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Articles by Nature Notes
Best eyes in the Animal Kingdom
Though human brains receive a variety of information from all of our sensory organs, we tend to rely heavily on vision. Like many other animals, we use vision to take in our surrounds, look for food, and keep an eye out for danger. So how do human eyes measure up against the best vision in the animal world? A few factors influence what we might consider ‘good’ vision. One is the ability to see color. Humans are trichromats, which means that we have three types color receptors, known as cone cells.
All about the Smith Point Hawk Watch
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory (GCBO) is celebrating the 30th anniversary of our Smith Point Hawk Watch this fall. GCBO has hosted the Smith Point Hawk Watch at the Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area in Anahuac for three decades now, gathering data about all of the raptors that fly overhead during the fall migration.
Great blue herons prefer undisturbed nesting areas
I am enchanted by the majesty of the great blue heron. Whether it is poised along a river or flying overhead, the great blue heron moves with a certain deliberateness. The heron is an abundant and well-known resident throughout its expansive range. Its adaptability allows it to flourish wherever water is present. Coastlines, swamps, mountain lakes and even backyard ponds provide a suitable habitat for this stately bird.
Nature Notes: Is that a crow?
By Martin Hagne NATURE NOTES kA 4=2DDlQAbQmkDA2? 4=2DDlQDaQmp== 3=24<[ @7E6? ?@:DJ 2?5 8C682C:@FD[ 2== E9@D6 3=24<3:C5D] $@>6 D66> D>2==6C[ D@>6 >@C6 3C@H?:D9 2?5 D@>6 2C6 C2E96C =2C86] %@ >@DE 7@=<D[ E92E >2J 36 2== H6 ?@E:46 23@FE E96>] qFE E96C6 :D 2 H@C=5 @7 5:776C6?46 2?5 ?62E 3692G:@C E92E H6 42? =62C? 23@FE E96D6 3:C5D] u@C @?6[ E96C6 2C6 >2?J DA64:6D 7C@> EH@ G6CJ 5:DE:?4E 8C@FAD @7 3:C5D E92E >2<6 FA E96 3=24<3:C5 8C@FAD]k^DA2?mk^Am kA 4=2DDlQAbQmkDA2?
I Spy an Eyelid
When birds dip, dive, run or fly in the natural world, things are bound to get messy, especially when it comes to securing a potential future meal. For many bird species, their greatest hunting weapon is their beak, which they use to grab prey and consume it as efficiently as possible. Unfortunately, as hunting usually goes, things can get chaotic. Catching prey often means getting their beak (and their very fragile face) right into the fray.
Nature Notes: Turf Wars - Native vs. Non-native
I’m sure most people have heard the terms “native” and “non-native” when referring to the plants and animals that inhabit the area. But, what exactly do those words mean? And, why are they so important? Native species are considered species that have existed historically in a certain region or ecosystem. They were here long before civilization and boast a stable, self-perpetuating population.
All about the coloration of birds
By Megan Hobratschk Nature Notes kA 4=2DDlQAbQmw2G6 J@F 6G6C H@?56C65 H9J D@>6 3:C5D 2C6 D@ 4@=@C7F= 4@>A2C65 E@ @E96CDn %96 4@=@C @7 2 3:C5’D 762E96C :D 56E6C>:?65 3J DECF4EFC2= 6=6>6?ED 2?5^@C A:8>6?E2E:@?[ H9:49 2C6 4@=@C65 DF3DE2?46D] x? @?6 DA64:2= 42D6[ 5:D4FDD65 =2E6C[ 762E96C 4@=@C :D AC@5F465 3J 2 4@>3:?2E:@? @7 3@E9]k^Am kA 4=2DDlQAbQm(96? E9:?<:?8 @7 4@=@CD :? 86?6C2=[ A:8>6?E2E:@? :D H92E 4@>6D E@ >J >:?5] x?
