ISSUE VOLUME

A PUBLICATION OF THE DIVISION— GETTING TEXANS INVOL VED

Citizen science helping learn more about an illusive predator in urban Spring 2014 centers! DFW Public Contributing to Urban Carnivore Research By Derek Broman [email protected]

In the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex (DFW), Texas Parks and are Wildlife’s Urban Wildlife Office is currently involved with a col- leading laborative urban research project that seeks to provide in- experts formation on bobcat habitat, diet, and population demographics in in their field. Each observation you make, whether added using an urban landscape. Products from this project will include esti- the mobile phone app or manually on a computer, is stored to your mates of bobcat habitat and maps that display suitable habitat personal library and includes date, time, and location (derived throughout DFW. However, testing the quality and validity of from the GPS on your phone or an interactive Google Map on your these products requires additional information. For example, if a computer). bobcat habitat map indicates large amounts of habitat occur in northwest Dallas County, how could we test that suggestion? A The project, called ‘DFW Carnivores,’ allows anyone to submit common solution is to see if anyone has viewed in that observations of bobcats within the 10 central DFW counties area, but where does that information occur? What about sightings (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rock- in other areas of DFW? No robust repository exists for bobcat wall, Tarrant, and Wise). While bobcat sightings are imperative to sightings across DFW. With 6.7 million people in DFW, surely the urban bobcat study, this project provides the opportunity to the public is encountering bobcats or their sign (i.e., tracks, scat), collect information on other rare or secretive carnivores (e.g., ring- right? tail, mink), especially those listed on the Texas Wildlife Action Plan for the region (e.g., river otter, long-tailed weasel, mountain To meet these needs, I created a project on the website iNatural- lion, eastern spotted skunk, and American badger). Therefore, the ist.org to collect, store, and manage bobcat sightings in DFW. project also allows the submission of any carnivore observation in iNaturalist is a free website where you can document and share DFW in the hopes that TPWD can begin to detect and document observations of and animals anywhere in the world. It is the presence and distribution of focal species in a rapidly develop- also an excellent resource for receiving assistance on /animal ing area. identification as others on iNaturalist provide recommendations on the identity of your observation, and sometimes these individuals Continued on page 2

E-NEWS Welcome to the first edition of Eye on Nature that will not be printed as a hard copy. With the printing of the fall 2013 edition, we made the difficult decision to go with a strictly electronic format and make a pdf version available for those who want to print a hard copy for themselves. To make sure that you are always aware that a new issue has been posted, subscribe to Eye on Nature at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/newsletters/. You can also follow us on facebook by searching for “Texas Wildlife Diversity Program-Texas Parks and Wildlife Department” where we will also post notice of new publications.

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Executive Director The DFW Carnivores project was created in August 2013 and as of mid-February 2014 is Carter P. Smith nearing 250 carnivore observations in 29 cities. As for bobcat sightings, 80 have been Eye on Nature Editor reported in 29 cities. While it can be extremely difficult to capture an image of an elusive, Mark Klym cryptic mammal, 93% of bobcat observations include a photo for identification (94% for all carnivore observations). This high percentage is likely the product of stationary ob- COMMISSION: jects such as bones, roadkill, tracks, and scat being observed and photographed but many Dan Allan Hughes, Jr., Chairman Houston photos have been taken with use of remote-triggered trail cameras (i.e., game cameras). I Ralph H. Duggins, Vice-Chairman Fort Worth was surprised to learn so many of these cameras were being deployed in urban areas. T. Dan Friedkin, Chairman-Emeritus Houston

Roberto De Hoyos Austin A few unexpected observations include mink and river otter. Bill Jones Austin Although the number of reports is currently low, mink have James H. Lee Houston been observed in Dallas and Tarrant Counties, and river Margaret Martin Boerne otters in Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties. These animals S. Reed Morian Houston have not been previously observed in these areas, thus iNat- Dick Scott Wimberley uralist has been immediately valuable in informing the Lee M. Bass, Chairman-Emeritus Fort Worth DFW Urban Wildlife Office.

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT In addition to indicating species presence and distribution, MISSION STATEMENT data reported to iNaturalist may be used for other investiga- “To manage and conserve the natural and cultural re- tions. For example, should data reach sufficient levels, a sources of Texas and to provide hunting , fishing and future goal is to derive information on habitat use from outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoy- those reported observations to construct species-specific ment of present and future generations.” habitat models and maps. Should that technique prove val- id, the use of public reported information (i.e., citizen sci- You may view this publication through the TPWD Web site. ence) could eliminate the need for intensive field investiga- Please notify us by completing a request form at tions and serve as an immensely valuable tool in wildlife conservation. The presence and www.tpwd.texas.gov/news/. Once verified, we will notify distribution of certain animals can also provide insight on habitat health. For example, you by e-mail when a new version of your selected news- mink and river otter populations are often associated with high water quality and good letter is posted at www.tpwd.texas.gov/newsletter/. riparian areas. Their presence may very well indicate good aquatic health within DFW.

FOR MORE INFOMRATION As public awareness increases of iNaturalist and the DFW Carnivores project, I am opti- mistic that observations of bobcats and other carnivore species will continue to increase. I All inquiries: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 strongly encourage you to use iNaturalist to store your personal plant and animal observa- Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, telephone (800) 792- tions, and to help get information to wildlife biologists that need it. Also, please consider 1112 toll free, or (512) 389-4800 or visit our website for sharing your observations on TPWD-managed iNaturalist projects such as the Mammals detailed information about TPWD programs: of Texas, a project to share observations of carnivores inside and outside the DFW www.tpwd.texas.gov Metroplex. © 2014 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department PWD BR W7000-255 (04/14) Derek is an urban wildlife biologist in the Dallas – Fort Worth area .

