Passport to Texas

This is Passport to Texas

Coffee is an agricultural crop that thrives in the tropics.

14—These areas oftentimes are coincident with biodiversity hot spots; that is, areas of really high biodiversity, whether in birds, or insects, amphibians—what have you.

Dr. Robert Rice works with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, which certifies coffees “Bird Friendly” when growers meet certain stringent criteria. Studies suggest shade grown coffee offers the greatest benefit as habitat.

15—Where coffee still is managed with a shade cover of the kind that we like to see and have defined with “bird friendly” criteria, then coffee oftentimes is some of the last remaining canopy cover—even though it’s not forest—it’s acting very much like a forest.

With habitat loss from deforestation, shade grown coffee estates serve as refuge for neo-tropical migratory bird species that travel through Texas, including the Black and White Warbler, the Baltimore Oriole, the Cerulean Warbler and others.

15—So, they just hang out there. They might be running around with mixed species flocks, and trying to stay alive and ultimately fatten up before they make the trip back north again. So this quality habitat becomes quite important for them in terms of making the trip back.

So next time you order a cup of coffee, you might ask your barrista if it’s for the birds.

That’s our show… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

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This is Passport to Texas

Eagles and hawks are raptors—birds of prey; and these amazing creatures hunt primarily using their long, sharp talons.

05—Raptors are the birds that are living just almost the same level as we are.

John Karger is Executive Director of Last Chance Forever Bird of Prey Conservancy. He rehabilitates injured and orphaned birds and—when feasible—releases them back into the wild, where they play an important role.

13—The raptors are prime indicators. When they get sick, we’re going to be sick. Thus in the 1960s we realized that we put a lot of chemicals on the earth. We knew that we did that because the birds were disappearing.

Karger travels around Texas with his raptors to demonstrate their prowess, and more importantly, to encourage in everyone a sense of stewardship.

18—If could get them to do one thing – just take a moment – realize how incredible nature is, and that it can really give you a sense of awe…a sense of incredible. What I really want people to do it to come to the Expo and realize that the whole outdoor world is there, and it is ours for just enjoying tremendously if we just take care of it.

Find links to information about raptors and the Last Chance Forever Bird of Prey Conservancy at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show for today…We receive support from the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program…for Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.
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Hawk Watch website

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This is Passport to Texas

Experience the holidays the way 19th Century German settlers did when you take part in an Early German Christmas at Monument Hill and Kriesche Brewery State Historic Site in La Grange. Bryan Frazier has details.

That part of Texas has such a history with the German influence, so they’re calling it An Early German Christmas. And every year, they light up a quarter-mile hiking trail for night walks.

Absolutely. They typically do period costumes and they’re really dressed up nice. So, you’ve got everyone getting in the Christmas spirit in general, and then to see it circa 1850s with the history there, and the interpretation programs they have and the lighted trail…it’s really nice.

Thanks Bryan,

Find more information www.texasstateparks.org.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

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This is Passport to Texas

For the price of an inexpensive meal for two—including tip…

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…you can have access to almost a million acres of public hunting land for an entire year.

05—Public hunting is [when] you hunt on either owned or leased public properties that Texas Parks and Wildlife manages.

Vickie Fite is public hunting coordinator. A public hunting permit costs only 48 dollars, and gives users access to diverse terrains. Once you purchase the permits, Fite says you’re going to receive a book that contains hunting information with phone numbers and information on how to reach these areas.

09—I strongly recommend that you call the areas and find out what they say their forecast is going to be for this year, or what the hunters have been able to do so far this year.

Whether you hunt deer, upland game birds, or waterfowl, you’ll find these opportunities and others on public lands.

15—And, remember, with the forty-eight dollar annual public hunting permit, it offers a great opportunity for day hunts and even weekend hunts during the holidays. And once you purchase the permit, you can take kids under seventeen hunting for free – which is a great deal for families.

Maybe a Thanksgiving hunting trip is in order this year.

That’s our show…with support from the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program… funded by your purchase of fishing and hunting equipment and motor boat fuels.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

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This is Passport to Texas

The Texas Parks and Wildlife TV series visits Katy Prairie this month for a segment on youth duck hunting. Abe Moore produced the show.

And it was put on by some volunteers and some folks from the Texas Youth Hunting program and also some folks from the Katy Prairie Conservancy. And it’s basically just getting some beginners out there, and giving them a chance to go duck hunting.

We did, and you’ll hear from him in the story. And the show is on Texas Parks and Wildlife television, on all your PBS stations. And for folks who want to learn more about the Texas Youth Hunting program, you can go to www.texasyouthhunting.com.

Thanks Abe,

We receive support from the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration program…working to increase fishing, boating, shooting and hunting opportunities in Texas.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.

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