsletter before the glossy January/February 2010 edition was “uncoated.” So, it just didn’t have a clay base and wasn’t calendared.

In terms of bleach, all paper contains bleach. Every piece of paper sitting on your desk, in your house, or that comes in the mail, contains some bleach. All re-cycled paper contains some bleach. The only paper not bleached is newsprint. The difference

in amounts of bleach between our old uncoated paper and our new glossy paper is insignificant.

There is the issue of chlorine. If there is ANY amount of post consumer waste (recycled material) in your paper, then your paper is chlorine free. Both our old issues and new glossy issue contain 10% post consumer waste. Therefore, there is no chlorine in any of the papers we use to print the Signal Smoke, dull or glossy finish. So, why use glossy? Uncoated paper absorbs the color and causes a somewhat blurry look. Whereas, the color will sit on top of the coated paper and look cleaner and crisper.

Why paper at all? Our survey results indicated that 66% of our respondents prefer the paper version of Signal Smoke. Additionally, we provide our newsletter to specific retail outlets which provide Travis Audubon more exposure in the community.

When you receive your eblast with the link to the survey, please let us know what you think of this issue of Signal Smoke.

Nancy Manning

Annual Meeting on March 18Please join us for our annual business meeting on March 18, 2010. We’ll be reporting on our successes from the prior year as well as talking about upcoming goals. Also, current TA members will vote on a slate of candidates for the Board of Directors. The new term will begin on April 8, 2010.

The slate, along with brief biographical information, is available on our website. Make sure your membership is current so you can vote in this election and have a voice in the governance of Travis Audubon.


Bird-a-thon 2010Save the dates: MAY 1, 2010 – MAY 8, 2010

This year participants have a full eight days in which to have their Bird-a-thon. A Bird-a-thon is still a 24-hour event, but now you can plan for the weather or find a day within that range that fits your schedule. It is also possible to have more than one Bird-a-thon during that period and compete for prizes with more than one team. First, second, and third place

prizes will be awarded in two categories:

Most money raised by a team (overall)•Most money raised by a team that’s never participated in Bird-a-thon•

Prizes include seven fabulous field trips! Brief descriptions appear below; see website for more details.

A morning bird walk at the Laguna Gloria Art Museum grounds, led by Sam Fason (the younger). Expect to find •migratory birds, Barred Owls and Red-shouldered Hawks.

Field trip at Acacia, on the banks of the Pedernales River. Acacia’s nesting specialties include several pair of Golden-•cheeked Warblers, plus Red-shouldered Hawks, Ash-throated Flycatchers, hummingbirds, and a variety of sparrows, buntings, woodpeckers, tanagers, warblers, vireos, wrens, etc.

7 Oaks Ranch on the banks of the Lampasas River will be the site of a field trip. Recorded species include warblers, •vireos, sparrows, painted buntings, and the occasional Bald Eagle.

Field trip on one of the BCP properties led by Laura Zebehazy, natural resource specialist for Travis County. Laura •will choose a property with the largest Black-capped Vireo colony on the BCP and surrounded by Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat.

Two field trips are being offered to Cherry Springs Ranch, which was purchased from J. Frank Dobie and has been in •the Edwards family for more than half a century. In addition to the excellent birding, you will also see dinosaur tracks that have been in the creek for 100 million years.

Full day field trip offered by Jeff Mundy as a Bird Guide to help you track down those elusive life birds in Central •Texas and/or on the Central Texas coast.

Winners in other categories, such as for the best team name, most of one species of bird, will be given recognition in Signal Smoke and at the awards Pot Luck on May 22, 2010. For a full listing of our categories, see our Bird-a-thon webpage at www.travisaudubon.org/Birdathon2010.html.

Mark your calendars for the May 22, 2010 Bird-a-thon celebration party at Baker Sanctuary

ON OUR WEBSITE - www.travisaudubon.org/Birdathon2010.htmlYou can download a packet of information on our Bird-a-thon page. The packet includes:

Introduction to TAS Bird-a-thon and invitation to participate• Rules for the TAS Bird-a-thon • Tips for having a successful Bird-a-thon • Sample emails/letters• Timelines (including deadlines for getting money back)• Pledge Form and Report Form•

If you are putting together a team, make sure to let the office know so we can add you to our Bird-a-thon web page.


