Bexar Audubon Society
is a chapter of the National
Volume XXVI, No. 5
March-April 2009
For the latest news and updates, see www.bexaraudubon.org and www.sa-naturecenter.org.
Field Trips:
Thursday, Bear
November Springs
13, 2008, 6:00 PM & Warbler Woods
Spring Field Trips for BAS Members and Friends in March and April
MARCH
Bear Springs Blossom
Nature Preserve
Saturday, March 28
9 AM—1 PM
Join us on a visit to this
125 acre preserve north-
west of San Antonio near
the town of Pipe Creek.
Owners Peter and Mari-
anne Bonenberger will
give us an overview of the
land and their conservation
philosophy. We will then
hit the trails to enjoy na-
ture—observing birds, but-
terflies, wildflowers, and
more. We'll keep an eye
(and ear) out for the
Golden-cheeked Warbler
and expect to see the
beautiful Texas Madrone
Black and White Warbler
Our regular March Bexar
Audubon meeting falls during
Trinity University’s spring
break; there will be no access
to our usual meeting venue,
so March’s meeting has been
cancelled. Join us in April for:
"Songbirds in
Spring Migration"
Thursday, April 9
Bexar Tracks
tree. Wear good walking
shoes, and bring a hat,
water, binoculars if you
wish, and a picnic lunch to
eat after the tour. Call/
email to reserve a spot
and get carpool details:
210.824.1235 or pasztor@
ix.netcom.com.
APRIL
Warbler Woods
Saturday, April 18, 9 AM
Warbler Woods is a
private nature/bird sanctu-
ary off I-35 between San
Antonio and New Braun-
fels. Owners Susan and
Don Schaezler, members
of Bexar Audubon, are
excited to welcome us to
their woodland home/
April 2009: "Songbirds in Spring Migration"
Thursday, April 9, 2009, 6:30 PM, Trinity University
Join us for an
entertaining and
enlightening talk
by naturalist and
birder, Martin Reid. Mr.
Reid will discuss spring
migrants, including war-
blers, vireos, tanagers,
buntings, thrushes
and some of the threats
and challenges these
songbirds face migrating
between the tropics and
North America. Texas is
on the Central Flyway and
extremely important. Of
preserve. Experience the
spring migration in their
backyard sanctuary, plus
take a hike with Don in
varied habitats. Those who
don't wish to walk may sit
with Susan in the shade
and enjoy watching numer-
ous species. There are
several feeders, water fea-
tures and plenty of chairs!
Possible sightings in-
clude Blue-winged War-
blers, Golden-winged War-
blers, Ovenbird, Kentucky
Warbler and more. The
butterflies should be nu-
merous and the weather
nice, although they hope
for rain! You will also get a
chance to see an 1840
multi-family cistern and
possibly other artifacts
the 338 bird species that
are listed as Nearctic-
Neotropical migrants in
North America (north of
Mexico), 333 of them have
been recorded in Texas.
This means that of the 615
bird species documented
in Texas, over half of them
are Neararctic-Neotropical
migrants.
Martin Reid, originally
from Great Britain, has
lived in Texas for 18 years.
He has been a birder for
Audubon Society. Its primary
goals are to promote species
and habitat conservation and
environmental education in the
community.
Inside this issue:
President’s Column 2
Vegetated Roof 3
Extension
Basura Bash
Mitchell Lake 4
Government Canyon
Community Events 5-6
Global Warming & 8
Birds
while hiking. Bring your
lunch and make it a leisurely
experience. Get more infor-
mation at www.warbler
woods.com. Call or email
Patty Pasztor for reserva-
tions and directions,
210.824.1235 or pasztor
@ix.netcom.com.
over 20 years. Mr. Reid is
a Photographer, Naturalist
and Bird Guide, having led
trips to Chile, Belize, Costa
Rica and Ecuador. He was
President of the Fort Worth
Audubon Society during
1996/1997. Mr. Reid is
serving his second stint on
the Texas Bird Records
Committee. He also has a
strong interest and exper-
tise in butterflies and drag-
onflies and regularly con-
ducts surveys and tours.
Location map, page 7
 Page 2
Local News Better
Than Global
My president's column
this month is not upbeat.
Developments around the
world and especially the
American public's loss of
concern about climate
change are discouraging.
But as luck would have it, a
few days after writing that,
I—along with Tony Wood
and Bill Hurley of our
board—attended a most
uplifting San Antonio Envi-
ronmental Network lunch-
eon. It is too early for de-
tails. Let us just say that
we heard a heartening re-
port about Mayor Hardber-
ger's Mission Verde plan,
and that plans are being
laid for environmental
groups to work together
and with the city and busi-
ness to support its suc-
cess. This is just the kind
of win-win collaboration
Bexar Audubon has been
seeking. Follow the public
media and we'll hope to
have more details for you
in the next Bexar Tracks.
- Harry Noyes -
“After a great victory,
tighten your helmet strap.”
Unidentified officer, vari-
ously attributed to the
German, Japanese or
Israeli Army.
