Capital Area Master Naturalists 2011 FIELD NOTES Meeting No Monthly Meeting in December 2011, but look forward to Lynne and Jim Weber on January 25, 2012.

Regular Monthly Meetings are normally the last Wednesday of each month (except December when we do not meet) and are held at 6:30, at the Austin Nature and Science Center, Zilker Park Map to Austin Nature Center http://bit.ly/hJ2Pli. All meetings are open to the public so bring a friend!

CAMN Board Meeting Join the Board of Directors for a spirited discussion about CAMN business at our next meeting on January 5th, 2012. Contact any Board Member for more details and for the location of the meeting.

Volunteer and Advanced Training Photo by John H. Smith: A Great Spreadwing (a damselfly that hold its wings like a Opportunities dragonfly) found on the November 2011 ANSC / Zilker Preserve Biodiversity Survey Visit the CAMN website at http:// camn.org/ and log in to the CAMN From the President Volunteer Calendar to start fulfilling those How wonderful, finally a change in the same kind of fight you would get from volunteer hours. weather... and I knew it was coming even something a lot larger. That is a bit like our before the weatherman told us. My Eastern organization—a few master naturalists can Screech owl returned to his box in time to do so much for so many. Every day we make himself at home before the cold wet affect those around us with our Visit the CAMN yahoo group weather arrived. He is such a pleasure to volunteering and now at the end of the year for On-line networking watch and is a very brave little fellow who is by turning in our hours we can affect what regularly tormented by the Blue Jays and happens at the state level to our program. the Carolina wrens. This late summer I Every hour counts, so even if you don’t have learned just how tenacious these little owls enough for recertification you can still can be when I attended a presentation by make a difference to the TPW program. the Last Chance Forever foundation. Have a great month, and remember, There they explained to us that although there is no greater gift than giving to others this is one of our smaller owls it is one of and you are all amazing. Thank you all for the hardest to handle simply because it what you give to our community. believes it is a really big owl and puts up the Christine Powell

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 1 In This Issue Another Great Issue! From the President 1 Once again we have an issue written by Master Naturalists And So it Begins Again... 3 for one another. Thanks for all those who sent in contributions Progress in the Wildfire Zone 4 this month. Please keep it up. This newsletter is only as good as the images, articles, and news items that you send me. Silent Flight 5 Particularly consider sending something in during these next Monthly Meeting - What You Are Missing! 7 few weeks if you are a little short of volunteer hours for 2011. This publication is seen by many people outside our Biting Off More Than You Can Chew 8 membership, outside the Capital Area, and even outside Texas. Articles of Interest to Us All 9 Your time spent submitting material can help educate all these readers, as well as contributing towards the state match for the ANSC/Zilker Preserve Biodiversity Survey 10 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grants that subsidize Help Plant Trees Within Your Community 14 many of its non-game programs. 2012 NPSOT Spring Symposium 15 I would particularly like to invite contributions from the newest members of our CAMN community—the Class of Scat and Frass 16 2012 featured in an article within this issue. I have seen your Announcements from Around the State 20 applications and know how much you have to offer. The older members would enjoy reading your fresh insights, so please Officers and Committee Contacts 21 consider sharing them with us. As always, thanks to all of you for all that you do for the Field Notes, for CAMN, and for the community.

Christine Powell, Editor

It’s that time of year!

It is that time of year again. We all need to get our hours in by the end of December for them to be counted. This is really important. I know it is a really annoying and tedious thing to have to do but people’s jobs depend on us. And lets face it - we have all been out there in our communities and lets put those hours in — make Do you have a CAMN proud! Sighting

Please send you completed signed forms to share? to David Dunlap at Please send your sightings [email protected]. and interesting images of your volunteering events to the Editor so we can all share in the fun!

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 2 Field Class: Christine Powell And So It Begins Again...

The CAMN Class of 2012 recently of whose companions is a scheduled volunteer opportunity. had their first formal meeting for speaker. The second class will continue The following week, formal education orientation. The class had filled rapidly, laying a foundation, with an emphasis on resumes with an introduction to our with thirty students accepted and several observation and interpretation, particularly Central Texas amphibians, reptiles, fish, more on the waiting list. As you can see with Central Texas urban habitats. The next and insects. Finally, the last session will from the photograph, this is a very diverse class will deal with the literal foundations of deal with the conservation and restoration group in terms of gender and age. It is the area, its geology and soils, as the class of native habitats such as the City of equally diverse in terms of personal visits relevant sites in the region. The first Austin Water Conservation Lands, before history, education, and career paths. Most volunteer opportunity weekend will follow commencement exercises send the class of are already engaged in relevant volunteer on February 18. 2012 out into the world. opportunities, and are seeking the training The second segment of classes will CAMN members should express their to do a better job of serving their begin with an introduction to the many appreciation to Curriculum Committee communities. All are well aware, however, interesting mammals of the Capital Area, Co-Chairs Kris Thorne and Peggy that Master Naturalist training is not just as well as a practical exercise in filling out Murphy, as well as the various class for their personal enrichment—it carries the reporting forms. Archaeology and coordinators and instructors, for putting the commitment of performing and cultural history will be the subject of the together this wonderful schedule. Kris reporting appropriate outreach. next class, held at the world-renowned reports, “Another amazing group of people One new feature of this year’s training Clovis and pre-Clovis Gault Site. Birds is joining CAMN—quick-witted, friendly, will be group volunteer activities available and spiders will follow on the next knowledgeable and looking forward to in lieu of formal classes on three Saturdays weekend, highlighted by a birding becoming part of a corps of well-informed during the term. Students will be experience at Hornsby Bend. As with volunteers who provide education, expected to participate in at least one of virtually all of the classes, there will also be outreach, and service for the beneficial these, and will be assisted in reporting the an activity led by CAMN’s Education and management of natural resources and hours they have performed. It is hoped Outreach Committee to demonstrate one natural areas within their communities. that this will inculcate good habits among of their prepared programs for public So, when you see a new face at either our the class, and encourage them to stay with outreach. The second group volunteer monthly meetings or when you are the program. opportunity comes on March 17. volunteering, be sure to say hello and As always, the training will be rigorous Classes resume with a session devoted welcome the Class of 2012 into the fold.” but fascinating. The first session on to perhaps our most threatened Central We are very lucky to live in an area of January 28 will be an introduction to Texas resource: water. Hydrology and the state where so many gifted people are “Texacology,” with speakers who can offer wetland ecology lectures and willing to participate in the training, and a broad perspective on the geological, demonstrations will introduce the students where we can find so many convenient climatological, biological, and cultural to many of the issues surrounding water contributed venues. CAMN training is context of the Capital Area. The quantity and quality. The class of 2012 deeper than that at most Master Naturalist presentation should place the class firmly continues with an introduction to botany, chapters, but we provide it at a lower cost within the tradition of J. Frank Dobie, Roy Texas native plants, and invasive species. On than most thanks to the generosity of so Bedichek, and Walter Prescott Webb, one April 7, the class will have its third collective many people and institutions. CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 3 Field Report: Marianna Hobbs Progress in the Wildfire Zone In this case, progress refers not only to the rejuvenation and house was just a memory. The next few days and weeks was healing of the land, but also the surviving humans. The first few something of a blur. My wonderful friends in the Master Naturalist days after the fire were chaotic. The heat, smell of smoke, surreal chapter I belong to came in with me the first time and several surroundings even in the non-fire zone was almost times after. The very hardest unavoidable situation to face was the incomprehensible. The police and other authority figures were fact that you have nothing and I mean nothing. Accepting gifts, seemingly unapproachable. This was a new situation for the state of clothing, food, and furniture was unnatural and even painful. In Texas and the affected residents. I personally found myself in a order to avoid that awful feeling, I found myself making little state of shock, which was quite comforting in many ways. Having progress in completing the thank you notes. The appreciation I feel lived almost enough years to have remembered the decline of for all the help and consideration shown me is beyond the scope of dinosaurs, my collections of pictures, keepsakes, beloved pet what can be expressed in words. I completely apologize for the artifacts, and the items from years that my child grew up were delay and will get it done shortly. painfully valuable in a non-material way. They will never exist again. The yard was not completely burned and some of the flower The house is replaceable and will bring a new start in some ways, beds and natural areas were somewhat intact. The return day was but the loss of trees and other vegetation brings another level of awful with only scorched earth and trees to be engraved in the sadness for those of us who love the land and all who inhabit it. memory. Some of the large trees were totally dead, but many of them The day of the fire was somewhat strange. The Labor Day have damage, but may survive. The pine needles fell like rain, Weekend holiday meant that things were not completely running covering the blackened ground and every day since then have as they might otherwise be. I saw the fire and felt secure watching produced another plant. The Yaupon Holly was completely burned, YNN news channel. They certainly gave us nothing to be but has come up again. I have a yard full of large Sunflower plants concerned about so it must surely be okay. The next thing I knew that are beginning to bloom and many native things have come back. was the neighbors were running over and telling me to go now. My I also have seen a lot of what I call Blue Butted Flies. The rain has time to react was just under 10 minutes. Smoke and flames were worked miracles and for the newly naked slope areas, I have planted visible just beyond our neighborhood. I loaded the 4 dogs into the some rye to hold it all together. The Little Bluestem and some other car and went upstairs to put the two cats in their carrier. . They native grasses are content to start over. I feared the wildlife might were in a state of panic and I couldn’t catch them alone. The next have been killed or had possibly left the area so I set up a wildlife decision I made was the hardest — to leave the windows open and camera to see who was coming (hoping for my cats to be there). The drive away without the girls. My soul hurt then and hurts even returning wildlife is abundant with raccoons, possums, other cats, a more now. I could never imagine myself doing such a thing. fox, and some others. We are between a rock and a hard place Our area was the last to allow residents back in. I imagined suppressing fire and expecting no bad results in return. In my many different things and had recurring dreams that were less than opinion, the prognosis is good, but will be a long time in the making. pleasant about it all. From all the information I could gather, my My thanks again for all the wonderful gifts and thoughts.