TPWD receives federal assistance from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal Agencies. TPWD is therefore subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of This issue is focused on wildlife in the city, and how urban residents can provide wildlife 1975, Title IX of the Educa- habitat near their homes, and contribute to wildlife management through citizen sci- tion Amendments of 1972, in addition to state anti- ence. Judit Green introduces us to some challenges we face in and around the discrimination laws. TPWD will comply with state and city. Derek Broman focuses on how he is using reports from urban residents to validate federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, a research project involving bobcats. Diana Foss calls our attention to urban bat colo- national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe that you nies in Houston and the exciting opportunities they offer for eco-tourism. Brett John- have been discriminated against in any TPWD program, son showcases a messy (figurative and literal) situation in the Metroplex and the solution activity or event, you may contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife to an nuisance heronry, while Keith Crenshaw reminds us that hogs are becoming an Service, Division of Federal Assistance, 4401 N. Fairfax urban issue too. Lois Balin explains that El Paso has some great opportunity for bird- Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA, 22203, Atten- ing, and Jessica Alderson finishes up with an alternative viewpoint on urban . We tion Civil Rights Coordinator for Public Access. are fortunate to welcome an article from Sheryl Smith-Rodgers, a freelance writer who has contributed to Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine on several occasions. Sheryl takes us on a tour of her wonderful Wildscape near downtown Blanco, and Mark Klym presents an article on how Wildscapes help reduce our demand for water.

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Nature Tourism and the Value of City Bats By Diana Foss [email protected]

Bats are often shrouded by myths and had just arrived at Bush erroneous movie stereotypes. But the real Intercontinental Airport on the fact is that bats are highly beneficial, north side of Houston that providing significant services to people and afternoon. Employed as a bus ecosystems, including cities! Bats living in driver in Denmark, he had heard urban areas often receive a mixed welcome about Houston’s “bat bridge” from when discovered. It’s the ‘eeek’ factor that a regular rider on his bus, and initially when he mentioned traveling to affects Houston to visit family, he was people. told “You must go!” So the man’s son and grandson arrived to pick him up, and then whisked him immediately to the bridge in time to see the bats fly out against a blazing TPWD urban wildlife biologist with a team sunset. The family experienced an of volunteers is undertaking a project to awesome bat emergence, learned some bat document known bat roosts, especially facts, and drove home as happy new bat those in bridges. Using maps of existing However, in many Texas cities, the ‘eeek’ ambassadors. bridges, knowledge of typical bat behavior, is turning to ‘chic’. Besides the nightly Unwittingly, the bats are also representing along with reports from the public, the ‘Bat insect control, cities are now valuing their the city. Amongst the glass and steel of the Team’ will check specific bridges and bats for nature tourism dollars and outdoor downtown buildings, a simple collect data on any bat roosts discovered. recreation opportunities. bridge holds such interesting life. Tourists The resulting roost database will be useful Bats provide crucial natural pest control add the evening spectacle to their lists of to agencies and companies planning nightly. For example, the million plus “must sees” as they eat in local restaurants, construction projects in the Houston area. Mexican free-tailed bats sleep in area hotels, The construction project team can then residing in Austin’s Congress rent vehicles, purchase work ‘with’ the bats during the course of Avenue Bridge eat an estimated fuel, and obtain their project, thus protecting the bat colony 20,000 pounds of insects souvenirs to mark the and roost, as well as their workers. In a nightly. A recent study to visit. A recent study great example of cooperative efforts to determine the value of bats in conducted by the U. S. enhance a local natural area while controlling agricultural crop Geological Society protecting bats, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, damage to corn and cotton in an and University of Millis Construction, Harris County Flood eight county region in Texas, Arizona, Control, Harris County Public estimated the bats’ value at conservatively Infrastructure, and several architectural/ $741,000, with a range of Photo by D. Humes estimated that the landscape design companies are carefully $121,000 to $1.7 million (primarily in tourism value from 242,000 visitors working around a large bat colony near reduced need for pesticides). The bats ate viewing bats at 17 roosts in six states for downtown Houston during a major trail and the moths responsible for producing the one year equaled over $6.5 million in greenspace project along Buffalo Bayou. In caterpillars causing the damage. Even bat consumer spending. That’s ‘bat’ money response to advice and requests from the guano has value as natural fertilizer, as a flowing into local economies. Bat viewing volunteers who have studied the bats for component in rich compost, and even often sparks local industries: from evening years, the project team has modified their historically as a component in saltpeter to cruises down the river to watch the bats design for construction under and adjacent make gun powder back in the 1800s. emerge, to restaurants offering evening to the colony, and shifted their schedule for specials as patrons sit outside and observe construction to times of the year when it While most people never notice the bats the bat emergence. Commercial Segway would impact the bats the least. Kudos to living around them, there can be great value tours and bicycle rentals enable them for their efforts and flexibility! in bats being seen. On a recent summer transportation to bat-watching destinations. night in Houston, several dozen people Tours and tour guides have sprouted up, So please take the time to stop what you’re were enjoying the spectacle created by interpreting bat behavior to willing crowds. doing, sit down and watch a bat…or many! approximately 300,000 Mexican free-tailed Nationwide, bats incite entire events, like There are lots of benefits packed into those bats emerging from Waugh Drive Bridge in ‘Bat Days’ and ‘Bat Festivals,’ and even the little bodies. And if you spot a large bat Houston. Visitors included a wide range of United Nations ‘International Year of the roost, please consider reporting the site to cultures; local residents and tourists from Bat’. the database team. other states, bat researchers from Great Britain, a family from Spain, and a Bat conservation among urban development Diana is an urban wildlife biologist in gentleman from Denmark visiting his can be tricky, especially when dealing with Houston. family in Houston. The man from Denmark bridges. In the greater Houston area, a

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Managing Your Property for Wildlife By Judit Green [email protected]

