the future is birdy - texas a&m university
TRANSCRIPT
The Future is BirdyMaking the case for feathered wildlife on private lands
Dr. Maureen FrankAssistant Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist
Selma Glasscock
Key Points
1. Birding is a growing activity in the United States.
2. Private land can be great habitat for many native bird species.
3. Managing for birds can benefit private landowners in a variety of ways.
Why birds?
Dina Perry
Hunting trends – U.S.
0.0%
1.0%
2.0%
3.0%
4.0%
5.0%
6.0%
7.0%
8.0%
9.0%
0
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
% o
f U.S
. pop
ulat
ion
that
hun
ts
Tota
l lice
nsed
hun
ters
(tho
usan
ds)
Year
Total hunters % of U.S. population that hunts
Hunting trends – Texas
0.0%
1.0%
2.0%
3.0%
4.0%
5.0%
6.0%
7.0%
8.0%
0
200
400
600
800
1,000
1,200
1,400
1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015
% o
f Tex
as p
opul
atio
n th
at h
unts
Tota
l lice
nsed
hun
ters
(tho
usan
ds)
Year
Total hunters % of Texas population that hunts
Birding by the numbers
45 million U.S. birders in 2016 ~20% of the population
11% of Texans bird Texans are the third-most avid birders (132 days/year)
$40 billion/year spent on birding (U.S., 2011) Travel, entrance fees, guide fees, equipment
$76 billion/year spent on all wildlife watching (U.S., 2016)
From the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; “Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis,” 2013, and “National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation,” 2016.
Birding is…
Accessible Age Ability Location Season
Traditional Christmas Bird Count
Social
Habitat for Native Birds
Bryan Calk
Is this good bird habitat?
Shelter
Habitat, habitat, habitat
Food
… for a particular
species
Dan Bodenstein
Water
Ric McArthur Christopher Eliot
Space
Amanda Gobeli
Conservation on private lands
“Conservation means the wise use of the earth and its resources for the lasting good of men.”
– Gifford Pinchot
Changing Texas
…141 Million Acres Private Working Lands
12
Reasons for owning land?
13
Conservation on private lands
Private landowners are critical for wildlife conservation in Texas, and nationwide
Benefits of Birds
Bryan Calk
Management options
1. Wildlife tax valuation2. Ecotourism3. Personal enjoyment
Douglas Smith
1-d-1 wildlife tax valuation
Open Space Appraisal Same tax benefit as agriculture appraisal May better fit goals and interests
Meet the requirements Ag appraisal first Acreage
Choose at least 3 of 7 qualifying practices
Qualifying practices
1. Habitat control2. Erosion control3. Predator control4. Supplemental water5. Supplemental food6. Supplemental shelter7. CensusTaylor McKenzie
Ecotourism
Some necessary ingredients:1. An abundance of birds on the property2. A diverse array of bird species on the property3. Rare, unique, or interesting birds on the property4. A landowner interest in ecotourism
Is it risky?
Texas has laws and statutes to protect landowners Recreational Use Statute Agritourism Act
Liability insurance Waivers
Personal enjoyment and stewardship
Birding is compatible with: Responsible hunting Sustainable ranching Hiking Camping And more!
Bryan Calk
Closing thoughts
Birding is popular and growing!
Private lands are valuable to bird conservation
Landowners can benefit from managing for birds
Bryan Calk
So what does AgriLife Extension do?
Birding with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service1. Relational2. Scientific3. Apolitical
We connect birders with landowners!
Small Acreage – Big Opportunity
A workshop tailored to small acreage properties interested in wildlife management Sept. 26, 2020 Webinar: Edwards Plateau, Cross Timbers, Blackland
Prairie Soils, plants, tax valuation, cost-share opportunities,
landowner stories; future field days
Learn to Bird
Weekend of birding for beginners Oct. 23-25, 2020 McKenna Ranch, Val Verde County Classroom lessons and lots of time in the field!
Birding the Border
Multi-day, multi-ecoregion experience April 29 – May 2, 2021 Val Verde and Kinney counties Birding on private and restricted-access properties Socials, educational seminars, vendors, and more!
Rio Diablo Birding Camp
Youth birding experience May 29 – June 5, 2021 Traveling: Big Bend, Davis Mountains, Balmorhea Lake,
Hill Country, Fort Clark, Devils River, and more Target bird species, local culture, naturalist lessons,
classic Texas experiences
Resources
All pictures labeled with a name were obtained under Creative Commons license. Pictures with no label are public domain or were taken by M. Frank.
Dr. Maureen [email protected](830) 278-9151
wildlife.tamu.edu/birding agrilife.org/texasaglaw nri.tamu.edu agrilifebookstore.org
Bryan Calk