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 4 Field Prep: by Jim and Lynne Weber Silent Flight One of the most unique adaptations in the natural world is the silent flight of owls. Their primary flight feathers have comb- like leading edges, which break down the turbulence created by air flowing over their wings and allow these birds to fly with great stealth. The Barred Owl (Strix varia) goes by many other common names, but is probably best known as the ‘hoot owl’, due to its call (‘who cooks for you, who cooks for you all’). This owl prefers to live in large blocks of forest, especially near water, and in our area is most often found near the Colorado Barred Owl (Strix varia) River and its associated lakes and streams. The only typical owl in the eastern United States with brown eyes instead of yellow, the main predator is the Great Horned Owl, and although they Barred Owl has a pale face, dark rings around its eyes, and a often live in the same area, they will avoid overlapping yellow beak. Its head is round and lacks any ear tufts, and its territories. They eat small mammals, birds, and invertebrates, as body is a light gray-brown mottled by horizontal barring on its well as amphibians and reptiles, and often wade into water to chest and lengthwise streaks on its belly. catch crayfish, fish, and turtles. In fact, the belly feathers of A medium-sized owl at 17 to 19 inches tall with a 40-plus some barred owls are tinged pink, most likely due to the inch wingspan, the Barred Owl has been expanding its range amount of crayfish in their diet. westward in the last century. Like the Eastern Screech Owl, its Barred Owls typically nest in cavities of deciduous trees, use open nests made by larger animals such as hawks, crows, or squirrels, and even man- made nest boxes. Although they are permanent residents, they may wander after the nesting season, often coming back the following year to reuse the same nesting site. In Central Texas, 2 to 4 eggs are laid in January, with hatching occurring in 4 weeks and the young fledging 4 to 5 weeks later. Hunting occurs largely at dusk and dawn, by waiting on a perch and swooping down on prey. Of all the owls in Texas, however, the Barred Owl is the one most likely to be active during the day, especially when hunting for food to feed hungry chicks. The most widely distributed owl in the world and the most widespread of all birds is the Barn Owl (Ty t o a l b a ). With a white or mostly white underside, lightly spotted breast, dark eyes and a heart-shaped, white Barn Owl (Tyto alba) CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 5 Field Prep: by Jim and Lynne Weber Silent Flight

face surrounded by a tawny halo, its scientific name literally means ‘white owl’, but it is also known as Send your nature- ghost owl, death owl, and demon owl due to its appearance and eerily silent flight. Long legs, a round related questions to head with no ear tufts, and drawn-out, hissing scream for a call add to the image conjured up by its [email protected] common names. om and we’ll do our Found in open habitats such as grasslands, marshes, and agricultural fields, this owl hunts at night by best to answer them. If flying low over the ground, looked for small mammals. While it has excellent low-light vision, it is its you enjoy reading these ability to locate prey by sound alone that sets it apart from any other animal species. With a 12-15 inch articles, look for our length and a 40-50 inch wingspan, the Barn Owl is one of the few bird species where the female is book, Nature Watch showier than the male. Having a reddish chest marked by more numerous spots, those females that are Austin, published by heavily spotted appear to be more successful at mating, raising chicks, and resisting typical parasites and Texas A&M University diseases. Press. Barn Owls can breed up to few times per year, depending on the food supply. During courtship, both the male and the female screech, and the male will then conduct what is known as a ‘moth flight’, where he hovers in front of the perched female with his long legs dangling, for several seconds. Barn Owl pairs typically remain together as long as both are alive. Their clutch size can vary widely from 2-18 eggs, which are laid in nest cups made from shredded owl pellets. These owls use both man-made structures such as nest boxes and buildings, or natural cavities in trees and cliffs, for locating their nests.

25th January 2012!!!Monthly Meeting Jim and Lynne Weber, our very own CAMNers, will discuss their new book Nature Watch Austin: Guide to the Seasons in an Urban Wildland! This is a really beautiful book and I know you will enjoy their presentation.