Every day for the past 9 years I have driven encouraged to manage for birds, because the seeds and use the grasses for nesting along my usual route heading to my office they have no boundary limitations and are material. In addition, larger birds of prey located on a State Natural Area just outside the easiest species to manage for on any such as hawks and owls will feed on any of San Antonio. Leaving my neighborhood size property regardless of location. The small mammals drawn to area. For more ‘s city streets lined by homes with turf habitat will benefit a host of other species information about sowing native plant grass lawns and arrive at this beautiful rural too! seeds yourself, visit www.seedsource.com. drive where an array of plants fill the understory of large canopy trees alongside One of the most important things you can In your wooded areas, allow trees that have this two-lane road sets the tone for my day. do for wildlife is to retain the native plants fallen to remain in place so they can decay But alas, development has caught up to this you have on your property. If you have over time, attracting insects for birds to eat. area. Subdivisions have moved in along little to none on your property, then re- Keep dead or dying trees intact on your this road to the point that expansion of this plant sites with natives. Plants are valuable property since they too will attract insects quaint rural road is now necessary. The to wildlife for the food it offers (nectar and and they will also attract woodpeckers city has cleared a substantial amount on fruit, as well as the insects it attracts), the which will excavate cavities for rearing either side of the road and it saddened me nesting opportunities, and the shelter it their young. Once they vacate, other birds to see the bulldozed trees now on their provides from weather and predators. For and mammals may enlarge the hole, sides. Clearing land of plantings that took new owners I recommend taking a couple making it suitable for their nesting needs sometimes hundreds of years to grow is of years to identify the plants you have too. often done in a day or weekend and can before you start clearing anything from have grave consequences for wildlife. As I your property. This will save you time and Allow your land to recuperate from past see cities growing at an expansive rate, I money from having to replant your land practices by doing nothing for a realize the urgency in trying to get property property in the future. The best time to couple of years. Dormant seeds that reside owners, regardless of the size of their identify plants is when they are in bloom in the soil may germinate over time. It will property, to realize the various options and leaves are present on the plant. A good be up to you to identify what grows and available to them in managing the land so field guide for plants will showcase these whether it is wanted or not. Birds often that it can benefit people, but not at the cost two features. These initial records will spread seed from their favorite fruits as to our wildlife, native landscapes, and serve as your baseline inventory as you they perch in your trees or along a fence water. move forward in improving your land’s line—these are the plants they favor most, habitat. so don’t be too quick to remove them Texas is a state without statewide land use unless they are on the list planning and it gives the power of how to If at all possible, avoid fragmenting the (www.TexasInvasives.org). develop to its cities, often without input property into smaller tracts. This is often even from the county. This often leads to done as property is passed down or sold to There are a variety of resources available to poorly planned, often chaotic patterns of others. As properties become smaller, they landowners. Texas Parks & Wildlife development across the landscape since tend to be cleared by the various owners biologists offer free technical guidance and there is no methodology offered by the leaving little valuable habitat for wildlife. offer regular workshops for both urban and state. In addition, many absentee Urbanization and development are rural landowners. Contact your nearest landowners own tracts of land in rural areas additional reasons for habitat loss and why urban wildlife office for assistance at they don’t reside on. Often, they manage we are seeing a huge decline in our wildlife www.tpwd.state.tx.us. their lands in the way they are used to populations as well as water quality. doing in the city—removing unknown, Judit is an urban wildlife biologist in San unwanted weedy-like plants in an attempt Another key element of good land Antonio to “clean up” the property. They often management is to offer a variety of don’t realize the value of these plants and different plants. That means not just all too often seek out my help only after providing canopy trees, but also valuable habitat has been destroyed. retaining or planting understory or various shrubs beneath them. This Unless Texans help to change the way this is especially important in urban state develops into the future, it is even areas where most properties only more paramount that each person that owns have tall trees and don’t offer land, no matter the size, be it urban or rural, many native plants. These take into account what their piece of Texas “islands” of thick undergrowth are means to future generations as well as to magnets for birds that are drawn to the natural resources found on their the food, cover, or nesting sites property. So what is a landowner to do? these areas offer. In open fields or Here are a few tips: meadows allow native grasses to grow which will draw in grassland Landowners with smaller properties are birds and mammals that feed on

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Heronries in Urban Areas: Living with Cattle Egrets by Brett Johnson [email protected]

“They are such pretty birds,” “these birds are driving me crazy,” “they don’t hurt anyone, can’t we just leave them alone” and “there is bird poop literally everywhere”. These were all statements that I heard for the first time in 2010, and then a lot in 2011.

Envision the following scenario. Starting in 2009, you noticed probably fewer than 50 cattle egrets starting to nest around the neighborhood. In 2010 they number a couple hundred. Starting in mid-February, you notice about 8 stout, football sized, neat looking black and white birds that walk around during the day and fly around at night. This is the black-crowned night- heron. About a week later, they are actively building nests, and a few days later laying . In mid-March, you start noticing about 100 cattle egrets hanging around. About 3 days later, that number has grown from 100 adult birds, to about 1,000 adult birds. By mid-April, the cattle egrets have built nests in the trees on12 lots (ave. 2 trees Black-crowned Night-heron photo by Nancy McIlroy per lot—we’ll call it 24 trees). Each tree there was constant, loud squawking. The has about 50 nests, each nest has 2 adults streets and sidewalks were covered and This brings us to the Migratory Bird Treaty and an average of 4 fledglings. Simple stained will bird fecal matter. In some Act of 1918 (MBTA). Ironically, from a math plays out to potentially 7,200 cattle places the fecal matter was 2-4 inches deep. historical perspective, the MBTA got off the egrets. All concentrated into a fairly small Residents were concerned about potential ground as an effort to protect other egret area. This does not include little blue diseases. Houses for sale on the street had species along the East Coast. The Act herons, snowy egrets, tricolor herons, and to be pulled off the market. I had to agree protects the birds from being killed, and Great egrets that are also present, but in with my colleague who said “there is no their nests and eggs from being destroyed much lower numbers.—Keep in mind, all way I would want to live here, I really feel during active nesting. Anything that would these species tend to come back to the same sorry for these people”. kill the birds, or cause a nest to potential fail area they were born in. is illegal. Long story short, since the cattle How did this neighborhood get into this egret got here through natural means, they In June 11, 2011 our office was called by situation? are technically covered under the MBTA. A city staff. “I know that there’s probably not resident can do just about anything to anything you can do, but can you please just The cattle egret is a species originally native encourage the egrets to move, short of come out and see what were are dealing to Europe, Asia and Africa. Following the killing them - until there is an in the with”. I agreed to visit, but how bad could increase in cattle production worldwide, nest (active nesting). Now another one of it be? How wrong could we be? they have had the fastest and largest range the little technicalities of the law, once ANY expansion seen in birds. They first appeared species in the heronry is actively nesting, all From sunrise to about 2 hours after sunset, in Florida in the 1940’s, and had a breeding efforts to harass them must stop. population in the US by the early to mid-1950’s. They are actually What about the diseases? Is this a public a grassland species (though they health issue? Well….That’s an interesting associate with wetland species issue. Look online and there is an quite a bit) that has a penitent for assortment of potential diseases: grasshoppers. They have a lot of histoplasmosis, salmonella, e. coli, etc. flexibility to in requirements for a Here is the challenge, find a confirmed case heronry. They like a thick, ever being directly linked to a heronry. We mature canopy, but are not picky tried, along with several public health about what trees make up the officials. Boiled down, it was viewed as a canopy. Boiled down, they can personal sanitation issue, not a public health do pretty well in urban settings. issue.

