Friends Look Back at 2014, Part II

Continued from January 1, 2015

In July Omar Bocanegra presented for Second Saturday, on Dragonflies and Damselflies.  Jim Varnum led a driving tour of the Refuge following the program.  Later in July Aaron Blount gave a program on Snakes of Hagerman.   Work got underway on the new Butterfly Garden at the Refuge, and the entry period for the 5^th annual HNWR Nature Photography Contest opened.  Laura Cooper was July Photographer of the Month.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, by Laura Cooper

“Along Came a Spider”, for Youth FIRST, and "ABC's of Bats", with Dr. Bryon Clark, for Second Saturday in August.   Jesus Moreno, graphics artist, designed and contributed a new logo for the Friends use.  The list of sponsors for the new Butterfly Garden was growing rapidly.  The Bluestem Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist, began a series of fall classes for new candidates.  Photographer of the Month was Holly Cantu.

Reflections, by Holly Cantu

in September, Bert Garcia, Chair for the Nest Box Monitors reported an 82% success rate for the 2014 season.  Nature Nook Chairs Roger and Sally Peckenpaugh announced that Ducks Unlimited had donated a series of waterfowl prints to the Friends to sold in the book and gift shop.  Youth FIRST topic for the month was "Who Lives in a Pond", and following a guided bird walk led by Jack Chiles, Dr. Wayne Meyer, in memory of Martha, the last Passenger Pigeon, spoke on “Extinct Birds”.  Photographer of the Month for September was Randy Conaway.

Curious Bobcat, by Randy Conaway

Youth FIRST enjoyed “Owls- they’re a Hoot” in October, and Second Saturday featured Dr. George Diggs, on “Ferns of Texas”, following a guided bird walk led by Jack Chiles.  Workampers Bill and Carol Powell, and Barry and Lynn Burkhardt shared their experiences and wisdom at FAQ’s about Workamping.    Butterfly Garden sponsors enjoyed a preview party celebrating progress on the new garden.  George Cooper was named October photographer of the month.

Greater Roadrunner, by George Cooper

For November, Youth First learned about “Animals – Masters of Disguise”.  Jack Chiles led the year’s last bird walk and Jessica Healy presented “what About the Bobcat” for Second Saturday.  Photo contest winners were announced; sweeping the field were Jesus Moreno, Lee Hatfield, Randy Conaway and Bob Brown.  Record numbers turned out to hear The Country Roads Band and enjoy High on the Hawg, chaired by Ron Varley, on November 15.  Hannah Frosch was Photographer of the Month. 

Follow the Signs, by Hannah Frosch

And – December – Honk, Honk – Geese at Hagerman was the youth topic, while “Bobwhite Quail”, presented by Jason Hardin, TPWD, was featured for Second Saturday.  The Christmas Bird Count attracted a record number of participants and found 104 species, plus 11 more during “Count Week.” Amanda Burns was Photographer of the Month.  Volunteers finished up the first phase of planting in the new garden and attended the first in a series of Monarch Conservation webinars.

On the Beach, by Amanda Burns

Now we are one week into 2015 and plans are afoot for another great year, thanks to all the Friends, volunteers and Refuge staff!

Friends Look Back at 2014, Part I

The Friends of Hagerman kicked off 2014 with Friday Fun Day, inviting area youth to visit the Refuge and create nature crafts on January 3.  Thanks to the volunteers who manned stations for the various crafts!   Next up, for Second Saturday, Dr. Mike Keck presented “Snakes of North Texas”.  Dr. Bill Hughes presented a Nature Writing Workshop in January and Jillian M. Duquaine Watson was Photographer of the Month.

The Majestic Fisherman, by Jillian M. Duquaine-Watson

The birds took over in February:  for Youth FIRST – Backyard Birds; for Second Saturday, Refuge Manager Kathy Whaley presented “Bluebirds” and Begin to Bird Classes led by Dick Malnory were held on two Saturdays, along with a Guided Bird Walk led by Dr. Wayne Meyer, with sightings reported to the Great Backyard Bird Count.  Photographer of the Month was Jesus Moreno.  New workampers Bob and Fran King were welcomed.