The ways of waterways
Living on the Texas coast means being surrounded by water. In a single day, you might visit the Gulf, drive along a bay and cross a river before heading home. Or was it a creek? Or a bayou? These names aren’t just for show; they describe different kinds of water with unique sizes, depths, salinities and flows.
Non-native house sparrows can be a nuisance
By Celeste Silling Nature Notes kA 4=2DDlQAbQm%96 >@DE 4@>>@? 3:C5 x D66 2C@F?5 >J E@H? :D AC@323=J E96 9@FD6 DA2CC@H] %9:D =:EE=6 3:C5 :D BF:E6 4FE6 2?5 x =:<6 H2E49:?8 E96> 7=:E 2C@F?5 2?5 :?E6C24E H:E9 @?6 2?@E96C… 6G6? 56DA:E6 <?@H:?8 E92E E96J 5@?’E C62==J 36=@?8 E96C6]kDA2? 4=2DDlQpAA=6\4@?G6CE65\DA246Qm k^DA2?mk^Am kA 4=2DDlQAbQm%96 9@FD6 DA2CC@H :D 2 tFC@A62?
Spotting the Spotted Lanternfly
ight, but when it comes to the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), that’s exactly what they recommend. According to the USDA, if you ever see an SLF, you should squish it and dispose of any eggs found in your vicinity. These critters are a growing invasive threat in the Eastern US and scientists are concerned it could move to the West Coast over time. These flies are originally from Asia and likely made it to the US by ship. The first U.S. SLF was spotted in Pennsylvania in 2014.
The cormorant conundrum
Humans and birds have a rich and complex history together. Some birds, like the carrier pigeon or the bald eagle, have stronger ties to us than most. The cormorant, believe it or not, is one of these birds. The cormorant is a relatively large bird with dark feathers, a long neck, and a wedge-shaped tail. Here in Texas, we can regularly see two cormorant species: the double-crested cormorant and the neotropic cormorant.
Finding food the shorebird way
By Ashley Casciotti NATURE NOTES kA 4=2DDlQAbQm(96? =@@<:?8 2E 5:776C6?E EJA6D @7 D9@C63:C5D[ @?6 @7 E96 7:CDE E9:?8D E92E >2J DEC:<6 J@F :D 9@H 5:776C6?E 6249 @7 E96:C 362<D =@@<D] $9@C63:C5D 92G6 6G@=G65 5:776C6?E 362< D92A6D 2?5 7665:?8 3692G:@CD E92E 96=A E96> :? E96:C BF6DE E@ 7:?5 E96:C 5:??6C] p=@?8 E96 %6I2D 4@2DE[ J@F 42? 7:?5 >2?J @7 E96D6 F?:BF6 362< D92A6D 2?5 42? H2E49 E96 7665:?8 3692G:@CD E92E 8@ 2=@?8 H:E9 E96>]k^Am kA 4=2DDlQAbQm!C@3:?8 :D @?6 @7 E96 >@DE 4@>>@?
Colonial waterbirds hang together
Have you ever heard mention of a rookery? Or colonial waterbirds? If you have, it was probably in association with large egret-type birds. But there are many other birds that nests in rookeries. Colonial waterbirds gather annually during nesting season to make up large groups called rookeries or colonies. Many of these species use islands along the Texas coast to lay their eggs and raise their young every summer. When they gather together, they increase the chances of their young surviving.
How to make your garden bird-friendly
By Celeste Silling NATURE NOTES kA 4=2DDlQAbQm$AC:?8 92D DACF?8 2?5 >2?J @7 FD 2C6 E9:?<:?8 @7 AC6A2C:?8 @FC 82C56?D 7@C H2C>6C H62E96C] (9:=6 D@>6 @7 FD 82C56? 3642FD6 :E’D 7F? @C 3642FD6 H6 H2?E @FC =:G:?8 DA246D E@ =@@< 362FE:7F=[ x’5 =:<6 E@ 255 2?@E96C :>A@CE2?E C62D@? E@ E96 =:DEi 3:C5 4@?D6CG2E:@?] v2C56?:?8[ :7 5@?6 C:89E[ 42? 96=A ?2E:G6 3:C5D 2?5 @E96C H:=5=:76 2?5 6G6? :?4C62D6 E96 ?F>36C @7 762E96C65 G:D:E@CD E@ J@FC J2C5]kDA2?