Upcoming CAMN Monthly Meetings December 2011 No Meeting — every one is too busy partying! 25th January 2012 Jim and Lynne Weber present their new book Nature Watch Austin: Guide to the Seasons in an Urban Wildland! 29th February 2012 Jared Timmons will be discussing Feral Hogs and their impact. Agrilife Extension Assistant; Timmons received his master’s of science in wildlife ecology from Texas State University. His thesis and field work dealt with white-winged dove biology. He worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as an intern conducting deer management for the Texas Army National Guard. He has an extensive wildlife background and earned recognition as an associate wildlife biologist by The Wildlife Society. 28th March, 2012 Jeanette Larson, will discuss Hummingbirds: Fact and Folklore. Jeanette is the author of Hummingbirds: Facts and Folklore from the Americas. She will be happy to sign books for you and will have some to sell as well. 25th April 2012 Dr. Pamela Owen — Surprise Topic! Speaker's choice. Dr. Owen is Senior Paleontology Educator atTexas Natural Science Center, The University of Texas at Austin.

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 6 Field Meetings: Dale Rye Monthly Meeting—What You Are Missing!

An overflow crowd of CAMNers and outflow is exceeding recharge. Despite the object traveling at over 90 miles an hour guests gathered at the monthly meeting inevitability of the crisis, there does not can go through a roof and will easily kill an on November 30 for Troy Kimmel’s seem to be the political will among either unprotected pedestrian. That makes two presentation on “Wild Texas Weather.” the electorate or their representatives to good reasons for going inside when a The veteran meteorologist, who has find a solution. The dryer soils lead to thunderstorm is approaching. served the LCRA and a number of more hot days with higher temperatures in Texans generally underestimate their risk community organizations in addition to the summer. Troy pointed out that heat is from hurricanes, since it has been so long his best-known role as weatherman on the leading cause of weather-related death since a major storm directly hit a television, did not disappoint. The in Texas and in the country as a whole. metropolitan area. In fact, a Katrina-sized underlying theme was the impact of Because the deaths generally occur in ones storm with a worst-case track could bring weather on quality of life in our area, not or twos, disproportionately affect the 100-mile-per-hour winds to the Austin only in acute crises like tornados and elderly and poor, and are hard to portray area, with several hours above hurricane hurricanes, but the chronic problem of with vivid television images, they get far strength. The power could be off for drought. He predicted that the number- less press coverage than more spectacular weeks. They also underestimate the risk of one social and political issue in Texas over but less deadly weather events. flash flooding and drive into moving water the next century will be water. A simple That is not to say that those events are on a regular basis. Even a foot of water map illustrated this. The eastern part of not a major concern. Jarrell saw the running rapidly across a low-water crossing the state with most of the historical deadliest Texas tornado in the last 20 can carry a vehicle into deep water, where population has a net surplus of rainfall over years. People are still regularly struck by it will not float for long. This part of the consumption, while the thinly-populated lightning, despite all the warnings that a state is particularly susceptible to flash west has a net deficit (made up mostly “bolt from the blue” can hit anywhere floods, in part because we have a history of with well water). Now, however, more within ten miles of an active thunderstorm. extraordinarily heavy rain events and in people are moving west, even as the line If you can hear thunder, you are at risk part because the shallow stony soils west of between the two regions is moving farther from lightning. There is no way to predict I-35 promote heavy runoff that descends east due to dryer conditions. Five of the 19 where a bolt will strike. Troy told about from the hills at high velocity. All in all, largest cities in the United States, four of lightning at Bergstrom that blew a hole in Central Texas is affected by weather, both which used to lie just east of the line, are a concrete apron between tall metal wild events and long-term trends, as much now in climatological West Texas. objects. Similarly, the process that creates as anywhere in the country. Troy gave us an Reliance on aquifers to make up the very large hailstones can eject them from entertaining overview of some of the risks difference cannot continue indefinitely; the side of the cloud. A softball-sized and a useful warning to always be prepared. No Monthly Meeting in December! 25th January 2012 Jim and Lynne Weber, our very own CAMNers, will discuss their new book Nature Watch Austin: Guide to the Seasons in an Urban Wildland! This is a really beautiful book and I know you enjoy their presentation. I am bringing the loot for the end of the meeting so come along for some great door prizes!

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 7 Field Notes: Anna Malcom Biting Off More Than Yo u C a n C h e w !

Anna Malcom who runs the Naturalist's Workshop at the Nature Center sent these amazing photos. She writes, “I didn't realize how long ago the coral snake was spotted (Sept 29th) in Zilker Preserve, but here are some pictures that you can share with the master naturalists. A staff member was down in the dry creek eating lunch when he heard some noise in the leaves. To his surprise he saw a coral snake trying to eat a small hognosed snake. He the called more staff to see the event. The last person to check on the snakes said that the coral snake had finally given up. It did look like the hognose would never fit inside the coral snake, but I'm not sure what the eventual outcome was.”

There are always wonderful things to see and do at the Zilker preserve. Take a look at page 10 and see what was spotted last month on the

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 8 Field Research: Christine Powell Articles of Interest to Us All

To me, Austin is all about the birds The Austin music scene for me begins before first light, when the resident mockingbird tunes up while I get the newspaper. He is followed by the male Carolina wren, who after sleeping under the eaves of our front porch, sings "teakettle, teakettle, teakettle, tea" in the courtyard to let me know that he has survived to greet another day. His mate answers with a buzzy fuss, so all is well there, too. To read more click here.

Adventures of a Vagabond Volunteer Marilyn Kircus is a retired school teacher who has spent most of the last year volunteering at different Wildlife Refuges and other places where she can live and work. An (Almost) Year in Review is about her adventures and she begins with her work at Anahuac NWR on November 1st, 2010. She starts her blog as follows: “I took a few days to get settled in. I was given a trailer, and a work truck. We have a community building with a living room and kitchen, two baths and a room for the washer and dryer ...And soon after I got to the refuge, I was able to enjoy the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen in Texas. this picture was taken from the volunteer area.” to read more click here.

Spot the CAMNers at work! We all know how beautiful Wild Basin is but did you know it takes a lot of work behind the scenes to stay that way? Quite a number of CAMNers help each month by doing trail maintenance, brush removal and invasive plant removal. This is a wonderful group and I know they would love more helpers. If this interests you, then why not join their land management work days, which occur every third Saturday of the month from 8:30 a.m.–noon. To sign up, contact Mitch at [email protected] or 327-7622.

Volunteers perform invasive plant removal in Bee Creek at Wild Basin. Photo courtesy of Wild Basin

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 9 Field Survey: Melissa Macdougall ANSC / Zilker Preserve Biodiversity Survey The first Saturday of each month a small, but very dedicated team get together to “take stock” of what is happening at the Austin Nature and Science Center and Zilker Preserve. This month, on Saturday, November 5, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, Ramona Urbanek, John Smith, Laura Southwick, Mary Helen Quinn, Lynn Field Sparrow Hill, Barbara Keir, Val Bugh, and Melissa Macdougall conducted the monthly biodiversity survey at the Preserve. The small recent rains had coaxed over thirty opportunistic native plant species into bloom, though most were much smaller and more sparse than in a more normal year -- and aren't we all hoping this ISN'T the "new normal"! It was nice to see several favorite avian winter visitors, such as Ruby- crowned Kinglet, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Spotted Towhee. A Texas Spiny Lizard was ensconced in the middle of a sago palm near the Dino Pit Overlook. The pools of water in the Mirror Ponds area of the creek in the preserve teemed with life as usual, including a Giant Water Beetle, midge larvae, clam shrimp, water mites, dragonfly larvae, and more. Val discovered a Red Swamp Crayfish in one of the Nature Center Ponds. According to Val, this is "the species that is sold for food 98% of the time, very common in the southern US. It is one of the most tolerant, and therefore invasive, crayfish species, being able to withstand drought, long treks over dry land, and even slight salinity in the water. One source mentioned that it might even be able to reproduce through parthenogenesis!" Val also helped us sort out several convincing insect mimics -- a f r u i t fly that looked like a jumping spider, a syrphid fly that looked like a Red Swamp Crayfish wasp, and a bug nymph that looked like an ant. See attached photos by Val and John and a complete species list below.