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outdoor water Heronries in Urban Areas: Texas Wildscapes and use comes Living with Cattle Egrets Texas Water from the Continued from page 5 By Mark Klym proper [email protected] selection of So what can be done to avoid this issue, and regionally benefit both residents and the birds Rain – a precious commodity anywhere in native plants themselves? The key is planning several the Lone Star State. The water we have is to use in our months out, starting in the fall. First, once under increasing demand to refresh our landscape. the birds are gone, call it the second week in thirsty cities and quench our parched crops. While you generally will not find them in October, the nests can be removed from the Water is precious, and scarce, yet often one the “big box stores,” they are the plants that trees without a permit. Then the mid- of the easiest ways we could conserve water, have demonstrated the ability to not only canopy needs to be thinned to make it harder and one of the most effective, is completely survive, but to thrive in our variable, but to nest, and so they can’t freely walk over looked. dry, Texas climate. between trees. Then, identify those areas may they move into if they do move (IE— The Environmental Protection Agency Texas native plants are a good start, but if mature canopies, usually subdivisions put in estimates that the average American uses you can select plants that naturally occurred between 1950 and 1970). Identify areas too about 320 gallons of water daily, of which in your region, relatively close to your that it is completely ok if the birds move 30% or 96 gallons is used outside and half property, you are going to have the greatest of that (48 gallons) is used on our lawns. success, contribute most to the ecology of That is daily use! In dry areas such as your area and conserve water. These plants Texas, daily outdoor use can account for as have developed not only in the water much as 60% of our average daily use. conditions and the weather common to the Nationwide, water used for our lawns and region, but also in the soils of the area and gardens accounts for nearly 9 billion gallons with the other biota (life) in the region. of water daily. But what is a “native” plant? If the plant As we can see, lawns and gardens are a has been here for a certain time, should it significant part of our water use, and if we not be considered “native”? It can thrive on can find a way to reduce the water its own, without any assistance from me – into (sanctuary areas). When the birds first consumption of our gardens, we can have a surely that counts for something! What show up, there are a variety of means that definite impact on water demand and thus about plants recommended by garden can be used to harass them and encourage on water conservation in Texas. This is centers and other sources as great for the them to move (flash bangs, lasers, scare-eye where Texas Wildscapes, a program that region? ballons, water hoses, etc). Usually 2 or 3 certifies landscapes that meet the needs of methods must be used for about a week. wildlife habitat and are composed of at least A truly native plant is one that occurred here Make sure you review your local ordinances 50% native plants, can help. Water without any assistance from man. We don’t regarding legality of specific methods. If reductions is a multistep process. know with certainty how much trade and you miss the window (prior to active nesting transport in plant materials there was before -first egg), the only folks that can legally The first thing we should do is check our European man arrived in Texas, but we do deal with the birds is UDSA-Wildlife irrigation methods and equipment to ensure know that after the arrival of European man, Services. we are not wasting water through loss. That the number of exotic plants increased same EPA article estimates that 50% of the significantly. Generally, a plant that was Did it work? We went from 1,000 plus nests water used to irrigate our land is wasted (4.5 here and is recorded in the writings of some in 2011, to 10 active nests in the whole city billion gallons daily)! Waste can come from of our earliest naturalists is considered a in 2012. Eight over watering. Most grass does not need to native plant. Texas Wildscapes can help you were found in watered daily, or even every other day. find appropriate native plants through the the original Texas AgriLife Extension recommends Wildscapes DVD. See the order form at neighborhood. watering about 1.5 inches deep and then http://www.tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/ Residents were letting the lawn dry before watering again. wildlife_diversity/wildscapes/media/ pleased it dvd_order.pdf . worked out, Another source of loss is sprinklers and and no birds other aerial watering methods that overspray Since Wildscapes requires the use of native were killed. The city has been diligent the water onto the hardscape. This water just plants as a majority of the plants in your last 2 years, and done a great job. The runs off the property or is evaporated with garden, and since these plants are known to model works if it is needed. Remember the no benefit to wildlife or the landscape. thrive in our drought and flood environment, key is minor habitat modification and early Much of the water thrown into the air by Wildscapes is a great way to reduce your detection. sprinkler systems is evaporated – especially impact on Texas’ shrinking water supplies. if you water near midday. Leakage, from Check out www.tpwd.texas.gov/wildscapes Brett is an urban wildlife biologist in the poorly connected or damaged equipment, is for more information. Dallas area. another huge source of water loss. Mark coordinates the Texas Wildscapes The most significant impact we can have on program out of the Austin office.