Our Donors

Business MembersTravis Audubon is delighted to

recognize its Business Members:

Powell, Ebert & Smolik, PC

To learn about the benefits of supporting Travis Audubon as a Business Member, please go to www.travisaudubon.org and click on Business Members, or contact Travis Audubon at

512.300.BIRD (2473).Annual AppealMargaret and Heinz AeschbachBarbara AndersonRobert and Margaret AyresJudith BaileyLinda and Gary BergAnn Bishop and Penny PotterValarie Bristol S. Bruce Brown and Mary Braunagel-BrownNancy CharbeneauJo Clifton and Roger DuncanCinda CrosleyFred DalbeyMarjorie DearmontJon DevriesAnne and John DonovanOlive ForbesMichael and Joan FosterChris FunkeMargaret GortonBeth Gross and David WolfeChris and Alice GunterSheila Hargis and Laurie FossJim Hargrove, Jr.Kay and Joseph HartJohn and Dorothy HendrickGeorge HolmgreenUlo KiigemagiJohn Lacy and Marianne MulreyClif LaddDan LevineNancy ManningBert and Louise MarcomChris MarcumRon and Susan MartinElizabeth MaximSuzanne McAnnaKim McKnightLeslie Anne MorrisRusty Osborne and Cecilia GreenKristy OzmunMary Thorpe Parker

Nancy PodioJoan PrattRose Ann ReeserMartha RenfroeLeland and Sue RobertsPhillip and Beverly ScottStuart ShipnesSteve SigmanWinifred Simon and Shirley DanforthErnest Smith IIIRay ToburenDaphne VaughanMarvin VeselkaMaria WeberAndrea WeissenbuehlerLarry and Jane Wilson

Annual Appeal in Memory of Ed KutacMichael Gagarin and Donna CarterLucy Jalbert

Annual Appeal in Memory of Jim MarkleSandy Barling

Annual Appeal in Tribute to Homer RushingTodd Jermstad

UnrestrictedJames CousarPriscilla DickensonIngrid HuskeyBarbara KyseKelly Logan

Painted BuntingJudith BaileyLawrence BufordBarbara Felkins and Jimmy StanleyNorma GrubertBarbara KyseWayne and Rachel LindsayJulia MarsdenJorjanna Price

VireoThomas and Gelya CampLee Decker and Faye HarrisPatrick DillonNancy Sue and Carroll Ray HallCheryl and Richard HazeltineJill HinckleyBev Hoffman and J. Paul ComolaRon and Susan MartinAnna Faye PetersonJoan PrattJim WalkerNancy Webber

Memorial Gift in Honor of Bert W. LindsayWayne and Rachel Lindsay

Chaetura CanyonDon and Ann ConnellTess Sherman

GTBC TowheesJudith BaileyJim Walker

We gratefully acknowledge the Shield-Ayres Foundation for their generous grant which will fund several projects (see the Blair Woods article

on the cover). We also acknowledge the Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation for awarding us a grant for our Education and Outreach Programming. We extend our deepest thanks to all our donors. Your support is critical to the ongoing conservation and education efforts of Travis Audubon.

Many

thanks!

8 S I G N A L S M O K E / March/April 2010 T R A V I S A U D U B O N T R A V I S A U D U B O N S I G N A L S M O K E / March/April 2010 9

Travis Audubon Committee Corner

This issue we highlight and recognize the Urban Habitat Committee. This committee has a long and active history with Travis Audubon. It is chaired by Jane Tillman with co-

chair Anne Bellomy.

This active committee’s broad reach has a tremendous impact in our community. Their primary goal is to engage, encourage, and share with the public, their enthusiasm for gardening for birds. They do this in a number of ways such as giving presentations and staffing tables at various events eight times per year. They provide information, advice, and links to valuable resources.