Now that Barack
Obama is in office, the
American people seem to
feel that the environ-
mental threat will simply
evaporate. Recent polls
show that the public con-
siders the economy a
higher priority than cli-
mate change.
Well, the Earth has got
a real shock in store for
the American people and
March-April 2009
“If you aren’t scared, you just don’t get it.”
President’s Column
the world. It’s going to kick
our butts like no one has
ever been kicked before.
The Fall of the Roman
Empire will look like Dis-
neyland compared to the
impending and (thanks to
our apathy) increasingly
probable global enviro-
cataclysm.
Ever since I’ve been
involved in the environ-
mental/conservation
movement, colleagues
have been warning me:
“don’t tell people the
truth...it’s too discourag-
ing....they can’t handle it
and they will ignore us if
we alarm them.”
Well, they were right,
of course. The problem is,
they were never able to
tell me how to get the pub-
lic to leave the burning
theater with a namby-
pamby message like
“Maybe we should have a
program on fire prevention
some time.” Maybe it’s
time to just yell, “Fire!”
I was tickled as anyone
that Obama won, but my
joy has been undermined
by a book by world-
renowned climate expert
James Lovelock titled The
Revenge of Gaia.
One short quote:
“Battle will soon be joined
and what we now face is
far more deadly than any
blitzkrieg. By changing the
environment, we have
unknowingly declared war
on Gaia (by which Love-
lock means the Earth and
its self-correcting bio-
sphere)....The prospects
are grim and even if we
act successfully in amelio-
ration, there will still be
hard times, as in any war,
that will stretch us to the
limit. We are tough and it
would take more than the
predicted climate catastro-
phe to eliminate all breed-
ing pairs of humans: what
is at risk is civilization.”
Read that again. He’s
saying a few humans will
survive this century...and
that is the good news!
We’d better get those hel-
mets back on.
Obama’s heart is in the
right place, but it is clear
that he and his team don’t
really have a clue about
the disaster that is headed
our way. If he did, his inau-
gural address would have
consisted of the following:
“People of the world, I
pledge to you that 100 per-
cent of my time and efforts
will be devoted to stopping
the environmental destruc-
tion that experts warn will
likely destroy human civili-
zation and kill 90 percent
of us by 2100 or 2150. If
we do not launch the most
fast-moving total effort in
human history against cli-
mate change and related
threats immediately, if we
do not sacrifice as we
have never sacrificed be-
fore, there will be no
United States by then and
90 percent of you will not
have any living descen-
dants. I’m going to
squeeze more from this
country than we ever
dreamed of giving, but we
WILL win this war. All
lesser issues—terrorism,
the economy, foreign rela-
tions—will be delegated to
Vice President Biden, be-
Bexar Tracks
cause all of them com-
bined cannot kill as many
Americans as environ-
mental collapse can.
Thank you. I’d like to
speak longer, but there is
work to do.”
For the public’s part, if
we do not demand this
attitude, if we do not vote
against any politician at
any level who fails to make
the environment his top
priority, then we deserve
the mass destruction,
chaos and ghastly deaths
that are rushing towards
us. We may have 5 years
or 20 to make a difference,
but what we do not have is
one more second to waste.
As for “think globally,
act locally,” that’s just a
shovel full of used cattle
feed. This is a global is-
sue, and the US is the
globe for all practical eco-
environmental purposes.
There won’t be any “local”
left for us to live in if we
don’t work as hard on hun-
ger in Africa and defores-
tation in Borneo as we do
on the aquifer in San Anto-
nio.
For starters, tell that to
your Congressmen.
(NOTE: Let me stress
that this column is my per-
sonal opinion. It has not
been approved by the BAS
directors and does not rep-
resent the official position
of the chapter. BAS mem-
bers with other views are
welcome to submit guest
commentaries in response.
But first I recommend that
you read some of Love-
lock’s books or the refer-
ences he cites.)
 Page 3 March-April 2009 Bexar Tracks

Vegetated Roof Contest Deadline Extension Congratulations!

Bexar Audubon Society ness space (rooftop break
is extending the deadline areas, snackbars and bou-
for submitting vegetated tiques); even tourism
roofs to compete for our (think about the famous
"Best Vegetated Roofs" "Hanging Gardens of
cash incentive prizes. Babylon").
