S IGNAL S MOKE The Newsletter of Travis Audubon Society

VOLUME 56, NO. 5 & 6 May/June 2007

I NSIDE
THIS ISSUE
IS SUE ... Baker Open House a Success
From the President...................................2 JAEC Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Birdathon 2007.......................................3

Naturalist’s 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 Society
Membership Form ...................Back page
TAS
Regular 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 Room
in the Hancock Building
at 3700 Lake Austin Blvd. Austin TX
O
n 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 the
ribbon-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 pavilion
that is perfectly nestled into trees on a slight rise, with a cooling breeze, plentiful butterflies,
and a noisy Bewick’s 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 Austin’s 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 mother’s
love for all the natural
world, and the importance
she placed on teaching
others, especially children,
how to appreciate
it. Please see Baker
Sanctuary Steward John
Wilcox’s 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
see page 8 for additional details
 Mission Statement
Travis Audubon Society The Travis Audubon Society promotes the enjoyment, understanding,
and preservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats in Central Texas.
General Address
P.O. Box 40787, Austin TX 78704
From the TAS President
Address for Donations
P.O. Box 40787, Austin TX 78704

T
ravis Audubon Society has come a long way from a birding club to
Phone numbers listed below without a conservation organization since its inception in 1952. Our vision
an area code are local numbers in the statement says it all: “Inspiring conservation through birding.” I applaud
512 area.
all of the past presidents of TAS for having the vision and strength to guide this
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS organization through enjoyable and difficult times. I would especially like to thank
2007-08 Shelia Hargis for all of her hard work as president for TAS. This Society has come
President a long way with her lead. As your new president, I have some very big shoes to
Marsha May 300-BIRD fill. I promise to do my best.
Vice President
Valarie Bristol 300-BIRD One of my first duties as President is to let you know that our Executive Director,
Treasurer Valerie Staats, has moved on after nearly two years with us. A great opportunity
Doran Bradberry 300-BIRD knocked on her door: she’ll be Executive Director of the International Book
Secretary Bank in Baltimore, a group that donates books to schools and libraries in
Donna Brasher 300-BIRD developing countries. We are sad to lose our talented ED, but we know that
Directors her new organization will benefit from her non-profit management experience,
Anne Donovan entrepreneurialism, and energy. Valerie says that she’ll be close to Cape May, New
Sam Fason Jersey, another great birding spot, and she welcomes hearing from you if you’re
Gray Jolink
Kelly Logan up that way! Congratulations, Valerie, and buena suerte.
Chris Masey
Jeff Mundy So what is in store for the future?
Bill Reiner
Terri Siegenthaler continued on page 3