Along with the Wildlife Austin program of Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department, the committee co-sponsors (hosts) the National Wildlife Federation Habitat Steward training annually. Stewards, once trained, serve their community to help restore wildlife habitat in backyards, school yards, and other private and public areas. The training covers native plants for wildlife, invasive plants & habitat restoration, attracting birds and butterflies, landscape design

Hornsby Bend News

Two of the three Chimney Swift kiosk towers at Hornsby Bend got a face-lift by the folks who constructed them in 2000: Paul and Georgean Kyle. They covered the old, weathered wood with Hardi panel, which will last much longer and will require much less maintenance. The third Tower, on Platt Lane, had already been constructed with Hardi panel. On hand to help paint the towers were three volunteers from the Hornsby Bend Committee, Julia Balinsky, Andy Balinsky, and Julia Heskett. The tower at Pond Two did have a nest, but there was no indication that any eggs were laid. The tower on Platt Lane did not show any evidence of nesting last summer. At the tower near the CER, there was one nest discovered. Georgean was able to ascertain, by the debris at the bottom of the tower, that there were three eggs that hatched. There was one small fledgling skeleton in the debris, which meant that one fledgling did not make it. But Georgean was heartened by evidence indicating that two fledglings might have survived in a year with such a catastrophic drought.

Funding for the materials and for the new interpretive displays was made possible by a grant to Travis Audubon by Texas Audubon.

Julia Balinsky

2010 Purple Martin Season Underway at Hornsby BendPurple Martin scouts leave their wintering grounds in Brazil during Janu-ary and reports of them being seen in Texas begin trickling in. Sometime 'round mid-month Andy and I head to Hornsby not only to see what great winter birds are on the ponds and in the woods, but also to get the Purple Martin colony ready for another season of nesting.

In early 2009 we installed a fourth nest rack making 50 compartments for these sweetest of all songbirds to raise their young. They used all but four of these for nesting, and we are expanding again this year. The Hornsby Committee is spending some of the money we raised at the 50th Year of Birding at Hornsby Celebration on another gourd rack, this time with a capacity of 32 more compartments! It's a circular wagon wheel design. We invite you to come out and see it.

Purple Martins nest near water and humans, which makes Hornsby the perfect spot. Andy and I go every week to lower the housing units so we can count and record nests, eggs, and young while removing the unwelcome House Sparrow nests. Last year we had the largest number of fledglings since the colony was established in 1999, a whopping 170. Come on and lend a hand with Purple Martin monitoring out at Hornsby Bend, 2210 South FM 973, Austin, TX. We go every 5-7 days into early June. You can email me and we'll arrange to meet you there to show you the ropes. Literally. Happy Spring, y'all.

Julia Balinsky

P.S. The first Purple Martin scout showed up in freezing temperatures on January 31 just after we put nesting material inside the clean gourds. We are delighted!

principles and many other topics. Anne Bellomy says the training is “Exceptional; it’s fun and inspirational.” The next training will be offered in September 2010.

Most of the Urban Habitat Committee’s members are trained stewards. This last fall the Urban Habitat Committee designed and helped to install a butterfly garden at Norman Elementary, our “adopted” school near Blair Woods.

On the Travis Audubon website the Urban Habitat Committee has created a page devoted to backyard birding. They are in the process of developing what they feel will be a major resource to foster habitat for birds; a Bird Habitat Plant list for Travis County which will be added to their web page when complete. You can see their web page at: www.travisaudubon.org/urbanhabitat.html.

To get involved with this active and fun committee, contact Jane Tillman at: mljt@

mail.utexas.edu. Let her know if you have a group that would enjoy a talk on Backyard Birds and/or Bird Gardening.

