Passport to Texas

Wildlife: Hummingbird Round-up Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Hummingbird enthusiasts look forward to July, because that’s when these tiny, enigmatic birds start their migration into Texas, beginning out west.

08—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 scientists and citizens have documented some 18 different species of hummingbirds in the state.

07—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 influx of birds beginning this month, and peaking in August and September, makes it an ideal time to participate in this citizen science project.

19—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.

If you love watching hummingbirds, sign up to participate in the Hummingbird Round-up and receive your own survey kit…find out how… when you visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

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

TPW Magazine: The Fall Birding Issue Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Ask any birder what they like better—Christmas or fall migration—and there’s no contest. Sorry Santa. The August issue of Texas Parks and wildlife magazine offers readers a bird’s eye view of Texas cities at the center of two migration superhighways. Editor Louie Bond has details.

50—And they’re both, officially, nationally—birdiest cities. Corpus Christi is the national birdiest city, and Port Aransas is the national small coastal birdiest city. Both have really just been in the nature tourism business in the last decade or two. They’re lucky enough to have this wonderful parade of birds. And so now birdwatchers are flocking there to see 50 to 100 birds in a day. And the towns have benefitted from this; there’s increased jobs and just a general happiness amongst these folks who are now getting outside and enjoying nature. And along with that great article, we’ll have a birding calendar, so no matter what part of the state you live in, you can go out and see birds yourself. And we’ll take a birding trip down to the valley and seeing what’s going on with birding down there. Whether you’re interest is birding in the panhandle or birding in the Valley, check out what’s happening across Texas this month at Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine.

Thanks, Louie.

That’s our show for today. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program supports our series, and is celebrating 75 years of funding diverse conservation projects in Texas.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

TPW TV: Charlie's Cannon Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

History comes alive every April on the San Jacinto Battlegrounds with the reenactment of the battle of San Jacinto. This month the TPW TV show introduces viewers to a reenactor who brings his own cannon to the event. Producer Bruce Biermann.

67—I never met anyone who owns a cannon until I met Charlie Yates.

He wants to preserve those who came before us—their memory, their efforts. And help us never to forget them, but also to learn from them.

Thanks, Bruce.

Catch Charlie and his cannon on the Texas Parks and Wildlife PBS TV show the week of July 29th.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

Battleship Texas Turns 100! Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Throughout the year, Battleship Texas is celebrating the 100th year of its launching—which occurred May 18, 1912. Our State Park Guide Bryan Frazier has details.

63—There simply is not a more historic watercraft that we have here in the united states. Everything from the only remaining dreadnaught class battleship to the only surviving battleship to have fought in both WWI and WWII. It was the first US naval craft to get a commercial radar put on its decks. It was the first ship in the navy to get anti aircraft guns mounted on its deck back in 1916. It sits in the Houston Ship Channel in la Porte Texas near the San Jacinto Battleground Complex. People can tour it, there are overnight events, and they’re celebrating the hundredth year of its launch. And its and amazing piece of living history. It’s not only significant to Texas; it’s significant to our country. It’s not only this gigantic boat that sits there moored in the harbor, but it’s a symbol of everywhere we’ve been with our military history, and it just represents the pride and the investment that people have put into that, and what our country and our freedom have stood for on the seas. Battleship Texas is a living legend, and it is 100 years old this year.

Thanks Bryan

That’s our show for today…with funding provided by Chevrolet, supporting outdoor recreation in Texas; because there’s life to be done.

For Texas Parks and Wildlife I’m Cecilia Nasti.

Camping Primer Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

I know it feels like summer just started, but it will be over before you know it. And camping is the perfect way to turn an average summer weekend into a vacation. With parks in every region of Texas, your destination is only a short drive away.

Most state parks have campgrounds, and some of those have water and electric hook-ups. Several parks also accommodate RVs for those who wish to bring a little piece of home with them to the great outdoors. Before you travel, check to see what RV connections are available at your campsite.

For the pampered camper, check out state parks that offer cabins and lodges. Historic landmarks and secluded ranches make for a relaxing getaway.

When tent camping, remember to properly dispose of food waste to discourage unwanted animals visitors; and always pack out what you pack in.

When camping, remember that you are you are not just a visitor, you are part of the natural world, and as such, it is your responsibility to keep it healthy and inviting to others.

If you’ve never been camping before, consider attending a Texas Outdoor Family workshop where TPW staff teaches you and your family the basics in a fun-filled weekend.

Find more outdoor opportunities at the website lifesbetteroutside.org.

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