Office Administrator
Diana Digges 300-BIRD COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS
BAKER SANCTUARY STEWARD TAS Rare Bird Alert Eric Carpenter 300-2473
John Wilcox 219-8425 select option #3
ACT REPRESENTATIVES Advocacy Jeff Mundy 334-4300
John Kelly (state president) 331-8693 Bird Records Lawrence Buford 452-6344
Bryan Hale (state treasurer) 474-5599 Ethel Kutac 346-7659
Habitat Conservation Valarie Bristol 300-BIRD
SIGNAL SMOKE EDITOR Education Byron Stone 451-3380
Tess Sherman 300-BIRD Field Trips Laurie Foss 751-3677
Hornsby Bend John Kelly 331-8693
Hospitality Susan Moak 925-4590
Latin America Penny Potter 462-3805
TAS TELEPHONE Programs Ann Gardner 306-0737
The office number is 512-300-BIRD Property and Finance Pat Dillon 663-4448
(2473). To leave a message for Board Publications Tess Sherman 300-2473
President Marsha May, press 1. To report Sanctuary Chair Terri Siegenthaler 263-2237
sightings of rare or unusual birds in Cen- Society Historian John Kelly 331-8693
tral Texas, press 3. To ask a bird-related Urban Habitat Jane Tillman 794-0058
question, press 4.
TAS WEB SITE
ABOUT SIGNAL SMOKE
www.travisaudubon.org
TAS EMAIL
Subscription Information without permission in writing from Travis
Signal Smoke (ISSN 1931-9282), was pub- Audubon Society.
info@travisaudubon.org lished 11 times yearly through Volume 56,
Signal Smoke (ISSN 1931-9282) No.4, and beginning with Volume 56, No.5, Newsletter Deadline
is published 6 times yearly. Subscription is The submissions deadline is the first day of the
a TAS membership benefit. To join, use the month preceding the first month of publication
form on the back page of this issue or go (for example, June 1 for the July/August issue).
to www.travisaudubon.org for an on-line Submit uncopyrighted articles, announcements,
Signal Smoke is printed and art to Tess Sherman, tsherman1@austin.
on recycled paper form. For address or subscription changes,
please call 512.300.BIRD (2473) or e-mail rr.com; or mail to 210 E. Walnut Dr., Austin,
using soy ink.
info@travisaudubon.org. The USPS does not TX 78753. Submissions by email or on a floppy
forward Signal Smoke. Copyright 8 2007. No are preferred but not required. Call Tess at 300-
part of this publication may be reproduced BIRD if you have questions.
2 S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007 TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
 Travis Audubon Birdathon 2007
Travis Audubon’s Birdathon 2007 *
Saturday, May 12th
www.travisaudubon.org/birdathon07.html
More FAQs (We’re glad you asked)!
What is it again? Birdathon is the biggest birding event in
the country, according to Audubon, and it’s Travis Audubon’s
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 – it’s 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 you’re a loner,
do Birdathon by yourself – just register with TAS and start
collecting pledges! Don’t forget to name your team – no name
too silly. (Last year we gave an Honorary Best Team Name
award to the “Legal Migrants”!)
I’m 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, that’s a Birdathon. It’s
just a fun day in the outdoors and a great way to help support
your local Audubon chapter.
From the President, continued from page 2
Travis Audubon Society provides an array of birding/nature
classes for the community and I would like to see us continue
to expand on these. Wouldn’t it be great to have more
opportunities 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 Club’s book for June.
I believe that anyone involved in environmental education, as
well as all parents, should read this book. Let’s find ways for
getting children involved.
TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
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! You’d 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 I’ve 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
don’t blame us if you get hooked on birding - America’s 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
Mother’s Day! PS: You can do Birdathon indoors, too, counting
species from your armchair. And you don’t 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 on
our 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.
You’ll need to collect the pledges and turn the funds into Travis
Audubon by Friday, May 18th.
Can’t do Birdathon 2007 but
still want to support our event?
We welcome your tax-deductible Birdathon 2007 Honors
contribution in any amount to our Most Dollars Raised
Birdathon. Just mail us a check Most Species Seen
(payable to Travis Audubon Society Largest Number of Team Sponsors
with “Birdathon 07” in the memo. Rarest Bird Seen
line) or go to our Birdathon Web Most Unusual Birding Location
page for an instant on-line donation Biggest Team
button. Thank you for supporting
TAS’ Birdathon 2007!
Travis Audubon Society also needs a home. We need a place to
hold our monthly meetings without the worry of having to look
for 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 Audubon’s 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
S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007 3
 NATURALIST’S
CALENDAR by Bill Reiner
photo by Robert Baumgardner
Reprinted from May 2001
I
n a normal Austin year, May and June will be two of our
rainiest months. We’ll typically receive over 8 inches of
precipitation, nearly a quarter of our yearly total. (Of course,
you shouldn’t depend upon averages. This year, both January
and 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, for
the 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 it’s been spotted, a cuckoo
acts as if it’s 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 their
wintering 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 with
a 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.”
4 S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007
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 seen
eating 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 also
been 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, and Natural History
of the Birds of Eastern and Central North America, by Edward
Howe Forbush.
Latin America Committee Relaunching
We want to restart Travis Audubon’s Latin America Committee
(LAC) by identifying TAS members who are interested in serving
on the LAC and determine a suitable meeting time for the first
group meeting. The proposed agenda for the initial meeting is as
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 on
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. Let
me know which night is best to meet, and I look forward to getting
started!
Regards,
Penny Potter, LAC Chair
pfpotter@austin.rr.com
462-3805
TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
 THE
DAN CALLAWAY
Dan Callaway,
photo by Robert Baumgardner
REPORT
Birding to South Llano State Park - Apr 2 & 3, 2007
Participants: Ethel Kutac, Ingrid Huskey, Homer Cunningham,
Catfish Kelly, Dave Seal, Homer Rushing, Dan and Sharon
Callaway
Target bird: Black Phoebe (not seen)
F rom 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,
Bewick’s Wren, Bell’s Vireo, Orange-crowned Warbler,
Northern Cardinal, Spotted and Canyon Towhee, Chipping,
Field, Lark, Black-throated, Lincoln’s and White-crowned
Sparrow, 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 Scott’s 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.
TAS News and Notes
C hanging of the guard at Travis Audubon! We welcome Laurie
Foss as our newest Committee Chair, taking over the lead on
the 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 you’ve been curious
about and enhance your birding skills. You may also meet new
people and make friends, too!
With this issue of Signal 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 children’s books to schools and
libraries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. It’s located
in Baltimore, Maryland (state bird: Baltimore Oriole, Icterus
TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
The city park at the convergence of the North and South Llano
Rivers revealed Great Blue Heron, Spotted Sandpiper, Belted
Kingfisher, 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, Cooper’s,
Swainson’s 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
galbula), where it looks like I’ll 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.
I’ve met some wonderful people at Travis Audubon and learned
more than a thing or two about Texas birdlife. I’m especially
grateful to Past President Shelia Hargis for her leadership and
support, both personal and professional. It’s been exciting to be part
of Travis Audubon under Shelia’s 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 will
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 Staats
S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007 5
TAS FIELD TRIP TO OKLAHOMA
Trip Participants: Gary Waggerman, Ethel Kutac, Ingrid
Huskey, Frank Bumgardner (China Spring), and Dave Seal
(Rockford, Ill).
T he trip was February 27-March 5, 2007. Although there
was bad weather the month prior to the trip, there was a
window 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 of
our Prairie Chicken viewing days but otherwise it was clear
and dry.
February 27—We picked up everyone and headed north
to Lake Kickapoo in Archer County, TX. We were hoping
to find Clark’s, 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 posting
what 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 birds
were 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 28—We 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 (there’s 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-
6 S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007
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 1—we 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, the
highlights 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 2—after 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 brought
continued on page 10
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).
TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
Austin as a Certified Wildlife Community
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 From the NWF: Why Garden For Wildlife?
plants and/or grasses. (from www.nwf.org/backyard)
3. Make places to raise young: rock walls, wood piles, © 2007 National Wildlife Federation
dense thickets, etc.
4. Provide a constant water source: bird bath, fountain, Why should I garden for wildlife and certify my yard
pond, etc. as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat site?