Nancy Manning

Pictured: Back row from left to right: Jane Tillman, Mary Martin, Joan Rivers. Seated from left Julie Sanford, Anne Bellomy. Not pictured: Jeanette Sweson, Cathy Gattuso, Kim McKnight. Photo credit: Nancy Manning

Photo credits: Andy Balinsky

The tower’s before lookPhotos courtesy of Paul & Georgean Kyle

Time for new siding. A fresh coat of paint. The tower’s great new look

Tower Transformation

1 0 S I G N A L S M O K E / March/April 2010 T R A V I S A U D U B O N

Notes from Chaetura Canyon

Avian species number 158 for the Sanctuary was discovered on January 17. El Nino rains had increased the water table level in the canyon enough

to allow the wet weather creek to finally flow again after two years of drought conditions. Water bubbling and gurgling over the rocks could be heard from the deck. We donned our binoculars and followed the trail downhill. Dozens of Chipping Sparrows were taking turns bathing in the flowing water on the large flat rocks, then flying up to preen on sun drenched tree branches. Northern Cardinals and House Finches chose the deeper depressions to drink, wade and splash. A pair of Carolina Wrens scolded continuously. They were totally ineffective in deterring the bathing party or our approach. A Canyon Wren crept into cracks and crevices of the dry rocks toasting in the sun above creek level. He darted off uttering high-pitched “skreet” calls when we raised our binoculars. We continued down the steps toward the footbridge crossing the creek. With the first step onto the structure, a small brownish bird shot out from under the bridge. It stopped in the shadow of a large boulder about twenty feet away. From the behavior, we were certain that it was a wren. However, the size and shape of the bird was different from the Carolina and Canyon that we had just observed and it was not a long tail wagging Bewick’s. We trained our binoculars on it and hoped to get a better look. The bird popped up to a branch, turned away from us and disappeared, but not before revealing a slight eye stripe and a “sparkling” grayish back: Rock Wren. We hope there are two!!

Everyone who feeds birds is keenly aware that goldfinches love thistle seed. The small niger seed can be offered to the birds using a variety of specialized feeders that efficiently dispense the expensive treat. You can create your our own thistle feeders by recycling a common packaging product. The Nature Sweet tomatoes arrive packaged in a red mesh bag. Take two empty bags (one is too porous). Cut the paper label off of the ends. Insert one bag inside the other and tie a tight overhand knot into one end of the double bag. Fill the bag with thistle seed and use a recycled twist tie to secure the top. Take a piece of wire or coat hanger and bend a “U” shape onto each end. Thread one end through the seed bag just below the twist tie and hang the other end over a hook or branch. Stand back and wait for the finches to feast!

Georgean and Paul Kyle, Sanctuary Stewards

Bridge across the creek where the Rock Wren was spotted


Baker Sanctuary News

Winter is slowly giving way to spring and that means Baker Sanctuary is again open to all Travis Audubon members to enjoy the Golden-cheeked Warbler nesting

season from March through August. The warblers spend the winter months in southern Mexico and Guatemala, but every year in March they begin their long journey to Central Texas to nest and reproduce. Baker Sanctuary is a nationally recognized “Important Bird Area” that literally attracts birders from around the world hoping to catch a glance of the Golden-cheeked Warbler. This is because the Golden-cheeked Warbler is a federally listed endangered species and nests only in about 30 counties in Central Texas and nowhere else in the world. Baker Sanctuary represents a habitat that is suitable for these birds but also close to a major urban center, a situation that is truly rare.

From November until February the sanctuary is normally closed to visitors for the annual White-tailed Deer harvest; an important part of managing the Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat because White-tailed Deer eat young oaks and damage other plants that host insects and caterpillars that are food for the warblers.

The beginning of nesting season also marks the beginning of the Baker Sanctuary volunteer season; Travis Audubon members and volunteers get together every year to help get the Sanctuary ready for the annual migration by clearing trails and brush and giving the sanctuary a facelift before the birds arrive. Travis Audubon encourages people to come to the sanctuary to help manage the habitat and to attend our special events. Several of these events and volunteer days are scheduled or will be scheduled this year, and will be posted on our website. Since the arrival of the Golden-cheeked Warbler is such a rare and unique experience to witness,

several days are also set aside for guided hikes. These hikes allow amateur birders to follow trained biologists and birding experts who can provide interesting information about the native flora and fauna, and identify the many species of birds that call Baker Sanctuary their summer home. We are all exited to open the gates of Baker Sanctuary again and hope you will all join us in welcoming the annual migration.