The original deadline Some cities have already
was April 18, 2009, which advanced this concept a
would have been exactly long way. Chicago has
one year after over a million square feet
the announcement of the of vegetated rooftops.
prizes at the Metropolitan
Partnership for Energy To encourage local build-
ing owners, architects and
workshop on energy-
saving roofs. However, as builders to step up their
vegetated roof game to the
the year has progressed
and other vegetated-roof next level, Bexar Audubon
even ts h ave been is offering a first prize of
$2,000 for the building
held, April 18 now seems
more confusing than sig- owner or renter who fi-
nificant. Also, an exten- nances construction and
sion will allow more $500 for the primary crea-
"grow-in" time for plants tor (designer or construc-
used on vegetated roofs. tor) of the best vegetated
The new submission roof. Second prize will be
$1,000 and $250.
deadline is June 30,
2009. (Projects must still Any new or existing build-
have been executed ing—public, industrial,
since the April 18, 2008, commercial or residen-
announcement.) tial—in the Bexar Audubon
area (Bexar, Comal, Gua-
A vegetated-roof is just
dalupe, Kendall, Bandera,
what the name implies, a
Wilson, Atascosa and Me-
roof covered largely or
dina Counties) is eligible.
entirely with plants. Such
rooftops are one of the There is no minimum
most promising trends in size, but roofs must be
urban conservation, for “substantially” vegetated,
residential, commercial i.e., enough to make a
and public buildings. significant difference in
Buildings with such energy waste, heat-island
roofs incur lower heating/ effect and/or human or
cooling costs. We all can wildlife use. A panel of
benefit from the resulting judges chosen by Bexar
reduced demand for en- Audubon will do an on-site
ergy, reduced heat-island inspection, plus follow-up
effect on urban weather, visits as needed, in July-
Applications accepted
from June 30-July 31,
2009; forms at www.bexar
audubon.org by April 30,
2009. There is no fee, but
photos and a brief narra-
tive are requested. Win-
ners will be announced by
Sept. 30, 2009. Presenta-
tions will be scheduled by
mutual agreement.
Details at http://www. bex-
araudubon.org/prize.html.
Questions? E-mail presi-
dent@bexaraudubon.org.
Basura Bash
Annual San Antonio
River Cleanup
Basura Bash is an all-
volunteer creek-way trash
pickup event that will be
held this year on Saturday,
March 7, lasting only 4
hours (9 AM to 1 PM).
There are a lot of seg-
ments of the San Antonio
River and its tributaries
being cleaned up. This
year the Salado Creek
stream segment and wild-
life corridor between
Voelker and Walker Ranch
Parks has been added,
and BAS member Tony
Wood will be the tributary
coordinator. He really
needs our help! If you or
your family would like to
help, please see details on
the event at www.basura
bash.org/event_2009. You
can sign up, download
individual or organizational
waivers, and even register
Dr. David Ribble, Trinity
University professor and
chair of biology, received
the 2008 Dr. & Mrs. Z. T.
Scott Faculty Fellowship in
recognition of his outstand-
ing abilities as teacher and
adviser. The honor includes a
$6,000 cash award as well
as $4,000 to be used for
professional development
and research. (Dr. Ribble is
the sponsor for Bexar
Audubon Society’s meeting
place at Trinity University.)
Congratulations, Dr. Ribble!
Last year the Scenic
Loop—Boerne Stage Alli-
ance submitted an applica-
tion to Preservation Texas
(www.preservationtexas.org)
to have the Corridor from
Bandera to the Balcones
Creek at the Old Spanish
Trail Park included in the
“Texas Most Endangered
List”. The Scenic Loop
Boerne Stage Corridor in
Bexar County has been
awarded this historic preser-
vation distinction. This is the
first time an award has been
given to an entire trail/
roadway, rather than to a
single building or site. This
award is the first step to
bring recognition to our his-
torical roadway and environ-
mentally fragile adjacent
areas from further develop-
ment and big box destruc-
tion. Congratulations to the
Scenic Loop—Boerne Stage
Alliance!
Basura Bash March 7th

cleaner air, and ex- August 2009. Judging will for FREE T-shirts &
panded habitat for birds be based on a holistic im- lunch. On Mar. 7th meet at
and beneficial insects. pression of a roof’s effec- the Walker Ranch satellite
tiveness, attractiveness parking lot on Rhapsody
Additional potential and creativity. Judges’
benefits for business in- (just behind Panchito’s on
decisions are final. West Ave). Contact Tony
clude increased customer
traffic; more usable busi- Wood at 210.366.7046 or
twood@teamllc.net.
 Page 4
What’s Happening at Mitchell Lake?
All events on Saturdays
unless otherwise listed. For
more information or to
RSVP for Mitchell Lake
events, mlac@audubon.org
March
March 7, 9-11 AM
Kids Birding 101
A class for children to
learn more about this fun
activity. They will learn how
to use binoculars and how
to identify the birds they
see. They'll also get a
chance to explore the habi-
tat at Mitchell Lake.
• Space is limited.
• Free admission, RSVP
required.
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Government Canyon
State Natural Area is an
8,624 acre area in Bexar
County, within the city limits
of northwest San Antonio.
The State Natural Area was
purchased by Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department in
1993 in cooperation with Ed-
wards Aquifer Authority
(formerly Edwards Under-
ground Water District), San
Antonio Water System, the
Trust for Public Land and the
federal government Land
and Water Conservation
Fund. The State Natural
Area (SNA) opened to the
public on October 15, 2005.