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 know
some 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
dalebulla@earthlink.net
1. It’s fun! You’ll attract beautiful songbirds, cheerful
butterflies and other interesting wildlife to your yard.
Watching wildlife can be fun for the whole family.
2. It’s 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! Replacing
barren 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.

HybridRealtor@Stanberry.com 5. It benefits the environment! Gardening practices

that help wildlife, like reducing chemicals and
Jeff Baker, REALTOR ®, Birder conserving water, also help to improve air, water and
Cell: (512) 619-7421
Fax: (512) 371-9952 soil quality throughout your neighborhood.
4000 Duval St. Austin TX 78751
SEARCH AREA LISTINGS @
jeffbaker.stanberry.com
Also check out:
bakerproperties.biz & jeffbakerart.biz

Environment & Client Friendly

TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007 7

 Monthly Meeting Information
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. David
Bamberger’s unlikely transformation from first, a vacuum cleaner salesman, then co-founder and CEO
of Church’s Fried Chicken, to a locally and internationally recognized conservationist. In fact, Greene
tells two integrally related stories: the evolution of one man’s business sense, applying profit incentives
to land restoration and nature conservancy; and the creation of a Texas Hill Country preserve where he
effectively demonstrates his own principles, prevailing over skeptics.” - From the book jacket of Water
from Stone.