Derik T. Caudill,Travis Audubon Baker Sanctuary Steward

A BIGGER BAKER OPEN HOUSESAVE THE DATE: APRIL 10, 2010

Whoop it up with the warblers. This year we again invite families to join in the fun. We will provide kid-friendly activities and the Williamson County Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) will host a booth displaying the native plants which can be found at Baker Sanctuary. Many of you may remember the great childrens’ activity sponsored by NPSOT last year and they plan an encore for this year.

Baker Sanctuary is a 690-acre tract of pristine woodland terrain located just north of Austin and is one of the only places in the world to see the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler in its natural habitat.

Guided tours will take place from 9 am to noon. Tours will focus on ecology and feature Golden-cheeked warblers, plants, butterflies, and bugs.

Light snacks will be served but we encourage you to bring a sack lunch for those longer walks. Please contact Travis Audubon with any questions at 300-BIRD or [email protected]. For directions and a map to Baker Sanctuary, please go to our website: www.travisaudubon.org and click on Sanctuaries. Admission is FREE!

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Lesser Goldfinches on a home-made thistle sock Photo credits: Paul Kyle

Beginners Bird Walks at Zilker Park Directions: turn onto Stratford Drive from Barton Springs Road, park in the lot under the Mopac Bridge, walk up the hill and meet at the Zilker Nature Center. Led by Stan VanSandt. No registration required.

The Outer Limits – Caldwell County Bird Survey (one day only). Contact Stan at [email protected] to register. We will explore Lockhart State Park and possibly some private property we might get access to. Plan on barbeque in Lockhart for lunch.

Monthly Bird Count at Hornsby Bend Sponsored monthly by the Hornsby Bend Bird Conservatory. Contact Eric Carpenter at [email protected] for more information.

Chimney Swift Tower Workshop at Chaetura CanyonFull details for this workshop appear on page 14.

Two Hour Tuesday at Camp Mabry Registration required. Contact Jake at [email protected] for more information. Like many military bases, Camp Mabry has some good bird habitat that is rarely birded, at least by us civilians. Take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Monthly Bird Walk at Hornsby BendAustin’s premier birding site. Field trip leaders for March are George Kerr and Ken Zaslow. Go to www.horns-bybend.org for more information – no registration required.

Two Hour Tuesday at Brushy Creek Greenbelt, led by Dan Callaway From Interstate 35, go west on 734 (Parmer Lane) for nine and 3/4 miles. Turn right onto Brushy Creek Road, then take an immediate right into the park. No registration required.

The Outer Limits – Llano County Bird Survey Contact Stan at [email protected] to register. Limit of 12 participants. Group and area assignments will be made beforehand so that groups can choose their own meeting place for carpooling. Countdown restaurant to be announced.

The Outer Limits – Llano County Field Trip Contact Stan at [email protected] to register. Limit of 12 participants (but not necessarily the same 12 as the day before). We may break into two or more groups: I promise we won’t all go to Enchanted Rock.

Ecological Literacy Day at Hornsby BendEvery last Saturday of the month, for more information: Julia Balinsky at [email protected] or Kevin Anderson, 972-1960.

Super Tuesday! – Fayette County, led by Stan VanSandt Contact Stan at [email protected] to register. Limit of 12 participants. Plan to have lunch at a restaurant in La Grange, then bird for another hour or two.