The "Joe Johnston" Road
was created through
the canyon as a supply route
from San Antonio to Bandera
by the military stationed at
Ft. Sam Houston in the
1850s and at that time was
unofficially known as "the
Government's Canyon". The
area of this route has since
March-April 2009
March 21, 1-3 PM
Toadily Amazing Am-
phibians
Learn about the fascinat-
ing world of amphibians
and how being a Water
Saver can help your local
frogs and toads.
• Space is limited.
• Free admission, RSVP
required.
been named Government
Canyon in deed records
and it is a part of the rich
history of native nomadic
tribes, Spanish Conquista-
dors, ranchers and set-
tlers of Texas.
Today at the SNA there
is a Visitor's Center spe-
cially constructed with
environment-friendly de-
signs, including a rain-
water harvesting system.
The Recharge Store gift
shop, information ki-
osks, picnic areas, pavil-
ion, and exhibit ar-
eas are located at or
near the Visitor's Center.
Government Canyon
State Natural Area is a
highly sensitive ecosys-
tem that needs your help
to remain pristine. Be-
cause of this, the SNA is a
“Leave No Trace” partner.
Schedule: Day use only.
No camping or overnight
March 28, 9-11 AM
Beginning Birding:
Birds and Habitat
This class is for all ages. In
preparation for our annual
Birdathon we are offering a
class with Audubon Texas
Director of Conservation Dr.
Andrew Kasner. Learn more
about birding, bird identifica-
tion and how to get the most
enjoyment out of this interest-
ing pursuit.
• Recommendations on
field guides and informa-
tion on how to use your
binoculars will be offered.
• Free admission, RSVP
required.
use is allowed. Open Fri-
day—Monday and closed
Tuesday—Thursday. The front
gate is open from 8 AM—
6 PM. Access to all Back-
country trails is closed at
4 PM, access to all Front-
country trails is closed at
5 PM. The Protected Hab-
itat Area trails are open
annually September
through February. All other
trails are open all year. All
pets and domesticated ani-
mals are restricted to the
Frontcountry trails. Contact
Bexar Tracks
Mitchell Lake
Audubon Center
10750 Pleasanton Rd.
San Antonio TX 78221
210.628.1639
www.mitchelllakeaudubon.org
MLAC: Connecting Peo-
ple with Nature
Explore a place where na-
ture is continually renewing
itself. Where birds, insects,
and wild plants surprise you
with a new spectacle
around every corner. A
place where families,
school groups and individu-
als can reflect and learn
about the natural world, just
minutes from downtown
San Antonio.
the natural area for more
information prior to arri-
val at site as trails may
be closed due to inclem-
ent weather or poor trail
conditions.
To get more informa-
tion, call 210.688.9055 or
visit the “Friend of Gov-
ernment Canyon” web
site at www.Friendsof
GC.org.
- Bill Hurley
Upcoming GC events,
page 5.
 Page 5
Community Events
CIBOLO NATURE CENTER
For more information , call 210.564.6400 or visit www.cibolo.org/calendar.
Cedar Biology and Management
Workshop
March 7, 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
Meet at CNC parking lot, carpool to
demonstration site. CNC members
$15/person; non-members $20/
person.
Pre-registration required;
830.249.4616. Cedar workshop pre-
sents methods, equipment and
choices for cedar clearing recom-
mended by TX Forest Service, Natu-
ral Resource Conservation Service
and TX Parks and Wildlife. On a
ranch in western Comal County, we
have cleared three demonstration
areas for range improvement, forest
ecology and wildlife conservation.
Workshop includes a cedar clearing
equipment demo. See cedar man-
agement and “healing of the land” in
progress. Wear sturdy shoes; walking
on uneven ground but not strenuous.
Rainwater Harvest Workshop
March 14, 9 AM-Noon
CNC auditorium and visit to Kight
installation; CNC members $20/
person: non-members $30/person.
Pre-registration required,
830.249.4616.
John Kight, engineer and rainwater
catchment owner. gives the latest
technological information and the
most practical advice. The Kight
home with no well or outside water
source is in a traditional develop-
ment. Their system comfortably sup-
plies delicious water for all household
and landscape needs.
Boerne Birders—Boerne Lake
March 21, 8-10 AM FREE
Meet in the parking area near the
dam. Continue our regular census of
Boerne Lake—March is a good
month for migrants. Beginners & ex-
perienced birders welcome to our
monthly outings. Bring binoculars and
a favorite birds book. Call
830.230.5551 or 210.710.3981.
March-April 2009
All listings are on Saturdays
unless otherwise indicated
Natural Landscape Design Work-
shop
March 21, 9 AM-1 PM
CNC auditorium and park. CNC
members $15/person; non-members
$20/person. Limited to 30. Pre-
registration required. Call
830.249.4616.
Judit Green, TPWD urban biologist,
will focus on using native and
adapted plants in her 3-hour land-
scape design program. Design, in-
stallation, and maintenance tips, plus
ideas about plants to incorporate in
your design, especially with "deer in
the garden" challenges. Tour CNC's
new and established native land-
scape to see some of these plants in
the ground. Go home with a list of
drought-tolerant plants that are at-
tractive to humans, butterflies and
birds. A great start for a new design
in your garden.