Heartfelt thanks to all the survey volunteers, and special thanks to Val for "early bird" additions, as well as invertebrate identifications, information, and all images unless otherwise stated.

Broad-headed bug nymph (ant mimic)

Wa l k i n g s t i c k n y m p h Photos by John H. Smith

Clam shrimp with eggs

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 10 Field Survey: Melissa Macdougall ANSC / Zilker Preserve Biodiversity Survey

Small minnow mayfly nymph and adult

Surveys are normally held on the first Saturday of the month; the next one is scheduled for this Saturday, December 3, at 8:00 a.m. Changes are sometimes necessary, so please contact Melissa Macdougall ([email protected] or 422-6270) if you would like to join us. The survey is a CAMN-approved volunteer activity, no special skills are required, and all are welcome.

Species Recorded, November 5th, 2011

BIRDS Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) Cooper's Hawk (Accipter cooperii) Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) Mesh-web weaver spider Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) Sweat bee Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) Black-crested Titmouse (Baeolophus atricristatus) Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) Orange-crowned Warbler (Ve r m i v o ra c e l a t a ) Field Sparrow (Spizella passerina) Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) MAMMALS AND MAMMAL SIGNS Eastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger) REPTILES Texas Spiny Lizard ( Sceloporus olivaceus)

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 11 Field Survey: Melissa Macdougall ANSC / Zilker Preserve Biodiversity Survey

AMPHIBIANS Sweat bee Gulf Coast Toad tadpoles (Incilius valliceps) Northern Cricket Frog tadpoles (Acris crepitans)

INSECTS, SPIDERS, & OTHER INVERTEBRATES TERMITES (Isoptera): Subterranean termites (Rhinotermitidae), undetermined sp.

DRAGONFLIES & DAMSELFLIES (Odonata): undetermined sp. adult and larva Darners (Aeschnidae): Common Green Darner (Anax junius) Skimmers (Libellulidae): Variegated Meadowhawk (Sympetrum corruptum) Pond damsels (Coenagrionidae): Kiowa Dancer (Argia immunda) Citrine Forktail (Ischnura hastata) Spreadwing damsels (Lestidae): Great Spreadwing (Archilestes grandis)

MAYFLIES (Ephemeroptera) small minnow mayfly (Callibaetis sp.) adult & nymph

MANTIDS (Mantodea): Carolina Mantis (Stagomantis carolina) nymph

STICK INSECTS (Phasmatodea): Diapheromeridae: walkingstick nymph (Diapheromera sp.)

GRASSHOPPERS, KATYDIDS, & CRICKETS (Orthoptera) Crickets (Gryllidae): field cricket nymph (Gryllus sp.)

HOMOPTERANS & TRUE BUGS (Hemiptera): Treehoppers ( Membracidae): Va n d u e z a s p . Giant Water Beetle Leafhoppers (Cicadellidae): Glassy-winged Sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis) Aphids (Aphididae): Oleander Aphid (Aphis nerei) Tiny ichneumon wasp Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae): undetermined sp. Broad-headed bugs (Alydidae): Hyalamenus sp.

BEETLES (Coleoptera): Water scavengers ( Hydrophilidae): Giant Water Beetle (Hydrophilus triangularis), undetermined sp. Leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae): Spotted Cucumber Beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) Darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae ): Eleodes goryi Leaf-rolling weevils (Attelabidae): flower weevil (Haplorhynchites sp.) Moth caterpillar (Schinia sp.)

LACEWINGS (Neuroptera): Antlions (Myrmeleontidae): undetermined sp. nymph

BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS (Lepidoptera): Sulfurs (Papilionidae): Sleepy Orange (Eurema nicippe) Hairstreaks & blues (Lycaenidae): Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 12 Field Survey: Melissa Macdougall ANSC / Zilker Preserve Biodiversity Survey

Brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae): Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae), Red Admiral (Va n e s s a a t a l a n t a ), Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis) Owlet moths (Noctuidae): Schinia sp. (very small caterpillar on plateau goldeneye), Bagisara rectifascia (caterpillar on pavonia)

FLIES (Diptera): Limoniid crane flies (Limoniidae): undetermined sp. Midges (Chironomidae): undetermined sp. larvae in creek pool Cellar spider Mosquitoes (Culicidae): undetermined sp. adults & larvae Bee flies (Bombyliidae): Hemipenthes scylla, Hemipenthes sinuosa Hover flies (Syrphidae): Allograpta obliqua, Meromacrus acutus Syrphid fly (wasp mimic) Blow flies (Calliphoridae): undetermined sp. Flesh flies (Sarcophagidae): undetermined sp. Fruit flies (Te p h r i t i d a e ): Rhagoletis sp.

BEES, WASPS, & ANTS (Hymenoptera): Ichneumons (Ichneumonidae): undetermined sp. (very small) Paper wasps and hornets (Ve s p i d a e ): Polistes sp. Ants (Formicidae): Carpenter ant (Camponotus sp.) Sweat bees (Halictidae): green sweat bee, Halictus sp. Bumble, honey, & digger bees (Apidae): European Honeybee (Apis mellifera)

TICKS & MITES (Acari): Water mites ( Hydrachnidiae): undetermined sp.

SPIDERS (Araneae): Cellar spiders (Pholcidae): undetermined sp. Meshweb weavers (Dictynidae): Dictyna sp.

FLAT-BACKED MILLIPEDES (Polydesmidae): undetermined sp.

PILLBUGS & SOWBUGS (Isopoda): Sowbugs (Porcellionidae):

LAND SNAILS: Helicinidae: Globular Drops (Helcinia orbiculata), Bulimulidae: Rabdotus sp.

CRUSTACEANS: Crayfish (Cambaridae): Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) Clam shrimp (Conostracha): undetermined sp., apparently with eggs on back Fruit fly (spider mimic -- hard to tell from this picture, but it Scuds (Hyallelidae): undetermined sp. is very small and moves in such a way that the stripes on its Daphnia (Daphniidae): undetermined sp. wings resemble spider legs)

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 13 Field Conservation: City of Austin Help Plant Trees Within Your Community

Small Trees Have Small Needs The continuing drought of 2011 has caused severe impacts to the Central Texas landscape. Wildfires have ravaged landscapes and lives, aquifers have been drained, and crops have withered. Austin’s urban forest has also fallen victim; many trees have died of thirst and the rest are severely stressed. The Urban Forestry Program is committed to replenishing the urban forest to sustain the environmental benefits that trees provide, such as natural water filtration, oxygen, pollutant removal, and erosion control for when Austin finally receives rain. Trees also provide cooling shade and ensure the community’s long-term quality of life.