TA Events - March 2010Saturday, Mar 6

9 am to 10:30 am

Tuesday, Mar 97 am to

mid-afternoon

Saturday, Mar 137 am & 4 pm

Sunday, Mar 141 pm to 4 pm

Tuesday, Mar 168 am to 10 am

Saturday, Mar 207:30 am to noon

Tuesday, Mar 238 am to 10 am

Saturday, Mar 27all day

Sunday, Mar 287:30 am to

mid-afternoon

Saturday, Mar 279 am to 1 pm

Tuesday, Mar 307:30 am to

mid-afternoon


TA Events - April 2010Saturday, Apr 3

6:30 am to lunchtime

Saturday, Apr 3 9 am to 11 am

Tuesday, Apr 67:30 am to

mid-afternoon

Saturday, Apr 107 am and 4 pm

Sunday, Apr 116:45 am to noon

Tuesday, April 137:30 am to

mid-afternoon

Saturday, Apr 177:30 am to 11:30 am


mid-afternoon


mid-afternoon

Saturday, Apr 249 am to 1 pm

Saturday, May 17 am to

early afternoon

Field Trip to Fort Hood led by Rich Kostecke Limited to 12 participants. To register contact Stan at [email protected]. Fort Hood contains one of the largest popula-tions of Golden-cheeked Warblers and Black-capped Vireos anywhere, thanks to the successful conservation efforts of Rich and his co-workers at the Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army. We can almost guarantee you will see these birds if you are quick enough on the draw. Almost. These are really shy and sneaky little birds.

Beginners Bird Walk at Riata Pond, led by Virginia RoseExcellent for beginning birders of all ages. Join Virginia to see what turns up at Riata Pond in North Austin. The trail is easy walking and wheel chair accessible. Driving Directions to Riata Pond: From 183 at MOPAC, take 183 north to the Oak Knoll exit. Take the Oak Knoll exit. From the 183 access road, turn right onto Riata Trace Parkway. After the road bears to the right the pond will be on your right. Meet in the business parking lot on the right just after you go past the pond. Alternatively, from the intersection of MOPAC and Parmer Lane, take Parmer Lane west about 2 miles to the light at Riata Vista Circle. Turn left onto Riata Vista Circle. Take Riata Vista Circle to the stop sign at Riata Trace Parkway. Turn right onto Riata Trace Parkway. The pond is a short distance on your left. Meet in the parking lot near the pond on your left.

The Outer Limits Bird Survey – Guadalupe CountyLimited to 12 participants. To register contact Stan at [email protected]. Home of the famous Warbler Woods, which some of us will visit while others search less-explored habitat in Seguin. Draw straws?

Monthly Bird Count at Hornsby Bend Sponsored monthly by the Hornsby Bend Bird Conservatory. Contact Eric Carpenter at [email protected] for more informa-tion.

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, co-sponsored by TAS and Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWRThis trip will focus on finding Golden-cheeked Warblers and spring migrants at the refuge. Shelia Hargis and Laurie Foss will lead participants to an area of the refuge not open to the public. Due to the narrow trail that we will be following, the maximum number of participants will be kept very small, so that all participants will have a good opportunity to see the birds. The trip is limited to eight participants and reservations are required. The steep and rocky trail will require good hiking boots and adequate physical condition. Bring water and snacks. If you’re interested, contact Laurie at [email protected] or call 751-3677, for more details and to make reservations.

Super Tuesday! in Gillespie County, led by Stan VanSandt Contact Stan at [email protected] to register. Limit of 12 participants. Let’s add some migrants and summer residents to the list we started in January. We’ll have lunch in Fredericksburg – I hate to eat a sandwich when there’s so many good restaurants around

Monthly Bird Walk at Hornsby BendAustin’s premier birding site. The walk will be led this month by Stu Wilson and Jim Hargrove. For more information go to www.hornsbybend.org – no registration required.

Super Tuesday! – Kendall County, led by Stan VanSandt Contact Stan at [email protected] to register. Limit of 12 participants. We will concentrate on Cibola Nature Preserve in Boerne, but might hit another possible migrant trap or two after lunch.

Super Tuesday! – Lee and Burleson Counties, led by Stan VanSandt Contact Stan at [email protected] to register. Limit of 12 participants. If Flag Pond and Nails Creek are as good as I hope, we may not get out of Lee County.

No field trips scheduled for the weekend of April 24 - see y’all at the Balcones Songbird Festival! See page 5 for details.

