Centerpoint Application Texas Continued, Dec

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Centerpoint Application Texas Continued, Dec l KANSAN NAVAHONIAN TEXAN11 AUSTRO- I ll RIPARIAN BAID€ONI*N I HUAHUAN I 1' TAMAULIPAN Legend 345 KV SPACE CITY SOLAR PROJECT - Biotic Province Boundary FIGURE 2-5 e ~ County Boundary 0 30 60 120 180 240 LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA IN RELATION TO THE Miles BIOTIC PROVINCES OF TEXAS .~W. Sowce: B1-, 1930, *oochn,d *%£2!21 Datl: 12/1/2020 PAGE 2-34 100 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. 345 kV Space City Sojar Project Amphibians Amphibian species (frogs, toads, salamanders) that may occur within the study area are listed in Table 2- 9. Frogs and toads may occur in all vegetation types and salamanders are typically restricted to moist hydric habitats (Dixon 2013). TABLE 2-9 AMPHIBIAN SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA **@j*4%22¢Nj«59*f.%1*4*f¢*Etf*g%*fff*3*f;t,4 Frogs/Toads American bullfrog LIU) obates catesbeianus Cope ' s py tree frog Dtyophytes chlysoscelis Crawfish frog Uthobates areolatus t Eastern nan» mouth toad Gastrophryne carolinensis Gray tree frog Dryophytes versicolor Great Plains narrow - mouthed toad Gastrophryne olivacea Green kog LRhobates damitans Green tree frog Diyophytes dnereus Gulf Coast toad Inclius nebuNfer Hurter ' s spadefoot toad Scaphiopus hulef# Northern cricket frog Acris crepRans Pickerel frog Uthobates palustrls Southern leopard frog Uthobates sphenocephalus Spotted chonjs frog Pseudacrls clarkii Squrrel tree frog Dfyophytes squirellus Upland chorus frog Pseudacris ferianjm Woodhouse ' s mad Anaxyms woodhous# Salamanders/Newts Eastern newt Notophthalmus vindescens Small - rnouthed salamandor Ambystoma texanum Eastern tiger salamander Ambystoma tignnum Westem lesser siren Slren intermedla Solrce: Dixon 2013 Reptiles (turtles, lizards and snakes) that may typically occur in the study area are listed in Table 2-10. These include those species that are more commonly observed near water (i.e., aquatic turtles) and those that are more common in terrestrial habitats (Dixon 2013). PAGE 2-35 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. 345 kV Space City Solar Project TABLE 2-10 REPTILIAN SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING \MTHN THE STUDY AREA i td~04·**«if2%%~44*CZ**f%«4-:~*P~i~*~~12¥iqilfp'*<,f~.:Oti",A.,~*>«*Et'f?.r~f.- ~ .. -~ ~ ~,9.1»·p;M€***Ft.'.w.*#Mjjg**M Ptij.Jdi?*18!F,i;FE,)£*AJ':(;,i:p,m·4:«..r Turtles Eastern box turtle Te,73pe/le ca/o#ha Eastern mud turtle Kinostemon subrubrum hippocrepis Eastern musk turtle Stemo#lerus odomtus Eastern snappklg turtle Chelydra sepentina Ornate box tufe Terrapene ornata omata Palrld spiny softshell Apalone spjnifera pa#ida Red-cared pond slider Tracbemys scripta elegans Smooth softshell Apalone mutka Yellow mud turtle Kinostemon flavescens Crocodilians American alligator ~i Alligator mississippjensis Lizards Broad-headed skink Eumeces laticeps Brown anole Ana/s sggmi Common spotted whiptail Cnemldophorus gularls Eastern sbt-lined race runner Cnemjdophorus sexlineatus Fh,e·Iined skink Eumecesfasdatus Green anole Anolls carolinensls Uttle brown skink Sdncda Iateraljs Medterranean gecko Hemidactylus turcicus Northern fence lizard Sceloporus undulatus hyac#*hinus Prairie skink Eumeces septentrionalis obtusirostris Slender glass lizard Ophisaurus attenuatus Texas spiny lizard Sceloporus ollvaceus Snakes Blotched water snake Nerodia erythrogaster Broad-banded water snake Nerodia fasdata confluens Canebrake rattlesnake Crotalus horridus Checkered garter snake Thamnophls marcianus Diamond-backed water snake Nerodia rhomblfer rhombifer Eastern garter snake Thamnophb sirtaBs sirtalis Eastern hog-nosed snake Heterodon platirhinos Eastern yellow-bellied racer Coluber constrictor 6aviventris PAOE 2-36 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. 345 kV Space CIty Solar Project TABLE 2-10 REPTILIAN SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA :*®,@**%*%*3513¢Eft 9.'k.