May-June 2007 Signal Smoke Newsletter Travis Audubon Society

8/9/2019 May-June 2007 Signal Smoke Newsletter Travis Audubon Society

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IINSIDENSIDETHIS ISTHIS ISSUE ...SUE ...

From the President...................................2

Birdathon 2007................................. ......3

Naturalists Calendar...............................4

Dan Callaway Report...............................5

TAS News & Notes......................... .........5

TAS Oklahoma Field Trip Report........... .6

Community Wildlife Habitat...................7

Monthly Meeting Information................8

Baker Sanctuary News...........................9

From Our E-mail Box............................11

TAS Events.............................. .........12-13

Many Thanks........................................14

Birdathon Registration Form................15

Travis Audubon SocietyMembership Form ................... Back page

VOLUME 56, NO. 5 & 6 May/June 200

MOKEMOKESSIGNALIGNALThe Newsletter of Travis Audubon Society

TASRegular Monthly Meeting

Thursday, May 17, 7:00 pm

Doors open at 6:30 pm for social time

Water from Stone:The Story of Selah,

Bamberger Ranch Perserve

Speakers: Jeffrey Greene,

J. David Bamberger

LCRA Board Roomin the Hancock Building

at 3700 Lake Austin Blvd. Austin TX

see page 8 for additional details

Baker Open House a SuccessJAEC Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

On what was the first, warm sunny day in two

straight weeks, nearly 100 people stopped in

at our Baker Open House on Saturday, March

31st. Some folks came to take guided walks on Baker

trails, some came specifically to look for the Golden-

cheeked Warbler, and still others came to attend theribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Jackie Arnold

Education Center at 1 p.m.

Since it had been raining off and on for some

time, including the evening before, the grounds

were moist and even muddy in places. But the

sun came out in a blue sky and temperatures warmed into the

70s, so everyone had a great time and felt that the late Mrs. Jackie Arnold

herself was blessing the event. The Golden-cheeked Warblers cooperated as well, with

virtually everyone who wanted to at least hearing, and usually seeing, one or more of the

endangered songbirds, which are nesting and breeding at Baker Sanctuary right now.

Our event took place at the new, and beautiful, Jackie Arnold Education Center a pavilionthat is perfectly nestled into trees on a slight rise, with a cooling breeze, plentiful butterflies,

and a noisy Bewicks Wren adding to the day. Adding interest and color were the nearby

original Baker family cabin and a family cemetery, now a historical site.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks by Austins Jim Arnold, son of the late Jackie

Arnold, a Past President

of Travis Audubon

whose gifts and bequest

underwrote the facility.

Jim spoke of his mothers

love for all the natural

world, and the importance

she placed on teachingothers, especially children

how to appreciate

it. Please see Baker

Sanctuary Steward John

Wilcoxs piece on p. 9 for

more details and photos.

from this great day for

Travis Audubon.

Photo, top right, Shelia Hargis and Jim Arnold

Photo, bottom, the JAEC

Photo credits: Marcie Wilcox


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TR A V IS A U D U B O N S O CI E TY S IG N A L S MO K E / May/June 2007

Travis Audubon Society provides an array of birding/natureclasses for the community and I would like to see us continue

to expand on these. Wouldnt it be great to have moreopportunities for children? I feel it is important for the youth

in our community to have a connection with nature, for they

are our hope for conservation in the future. Last Child in the

Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by

Richard Louv is the TAS Nature Book Clubs book for June.

I believe that anyone involved in environmental education, as

well as all parents, should read this book. Lets find ways for

getting children involved.

Travis Audubon Society also needs a home. We need a place to

hold our monthly meetings without the worry of having to lookfor another place at the last minute because of schedule changes.

This would be a place where we could house our office, hold

classes, maybe even have a library. I envision something like

Frontera Audubons building in Weslaco. I would like to work

toward this goal.

I look forward to working with you as we pursue the mission

of TAS, To promote the enjoyment, understanding, and

preservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats in Central

Texas.

Marsha May

From the President, continued from page 2

Travis Audubon Birdathon 2007

Travis Audubons Birdathon 2007 *

Saturday, May 12th

www.travisaudubon.org/birdathon07.html

More FAQs (Were glad you asked)!

What is it again? Birdathon is the biggest birding event in

the country, according to Audubon, and its Travis Audubons

annual fundraiser that makes our programs possible all year.

Like a walkathon, Birdathon is a day when our friends go

out birding and collect pledges for each species they count. A

quarter, a dollar, ten dollars a species its up to you and your

sponsors.

Why is TAS doing a Birdathon?

We raise much-needed general operating funds to underwrite

all our programs and activities.

Do I have to be a member of Travis Audubon to participate?

Not at all, although we welcome your Chapter Membership at

any time!

How many make a Birdathon team? Two or more people

are a team, and the more the merrier. But if youre a loner,

do Birdathon by yourself just register with TAS and start

collecting pledges! Dont forget to name your team no name

too silly. (Last year we gave an Honorary Best Team Nameaward to the Legal Migrants!)

Im already doing a birding project that day. Whether it be

surveying a particular property, a bird fest, or a species count,

that can be your Birdathon day, too! As long as you are birding

in Central Texas and collecting pledges, thats a Birdathon. Its

just a fun day in the outdoors and a great way to help support

your local Audubon chapter.

Can children participate? Absolutely! This is a family friendly

activity and a great way to have fun with your kids and learn a

thing or two as well! Youd be surprised how the kids enjoy it.

Can a school group be a team? Yes! School groups, Scout

troops, church groups, and neighborhood blocks all make great

Birdathon teams.

What if Ive never been birding before?No better time to give

it a go than Birdathon 2007. If you are brand-new to birding, we

will provide you with information to get you started. And please

dont blame us if you get hooked on birding - Americas fastest-

growing hobby!

What if it rains on May 12th? Die-hard birders will go out

anyway; the rain date will be Sunday, May 13th. Take Mom for

Mothers Day! PS: You can do Birdathon indoors, too, counting

species from your armchair. And you dont have to do Birdathon

on May 12th it could be a week early, or a few days later, as

long as you are collecting donations for Travis Audubon.

How do I know what to do? Register with the printable form onour Web site. We will contact you to confirm and provide you all

the information you need to have a

wonderful Birdathon day.

If you are a team leader: You will receive Birdathon 2007

ballcaps for all your sponsors of $25-$49. Birdathon goodie

bags and ballcaps will go to the first 100 donors of $50 or more.

Youll need to collect the pledges and turn the funds into Travis

Audubon by Friday, May 18th.

Cant do Birdathon 2007 but

still want to support our event?