Learn about flowers in different cultures
Is it just me, or did spring come early this year? Other than the brief winter storm and few days of below freezing temperatures, it has been such a mild winter. These warmer temperatures make me excited for spring, because every year there is such a beautiful wildflower show! Flowers such as bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes will soon be popping up.
Spring migration season is starting
Spring migration is just around the corner. In the spring, hundreds of bird species begin their migration from southern regions to northern regions to prepare for the breeding season. One major question I always get from kids and adults is “how do birds know when to migrate?” kA 4=2DDlQAbQmkDA2? 4=2DDlQD`Qmq:C5D C6=J @? 2 >:I @7 :?DE:?4ED[ 6?G:C@?>6?E2= 4F6D 2?5 ?2G:82E:@? >6492?:D>D E@ <?@H H96? 2?5 H96C6 E@ >:8C2E6[ D@>6 @7 H9:49 DE:== AFKK=6 D4:6?E:DED E@ E9:D 52J]kDA2?
NestFest -- a coastal clean-up for all ages
NestFest, one of my favorite volunteer events of the year, is coming up on March 11. NestFest is a coastal clean-up that focuses on removing dangerous litter from important sea turtle and shorebird nesting habitat. Sea turtles and birds are often entangled in trash when they come onto Texas beaches to nest. For this reason, fishing line is perhaps the most dangerous trash item to be found on our beaches.
Nature Notes: Walking the line of extinction
With the recent release of the Bob Dylan biographical movie “A Complete Unknown,” I wanted to take the time to talk about another character in this film, a great American musician in his own right, the one and only Johnny Cash. I also want to preface this by saying that I am a fan of Johnny Cash, and he is arguably one of the greatest things to come from my home state of Arkansas. However, there is a chapter of his life that most people have probably never heard of.
Nature Notes: As autumn turns to gold, consider the goldenrod
From late summer until fall, goldenrods brighten the countryside with deep-yellow flowers that almost seem to glow in the sunlight. Because these native plants can be up to six feet tall, very few people grow them in their gardens, thinking of them as “weeds.” However, you may want to find a field of goldenrods to gather seeds and enjoy these plants in your yard. And now is the perfect time. There are at least 100 species of goldenrods, and they can be challenging to tell apart.
Nature Notes: Learn about the Carolina wren
By Martin Hagne NATURE NOTES kA 4=2DDlQAbQm%96 r2C@=:?2 HC6?[ %9CJ@E9@CFD =F5@G:4:2?FD[ :D 2 D>2== C655:D9\3C@H? HC6? E92E =@G6D J2C5D 2?5 ?6:893@C9@@5D] (C6?D E6?5 E@ D<F=< 2?5 4@?462= E96>D6=G6D[ D@ J@F >:89E ?@E D66 E96> E@@ @7E6? p?5 E96J 5@ =@G6 56?D G686E2E:@?]kDA2? 4=2DDlQpAA=6\4@?G6CE65\DA246Qm k^DA2?mk^Am kA 4=2DDlQAbQm*@F 92G6 AC@323=J 962C5 E96>[ 3FE >:89E ?@E 92G6 <?@H?
Marlene A Condon: A variety of plant growth and critters keep your yard healthy
Many folks view the natural world as something of no real significance to them. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nature provides our life support system as we travel around the sun and through the universe upon spaceship Earth. Space travelers in manufactured spaceships always need to bring along oxygen. Without it, a person will not survive.
Fall equinox means migration starts for many
One of the best sensations on Earth is the first crisp breeze of fall hitting your face. While I’m not sure when we Texans will experience that this year, the fall equinox is upon us nonetheless. One of my favorite aspects of fall is watching animals behave in ways unique to the season. Like in spring, many animals become more active compared to their summer and winter behaviors. Many are preparing for the winter, taking advantage of the bountiful food and resources summer has provided.