Habitat For Birds
Managing for Game Birds & Song
Birds
March 28, 9 AM-Noon
CNC auditorium and park. CNC
members $15/person; non-members
$20/person. Limited to 30; preregis-
tration required, 830.249.4616.
Rufus Stephens, Texas Parks and
Wildlife biologist, will begin with a talk
on how different habitat types provide
food, cover and space for specific
birds. Program also will include pres-
entation and use of new Kendall
County Bird Checklist for easy record
keeping. We will also spend time out-
side examining native plants impor-
tant to wildlife.
Mostly Native Plant Sale
Saturday, April 4
Kendall County Fairgrounds
Bexar Tracks
Art and Conservation
Parade of Artists event
Friday-Sunday, April 17-19
Art and Conservation artists have
been creating from nature and wildlife
on Texas Hill Country property for the
last year. This juried show will display
all their work and feature the winning
piece! Don’t miss a special opportu-
nity to see nature through the eye of
an artist and purchase your favorite.
Spring Wildflower Walk
Friday, April 24, 9-Noon
Location: Ward’s Wildflower Garden,
northern Bexar County. Meet at CNC
parking lot, carpool to field trip site.
Members $15/person; non-members
$20/person. Pre-registration required,
830.249.4616. The Wards’ native
plant gardens are located in far north-
ern Bexar County. This site is a per-
fect place to see a wide diversity of
spring wildflowers.
Boerne Birders—CNC
Birding by Ear
April 25, 7-9 AM FREE
Note the earlier than usual start time!
Information, 830.230.5551 or 210.
710.3981. When breeding and nest-
ing, birds vocalize and can be found
and identified easily if you know their
songs. This is a great opportunity to
learn to use your ears! Join a friendly
group; beginners and experienced
welcome.
Friends of Government Canyon
sponsored Event:
Government Canyon State Natural
Area — Explore the Canyon!
March 21 and May 16, 8:30 AM
Interested in the flora, fauna, natural
and cultural history of Government
Canyon? Open to all ages; group
size limited to the first 10 people.
Dress appropriately and wear sturdy
hiking shoes; bring water and a
snack. Meet at the Visitors Center by
the rainwater harvesting tower. No
pets please. For more information or
reservations, call 210.688.9055, ext.
292. Read the Government Canyon
article on page 4.
 Page 6
Community Events
MEDINA RIVER NATURAL AREA
(MRNA)
15890 Highway 16 South
San Antonio TX 78264
MRNA located approx. 4½ miles
south of Loop 410 on State Highway
16 South
Reservations are requested for all
MRNA events. For more information
or to RSVP for any event in the
MRNA call 210.624.2575.
March 14, 2008, 9-11 AM
Native American Dancing and Sing-
ing, presented by Boy Scout Troop
10 Apache Del Rio Intertribal Organi-
zation; flint knapping with Sam Viera,
Native American kid friendly activi-
ties. Suggested donation $3/person,
$5/family.
Help Beautify Your Natural Area!
Join us on the Last Saturday of Each
Month, 8 AM-12 noon. Call for details
and to sign up: 210.624.2575.
March 7—BASURA BASH!!
March 28 – VIVA Voluntarios! Appre-
ciation Day
SECOND SATURDAY PROGRAM at
MRNA
April 11, 2009, 9-11 AM
Monarch Madness, the Mysterious
Life Cycle of the Monarch Butterfly
Join Monika Maeckle and her love for
the Monarch butterfly. Learn about
growing milkweed, raising caterpil-
lars, hatching
chrysalises,
and tagging
Monarch but-
terflies as they
make their
way to Mexico.
$3/ person suggested donation or $5/
family.
March-April 2009
More Great Stuff, Folks, Check It Out!
SAN ANTONIO NATURAL AREAS
For more information on listings be-
low, visit www.sanaturalareas.org or
www. bexaraudubon.org.
First Saturday Hike
Crownridge Canyon
Natural Area
Natural History Interpretive Walk
7222 Luskey Blvd.
March 7, 9–11 AM
It may be warm, cool, or cold; it
may be raining! We can always
hope, and we’ll hike anyway!
Crownridge Canyon is a great
place for a nature walk—come get
some fresh air. Reservations are sug-
gested; hikes occasionally change.
Call 210.564.6400 or 210.372.9124.
Participants limited to 15/hike. Meet
near the restrooms. Suggested $2/
person donation. Not for groups;
please call to schedule a separate
hike.
Voelcker Park Open House
Saturday, March 7, 9AM-Noon
Voelcker Park, 12000 NW Military Hwy.
Join the SA Parks & Recreation De-
partment and the Voelcker Park Con-
servancy for Native Blooming Plants
with San Antonio Botanical Garden’s
Paul Cox; presentations at 9 & 10 AM.
Kid friendly nature crafts available.
Call Voelcker Park info at 210.
207.8480, www.voelckerpark.com.