Great Egret, by Jesus Moreno

March was chock-full of activity.  For Youth FIRST, Let’s Learn About Trees” while popular speaker Mark Klym, TPWD, presented on “Hummingbirds”.  Youngsters and their families flocked to the Refuge for Spring Break Family Fun with tram tours, guided walks and nature crafts.  Jack Chiles led a guided bird walk in March, and volunteers enjoyed a recognition luncheon hosted by the Friends following the Annual Meeting of the Friends of Hagerman.  March Photographer of the Month was Michael Keck.

Geese Fly to the Moon, by Michael Keck

Youth FIRST looked for April showers with a weather program, “My Head Is in the Clouds”, with KTEN Meteorologist Cathy Evans Corbett.  Dr. Wayne Meyer led a guided bird walk followed by “Birding by Ear,” for Second Saturday. Nest Box monitoring was underway on the Bluebird Trails at the Refuge, chaired by Bert Garcia.  Allen Rich was Photographer of the Month for April.

Wild Turkey in Flight, by Allen Rich

“Nature and Your Five Senses” was the topic for Youth FIRST, and Second Saturday was devoted to “Butterflies of North Texas, with speaker Dale Clark.  Professional photographer Trey Neal lead a Photography Workshop and Terri Barnett was named Photographer of the Month.  School zone – various area school groups came to the Refuge for field trips once or twice each week in late April and during May.

White-tailed Deer by Terri Barnett

The Refuge observed National Trails Day with a Grand Slam Hike weekend June 7 -8.  Youth FIRST studied “The Wonderful World of Insects” and participants at Second Saturday heard Kim Snipes present on “Sharks!”.  Dr. Wayne Meyer led a bird walk prior to the program.  New at the Refuge - Pathways summer intern, Aaron Blount.  And – first ever known at Hagerman, Bald Eagle nest produced two young.  June Photographer of the Month was Tom Crews.

Five Star Lunch, by Tom Crews

To be continued next week.

Twelve Days of Winter at Hagerman NWR

On the first day of winter, at Hagerman we see – a jolly red tram touring merrily.

On the second day of winter, at Hagerman we see - two Eagles soaring and a jolly red tram touring merrily.

On the third day of winter, at Hagerman we see - three Harriers harrying, two Eagles soaring and a jolly red tram touring merrily.

On the fourth day of winter, at Hagerman we see - four leaping White-tails, three Harriers harrying, two Eagles soaring and a jolly red tram touring merrily.

On the fifth day of winter, at Hagerman we see - five hiking trails, four leaping White-tails, three Harriers harrying, two Eagles soaring and a jolly red tram touring merrily.

On the sixth day of winter, at Hagerman we see - six birders birding, five hiking trails, four leaping White-tails, three Harriers harrying, two Eagles soaring and a jolly red tram touring merrily.

On the seventh day of winter, at Hagerman we see - seven Shovelers shoveling, -six birders birding, five hiking trails, four leaping White-tails, three Harriers harrying, two Eagles soaring and a jolly red tram touring merrily.

On the eighth day of winter, at Hagerman we see - eight Coots a-bobbing, seven Shovelers shoveling,  six birders birding, five hiking trails, four leaping White-tails, three Harriers harrying, two Eagles soaring and a jolly red tram touring merrily.

On the ninth day of winter, at Hagerman we see – nine nodding pumpjacks, eight Coots a-bobbing, seven Shovelers shoveling, six birders birding, five hiking trails, four leaping White-tails, three Harriers harrying, two Eagles soaring and a jolly red tram touring merrily.

On the tenth day of winter, at Hagerman we see - ten pintails dabbling, nine nodding pumpjacks, eight Coots a-bobbing, seven Shovelers shoveling, six birders birding, five hiking trails, four leaping White-tails, three Harriers harrying, two Eagles soaring and a jolly red tram touring merrily.

On the eleventh day of winter, at Hagerman we see - eleven geese-a-browsing, ten pintails dabbling,  nine nodding pumpjacks, eight Coots a-bobbing, seven Shovelers shoveling, six birders birding, five hiking trails, four leaping White-tails, three Harriers harrying, two Eagles soaring and a jolly red tram touring merrily.