It’s all about squirrels
One of the animals we see most often in cities and towns here in Texas is the squirrel. While many people regard squirrels as pests, many others, especially children, enjoy seeing the fluffy little mammals running across their yards. In a rural environment where many creatures would struggle to make a home, it can be encouraging to see squirrels thriving.
American flamingos being displaced
By Rebecca Bracken Nature Notes kA 4=2DDlQAbQmkDA2? 4=2DDlQD`Qmx C646?E=J EC2G6=65 5@H? E@ !@CE pC2?D2D :? D62C49 @7 2 C2C6 2?5 F?:BF6=J A:?< 3:C5[ E96 p>6C:42? 7=2>:?8@]kDA2? 4=2DDlQpAA=6\4@?G6CE65\DA246Qm k^DA2?m x7 J@F’C6 2 3:C5 ?6C5 =:<6 >6[ J@F >2J C6>6>36C E92E 324< :? u2== a_ab E96C6 H2D 2? 6IA=@D:@? @7 7=2>:?8@D :? E96 &$]kDA2? 4=2DDlQpAA=6\4@?G6CE65\DA246Qm k^DA2?m %96J 2AA62C65 FA ?@CE9[ :? A=246D =:<6 (:D4@?D:? 2?5 ~9:@ 2D H6== 2D ?F>6C@FD DE2E6D 2=@?8 E96 62DE 4@2DE] kDA2?
Nature Notes For The Longing Soul – Podcast
Audiobooks.com: 30 day free trial and get your first 3 audiobooks on us! 🙌 More than 375,000 premium audiobooks in one app. I wish to acknowledge the the Ngarrindjeri people, tne traditional custodians of the Coorong wetlands in South Australia where this episode was recorded. I wish to acknowledge the Ngarrindjeri elders, past, present and emerging, and thank the Ngarrindjeri people for sharing the Ngrugie Ngoppun walk in Salt Creek in the Cooring.
Northern Harrier seen
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory’s avian research team is continuing to monitor for non-breeding shorebirds along the Upper Texas Coast till the end of March. Our main focus are those species that are classified as endangered, threatened, or of high concern due to habitat loss and climate change. There are six target species we monitor for Piping Plover, Red Knot, Snowy Plover, Wilson’s Plover, American Oystercatcher, and Black Skimmer. During monitoring, we tend to see other migrants along the beach.
All about the eastern Phoebe species
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory’s avian research team is continuing to monitor for non-breeding shorebirds along the Upper Texas Coast. Our main focus are those species that are classified as endangered, threatened, or of high concern due to habitat loss and climate change. The six target species that we monitor are piping plover, red knot, snowy plover, Wilson’s plover, American oystercatcher and black skimmer.
Pelagic Birds… a life on the ocean
About a week ago, I had the opportunity to go on an offshore boat for 48 hours, and travel about 120 nautical miles out into the gulf, off the continental shelf and into some really deep waters. Most folks may do so to go deep sea fishing, or they may work on an oilrig… we went to bird! There is a group of birds that spend their entire lives living on the ocean’s vast expanses. They eat out of the ocean, sleep on the ocean, and spend their days soaring above the waves.
Big personalities sometimes come in small packages
When you think of a bird that is really small, normally a hummingbird comes to mind. But there are a few songbird species that aren’t much larger. In fact, with the giant hummingbird, a species native to South America, weighing in at 18-24 grams, there are actually a number of songbirds in the U.S. that are considerably smaller. Two of these tiny songbirds are kinglets, the golden-crowned kinglet and the ruby-crowned kinglet.
Buff-breasted sandpiper
Gulf Coast Bird Observatory’s avian research team is monitoring for non-breeding shorebirds along the Upper Texas Coast until the end of March. Our main focus are those species that are classified as endangered, threatened or of high concern due to habitat loss and climate change. The six target species we monitor for are piping plover, red knot, snowy plover, Wilson’s plover, American pystercatcher and black skimmer.