Changing Our Tree Planting Strategy Because the drought is expected to continue, the City is beginning a new strategy for dealing with chronic dry conditions. Natural systems evolve to survive in a constantly changing environment; the City’s practices must likewise evolve to enable staff to Evaluate, Nurture, and Renew the urban forest. Consequently, the program has changed its strategy for the upcoming tree planting season. Instead of focusing on planting larger containerized trees that require irrigation, the Urban Forestry Program will plant tree seedlings. Small trees have small needs; seedling plantings are easier to coordinate, adapt and establish to sites more rapidly, do not require irrigation, and are less expensive than planting larger containerized trees.

We Ne e d Yo u r He l p ! Because the tree plantings will need to be timed to correspond to ideal planting conditions, such as after a rain event, the Urban Forestry Program will retain teams of volunteers, called Tree Renewal Emergency Teams (TRE Teams) that can be called up like emergency responders or firefighters when the Urban Forestry Program determines that it’s time to “Ready, Set, Plant.” The Urban Forestry Program has set several potential tree seedling planting dates and needs TRE Teams to sign up as planting “reserves.”

Planting Sites (click to register) Plant trees with us and EARN YOUR Blunn Creek Preserve BADGE! Colorado River Preserve Mayfield Preserve Perry Park The Ready, Set, Plant initiative will allow the Redbud Isle Urban Forestry Program to plant trees with water conservation in mind and build in South Barton Springs (outside of pool fence) flexibility into the current planting season. Zilker Preserve Help us renew the urban forest! Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park Town Lake Trail-Lamar Beach CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 14 Field Conference: NPSOT 2012 NPSOT Spring Symposium 2012 NPSOT Spring Symposium

H2O: More Than a Chemical Formula – The State of Water in Texas February 25 – 26, 2012, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, Texas

Co-hosted by NPSOT and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, this year’s spring symposium will focus on a critical concern for all of us – water conservation challenges and landscape use. The current and forecast weather conditions in Texas are dire – high temperature and low precipitation records are being made across the state, surface reservoirs and aquifer levels are reaching critically low levels, and with a return and forecasted strengthening of the La Niña climate phenomenon, the Texas drought is expected to persist through at least the summer of 2012. Come learn what you can do to prepare for water shortages now and in the future.

Saturday morning plenary session (8 AM – 12 PM): • Global Water Challenges (Dr. Walter Rast, Director, Int’l Center for Watershed Studies, TSU-San Marcos) • Texas Water Challenges (Dr. Andy Sansom, Executive Director, River Systems Institute, TSU-San Marcos) • Riparian Restoration (Dr. Kevin Anderson, City of Austin) • Invasive Aquatic Species (Robert Howells, TPWD, retired) Registration fees for the morning plenary session: NPSOT & Wildflower Center members and volunteers $60 Professionals & general public $75

Optional afternoon workshops on Saturday are in two sessions – space is limited to 30 participants each and will be filled on a first come, first served basis: • SessionOnline 1 (concurrent workshops –registration select one, 12:30 – 2:30 PM): now open o Naturalistic Water Features and Native Plants in the Landscape (Kevin Wood and Sheryl McLaughlin, Kevin Woods Landscapes) o Water Harvesting (Dick Peterson, City of Austin, retired) • Session 2 (concurrent workshops – select one, 3 – 5 PM): o Rain Gardens (John Gleason, City of Austin) o Aquatic Plant Identification (TBD) Registration fees for the afternoon workshops: $10 for each Session

And for the first time in the spring symposium’s history, optional, complimentary field trips will be offered on Sunday morning (9 AM – 12 PM): • Yegua Knobs Preserve (Jason Singhurst, TPWD) • Birding Hornsby Bend (Dr. Kevin Anderson, City of Austin) • Domestic Rainwater Harvesting System (Keenan Smith, Architect) • Wildflower Center Water Features (Dick Peterson, City of Austin, retired)

Additional information and registration details can be found www.wildflower.org. Online registration is now open at http://www.wildflower.org/springsymposium/. Please contact Flo Oxley at [email protected] or 512/232-0160 with any questions. Join us on Saturday morning, stay for the day, or make it a weekend in central Texas !

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 15 Scat and Frass

The University of Texas Insect Collection will be hosting the University of April 21, 2012 first annual Longhorn Insecta Fiesta; an event for all ages to Texas Insect 3001 Lake Austin celebrate and appreciate the amazing diversity of insects. Events Collection Blvd. and activities will include: live displays, insect petting zoo, butterfly greenhouse and gardens, live insect inspired music by Lucas Miller, talks/workshops on identifying local insects, cricket

spitting, cockroach races and more. The event will be held all day We need to raise $25,000 to make this a on April 21st, 2012. We need interested parties to help in erecting world class event!

and planting the butterfly gardens and development of the Sponsorship levels: King Skimmer — $5,000* butterfly greenhouse this fall. In addition we need all the help we Warrior Beetle — $1,000 Giant Swallowtail — $500 can get the day of the event. There will be many activities where Great Tiger Moth — $250 Lacewing — $100 we will need volunteers to help. If you are interested in helping *Sponsor Event this fall and or on the day of the actual event, please contact the insect collection curator (and CAMN Curriculum Instructor

Extraordinaire) John C. Abbott ([email protected]) for Planned Events & Activities Similar Annual Events details. Thanks! Purdue University’s Insect Petting Zoo Boiler Bug Bowl Insects have drawn Insect Cooking/Eating Tent boasts 30,000 people people to many Cricket Spitting Contest Cockroach Races Kentucky’s Raven Run University of Texas Live Insect-Themed Music Arizona’s Insect Festival Butterfly Garden/House Penn State’s Great Insect Fair events, but now Insect Tracking Nebraska’s Power of Bugs they will have Insect Safari Insect Workshops and many more...... their own day! Pond Dipping Forensic Entomology Arts/Crafts & more

The AWU – Center for Environmental Research Austin Water Utility – The University of Texas – Texas A&M University A Partnership for Urban Ecology and Sustainability: Community, Education, Research located at the Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant 2210 South FM 973, Austin, Texas 78725 Website: www.ci.austin.tx.us/water/cer2.htm AWU-CER Lunchtime Lectures at Austin Water Headquarters Downtown September - December 2011 Each talk begins AT NOON Location ‐ Waller Center [625 East 10th Street – between I‐35 and Red River] Room 104 First Wednesday of the Month! Waller Center Room 104! Free and Open to the Public – bring a lunch and learn

Urban Nature and Urban Ecology: Understanding Urban Ecosystems Over the next four months, we will explore different perspectives and issues of urban nature and ecology. We will begin in September by examining a range of perspectives on nature in the city, including urban ecology, urban planning, restoration ecology, political ecology, and more. In October, we will focus on the issue of officially sanctioned urban nature versus non‐native intruders, and the different views of nature in the study of urban ecology. Focusing on urban planning in November, we will look at how nature is incorporated into the urban landscape and how it resists our planning. We will wrap up in December by assessing encounters with urban nature as revealed by urban nature writers.

