Vantage Point

Len l was growing up, my friend and I spent an entire summer gathering castoff bird feathers from around our homes in the Allegheny Plateau country of northern Pennsylvania. This was full time employment for two 10- year-olds! We searched creek bottoms, hillsides and ridgetops. We named some of the sites for the feathers we found there. For example, we visited "turkey country," "kingfisher creek"and "barred owl mountain." Birds struck by cars or The Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative (MoBCI) is a killed by predators provided volumes of feathers. By autumn, developing partnership of organizations and agencies that get our bird feather collection covered the entire surface of a excited about birds. When fully formed, MoBCI will include Ping-Pong table. What a great way to spend the summer! Audubon Missouri, the Audubon Society of Missouri, Ducks Three or four years later, hunting with my father in a creek- Unlimited, the Missouri Prairie Foundation, the Missouri Fal­ bottom woodland, I swung a single-barrel 20-gauge at a flush­ conry Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail ing ruffed grouse. This was the first time I had shot at any­ Unlimited, the Ruffed Grouse Society, Webster Groves Nature thing other than clay targets. Miracle of miracles—the bird Study Society, and, we hope, many other non-governmental folded on the shot, dropping directly into a rain-swollen creek. organizations. It will also include a number of government We pursued the bobbing grouse for nearly a quarter mile, agencies, including the Conservation Department. struggling to keep pace with a raging current. Nothing— absolutely nothing—could have prevented my retrieving that MoBCI's purpose is to work together to conserve and beautiful bird. Had Dad not been there, Id have jumped into restore bird populations and their habitats. Partners recognize the cold water. Fortunately, he was there, and so we were able much common ground exists among our organizations. Mem­ to bring the bird to the bank with a long stick. After the chase ber organizations enjoy birds in different ways, but we share was over, I thought, "There's nothing to this wing shooting." the beliefs that birds have many values and face many chal­ Yet, I would not bag another grouse for four years. lenges, that mankind has the responsibility to conserve birds, Birds were an important part of my development in many and that bird conservation should be guided by sound science other ways. For example, I earned a bird study merit badge as a and implemented with effective management programs. Boy Scout. I took numerous ornithology classes in college and Organizations with deep interests in bird conservation are participated in bird surveys as a graduate student. The sights invited to affiliate with MoBCI. Invitation materials and a and sounds of birds enriched countless outdoor adventures. commitment agreement are available at the Conservation Wild birds generate excitement, passion, and enthusiasm. Department's website, www.missouriconservation.org, or can Some people spend a lot of time trying to spot as many differ­ be obtained by contacting Audubon Missouri, 2620 Forum ent species of birds as they can and are thrilled to add a rare Blvd., Suite C-l, Columbia, MO 65203 (573/447-2249). MoBCI bird to their life list of species. Other people enjoy seeing a will be officially launched on May 10, 2003, in conjunction covey of quail rising from the point of setter, sighting a mag­ with International Migratory Bird Conservation Day. nificent wild turkey gobbler over the bead of a shotgun barrel or watching mallards slip through a canopy of bottomland oaks to a spread of decoys on the water below. Backyard bird feeding is extremely popular, providing even more proof that Dave Erickson Missourians love wild birds. Contents

May 2003 Volume 64, Issue 5

4 THE CEDAR SOLUTION —Tom Wekenborg A landowner documents a connection between cedar and quail numbers 8 RIGHT ON TARGET —Bryan Hendricks The SMSU shooting team grows up with guns 12 URBAN FOOD CHAINS —Joan McKee Attracting animals to your yard can result in unexpected visitors 17 TOUR DE FLY —Eric Eaton Missouri has more flies than a SWAT team could handle 24 THE EURASIAN TREE SPARROW —James P.Jackson Our "local" sparrow draws birders from around the world

DEPARTMENTS Reflections 2 News & Almanac 28

COVER Large yellow lady-slipper orchid photographed by Jim Rathert

^p Printed on recycled paper with soy ink.

TralM! 1— nomoretrash.org -i

Contact Us; Web page: http://www.conservation.state.mo.us Subscriptions: free to adult Missouri residents; out of state $7 per year; out of country $10 per year. Send correspondence to Circulation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Phone: 573/751-4115, ext. 3856 or 3249 E-mail General Questions: [email protected] E-mail Magazine Subscriptions: [email protected] S^issfiwI STRAINING CATS & DOGS them the freedom to run over my 10 63 percent of the food content by vol­ ume. This indicates that rural cats are Congratulations on your "Pets on the acres and the surrounding farm fields. I great "mousers" and only take birds inci­ Prowl" article. On my farm, I see dozens know how I would react if someone dentally. Town and city cats opportunis­ of cats (over half with collars and tags) painted me into a corner, and I will not do that to my animals. tically take advantage of the concentra­ at my feeder and along the road. tion of birds. I trust a few of these pet owners may By the way, I do feed birds but I place read your article and take note. How­ the feeders where none of my three cats As the conservationist's anthem goes, can get near them. ever, many will continue to turn their "Don't bomb the crow and shoot the cat, pets loose,free to roam and kill our Doyle H. Wyatt, Lawson but spend the money on habitat." native birds and other animals. Last year our neighbor's cat killed two D. M. Christisen, Columbia I suggest cat owners who want to hatchlings of cardinals, my favorite bird. make their pets safer and healthier visit I told them, and they said their cat was NOTE FROM THE FRONT www.abcbirds.org/cats to learn more always bringing home dead birds.They It came as a great surprise when the about the American Bird Conservancy's seemed concerned, but so far have Conservationist found its way to me "Cats Indoors" program. done nothing, even after I had made a while in the Middle East. All of the Bob Foreman, Kansas City suggestion. Marines in my platoon read it cover to I told them about how one city had cover, and it helps keep our minds occu­ In your April issue, one writer stated that passed an ordinance that all cats out­ pied while being deployed so far from all cats and dogs should be restrained in doors had to wear a collar with three home. Keep up the outstanding work. order to protect other wildlife. bells. I'm sure they were small bells, but Cpl. Scott Mills, Warsaw As a lover of all animals, but dogs in three, so that the birds would be warned particular, it angers me when someone of a cat's presence. Maybe this would be a TRADITIONALLY SPEAKING suggested that dogs should be rele­ good solution for the cat problem. As vice-president of United Bowhunters gated to "prison" or "life on a chair," in of Missouri, I want to set the record order that other animals may enjoy the Ronald Hedley, Salem straight about UBM not being a tradi­ freedom the dogs can no longer enjoy. There were some good suggestions in tional-only, archery club. The UBM sets Not far from me there is a family that the article,"Pets on the Prowl." However, our rules to follow the Pope & Young has kept a small dog on a 12-foot chain, it doesn't make sense to malign cats for rules of fair chase.These rules recognize 24/7, for years. I'm sure the writer of the merely going where the birds are: to the compound bow with some limita­ article would find this treatment entirely birdfeeders. tions to let-off percentage and the use acceptable, but I think the dog would be Wildlife research biologist Leroy J. of the overdraw on the arrow rest. better off dead. Korschgen analyzed 71 cat stomachs While a majority of our members I am pleased to own four dogs, all of obtained mostly from farm and subur­ shoot traditional archery tackle, many them neutered and well-fed, and with ban house cats killed on Missouri high­ have started out using a compound all shots. I would not dream of denying ways. He found that rodents comprised bow prior to joining.The UBM is a good way for those interested in traditional jji| SOUTHPOINT and primitive archery to learn of some Glenn Violett of Fenton, of the alternatives to compound bows, 1 but traditional tackle is not a require­ an engineer for the Union ment. One of the main objectives of the Pacific railroad took this UBM is to promote archery, particularly ^«H with children. I would like to encourage photo of the Missouri bowhunters to join a state or local club M River at Southpoint, near to help promote bowhunting through­ MMMjggfl Washington. He said he out the state. wanted to share the pic­ Mike McDonald,Villa Ridge mm : . I ttiMPM fc^riHBBB^^^B^^B ture with Conservationist TIMELY ISSUE readers because this view I recently came across a copy of the Feb­ H ^HBH ruary magazine in my mother's things. ,^BB9M^^I^H is not readily available to What an outstanding issue, especially the public. with the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial •BHHHBSHHHII Celebration now in bloom! I believe that

2 Missouri Conservationist MISSOURI Ask the Ombudsman

GOVERNOR Bob Holden #Why have you restricted camping to 30 days THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Q • for a calendar year? We camp all summer. Stephen C. Bradford Does this apply to state parks? Anita B.Gorman Cynthia Metcalfe Howard Wood This regulation has nothing to do with state parks. State DIRECTOR John Hoskins A parks are administered by the Department of Natural DEPUTY DIRECTOR John W. Smith Resources. For details on state parks please see their website DEPUTY DIRECTOR Stephen J.Wilson ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Gerald E.Ross www.mostateparks.com. GENERAL COUNSEL Jane A. Smith The Conservation Department handles the state's forest, fish and wildlife INTERNAL AUDITOR Robbie B.Briscoe resources and administers about 800 conservation areas.On some conservation DIVISIONS ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Carter Campbell areas camping is allowed (usually primitive camping with no amenities and no fees FISHERIES NormStucky charged) as long as it does not interfere with hunting, fishing, nature viewing and FORESTRY Bob Krepps HUMAN RESOURCES Debbie Goff conservation education, which are the primary uses of Department areas. OUTREACH & EDUCATION Lorna Domke PRIVATE LAND SERVICES George Seek The new camping restriction prevents people from essentially taking up resi­ PROTECTION Dennis Steward RESOURCE SCIENCE Dale D. Humburg dence on conservation areas. Not only do prolonged stays create unsanitary condi­ WILDLIFE Dave Erickson tions, they deny others camping opportunities. REGIONAL OFFICES The special use permit provision within the new regulation provides for legitimate Cape Girardeau/Southeast—573/290-5730 Columbia/Central—573/884-6861 area campers who may exceed the 30 days within a calendar year. Kansas City—816/655-6250 Kirksville/Northeast—660/785-2420 Application for the special use permit should be made to the area manager. For Springfield/Southwest—417/895-6880 information about contacting the area manager, contact the appropriate Conserva­ St. Joseph/North west—816/271-3100 St. Louis—636/441-4554 tion Department regional office.You'll find office contact information on MDC's web­ West Plains/Ozark—417/256-7161

site at www.conservation.state.mo.us/about/srvcentr.html. CONSERVATIONIST STAFF For details on conservation area camping and other uses, see 3CSR10-11.140 EDITOR Tom Cwynar MANAGING EDITOR Bryan Hendricks in Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code or go to www.sos.state.mo.us/adrules/ csr/ cur- ART EDITOR Dickson Stauffer rent/3csr/3csr.asp. DESIGNER Les Fortenberry ARTIST Dave Besenger ARTIST MarkRaithel Ombudsman Ken Drenon will respond to your questions, suggestions or complaints PHOTOGRAPHER Jim Rathert concerning Conservation Department programs. Write him at P.O. Box 180, Jefferson PHOTOGRAPHER CliffWhite STAFF WRITER Jim Low City, MO 65102-0180, call him at 573/751-4115, ext. 3848, or e-mail him at STAFF WRITER Joan Mckee CIRCULATION Laura Scheuler [email protected].