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Home Owner’s Association and Citizens Work to Combat Hogs In The Big City By Keith Crenshaw [email protected] When you think of Houston, you might unheard of—every 12 to 15 months during landscapes were being uprooted. A plan think of the museum district near a life span of 4 to 8 years. They are highly was set up between the local Kingwood downtown. You might think a little greener prolific breeders and without a concerted Services Association (the Local Home and go to Memorial Park. Most others think effort to control populations, even pig Owner’s Association that manages five of Houston as bright lights and asphalt. populations reduced by 70 percent return to major parks) and the active citizenry to Citizens of Kingwood, a on the full strength within two or three years if begin trapping hogs. Local citizens adjacent Northeast outskirts of Houston, live in their efforts are not continued. to East End Park purchased a box trap and community dubbed “The Liveable Forest.” shared in the efforts to remove feral hogs. Last winter when most were thinking of Ethyl McCormick with Kingwood Services their Christmas holiday and the hustle and Association (KSA) aided the local citizenry Wild hogs are “opportunistic omnivores,” bustle of the end of the year, the citizens of by closing down East End Park at night and meaning they’ll eat most anything. Using Kingwood were introduced to the most hiring a hog trapper to remove feral hogs at their extra-long snouts, flattened and prolific invasive mammal in the state. After strengthened on the end by a plate of night. land along Lake Houston had been cleared cartilage, they can root as deep as three to put in a subdivision, feral hogs made feet. They’ll devour or destroy whole their way into the outskirts of their fields—of sorghum, rice, wheat, soybeans, Kingwood neighborhood. potatoes, melons and other fruits, nuts, grass and hay. Farmers planting corn have discovered that the hogs go methodically down the rows during the night, extracting seeds one by one. They will do the same thing to urban yards.

With a concerted effort, over 20 hogs were Hogs erode the soil and muddy removed. Thirty days later, at the monthly streams and other water sources, KSA meeting, a report on the impact of the possibly causing fish kills. They community working together to reduce the disrupt native vegetation and make it easier for invasive plants to take feral hogs was applauded with a standing hold. The hogs claim any food set ovation. Feral Hogs have been around Texas since out for livestock, and will eat snakes, the Texas-Mexico War for Independence. lizards, and nestlings of ground nesting Feral hogs are a highly resilient animal that Now Feral Hog populations are over 2 birds. In urban areas, this process is even has been around for over 300 years. With a Million in number in Texas. Feral Hogs are more prolific with yards under irrigation plan of action effective follow through and not just a Texas issue. They reside in 38 system management. A golf course or well continued vigilance, Kingwood residents other states and four Canadian provinces, taken care of yard is highly sought after by could return to being the livable forest that and do approximately $400 million in free roaming feral hogs. its citizens continue to enjoy. damage per year in Texas alone. Texas allows hunters to harvest feral hogs year- Citizens in Kingwood are no strangers to round without limits or capture them alive Keith is an urban wildlife biologist in wildlife. It is not uncommon to see the Houston to take to licensed slaughterhouses to be occasional deer, rabbit, or even a coyote processed and sold to restaurants as exotic moving through the community. Most golf meat. The goal is not eradication, which courses in the area have had to few believe possible, but population engage in direct management to control. reduce feral hogs on their properties.

The wily hogs seem to thrive in almost any conditions, climate or ecosystem in the This past year, with a new state—the Pineywoods of east Texas; the pathway opened up for the southern and western brush country; the exploding feral hog populations, lush, rolling central Hill Country. Other they discovered the than Man, feral hogs have no natural neighborhoods of Royal Shores predators, and there are no legal poisons to and the lush lawns full of food. use against them. Sows begin breeding at 6 Citizens began contacting local to 8 months of age and have two litters of Texas Parks & Wildlife Officials four to eight piglets—a dozen is not for help as their front yards and

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Urban White-Tailed Deer By Jessica Alderson [email protected] White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) involved in the decision–making process Non-lethal management options include: pose a growing urban wildlife management concerning management options. Substantial fencing, habitat modification, deterrent problem in many metropolitan areas increases in deer-vehicle accidents resulting techniques and Trap, Transport and throughout the United States. As urban in property damage, injury, or death will Transplant (TTT). Lethal methods reduce sprawl increases, the natural habitat required usually tip the balance in favor of more white-tailed deer populations by Trap, by many wildlife species disappears, but aggressive urban deer herd management Transport and Process (TTP), or harvest of white-tailed deer are able to adapt to urban plans. deer through regulated hunting. Processed environments and human activity. White- deer meat from TTP is donated to aproved tailed deer populations can grow rapidly in There are a variety of control measures charitable organizations like Hunters for the some urban areas due to the lack of natural when dealing with rural white-tailed deer, Hungry or local food banks. Regardless of predators, patchy habitats, limited hunting, but some of these options may have limited which management plan is implemented, it increased production and survival of success in urban settings. For example, is important to understand that urban deer offspring, abundant food resources, and hunting is an effective method for management requires long-term efforts to tolerance of human activities. controlling overabundant urban deer but achieve and maintain wildlife management may not be legal within many city limits. goals. Applying a combination of several When humans and wildlife live close to one techniques will be more successful than another, an increase in human-wildlife Many residents in communities with utilizing one single method. conflict may occur. Most human reactions to overabundant deer populations ask the wildlife are based on previous knowledge question “Who is responsible for urban deer Education and communication with the and experience with the species involved. management?” The responsibility of deer public and other stakeholder groups is a key Usually, when deer first appear in urban management in urban areas typically factor in reducing conflict within the habitats, humans consider them to be includes residents, city officials, and citizen community. The primary goal of beautiful, non-threatening, and a highly organizations such as property owners communication is to educate all stakeholder valuable wildlife resource. However, when associations. The Texas Parks and Wildlife groups so they can make well informed deer “cross Department (TPWD) is not responsible for choices about where they stand on an issue. the line” making management decisions or It is critical to inform the public about all beyond what implementing management strategies for aspects of the issue, not just information that is perceived white-tailed deer on private property. The will persuade them in a certain direction. as acceptable primary role of TPWD is to provide versus technical guidance and education for The most challenging aspect of white-tailed unacceptable communities facing deer management deer management in the urban landscape is behavior, problems. the issue of how to best manage deer where conflicts may community residents often have highly arise between Feeding deer may be tempting, but research polarized views and values regarding deer deer and has shown that supplemental feeding leads management. Successful resolution of urban people. to increased disease risk, long-term habitat deer issues requires that community leaders Residents destruction, increased deer-vehicle and TPWD staff work together with then start to collisions, habituation to humans and stakeholders to gain acceptance of an urban weigh their alteration of other deer behavioral patterns. deer management plan. full range of Several Texas communities have options implemented a city ordinance which For more information about urban white- concerning prohibits the feeding of deer, restricts public tailed deer management: urban deer management. access to deer management areas, and assigns penalties for damage or destruction TPWD Urban Wildlife Offices Urban deer can cause a substantial amount of deer management equipment. Violators http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/ of economic loss to humans through are charged with a Class C misdemeanor wildlife_diversity/urban_program/ property damage, personal damage in deer- punishable by a fine determined by the city. vehicle collisions, and disease risks. Many of these cities have seen a decline in Overabundant Deer Residents seldom want to completely deer problems and nuisance behaviors. https://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/ eliminate the deer population, but any game_management/overabundant_deer/ management technique can become a There are nonlethal and lethal options for controversial issue. For instance some managing white-tailed deer in an urban Managing Overabundant White-Tailed Deer people may want the deer to be removed or landscape. Nonlethal methods can modify http://trinitywaters.org/media/2948/ controlled using nonlethal methods, while the behavior of deer, restrict access to managing_overabundant_deer.pdf others will support lethal management certain areas or encourage deer to leave the methods due to unpleasant encounters with immediate area. Some nonlethal methods, Jessica is an urban wildlife biologist in San overabundant urban deer herds. Negative such as repellants, provide a short-term fix Antonio encounters, such as deer-vehicle collisions, while others, such as high fencing, can be a receive the highest priority by stakeholders long-term solution to human-deer conflicts.