The Crested Caracara
Once the proud national bird of Mexico, the Crested Caracara, or as it was also known, the Mexican Eagle, was downgraded not too long ago. This relative of the falcons is more adept at eating road kill than hunting. It’s actually not an eagle at all. And once some more research was done by the Mexican state department, it was discovered that the bird on the Mexican national seal is a Golden Eagle. Sorry caracara, move over. But it had a good run. The bird on the national seal goes way back.
Coastal oak mottes provide shelter and food for birds
The Texas coast is mostly without natural forest cover. Where it is not cultivated it is largely coastal prairie with fresh and brackish marshes in the lower areas. Most remaining coastal prairie is used to graze cattle. This open terrain is broken only by groves dominated by coastal Live Oak. This venerable tree, relatively impervious to the ravages of the coastal environment, often forms rounded groves of various sizes locally known as “mottes”.
When a baby bird falls from nest
By Celeste Silling Nature Notes kA 4=2DDlQAbQm$AC:?8 :D :? 7F== DH:?8 ?@H[ H:E9 A=2?ED :? 3=@@>[ H2C>6C E6>A6C2EFC6D[ 2?5 3:C5D >2<:?8 ?6DED] qFE H:E9 >@C6 3:C5 ?6DED 2=H2JD 4@>6D >@C6 323J 3:C5D @? E96 8C@F?5]k^Am kA 4=2DDlQAbQm~? 2 DAC:?8 52J 96C6 2E vF=7 r@2DE q:C5 ~3D6CG2E@CJ[ :E :D?’E F?FDF2= 7@C FD E@ 86E 2 42== 7C@> 2 4@?46C?65 4:E:K6? H9@ 92D 7@F?5 2 323J 3:C5 @? E96 8C@F?5 2?5 :D H@?56C:?8 H92E E@ 5@] (6 2C6?’E 2 H:=5=:76 C6923[ 3FE H6 2C6 92AAJ E@ D92C6 D@>6 E:AD @?
Sing your heart out
When you walk outside here in Texas, there is a very good chance that you will see at least one bird flying around. And even more than likely, you will hear them singing or calling too. The bird calls or songs that we hear every day are often taken for granted, but each of these chirps has its own natural history. To start, the sounds a bird makes comes from a tiny organ located at the top of the windpipe called the syrinx.
Texas ants: Friend or foe?
Ever since I moved to Texas, I have been plagued by ants. In New Mexico, where I grew up, ants were nothing more than mildly annoying pest. But here, they can be real terrors. I can’t tell you how many ant bites I’ve gotten in my few years of living here, and some of them were truly painful. So in an effort to better understand what I’m up against, I did a little research on Texas ants. Know thy enemy, right?
Merlin. The Falcon
No, not the 6th century magician… nor the 70’s Rolls-Royce car… and no, not the famed British fighter plan engine from WWII… although very powerful, sleek, and can fly… the Merlin, falco columbarius, is our second smallest falcon in the US and Canada. They weigh in at less than a soda can, and have a wingspan from 15.5 to 29.5 inches, the female being larger than males (as in most raptors). There are two subspecies, the Taiga, which is darker, and the Richardson, which is lighter in color.
Gulls and Terns
Go to any Texas beach and you’re bound to see three things: sand, water, and gulls. Unfortunately, gulls are some of the most difficult birds to identify, and are often overlooked for this reason! In fact, we at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory are hosting a whole class devoted to identifying gulls and terns on the Texas Coast. There’s more variety than you might think! The first step in identifying gulls is acknowledging a hard fact: there’s no such thing as a seagull. At least not in avian literature.
Protecting endemic species
When researching species, either floral or faunal, you can look at a map and find where the particular species resides. Some species have wide ranges of occurrence or winter and summer in different locations. Then there are some species that call only a single geographic place home, whether that home is a single mountain range, an island, or one country in Europe. These are known as endemic species.
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