The Missouri Conservationist (ISSN 0026-6515) is the official monthly the libraries in Missouri, the historical clay, we used bananas. Even though the publication of the Missouri Department of Conservation, 2901 West Tru­ man Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO (Mailing address: P.O. Box 180, societies, and all schools could learn room smelled like banana cream pie, I Jefferson City, MO 65102.) Subscription free to adult Missouri residents; from this magazine, including the fifth- believe the children will never forget out of state $7 per year; out of country $ 10 per year. Notification of address change must include both old and new address (send mailing grade students who study and prepare Lewis and Clark. label with the subscriber number on it) with 60-day notice. Preferred Missouri notebooks. periodical postage paid at Jefferson City, Mo., and at additional entry Joyce Glynn, Aldine offices. Postmaster: Send correspondence to Circulation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Phone: 573/751-4115. Copyright © 2003 You have been a good and faithful by the Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri. steward of the funds you obtained OOPS! through the small sales tax. The final line of Suzanne Wilson's "Deer Gardening" article in the April issue was Patricia Petre Surber, Lee's Summit missing from the printed version of the I'm a teacher in the Aldine District, and I magazine.The final quote in her story was delighted with your Lewis and Clark should have read:"One homeowner lesson. reporting deer damage was actually

My five social studies classes made receiving visits from a neighboring Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the the "dug-out" canoe. Instead of using llama."We apologize for our error. Missouri Department of Conservation is available to all individuals with­ out regard to their race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Com­ plaints of discrimination should be sent to the Department of Conser­ The letters printed here reflect readers'opinions about the Conservationist and its contents. vation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, OR U.S. Fish & Wildlife Ser­ vice, 18th and "C"Streets NW, Washington D.C. 20240, Space limitations prevent us from printing all letters, but we welcome signed comments Missouri Relay Center —1 -800-735-2966 (TDD). from our readers. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Printed in USA I A I I

by Tom Wekenborg

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Bobwhite quail returned to the farm after I cut doi 'dartre

4 Missouri Conservationist he older we become the more we reflect back to what seemed to be the "good old days/Those days T began for me in 1954.1 was eleven years old, and my father had rented some creek bottom crop land to raise supplemental feed for the family dairy farm and farrow-to- finish hog operation. I still remember our first drive to the rented By the mid-1970s, I had purchased several of land. We followed a dirt road, which resembled the farms formerly rented by my father. Quail an open ditch more than a road, down steep river numbers on the property had declined consider­ hills until we descended to the bottom fields. ably, as they had in many other areas of the state. That farm, as well as neighboring farms, had At first, I wouldn't agree with the concept that been more or less abandoned during the late my reduced quail population was a result of mar­ 1930s and into the 1940s. The former river hill ginal habitat. After all, the property had about pastureland was still semi-open, but was rapidly the same amount of cedar-infested areas and being invaded by brush and small eastern red intermittent areas of hardwood brush as it had cedars. Some locals had told us that a severe, in the 1950s, when we had quail. wind-driven wildfire in 1950 had burned over the In 1982,1 initiated a fencing program and entire farm, as well as several neighboring farms. began cutting cedar posts for my own use, as well In 1954, scorched trees and blackened stumps as some for sale. If I had not grown up with the 30- were still visible. to 50-foot tall trees I was cutting, no one could As I became more familiar with the farm, I was have convinced me these were the same trees that especially impressed with its abundance of rab­ were too small for Christmas trees in 1954. bits and its tremendous quail population. I I cut off the stumps level with the ground to enjoyed many exciting hunts with a terrific old facilitate future mowing. Most of the limbs and neighbor and friend who would become my life-long outdoors mentor. I grew up farming with my father and hunting on this land until I left for military service in 1960. Quail were still plentiful in 1960, but eastern red cedar had invaded the steeper hill land to the extent that they impeded visibility for wing-shooting. My father continued to rent the creek bottom land, but by the time I returned from military service in late 1963, most of the former open hill land had evolved into dense thickets of east­ ern red cedar with some diversified areas of hardwood brush. The quail population was still reasonably good, thanks to brushy crop field borders and a few semi-open ridge fields. When If he hadn't "grown up" with the cedars, the author said, he hunting, you couldn't follow a covey wouldn't have believed they had grown so large so quickly. because it invariably ended up in the What he couldn't use for fence poles he sold to lumber mills dense cedar growth. or gathered into brushpiles.

May 2003 5 A dense cedar canopy blocked the sun, preventing the growth of grasses and small shrubs. Removing the cedars allowed native ground cover to reestablish itself.

S*?Wfe#?., M • it i *5« brush went into brushpiles for the few remaining rabbits that, in early spring using a rate of about 2 to 3 pounds of pure lacking ground cover to hide in, had managed to out-run the live seed per acre. As a result, the uncovered areas also con­ coyotes. tained big bluestem, little bluestem, side-oats gramma, It took only a few years after continued cedar harvest Indian grass and switch grass. To provide additional winter to realize what had happened to the quail habitat. The food for quail, I had also seeded intermittent areas with cedars had grown so large that they not only closed the Korean lespedeza, Illinois bundle flower and partridge pea. canopy at the site where they stood, but they also shaded I hauled the trees that weren't good enough for fence out ground cover as far as 30 to 40 yards from the tree posts to Eldon, the nearest chip mill market during the trunk. Also, the shallow lateral root system (typical of early 1980s. The chips were marketed primarily for pet and eastern red cedar), combined with heat reflection from poultry litter. The demand for chips increased about that the tree itself, was stunting natural ground cover by time as the number of domestic turkey producers reducing available moisture. increased, so I harvested cedar on an even larger scale. I cut cedar during the winter months, creating 1- to 2- Cutting and moving harvested cedar is hard work and acre clearings. Native ground cover sprung forth as soon as certainly is not a get-rich-quick" enterprise. If monetary I removed the closed cedar canopy. By the second full-year considerations were my only goal, most of my cedar harvest growing season, I had aromatic sumac, smooth sumac, would have been limited to cutting fence posts and saw coral berry, spice bush, ragweed, foxtail, mullen, croton and logs for my own use. various panic grasses. It was just nice to be able to get paid a little bit for Anticipating a slower return of native species, I had improving my land. My ultimate reward was being witness broadcast-seeded various mixed warm-season grass species (after just several years) to a tremendous improvement in

6 Missouri Conservationist s ;

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8 I s » , r •lBHMHRI%ifii 3r'f- ground cover and insect and wildlife composition following the removal of large cedars. Christmas-tree size and smaller eastern red cedar can be an important component of diversified quail habitat, but a problem develops when cedar is allowed to become the dominant species. I have personally observed quail popula­ tions diminish and disappear as land with a modest cedar invasion became dominated by large cedars. Over the past 20 years, I have clear-cut more than 40 acres of cedar, primarily in 3- to 5-acre tracts. The corre­ sponding quail population on the entire farm has more than quadrupled from not more than two coveys in 1984 to no fewer than nine coveys in the fall of 2001. Because I have had fair results managing for deer and wild turkey, I sometimes have thought of myself as a Cedar removal may not be the complete answer to wildlife manager. I didn't deliberately set out to manage my increasing quail populations, but quail numbers declined land for more quail, however. To me it's somewhat embar­ as large cedars began dominating the author's property rassing, even a little ironic, that it took a demand for cedar and increased when he removed them. chips from the burgeoning domestic turkey industry to help bring my quail back. A

May 2003 7 SMSU shooting team earns honors for marksmanship and maturity. issouri is famous for college athletics, but one of the state's most competitive pro­ grams seldom makes the sports pages. The shooting team from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield is the only collegiate shooting team in Missouri. It com­ petes against other college teams around the country in trap and skeet, target pistol and target rifle. The shooting team attracts a vari­ ety of students, including members of the football team and women's basketball team. "We've had shooting sports programs at SMSU since the 1960s," by Bryan Hendricks said Dr. Burl Self, shooting sports education program director at photography by Cliff White SMSU. He also teaches geography and Middle East politics. "It's a long tradition here. We've had some very good teams, and invariably we've been ranked in the top five nationally. "Three years ago, we were ranked No. 4," he added, "right behind Navy, Army and Air Force. We develop good teams, and 100 percent of our shooting team members graduate." Self said the shooting program enjoys solid support from both the student body and the administration. "Firearms are regarded very positively here," he explained, "and more countries are participating in organized shooting sports than ever." He gave as an example the sport of biathlon, an endurance event that combines rifle target shooting with cross-country snow skiing. It's one of the world's most popular sports in terms of participation. He added that shooting events lead all Olympic sports in numbers of teams. "The most active competitive shooting societies in the world are Russian and eastern European," Self said. "The Russians usually dom­ inate shooting sports competition." Since 1972, Self has promoted shooting sports at SMSU. "The shooting sports are a time-honored, American tradition," Self said, "and anyone can enjoy them for the rest of their life." BW He said many young people are fascinated with shooting, and the students involved reflect positively on the university. "At SMSU, the shooting sports program has been a major influence in perpetuating a good image for firearms and firearms owners," Self said. "Our student participants are socially and academically well- adjusted, and I believe the athletic competition promotes life skills that are very important to leading a successful life." Self's credentials are impressive. He's been shooting competitively since 1956, when he joined the Oklahoma National Guard. After

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Under the supervision of Dr. Burl Self (previous page and top), SMSU shooting team members learn proper shooting form, target acquisition, breathing techniques and safety. Sandi Kirkwood of Cameron (left) marks her group after a session. Other team members clean their firearms.

May 2003 9 entering the regular Army, he competed with the U.S. Army-Alaska rifle and pis­ tol team, and later with the First Armored Division rifle and pistol team. Return­ ing to the Oklahoma National Guard, he competed on the University of Okla­ homa rifle team. At SMSU, he said he's taught marksmanship and firearms safety to several hundred students over the years. Since SMSU doesn't offer scholarships for shooting, Self and Dr. Jon Wiggins, a technology professor in the agricultural department who coaches the trap and skeet team, build teams by recruiting freshmen from monthly firearms safety seminars. The seminars are open to the student body, and average attendance is about 200. Teams are composed of between 18 and 30 students. "Anyone on campus can come to the seminars to learn about firearms and marksmanship fundamentals," Self said. "There are always standout performers in the marksmanship classes, and we encourage them to participate in team activities." Like any sport, shooting requires commitment, discipline and practice. Shoot­ SMSU's modern range (top) provides a ers must practice two to three hours per week. safe shooting environment.Team "Some of the really good ones train five to eight hours per week," Self said, member 2nd. Lt. Aaron Coulter (above) "and they fire 1,000 to 1,500 rounds per week in controlled marksmanship exer­ is serving with the U.S. military in the cises. We have quite a few walk-ons, but we require everybody to attend a pre- Persian Gulf region.