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Urban Wildlife Even a citified yard can be a nature haven By Sheryl Smith-Rodgers

“He’s coming!” During the day, I often hol- surrounded by towering live oaks and In growing our Wildscape, we’ve followed ler news flashes at my husband. Seated at ‘Floratam’ grass (a St. Augustine cultivar). no hard and fast rules, other than experi- my desk, typing on a project, I can hear the Then I married my husband, James Hearn, menting with Texas natives and learning Golden-fronted Woodpecker before he in May 2006. He doesn’t like to sit still for what grows best in our yard. We’ve had a alights on a wooden suet feeder in our back very long. So we got busy and planted a few few casualties, like pigeonberry, blue-eyed yard. new additions. Like an American beautyber- grass, and chocolate daisy. But overall, the ry. Some yellow columbines and red salvi- natives we’ve chosen and planted have sur- as. A flame acanthus and a rock rose, too. vived well. Chuh chuh chuh…chuh chuh chuh…. A year later, while online, I ran across Tex- So what is a “native” plant? By loose defini- as Wildscapes, a habitat restoration and tion, the term means plants that were grow- conservation program sponsored by the ing here before the first European settlers Pausing from my work, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. arrived. “Naturalized” plants, such as com- I turn to look through Hmm, we certainly met the basic criteria of mon mullein (Verbascum thapsus), were the mini blinds of a at least 50 percent native plants in our yard. introduced by man in the past 300 years. nearby window. Then I We also provided year-around water, food Since then, they’ve spread and adapted well get up for a better view. and shelter for wildlife. So I filled out the to our landscapes. Aggressive naturalized Chuh chuh chuh… paperwork and mailed off our application. plants that crowd out native plants are Sure enough, right on Presto–our yard was designated as a Texas “invasive” or “noxious .” Prime ex- cue, here comes the woodpecker, hopping Wildscape. amples are waxleaf ligustrum (Ligustrum down a live oak branch, still calling as he japonicum), Chinese tallow (Triadica sebif- approaches the feeder that’s fashioned from Nearly eight years later, our yard has era) and bastard cabbage (Rapistrum ru- a cedar pole. Chuh chuh chuh… evolved from a typical ho-hum lawn into a gosum). dynamic garden, where drama unfolds daily. “He’s here!” I holler at James, who’s work- Like woodpeckers flying in for a snack. A To be honest, we haven’t exclusively plant- ing at the other end of the house. By now, pipevine swallowtail depositing eggs right ed natives in our yard. In the beginning, we the woodpecker–red crowned and black before my eyes. A turkey hen parading didn’t know any better. Now we do. Over striped–is pecking at the peanut butter mix- across the back yard. Texas spiny lizards the years, we’ve planted passionflower ture I’ve pressed into the feeder's four holes. scuttling up our huge live oaks. vines, a host food plant for Gulf fritillary While I watch, I yell out periodic updates. caterpillars. But we’ve also since added two Plant selection species that actually “He’s eating!” James and I live frugally so the process of grow in Blanco replacing grass with walking paths and rock County: Passiflora “He’s still there!” -bordered beds has been gradual. Remem- lutea and Passiflora ber, our property stretches across two lots. tenuiloba. “He’s hasn’t left yet!” Plus, we purchased an adjoining lot, which we’ve dubbed The Meadow and have al- Our Wildscape also “Okay, now he’s gone!” lowed to grow more “natural.” features two Blanco County natives– Go ahead, call me crazy (my husband does), One of our earliest additions was Gregg’s scarlet leatherflower but–wherever I may be–I brake for nature. mistflower (Conoclinium greggii), a peren- vine (Clematis tex- Even the smallest scuttling across a nial ground cover that dies back in winter ensis), which I spot- rock can pique my curiosity and cause me to but enthusiastically spreads each spring (and ted growing in Blan- bend down for a closer look. Or a new-to- transplants like a charm). A butterfly favor- co State Park, and climbing snapdragon vine me plant species may catch my attention. ite, the sky-blue fringed flowers attract (Maurandella antirrhiniflora), which thrives Every day, whether I’m inside or out, queens and monarchs by the score in the on limestone ledges on the outskirts of there’s always something different to ob- fall. Blanco. serve or discover. That’s because nature abounds in our yard, a wildlife haven locat- Those clouds of butterflies encouraged us to ed just a few blocks from downtown Blanco plant other members of the Conoclinium in the Texas Hill Country. genus. Blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) soon became a favorite. More No more typical like a long-branched shrub, this mistflower When I first moved into this home in 2002, also dies back but returns even more robust- the yard–which stretches across two city ly the following year. Butterflies, moths, lots–hosted two rose bushes, a crepe myrtle, bees and other pollinators flock to its blue- exotic honeysuckle and a bed of irises, all fringed flowers, the last to bloom in the fall.