JEFFREY GREENE received his Ph.D. from the University of Houston. He is the author of the memoir
French 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 the
Arts, 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. We’ll 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
May’s topic About J. David Bamberger...
Texas conservationist J. David Bamberger’s was the co-founder and CEO of Church’s
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 a
Texas 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 in
The New Yorker, in Audubon, and on CNN and network news. Published by Texas A&M
University Press, the book Water 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 Audubon’s site at www.travisaudubon.org,

click on the Links page, and select Bamberger Ranch Preserve in the “Like-minded
organizations” section.

8 S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007 TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

 Baker Sanctuary News
T
he 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.
Above, left to right,
The sun rose through scattered clouds that morning and John Wilcox, Sanctuary Steward & Larry Speck, Project Architect
Photo credits: Marcie Wilcox
warmed the cool morning temperatures. Our volunteer
guides arrived first, parked at the parking lot and walked up
On March 10th, the Sanctuary hosted the third event in the
to the hilltop, site of the Baker Cabin/JAEC. Our visitors
Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Hike and Lecture Series.
then began arriving and were shown where to park and sign
This series was organized by the City of Austin and the
in. As soon as a small group gathered, one of our guides
Travis County BCP staff to offer interested individuals an
took them out on the trail system to see Golden-cheeked
opportunity to learn about one of the most unique urban
Warblers. Warblers, and other birds, were heard if not seen
preserves systems in the country. TAS Baker Sanctuary Chair
on all of the trails traveled. However, those on the hilltop
Terri Siegenthaler and Volunteer Guide Kathy McCormack
didn’t have to leave the area to see the Pyrrhuloxia that
led approximately twenty people on a tour of the Sanctuary.
appeared to the west or the Broad-winged hawks that soared
After the hike, Marcie and I gave those individuals that were
overhead in the clear morning air, bringing the total number
interested a preview of the Jackie Arnold Education Center.
of bird species recorded at the Baker Sanctuary to ninety-
nine. John Wilcox, TAS-Baker Sanctuary Steward
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 Arnold’s
closing remarks, for what to me was an emotional ceremony,
recounted Jackie’s 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.

TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007 9

Oklahoma, continued from page 6
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 the
extravaganza. 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 Massey’s 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
Brad’s 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 3—on 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, Wilson’s snipe, and Long-billed
Dowitcher. At Beaver’s 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 4—David 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
Henslow’s Sparrow. It wasn’t 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
10 S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007
tree which we surrounded. It was the same for the LeConte’s
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 the
Broken Bow Reservoir and saw a Black Phoebe near the
dam and also got a Bald Eagle, the only one for the trip.
March 5—this, 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 Ethel’s 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
waggerman@sbcglobal.net
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.
TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
From our E-mail Box
Barn Swallows
Q Can you please help me ID this bird? Time of
year: early Spring (April). City: Killeen, TX. Closest
big city: Austin. I see them once a season; they come
back to nest and around mid-May they are gone. – JJ,
Killeen.

A The bird you pictured is a Barn Swallow. They

are a common sight soaring in the sky in the spring
and early summer in the Austin area. They are
migrants and spend their winters south of here in
warmer climates. They build mud nests and are
frequently pests when they build them on the porch
of a residence. They are easily identified by the tail
structure, which has given its name - “swallow tail” -
to men’s coats which have a split in the back. Lovely
little birds and a delight to behold as they soar. - LB

Q Hello, I have a problem with some birds in a

nest above my porch. This house is a rent house and
unfortunately I did not find out about the birds until
I recently returned to Austin to get the house ready
to sell. The birds are white on bottom and black on
top. Can you recommend a bird-friendly method to
remove these birds? Thanks. - TS, Austin.

A There is no way that the nest may be moved

successfully. I’m assuming from your description
that the bird is a barn swallow. They are notorious for
building mud nests above light fixtures on porches
- it is a neat and protected place because rain is, of
course, destructive to a mud nest. My advice is to
leave the nest alone and to help your renters realize
what a fortunate situation it is for them to be able to
view nature close up. The only real drawback to that
is that the birds leave droppings under the nest, which
is unsightly. But, if they have children, it can be a
Photos credit: Julian Jasmin
wonderful educational tool. I wouldn’t tear the nest
down until the renters expressed negativity.