10 Missouri Conservationist sentation on safety and basic skills of marksmanship. And, of course, we super­ vise them on the line." Due partly to its affiliation with the National Rifle Association's Civilian Marksmanship Program, the SMSU program emphasizes firearms safety. Team members are all business on the range, and each shooter keeps close watch on the others for any sign of carelessness. Self pointed out that there has never been an accident in collegiate shooting. Self said students gravitate toward the sport for different reasons. For exam­ ple, Chris Malotte of Springfield, the captain of the pistol shooting team, had never touched a firearm before joining the shooting program. There were no hunters or shooters in his family so, if anything, he was somewhat biased against firearms until he met Dr. Self. "I took Dr. Self's geography class, and I got really interested in his stories about his military experiences," Malotte said. "He encouraged me to attend one of the orientation seminars, and afterwards I came out here and just fell in love with competitive shooting. "All through high school I played football, basketball, tennis and wrestling, but I never found anything as fulfilling as competitive collegiate shooting," Mal­ otte added. "In football, you can miss practices here and there and still perform at an adequate level. In pistol marksmanship, you have to train constantly to get maximum performance." As team captain, Malotte is responsible for securing team funding from the SMSU Student Activities Association, scheduling the orientation seminars and recruiting. Malotte said competitive shooting changed his life. It taught him discipline Bulls-eve for and helped him choose a career path. He is now majoring in political science, Conservation with a minor in geography. He said he plans to join the U.S. Marine Corps and Recreational shooters are among Amer­ enter their officer candidate school after graduation. ica's most generous supporters of wildlife Sandi Kirkwood of Cameron, a petite, soft-spoken photography major, has conservation.They not only contribute to been a deer hunter since age 11, when she bagged her first buck. Kirkwood does­ conservation through the one-eighth of n't keep track of the number of deer she's taken, but she's quick to point out they one percent conservation were all one-shot kills. She said she joined the shooting team because she loves sales tax, but they to shoot, and to prove that she is as good or better than any of the guys. also pay a 11-per­ $?% "I got interested in the shooting team when I saw a story about it in the cent, federal excise newspaper," Kirkwood said. "I've been hunting since I was a little kid, but I'd tax on all pur­ never been exposed to actual target shooting, so I decided to try out." chases of sporting As a member of the shooting team, Kirkwood said she not only represents the arms, ammunition university, but the shooting community at large. and archery equip­ S "Some people are afraid of firearms, but I don't notice a lot of opposition to ment, as well as a 10

May 2003 11 A simple desire to feed the birds may set up a food chain that includes predators and scavengers.

by Joan McKee photography by Jim Rathert

y neighbor in Columbia used to toss seeds onto her driveway every morning for a flock of Mpigeons. Soon afterwards, a red-tailed hawk took up residence in a large cottonwood tree with a clear view of the driveway. Slowly but steadily, the number of pigeons dwindled, to the delight of some homeowners who didn't want the birds roosting and defecating on their houses. After the supply of pigeons disappeared, however, the hawk remained. It fed on a variety of songbirds that were attracted to birdfeeders. When it started killing songbirds, some of the neighbors weren't as happy about the hawk. "When people in cities complain about predators hanging around their homes, my first question is: Do you feed birds? Most say, 'Yes,'" said Daryl Damron, a wildlife damage biologist in northern Missouri. 'Anytime you set out food for birds, you start a food chain that often extends far beyond the birds you had in mind."

12 Missouri Conservationist Bird feeders bring in songbirds, but they also attract mice and other rodents, including squirrels. In turn, these prey animals attract more predators, such as house cats, red foxes and coyotes. In some cases, bird feeders can become the equivalent of a predator feeding station. Feeding birds in winter and early spring can help them survive when food sources are scarce, Damron said, but in the late spring and summer, when birds of prey and other predators are feeding young, birds at feeders are hit hard. People often create sources of food for animals without realizing it. Yard and streetlights that remain on all night attract a variety of wildlife. While walking my dog on a winter evening in a Kansas City suburb, I watched an owl swoop down from its perch on a streetlight to catch a mouse eating seeds that had fallen from a feeder. Lights also attract insects, which then bring in bats, frogs, toads and other predators that eat them. Water gardens, a popular addition to many city and suburban backyards, pro­ vide a year-round source of water, and another place where predators can find a meal. Sometimes your pets become prey. For example, people who purchase expensive Koi fish for their water gardens often train the fish to come to the sur­ face for food. This works to the advantage of raccoons that find easy pickings in the shallow water. The Conservation Department's urban wildlife biologists also receive complaints of herons snacking on pet fish. In my water garden, I used black plastic to line the rock waterfall that aerates the pond. One day, among the goldfish I had rescued from the bait shop, I dis­ covered an eastern garter snake. Not only do snakes love to hang out in rock gardens looking for insects, but they also like to lie under black plastic lin­ ers that absorb the sun's rays and allow them to warm up quickly. Personally, I like snakes and would rather have them in my yard than the mice and crickets they eat. But people who are not enamored of reptiles should forgo building rock gardens, stacking firewood or placing black plastic near their homes. Feeding dogs and cats outdoors is another way people start food chains. Bill Heatherly, a former urban wildlife specialist in Kansas City, received a call from a couple who regularly fed

Birdfeeders set up food chains that attract a variety of animals, including pigeons (left) and squirrels (bottom right), which in turn may attract preda­ tors such as the red-tailed hawk (above).

May 2003 13 their pets in the backyard. Garbage draws Before long, a raccoon fam­ more than flies. ily moved into the couple's Rodents, rac­ attic to be close to the coons, crows and steady supply of food. foxes are some of Another Kansas City res­ the urban wildlife ident fed her cat indoors, that take advan­ but allowed the feline tage of trash that access to the house through is not secured in a pet door, said Heatherly, animal-proof con­ who is now a wildlife pro­ tainers. If this grams supervisor. The food source is woman wondered why her readily available, cat was suddenly eating more food and splashing water all over the floor. It it may attract a remained a mystery until early one morning when the woman confronted a rac­ large number of coon in the hallway of her home. animals. A single raccoon can be a nuisance, but imagine the man in Kansas City who started out with one raccoon eating his dog's food. It wasn't long before the food attracted more and more raccoons until 30 were scratching on his door demand­ ing food each evening. The man and his small dog were afraid to go outside, and he was afraid to quit feeding them. Wendy Sangster, a wildlife damage biologist in Kansas City, suggested that the man move the food away from the house a lit­ tle at a time until the raccoons stopped coming to his deck. Eventually, the man was able to stop feeding the horde altogether. Not all stories turn out as well. At the Lake of the Ozarks, a man was intention­ ally feeding a pair of foxes from his back porch, said Jim Braithwait, a wildlife dam­ age biologist in the southern part of the state. After the foxes had a litter of kits, the man fed them, too. As they grew older, the kits, which were not afraid of peo­ ple, began chasing children and fighting with dogs in the neighborhood. Braith­ wait asked the man to stop feeding the foxes so they would stop associating peo­ ple with food. When the man refused to cooperate, the foxes had to be trapped. Whether fed intentionally or not, crows, starlings, opossums, skunks, foxes, coyotes, bears and other animals are attracted by pet food. "Commercial dog food is so high in protein and other nutrients that much of it passes through the animal's system undigested," Heatherly said. Rats stay well nourished by eating dog feces in urban areas where people don't regularly pick up after their pets. If rats are well fed, predators move in to eat them. Red foxes and coyotes are two species that do well in urban areas by preying on rodents, carrion, squirrels and, occasionally, pets. In West St. Louis County, coyotes are attracted to subdivisions surrounded by green space. Many people admire picturesque backyards with no fencing, so they use underground electronic fences to contain their pets. For coyotes, these fences present no barrier and make it easy for them to occasionally prey on cats and small dogs. "Coyotes clean up a lot of rodents and carrion," Damron said. "There are many benefits to having coyotes around and, besides, they are here to stay. If we have the habitat, we will have predators. We need to learn to live with them, but not to attract them too close to homes." In addition to removing food sources, Damron recommends making noise to scare coyotes away when they get too close to houses. "If coyotes aren't chal-

14 Missouri Conservationist \BAAl.

lenged, they won't run away from people and may become so bold that they have to be removed," he said. Hl^^HH Sometimes it's hard to know when you are adding an element to a wild ani­ mal's food chain. Cities that require people to use plastic trash bags for curbside garbage pickup provide a feast for many animals and birds, especially crows that are adept at breaking open packages. This may help explain why some crows peck holes in black leather car tops in the St. Louis area. A vendor at a suburban St. Louis golf course had no idea that his outdoor concession stand would become part of the urban wildlife food chain when an enterprising crow discov­ ered it could open potato chip bags. Most people expect to deal with nuisance animals when they plant vegetable gardens. Tender, young plants, as well as their fruits, attract raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, skunks and groundhogs. Simple fencing will keep out most animals. Avoid planting sweet corn unless you are willing to share with raccoons, and don't grow nut trees unless you are prepared for an abundance of squirrels and other rodents.

May 2003 15 Plants that are not normally thought of as food also may become a link in a food chain. Scott McWilliams, a wildlife damage biologist, told me about a man in a small community south of Joplin who landscaped his well-manicured yard with roses he planned to enter in a flower show. He called the Conservation Depart­ ment after the deer found the roses to be tasty. Mc Williams' solution was a wooden fence, which saved the roses but changed the owner's landscaping plans. Conservation Department Ombudsman Ken Drenon hears from lots of people in Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield who have discovered that their new landscaping projects attract deer. Flower bulbs, hostas, clematis and willows are some of the more popular snacks. Drenon offers another solution to prevent deer damage—planting vegetation that deer don't like to eat. Some examples of i#> '•5* native plants reported to be deer-resistant are purple coneflowers, butterfly Help keep urban milkweed, wild ginger, wild geranium, American holly and most varieties of ferns. wildlife wild. Dis­ The Conservation Department's Grow Native! program can help you attract birds and animals to courage predators your yard by providing a natural supply of native foods and habitats through the use of native plants. like coyotes from Conservation Department animal nuisance complaint specialists suggest that people avoid trying getting used to to attract as much wildlife as they can. Provide water, food and shelter only for a limited number of people, and fence animals. Too many animals can become a nuisance for a neighborhood, cause substantial property groundhogs out damage and spread diseases among wildlife. of gardens. For most people, it's a thrill to observe wildlife close to home. Just be sure you are prepared for the extra company. Try to anticipate how your activities might set up a wildlife food chain, or you, your neighbors and wildlife will pay the consequences. A

16 Missouri Conservationist Vol. 9, No. 2

The Missouri Conservationist for May 2003

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Mark Raithel ilfustratic Some Missouri animals use»for protection . ,. w and for hunting

by James Dixon illustration by Les Fortenberry

2 Missouri Conservationist oes the mere thought of spiders and snakes. Many other animals in Missouri are snakes make you shudder or shiver? considered venomous. What exactly is venom? It's not the same as poison. Many people feel that way.That's why D Venom is injected into a victim through a break in the movie-makers create so many of those skin, like when you suffer a copperhead bite. Poison is cheesy horror flicks that have giant, a substance that is absorbed through the skin, like the bloodthirsty spiders or horrific, villainous irritant from a poison ivy leaf, or eaten, like poisonous snakes chasing down humans to deliver a mushrooms. Many animals rely on venom for self fatal bite. defense and for capturing prey. You've probably never heard of some of these animals but, as you study them Luckily, the truth about Missouri's venomous you'll learn how venom is animals is very different from what you've seen in the useful in helping movies. For starters, venomous animals tend to be shy them to survive. and unwilling to bite humans unless they feel Gtddu upf threatened. Also, venom is not confined to spiders and

May 2003 3 Cicada killers These black and pale-yellow striped wasps can grow to be more than one and a half inches long. They are the largest wasp in Missouri. They may look dangerous, but their venom is mainly used to help them gather food for their young. As you might expect, a cicada killer mainly hunts cicadas. They patrol for them during the summer months. When a cicada killer finds a cicada, it paralyzes it with its stinger. When the prey is no longer Velvet ant able to struggle, the cicada killer takes it back to its nest as food for its larvae. If it catches a cicada too heavy to Velvet ants are a common sight in southern Missouri. fly with, it'll drag it back to its nest. The king-size velvet ant isn't an ant at all. It's a member Although the young feast on cicadas, adult cicada of the wasp group. Female velvet ants do not have killers actually eat nectar. wings, so they are commonly mistaken for ants. Velvet ants are very colorful, usually orange and Female cicada killers dig nests in areas with sandy soil, black, and can grow about an inch long. Their bodies often in a lawn where people work and play. Though they are covered with so many hairs that they look furry, or look like they would sting you at the drop of a hat, you velvety. shouldn't fret about them. As long as you don't step on one or try to catch it, you probably won't get stung. Even though the velvet may look soft, you should keep your hands away. The velvet ant has such a powerful stinger and venom that it has earned the nickname "cow killer!" Of course they don't really kill cows, but the nickname suggests that it might be better to leave them alone. Luckily, their bright colors make velvet ants easy to identify. Their venom is used to keep other animals from eating them. Velvet ants don't live in groups, they are solitary. The females spend their time walking quickly along the ground looking for holes made by bumblebees. Once they find one, they rush inside to look for young bi called larvae. The velvet ant will then lay one egg next to eacih developinJ i • g beei . When the young velvet an The female hatch, they eat the Cicada killer wasp bee larvae. drags cicadas up a tree until she's high enough to enable her to soar back to her burrow, where hatching larvae feed on the paralyzed cicadas.