December 7 Noon‐1pm Encounters with Nature in the City: Urban Nature and Literature

AWU‐CER Coordinator ‐ Kevin M. Anderson is a geographer and philosopher who is the coordinator of the AWU ‐ Center for Environmental Research. Kevin has studied at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania [BA], Durham University, England, Ohio University [MA] where he taught philosophy and symbolic logic for several years. He received his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Texas at Austin with a dissertation entitled: Marginal Nature: Urban Wastelands and the Geography of Nature. His research interests include soil ecology and sustainable agriculture, urban ecology and sustainability, riparian ecology, environmental philosophy and literature. He is a co‐founder and president of the Texas Riparian Association.

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 16 Scat and Frass

those who have ignored ducks because “all Please contact Lynn Hill at pelican7727- those females look alike.” [email protected] for additional details and Wild Basin Work Day to register for the workshop. Land Management Workday, December 17th, The class will consist of two lecture/photo 8:30-12:00 PM - more info. Participants in presentations and three field trips. The Purple Martin Workshop Land Management Work Day should bring lectures will be on Saturdays, Jan. 7 and 14, Saturday, February 4, 9-12 gloves and a water bottle. Contact from 8 to 10 a.m., each followed by a field trip, Do you want to know more about Purple [email protected] or phone 512-327-7622 which will last until about 2 p.m. Locations Martins, how to set up a colony, and be a ext. 14 for more information. will be announced at class time. A third field Purple Martin landlord? Are you an existing trip will be conducted on Saturday, Jan. 21 landlord, wanting to meet other Martin Guided Hike outside the Austin area and lasting most of aficionados and learn tips? Have you always Guided Hike on Sat, 12/10/2011 - 10:30am - the day. Tuition is $55 for Travis Audubon wanted to be a citizen scientist, gathering 12:30pm. Join us for a guided hike with our Society members and $65 for nonmembers. useful data that can help Martin conservation seasoned trail guide, John Barr. Sign-in begins The class will be limited to 14 participants. efforts? If so, this class is for you. thirty minutes before hike. Limited to first 15 To register, e-mail The first Purple Martins typically arrive in people that sign-up. [email protected] , or call Jean Austin at the end of January, so this class will Martin at 343-7053 after November 9. give you information you can put to use right away, either at your own colony, or observing Bluebird Workshop Martins at Hornsby Bend or any other Saturday, January 28 existing colony. Three species of bluebird occur annually in This class will focus on the life cycle of Purple Texas, and Eastern Bluebirds will nest in Martins and how you can participate as a suitable habitats in central Texas if Purple Martin landlord or helper. You will Travis Audubon Classes appropriate cavities or nest-boxes are learn the maintenance routine recommended Travis Audubon’s Education Committee is available. Travis Audubon will sponsor a by the Purple Martin Conservation dedicated to providing high-quality Bluebird Workshop conducted by nationally- Association. You will also learn how to record educational opportunities geared toward known bluebird expert Pauline Tom on and send in nesting data that is compiled environmental conservation, bird Saturday morning January 28, 2012. nationally. We will also include hands-on nest identification, and bird-friendly habitat Pauline is President of the Texas Bluebird preparation and discussion at the Hornsby awareness for all ages. We focus on topics Society and has conducted popular Bend colony. related to birds but also offer other nature workshops on bluebird husbandry in many Class participants are invited to participate topics as appropriate, and suggestions for new different parts of the state. She lives in central through mid-June as helpers and observers as courses are welcomed. Our classes are led by Texas and is widely regarded as one of the the class teachers maintain and record the professional instructors with significant, foremost experts on and advocates for 2012 Purple Martin season at Hornsby Bend. relevant experience to the topics. We charge bluebirds in the state of Texas. Her workshop Later in the summer, we will invite class tuition (with a discount for Travis Audubon on January 28 will cover the following: members to join us in educating others at the members) to help cover our expenses in -best practices for nest-box installation to giant Purple Martin roost at Highland Mall. offering the classes. Many of them fill up early, attract Eastern Bluebirds; Andy and Julia Balinsky have been the so if you are interested, don’t wait to register. - how to recognize and improve appropriate stewards of the Hornsby Bend Purple Martin habitat for Eastern Bluebirds; colony since 2003. They have watched over Upcoming Class Offerings: - how to interpret bluebird activity outside of 1000 Purple Martin babies fledge during that Waterfowl Identification with Jean the nest-box; time. They have also spent many evenings Martin - how to deter predators and alien watching the Martin pre-migration staging Begin the new year by learning how to identify competitors; roost in the late summer. those ducks! If you’ve been walking around - the process of egg-laying and incubation Class participants should bring paper and pen Town Lake and wondering what kind of - how to “age” nestlings for taking notes. We will provide data ducks you see, this class will provide you with - recordkeeping / record-sharing with gathering forms and an electronic Excel answers. Travis Audubon Society is pleased to NestWatch, version for those interested. announce that Jean Martin will again teach During a workshop break, Pauline will take the Waterfowl Identification Class. Jean Tuition for the class is $15 for TA members participants outdoors to view bluebird habitat taught the Beginning Birding Class for over and $20 for non-members. To register, and manmade nest-boxes. 10 years, and has over 20 years’ birding contact Anne Wheeler via email at Workshop fee is $15 for TAS members and experience. This course will focus on ducks, [email protected]. Registration $20 for non-members. grebes, geese and other waterfowl found in cut-off date will be February 1, 2012. All participants may pay an additional $15 to Texas, especially during the winter months. receive a one-year TBS membership and a Watch the Travis Audubon Website for details It is well suited for birders who have TBS-approved bluebird nestbox. on the following 2012 classes: completed the Beginning Birding Class or for CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 17 Scat and Frass