·,63:2,4*»4.*Zit, 3,#..H(Bdi?~ i.1.*,g~,A:'%.-:4&*w.·e ". '.-4.•%>WE#0,·:·,1·9··.Y·- f*?·1-f@NZ Flat-headed snake Tant#la gradlis Graham's crayfish snake Regina grahamli Louisiana milk snake Lampropeltb genl#is Marsh brown snake Storen'a dekayi Mississippi green water snake Nerodia cydopion Pmirie king snake Lampropel#s camgaster cal#gaster Pygmy rattlesnake Sislrurus mlliarlus streckerl Rough earth snake Haldea striatuta Rough green snake Opheodrys aes#vus Southern copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix contonrix Sped<led king snake Lampropeltis holbrooki Texas coral snake Micrurus tener Texas glossy snake Arizona elegans arenicola Texas rat snake Pantherophis obsoleta Hndhetmeri Western coachwhip Masticophis flagellum testaceus Western cottorrnouth Agkistrodon 0sclvons kucostoma Western diamond-backed ratilesnake Crotalus atrox Western mud snake Famncia abacura relnward# Western ribbon snake Thamnophls proximus proximus Source: Dixon 2013. Birds Numerous bird species may occur within the study area and include year-round residents and summer, and/or winter migrants as shown in Table 2-11. Additional transient bird species may migrate within or through the study area in the spring and fall and/or use the area to nest (spring/summer) or overwinter. The likelihood for occurrence of each species will depend upon suitable habitat and season. TABLE 2-11 BIRD SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA -f#4.':t...N.Utw~~1<1. t*il +41~*·m:*duf:7* -f*IUR#~@MM~AMR*,#Wi*-~)i~ fif;&<f»**%*f;***;t·'·- *»f.¢.':*Fkt~ ACCIPITRIFORMESi Acdjpitrjdae Broad - winged hawk Buteo platyptens * Cooper ' s hawk kcip #er cooperl * Harris' s hawk Parabuteo unidndus X PAGE 2-37 103 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. 345 kV Space City Solar Project sitia<~eiji~**ij~TABLE 2-11 BIRD SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA Missbslppl klte leonia mississippiensis X Northern harrier Circus cyaneus X Red - tailed hawk Buteojamajcensis X X Sharp - slinned hawk Acdpiter striatus X Swainson ' s hawk Buteo swalnsonl X WNte - tailed hawk Gemnoaetus abjcaudatus X Whlte -talled kite Elanus ieucurus X ACCIPITRIFORMES: Cathanidae Black vullure Coragyps atratus X Tuttey vulture Cathartes aura X ACCIPITRIFORMES: Pandionidae Osprey Pandbn haliaetus X ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae- American wigeon Anas arrlericana X Black- bellied whisuing - duck Dendrocygna alkimnalls X Blue - winged leal Anas djscors X Bumehead Bucephala albeola X Canvasback Aythya valisineria Gadwall Anas s#~m X Greater white4ronted goose Anser albkons X Green-winged teal Anascrecca X Lesser scaup Aythya amnis X Mallard Anasp»*xbos X X Northern ptntail Anasacuta X Nonhem shoveler Anas *eata X Redhead Aythya americana X Ring - necked duck Aythyaconaris X Ruddy duck Oxyurajamaicensis X Snow goose Chen caerulescens X Wood duck Alrioonsa X X APODIFORMES: Apodklae Chimney swift Chaehira peiagica X APODIFORMES: Trochilidae Buff- bellied hummingbird Amaz# m yucatanerEjs X PAGE 2-38 104 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. 345 kV Space City Solar Project TABLE 2-11 BIRD SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING WITHIN THE STUDY AREA Ikit{ LI.~.,~.~*.l~~~.k:~,~~.22@kmfX~%3 f¢-**tf *4*#iii#* Ruby- throated hummingbird Archjlochus colubrh X CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae Chuck - will ' s - widow Antrostomus camlinensls X Common nighthawk Chordelles minor X Common pauraque Nyclidromus albicolis X Common poorwil Phalaenoptjlus nuttall# X Lesser nighthawk Chordeles acu* ennis X CHARADRIIFORMES: Charadriidae Blackbeliled plover Pluvlalis squatarola Killdeer Chamdrius vociferus X Semipalmated plover Chamdrius ser® almatus X Wilson's plover Chamdmm twboria X CHAUDRIIFORMES: Laridae Black tern Childonlas n© er X Franklin ' s gull Leucophaeus pipixcan X Herring gull La/us a/yentams X Ring - billed gull Lams delawarensb * Sandwich tern Thalasseus sandvicensis * '- CHARADRIIFORMES: Recurvkostridae Arnerlcan avocet Rearvirosua americana * Black - necked stllt Himantopus mexkanus * CHARADRIIFORMES: Scolopacidae Dunlin Ca #dds a/ pina X Greater yellowlegs Trlnga melanoleuca X Least sandpiper Calidris minutilla X Long- billed curlew Numenius americanus X Long - billed do~tcher Umnodromus scobpaceus X Pectoral sandpiper Ca #dris meianotos X Ruddy turnstone Arenaria Interpres X Sanderling Cahdris ama X Short - billed dowltcher Limnodromus grisel/ s X Spotted sandpiper Actitls macularius X Stllt sandplper Ca~s himantopus X Western sandpiper Candris mauri X PAGE 2-39 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. 345 kV Spaw City Solar Prtlect TABLE 2-11 BIRD SPECIES POTENTIALLY OCCURRING Wn-HIN THE STUDY AREA ~»40<·.©O-I~O.~~„~.„~~.~~-1 . r.'. A .'"/»¢7 ": eu . to: A W .'- Y trfd 'EAE',ai - illtl U*zi·~~*.gt*'RY »,J: b: i 2* 4;. oa ' -, Ni{*4 f**g..ifi*R<„. //*•. :.'. iv, Ci > WHIet T/#iga s0*knata X Wilson ' s phalarope Phalampus trjcolor * COLUMBIFORMES: Columbi(lae Common ground-dove Co/l#libhapassar#?a X Euasian collared.dove S#*ooebobcaocto X Inca dove Columbine ima X Mourning dove Zenaida macroura * Rock pigeon Co/umba#Wa X Whlte - tipped dove Leptot# a vmreauxi X Whlte - wlnged dove Zenaidaasiatica X CORACIIFORMES: AIcedinidae Belted kinglisher Megaceryle atyon CUCUUFORMES: Cuculid@e Greater roadrunner Geococcyx caljfornianus X Groove-blled ani Dvtqohaga sik#os#* X Yellow- billed cuckoo Coccyzus amertanus X FALCONFORMES: Falconidae American kestrel Falco sparverjus X Crested caracara Caracara chdway * GALLIFORMES: Cracidae Plain chachalaca Ottaks veh* X GALLiFORMES: Odontophoridae Northern bobwhite Co #nus virglnianus * GALUFORMES: Phasianldae Wild turkey Mefeagnsga/bpam X GRUjFORMES: Gruidae Sandhill crane Gus canadensis X GRUIFORMES: Rallidae American coot Mcaamericana X Common gallinule Gal# nula galeata X Sora Pbrzanacarokha X X Vrginia rail Rallus bkola * PASSERIFORMES: Bombycilidae Cedar warning Bombyd# acedromm X PAGE 2-40 POWER ENGINEERS, INC. 345 kV Space City Solar Project TABLE 2-11
Recommended publications
  • Snakes of the Everglades Agricultural Area1 Michelle L
    CIR1462 Snakes of the Everglades Agricultural Area1 Michelle L. Casler, Elise V. Pearlstine, Frank J. Mazzotti, and Kenneth L. Krysko2 Background snakes are often escapees or are released deliberately and illegally by owners who can no longer care for them. Snakes are members of the vertebrate order Squamata However, there has been no documentation of these snakes (suborder Serpentes) and are most closely related to lizards breeding in the EAA (Tennant 1997). (suborder Sauria). All snakes are legless and have elongated trunks. They can be found in a variety of habitats and are able to climb trees; swim through streams, lakes, or oceans; Benefits of Snakes and move across sand or through leaf litter in a forest. Snakes are an important part of the environment and play Often secretive, they rely on scent rather than vision for a role in keeping the balance of nature. They aid in the social and predatory behaviors. A snake’s skull is highly control of rodents and invertebrates. Also, some snakes modified and has a great degree of flexibility, called cranial prey on other snakes. The Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis kinesis, that allows it to swallow prey much larger than its getula floridana), for example, prefers snakes as prey and head. will even eat venomous species. Snakes also provide a food source for other animals such as birds and alligators. Of the 45 snake species (70 subspecies) that occur through- out Florida, 23 may be found in the Everglades Agricultural Snake Conservation Area (EAA). Of the 23, only four are venomous. The venomous species that may occur in the EAA are the coral Loss of habitat is the most significant problem facing many snake (Micrurus fulvius fulvius), Florida cottonmouth wildlife species in Florida, snakes included.