Like spiders, SCOrplOflS have two arms near Velvet ailtS are parasites of other wasps and their mouths. There are more than 70 species bees. The male does not sting and it has wings while in North America, but most are ,/ m*^ the female does sting but does not have wings. not dangerous. Female scorpions <&%** give birth to live young. %HSi

4 Missouri Conservationist True assassin The assassin bug has a long skinny mouth. It uses its straw-like mouth to suck juices out of other bugs. The word assassin means "killer," and these little bugs are excellent at killing other insects. After sneaking up on a victim, the assassin bug stabs it with its pointy, straw-like mouth. The assassin then injects venom into its prey, quickly killing it. The assassin bug uses the same "straw" to slurp out the insides of its victim. You can look at them, but don't touch assassin bugs. Their venom causes pain that can last several minutes.

Jim Rathert Missouri's only scorpion About 40 different types of scorpions live in the United States, but only one species makes its home in Missouri. Striped scorpions are common in the southern part of our state. They live under rocks and logs and in other dark places. Excellent camouflage helps them hide. You really have to have a good eye to find one. The striped scorpion uses its venom to catch and kill crickets, spiders and other small invertebrates. It Jim Rathert hides during most of the day and comes out at night to hunt for food. The tip of its tail is shaped into a Missouri's venomous animals usually aren't sharn stinger. Its venom is stored in a gland right next considered threats to us. Even if you happen to to the stinger. The striped scorpion's sting be bitten or stung, your chances of dying are is normally not dangerous to very slim. The few people who do die usually 1 umans, but it is have an allergic reaction to the venom. You can nainful. check with your family doctor to learn whether you are allergic to certain types of venom. Many other venomous creatures crawl and fly around Missouri. They usually are tiny, and Assassin bugs m are more dangerous to other animals than they are to us. As is the case with almost all wildlife, have a tubular if you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone. mouthpiece for {- They're much more interested in their next piercing animals j meal than in bothering us. A and sucking out all of their juices.

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Mark Raithel illustrations May 2003 5

by Beverly J. Letchworth illustration by Mark Raithel

When you're looking around for wildlife to watch, don't forget to look down.

hen we think of watching wildlife, we usually think about birds or Wdeer or turkeys. Missouri has lots of animals that are just as interesting and just as beautiful, and they are so numerous that we almost have to avoid stepping on them. Take ants, for example. If you look, you'll find them everywhere—on the ground, on tree trunks, on plants, even on the driveway, porch and patio. Here are some other creatures that live underfoot. . A Wnooos) dxatig en,

May 2003 7 • - 9

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rass Spider " sDavid Liebman Qa •:• - • "I mm

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Garter Sna' "dm. idtffSi The web of the grass spider is • '..',' '-"--3. flat, like a sheet, and may be up to '-janS^-B R<3vvari Garden Slug three feet wide. It has what looks like a funnel coming from the You'll discover some of Missouri's center of the sheet to the edge. This most fascinating creatures almost is where the spider hides to wait for underfoot.They include (clockwise its dinner. from top, left) grass spiders, Saucer makers The grass spider covers the top leaf hoppers, garter snakes, crickets Look over the lawn in your yard. Do of its web with a non-sticky barrier and slugs. When viewing wildlife,the you see any patches of gauzy white webbing. When a flyinginsec t hits more you look, the more you find. on top of the grass? These patches, the top barrier web, it falls onto the which are usually about the size of sticky sheet web below. The spider, a saucer or plate, are the webs of a a speedster on its long legs, rushes funnel web weaver spider called the out of its hiding place, bites the grass spider. insect and pulls it back into the Walk quietly to one of the funnel to eat. patches. No matter how careful you are, the spider probably has seen you and will make a quick dash to Hop, hop hoppers the side of its web. Even though it's Gently brush your hand over the less than a half-inch long, you'll be grass or a patch of wildflowers in able to spot it easily when it moves. grassy areas, fieldsan d gardens, When you look at it closely, you'll and leafhoppers will probably spray Cricket's Ear see that the grass spider has eight out like popcorn. Leafhoppers are Crickets have "ears" or eyes and is brownish-yellow with tympanums on the front small insects—some about a half- legs. Katydids also have pale and dark stripes down its back. inch long, others much smaller. ears on their legs.

8 Missouri Conservationist They have long, oval-shaped bodies Slugs secrete a slimy substance Crickets chirp to attract females and many are brightly colored. whenever they crawl. The slime and to mark their territory. They They're called leafhoppers makes it easier for them to move also have an alarm call that warns because they normally hop from and protects them from sharp other crickets to stop calling until plant to plant to feed on plant rocks, twigs and other objects in danger passes. When you approach juices. their path. A slug could crawl over close to a cricket, they usually They're also sometimes called an upright razor blade and would become quiet. sharpshooters because they'll not get cut. Slugs mostly rely on "shoot out" tiny droplets of filtered their sense of smell to find their Striped Riders plant sap from the tips of their way around. They can use their You might not see garter snakes abdomens. This name also slimy trails to guide them back to very often, but these little beasties describes how they move, shooting their tunnels. live in many yards, fields, vacant from plant to plant like little Some slugs even climb trees. lots, meadows, marshes, farms and bullets. When they want to come down, parks. You may have one under your Leafhoppers lay their eggs in the they lower themselves on a string porch or in the woodpile, or under stems and leaves of grasses and of slime. They look like slow- leftover boards stacked at the back wildflowers. Many leafhoppers are motion bungee jumpers. of your property. Garter snakes are associated with a specific plant Because they could easily dry usually from 18 to 26 inches long. food. For example, grape out, slugs remain where it's cool Their color varies somewhat, but leafhoppers, which can be found and damp during the day. They they usually are striped along their throughout North America, mostly come out at night to forage for back and sides. eat grapes. They are yellow or white food. They usually eat plant life and Cold weather doesn't seem to with pale-yellow, red and blue often visit gardens. Take a bother garter snakes much. In the markings. flashlight some evening and look southern part of their range, they're for them after sunset. active year-round. You'll often see Soft crawlers them during the day as they hunt If you look under a bucket, a log, a Chirping singers for frogs, toads or mice. Garter birdbath or any other object that's You'll hear crickets before you see snakes usually mate in spring and been sitting on the ground for a them, but these little beasties can give birth to from 7 to 85 live babies long time, you'll probably discover be found nearly everywhere. They that are from 5 to 9 inches long. slugs. These soft little creatures often hide under things that Now, that's a brood! like places that are cool and protect them from wind and cold. A garter snake doesn't like to be damp. You'll often find them under logs or cornered or captured. If you grab Slugs are snails without a shell. other objects on the ground, or in one it may bite, but they are not Actually, most of them have grass or weeds. They hop around venomous, and the bites usually remnants of a shell usually hidden using their long powerful hind legs. don't break the skin. When alarmed, within their bodies. Look at slugs Only male crickets chirp. They a garter snake also may release closely, and you'll see long tentacles make the trilling sound by rubbing stinky musk from on top of their heads. Their light- together rough spots on their glands at the base of sensitive eyes are positioned at the wings or legs. Each species of its tail. When it tips of these tentacles. Slugs also cricket makes its own distinct call. realizes it's not have shorter tentacles that extend Cricket calls are more musical than in danger, a from the front. These are used for grasshopper calls, which sound garter snake tjw-ew feeling and smelling. Look even mechanical or like sand paper usually will more closely and you'll spy a tiny rubbed together. Next time you settle down and hole on the right side of the slug's hear a call, try to hum a note to become tame and body. This leads to the slug's single match the sound. If you can, you're calm. A lung. hearing a cricket call.

May 2003 9 iw*%

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y y ..-> i 10 Missouri \7iAA( Your Missouri Neighbor-the Bald Faced

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by Bryan Hendricks

'm a bald faced hornet, and I live in Missouri, in a patch of forest. My family and I live in a large house made out of paper. We're really proud of our house because we made the paper ourselves from chewed up wood and spit. Our house, or nest, is shaped sort of like a large, tapered globe on the outside.

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I! Inside, it has bunch of small cells bunched closely together in multiple stories. Those are the bedrooms where my family lives. You may have come across a piece of siding that has fallen away from my house. It looks like a piece of bark from a sycamore tree and has a hole in the middle about the size of a tack head. You'd know me if you saw me. I'm about three-quarters of an inch long. I'm mostly black, but I have some white markings including some on my face. All of my family look the same. We live and work together. That's the only way we can survive. We're always busy, but that's what keeps us going. The head of our family is the queen. Her main job is to lay eggs. She might lay up to 1,500 of them during her lifetime. She spends her winters snoozing in caves or crevices or under overhanging rocks. In the spring, she mates and builds a small nest. Then, she lays a single egg in each cell of the nest. Two or three days later, the eggs hatch. The babies are called larvae. The larvae mature quickly, eating insects that have already Bald faced hornets often been partly digested by other hornets called workers. Within 12 build their nest among to 18 days, the larvae spin silken caps over their cells and turn the branches of a tree. The into pupas. About 12 days later, they mature into adult workers workers expand the nest and will take care of a new generation of larvae. They also work through the spring and to improve or enlarge the nest. If the queen should die, the summer, creating blocks workers might even take on the task of laying eggs. of small cells arranged Many people don't like bald-faced hornets because we've got like apartments in a short tempers. It's true we sometimes sting people when we get building. If you find a bald mad or feel threatened. You can't really blame us. We're pretty faced hornet's nest, it's small, so we've got to be feisty to make it in such a tough safest to just leave it neighborhood. alone. Bald faced hornets Another reason we're not welcome in places where people don't like to be disturbed live is our jerky cousins, the wasps. They like to live in houses and seem to have quite a with people, and sometimes we get blamed for their temper. misbehavior, even though we have nothing to do with them. They shouldn't be surprised that people don't want them around. We don't either. We bald-faced hornets do a lot of good things. We eat pesky insects, including caterpillars, that damage gardens and fruit trees. We also eat houseflies and blowflies. The world would be a lot better place if more of us were around. Those of us who live in the woods do our best to stay out of your way, but if you come across Q> our houses, please, just pass on by. Qyf) Q/0000000' If you leave us alone, we'll leave you alone.