On the twelfth day of winter, at Hagerman we see - twelve bluebird boxes, eleven geese-a-browsing, ten pintails dabbling. nine nodding pumpjacks, eight Coots a-bobbing, seven Shovelers shoveling, six birders birding, five hiking trails, four leaping White-tails, three Harriers harrying, two Eagles soaring and a jolly red tram touring merrily.

Happy Holidays to all!

Migratory Bird Conservation Commission Champion Retires

From the National Wildlife Refuge Association e-Newsletter, December 2014

This month, Refuge System champion and conservation hero, Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) participated in his last meeting of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission as he is retiring in January. He is the longest serving member of the Commission, having begun his tenure 45 years ago in 1969.

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission authorizes and approves areas of land and/or water recommended by the Secretary of the Interior for purchase or easement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They also fix the price or prices at which such areas may be acquired. Most importantly for conservation, the Commission considers the establishment of new waterfowl refuges.

Congressman Dingell enjoying his cake | Desiree Sorenson-Groves

Established on February 18, 1929 by the passage of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, the Commission typically convenes three times per year in March, June, and September, as needed, or in this case November. The Division of Realty within the Service produces an annual report that summarizes the operations of the Commission.

Since the Commission was established, over 5.5 million acres have been acquired by the Service via fee purchase, easement, or lease. These purchases are funded by the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund which draws funds mostly from the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (also known as the Duck Stamp), but also from appropriations authorized by the Wetlands Loan Act of October 4, 1961 as amended, important duties collected on arms and ammunition, and receipts from the sale of refuge admission permits as provided for by the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986. The Fund is further supplemented by receipts from the sale of products from rights-of-way across national wildlife refuges, disposals of refuge land, and reverted Federal Aid funds.

In 1989, the Commission earned the additional responsibility to approve project funding under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). The North American Wetlands Conservation Council, which was created by NAWCA, submits project recommendations to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission for funding approval, and thus far all have been approved for funding representing $1 billion for the protection of wetland habitat.

This particular meeting was particularly meaningful because two of the Congressional members of the Committee will not be back in 2015.  Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) was defeated in his re-election bid and Congressman Dingell is retiring. As the longest serving member of the Commission, and indeed, the longest serving member of either the House or Senate in our country’s history, Representative Dingell has been a longtime champion of the National Wildlife Refuge System and talked about the importance of the System in remarks to the Committee. Dingell established the first International Wildlife Refuge and endorsed the development of many others protecting critical breeding and wintering habitat for hundreds of species of fish and wildlife. Since he came on the Commission in 1969, 3300 tracts of land totalling over 700,000 acres have been added to the Refuge System.  As his long time former staffer, and now Director of Government Affairs for Ducks Unlimited remarked, “Congressman Dingell is second only to Theodore Roosevelt when it comes to conservation in America.”

Below is the list of approved projects for national wildlife refuges. NAWCA projects were approved, but await funding from the Fiscal Year 2015 spending bill currently being debated by Congress:

Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, Texas – 475.93 acres for $606,800

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana – 804 acres for $2,010,350

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland – 153.6 acres for $490,000

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Washington – 303 acres for $455,000

Tags: Congressman Dingell, Dingell, Migratory Bird Conservation Commission,

Bobwhite Quail

Jason Hardin, Upland Game Bird Specialist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, will be the presenter for Second Saturday at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, on December 13, at 10 am. 

Hardin's topic will be "The Bobwhite Quail".

Hardin, who earned his undergraduate in Forest Wildlife Management at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, and master’s degree in Range and Wildlife Management at Texas A&M University – Kingsville, has also worked as Coordinator for the Audubon Texas Quail and Grassland Birds Initiative.  His graduate work focused on empirical testing of Dr. Fred Guthery’s “Hunter-Covey Interface Theory”, and he served as Coordinator of the Quail Associates Program for the first two years of the project.   

According to state biologists, the Bobwhite Quail population has decreased 75% over the past 30 years, due to disappearing grasslands across Texas.  Last year Texas lawmakers earmarked funds for restoring prime quail habitat, and expanding research and education about the species.  Hardin will address the present status of quail and restoration efforts in his talk.