Ecological Literacy Day at Hornsby BendEvery last Saturday of the month, for more information: Julia Balinsky at [email protected] or Kevin Anderson, 972-1960.

Bastrop County and Back Again, led by Barry LyonHooded Warblers, Louisiana Waterthrushes, and Yellow-throated Vireos nest east of Austin in Bastrop County along Alum Creek. We will begin the morning searching for these and other eastern birds, then work our way back to Hornsby Bend to catch the migrating shorebirds, swallows, raptors, and whatever else might be around. Limited to 15 participants – contact Stan at [email protected] to register.

1 4 S I G N A L S M O K E / March/April 2010 T R A V I S A U D U B O N S O C I E T Y

Travis Audubon ClassesChimney Swift Tower Workshop at Chaetura Canyon Chimney Swifts are now listed as an endangered species in Nova Scotia, and the future for these aerial insectivores is also uncertain in the remainder of their breeding range. Georgean and Paul Kyle will conduct a workshop on building and maintaining new habitat for this declining species on Sunday, March 14th, from 1-4 pm.

The workshop will begin with an introduction to Chimney Swifts that includes a slide presentation and video highlights from a typical nesting season.

Participants will then construct an actual Chimney Swift Tower. After the project is completed, participants will take a one-mile walking tour of the Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary. There are currently 16 Chimney Swift towers on the property that demonstrate a variety of designs and materials. One of the towers will be opened, and the class will be shown how to evaluate the nesting productivity of last year’s season. Refreshments will be served on the deck overlooking the Canyon following the tour. Chaetura Canyon has been the epicenter for Chimney Swift conservation and research world-wide for more than 20 years. Master Naturalists and property owners with wildlife exemptions may find this workshop useful in their conservation efforts. Chimney Swift towers also make great Eagle Scout projects, so Scout Masters, Eagle candidates and their parents should consider taking advantage of this unique opportunity. Registration is limited to ten builders (16 years of age and older). The cost of this workshop is $35 for Travis Audubon members and $50 for non-members. The fee includes a copy of the Kyle’s book “Chimney Swift Towers: New Habitat for America’s Mysterious Birds”. For more information or to sign up for the workshop, please contact Anne Donovan at 472-3030 or email her at [email protected].

For a preview of the walking tour, visit www.ChimneySwifts.org and click on the “Chaetura Canyon Bird Sanctuary” link.

Bird Songs and VocalizationTravis Audubon is offering a new class for intermediate birders beginning in March and extending into May: Bird Songs and Vocalization. Learning birdsong is a difficult,

but rewarding undertaking. Highly skilled birders rely on bird vocalizations for many field identifications. Some closely related species are only distinguishable in the field by the differences in their songs. However, with over 380 species listed on the Austin Region checklist, even learning local birdsong can be an intimidating proposition. Jeff Patterson will be teaching this class intended to improve your skills at bird identification through birdsong.

The class is intended for intermediate birders who want to begin to develop, or to sharpen their skills with birdsongs and other

vocalizations. The class will focus on the breeding birds and winter Texans that regularly vocalize in the Central Texas area. While learning bird songs, flight calls, contact calls, scolds, and other vocalizations for field identification is the primary goal of the class, topics such as: why birds sing; the vocal anatomy of birds; preparation for Texas field trips; dialects; diagnostic birdsongs; resources; and other subjects related to birdsong will also be discussed.

The classes will be held at 6:30 pm on the Wednesday evenings of March 24, March 31, April 21 and May 5 with field trips on the Saturdays following each class (March 27, April 3, April 24, and May 8). Class location will be announced at a later date. An optional out-of-town field trip will also be considered, depending on class preferences. Field trip locations may include Hornsby Bend, Webberville Park, Reimer’s Ranch, Balcones NWR, Pedernales Falls State Park, and Choke Canyon State Park.

Jeff is a life-long birder who developed a curiosity for birdsong during the mid-1980s. With the current availability of a variety of birdsong resources, he has been able to improve his birdsong knowledge over the past few years and is eager to interact with interested students. Jeff is employed as a technical specialist at the state environmental commission where he often teaches work-related technical classes.