May 2003 13 • *• ; SLIMY SLUG MAZE Help Stanley the slug follow the right slime trail to his evening meal.

14 Missouri Conservationist M9KIN9 ? .

by Martha Daniels H^rtief H^yse photos by Cliff White Try papermaking to form a nest a lot like the one hornets build. The Chinese were making paper more than You can make paper pulp from torn up bits of 2,000 years ago. Legend has it that they learned old newspapers soaked in water.Then, screen out the art of making paper from wood by watching the fibers from the pulp. When almost dry, you can wasps mix chewed up wood and saliva to form a either pull off the sheets of paper or form the papery home. sheets around a balloon to make a hornet nest. M?tfcri9IS ?tid t9°ls: newspapers bucket (2- or 3-gallon) water wire whisk 3 tablespoons cornstarch measuring spoons 6-inch squares of wire screen balloon, blown up glue

1) Tear newspapers into tiny pieces and fill the balloon with paper and leave a small opening at bucket half full. Add water to cover the paper. Let the bottom—like the door to a hornet's nest. Place stand 2 hours. Use the whisk and beat the mixture in a warm place to dry. to a pulp or thick gravy. Add cornstarch to 1 cup of Hornets and wasps have water, then mix into paper pulp. 2) Dip the piece different colors of paper in their of screen into the pulp and pull out.The pulp is nests, depending on the type ^^" CT¥?fc fc about 1/8-inch thick. 3) Lay another screen over of wood they chew. Rotting £<% the paper and press out all of the water you can. logs make reddish-brown m J^frLQ ^0 Set the screen on a cooling rack to air dry the patches of paper, while fence paper. 4) When nearly dry but bendable, remove posts or dead twigs are gray. What does the paper and wrap it around the inflated balloon. your nest look like it is made from? Use a little glue for a tighter nest. Cover the Try using brown paper bags.

May 2003 15 Are black labs good for —The „ _ v. hunting raccoons? Back Paste Jason Kirby Black labs are versatile dogs in • that they can be used for ©W;! almost any kind of hunting. Although you might turn a Labrador into a coon dog, you would have to fight its breeding and its biology. Labs have been bred primarily for bird hunting, especially waterfowl. Generally, They don't have the stamina for tracking coons, and they don't have the lean lanky bodies that would enable them to carry on long chases. VOltl* Oakley AMV/*; Do birds prefer cities Q • or open fields? How do dogs know what animal they are Nathan Huff, 10 tsmelling? Q What they eat, their Ethan Prey, 71 A • nesting habits and Dogs are born with an acute sense of smell, and they learn brood-rearing habits will deter­ A • what smells belong to what animal. Trainers help dogs refine mine where birds live. Food their scenting abilities by rewarding them for correctly identifying supply is very important. Birds certain scents, for example the smell of quail, pheasant, grouse, rac­ that live on grasshoppers, for exam­ coons or fox. A well trained hunting dog will focus on the smell of a ple, will almost always be found in certain animal and ignore the smells of other animals. grasslands and croplands, and not in cities. Urban landscapes offer few places where ground-nesting birds, such as killdeers, meadowlarks and bobwhite quail, can produce and raise their How do we get so young. European starlings, English sparrows, pigeons and pere­ • many deer? Q grine falcons, on the other hand, seem to thrive in cities. Samantha Breedy, 10

Back when your grand- What type of gun is best for crow hunting? A • parents were young, there Q • And, where are some conservation areas in weren't many deer in Missouri. In fact, southwest Missouri where I can hunt rabbits? the news of someone seeing a deer made the papers in some com­ Logan Landis, 17 munities. Our deer population has grown thanks to improved habi­ tat and an active management effort by the Conservation Depart­ A 12-gauge shotgun is best for crow hunting. A good ment. Deer management includes limiting when deer can be A • shotgun load for crows is a 2 3/4 inch shell with 11/8- hunted (seasons), how many can be taken by individual hunters ounce of No. 6 shot. It's likely that all conservation areas in (limits), how they maybe hunted (methods) and enforcing regula­ southwest Missouri have good numbers of rabbits. You can tions. Deer are an important part of Missouri's wildlife community, improve your chances of jumping rabbits by hunting near brush- but we have to continually adjust our management efforts to bal­ piles. ance their numbers with what the habitat can support.

X fiardlu furoke a slfrmei Kids: have a question? Professor Oakley Q. Nutkins Outside In, Missouri Conservationist P.O. Box 180 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 photos this page by Jim Rathert cover illustration by Mark Raithel Nutkins slug rodeo photos by Cliff White 16 Missouri Conservationist \*3JJ/

6i) r r pr •j

ric Eaton

Mr1 d in his wisdom made the fly, d then forgot to tell us why."

— Ogden Nash

May 2003 17 hen you are shooing house flies off your picnic plate or swatting mosquitoes at the fishing hole, it is hard to imagine that flies of any kind could be good for anything. There are, however, some species of flies (Diptera) that help us. Pomace flies, for example, are vital research subjects in genetics. Hover flies and bee flies pollinate flowers. Robber flies kill many harmful insects, while tachinid flies are parasites of other pests. Even blow flies help crime scene investigators solve homicides. You don't even have to leave home to encounter flies. We all know the pesky house fly, Musca domestica, in the family Muscidae. They are known to spread a variety of diseases, but ironically are fastidious groomers. Watch one and you will see it rub its feet, draw a leg over each wing and wipe its eyes. Those eyes are better than ours at perceiving motion, making the fastest fly swatter look like slo-mo. Pads on their feet let house flies cling to slick surfaces, or alight on the ceiling. All flies go through the same life cycle, beginning life as an egg, which hatches into a larva, or "maggot." The larva feeds and grows, shedding its outer cuticle (exoskeleton) several times. Eventually, the larva molts a final time into a pupa. Inside this capsule-like stage, the insect is re-programmed, and its cellular struc­ ture rearranged into that of an adult fly. The time it takes to complete this meta­ morphosis depends on variables like temperature and humidity. Adult houseflies live only two or three weeks, but there can be ten to twelve generations in a summer! The cycle from egg to adult can take as little as seven to ten days in warm weather. Horse dung is the favorite breeding medium for house fly larvae. syrphid fly Besides house flies, you may confront "fruit flies" hovering over your bananas. iflHfl These are actually pomace flies of the family Drosophilidae. Attracted to fer­ bee fly (Anthrax tigrinus) menting substances, they have an extraordinarily high tolerance for alcohol. Lar­ vae eat mostly the yeasts that infect bruised produce. Amazingly, these tiny flies have giant chromosomes in their salivary glands, allowing researchers to easily pinpoint specific genes. This unique feature, cou­ pled with the flies' rapid life cycle, makes them ideal subjects for studying inher­ ited characteristics. Drosophila melanogaster is the common species in the lab and in the wild. Humpbacked flies (family Phoridae) look like pomace flies, but run more than fly, scurrying with a jerky gait. They have varied life histories. Depending on the species, larvae develop in rotting organic matter, or as internal parasites of insects, other arthropods or mollusks. Entering the bathroom, you may find a small, hairy insect clinging to the side of the basin. That would be a moth fly, family Psychodidae. Moth flies can reach staggering numbers in locations close to their typical larval habitat of sewage. The few found in the average home usually develop in the drain trap. Your porch light at night attracts a different set of flies. Relax. Those giant mos­ quitoes, or daddy longlegs on wings, are harmless crane flies (family Tipulidae). Most

18 Missouri Conservationist do not even feed during their brief adult lives. The larvae, known as "leatherjack- ets," may be aquatic or terrestrial, depending on the species. They eat mostly decay­ ing organic matter, though some kinds are vegetarians and a few are predators. Also mistaken for mosquitoes are the midges (Chironomidae). Nearly identi­ cal to skeeters, midges are incredibly abundant, especially near water. Males often gather in great swarms over prominent objects. The whining of their wingbeats is annoying, but they do not bite. The larvae of most species are aquatic, feeding on microorganisms. Many species build cases of sand or debris. Mosquitoes (Culicidae) rarely show up at lights, so bugzappers are useless. Ultrasonic devices don't repel them, either. Carbon dioxide in your breath, and other chemicals like lactic acid, draw the bloodsuckers. Walking through the garden in daylight will introduce you to some flies that resemble wasps or bees. These flies have bold patterns of black and yellow that

May 2003 19 rat-tailed maggot

20 Missouri Conservationist mimic the colors of species that predators find dangerous or distasteful. Flies have only one pair of wings, and usually very short antennae, while wasps and bees have two sets of wings and longer antennae. Flies also have sponging or sucking mouth- parts, in contrast to the chewing mandibles of stinging insects. Taking this mimicry even further, some hover flies in the family Syrphidae even hold their front legs in a position to imitate antennae, and buzz their wings at the same frequency as their venomous counterparts. Syrphids are diverse, impor­ bee fly tant pollinators of flowers, and the larvae of several species are voracious predators of aphids. ieinireiiiinq The larva of the drone fly, Eristalis tenax, is known as the rat-tailed maggot. Living in putrid waters, it breathes through iernrneir) Flies a telescoping tail it stretches to the surface. The narcissus bulb Some folks swear by an unusual method of fly, Merodon equestris, is another convincing bee impostor. Its repelling house flies.They fill a clear plastic larva is unusual in being an occasional pest of daffodils. Ziplock bag half full of water, and attach it to In addition to impersonating bees, some of the fuzzy the outside surface of a door or window. No bee flies (Bombyliidae) parasitize them. A female Bombylius one is clear on why this works, but it does. major hovers over the burrow of a solitary bee, and lobs Flypaper still works well indoors, trap­ eggs down the tunnel. The larvae that hatch crawl into the ping flies that alight on the sticky yellow cells of their host, and feast on the pollen and nectar stored ribbon. Fly swatters are even more enter­ for the bee's offspring. Other bee flies are parasites of soli­ taining and rewarding. Pesticides are not tary wasps, tiger beetles or other insects. Several species recommended, to avoid contamination of have long beaks through which they sip flower nectar. foods and dishware. The bumblebee disguise ofLaphria robber flies (family A new trap, Asilidae) can even fool scientists who know better. Look for dubbed "Flybrella" by Laphria at rest on foliage, logs, and tree trunks in sun- its creators at the splotched woodlands. They cock their heads as other insects USDA-ARS, is now pass overhead. When suitable prey presents itself, the fly approved for use in dashes out, grabs its victim and returns to its perch to feed. restaurants and other A sharp, stout beak administers the kiss of death. indoor settings. Robber flies of other types are more streamlined. Large Sanitation and Promachus species buzz loudly as they fly short distances •exclusion are still the @ from perch to perch. These and similar varieties, like Efferia, best preventive measures. Make sure trash Proctacanthus, Asilus and Diogmites, are most abundant in cans are securely covered and emptied open fields, glades and prairies, and along riverbanks and regularly. Dispose of manure and other forest edges. They can kill large beetles and grasshoppers, organic waste quickly. Patch holes in and even cicadas. The habits of the larvae remain a mystery for most species, but screens and seal openings to the outdoors some are external parasites of beetle larvae. around pipes and electrical conduits. Controlling horse and deer flies is virtu­ Htfrse flies ami deer flies ally impossible. Avoidance is the best strat­ Many of Missouri's forty-plus species of horse and deer flies have dazzling egy. Donning a hat keeps deer flies off your striped or spotted eyes. Horse flies (genus Tabanus) can be huge, while deer flies scalp, and wearing light-colored long sleeve (Chrysops) are smaller, with dark spots or bands on clear wings. The blood-feed­ shirts deters bites on extremities. Using ing females slice, dice and slurp with blade-like mouthparts and a sponge-like repellents containing DEET is recom­ pad similar to a house fly's. In livestock, blood continues to flow after the flies mended, but never apply such chemicals to have departed. The open wounds invite infection and provide sites for screw- your skin. What residues are not absorbed worms and other parasitic flies to lay their eggs. Bites to humans can result, will be quickly sweated off anyway. Using rarely, in severe allergic reactions, and our sensitivity increases with each bite. repellents on children is especially risky.