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Continued from page 9 especially in the Hill Country. In the Meadow, I’ve spread seeds from You Can Help Complete native milkweed plants–antelope horns Wait a minute, excuse me. I think I hear a the Cycle (Asclepias asperula) and purple milkweed woodpecker calling…. Mark Klym vine (Matelea biflora), both of which I found already growing there. By accident, I Sheryl is a long-time freelance writer who Everyone loves butterflies! The beautiful also discovered a new-to-me milkweed writes for Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine colors and graceful aerobatics of this little species–zizotes (Asclepias oenotherodies) in and many other publications. She’s also a insect seems to work its way into our the Meadow. Monarch larvae feed Texas Master Naturalist with the Highland psyche. Their presence never seems to fail exclusively on milkweed species so any help Lakes chapter. She blogs about the Texas to bring shouts of excitement and contented we can provide is a huge benefit for the Wildscape that she and her husband tend at smiles. Most butterflies spend their entire struggling butterfly species. Likewise, www.sherylsmithrodgers.blogspot.com. In life in a very small area, though some, encouraging and planting these area-specific November 2012, their yard was designated including the monarch, may migrate great natives and many others in our yard benefits as a Texas Wildscapes Wildlife Habitat distances. the other native insects, birds and other Demonstration Site. animals that live here. This year there are strong indications that Sheryl’s favorite Texas natives the monarch migration may be in trouble. A What about deer? Oh, yes, at least five roam American beautyberry lack of roosting sites in the wintering our neighborhood (they’ve worn a path (Callicarpa americana) Fb grounds in Mexico and the removal of across the Meadow). Generally, they seem milkweed from several northern sites have to shun the available plants in our front yard, Antelope horns reduced their numbers to near record lows. which include a variety of salvias, flame (Asclepias asperula) Bhp Roosting sites in Mexico are beyond the acanthus, Mexican bush sage, rock rose, and control of readers in Texas, you can help by red columbine. However, we’ve noticed that Climbing snapdragon planting food for this insect. they do enjoy chomping on our fall aster. (Maurandella antirrhiniflora) V Still, it manages to survive. Texas has a great variety of milkweed Flame acanthus H Bhp S species that monarch caterpillars will feed Other garden additions (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii) on. Whether it is the large, showy butterfly At last count, the number of birdbaths in our milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) or the more back yard stood at 15 (okay, call us both Fragrant mistflower subtle spider milkweed (Asclepias asperula), crazy). One grouping consists of four (Chromolaena odorata) Bn S there is a milkweed species available to fit concrete two-piece baths and one top (minus your urban situation and provide larval food the base) set on the ground. We love tucking Gregg’s mistflower for this beautiful species. birdbaths here and there in our gardens. In (Conoclinium greggii) Bn May 2012, we fashioned an above-ground Milkweed is sometimes recommended for pond from a 100-gallon stock tank, complete Mountain sage control in pastures because of its toxicity for with aquatic plants and gambusia. (For how- (Salvia regla) H C S cattle (http://www.theadanews.com/agnews/ we-did-it instructions, see my blog.) x212572717/Milkweed-management). As a Mealy blue sage result, it is often eliminated, or greatly In our Wildscape, we’ve also put up nest (Salvia farinacea) H Bn reduced in pastures and agricultural lands boxes for screech owls and solitary bees. when it does appear. In addition, milkweed Bird feeders provide black sunflower seeds, Passionflower plants are generally not strong competitors thistle seeds, homemade suet, and sugar (many available) Bhp V and as such will often succumb to other water for hummingbirds. plants that are planted or maintained around Salvias them. These factors have worked together Because of the rich diversity, every day’s a (many available) H Bn to reduce milkweed numbers, and thus the joy in our yard. No matter the season, Texas betony opportunity to support monarch larvae have something’s always happening. In mid (Stachys coccinea) C been greatly reduced across much of the January, a Cooper’s Hawk dined on a United States. carcass high in one of our live oaks. A week Turk’s cap H Bn S later, a Carolina Wren perched and sang (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii) Monarch larvae feed exclusively on atop a dry concrete fountain for a straight milkweed leaves. The toxins in the hour while we watched from our dining milkweed are then sequestered in the room window. H Hummingbird nectar monarch body and render it distasteful to Bn Butterfly nectar birds and other predators. Through the years, I’ve learned so much Bhp Butterfly host plant about nature simply by what I’ve observed Fb Provides food for birds If you have space in your garden where in our yard (again, check out my blog). But C Color milkweed could be planted it would be most importantly, I’ve come to realize that V Vine helpful for the monarchs this year. we must all plant natives in order to replace S Shrubby the natural habitat that’s being lost fast to Mark coordinates the Texas Wildscapes development and non-native vegetation, program