We welcome your tax-deductiblecontribution in any amount to our

Birdathon. Just mail us a check

(payable to Travis Audubon Society

with Birdathon 07 in the memo.

line) or go to our Birdathon Web

page for an instant on-line donation

button. Thank you for supporting

TAS Birdathon 2007!

Birdathon 2007 HonorsMost Dollars Raised

Most Species Seen

Largest Number of Team S

Rarest Bird Seen

Most Unusual Birding Lo

Biggest Team


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4 S IG N A L S MO K E / May/June 2007 TR A V IS A U D U B O N S O CI E TY

NATURALISTSCALENDAR

by Bill Reiner

to by Robert Baumgardner

I

n a normal Austin year, May and June will be two of our

rainiest months. Well typically receive over 8 inches of

precipitation, nearly a quarter of our yearly total. (Of course,

you shouldnt depend upon averages. This year, both Januaryand March historically two of our dryer months each

brought us more rain than an average May. So who knows what

will happen.) The humidity will also go up with all that rain; the

average relative humidity of a May day ranges from about 60%

in the afternoon to 88% at dawn.

With the rains and humidity come the Rain Crows. Yellow-

billed Cuckoos earned this folk name with their loud calls in

the still air before thunderstorms: Ka-ka-ka-ka-ka-ka-kow-

kow-kowp-kowp, kowp, kowp. Accelerating, then slowing.

Sounding, as the author David Rains Wallace put it, rather

like someone shaking a ball bearing in a wooden box. The

calls will usually be your first clue that a cuckoo is nearby, forthe bird itself may be hard to find. Cuckoos spend much of

their time among the full-grown leaves of the tree canopies,

especially in woodlands along rivers and streams.

Furtive is a word frequently used to describe Yellow-billed

Cuckoo behavior. When it knows its been spotted, a cuckoo

acts as if its been caught doing something unethical: freezing

in place, staring back at you guiltily, hunching down to make

itself look smaller. Add to these mannerisms its pale brown

upperparts and long wings that give the impression of a khaki

trench coat, and a cuckoo may remind you of a cartoon spy.

Cuckoos are easiest to find in May, when they arrive from theirwintering grounds. As they set up breeding territories and seek

mates, they fly about and call more actively than they do later in

the summer. A flying cuckoo, with its long wings and tail, and

its quick but languid flight, is quite graceful. Look for a flash of

rufous in the primary feathers one feature that distinguishes

the adult Yellow-billed Cuckoo from the rare (in Austin)

migrant Black-billed.

The caterpillars of the forest canopy are mainstays of the

cuckoos diet. No caterpillars are safe from the cuckoo, wrote

ornithologist Edward Howe Forbush. It does not matter how

hairy or spiny they are, or how well they may be protected by

webs. Often the stomach of the cuckoo will be found lined witha felted mass of caterpillar hairs, and sometimes its intestines

are pierced by the spines of the noxious caterpillars that it has

swallowed. But the Yellow-billed Cuckoo has evolved an

intriguing ability to help it cope: when the hairs and spines that

rub off in the stomach begin to block digestion, the bird will

grow a new stomach lining, regurgitating the old lining hairs,

spines, and all. Such an adaptation, quipped Mr. Forbush,

would be beneficial to some unfeathered bipeds could they

compass it.

In a late eighteenth-century study of the stomachs of 109

Yellow-billed Cuckoos, caterpillars comprised 48.5% of the

contents. Another 30% of foods eaten were grasshoppers,

crickets, and katydids. One Yellow-billed Cuckoo was seeneating 40 gypsy moth caterpillars in 15 minutes. Another

picked out 47 tent caterpillars in 6 minutes. The stomachs of

10 Nebraska cuckoos contained a total of 416 grasshoppers and

locusts.

Considering the damage these insects would do if left

unchecked, the value of Yellow-billed Cuckoos as pest control

alone is enormous. But breeding bird survey data show an

alarming 3.2% annual decline in eastern populations from 1980

to 1994. Sparse western populations are even more imperiled,

especially as riparian woodlands are flooded to create artificial

lakes, or leveled to make way for urban sprawl. Our own

attempts at pest control in the form of chemicals have alsobeen implicated in the birds disappearance.

Sadly, the reverberating calls of the Rain Crows are giving way

to the roar of speedboats, crop-dusters, and lawnmowers.

References for this article included:Idle Weeds: The Life of a

Sandstone Ridge, by David Rains Wallace, andNatural History

of the Birds of Eastern and Central North America, by Edward

Howe Forbush.

Reprinted from May 2001

Latin America Committee Relaunching

We want to restart Travis Audubons Latin America Committee(LAC) by identifying TAS members who are interested in serv

on the LAC and determine a suitable meeting time for the first

group meeting. The proposed agenda for the initial meeting is a

follows:

determine frequency and dates for future meetings

develop goals for the committee

develop criteria for selecting projects

I'd like to have an initial meeting the first full week in May (4-

10). I anticipate it lasting no more than 1-1/2 hours. I would

appreciate your letting me know if you are interested in being o

the Committee. If you are interested please let me know which

of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights is best for you to

meet. I am also proposing 7 p.m. as a start time.

Your input, ideas, and participation are important to the LAC. L

me know which night is best to meet, and I look forward to get

started!

Regards,

Penny Potter, LAC Chair

[email protected]

462-3805


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TRA VIS AUD UB ON SOC IE TY SI GNA L SM OKE / May/June 2007

Participants: Ethel Kutac, Ingrid Huskey, Homer Cunningham,

Catfish Kelly, Dave Seal, Homer Rushing, Dan and SharonCallaway

Target bird: Black Phoebe (not seen)

From noon on April 2nd to 3 p.m. on the 3rd, we birded Kimble

County, including South Llano SP, City Park, sewer ponds

and country roads East of Junction. The best birding was in

the four bird blinds within the state park. Coming to feed

and/or water were Wild Turkey, White-winged and Mourning

Dove, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Black-crested Titmouse,

Bewicks Wren, Bells Vireo, Orange-crowned Warbler,

Northern Cardinal, Spotted and Canyon Towhee, Chipping,

Field, Lark, Black-throated, Lincolns and White-crownedSparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch and Lesser

Goldfinch. One Green Kingfisher was seen flying low going

upstream at the low-water crossing. Vermilion Flycatchers

were feeding from perches in the pecan trees. Standing in one

spot near a hillside, we saw a Black-capped Vireo, Yellow-

brested Chat, and a Scotts Oriole. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were

abundant. One pair was attending their lichen-covered cup nest.