May 2003 21 Female tabanids are attracted to dark, moving objects and shiny surfaces. They often chase cars and frequently wind up as roadkill. Males, with wrap-around eyes, seek only nectar and females. They sometimes swarm above treetops and man- made structures, the better to attract the fairer sex. Another biter is the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans. It is related to the house fly and closely resembles one, except for the needle-like beak. Both sexes take blood from a variety of hosts. Harassment of cattle by stable flies, as well as horse flies, can cause a decrease in milk production and disrupt grazing patterns. Stable flies rarely breed in manure, preferring decaying grass clippings, wet hay and compost. Among our largest flies are the mydas flies (Mydidae), which frequent forest margins. Mydas clavatus is a mimic of a large spider wasp, with a red band on its black abdomen, and shimmering violet wings. The larvae may be predatory on scarab beetle grubs. A wealth of flies are parasites of other insects. Chief among these are the d Tachinidae. Tachinids usually have very bristly or spiny bodies. Females can use devious tactics to access their hosts. Some species lay hundreds of minute eggs on foliage near their caterpillar targets. The caterpillars consume a few eggs in the course of feeding, and the maggots that hatch slowly consume their host internally. Adult Trichopoda have feather-like scales on their hind legs that resemble the "pollen baskets" of bees. Trichopoda glues an egg atop a squash bug or stink bug, where the victim cannot reach to wipe it off. Bot flies of the family Oestridae are parasites of mammals, living as larvae in such unthinkable places as the stomach lining of horses (Gasterophilus), sinus cav­ ities of deer (Cephenemya), or under the skin of rodents (Cuterebra). The adult flies approach the size of bumblebees, but are rarely seen. Most species have no mouths, living off stored fat accumulated in the larval stage. Once thought to fly faster than the speed of sound, it is now known they seldom exceed 25 miles per hour. Still, livestock are known to panic at the approach of these insects. Most blow flies in the family Cal- liphoridae dine on deceased bodies, and are indispensable agents of decomposition. The familiar "bluebot­ tles" like Cynomyopsis cadaverina and Calliphora vicina, are named for their iridescent blue abdomens. Phaenicia sericata and Lucilia illustris are common, bright metallic "greenbottles." Although they grow up in rotting flesh, they are competent pollinators of wildflowers. The black blow fly, Phormia regina, can be found as an adult every month of the year. These species, and the secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria, are important to forensic scientists in Missouri. Some blow flies appear on the scene of death within minutes, while other species follow later, in a predictable sequence. Time of death can be accurately estimated by establishing which species are present on a corpse, and at what stage of development. Phormia and Phaenicia have helped living people, too. During World War I, and shortly thereafter (early 1930s), sterile maggots were employed to clean wounds. The larvae eat only dead tissue, while secreting an antibacterial chemi­ cal that retards infection. To this day, maggots are still used in difficult cases of deep bone infection (osteomyelitis). Flesh flies in the family Sarcophagidae also exploit carrion. Sarcophaga haem- orrhoidalis are black and gray with scarlet eyes and "tails." The females arrive at greenbo

a carcass later than blow flies, but catch up by laying live maggots instead of eggs. They can also find bodies indoors, where few other flies will search. Tick-like, with flattened bodies and grappling hook claws, the louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) are truly bizarre. The wingless "sheep ked," Melopha- gus ovinus, is a familiar bane of livestock owners. Otherwise, hunters are the ones most likely to see these secretive parasites. Larval hippoboscids develop one at a time, inside the female fly, feeding on flesh fly milk-like glandular secretions. "Born" as fully grown larvae, they pupate imme­ diately, on the host or on the ground. Most species emerge as flying adults, but some break off their wings after dispersing and settling on another host. Louse flies feed on blood. Many, like the squab fly, Pseudolynchia canaden­ sis, are common on pigeons or other birds, and sometimes serve as living fer­ ries for feather lice. Lipoptena depressa occurs on deer. The world of flies is full of many more amazing stories, some yet to be deci phered. So, before you swat that noisy nuisance, you might want to contem­ plate its beneficial qualities. Or, maybe not.

May 2003 23 The Eurasian Tree Sparrow

by James P.Jackson photography by Jim Rathert

lady stopped me at the August A. "I'm sorry, madam, it's not found here. But if you have a map of the St. Busch Conservation Area, a favorite Louis area, I'd be glad to point out A St. Louis birding spot. With a smile, some likely locations." but seemingly in a hurry, she asked, "Could With this her smile suddenly faded. I find a Eurasian tree sparrow in this area?" "Darn it, I wanted to get it on my life list, but a map won't help now. I've got to fly out of Lambert in two hours." List-keeping birders can be as zeal­ ous as sportsmen who pursue their furred, feathered or finny game. In any field of outdoors recreation, partici­ pants are eager to meet new chal­ lenges. Birders find it particularly chal­ lenging to identify and list species found only in certain regions. The Eurasian tree sparrow is a unique example of such a species. Its presence in Missouri dates back to shortly after the Civil War. At that time it was a fad among nature enthu­ siasts to import nightingales, chaffinches, bullfinches and other songbirds from Europe. This was done in the false hope that new birds might help control insect pests, but was also an excuse among nostalgic immi­ grants who wanted to see birds "from the old country." Most of these intro­ ductions failed, but a few, including the pesky starling, brought to America in 1890, succeeded. This article focuses on the relationship between two earlier introductions of Old World finches. One was the now ubiqui­ tous house or English sparrow. The other was its closest rela­ tive, the Eurasian tree sparrow. Carl Daenzer imported some of the latter from Germany and released them in Lafayette

24 Missouri Conservationist :3mm

Park, St Louis, on April 25th, 1870. At that time, house sparrows, which were ini­ About two dozen Eurasian tree spar­ tially released in New York City, were already spreading westward and into St. Louis. rows were first released in St. Louis's Otto Widmann, a pharmacist who was also Missouri's earliest birder, followed Lafayette Park in 1870. Banding stud­ the St. Louis area spread of both species through the late 1800s. In 1909, he wrote ies reveal that the birds disperse only a the following about what were then known as European tree sparrows. "But in the short distance from their nests. meantime their larger cousins, the House Sparrows, which made their original

May 2003 25 start from the center of town and had become more and more abundant, began to invade the domain of the European Tree Sparrows, driving them out of their nesting and roosting places, thereby forcing them farther and farther toward the outskirts of the city." Today, after 130 years, Eurasian tree sparrows still cannot compete successfully with their larger cousins. Their relationship is like the gentle county cousins versus the aggres­ sive street urchins. In this case, we know the latter as house sparrows, alias chippies. Our much cherished St. Louis bird has never extended its range beyond about 150 miles from the city. The farthest from St. Louis the Eurasian tree sparrow has been found is along the Iowa border. It's also curious that its range has extended northward, skirting the Mississippi River both in Illinois and in Missouri. It has not extended southward or westward. Some speculate that the species has been forced northward by competition from house sparrows, but more likely differences in the natural habitats skirting the Mississippi south of St. Louis from those upstream from its confluence with the Missouri River explain why the bird's range seemed to be squeezed toward the north. Eurasian tree sparrows—not to be confused with American tree sparrows that nest in the far north and visit Missouri only in winter—are readily identified by black dots showing on white checks. They also have a brownish crown and a small black throat patch. Unlike house sparrows, the sexes have identical plumage. Both of the Old World finches are non-migra­ tory, and both have similar nesting habits. They build rather bulky nests in crotches of trees, in tree cavities, under eaves of buildings and in bird boxes. Ted R. Anderson, a research ornithologist at McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois, once compared their uses of bird boxes in rural St. Charles County, where Eurasian tree sparrows were having difficulty competing against their city cousins. He made bird boxes with holes 1-1/4 inches in diameter, big enough for house sparrows, and others with holes 1-1/8 inches in diameter, barely big enough for the slightly smaller Eurasian tree sparrows. He also noted that, while both species averaged 2.5 broods per year, Eurasian tree sparrows hatched three eggs to every two produced by their rivals. Anderson found that by regulat­ ing the size of bird boxes over several years, he increased the ratio of Eurasian tree sparrows to house spar­ rows at the St. Charles County study location. During the non-nesting winter sea­ son, both of the Old World finch species frequently gather in roosts numbering

An adult male house sparrow (left) resembles a Eurasian tree sparrow (above right), but the latter has a smaller black throat patch, black spots on its ear covers, a brown crown and a black bill. upwards of 100. The Eurasian tree sparrows typically confine themselves to rural areas, while the house sparrows gather in large and noisy congregations around city Locating Eurasian buildings, where they are considered nuisances. tree sparrows It's seems odd that house sparrows could become so prevalent nationwide Within St. Louis, Eurasian tree sparrows while Eurasian tree sparrows remain confined to the greater St. Louis area. are common in residential neighbor­ Anderson, who studies both species, said that the Eurasian tree sparrow initially hoods southwest of Forest Park. I saw ranged mostly in Asia while the house sparrow ranged primarily in Europe, but them there as a teenager many years even longer ago might have belonged to the same species. After they became iso­ ago, and they continue to nest in the lated, one strain, house sparrows, evolved to become aggressive, while the same neighborhood. Eurasian tree sparrows became meek. Public areas often provide better No records indicate whether Eurasian tree sparrows have ever been released possibilities for watching Eurasian tree elsewhere in America. Most people in Missouri hope not. They like the celebrity sparrows. Good viewing sites status the species gives to St. Louis. The birds may not garner as much attention include the Corps of Engineers River- as the St. Louis Cardinals, the Rams, the Arch or Shaw's Garden, but they do attract avid birders from all over the United States. lands Environmental Demonstration Area (Lock and Dam 26), North County For example, in May 1972, Dick Anderson, an expert St. Louis birder, received a phone call from the Pentagon at his place of work. The caller explained that Park, south of the 1-270 bridge over the James Schlesinger, President Carter's Secretary of Defense, and an avid birder, Mississippi River, at Winfield (Lock and was in town on official business. They asked if Anderson, after work, might find Dam 25) and at Clarence Cannon a Eurasian tree sparrow for the Secretary to add to his life list. National Wildlife Refugejust north of Anderson agreed, of course, and met Schlesinger, who flew in by helicopter, at Annana. a high school football field. The two shook hands and were chauffeured to a The Eurasian tree sparrow can also known Eurasian tree sparrow haunt. He and Schlesinger not only saw a Eurasian be found in scattered localities about tree sparrow, but they lingered to watch the May migration of warblers. At dusk, the eastern, or floodplain, portion of St. before they parted company, Anderson asked the Secretary how often he was Charles County and in numerous areas able to get out birding. Schlesinger answered, "Not often, but it does help main­ on the Illinois side of the Mississippi tain my sanity when I do." A River.

