Passport to Texas

Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

While the mockingbird might be the official state bird of Texas, every July it’s the hummingbird that earns a place of distinction in the state.

July is usually the start of our hummingbird migration when we’ve got thousands of ruby throated hummingbirds heading this way from the northern regions.

Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Mark Klym heads up the annual Hummingbird Roundup Survey in Texas, where some 18 different species of hummingbirds have been documented.

The round-up really provides us with information about the hummingbird population here in Texas and gives us an idea of where they’re being found.

While the bird count takes place year-round, the birds are more prevalent in the state from July to October.

This would be a good time to start looking at possibly increasing your number of feeders if you have a yard that is going to be actively used by hummingbirds…the best way to get hummingbirds in your yard is to prepare a good hummingbird garden. Lots of plants that will feed the birds, salvias, Turks cap, trumpet vine.

Take part in the annual Hummingbird Roundup and receive your own survey kit…find out how… when you visit passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show for today. For Texas Parks and Wildlife, I’m Cecilia Nasti

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Most Texans who live in “gator country” do so without incident. Yet, when the large reptiles get too close for comfort, they’re called nuisance alligators – although, to gators, we are the pests.

Human habitat is expanding- we’re encroaching on their home. We’re building our home in the alligator’s normal territory. So, we’re displacing them and sometimes pushing them into areas where we’re in conflict with them.

Jennifer Owen, Natural Resource Specialist Estero Llano Grande State Park, offers tips on gator etiquette.

If you find yourself a little too close to an alligator, what you should do is stop immediately, locate the alligator, and then slowly take steps backwards-don’t run. And then just turn around and walk away. If it is in a public area, you want to make sure to inform some authorities- either park rangers or you might want to call the game warden and let them know so that they can safely move the animal out of the way.

How can humans safely coexist with alligators?

Well, I think having a healthy respect for them and learning about them is number one. Realizing that they are amazing creatures and then realizing that they need their land. We need to save some area for them to have as their own so that they can continue their lives.

Find a link to information about nuisance gators at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show for today…with research and writing help from Loren Seeger…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

A modern day contemporary of dinosaurs, alligators have survived their prehistoric ancestors into the 21st century. One species of alligator is native to Texas.

The alligators that we have in Texas are the American alligator and it’s the largest reptile in North America. They can be about 6 to 16 feet long and they’re usually pretty dark green- sometimes they can appear black.

Jennifer Owen is the Natural Resource Specialist at the World Birding Center’s Estero Llano Grande State Park in the Valley.

You’ll find alligators in Texas basically all along the coast. They’re magnificent animals and amazing to see in the wild.

Once on the endangered species list, alligators were de-listed in 1980s; however, they remain protected in Texas, as well as the other ten states where they occur.

There used to be a big problem with alligator populations because they were hunted, not quite to extinction, but they were hunted to the point where they’re populations were severely dwindling. Then, Texas Parks and Wildlife here in our state developed programs to deal with hunting of alligators and protecting their habitat. They’ve really been on the rebound and have become a healthier population now.

Find a link to more information about alligators at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show for today…with research and writing help from Loren Seeger…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Work on your camping and hiking skills during an advanced backpacking program at Purtis Creek State Park, southwest of DFW. It’s a chance for kids and adults to get out and play… regardless of experience.

It’s a program for individuals of families that are interested in backpacking who may or may not have some previous experience. It’ll allow them to develop some skills on a short hike with an experienced leader. Purtis Creek State Park backpack trails offer a wide variety of trees and plants, and also opportunities to see some abundant wildlife, including beavers, Blue Heron, and some Egrets.

Lisa Male, Park Interpreter, tells us more about the event.

The hike is about a mile and it’s a pretty much level hike. Sites are wooded and they all have access to the lake. Bring all the necessary equipment, such as the backpack, camping stove, food, sleeping bag, tent. Our overnight program will be based on the “Leave No Trace” program. It’s designed to give visitors and opportunity to develop a respect for nature and wildlife.

This outing will provide the foundation and experience you need for future outdoor adventures.

We just want to encourage people to come out and take advantage of this program. It’s a great opportunity for people to gain some basic skills so that they can progress into more adventurous environments.

The advanced backpacking program is June 16th & 17th, and reservations are required. Find complete details about the program, including cost at passporttotexas.org.

That’s our show for today…with research and writing help from Loren Seeger…For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

June 16–17, 2007 — Purtis Creek SP — Advanced Backpacking — Bring backpack, tent, food, stove and all other necessary items for overnight campout. After a short review of equipment, go on a ranger-led hike into the backpack trails to spend the night in our primitive sites. Overnight program will focus on Leave No Trace camping. Hike is up to 1.5 miles. Equipment list available by contacting the park. 4 p.m. Saturday-9 a.m. Sunday; call for fees; reservations required (903) 425-2332.

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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Wildlife Restoration Program

Texas Parks and Wildlife recognizes and honors private landowners for habitat management and wildlife conservation with the Lone Star Land Steward Awards Program.

A land steward is just somebody who just manages and takes care of their land. These folks are very committed to conservation, and maintaining healthy lands under their management.

Linda Campbell is program director for private lands and public hunting.

Each year we open the nominations in June, and anybody can nominate a landowner for recognition in Lone Star Land Steward. So we receive nominations through November. Our biologists in each of the eco-regions visit each of the nominees, and then make a recommendation to those that should be awarded the Lone Star Land Steward award for that eco-region.

Biologists visit nominated landowners who have managed their property for a minimum of 5 years, to evaluate their practices.

They talk with the landowner or the manager. They try to evaluate what types of management actions that they are undertaking. They look at their motivations and really what makes them special in terms of taking care of the resources under their control.

Passporttotexas.org has links to nomination forms.

That’s our show for today… with support from the Wildlife Restoration Program… providing funding for the Private Lands and Public Hunting Program.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

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