In the late evening we could see turkey gobblers strutting amid

their unimpressed harem of hens. After dark, we could hear the

Common Poorwills mournfully calling from the hillside above

the camping area.

The city park at the convergence of the North and South Llano

Rivers revealed Great Blue Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, BeltedKingfisher, Golden-fronted and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers,

Common Raven, Canyon and Carolina Wrens, Yellow-throated

Vireos building a nest, and a Yellow-throated Warbler in the

same tree. Birds added at the hillside motel included Cliff

Swallows, an Eastern Phoebe and a Rock Wren. The sewer

ponds contained Eared Grebe, Gadwall, Blue-winged Teal,

Ruddy Duck, American Coot, and one Cattle Egret. Along

the road beside the ponds were Scissor-tailed Flycatchers and

Savannah Sparrows. Country roads east of town included a

Greater Roadrunner, Cave Swallows, and a Red-shouldered

Hawk diving down from his perch to snatch a snake. Other good

birds included Black and Turkey Vultures, Osprey, Coopers,

Swainsons and Red-tailed Hawks, Inca and Common Ground-Dove, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Purple Martin, Barn Swallow,

Verdin, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, White-

eyed Vireo, and Black-and-White Warbler. As we left the county

we spotted a Loggerhead Shrike on the wire. We turned around

to see if we could see him from Kimble County. We did; so we

counted him.

Total species: seventy-eight

Best bird: Black-capped Vireo

Dominant bird: Black-chinned Hummingbird

THEDAN CALLAWAYDAN CALLAWAYREPORTR E P O R TDan Callaway,photo by Robert Baumgardner

Birding to South Llano State Park - Apr 2 & 3, 2007

TAS News and Notes

Changing of the guard at Travis Audubon! We welcome LaurieFoss as our newest Committee Chair, taking over the lead onthe Field Trips Committee from Stan Van Sandt. Stan did a super

job for the last 16 months leading the Committee and we thank

him for all his work. Laurie, already a birder and a TAS member,

has hit the ground running with lots of energy and good ideas. Our

field trips are a great way to visit birding sites youve been curious

about and enhance your birding skills. You may also meet new

people and make friends, too!

With this issue ofSignal Smoke I also bid farewell to Travis

Audubon Society, as I make my way back up north to become

the Executive Director of the International Book Bank, a great

charity that donates textbooks and childrens books to schools and

libraries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Its located

in Baltimore, Maryland (state bird: Baltimore Oriole,Icterus

galbula), where it looks like Ill be joining the Baltimore Bird

Club, Chesapeake Audubon, and the Maryland Ornithological

Society! And Cape May, New Jersey, home of the annual World

Series of Birding, is not far away as the crow flies.

Ive met some wonderful people at Travis Audubon and learned

more than a thing or two about Texas birdlife. Im especially

grateful to Past President Shelia Hargis for her leadership and

support, both personal and professional. Its been exciting to be pof Travis Audubon under Shelias Presidency, as TAS has taken

steps to becoming to a major conservation force in Central Texas

Your new Board of Directors is phenomenal and I know they wi

be good stewards of Travis Audubon. Please continue to support

Travis Audubon, and I hope to encounter Texans birding in the

Middle Atlantic region one day. Until then, happy trails.

Valerie Sta


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6 SIG NAL SMO KE / May/June 2007 TRA VIS AUD UB ON SOC IE TY

Business Members

Travis Audubon is delighted to

recognize its Business Members:

Capital Printing Co.

Jeff Baker Stanberry Realtors

Mundy & Singley, LLP

Powell, Ebert & Smolik, PC

To learn about the benefits of supporting

Travis Audubon as a Business Member,

please go to www.travisaudubon.org and

click on Business Members, or contact

Travis Audubon at 512.300.BIRD (2473).

TAS FIELD TRIP TO OKLAHOMA

Trip Participants: Gary Waggerman, Ethel Kutac, Ingrid

Huskey, Frank Bumgardner (China Spring), and Dave Seal

(Rockford, Ill).

The trip was February 27-March 5, 2007. Although therewas bad weather the month prior to the trip, there was awindow of good weather (according to the weather prognos-

ticator) for the time we were going to be up north. There was

a dry front supposed to blow through the night before one ofour Prairie Chicken viewing days but otherwise it was clear

and dry.

February 27We picked up everyone and headed north

to Lake Kickapoo in Archer County, TX. We were hoping

to find Clarks, Western and Red-necked Grebes which had

been seen earlier in the month. No luck. At L. Kickapoo, we

did get a Horned Grebe, Red-breasted Merganser, Bufflehead

and other ducks. During our trip through NW Texas a couple

of us were adding species to our county lists. We crossed

the Red River on Hwy 183 east of Vernon and proceeded

east on Hwy 70 to Hackberry Flats, a state wildlife manage-

ment area. Several people on OKBIRDS had been postingwhat they had been seeing and where to go on the tract. It

was good for waterfowl and some of the marsh birds, but

the shorebirds had not started migrating to any great extent.

That would hold up the entire week. We did not even see one

Spotted Sandpiper. One couple (Lou and Mary Truex) could

not guide us but told me of a birdy way to get to our first

hotel in Frederick. The route took us by a prairie dog town

which was perhaps a place for Burrowing Owl. The owl was

in the right place and also there was a large buteo that was

standing guard duty on one of the holes. It was a Ferruginous

Hawk. Overnight in Frederick. I called the owner of a ranch

in NW Oklahoma that has had Lesser Prairie Chickens in

past years. He indicated that it had been so dry that the birdswere just not showing up this year on the booming grounds

as in past years. I told him I would call him the next day.

February 28We drove west and north of Altus looking for

longspurs and other prairie birds. No longspurs but did get a

Horned Lark, Western Meadowlarks and a Prairie Falcon and

a glimpse at a Rough-legged Hawk. There were also good

looks at Northern Flickers, Golden-fronted Woodpeckers and

Hairy Woodpeckers. We eventually worked our way into the

south side of Foss Lake and Washita National Wildlife Ref-

uge. A friend of mine, Justin Roach, now at Attwatter Prairie

Chicken NWR used to be stationed there and gave me some

tips on where to go. We were able to see a Western Grebe and

a Common Loon. Once leaving the NWR we headed west

to Black Kettle National Grasslands. We were able to locate

a Mountain Bluebird and the Black Kettle Lake Recreation

area had a marsh wren and a Common Merganser. We drove

into Arnett, the site of our hotel (theres only one in town),

to find out they had confused our reservations. I called the

rancher and found out that the LE Prairie Chickens had still

not showed up so we went on and spent the night in Wood-

ward. I called Mitch Yancy who was going to be our guide

tomorrow evening and the next day. Everything was set up and

the Greater Prairie Chickens were on the booming grounds at

the Bed and Breakfast out of Arkansas City, Kansas.