    [Show full text]
  • The Southern Watersnake (Nerodia Fasciata) in Folsom, California: History, Population Attributes, and Relation to Other Introduced Watersnakes in North America
    THE SOUTHERN WATERSNAKE (NERODIA FASCIATA) IN FOLSOM, CALIFORNIA: HISTORY, POPULATION ATTRIBUTES, AND RELATION TO OTHER INTRODUCED WATERSNAKES IN NORTH AMERICA FINAL REPORT TO: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605 Sacramento, California 95825-1846 UNDER COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT #11420-1933-CM02 BY: ECORP Consulting, Incorporated 2260 Douglas Blvd., Suite 160 Roseville, California 95661 Eric W. Stitt, M. S., University of Arizona, School of Natural Resources, Tucson Peter S. Balfour, M. S., ECORP Consulting Inc., Roseville, California Tara Luckau, University of Arizona, Dept. of Ecology and Evolution, Tucson Taylor E. Edwards, M. S., University of Arizona, Genomic Analysis and Technology Core The Southern Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata) in Folsom, California: History, Population Attributes, and Relation to Other Introduced Watersnakes in North America CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1 The Southern Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata)................................................................3 Study Area ....................................................................................................................6 METHODS ..........................................................................................................................9 Surveys and Hand Capture.............................................................................................9 Trapping.......................................................................................................................11
    [Show full text]
  • Imperiled Coastal Birds of Florida and the State Laws That Protect Them
    Reddish Egret Roseate Spoonbill Threatened (S) Threatened (S) Imperiled Coastal The rarest heron in North Using spatulala-shaped Birds of Florida America, Reddish Egrets bills to feel prey in shallow are strictly coastal. They ponds, streams, or coastal and the chase small fish on open waters, Roseate Spoonbills State Laws that flats. They nest in small nest in trees along the numbers on estuary coast and inland. Having Protect Them islands, usually in colonies barely recovered from with other nesting wading hunting eradication, these birds. This mid-sized heron birds now face extirpation is mostly gray with rust- from climate change and colored head, though some sea-level rise. birds are solid white. Wood Stork Florida Sandhill Threatened (F) Florida Statutes and Rules Crane This large wading bird Threatened (S) is the only stork in the 68A-27.003 Designation and management of the state- This crane subspecies is Americas. Breeding areas listed species and coordination with federal government for resident year-round in have shifted from south federally-listed species Florida, and defends a Florida and the Everglades nesting territory that is northward. Wood Storks 68A-19.005 General Regulations relating to state- must have abundant prey adjacent to open upland designated Critical Wildlife Areas foraging habitat. Nesting concentrated in shallow in shallow ponds, adults wetlands in order to feed 68A-4.001 Controls harvest of wildlife only under permitted defend their eggs or chicks their young. Prey items from predators including include
    [Show full text]
  • Biological Opinion Regarding the Issuance of an Endangered Species Act of 1973, As Amended, (Act) Section 10(A)(1)(B) Permit
    Biological Opinion for TE-065406-0 This document transmits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (Service) biological opinion regarding the issuance of an Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, (Act) Section 10(a)(1)(B) permit. The federal action under consideration is the issuance of a permit authorizing the incidental take of the federally listed endangered Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) under the authority of sections 10(a)(1)(B) and 10(a)(2) of the Act. Boy Scouts of America, Capitol Area Council No. 564 (BSA/CAC) has submitted an application for an incidental take permit under the Act for take of the Houston toad. An Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) has been reviewed for mitigation acceptability. The implementing regulations for Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act, as provided for by 50 CFR 17.22, specify the criteria by which a permit allowing the incidental "take" of listed endangered species pursuant to otherwise lawful activities may be obtained. The purpose and need for the Section 10(a)(1)(B) permit is to ensure that incidental take resulting from the proposed construction and operation of a “High Adventure” camp on the 4,848-acre Griffith League Ranch in Bastrop County, Texas, will be minimized and mitigated to the maximum extent practicable, and that the take is not expected to appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival and recovery of this federally listed endangered species in the wild or adversely modify or destroy its federally designated critical habitat. The two federally listed species identified within this EA/HCP include the endangered Houston toad (and its designated critical habitat) and the threatened bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).