Spring Skies
presented by the
San Antonio Astronomical Asso-
ciation
EISENHOWER PARK
March 14, 8–10 PM
Come and see what’s visible in the
early spring sky. This program will
give folks an opportunity to use sev-
eral elaborate telescopes. (Show
goes on, even with clouds—they
have some great videos and will still
have some scopes set up.) Reserva-
tions recommended; 210.564.6400.
Donation $3/person, $5/family.
Bexar Tracks
Eisenhower Park
Natural History Interpretive Walk
April 4, 9–11 AM
We’re always thinking about water,
especially in times of drought. Eisen-
hower Park is located in the
recharge zone for the Ed-
wards Aquifer. Come enjoy a
walk, some fresh air and learn
what the land is like where our
water enters the aquifer! Res-
ervations suggested; hikes
occasionally change. 210.
564.6400, 210.372.9124, or
peggy.spring@sanantonio.org. Par-
ticipanats limited to 15 per hike; $2/
person donation suggested. Meet
near the restrooms. Not for groups;
please call to schedule a separate
hike.
Eisenhower Park, Harris (Mass) Pa-
vilion, 19399 NW Military Hwy. Take
FM 1535/Military Hwy/Shavano Park
exit off Loop 1604 on the city’s north-
west side. Go north on FM 1535/
Military Hwy about 2 miles. Park en-
trance is on the left, just before Camp
Bullis. The Pavilion is the gated one
to the right. Gates open 6 PM.
Second Saturday
Beginners’ Walks
Join San Antonio Audubon Society
on the second Saturday of the month
(March 14 & April 11); start at 8 AM,
meet at the Judson Nature Trails next
to the Alamo Heights swimming pool
on Viesca Street. For more informa-
tion, call 210.342.2073.
Newbies Welcome
 Page 7
Conservation Conversation
Nine Forest and Climate
Change Facts
Destruction of forests equals global
warming. The math is really that sim-
ple. But too often, this urgent fact gets
ignored. Help the folks at Conservation
International (www.conservation.org)
spread the word.
4 - hours in which the world loses
acres of tropical forest equivalent in
size to the island of Manhattan
20 - percent of all global CO2 emis-
sions caused by deforestation
2 trillion - amount in dollars that
burning and clearing forests costs the
global economy every year as valued
through lost fresh water, food and tim-
ber and carbon reduction
70 - number of species of South and
Central American frogs that have gone
extinct, likely due to climate change
95 - percent of living coral Australia’s
Great Barrier Reef may lose by 2050
due to climate change
25 - percent of all land animals and
plants at risk of extinction due to cli-
mate change
25 - percent of all emissions reduc-
tions called for by 2050 that could be
achieved by conserving and restoring
tropical forests
143 million - acres of forest Conser-
vation International has helped con-
serve over the last three years
40 - number of cars, trucks and
SUVs’ yearly emissions offset by con-
serving just one acre of threatened
tropical forest
You can help by spreading the word
today and showing your friends and
family why protecting even just one
acre of forest is so important..
From Glenn Prickett, Senior Vice
President, Conservation International
Executive Director, The Center for En-
vironmental Leadership in Business.
Spread the word!
March-April 2009 Bexar Tracks
Map to Cowles Life Sciences Building, Trinity University, west of Highway 281.
Cowles is just uphill from Laurie Auditorium &
between Library and Chapman Graduate Center.
Park by Laurie or in lots or on streets to the west.
Handicapped parking across from Cowles. Enter
from Oakmont or Rosewood. Call Patty for addi-
tional directions, 210.824.1235. or see additional
map at bexaraudubon.org/map.jpg.
Bexar Audubon Society Contacts
President/Webmaster: Harry Noyes—210.490.3124, harrynoyes@satx.rr.com
Vice President: Tony Wood—210.867.2363; tonywood@sbcglobal.net
Treasurer: Caryl Swann—210.653.2860; c.swann@att.net
Secretary: Anita Anderson—210.533.8726; ajandrsn@sbcglobal.net
At-Large: Amy L. Whitley—210.340.0114; nueces66@yahoo.com
At-Large: Kathy Ikerd— kathy@wordwright.com
At-Large: VACANCY
Programs/Outings: Patty Pasztor—210.824.1235; pasztor@ix.netcom.com
Editor: Michele Wood—210.492.4684, editor@bexaraudubon.org
Reprinted from Audubon Newswire
Volume 7, Number 1
It's Official!
LEED PLATINUM Designation for Headquarters Announced
On January 6, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Newswire shared
the news nationwide that Audubon has once again raised the bar for sustain-
able office design by achieving the top LEED Platinum certification.
Per the CSR Newsletter: "The bid for the greenest green building title has
taken another step forward in New York City, an epicenter of 'competition,' as
the National Audubon Society's new headquarters earned LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum designation, the highest of four
levels of certification. In fact, the Audubon space scored the highest point total
of any commercial interior in the world evaluated by the US Green Building
Council (USGBC), the LEED certifier."
According to MSNBC, "The Audubon home office not only fulfills the organiza-
tion's mission 'to conserve and restore natural ecosystems...' it creates a
standard of excellence in green construction others will strive to emulate."