• Bluebird Workshop Ecological Literacy Volunteer Day – Help code=TXPWD&origin=http:// • Purple Martin Workshop maintain Hornsby Bend Trails! Did you www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ for any of these e- • Introduction to Birds and Birding know that all the Hornsby Bend Trails newsletters and other outdoor updates • Beginning Backyard Birding were built and are maintained by that arrive free in your “Inbox.” • Birdsong and Vocalizations volunteers? If you enjoy birding or walking • Chimney Swift Tower Workshop at along the Colorado River here, please join Groundwater to Gulf Inland (Austin) Chaetura Canyon us in keeping the trails open to the public. The kids are back at school, which means We do three hours work and one hour of we’re gearing up for our 2011-2012 BCP Hike & Lecture Series learning about the ecology of the Colorado educational programs. We’re expecting For more information and to register River and Hornsby Bend - Wear work over 2,500 students and around 60 field please go to http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/ clothes and work shoes, bring water if warm trips this school year – that’s a lot of kids! water/wildland/onlineregistration/ weather and binoculars if interested in birds. As you know, our program is entirely ecowebevents.cfm NEW – bring food to join our informal volunteer run. The Colorado River potluck lunch afterwards and watch a Foundation invites you to promote Sat. 12/10 10a-noon LectureStreams and presentation on wildlife and ecology. educational awareness, appreciation, and Salamanders conservation of the Colorado River! Volunteer Opportunities Let’s Help McKinney Falls SP Become an Environmental Education Saturday 11/19 9a-1p Brodie Wild I think we all had at least one training Docent for our educational programs. Volunteer Stewardship Day (WQPL) class at McKinney Falls State Park and all Docents work as a team to deliver fun, (moderate) of us said, “hey, this would be a great place informative lessons to students during to help out!” We all then went onto other field trips - all on the beautiful, natural Friday Mornings Workday Reicher places and finally ended up with what we grounds of the Wilkerson Center for Ranch have as our regular “volunteer jobs.” Well, Colorado River Education. "Teachable Plantings, plant identification, and general now is the time to break the mold and get moments" and hands-on experiments yard work around Reicher Ranch. Every back to McKinney Falls SP. They need us educate students about important water Friday from 9am-noon. Please contact now more than ever and remember, the concepts including hydrology, Amanda Ross if you can attend a Friday original directive was to help our State groundwater, urban watersheds, water morning workday. Parks. They are always looking for: quality, water protection, and water [email protected] • Help in the Texas Wildscape Gardens conservation. Docents are needed Tuesday • School field trips. For the field trips they through Friday during regular business Paleontological Society of Austin, TX provide several activities related to the hours and we ask volunteers to commit to Normally 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 flora and fauna of the park. a minimum of 2 shifts a month. PM but always check the calendar • Guided hikes on the 2nd and 4th Saturday How to Get Involved Austin Gem and Mineral Society (map) of each month that need guides and they Contact program coordinator Sarah 6719 Burnet Lane, Austin, TX 78757 are open to any ideas that CAMN might Richards at 512-498-1587 to get a set up a (512) 458-9546. The public is invited. have for other ways we would like to be meeting or learn about volunteer open involved at McKinney Falls. houses...we're ready for ya! Visit Find us on Facebook! Please contact Kelly if you have any www.coloradoriver.org or Angler Education, http:// questions or suggestions. www.facebook.com/ www.facebook.com/texasanglereducators Kelly Serio (512) 243-1643 ex. 237 ColoradoRiverFoundation for more info! Project WILD, http://www.facebook.com/ •[email protected] texasprojectwild WildLife for Lunch Webinar Series TPWD, http://www.facebook.com/ Free Newsletters These web seminars are sponsored by the texasparksandwildlife Keep up with the natural Texas through e- Texas Wildlife Association and the newsletters and updates from Texas Parks AgriLife Extension service. Each begins at Austin Butterfly Forum Meeting and Wildlife, one of our program’s noon and runs for an hour. Just point your For more information on upcoming sponsors. Check out this recent edition browser to http://forestrywebinars.net on meetings and field trips, see http:// http://sharing.govdelivery.com/bulletins/ the day of the webinar and click on the www.austinbutterflies.org/Calendar, or call GD/TXPWD-12CA7A of Life’s Better ”Wildlife for Lunch” in the “Upcoming Outside, a free quarterly e-newsletter with Mike Quinn at (512) 577-0250. We b i n a r s ” s e c t i o n . conservation news, wildlife updates, and December 15 – Managing Wildlife & agency program information. It just takes Nature Tourism Enterprises, Miles Phillips Ecological Literacy Volunteer Day a minute to sign-up https:// If you have not yet participated in an Sat, November 26, 9am – 1pm at the CER service.govdelivery.com/service/ Elluminate webinar then please go to multi_subscribe.html? www.elluminate.com/supportfor

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 18 Scat and Frass instructions on setting up your computer. Identification Day Other Local Archeology Societies You should do this at least 24 hours in Sunday, January, 22, 2012 from 1 pm to 4:45 Llano Uplift Archeological Society. advance of a webinar. pm. Have you ever wondered about a fossil 2nd Tuesdays, 7 pm, Bruce Nightengale If you have any hardware or software you've found? Then bring it with you to Archaeological Center, Kingsland. View issues you can call Elluminate Support at Identification Day. Scientists and experts their website at http://www.texasluas.org. 1-866-388-8674. Email topic content from all over Central Texas are on hand to questions or suggestions to b- look at and identify natural objects (fossils, Central Texas Archeological Society. [email protected] For more bones, rocks, etc.) and archaeological 2nd Mondays at Baylor University. information visit www.texas-wildlife.org or materials (arrowheads, points, scrapers, etc.). www.wildlife.tamu.edu Scientists from Texas Natural Science Southern Texas Archaeological Center's Non-vertebrate Paleontology Lab Association. Meets quarterly at locations Austin Geological Society Meeting and Vertebrate Paleontology Lab , and Te x a s in South Texas. For next meeting and AGS Meeting: Jollyville Transmission Main Natural History Collections are present at other activities, see the STAA website at aka Austin Water Treatment Plant no. 4 each ID Day, along with a variety of special http://www.staa.org. Ray Brainard, James Sansom, and Alan guest experts from The University of Texas Shield. Monday December 5th 6:30 – 8:00 at Austin and the Austin area. Hill Country Archeological PM. Building 130: The Bureau of Association. Meets alternate third For more information contact Pamela R. Economic Geology, 10100 Burnet Road, Saturdays at the Riverside Nature Center, Owen at 512-232-5511 or send her an email at Austin, Texas 78758. 150 Francisco Lemos Drive in downtown [email protected]. Kerrville. Paleontological Society of Austin Travis County Archeological Society Normally 3rd Tuesday of the month 15th Training at Balcones Wildlife Refuge Travis County Archeological Society meets November) at 7:00 PM at Austin Gem and Balcones Training Workshop for Bridges to second Thursdays every month except Mineral Society facility, 6719 Burnet Lane, Birding and Going Buggy Programs. June. Meetings are currently held at Nuevo Austin, TX 78757, (512) 458-9546. The Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Leon's downtown location, 1501 E. 6th public is invited. If you have something you Refuge — Flying X Ranch. February 16th Street. Bill West, speaking on would like identified we can usually give it 9am to 4pm. “Archaeology and History of the Robinson- a pretty good shot. West River Plantation.” Click here for more information.

Travis Audubon Field Trips Membership is not required, beginners are welcome and most field trips are free! If you enjoy these field trips, please consider joining Travis Audubon. Remember, this is not a volunteer opportunity unless you lead the trip and does not attract Advanced Training unless an actual class — sometimes we can do things just for pleasure! Enjoy! Save the Dates For Christmas December Bird Counts Saturday, December 17, all day! Austin Christmas Bird Count Mabel Davis Park and Blunn Creek Preserve Visit www.austincbc.com for more information. Email Saturday, December 3 – 8:00 to 11:00am [email protected] or call Shelia Hargis at 294-0272 to participate. Pedernales Falls State Park – Emphasis on Photography Sunday, December 4 – 7:00am to 1:00 pm Monday, December 19, all day! Balcones Christmas Bird Count Super Tuesday! in Bastrop County, led by Terry Banks Visit www.balconescbc.org for more information. Email Tuesday, Dec. 6th – 7:00am to 2:00pm [email protected] or call Shelia Hargis at 294-0272 to Hornsby Bend Monthly Bird Count participate. Saturday, Dec 10 – 7:00am and 4:00pm Tuesday, December 20, all day! Westcave Christmas Bird Snowden Ranch Tract of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Count. To participate, email Dan Callaway at Sunday, December 11th 7:00-11:00am [email protected] or call him at 251-3501 or 924-4047. Or call Ethel Kutac at 346-7659.