March 1we headed out of Woodward east and visited the

Little Sahara State Park on a very windy day. We continued on

to the Great Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge on the Salt

Fork of the Arkansas River. In Cherokee, a very birdy town, thehighlights were a Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpeck-

er and Great Horned Owl. On the Great Salt Plains (also windy)

we were able to locate a few places out of the wind and got

several ducks including Common Goldeneye. We went on to

Ponca City and met with Mitch Yancy. Mitch took us to a birdy

Audubon Society Sanctuary owned by the Wichita KAAS. The

name of it is Chaplin Nature Center west of Arkansas City, KA

One of our group asked if a passport was required to go to Kan-

sas. There were several of the species you would expect, but

one highlight was an American Woodcock at the feet of Ethel,

Ingrid, and Mitch. We also heard a Barred Owl calling and

saw a White-breasted Nuthatch. We left the nature center and

proceeded to the Bob and Martha Massey Bed and Breakfast

east of town. By the time we arrived and secured our rooms the

wind was howling and very cold. The front had arrived.

March 2after coffee and rolls at 5:15 am, Bob Massey took

us out to several viewing blinds at the Greater Prairie Chicken

Booming grounds in a trailer with hay bales he pulled with his

tractor. Our small group occupied 2 blinds. The wind was still

howling and Mr. Massey gave each of us a sleeping bag for

additional warmth. I had no idea what to expect. Even though

I brought my digital camera to the blind, I should have broughtcontinued on page 10


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TRA VIS AUD UB ON SOC IE TY SI GNA L SM OKE / May/June 2007

Jeff Baker,REALTOR , BirderCell: (512) 619-7421

Fax: (512) 371-9952

4000 Duval St. Austin TX 78751

SEARCH AREA LISTINGS @jeffbaker.stanberry.com

Also check out:

bakerproperties.biz & jeffbakerart.biz

Environment & Client Friendly

[email protected]

Dear Travis Audubon Member:I am writing to see if you will help our Austin

community qualify as a certified neighborhood habitat.

You may also have read about the press conference

given by the Mayor, Councilmember Leffingwell,

the local National Wildlife Federation (NWF), and

Travis Audubon recently. The City has agreed to work

toward having Austin become the first major city in the

country to be a certified wildlife habitat. I believe that

Auduboners can help push this environmental initiative

over the top! To qualify you need to do only four things:

1. Provide food: berries, nuts, seeds, nectar, by having

some native plants.

2. Provide shelter: canopy trees, shrubs, under story

plants and/or grasses.

3. Make places to raise young: rock walls, wood piles,

dense thickets, etc.

4. Provide a constant water source: bird bath, fountain,

pond, etc.

If you have not filled out your form yet for the National

Wildlife Federation Certification, you can find it on-line.

(I am also bringing the forms to the Travis Audubon

monthly meetings). It is an easy, 1-page checklist. You

can fill it out on line: www.nwf.org/backyard.

Complete the form and send in your $15 and that will

help our City to become the first big city and the first in

Texas to be designated as a certified community habitat.

With many of you already having native plants, I knowsome of you will qualify easily. I can also help you fill

out the form. If you have questions, please call me. And

please talk to other Travis Audubon members about this

important effort.

Dale and Pat Bulla

512-345-9528

[email protected]

From the NWF: Why Garden For Wildlife?(from www.nwf.org/backyard)

2007 National Wildlife Federation

Why should I garden for wildlife and certify my yardas a Backyard Wildlife Habitat site?

1. Its fun! Youll attract beautiful songbirds, cheerful

butterflies and other interesting wildlife to your yard.

Watching wildlife can be fun for the whole family.

2. Its relaxing! The natural environment of your

habitat will provide a peaceful place to relieve stress

and unwind, day or night.

3. It makes your yard more attractive! Replacingbarren lawn with beautiful wildflowers and other

native plants will increase the appeal of your property

and will provide a nurturing place for wildlife.

4. It nurtures and supports wildlife all year! Habitat

restoration is critical for wildlife where commercial

and residential development has eliminated most

natural areas. Wildlife especially need your help

during the cold winter months.

5. It benefits the environment! Gardening practices

that help wildlife, like reducing chemicals andconserving water, also help to improve air, water and

soil quality throughout your neighborhood.

Austin as a Certified Wildlife Community


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8 S IG N A L S MO K E / May/June 2007 TR A V IS A U D U BO N S O CI E TY

Monthly Meeting InformationMonthly Meeting Information

About J. David Bamberger...

Texas conservationist J. David Bambergers was the co-founder and CEO of Churchs

Fried Chicken, and a new book describing the development of Selah chronicles how he

applied profit incentives to land restoration, nature conservancy, and the creation of aTexas Hill Country preserve just west of Austin. Bamberger will speak about his work

and his ranch, which is open to visitors for selected tours, educational workshops, and

field days.

Bamberger bought what he describes as the sorriest piece of land in Blanco County

and spent decades restoring the ecological balance of 5,500 acres that had been virtually

destroyed by more than a century of misuse. Naming his preserve Selah, from the Old

Testament term meaning pause and reflect, Bamberger dedicates himself and his

resources to protecting species and educating school children, conservation groups,

government officials, and everyone else who will listen to his central message: We must

take care of the earth, and anyone can help.

David and his wife, Margaret, have received many awards, and he has been featured inThe New Yorker, inAudubon, and on CNN and network news. Published by Texas A&M

University Press, the bookWater from Stone: The Story of Selah, Bamberger Ranch

Preserve, by Jeffrey Greene, tells the story of the Bambergers conservation work.

Copies of the book will be available for signing and purchase at the meeting.

To learn more about Selah, go to Travis Audubons site at www.travisaudubon.org,

click on the Links page, and select Bamberger Ranch Preserve in the Like-minded

organizations section.

Thursday, May 17, 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm for social time)TAS Regular Monthly Meeting

Program: Water from Stone: The Story of Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve

Presenters:Jeffrey Greene & J. David Bamberger

Award-winning author Jeffrey Greene provides a portrait, by turns lyrical and provocative, of J. DavidBambergers unlikely transformation from first, a vacuum cleaner salesman, then co-founder and CEOof Churchs Fried Chicken, to a locally and internationally recognized conservationist. In fact, Greenetells two integrally related stories: the evolution of one mans business sense, applying profit incentivesto land restoration and nature conservancy; and the creation of a Texas Hill Country preserve where heeffectively demonstrates his own principles, prevailing over skeptics. - From the book jacket ofWaterfrom Stone.