 Page 8
Audubon Issues Report on
Global Warming and Birds
Culled from Audubon Newswire (Vol. 7,
Number 2) and Audubon Texas web
(www.audubontexas.org.).
New analyses by Audubon scien-
tists from 40 years of Christmas Bird
Count data revealed 177 bird species
that winter in the continental U.S.
have experienced significant north-
ward shifts in their latitudinal center of
population over the last 40 years.
Among the big movers are Purple
Finch, Pine Siskin, and Boreal
Chickadee that have shifted north
into the Canadian Boreal, their
ranges moving an estimated 433,
288, and 279 miles respectively since
1966. Below is a sample of birds cov-
ered in the Texas Report. View the
complete report and see how you can
help at www.audubontexas.org.
Two species that have been sub-
stantially effected in Texas are the
American Goldfinch and White Ibis.
The American Gold-
finch, a woodland
and feeder bird, has
moved 219 miles
north. Its population
in Texas has de-
creased 41% in 40
years, but it has in-
creased nationally
by 81% in areas
north of Texas. As
these birds move
north, they may be
at increased risk
from unusually cold winters or harsh
storms. The White Ibis, a colony-
nesting wading bird, has had its cen-
ter of population moved 100 miles
north in the last 40 years. It has in-
creased in Texas, but is a species of
conservation concern due to habitat
loss for nesting (undisturbed islands
with trees and shrubs) and foraging
(freshwater and brackish marsh).
Audubon Texas Coastal Program
manages the largest nesting colonies
of this species along the Texas coast
together with our conservation part-
ners, and these efforts will be in-
creasingly important for conservation
March-April 2009
of this species and others that nest
on Audubon islands.
The northward and inland move-
ment of North American birds pro-
vides new and powerful evidence that
global warming is having a serious
impact on natural systems in the
USA. Dramatic policy changes and
incentives for alternative energy are
needed to combat such ecological
disruption. New research from Audu-
bon California reinforces the national
findings, predicting that about 80 of
that state's native bird species will
experience significant climate-driven
reductions in their geographic range
over coming decades.
Audubon urges citizens to take ac-
tion by signing a petition demanding
aggressive federal policy action at
www.birdsandclimate.org. In Texas,
here’s how you can help our birds
and habitat in this shifting climate:
Support conservation initiatives that
protect and restore essential bird
habitat. Audubon Texas’ Coastal Pro-
gram manages the
majority of waterbird
nesting islands on the
Texas Coast, includ-
ing critically important
sites such as Green
Island and Sundown
Island, Globally Im-
portant Bird Areas for
colony-nesting wad-
ing birds. North Deer
Island, owned and
managed in partner-
ship with Houston
Audubon and nominated as a Glob-
ally Important Bird Area for White
Ibis, is the largest breeding colony for
White Ibis in Texas.
For more information contact Dr. An-
drew Kasner, Audubon Texas Director of
Bird Conservation, 10750 Pleasanton
Road, San Antonio TX 78221, 830.
480.2770, akasner@auduaudubon.org.
Leon Springs Farmers Market Rain
Barrel Workshop. Saturday, Mar. 7,
2-4 PM; information at 210.587.7037
or info@texasrainfallcatchment.com.
Bexar Tracks
Three Summaries from
Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Top Ten
Conservation Stories of 2008
Final State Park in World Birding
Center series opens. Resaca de la
Palma State Park, the second new
state park TPWD opened in the Val-
ley this decade, and the largest of
nine sites that comprise the World
Birding Center in the lower Rio
Grande Valley, officially opened De-
cember 6. The 1,200-acre park, like
other units in the World Birding Cen-
ter, shows off the region’s spectacu-
lar diversity of bird, butterfly and
dragonfly species. Resaca de la
Palma was made possible in part by
increased funding provided by the
Texas Legislature in 2007.
Biologists to Manage Deer Ac-
cording to Biological Communi-
ties. TPWD wildlife biologists this
year proposed a number of deer
hunting regulation changes that re-
flect a broader move away from man-
aging deer according to political
boundaries such as county lines. In-
stead, biologists have identified 33
unique resource management units
across the state, part of a continuing
effort to base Texas wildlife conser-
vation on the best available science.
Lands within each RMU have similar
soils, vegetation types and land use
practices. Scoping of the potential
regulation changes is underway now.
Wetlands Restoration Com-
pleted. Brown pelicans, reddish
egrets and white-faced ibises re-
ceived a reprieve when a coalition of
conservation organizations and local
businesses finished restoring 1.7
miles of North Deer Island shoreline
this year. The island, in Galveston
Bay, is the most productive bird nest-
ing island on the Texas Gulf Coast,
with up to 30,000 pairs of nesting
birds resident each year. Partners
barged in 24,100 tons of rock from a
quarry in Missouri—using the Missis-
sippi River and the Intracoastal Water-
way as a route—to create 6,450 feet of
stone breakwater and armored shore-
line. Planning, engineering, and con-
struction costs for the 8-year endeavor
totaled over $3.2 million dollars.