    [Show full text]
  • The Venomous Snakes of Texas Health Service Region 6/5S
    The Venomous Snakes of Texas Health Service Region 6/5S: A Reference to Snake Identification, Field Safety, Basic Safe Capture and Handling Methods and First Aid Measures for Reptile Envenomation Edward J. Wozniak DVM, PhD, William M. Niederhofer ACO & John Wisser MS. Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute for Biosciences and Technology, Program for Animal Resources, 2121 W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 (Wozniak) City Of Pearland Animal Control, 2002 Old Alvin Rd. Pearland, Texas 77581 (Niederhofer) 464 County Road 949 E Alvin, Texas 77511 (Wisser) Corresponding Author: Edward J. Wozniak DVM, PhD, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute for Biosciences and Technology, Program for Animal Resources, 2121 W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 [email protected] ABSTRACT: Each year numerous emergency response personnel including animal control officers, police officers, wildlife rehabilitators, public health officers and others either respond to calls involving venomous snakes or are forced to venture into the haunts of these animals in the scope of their regular duties. North America is home to two distinct families of native venomous snakes: Viperidae (rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths) and Elapidae (coral snakes) and southeastern Texas has indigenous species representing both groups. While some of these snakes are easily identified, some are not and many rank amongst the most feared and misunderstood animals on earth. This article specifically addresses all of the native species of venomous snakes that inhabit Health Service Region 6/5s and is intended to serve as a reference to snake identification, field safety, basic safe capture and handling methods and the currently recommended first aide measures for reptile envenomation.
    [Show full text]
  • Class Reptilia
    REPTILE CWCS SPECIES (27 SPECIES) Common name Scientific name Alligator Snapping Turtle Macrochelys temminckii Broad-banded Water Snake Nerodia fasciata confluens Coal Skink Eumeces anthracinus Copperbelly Watersnake Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta Corn Snake Elaphe guttata guttata Diamondback Water Snake Nerodia rhombifer rhombifer Eastern Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum flagellum Eastern Mud Turtle Kinosternon subrubrum Eastern Ribbon Snake Thamnophis sauritus sauritus Eastern Slender Glass Lizard Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus False Map Turtle Graptemys pseudogeographica pseudogeographica Green Water Snake Nerodia cyclopion Kirtland's Snake Clonophis kirtlandii Midland Smooth Softshell Apalone mutica mutica Mississippi Map Turtle Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii Northern Pine Snake Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus Northern Scarlet Snake Cemophora coccinea copei Scarlet Kingsnake Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides Six-lined Racerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus Southeastern Crowned Snake Tantilla coronata Southeastern Five-lined Skink Eumeces inexpectatus Southern Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta dorsalis Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus Western Cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma Western Mud Snake Farancia abacura reinwardtii Western Pygmy Rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius streckeri Western Ribbon Snake Thamnophis proximus proximus CLASS REPTILIA Alligator Snapping Turtle Macrochelys temminckii Federal Heritage GRank SRank GRank SRank Status Status (Simplified) (Simplified) N T G3G4 S2 G3 S2 G-Trend Decreasing G-Trend
    [Show full text]
  • Houston Toad PHVA (1994).Pdf
    A contribution of the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in partial fulfillment of contract #94-172. The primary sponsors of this workshop were: The National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, the Lower Colorado River Authority, Horizon Environmental Services, Inc., The Texas Organization for Endangered Species, Espey, Houston & Associations, The Bastrop County Environmental Network, The City of Bastrop, Bastrop County, The National Audubon Society, The Sierra Club State Chapter, The Nature Conservancy, The Texas Forest Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, National Wildlife Federation and the United States Fish & Wildlife Service. Cover Photo: Houston Toad (Bufo hustonensis) Provided by Bruce Stewart. Houston