May 2003 27 NEWS & ALMANAC

Columbia Bottom CA reopens May St. Louis area residents soon will be able to view the ence, 5 miles of paved road, 5 miles of limestone biking continues. Facilities still under construction include confluence of America's two great rivers with the trail and 3 miles of hiking trail along the Missouri River. a visitor center, levees, water-control structures and reopening of Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. Boaters will be able to use the new boat ramp, and pump stations for managed wetlands, and "explo­ The Conservation Department soon will complete anglers will be able to wet a line at a new fishing pier. ration stations"to help visitors learn about river Phase I of development at the 4,300-acre area and will Phase II development includes construction of a ecosystems.The Conservation Department hopes to open the gates to the public at noon May 30. Visitors will maintenance shop. Some parts of the area will finish the visitor center in time for the start of the find a brand-new observation deck at the rivers'conflu­ remain closed to visitors as Phase III construction Lewis and Clark Bicentennial in the spring of 2004.

Trout Parks focus on children May 17 Gypsy moth Youngsters will get their trapping resumes own special day for fishing >./ May is when Missouri foresters' fun May 17, when Mis­ B^9 SH thoughts turn to gypsy moths, souri's four trout parks cele­ the winged pests that have brate Kids Fishing Day. Free *vt ftv \sv, "^ www* _W^... M^sfiaw^1^* devastated forests in the east­ daily fishing tags will be I ern and north-central United available for youths age 15 States. and younger, and special The Asian moth is slowly kids-only fishing holes will extending its range east and be set aside at each park. south. Gypsy moth populations The events also typi­ continue to increase in Wiscon- cally include fishing 1 sin, northeastern Illinois and northern Indiana.The gypsy moth-infested area is northeast of a line instruction, fishing-related extending from Wisconsin to North Carolina. However, it's also capable of leapfrogging to new areas games, crafts and contests by laying eggs on motor homes or other vehicles and equipment used by interstate travelers. and drawings for prizes. Foresters want to delay the gypsy moth's arrival in Missouri as long as possible.To prevent a j ^ Some parks also offer fish­ leapfrog infestation from getting out of hand, they set out traps baited with female moth ing instruction and free hot pheromones.This trapping doesn't fight an infestation, but the discovery of gypsy moths in an dogs and soft drinks. area gives foresters an early warning so they can nip it in the bud. For more information, visit the Conservation Depart­ Starting this month,forestry officials will hang triangular orange cardboard traps on trees ment's web site, www.conservation.state.mo.us or call: and fence posts throughout the state.They will monitor the traps through August. If you see a Maramec Spring Trout Park, near St. James, 573/265-7801 trap, please leave it in place so that it will be effective in detecting whether this damaging forest Roaring River State Park, near Cassville, 417/847-2430 pest is entering Missouri. Montauk State Park, near Licking, 573/548-2585 If you have questions or concerns about gypsy moth traps, call 573/751-5505 or 573/882- Bennett Spring State Park, near Lebanon, 417/532-4418 9880, or e-mail [email protected], or [email protected].

28 Missouri Conservationist beavers, otters, minks, bald eagles, ospreys and a wide array of shorebirds are highly visible in the open landscape. Beachcombing is a little-known opportunity on the Missouri River. An aston­ ishing variety of collectibles appear when the river is low. One O'Fallon resident recently got the surprise of her life last winter when she discovered a 10,000- year-old skull of an extinct, ice-age bison on a sand bar nearWeldon Spring Con­ servation Area in St. Charles County. As the bicentennial of Lewis and Clark's 1804-1806 journey approaches, the Missouri River offers a way of experiencing some of the wonder the Corps of Dis­ covery felt as it explored uncharted territory. Visit the Missouri River this summer Three brochures/'Upper Missouri River,""Middle Missouri River" and "Lower This year's low flows on the Missouri River could be a bonanza for Missourians who Missouri River,"show accesses, conservation areas and other information about enjoy picnicking, fossil collecting, camping,fishing and waterfowl hunting. recreational opportunities. Single copies are available from Conservation Depart­ The river is most accessible and inviting for recreation when the water is low, ment regional offices in St. Joseph, Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis. exposing loads of sand bars, islands and sandy banks for people to explore and Missouri River navigation charts are available from the U.S. Army Corps of enjoy. Unless rainfall in much of the Missouri River Basin is above average this sum­ Engineers.Two books/'Missouri River Navigational Charts - Sioux City, Iowa, to mer, the river is likely to be much lower than normal. It could even fall lower than Kansas City" and "Missouri River Navigational Charts - Kansas City to the the level the Conservation Department has recommended to accommodate both Mouth," cover all of Missouri's stretch of the river. They cost $8.50 each and are barge traffic and wildlife. available from the Missouri River Information Center, U.S. Army Corps of Engi­ Unusually low water probably will expose the tops of rock dikes, making safe neers, P.O. Box 710, Yankton, SD, 57078,866/285-3219. boating easier for pleasure craft. A low river also is more inviting because the cur­ The U.S. Geological Survey Web site offers up-to-date river level information. rent is not as swift, the water is clearer, and floating debris is scarce. For example, http://water.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/uvF06910450, shows a chart track­ Once on the river, boaters will find a wealth of sandy beaches with shallow ing the river's level at Jefferson City. —Jim Low water off the main channel.These are perfect for camping, picnicking and family fishing trips. Low water also benefits anglers by concentrating fish. The wealth of wildlife that inhabits the river corridor makes it an excellent place for bird watching, wildlife photography and other nature study. Deer, turkey,

May 2003 29 NEWS & ALMANAC continued Conservation donations Bass fishing prospects bright Bull Shoals Lake I suggested to honor St. Joseph newsman With the arrival of spring, anglers throughout Missouri turn recent years, but last year's high water levels gave it a The family of a newsman who spent to bass fishing to cure their winter blues. Fortunately, large­ much-needed spawning boost. Anglers can expect the many happy hours catching trout at mouth bass populations appear to be in excellent shape return of good bass fishing in two to three years.The Bennett Spring State Park has asked this year at many of our most popular waters, so fishing majority of bass caught next year will measure 8 to 10 that he be remembered with contri­ opportunities should be plentiful. inches. Some will be pushing 2 pounds by the end of butions to the Missouri Conservation Harry S Truman Reservoir has enjoyed several good summer, and all of them should be 3 pounds by 2004. Heritage Foundation. spawns the last few years, so there are plenty offish in sev­ Lake Norfork's bass are in excellent shape, thanks to Harold E.Mills,former managing eral different year classes. It's a good place to catch a lot of consistent water levels during recent years'spawning sea­ editor of the St. Joseph News-Press, bass and a good place to catch bass 20 to 24 inches long. sons. Anglers consistently catch 3-, 4-, and 5-pounders died Feb. 9 Mark Twain Lake —High water has made therewith occasional 8- and 9-pounders. at the age of spring bass fishing difficult here in recent While only 10 percent of Norfork 86. His fam­ years, but five years of good spawns ^ is in Missouri, Show-Me ily, remem­ promise to provide good num­ State anglers can fish bering his bers of quality fish. Most are any of the lake's love of fish­ in the 12-to 14-inch impounded waters by purchasing a White ing and range. Anglers should find River Border Lakes Fishing Permit. For $10, the camping, plenty of sub-legal bass, and permit also allows Missouri resident anglers to thought it a many of these fish should reach 15 inches by summer's end. fish the Arkansas portions of Bull Shoals and Table fitting Stockton Lake had an excellent spawn of both large­ Rock lakes. memorial to mouth and smallmouth bass last year. Its smallmouth bass Smithville Lake's overall bass numbers are fairly low have contributions made in his name population is one of the best in the state in terms of both compared to some other waters, but it could be a great to support conservation. numbers and size of individual fish. It also has some large- place to go to catch a trophy. Bass 12 inches and larger mouths in the 7- to 8-pound range. dominate the lake. A good portion of those are larger The private, not-for-profit Conser­ vation Heritage Foundation was Table Rock Lake's strong 1999 spawning class gradu­ than 15 inches. Don't be surprised if you catch an 18- to established in 1998 to support fish, ated to the 15-inch legal keeper size in 2002, and they should 20-incher. Anglers catch several 10-pound bass at wildlife and forestry conservation pro­ be even larger this year. Bass populations are described as Smithville most years, usually in the spring before the fish grams in Missouri. Donated funds can excellent throughout the lake, but the James and Kings river spawn. be allocated by the foundation's board arms have the highest densities. Spotted bass account for Lake of the Ozarks will continue to be a great bass of directors for specific projects. about 20 percent of the lake's total bass population, and the lake in 2003. Electrofishing surveys showed a lot offish biggest number of those are found in the main part of the larger than 15 inches,as well as good numbers smaller The foundation helps with conser­ lake, especially along bluffs and rocky shelves. Smallmouth than 15 inches. Spotted bass numbers over the 12-inch vation programs where funds are lim­ bass continue to increase in both size and range. minimum length limit are fair. —Bryan Hendricks ited, putting in money where conser­ vation needs are unmet.

Nature plates dish up support for conservation Last year, Missourians spent $71,760 for nature-themed automobile license plates. In doing so, j^. they helped make their state a more natural place. The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundations private, nonprofit organization, reinvested the money in projects ranging from disabled-accessible fishing facilities and archery ranges to educational programs for youths and surveillance equipment to catch poachers. Conservation license plates require a $25 annual donation. You can choose artwork of a white-tailed deer, a bluebird or a largemouth bass. The Missouri Motor Vehicle Bureau charges an additional $15 for the personalized plate number. For more information about con­ servation license plates and the work of the foundation, contact the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 366, Jefferson City, MO 65102,573/634-2080 or 800/227-1488. f|^ C<#** *