Lawrence Buford
Co-Chair, Travis Audubon Society Bird Records

TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007 11

 TAS Events - May 2007
Thursday, May 3 Field Trip to Warbler Woods
6 am to ? Limited 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 Schaezler’s 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 tessiembanks@msn.com.

Sunday, May 6 East Metropolitan Park

8 am to 12 noon This 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 be
around 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.

Saturday, May 12 Travis Audubon’s Annual Birdathon

Open to everyone! Please see page 3 for details!

Saturday, May 19 Monthly Bird Walk at Hornsby Bend

7:30 am to noon Austin’s premier birding site. No registration required. Contact Kevin Anderson (972-1960) for
more information.

Please join us at SELAH, where you can take time to and let me know if you are going to join us and also let me know if
reflect, while counting amazing spring birds at the Spring 2007 you will be arriving Saturday evening (after 6 pm) or Sunday morn-
Bamberger Ranch Bird Count on Sunday, May 6. ing (by 6:45am).

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 don’t forget rain gear. And, lots and lots
of water to drink. And, of course, binoculars. Please e-mail me
12 S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007
The kind folks at the Bamberger Ranch are letting us use this great
facility for our potluck and sleepover, and ask that we pick up after
ourselves and leave the Center in the same condition that we found
it. Let’s 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 Miller
Creek, and immediately after that turn left across the median and
south bound lane of 281 and enter a county road that is identified as
“Miller Creek Loop - CR 203”. When you have gone 2.3 miles you
will be at a Y with the left fork going to Diamond X ranch. Take the
right fork and continue another 0.9 miles to 4 mailboxes with 2341
on the black one and a road that T’s into Miller Creek Loop from
the left. That road is Blue Ridge Dr. (usually has a street sign) - turn
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. May
TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
TAS Events - June 2007
Saturday, June 2 Cherry Springs Ranch
7 am to Noon Led 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 and
field trips. Target birds will include nesting Golden-cheeked Warblers and Wild Turkeys. We’ll be
keeping a log of our sightings to add to their database of breeding birds on the property. Contact
Laurie Foss (751-3677) (lauriefoss at gmail.com) for more information.

Saturday, June 9 Monthly Bird Count at Hornsby Bend

7 am & 4 pm Contact Kevin Anderson (972-1960) for more information. Sponsored monthly by the Hornsby
Bend Bird Observatory.

Saturday, June 16 Monthly Bird Walk at Hornsby Bend

7:30 am to Noon Austin’s premier birding site. No registration required. Contact Kevin Anderson (972-1960) for
more information.

Saturday, June 23 2nd Annual Travis Audubon Floating Field Trip

9 am to 2 pm Led by Claude Morris. Again the trip will go from the park in the town of Webberville to the Big
Webberville Park. Webberville is in eastern Travis County. This is about a 5-mile section of river
with 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 for
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. After
about a block the street turns back to the left. After another block turn right into the park. Contact
Claude Morris at cgmorris at flash.net, 512-619-4797 (c)

Saturday, June 30 Berry Springs Preserve (1801 CR 152, Georgetown)

7:30 am to 10 am 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 Berry
Springs. We’ll 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 nest
boxes in the park have been very successful, and we may get lucky and see one of the half-dozen
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 Georgetown,
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 at
yahoo.com or 698-9880 for questions.

About TAS Field Trips All 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 at
www.hornsbybend.org

TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007 13

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

General A Bigger Baker (cont.) Chaetura Canyon

Jean Andrews Shelia Hargis Barbara Anderson
Sam Bertron Jim Hargrove Peterson Charitable Lead Trust
Richard Donovan Kirsti Harms
Thomas Driscoll L. E. Hoefgen
Laurie Foss Painted Bunting Membership
Laura Johnson Rachel Jenkins & Joe Kulhavy
Erica Hill
Suzanne Kho Keith & Ellen Lain
Alec Rhodes
Leslie Morris Rebecca Weaver
Janel Nye
2006 Annual Appeal
Mary Parker Vireo Membership
John Hendrick
Michael Pfeil John McCollough
Elizabeth Wehner
Jeri Porter Russ Nelson
Ursula Rader Charles F. Smith
A Bigger Baker
Martha Renfroe
Barbara Anderson
Emy Lou Sawyer In Memory of Esther Cooper
Omega Baker
Arlie Scott Elizabeth Cooper
Christi Carletti
Dan Smith
Jenny Cloudman
Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Winn
Robin Dennis

TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY NATURE BOOK CLUB

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

W month at 7:00 pm at BookPeople (6th and Lamar, thank you BookPeople!). The group is informal and fun, and you
can choose to go to all the meetings and discuss all the books, or you can pick and choose the meetings featuring
books you would like to discuss. You do not have to have read the book to attend. In the coming months we’re reading:

May 24, 2007 - Into the Wild by John Krakhauer (Anchor, 1997)
June 28, 2007 - Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv (Algonquin Books, 2006)

This selection is tentative! Before you commit to reading a book for a particular month, you may want to call Terry Banks at
451-6302 or e-mail tessiembanks@msn.com to find out if the book is still current.

Ongoing TAS Meetings

Program Committee: meets on the 2nd Monday of each month, contact: Ann Gardner, anngardner@austin.rr.com
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, pfpotter@austin.rr.com
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: tessiembanks@msn.com

14 S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007 TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

 Birdathon 2007!
Please return with the collected funds to:
Birdathon 2007
Travis Audubon Society
Post Office Box 40787
Austin, Texas 78704

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 can’t 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 and the
Birdathon 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, and
agents, the event holders, event sponsors, event directors, and event volunteers; (B) Indemnify and Hold Harmless the entities or
persons mentioned in this paragraph from any and all liabilities or claims made by other individuals or entities as a result of any of
my actions during this event. I warrant that I am in good health and have no known conditions that would disallow my participation
in Birdathon 2007:

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

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

TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007 15

Travis Audubon Society Nonprofit Org.
Membership Secretary U.S. Postage Paid
P.O. Box 40787 Permit No. 2301
Austin TX 78704 Austin, Texas

Dated Material - DO NOT DELAY

Visit the TAS Web site:

www.travisaudubon.org

Travis Audubon Society

YES! I want to enjoy the benefits of Travis Audubon
Society chapter membership. Enroll me as a member of
Travis Audubon Society. Enclosed is my check for:

J
oin your local Audubon chapter, Travis Audubon Society,
by using the form at the right. Your dues will be put to use  $12 Youth Membership (up to age 18)
supporting local conservation, education, research projects,  $25 Individual Membership
field trips, and other Travis Audubon activities right here in  $35 Family Membership
Central Texas. We seek your support through your member-  $75 Painted Bunting Membership (bonus Travis
ship in our local chapter. (To become a member of the national Audubon T-shirt)
Audubon, please go to their Web site at www.audubon.org.)  $100 Vireo Membership (bonus T-shirt and book)
 $250 Warbler Membership (bonus T-shirt, book, and
Join Travis Audubon now and support free workshop)
local birds, wildlife, and their habitats.  $1,000 Lifetime Membership (bonus T-shirt, book,
free workshop, and listing in annual report)
Travis Audubon Society chapter members receive eleven is-
sues of this Signal Smoke newsletter, priority sign-ups on local T-shirt size (for premium memberships) __________________
field trips, discounts on our educational classes, the opportuni-
ty to participate in our e-mail group and attend our wonderful
monthly lectures, and more!  This is a gift membership from ________________________

To join Travis Audubon Society:

Make your check payable to Travis Audubon Society and
send it with this form to TAS Membership Secretary, P. O. Box
40787, Austin, TX 78704, or join on-line using any major
credit card by going to www.travisaudubon.org and clicking
on Membership.
Name _______________________________ Phone ________________
Address _____________________________________________________
City ____________________________ State _____ Zip _____________
Email ______________________________________________________

16 S I G N A L S M O K E / May/June 2007 TRAVIS AUDUBON SOCIETY