JEFFREY GREENE received his Ph.D. from the University of Houston. He is the author of the memoirFrench Spirits, appearing in nine countries, and three collections of poetry. He is the winner of the

Discovery/ The Nation Award and the Randall Jarrell Prize and has been supported by the National Endowment for theArts, the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, and the Rinehart fund. His work has appeared in the The New Yorker,

The Nation, American Scholar, among many other publications. He lives in Paris.

Program begins at 7:00 pm. Location: LCRA Board Room, 3700 Lake Austin Blvd. The board room is in the Hancock

Building, the middle building in the courtyard. Well be in the room on the left upon entering. Parking available in

garage. Bus Routes available at www.capmetro.austin.tx.us. Bicycle routes at www.ci.austin.x.us/bicycle/bikemap.htm;

974-7240. Refreshments provided.

More information on

Mays topic


9/16

TR A V IS A U D U B O N S O CI E TY S IG N A L S MO K E / May/June 2007 9

The biggest

news at the

Sanctuary

in March was the

completion and

ribbon cutting for

the Jackie Arnold

Education Center.

Over 7 inches of rain

fell at the Sanctuary

during the month of

which 2.7 inches fell

during the last week

of March. In spite of the rain, IDM Builders installed the

finishing touches to the center, hauled off the construction

debris and completed the punch list items in time for the

combined Open House/JAEC Ribbon Cutting set for March

31st.

The sun rose through scattered clouds that morning and

warmed the cool morning temperatures. Our volunteer

guides arrived first, parked at the parking lot and walked up

to the hilltop, site of the Baker Cabin/JAEC. Our visitors

then began arriving and were shown where to park and sign

in. As soon as a small group gathered, one of our guides

took them out on the trail system to see Golden-cheeked

Warblers. Warblers, and other birds, were heard if not seen

on all of the trails traveled. However, those on the hilltop

didnt have to leave the area to see the Pyrrhuloxia that

appeared to the west or the Broad-winged hawks that soared

overhead in the clear morning air, bringing the total number

of bird species recorded at the Baker Sanctuary to ninety-nine.

We are so grateful to Chuck Sexton, Cindy Sperry, Gary

Waggerman and Paul Breaux who guided our visitors. Our

thanks also go to Valarie Bristol, Donna Brasher and Frances

Cerbins who handled visitor parking and sign-in. Thanks

goes to outgoing TAS President Shelia Hargis and incoming

TAS President Marsha May for their support of the Open

House and an additional thank you goes to Chris Masey for

guiding a walk after the ribbon cutting ceremony.

As 1:00 PM approached, more people arrived for the JAEC

ceremony. TAS Executive Director Valerie Staats emceed,followed by outgoing TAS President Shelia Hargis and

TAS Baker Sanctuary Steward John Wilcox. Jim Arnolds

closing remarks, for what to me was an emotional ceremony,

recounted Jackies history with TAS and her legacy as both a

giver and a doer not only to her community, but also to

the Travis Audubon Society and the Baker Sanctuary. Then

Jim and Shelia cut the ribbon on the JAEC. This was a fitting

culmination to the collaborative effort among TAS, the PSP

JAEC Design Team, IDM Builders and over three years of

work by Marcie and me.

BBakeraker SSanctuaryanctuaryNNewsews

On March 10th, the Sanctuary hosted the third event in the

Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Hike and Lecture Series.

This series was organized by the City of Austin and the

Travis County BCP staff to offer interested individuals an

opportunity to learn about one of the most unique urban

preserves systems in the country. TAS Baker Sanctuary Chair

Terri Siegenthaler and Volunteer Guide Kathy McCormack

led approximately twenty people on a tour of the Sanctuary.

After the hike, Marcie and I gave those individuals that were

interested a preview of the Jackie Arnold Education Center.

John Wilcox, TAS-Baker Sanctuary Steward

Above, left to right,

John Wilcox, Sanctuary Steward & Larry Speck, Project Architect

Photo credits: Marcie Wilcox


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10 S IG N A L S MO K E / May/June 2007 TR A V IS A U D U B O N S O C IE TY

the video camera. Even with my little digital camera I got

some decent pictures of the males booming. The wind began

to let up some, the sun was still 15-20 minutes from coming

up and the birds began flying into the grounds. I counted 29

at one time and there were about 12-13 males. At the height

of the booming displays, a Ring-necked Pheasant strolled

across the dance floor. There was a Red-tailed Hawk that was

perched near the booming grounds, but never flew during theextravaganza. There were also Eastern and Western Mead-

owlarks and a Horned Lark on the lek. We may have been

on the lek for about 1.5 hours but the best was yet to come.

Bob Massey took us back to the bunkhouse where Martha

had prepared breakfast. Even though our hands were too cold

to hold to a fork we devoured eggs, bacon, sausage gravy,

homemade biscuits and wild plum jelly. With a full belly we

regretfully left the Masseys and returned to Oklahoma. Mitch

guided us through the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve that is owned

by the Nature Conservancy. It was still quite windy for birding

but we found several places to bird including a creek bottom

near the refuge headquarters. There we found a Red-headed

Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker and a Red-bellied Wood-

pecker. We also had an American Tree Sparrow on the refuge.

After passing by several hundred buffalo, we had lunch at Bad

Brads Barbeque in Pawhuska we parted company with Mitch

and proceeded to our overnight destination in Muskogee. Ear-

lier in the week a Yellow-billed Loon was seen on TenKiller

Lake, at Strayhorn Landing. We had planned to stop there the

next day but went on down there this day to see if the bird

was still there. The YB Loon was still there along with several

Common Loons.

March 3on our way south to Broken Bow we stopped at

the dam at TenKiller Lake and the Kerr Dam project. We saw

Eared Grebe, Herring Gull, Wilsons snipe, and Long-billed

Dowitcher. At Beavers Bend State Park, just below Broken

Bow Reservoir, we had House Finches and a Brown Creeper

and Northern Flickers. This is a great park for migrants in a

few more weeks. We spent the night at the Broken Bow Inn in

Broken Bow.