30 Missouri Conservationist How clean is your karst? What is karst, and why care if it is dirty? Karst refers to land that has features such as caves and sinkholes. Karst features harbor a surprising vari­ ety of life, including many endangered animal species. Karst features form when water Bobcats moving in with people? erodes limestone bedrock. Over time, Les Fortenberry was skeptical last December when his next- water dissolves holes in the rock. Some door neighbor reported seeing a bobcat between their houses of the holes get large enough to form • _ in a Jefferson City area subdivision. His doubts disappeared a caves. When a cave collapses,you get a .1. few weeks later when he watched a bobcat calmly walk down sink hole. If a sink hole forms under a the hillside behind his home and right up to his deck. creek,you get a'losing stream,"where "This was just about five minutes after noon," Forten­ the water mysteriously disappears berry recalled."At the time, I didn't realize how relaxed he beneath the stream bed. was there. I was afraid he would run off before I could get In non-karst landscapes, much of my camera and take a picture of him." the pollutants and bacteria washed Fortenberry did catch the cat on film at the foot of his from the earth's surface by rainwater is deck, however. About a month later he had another midday filtered out as the water slowly seeps sighting.This time, he captured the wildcat on video as it through millions of tiny pores and pock­ sat for half an hour in the shadows of a blackberry thicket ets. However, in karst regions, some just beyond Fortenberry's yard. runoff water bypasses this natural filter­ "He was looking right at my house. My theory is that he ing system by running through caves has noticed squirrels coming to our bird feeder, and he was and sinkholes and entering the ground waiting for a squirrel to cross that open yard." water quickly with littlefiltering. I n "It's kind of funny," said Fortenberry.'Tve seen fleeting these areas, today's rain becomes glimpses of bobcats in the wild two times in my life before tomorrow's drinking water. this. Now I've gotten to watch one close up for a long time Missouri's Ozarks, dotted with caves and sinkholes, is a prime example of a karst landscape. Its Swiss right in town." cheese geology affects the groundwater. Do you have an old well on your property that is not capped? Wildlife Research Biologist Dave Hamilton, who specializes in Runoff water pours right into that well without any filtering. Or maybe you own a sinkhole full of trash, so furbearers, says such sightings aren't as rare as people think. He rainwater seeps through that trash and then into your well. said that bobcats, while elusive, are very adaptable.They quickly There is hope for dirty karst. Simply removing trash restores sinkholes, caves or losing streams to a more learn what times of day people usually are present in an area and natural state. Capping old wells prevents water from entering them directly. when it is safe to forage for rabbits, squirrels and other food. Private landowners who want to clean up their karst can get some financial help.The U.S. Fish and "Some of the neighbors kind of worry about having a Wildlife Service has a program that provides financial and technical support to clean up, restore and protect bobcat around," said Fortenberry."They asked me if I karst features.The program is called the Endangered Species Landowner Incentive Program (ESLIP). ESLIP will thought we should get it trapped out. But one guy who has help pay for capping wells, protecting karst features and other work that benefits endangered species. a garden doesn't mind at all. He figures he can use all the If you have dirty karst on your property and need help cleaning it up, contact the nearest Conserva­ help he can get keeping the rabbits out of his tomatoes." tion Department office. We will get you on the right track to cleaning up your karst. —Sarah Howerton, Forester, West Plains Gray wolf no longer endangered in the northern Rocky Mountains had prompted east and Midwest, including Missouri and the three Even though there are no gray wolves in the state, them to change the status of the gray wolf. The states with existing wolf populations; Minnesota, Missouri is included in an area where the U.S. Fish action allows greater flexibility in managing wolves, Michigan and Wisconsin. and Wildlife Service has downgraded the status of including the ability to remove wolves that cause More information is available from USFWS,Gray gray wolves from "endangered" to "threatened." problems for livestock owners. Wolf Review, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling, MN In March, federal officials announced that a The new rule divides the United States'gray wolf 55111-4056, phone 612/713-7337, e-mail graywolf- steadily growing wolf population in the western population into three distinct segments.The Eastern [email protected]. Great Lakes and successful reintroduction program Distinct Population Segment includes all the North-

May 2003 31 NEWS & ALMANAC Family Fishing Fair continued On June 7, join the Conservation Department and Trout Unlimited for the annual Family Fishing Fair at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery in Branson. Outdoor Calendar From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., learn how to cast, how to tie fishing knots and open close how to find, clean and cook fish. You can also have the chance to make a fish Coyotes 5/12/03 3/31/04 bandanna to take home. Deer, Firearms 11/15/03 to be announced The Fishin' Magicians comedy act will perform at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. New Turkey (Spring) 4/21/03 5/11/03 Squirrels 5/24/03 1/15/04 this year, the P. Buster Beaver Team will be on hand to talk about pollution. Rabbits 10/1/03 2/15/04 The Show Me Missouri Mobile Fish Aquarium will be set up at the hatchery Groundhogs 5/12/03 12/15/03 June 5-9. Crows 11/1/03 3/3/04 The hatchery is located 5 miles south of Branson on Highway 165. For more information, call 417/334-4865, ext. 0.

Black Bass (most southern streams) 5/24/03 2/29/04 Trout Parks 3/1/03 10/31/03 Bullfrog & Green Frog Sunset 6/30/03 Midnight 10/31/03 Raytown youth wins Arbor Day poster contest Nongame Fish Snagging 3/15/03 5/15/03 Alex Rinas, a fifth-grade student at Norfleet Elementary School in Raytown, is the Missouri state winner in the 2003 Arbor Day National Poster Contest. Rinas For complete information about seasons, limits, methods and restrictions, was honored April 4 in Raytown during a tree planting ceremony on the Norfleet consult the Wildlife Code and the current summaries of Missouri Hunting Elementary School grounds. He was also recognized March 13, when he and Trapping Regulations and Missouri Fishing Regulations, the Fall Deer and attended Gov. Bob Holden's signing of the Missouri Arbor Day Proclamation at Turkey Hunting Information, Waterfowl Hunting Digest and the Migratory Bird Digest. To find this information on our Web site go to http://wwwxonserva- the Capitol in Jefferson City. tion. state.mo.us/regs/. Judges from the Conservation Department, the Missouri Community The Conservation Department's computerized point-of-sale system allows Forestry Council, the Missouri Parks & Recreation Association, and Forest ReLeaf you to purchase or replace your permits through local vendors or by phone. of Missouri picked Rinas' entry The toll-free number is 800/392-4115. Allow 10 days for delivery of tele­ from more than 1,000 entries -; phone purchases.To purchase permits online go to http://www.wildlifelicense. submitted by fifth-graders from com/mo/. 30 schools. The contest, sponsored nationally by the National Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota Motor Corp., asked students to create a poster reflecting the theme"Trees are terrific.. .from acorn to oak!" Rinas received a $50 savings bond from Forest ReLeaf of Mis­ souri and a framed certificate. His art teacher, Becky Needham, received a Trees Are Terrific Curriculum Kit, and the Conservation Department planted a commemorative tree on the school grounds. Missouri's hunters and anglers are invited to enjoy the outdoors indoors with spe­ Rinas' poster will go on to the national competition. The winner, his or her cial admission rates to the Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) museum in Springfield. parents, and the teacher of the winning student will receive an expense-paid With nearly 250 live animal species, huge aquariums and interactive dis­ trip to Arbor Day headquarters in Nebraska City, Neb. In addition, the national plays, WOW is a 92,000-square-foot conservation Mecca.The attraction also cele­ winner will receive a $1,000 savings bond and lifetime membership in the brates America's hunting and fishing heritage. National Arbor Day Foundation.The winner's teacher will receive $200 for class­ Present your valid Missouri hunting or fishing permit to receive the follow­ room materials. ing rates for yourself and all members of your party: $9 per adult, $5.75 per The National Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit educational organiza­ child (ages 4-11). It's WOW's"thank you"to hunters and anglers for their year- tion dedicated to tree planting and environmental stewardship. Visit round contributions to conservation. For details, call 877/245-9453, toll free, or www.arborday.org for online learning opportunities and to request specific visit www.wondersofwildlife.org. educational materials. —Donna Baldwin

32 Missouri Conservationist Jt~ Program Schedule MISSOURI Television the way Nature intended! Meet our Contributors

Branson Vacation Channel / Fri., Sat. 8:00 p.m. Eric R. Eaton is a freelance natural history writer residing Brentwood Brentwood City TV /Daily, check local listing for times in Tucson, Arizona. He is co-author of the forthcoming Cape Girardeau Charter Cable Ed. Ch. 23 / Thursdays 6:00 p.m. Kaufman Focus Guide to the Insects of North America. He Chillicothe Time Warner Cable Channel 6 / Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. says he finds the world of insects and spiders to be a limit­ Columbia K0MU-TV8 / Sundays 11:00 a.m. less source of fascination and wonder. Hannibal KHQA / Weekends, check local listing for times Hillsboro JCTV / Mondays 12 p.m. & 6 p.m. Independence City 7 / Thurs. 2 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. & Sundays 8 p.m. Bryan Hendricks is the Conservationist's managing editor. Joplin KOZJ / Saturdays 2 p.m. An avid rifle, handgun and clay target shooter, he has cov­ Joplin KGCS / Sundays 6 p.m. ered shooting sports for local, regional and national media Kansas City KCPT / Sundays 6:30 a.m. for more than 10 years. He said he felt honored to fire a few Kansas City Metro Sports /Tues. 5:00 p.m. & Sun. 7:30 a.m. rounds with the SMSU pistol team. Kirksville KTVO / Saturdays 5:00 a.m. Mexico Mex-TV / Fridays 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays 6:30 p.m. HoelTTV/Fridays 4:30 p.m. O'Fallon City of O'Fallon Cable /Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. Jim Jackson lives near the Missouri River, outside Parkville City of Parkville / First and third Tuesdays of the month 6:30 p.m. Marthasville,with his wife, Charlene. He was an education Perryville PVTV / Mondays 6 p.m. advisor with the Conservation Department and taught high Poplar Bluff City Cable-Channel 2 /Tues. 7:30 p.m. & Saturdays 10:00 a.m. school biology at Washington High School. He now works as a volunteer naturalist and often writes about gardens, Raymore Govt. Access-Channel 7 / Various, check local listings for times canoeing and his specialty: birds. He has had three books Raytown City of Raytown Cable/Wed. 10:00 a.m. & Saturdays 8:00 p.m. published. St. Charles City of St. Charles-Ch 20 / Tues. 5:00 p.m. and Wed. 10:00 a.m. St. Joseph KQTV-Channel 2/Various, check local listings for times Joan McKee is an editor/designer with the Conservation St. Louis KSDK-Channel 5 / Various, check local listings for times Department. She attracts wildlife to her Columbia backyard St. Louis Charter Communications / Saturdays 10:30 a.m. with native plants and a small water garden. She enjoys all St. Louis City TV 10 / Mondays 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays 3:30 p.m. the animals that visit except for the downy woodpecker St. Louis Cooperating School Districts /Wednesdays 9 a.m. that raps on the side of her house early in the morning. St. Louis DHTV-21 / Mondays 10:30 a.m. St. Louis KPTN-LP/TV58 /Thursdays 8:00 p.m.

St. Peters City of St. Peters Cable / Various, check local listings for times Tom Wekenborg is a landowner in Callaway County. He Ste. Genevieve Public TV/Fridays 1 p.m., 6 p.m. & 12 midnight recently retired from the USDA Farm Service Agency after Springfield K0ZK / Saturdays 2 p.m. 30 years as a farm loan supervisor and appraiser. He runs a Springfield KBLE36 / Nine times a week, check local listing for times row crop and cow/calf operation that emphasizes wildlife Sullivan Fidelity Cable-Channel 6 / Wed. 11:00 a.m. and Fri. 7:00 p.m. management. He also enjoys Native American history and Union TRC-TV7 / Mondays 7 p.m. all forms of outdoor recreation. Warrensburg KM0S / Sundays 6:30 p.m. West Plains OCTV / Mondays 6:30 p.m.

Fishing nets economic benefits for Missouri The average angler spends more than $1,200 each year on fishing equip­ N ment and trips, according to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). STOP OPERATION In 2001, Missouri anglers' purchases of fishing-related equipment alone POACHING GAME THIEF totaled $832,776,355.Those purchases helped fund approximately 15,000 jobs in the state. 1-800-392-1111

May 2003 33 Baby Copperhead Copperheads are born alive and with fully functional fangs capable of injecting venom. A young copper­ head uses its bright yellow tail as a lure to attract small frogs, lizards, cicadas and other prey. A copper­ head keeps its yellow tail for one or two years. A good way to identify a copperhead is by the banding on its back. It is the only snake whose banding is shaped like a bow-tie. Although copperheads are found throughout the state, except in the extreme northern portion, there are no recorded deaths attributed to copperhead bites in Missouri.— Cliff White

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