Toad Population & Habitat Viability Assessment Report. U.S. Seal (ed.). IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, Apple Valley, MN. 1994: 1-145. Additional copies of this publication can be ordered through the IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, 12101 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley, MN 55124. Send checks for US $35.00 (for printing and shipping costs) payable to CBSG; checks must be drawn on a US Bank. Visa and Mastercard also accepted. POPULATION AND HABITAT VIABILITY ASSESSMENT HOUSTON TOAD Bufo houstonensis U. S. Seal, Executive Editor Report of Workshop conducted by CBSG in partial fulfillment of USFWS Contract # 23-25 May 1994 Austin, Texas Houston Toad PHVA Report 2 Houston Toad PHVA Report 4 POPULATION AND HABITAT VIABILITY ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP HOUSTON TOAD Bufo houstonensis SECTION 1 PARTICIPANTS (Authors) & SPONSORS Houston Toad PHVA Report 5 Houston Toad PHVA Report 6 WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS (Authors and Editors) Dede Armentrout Dee Ann Chamberlain National Audubon Society Lower Colorado River Authority Suite 301, 2525 Wallingwood P.O.
    [Show full text]
  • Resource Use by Herons in a Yucatan Wetland During the Breeding Season
    Wilson Bull., 105(4), 1993, pp. 573-586 RESOURCE USE BY HERONS IN A YUCATAN WETLAND DURING THE BREEDING SEASON CRISTINA RAMo ’ AND BENJAMIN BUSTO ’ ABs~~~~~.-Dttrittg 1986, we studied the habitat, prey type, and prey size used by six speciesof egrets and herons in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (Yucatan, Mexico). The availability of different habitat types, which varies from salt to freshwater and from open to forested wetland, allows the herons to segregateinto two groups (1) Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)-Great Egret (Casmerodiusalbus)-Snowy Egret (Egretta thula), that use mainly freshwater habitats, and (2) Reddish Egret (E. rr&cens)-Tricolored Heron (E. tricolor), that use marine habitats. We have no data for Boat-billed Herons (Cochlearius cochlearius),because this speciesis strictly nocturnal, and censuseswere conductedat day- light. Prey type and prey size greatly differ among Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and Snowy Egretsbut overlap considerablybetween the Reddish Egretsand Boat-billed Herons. We found a positive correlation between size of heron and size of prey, but in our study area prey size is not important in niche segregation,since four of these specieseat prey of similar sizes. Received7 Jan. 1993, accepted21 April 1993. Many studies of sympatric colonial wading birds in temperate regions have shown that there are differences among species in nest-site placement (Maxwell and Kale 1977; McCrimon 1978; Burger 1978, 1979, 1985; Beaver et al. 1980) and in feeding ecology and behavior (Meyerriecks 1962; Kushlan 1976, 1978; Willard 1977; Custer and Osborn 1978; Whit- field and Blaber 1979; Rodgers 1983; Kent 1986; Fasola 1986).
    [Show full text]
  • The Watery World of Wading Birds
    Audubon aThere’s lotsd more Audubonv Adventurese online,n with fun,t interactiveu features!r AudubonAdventures.orges The Watery World of Wading Birds From Hunted for Hats... Hats decorated with bird feathers were the height of fashion in the late 1800s. The large, beautiful feathers of egrets and other wading birds were the most popular. Eventually these birds were hunted almost to extinction. But in 1896 two women began the fight to ban the use of bird feathers in hats. They succeeded! long-legged bird with an S-shaped The federal neck waits at the marsh’s edge. Migratory Bird Suddenly it stabs its long, sharp bill Treaty Act was Ainto the water and snatches a frog! The bird passed in 1918 and is a wading bird. Look at wading birds closely remains one of and you’ll see an animal adapted for living the strongest laws and finding food in and around water. protecting wild Long legs mean these birds can wade North American into shallow water without getting their birds. feathered bodies wet. Big feet with spread-out toes keep them from sinking into the gooey mud. A long neck and a long beak help them reach out and grab the food they spot in the water or on the ground. You’ll find wading birds—herons, egrets, ibises, spoonbills, storks, and others—in ...To Symbol of all kinds of soggy habitats, from the edges Conservation of lakes, ponds, and rivers to swamps and People were able marshes to saltwater bays. Get ready to find to work together out more about these amazing big birds! to protect the Great Egret.