The class tuition is $60 for Travis Audubon members and $75 for non-members.To register for the class, please contact Frances Cerbins at [email protected] or by phone at 512-372-9039. Registration is limited to 12 participants.


Join us for Brunch with the Birds at Baker Sanctuary

You are cordially invited to one of the most memorable mornings at Baker Sanctuary this Spring:

Date: Saturday, May 8th, 2010Time: 7am to noonPlace: Baker Sanctuary

Join Victor Emanuel, founder of the acclaimed Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, and retired University of Texas Botany professor Marshall Johnston, and experienced VENT tour guide Barry Lyon on a unique tour of Baker Sanctuary.

You will be serenaded by the morning songs of the birds and enjoy shade-grown coffee, homemade muffins and fresh fruit before the tour. At 11:30, after working up an appetite, participants will feast on an exquisite gourmet brunch prepared by Chef Heidi Wittenborn.

MENUBacon and Mushroom Quiche

Rich custard of eggs and cream filled with bacon and mushrooms

Tomato, Zucchini, and Black Olive QuicheRich custard of eggs and cream filled with tomatoes, zucchini, and kalamata olives

Cranberry Coconut SlawCabbage, carrots, coconut, and cranberries in a light sour cream dressing

Greek Pasta SaladArtichokes, roasted red peppers, bowtie pasta, kalamata olives, and feta cheese

dressed with a dill vinaigrette

Muffin TrioPoppy seed sour cream, rich lemon, and cinnamon sugar doughnut muffins

BeveragesMimosa Maiden

LemonadePomegranate Passion

Admission is $125 per person with all proceeds going into the Travis Audubon Baker Sanctuary fund. The fund is used for maintenance and ongoing conservation projects at Baker Sanctuary. The event is limited to 15 participants, so don’t wait too long!

To secure your reservations, call: (512) 300-2473 or email [email protected]. Travis Audubon is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.


Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage PaidPermit No. 2301

Austin, Texas

Travis AudubonYES! I want to enjoy the benefits of Travis Audubon chap-ter membership. Enroll me as a member of Travis Audubon. Enclosed is my check for:

$10 Youth Membership (up to age 18) $25 Individual Membership $35 Family Membership $75 Painted Bunting Membership (embroidered patch of

Painted Bunting) $100 Vireo Membership (Embroidered patch of Vireo, TA

car decal) $250 Warbler Membership (Embroidered patch of War-

bler, TA car decal, 1 free class, VIP field trip) $1,000 Lifetime Membership (Special Lifetime Member

embroidered patch, T-shirt, TA car decal, Invitation to special events, VIP field trip)

T-shirt size (for premium memberships) ________________

This is a gift membership from ________________________

Name __________________________Phone _____________

Address __________________________________________

City ______________________ State ____ Zip __________

Email ____________________________________________

Visit the Travis Audubon Web site: www.travisaudubon.org

Travis Audubon3710 Cedar StreetBox 5Austin, TX. 78705

Dated Material - DO NOT DELAY

Join your local Audubon chapter, Travis Audubon, by using the form at the right. Your dues will be put to use supporting lo-

cal conservation, education, research projects, field trips, and other Travis Audubon activities right here in Central Texas. We seek your support through your membership in our lo-cal chapter. (To become a member of the national Audubon, please go to their website at www.audubon.org. Don’t forget to include the National Audubon Source Code of 79M7 and the Travis Audubon Chapter code of W03, so Travis Audubon receives credit.)

Join Travis Audubon now and support local birds, wildlife, and their habitats.Travis Audubon chapter members receive six issues of this Signal Smoke newsletter, priority sign-ups on local field trips, discounts on our educational classes, the opportunity to par-ticipate in our e-mail group and attend our wonderful monthly lectures, and more!

To join Travis Audubon:Make your check payable to Travis Audubon and send it with this form to Travis Audubon, 3710 Cedar St., Box 5, Austin, TX 78705, or join on-line using any major credit card by going to www.travisaudubon.org and clicking on Membership.

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