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montane birds like Steller's Jay, Acorn forests, some staying for a week or more. Great Birding in El Paso Woodpecker, Red Crossbills, and - There was an abundance of Steller's and By Lois Balin send’s Solitaire invade the lower elevations Scrub Jays, and Acorn Woodpeckers. Red of the El Paso region. Surprise visits from Crossbills, Pygmy Nuthatches, Brown [email protected] birds that are normally found only in Mexico Creepers, Townsend’s Solitaire, Mountain often enrich the lives of El Paso Many folks from birders. And, of course, birds the great state of unique to the arid Southwest Texas (and be- reside here. yond) think the El Paso area is a dusty Habitats, including desert scrub, and drab desert, desert grasslands, arroyos, can- devoid of wildlife yons, and mountain islands, are species. They are the other key to El Paso's rich missing out, El birdlife. Today, the Bosque Paso in far western Texas not only has a habitat along the Rio Grande is unique blend of New Mexico, Mexico, and virtually gone and most of the Texas cultures, and a rich history, but an wetlands in the El Paso area are amazing variety of birds as well. Over 400 artificial, but they are still pow- bird species have erful lures to birds in this arid been found here. land. Places like the Rio Bosque Wetlands, Keystone The key to the Heritage and Ascarate Parks, plus the richness of El McNary and Tornillo irrigation reservoirs, Bluebirds, and an immature Pine Warbler Paso's birdlife is provide desert oases that attracts different paid a visit. its geographical birds year round. location and vari- A special treat was the occurrence of a Red- ety of habitats. I know the changing of the seasons by the headed Woodpecker (rare to Western Texas) El Paso is in the northern part of the Chihua- bird species that disappear or arrive in the and a Lewis's Woodpecker (not normally huan Desert along the Rio Grande. Desert winter, spring, fall, found in Texas). Other rare winter bird visi- sky islands abound in the region. The Frank- and summer. When tors were Hooded Orioles, Scotts Orioles, lin Mountains separate the western, eastern, the Western King- Hermit Thrush, Blue-headed Vireo, Blue- and northeastern parts of the city. The Trans- birds appear, I know gray Gnatcatchers, and House Wrens. There Mountain Drive across the Franklin Moun- that spring is in the were appearances of rare sparrows including tain State Park reaches 5,120 feet while the air. The birds come the White-throated, Fox, Cassin’s, Harris's, peak of the North Franklin rises up to 7,192 and go with the sea- and Lincoln's Sparrow. And of special note feet. El Paso is uniquely located in the Cen- sons and change tral Migratory Flyway situated between the from one month, Pacific and Mississippi Flyways, and both one week or one day eastern birds from the edge of their range and to the next. Each season offers a different, western birds may be found here. The river rich variety of birds. and north-south trending mountains guide many migrating birds through the El Paso From November 2013 throughout Jan 2014 area. El Paso was visited by at least 36 rare bird species. Some birds were rare for the time of There are year, others were birds not normally ever numerous found in the region. Water birds dropping in mountain were Bonaparte's (migrant), Franklin's ranges found Gulls (migrant), Mew (breeds through- to the south out, Alaska, Northwest Territories, and and east of El southwestern Canada, winters along the Pa- Paso in west- cific Coast), California Gulls (winter on West are the six species of hummingbirds, rare in ern Texas. Coast), Greater Scaup (breeds on the tundra the winter, that visited El Paso for varying Within 100 to at the edge of the boreal forest, winters in lengths of time. Between December, 2013 200 miles are coastal waters), Black-legged Kittiwake (a and January, 2014 the Broad-Billed, Anna’s, the Guadalupe and Davis Mountains, respect- small cliff-nesting gull that breeds along the Rufous, Allen's, Broad-tailed, and Calliope ably. A mere 89 miles northeast of El Paso is northern coasts and winters out at sea), Hummingbirds were all here in El Paso at the the 500,000 acre Lincoln National Forest in Hooded Merganser (migrant), Horned Grebe same time. New Mexico. Elevations range from 4,000 (migrant) and the Long-tailed Duck, formerly El Paso, Texas may be dry and dusty, but it is to 11, 500 feet and habitats include mountain known as Oldsquaw (breeds in the and also a bird bonanza. meadows, mixed oak forests, and mixed as- winters along both coasts of North America). pen and coniferous pine and fir tree forests Lois is the urban wildlife biologist in El found at higher elevations. In some years, Birds dropped in from the high elevation Paso. 11

Back Porch By Richard Heilbrun

I haven’t been able to spend much time outside lately, but thankfully, the spring weather is quickly nudging me out the door. And I know just what I want to do. We’ve been talking to the folks at www.iNaturalist.org recently and cooked up some neat partnership ideas to enable all Texans to share with us all the cool stuff they see when they’re outside. Here’s how it works: You’re outside gardening, hiking, camping, taking a kid out for a walk, or sitting on your porch and you see something interesting. You snap a picture, upload it to the iNaturalist webpage or their mobile app, and take a guess at what it is. Soon, other naturalists will confirm your identification and just like that, you’ve become a citizen scientist, contributing data to enable wildlife biologists to do their job a little better. This information, combined with thousands of other sightings, helps us to better understand what’s going on with our wildlife and wildlife habitat. This way we can track migration, monitor invasive and exotic species, identify range expansions, and evaluate effects of climate change. Having so many eyes in the field helps Department Biologists set management priorities, and to plan their very limited field sea- sons. As an example, someone recently posted a photo of a black-tailed rattlesnake in Central Texas, way outside of the typical range. After confirming that the sighting was legit, our state herpetologist is now looking into adjusting the official range of this species. He otherwise wouldn’t have thought to look in that part of the state. Similarly, our invertebrate biologist is hoping people will contribute bumblebee sightings to iNaturalist, using the project “Bumble Bee Conservation Initia- tive”. It’s a good way for him to interact with naturalists and understand how these bees are responding to environmental pressures statewide in both urban and rural areas. My friends and I are competing with each other to see who can post the most sightings, and who can observe the most spe- cies this year. I’m doing pretty well, and should inch ahead this spring, with help from my daughter of course. She’s great at finding insects and likes “helping” because she gets to use my phone while we’re hiking. I like it because it gets her out hiking. We really enjoy sharing our wildlife and plant photographs with others, and identifying other people’s sightings. Every now and then a bird or a trail camera photo provides a real mystery, and we can pull out the guide books to solve the puzzle. I’ve found that it adds excitement to my usual hike when I can find a critter or a plant that I didn’t know was hiding nearby.

Next time you go out for a walk, or even sit on your porch watching your bird feeder, I hope you grab a camera, and share your finds with us. You never know what discoveries you’ll make!

Richard is the coordinator of conservation outreach and promotion working out of the San Antonio office.

Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake photo by Max Traweek

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