    [Show full text]
  • Chris Harper Private Lands Biologist U.S
    Chris Harper Private Lands Biologist U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Austin Texas Ecological Services Office 512-490-0057 x 245 [email protected] http://www.fws.gov/partners/ U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program in Texas Voluntary Habitat Restoration on Private Lands • The Mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people Federal Trust Species • The term “Federal trust species” means migratory birds, threatened species, endangered species, interjurisdictional fish, marine mammals, and other species of concern. • “Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act” (2006) • To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and financial assistance to private landowners to restore, enhance, and manage private land to improve fish and wildlife habitats through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. Habitat Restoration & Enhancement • Prescribed fire • Brush thinning • Grazing management • Tree planting • Native seed planting • Invasive species control • In-stream restoration • “Fish passage” • Wetlands Fire as a Driver of Vegetation Change • Climate X Fire Interactions • Climate X Grazing Interactions • Climate X Grazing X Fire • Historic effects • Time lags • Time functions • Climate-fuels-fire relationships • Fire regimes • Restoring fire-adapted ecosystems Woody encroachment Austin PFW • Houston Toad – Pine/oak savanna/woodlands • Southern Edwards Plateau
    [Show full text]
  • Common Snakes of the Barataria Preserve
    Common Snakes of the Barataria Preserve “If you don't bother the snake, the snake won't bother you;” is an old saying, but is quite true. Taking some simple precautions in the Preserve will minimize problems and enable you to safely enjoy the Preserve's trails. Wear proper footwear, remain on marked trails, and above all, look before you sit, step or reach. All snakes are protected. It is unlawful to handle or molest snakes in the Preserve. Snakes should not be captured: they are relatively delicate and internal injuries can result from improper handling. Besides, most bites occur during capture and handling. Twenty-two species of snakes have been seen in the Preserve. Of these, only two species are venomous. Most of the snakes you see along the trails will be one of the twenty species of harmless, non-venomous snakes. Of these, four species of water snakes, the Ribbon Snake and the Black-Masked Racer are by far the most commonly encountered snakes in the Park. Non-Venomous Snakes Black-Masked Racer Coluber constrictor lantrunculus A long, glossy snake with a uniformly black to gray body up to 75 inches in length; belly bluish gray, black stripe behind the eye. young individuals have a series of dark mid-body blotches on a gray body. Found in bottomland hardwoods and cypress swamps. They are largely confined to areas of high ground. Texas Rat Snake Elaphe obsoleta linsheimeri A very long snake (up to 101 inches) characterized by dark blotches on a gray-brown or yellowish brown background. Belly mottled or checkered.
    [Show full text]
  • Reddish Egret Egretta Rufescens
    TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens TPWD PHOTO The reddish egret, a beautiful wading bird, is a permanent resident of the Texas coast. Although recognized as one species, reddish egrets may be either white (white phase) or gray with a reddish or rusty colored head and neck (dark phase). It is currently listed in Texas as a threatened species. Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens APPEARANCE HABITAT Height: 27 to 32 inches (68 to 82 cm) Reddish egrets are most often found in salt and brackish water Wingspan: 46 to 49 inches (116 to 124 cm) wetlands. Distinguishing Characteristics BEHAVIOR •Two distinctly different color phases: Dark phase Both parents build the nest, and sticks are continuously added • Gray with reddish head and neck feathers to the nest during incubation. Reddish egrets sometimes nest • Bluish legs alongside other birds such as herons, egrets, cormorants and • Pink bill with a dark tip spoonbills. The reddish egret is crepuscular (it is most active at White phase dawn and dusk). When feeding, reddish egrets will spread their • White feathers wings to create shade and reduce glare so that they can see • Bluish legs their prey more easily in the water. When chasing fish, they also • Pink bill with dark tip run in circles. Reddish egrets use their long, spear-like bills to • Long shaggy plumes on their heads and necks during stab their prey. After feeding, reddish egrets regurgitate all the breeding season inedible parts of their prey, such as bones, much like owls do. Parents feed their young by regurgitating into the chicks’ LIFE HISTORY mouths.
    [Show full text]