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 19 Field Prep: Michelle Haggerty Announcements From Around the State iTrack Wildlife Now Available * Track Symmetry Trip to the Davis Mountains This new application was just accepted by * Mammal Family Contact: Donna Cole, Blackland Prairie Apple. It has been an app in the making * Location by US State, Canadian Chapter for more info. for the past three years by one of our Province, or Mexico A few years ago I arranged a Master Texas Parks & Wildlife Biologists, Jonah The app also contains illustrated help Naturalist trip to the Davis Mountains of Evans. Jonah is also a CyberTracker guides that offer numerous tracking tips Texas and I’m ready for another one in a certified Track and Sign Specialist and and trick, including: illustrated 2012. If you are even remotely interested Evaluator. explanations of gait patterns, measuring in attending, please help me out by taking Here's a direct link: http:// tracks, and track anatomy. this survey—it’s not a commitment to go itunes.apple.com/app/itrack-wildlife/ iTrack Wildlife was created by a on the trip, just a way for me to get some id478516226?mt=8 professional wildlife biologist and ideas. All individual answers will be kept There's also a video demo at: CyberTracker certified Track and Sign confidential; only the aggregated results www.itrackwildlife.com Specialist and Evaluator. may be shared. iTrack Wildlife is the most comprehensive The dates of the trip are still being Reverchon Naturalist NL Ready digital field guide to animal tracks ever determined, but I’m thinking about late The belated September-October issue of made and it's only for the iPhone. April/early May at this time. The number the Reverchon Naturalist newsletter is now Whether you're a naturalist, a hunter, a of days is negotiable; anyone can come available on the Texas Natural Resources nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or a and go as needed. The cost will vary based Conservation Service home page and can wildlife biologist, you will find iTrack on your choices of lodging, activities, etc. be found at this link: Wildlife to be a terrific companion on but I will publish an itinerary with http://www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/bio/ your outdoor adventures. While the associated costs before the trip. My reverchon.html beautiful interface and intuitive design intention is that is that this is a trip for make this app accessible to the novice, the Matching Grants program learning and camaraderie. Some of the wealth of information and a powerful One of our members sent a message field trips might qualify for AT, but it's up search tools will appeal to advanced recently indicating that they found out to your individual chapter to decide and animal trackers and wildlife biologists. the company they retired from has a pre-approve. This definitive guide contains: Matching Grants program for the Before completing the survey, please take * Track and sign info for 65 common organization the individual volunteers a moment to check a map to see the mammals of North America. with... In this case the member's Texas distances involved on this trip. The * Over 675 high quality track, sign, and Master Naturalist Chapter is eligible to nearest airports are 3-3.5 hours away animal photos with detailed captions. receive up to $7500 annually for the (Midland-Odessa and El Paso, * Precise front and hind track drawings for volunteer service that this member has respectively). I’s about a 9-10 hour drive every animal. conducted with the chapter. from Dallas, the same from Houston, 7 * Detailed track, gait, and similar species Many companies do this so I thought it hours from San Antonio and almost 8 descriptions. would be worth sending a note to our from Austin. Don’t let this dissuade you— * A beautiful, easy to use interface. membership to let them know that these it’s completely worth the drive! I just * The ability to zoom, pinch, and swipe possible opportunities exist and that you want everyone to realize the travel time between photos. may want to check into this with your you’ll need to add to the trip. iTrack Wildlife goes far beyond what a employer for your chapter. In many Also, I’m not a Chihuahuan desert expert traditional field guide can offer with cases the matching Grants programs are by any means, but I’m a great tour guide powerful search tools that make track for current employees and retirees both.. for the area. I’ve traveled to Fort Davis a identification easier than ever before. Just However, chapters do need to have their lot (I think 14 or 15 times now?) and I select basic characteristics of a track you 501C3 status in order to receive the funds. promise to show you some beautiful want to identify and you will quickly Some examples of companies I have heard scenery and awesome flora and fauna. Oh, narrow down your search to just a few doing this include: and I already have a tentative promise for similar tracks. Then browse through the ExxonMobil a tour of the non-public areas of the photos until you find your track. ConocoPhillips Nature Conservancy’s Davis Mountains Search by the following criteria: AT&T Preserve! * Common & Latin Name I'm sure there are others I have forgot or Thanks for your time! Feel free to email * Track Length & Width don't even yet know about.... me if you have any questions. http:// * Number of Toes Please check into this worth-while www.surveymonkey.com/s/3QV9HPC * Shape of Toes opportunity for your chapter and/or our Donna Cole, Blackland Prairie Chapter * Claw Size statewide program.

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 20 Officers Committees Sponsors/Partners

President: Christine Powell Administrative Mission Statement Contact: David Dunlap Vice-President: Kris Thorne Send Hours to: [email protected] To develop a corps of well-informed Past President: Lynne Weber Maintains database of students and alumni, volunteers to provide education, outreach, Treasurer: Peg Gavin including names, addresses, class attendance, and service dedicated to the beneficial Administrative Secretary: volunteer hours earned, and advanced training management of natural resources and completed. natural areas within their communities. David Dunlap Communications Recording Secretary: Members of CAMN are dedicated to the Contact: Dale Rye Maggie Moody Webpage: Dale Rye conservation, preservation, and restoration At-Large Board Members: Field Notes: Christine Powell of our natural resources. To that end, we Press releases: Kelly Bender encourage and support trained Master Shaun-Marie Auckland Responsible for the Internet web page and Naturalist volunteers in Austin and Travis Dolores Campbell press releases. County in providing community programs Advisory Board Members: and projects that increase appreciation of Kelly Bender Curriculum our natural environment and promote, Clark Hancock Contact: Kris Thorne and Peggy Murphy protect, and preserve native flora and Develops the CAMN curriculum, as well as fauna. Melissa MacDougall plans the lectures, activities and field trips for Jeri Porter each class. Advanced Training Austin Nature and Science Center Board of Directors Contact: Bill Dodd Plans, coordinates, and approves advanced Texas Parks and Wildlife According to the CAMN By-Laws, our training opportunities. Board of Directors consists of the Officers Food & Fun Lower Colorado River Authority and the Chair of each Committee. Contact: Stuart Bailey Facilitates the social aspects of CAMN Austin Sierra Club including the Certification Ceremonies and If you have concerns you wish the holiday celebrations. Board to consider, please contact one The Nature Conservancy of Texas of the Board members via email or Field Trips come to a Board Meeting (please let us Contact: Jerry Mayfield Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center know you will be coming). Facilitates and helps organize field trips. Volunteer Opportunities Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve CAMN Board Meetings are held on the Contact: Vernon Berger first Thursday of odd numbered months at: Develops criteria to determine whether Hornsby Bend Center for volunteer opportunities may be counted for Environmental Research 6:45 p.m. at the Academy of Oriental CAMN credit. Reviews, approves, and Medicine at Austin, 2700 W. Anderson publicizes opportunities. Lane, Suite 204, Austin, TX 78757. Check Bat Conservation International with a Board Member for more details. Education and Outreach Committee Contact: Whitney Milberger and Shaun-Marie Native Plant Society of Texas The agenda for the next Board Meeting is Auckland available here. Promotes CAMN and organizes Educational Travis Audubon Society events. Got info for the Field Notes?

Send info, photos and articles for publication in the Field Notes to: [email protected] Deadline for submission is the 27th of each month.

CAMN FIELD NOTES DECEMBER 2011 21