March 4David Arbour, a biologist with the US Forest

Service and the Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, met

us at the hotel and guided us to the Red Slough which is SE

of town. He took us first to a field station of the Forest Service

where we got a Brown-headed Nuthatch, Pine Warblers, and

Purple Martins. We continued on to the Slough and spent the

rest of the morning there. We observed White-fronted, Snow,

Ross, Cackling, and Canada Geese, nine species of ducks

to include Wood Duck and Hooded Mergansers. Of course

there were American Coots and we finally found a Pied-Billed

Grebe (the only one for the trip). The swallows were just be-

ginning to move in and we got Barn, Northern Rough-winged

and Tree Swallows. David then took us on a sparrow hunt for

Henslows Sparrow. It wasnt much of a hunt. The first place

we went he has us spread out across the meadow and begin

walking. Within a minute several flew and we got a couple in a

tree which we surrounded. It was the same for the LeContes

in another location. We also got Chipping, Field, Vesper,

Song, Swamp, White-throated, White-crowned, and Dark-

eyed Junco. To summarize the species of sparrows seen for

the entire trip, add Fox, Savannah, American Tree, Harris,

Clay-colored, Eastern Towhee, and Spotted Towhee. We

parted company with David and got some tips on where to

go in the afternoon and in the morning. We went back to theBroken Bow Reservoir and saw a Black Phoebe near the

dam and also got a Bald Eagle, the only one for the trip.

March 5this, the final day, was basically a drive home

to Austin from SE Oklahoma. We made a couple stops in

the Little River National Wildlife Refuge south of Broken

Bow and saw a Pileated Woodpecker, and an American

Pipit. On the way home we added more species to our Texas

County lists. Believe it or not, the only White-winged Dove

recorded on the entire trip was calling in Ethels yard when

we got back. There were several Eurasian Collared Doves

every place we went.

Many thanks go to Mitch Yancy of Ponca City, OK and

David Arbour, DeQueen, AR, for helping guide our group in

various days of the trip. Also thanks to the several people on

Okbirds that sent me information about certain parts of the

trips.

I have not listed all the birds seen (135 species) in any of the

particular spots we visited. I do have a total trip list typed

out and if anyone wants a copy just let me know.

Thank you Travis Audubon Society for letting me arrange

and lead this trip to the land of my roots. I had to suppress

the urge to take a couple of hours out and tour the old farm-

stead when we got close on day three.

Gary Waggerman

[email protected]

Oklahoma, continued from page 6

Monthly Guided Hikes at Bright Leaf Preserve

Guided hikes are open to the public and are on the second

Saturday and second Sunday of each month (except when

holidays conflict).

Summer hikes, May October, start at 8:30am

Winter hikes, November April, start at 9:00am.

Hikes are usually 4 miles long and last about 2 hours.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring your own water.

Please arrive on time there is only one hike per day.

We are happy to arrange other hikes for any type or size

of group. All dates are subject to change. Please call

459-7269 for more information or to request a hike on a

different date.


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TRA VIS AUD UBO N SOC IET Y SIG NAL SM OKE / May/June 2007 11

From our E-mail BoxBarn Swallows

QCan you please help me ID this bird? Time ofyear: early Spring (April). City: Killeen, TX. Closestbig city: Austin. I see them once a season; they comeback to nest and around mid-May they are gone. JJ,Killeen.

AThe bird you pictured is a Barn Swallow. Theyare a common sight soaring in the sky in the springand early summer in the Austin area. They aremigrants and spend their winters south of here inwarmer climates. They build mud nests and arefrequently pests when they build them on the porch

of a residence. They are easily identified by the tailstructure, which has given its name - swallow tail -to mens coats which have a split in the back. Lovelylittle birds and a delight to behold as they soar. - LB

QHello, I have a problem with some birds in anest above my porch. This house is a rent house andunfortunately I did not find out about the birds untilI recently returned to Austin to get the house ready

to sell. The birds are white on bottom and black ontop. Can you recommend a bird-friendly method toremove these birds? Thanks. - TS, Austin.

AThere is no way that the nest may be movedsuccessfully. Im assuming from your description

that the bird is a barn swallow. They are notorious forbuilding mud nests above light fixtures on porches- it is a neat and protected place because rain is, ofcourse, destructive to a mud nest. My advice is to

leave the nest alone and to help your renters realizewhat a fortunate situation it is for them to be able to

view nature close up. The only real drawback to thatis that the birds leave droppings under the nest, whichis unsightly. But, if they have children, it can be awonderful educational tool. I wouldnt tear the nestdown until the renters expressed negativity.

Lawrence Buford

Co-Chair, Travis Audubon Society Bird Records

Photos credit: Julian Jasmin


12/16


TAS Events - May 2007TAS Events - May 2007Thursday, May 3

6 am to ?

Sunday, May 68 am to 12 noon

Saturday, May 12

Saturday, May 197:30 am to noon

Field Trip to Warbler WoodsLimited to ten participants. Early May is the peak of migration and twenty or more warbler spe-

cies may be present, along with other special birds usually found on the Schaezlers property

like Pauraque and Curve-billed Thrasher. Warbler Woods is an excellent place to see migrating

warblers and other birds. The owners of this private property have created a wildlife habitat with

small ponds, mists, bird baths and feeders to attract both resident and migrating birds, and many

species of birds have been seen on this property. Contact Terry Banks to register or for more

information at 451-6302 or [email protected].

East Metropolitan ParkThis new Travis County park opened in June of 2006 and appears to have excellent bird habitat

with 3 ponds, brushy fields, and numerous scattered oaks. Join us to see if the spring migrants

find it as enticing as we do and if the Common Ground-Doves or any of the 14 sparrow spe-

cies that wintered there are still present. The park is southeast of Manor at Burleson-Manor and

Blake-Manor roads. We will meet in the first parking lot on the left after you enter the park.

Directions: Going east on US 290 from Austin, turn south on FM 973 at Manor. After crossing

the railroad tracks at the south edge of town, turn left (southeast) on to Blake-Manor Road. Stay

on Blake-Manor Road for about 3.5 miles until you see the Park Entrance on the right.

Coming from the south, take MLK/RR 969 east past RR 973 to Burleson-Manor Rd. Go left

(north) to the intersection with Blake-Manor Rd. Go left and the entrance to the park will bearound 100 yards on the left. Contact Roxie Rochat (email: roxier at austin.rr.com; phone: 512-

345-6935) or Ed Fair (email-preferred: ezflaw at sbcglobal.net; phone: 512-560-1943) for more

information.

Travis Audubons Annual BirdathonOpen to everyone! Please see page 3 for details!

Monthly Bird Walk at Hornsby BendAustins premier birding site. No registration required. Contact Kevin Anderson (972-1960) for

more information.

Please join us at SELAH, where you can take time toreflect, while counting amazing spring birds at the Spring 2007Bamberger Ranch Bird Count on Sunday, May 6.