 Page 9 March-April 2009
Phenology
Climate Watching You Can Do at Home
Many of you have heard me talk about the recurrent cycles of
nature. Whether it’s global climate change, a daily sunrise, the
phases of the moon, the tides, the spring bluebonnets in Texas, or
the swallows returning to Capistrano, nature offers us a wondrous
human perspective of these recurrent cycles. This field of science
is called phenology and, with the blessings of the digital age, track-
ing nature’s cycles is becoming much easier. Since we are all ob-
servers, you might want to start recording when you see the first
bluebonnet, golden-cheeked warbler, frog, or baby deer each
year. The National Phenology Network says: "Phenology is the
study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events and how these
are influenced by seasonal and interannual variations in climate.”
TNPN’s examples include the timing of leafing and flowering, agri-
cultural crop stages, insect emergence, and animal migrations. “All
of these events are sensitive measures of climatic variation and
change, are relatively simple to record and understand, and are
vital to both the scientific and public interest.” You can sign up to
be an observer for your own areas of interest by contacting The
National Phenology Network (www.usanpn.org).
- Tony Wood
Do you know your “water footprint”?
Check out www.waterfootprint.org
Earth Share of Texas raises money for environmental and conserva-
tion organizations through workplace giving. If your employer partici-
pates in such programs, please ask them to add Earth Share to your
giving options. By designating the Audubon Foundation of Texas
(AFT), Bexar Audubon Society can benefit. BAS receives credit for
our support and receives funding annually form AFT. For more infor-
mation, call, email or log on: 800.GREENTX, ESTX@earthshare-
texas.org, or www.earthshare-texas.org.
Bexar Tracks
The End of Cheap Water
From GLOBAL WATCH NEWS WATCH
The annual report of the Pacific Institute in
Oakland, Alameda County, California concluded
that global population growth, changing diets,
and ever-greater demands for water could be
bringing an end to the era of inexpensive water.
A key element in tackling the crisis, said water
experts, is to increase public understanding of
the individual water cost of everyday items, also
called "virtual water." The figures come from
calculating the amount of water used at each
stage of a production process: for example, 1
glass of orange juice actually requires 850 liters
of water to produce and 1 kg of microchips re-
quires 16,000 liters. Experts also warned that
the lack of water was likely to cause more socio-
political conflicts, especially in West Africa, Ne-
pal, Bangladesh and India, and Peru.
- summary by Louise Shaler
visit www.sahra.arizona.edu
Warbler Watch
Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA)
seeks your advice and assistance with a
collaborative golden-cheeked warbler (GCWA)
program. To help implement the proposed
“Warbler Watch” program for the Texas Hill
Country, GEAA recently established a
partnership with Texas A&M University (TAMU)
researchers. The goal of this collaborative
program is to develop and implement a long-
term and sustainable monitoring program,
which will determine trends in distribution,
abundance, habitat use, and breeding success
of the GCWA across its breeding range. GEAA
would help recruit volunteers and landowners,
and distribute related educational materials to a
broad public, while TAMU would manage the
database, train volunteers, coordinate land
access, and publish research results.
Please contact Tom Hayes at the GEAA for
more information. Help is particularly needed in
identifying properties available for TAMU to
establish additional monitoring sites. A sig-
nificant field effort is planned for this nesting
season (starts mid March), so the sooner we
connect the better.
From Tom D. Hayes, Ph.D., Science Director
(tom@aquiferalliance.org)
Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance
www.aquiferalliance.org; 512.477.2320
 Non-Profit
Bexar Audubon Society Organization
PO Box 6084 US Postage Paid
San Antonio TX
San Antonio TX 78209-0084 Permit #1527

Bexar Tracks March-April 2009

Bexar Tracks is the official newsletter of the Bexar

Audubon Society, a Chapter of the National Audu-
bon Society. The Chapter’s primary goals are to
promote species and habitat conservation and
environmental education in the community.
Your membership includes National Audubon and
Bexar Audubon and subscriptions to both Audubon
and Bexar Tracks.

www.bexaraudubon.org

For the latest information on environ-

mental events and happenings through-
out the San Antonio community and
surrounding areas, check out
www.bexaraudubon.org and
www.sa-naturecenter.org.

Membership and Support for Your Environmental Voice in Our Community

Bexar Audubon welcomes new members to join Audubon through the chapter. This brings 100 percent of the first year’s
dues directly back to support local work. The same applies to gift memberships placed through the chapter. Your additional
tax deductible donation is greatly appreciated. Bexar Audubon receives only a few thousand dollars each year from Na-
tional Audubon Society as dues share. The rest we must raise ourselves. Your help is needed, and your donations will be
put to good use right here in South Central Texas to provide environmental news and education to the community, includ-
ing the newsletter, programs, San Antonio Environmental Network Issues Forum, Second Saturday programs, and other
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Individual introductory memberships are $20; seniors and students join for $15. Please provide the following information
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