Second Saturday programs are open to the public, free of charge, and are held in the Visitor Center Meeting Room.  Hagerman NWR is located at 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman, 75092.  For more information, contact the Refuge, 903 786 2826, or see friendsofhagerman.com/.

Waterfowl Trivia

Youth FIRST goose-craft!

Youth FIRST will meet at 10 am, Saturday, December 6, at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, to learn about the geese that are wintering at the Refuge.  Here are some fast facts about geese for our readers.

Why do geese fly in a “V” formation? It would be too hard to fly in an “S”... Actually, it conserves energy and makes it easier to keep track of each other.

What is a gaggle? A group of geese on the ground is called a gaggle or flock. A skein is a group in flight, and if flying in a “V” formation, they are called a wedge.

A nickname for the Canada goose is “the honker”.

A Blue Goose is a dark morph Snow Goose, with a white face, dark brown body, and white under the tail.    The Blue Goose mascot for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife is named Puddles and is bright blue!

Love to hear the geese call?  Listen here.  

Have your ducks in a row? You might have a

Brace of ducks - a pair; Flock of ducks – on the ground; Flush of ducks – taking flight; Paddling of ducks or raft of ducks - group swimming; Team of ducks – group in flight

If you've heard one quack…you haven’t heard them all – most species have their own quack and male and females may have different quacks.

A goose or duck by any other name:   Baby ducks - ducklings; Baby geese - goslings; Male ducks - drakes; Male geese - ganders

Eggs laid are called a clutch – there may be 10 – 20 in a clutch

Certified swimmers – goslings and ducklings can swim as soon as they ready to fledge.

Diving ducks are found on oceans, seas and inland water; dabblers are found on creeks and inland pools.

The lowdown on “down” – the small, soft feathers that provide insulation for birds, and when collected, for man. Down from Eider ducks is believed to be superior.

This Count Is for the Birds

Who wants to join in the 2014 Christmas Bird Count at Hagerman NWR? 

Dr. Wayne Meyer is taking names of those interested, and you can sign up online  or by calling the Refuge, 903 786 2826.  Dr. Meyer says you don't have to be an experienced birder to participate, because spotters are needed for each team, as well as those who can ID the birds seen.

The count at Hagerman, set for Saturday, December 20, is just one of hundreds of counts planned across the Northern Hemisphere that will make up the 115th Audubon Christmas Bird Count.   Last year some 70,000 volunteers participated in the count, which has an interesting history.

During the nineteenth century  sportsmen of the eastern U.S. would  compete on Christmas day to see who could shoot the most birds, so just over one hundred years ago Frank Chapman and members of the early Audubon Society decided that there should be a new tradition that did not take such a toll on birds, and that new tradition became  the Christmas Bird Count.   The data collected in all these censuses have become one of the world’s most complete and long-term data sets on bird populations.

According to Audubon, "The long term perspective made possible by the Christmas Bird Count is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat - and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well. For example, local trends in bird populations can indicate habitat fragmentation or signal an immediate environmental threat, such as groundwater contamination or poisoning from improper use of pesticides."

Each count is based on a circle with a fifteen-mile diameter.  The task of the counters is to find and identify all the birds they can within that circle.  They can take a maximum of 24 hours to do this, all within one calendar day, between December 14, 2014, and January 5, 2015; however, most Christmas counts don’t last that long -  the National Audubon Society encourages Christmas counts to cover the daylight hours and most counts include a few hours of owl searching at night.

The Hagerman NWR Christmas count circle is divided into six areas and each area has a designated leader who is skilled in identification.  Volunteers can participate in an all day search or register for a half day, as several  areas are small enough to be covered in half a day.  The owl count will begin at 4 am and the main count will begin at 7 am, and will conclude at 5  pm on  December 20.

There is another way people can contribute.  Any bird feeders within the count circle can be included in the day’s tally.  If you prefer,  you can register to be a feeder watcher if you live in one of these communities within the Hagerman NWR circle: Pottsboro, Sherwood Shores, Cedar Mills, Mill Creek, Locust, Fink, Tanglewood, Georgetown, Preston and Gordonville.

All persons registered for the Hagerman count will be notified by email of count details before the event.