You are welcome to arrive on Saturday evening (May 5) after

6pm and spend the night at the Center. Be sure to bring your

own linens and towels (I also bring ear plugs, just in case I need

them.) Then join us Saturday night at the Center at 7pm for a

pot luck dinner. We will all bring something delightful to eat.

(Please bring food that is ready to eat or takes very little prepa-

ration.) We may even take a walk Saturday evening to search

for night birds.

Sunday morning we will be getting up bright and early for the

bird count. Coffee will be available at the Center. Please bring

your own easy no cook breakfast and lunch. There will be

some room in the frig, but it would probably be best if you sup-

plied your own cooler. Since sunrise is at 6:46am, so we will

gather at 6:45am where area assignments will be announced.

The count will begin at 7:00am. We will then meet at 12 noon

at the Center for the tally. The terrain is rugged, so be sure to

wear sturdy boots or shoes and field clothes. There is always

that chance for rain, so dont forget rain gear. And, lots and lots

of water to drink. And, of course, binoculars. Please e-mail me

and let me know if you are going to join us and also let me know

you will be arriving Saturday evening (after 6 pm) or Sunday moing (by 6:45am).

The kind folks at the Bamberger Ranch are letting us use this gre

facility for our potluck and sleepover, and ask that we pick up aft

ourselves and leave the Center in the same condition that we foun

it. Lets show our appreciation.

From Austin - take 290 west to junction with 281

When you get to the intersection of 290 and 281, turn right onto

281 and you will immediately go over the bridge that crosses Mil

Creek, and immediately after that turn left across the median and

south bound lane of 281 and enter a county road that is identified

Miller Creek Loop - CR 203. When you have gone 2.3 miles yo

will be at a Y with the left fork going to Diamond X ranch. Take

right fork and continue another 0.9 miles to 4 mailboxes with 234

on the black one and a road that Ts into Miller Creek Loop from

the left. That road is Blue Ridge Dr. (usually has a street sign) - tu

left and go 0.7 miles to the Selah Gate. Stay on main road for 2.9

miles to get to the CENTER.

I look forward to seeing everyone there. Tell all your birding

friends. Hope to see many of you soon.

Marsha E. M


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TR AVI S AUD UB ON SOC IE TY SI GNA L SM OKE / May/June 2007 13

TAS Events - June 2007TAS Events - June 2007Saturday, June 2

7 am to Noon

Saturday, June 97 am & 4 pm

Saturday, June 167:30 am to Noon

Saturday, June 239 am to 2 pm

Saturday, June 307:30 am to 10 am

Cherry Springs RanchLed by Laurie Foss. Cherry Springs Ranch, which straddles Burnet and Blanco Counties in

Spicewood, is over 1000 acres in size and has been owned by the same family since 1958. Bill

and Ann Edwards have hosted several birding events there, including Breeding Bird Surveys an

field trips. Target birds will include nesting Golden-cheeked Warblers and Wild Turkeys. Well b

keeping a log of our sightings to add to their database of breeding birds on the property. Contac

Laurie Foss (751-3677) (lauriefoss at gmail.com) for more information.

Monthly Bird Count at Hornsby BendContact Kevin Anderson (972-1960) for more information. Sponsored monthly by the Hornsby

Bend Bird Observatory.

Monthly Bird Walk at Hornsby BendAustins premier birding site. No registration required. Contact Kevin Anderson (972-1960) for

more information.

2nd Annual Travis Audubon Floating Field TripLed by Claude Morris. Again the trip will go from the park in the town of Webberville to the Bi

Webberville Park. Webberville is in eastern Travis County. This is about a 5-mile section of rivewith slowly moving or still water. You should be able to paddle that distance, as there usually is

little in the way of swift water or rapids, and it should take 3-5 hours to complete, with a stop fo

lunch on an island included in the trip plans.

Directions: Take 19th Street / MLK / Hwy 969 and go east. You will go east of Airport Blvd,

east of Hwy 183, east of Hwy 973. About 7 miles east of Hwy 973 is the town of Webberville.

When you get to town, there will be a sign that says Water Street. Go right on Water Street. Afte

about a block the street turns back to the left. After another block turn right into the park. Conta

Claude Morris at cgmorris at flash.net, 512-619-4797 (c)

Berry Springs Preserve (1801 CR 152, Georgetown)Led by Kathy McCormack. This new 300-acre preserve includes an old pecan orchard, open

fields, riparian habitat along Berry Creek, and a clear water pond created by damming BerrySprings. Well be walking about two miles on concrete and crushed granite hiking trails (ADA-

accessible), listening and looking for late spring breeding birds (e.g., three Eastern Bluebird nes

boxes in the park have been very successful, and we may get lucky and see one of the half-doze

Yellow-billed Cuckoos that will be calling). In addition, over a dozen species of dragonflies and

damselflies should be found.

Directions: Driving north on IH-35 to Georgetown, take Exit 261A (RM 2338, Lake Georgetow

Andice). At the light, turn right onto Williams Dr, and then take an immediate left onto Austin

Ave. Go 0.5 miles, and turn right onto FM 971. Go 1.5 miles and, just after the light, turn left

onto CR 152, just before the Heritage Baptist Church. Stay on CR 152 for 1.8 miles (the road

will make a sharp turn to the right, go under SH 130, and then go over Berry Creek). The park

entrance will be on your left. No registration required. Contact Kathy McCormack at VEFL21 a

yahoo.com or 698-9880 for questions.

About TAS Field TripsAll TAS field trips are open to members and nonmembers and to experienced and inexperienced birders.Wear appropriate clothing and walking shoes, and bring binoculars and water. Unless otherwise noted, field trips are free. Carpoolers

should expect to pay a share of the gasoline expense. For complete, up-to-date information on field trips, including cancellations due

to weather or other circumstances, please check the TAS website at www.travisaudubon.org. Because of the publication schedule of the

newsletter, things can change. If you do not have Internet access, please contact the person(s) listed with the event description.

About Hornsby Bend Maps and other information about the Hornsby Bend facility may be found on the Hornsby Bend website atwww.hornsbybend.org


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14 S IG N A L S MO K E / May/June 2007 TR A V I S A U D U B O N S O CI E T

Program Committee: meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, contact: Ann Gardner, [email protected]

TAS Board of Directors: meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month (except for December), contact: Marsha May, 300-BIRD

Urban Habitat Development Group: meets on the 3rd Monday of each month, contact: Jane Tillman, 794-0058

Education Committee: meets on the 3rd Monday of each month, contact: Byron Stone, 451-3380

Latin America Committee Meeting: meets most 3rd Wednesdays, contact: Penny Potter, [email protected]

TAS Regular Monthly Meeting: meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month except for June, July & August

Bird Records Committee: meets on the 4th Thursday of the month, contact: Ethel Kutac, 346-7659

TAS Nature Book Club Meeting: the 4th Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm at BookPeople, contact: [email protected]

Ongoing TAS MeetingsOngoing TAS Meetings

TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY NATURE BOOK CLUB

We invite you to join the Travis Audubon Society Nature Book Club, which is usually held the 4th Thursday of e

month at 7:00 pm at BookPeople (6th and Lamar, thank you BookPeople!). The group is informal and fun, and

can choose to go to all the meetings and discuss all the books, or you can pick and choose the meetings featur

books you would like to discuss. You do not have to have read the book to attend. In the coming months were reading:

May 24, 2007 -Into the Wildby John Krakhauer (Anchor, 1997)

June 28, 2007 -Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorderby Richard Louv (Algonquin Books, 2

This selection is tentative! Before you commit to reading a book for a particular month, you may want to call Terry Ba

451-6302 or e-mail [email protected] to find out if the book is still current.

GeneralJean AndrewsSam BertronRichard Donovan

Thomas DriscollLaurie FossErica HillAlec Rhodes

2006 Annual AppealJohn Hendrick

Elizabeth Wehner

A Bigger BakerBarbara Anderson

Omega Baker

Christi CarlettiJenny Cloudman

Robin Dennis

A Bigger Baker (cont.)Shelia Hargis

Jim Hargrove

Kirsti Harms

L. E. HoefgenLaura Johnson

Suzanne Kho

Leslie Morris

Janel Nye

Mary Parker

Michael Pfeil

Jeri Porter

Ursula Rader

Martha Renfroe

Emy Lou Sawyer

Arlie Scott

Dan Smith

Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Winn

Chaetura CanyonBarbara Anderson

Peterson Charitable Lead Trust

Painted Bunting MembershipRachel Jenkins & Joe Kulhavy

Keith & Ellen Lain

Rebecca Weaver

Vireo MembershipJohn McCollough

Russ Nelson

Charles F. Smith

In Memory of Esther Cooper

Elizabeth Cooper

We thank these persons and groups who generously made recentcontributions to Travis Audubon Society (as of press time):


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TRA VIS AUD UBO N SOC IET Y SIG NAL SM OKE / May/June 2007 1

Registration Form Yes, count me in! I will support Travis Audubon by counting bird species on

Saturday, May 12, 2007 and collecting pledges from sponsors!

My Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Team Goal: $ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Target # of Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

City, State, Zip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amt. enclosed: $. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Preferred tel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Team Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected # of teammembers . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please be sure to tell us:

I would like Travis Audubon to place me on a team.

I/We are more or less beginning birders and need suggestions and guidance.

I/We are intermediate or advanced birders and will fly on our own.

I will be doing Birdathon 2007 solo instead of as part of a team.

I cant do Birdathon this year but want to make a tax-deductible contribution instead.

The 1st 100 sponsors to donate $50+ will receive the Birdathon goodie bag andtheBirdathon 2007 ballcap. Donations must be received by TAS by Friday, May 18, 2007.

Sponsors who donate $25-$49 will receive the Birdathon 2007 Ballcap.

Sponsors pledges are tax-deductible contributions to Travis Audubon Society.

Please make checks payable to Travis Audubon Society and note Birdathon 2007 in the memo. line.

_______________________________________________________

PARTICIPATION WAIVER FOR BIRDATHON 2007 PARTICIPANTS

In consideration of my application to participate in Birdathon 2007, I hereby take action for myself, my executors, administrators,

heirs, next of kin, successors, and assigns as follows: (A) Waive, Release and Discharge from any and all liability for my death,disability, personal injury, property damage, property theft or actions or any kind which may hereafter accrue to me or my travel-ing to and from this event, the Travis Audubon Society, Inc. and its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, representatives, andagents, the event holders, event sponsors, event directors, and event volunteers; (B) Indemnify and Hold Harmless the entities orpersons mentioned in this paragraph from any and all liabilities or claims made by other individuals or entities as a result of any ofmy actions during this event. I warrant that I am in good health and have no known conditions that would disallow my participationin Birdathon 2007:

Signature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printed Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date . . . . . . . . . .

If a parent of minor children, my signature above constitutes my participation waiver on their behalf.

Please return with the collected funds to:

Birdathon 2007Travis Audubon SocietyPost Office Box 40787

Austin, Texas 78704

Birdathon 2007!


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Travis Audubon SocietyMembership SecretaryP.O. Box 40787Austin TX 78704

Dated Material - DO NOT DELAY

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage PaidPermit No. 2301

Austin, Texas

Join your local Audubon chapter, Travis Audubon Society,by using the form at the right. Your dues will be put to usesupporting local conservation, education, research projects,

field trips, and other Travis Audubon activities right here inCentral Texas. We seek your support through your member-ship in our local chapter. (To become a member of the nationalAudubon, please go to their Web site at www.audubon.org.)

Join Travis Audubon now and supportlocal birds, wildlife, and their habitats.

Travis Audubon Society chapter members receive eleven is-sues of this Signal Smoke newsletter, priority sign-ups on localfield trips, discounts on our educational classes, the opportuni-

ty to participate in our e-mail group and attend our wonderfulmonthly lectures, and more!

To join Travis Audubon Society:Make your check payable to Travis Audubon Society andsend it with this form to TAS Membership Secretary, P. O. Box40787, Austin, TX 78704, or join on-line using any majorcredit card by going to www.travisaudubon.org and clickingon Membership.

Travis Audubon SocietyYES! I want to enjoy the benefits of Travis AudubonSociety chapter membership. Enroll me as a member of

Travis Audubon Society. Enclosed is my check for: $12 Youth Membership (up to age 18)

$25 Individual Membership

$35 Family Membership

$75 Painted Bunting Membership (bonus TravisAudubon T-shirt)

$100 Vireo Membership (bonus T-shirt and book)

$250 Warbler Membership (bonus T-shirt, book, andfree workshop)

$1,000 Lifetime Membership (bonus T-shirt, book,free workshop, and listing in annual report)

T-shirt size (for premium memberships) __________________

This is a gift membership from ________________________

Name _______________________________ Phone ________________

Address _____________________________________________________

City ____________________________ State _____ Zip _____________

Email ______________________________________________________

Visit the TAS Web site:www.travisaudubon.org

May-June 2007 Signal Smoke Newsletter Travis Audubon Society

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Transcript of May-June 2007 Signal Smoke Newsletter Travis Audubon Society