TEXAS WILDLIFE NEWS

It’s a brand-new year! For many of us this is a chance to start fresh, create a new routine, or just simply, be better. At TWRC Wildlife Center, we are always looking for ways to be better, especially when it involves our wild friends. Join us this year in our resolution to help wildlife by choosing sustainable, wildlife-friendly options.

One of America’s most well-loved songbirds for many reasons, Purple Martins (Progne subis) are the largest swallows in North America. Their chattering song, aerial acrobatics, and insect-eating habits make them a cute and fun backyard spectacle for new and experienced birders. They can be found nesting almost exclusively in human-supplied housing and have become very dependent on us for their survival.

When one mentions raptors, there are a few species that people are very familiar with like owls, eagles and hawks. The osprey, however, isn’t a familiar species to most people even though it is one of the most widespread raptors in the world. The osprey is a great fisherman, successfully catching a fish one out of 4 tries. They are amazing to watch as they glide over water looking for a fish. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the great fisherman! Learn about where you can spot them and just how fascinating these raptors are.

Have you ever spotted a critter that seemed out of place, somewhere it’s not normally found? If so, more than likely it was a bird. But why birds? Birds are much more mobile than other animals, with many of them being migratory. So, it’s no surprise that they might easily find themselves out of their normal ranges. It is not known precisely why lone individuals end up hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles away from home... Truly a fun and entertaining read! Find out which birds have been spotted in odd places, and what could be causing it.

Who isn’t in awe at the sight of the majestic symbol of our country soaring overhead? The bald eagle is indeed a majestic creature, awe-inspiring due, in part, to its rarity. Although, not so rare anymore is the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Read about their population decline in the 1960s, their impressive comeback since then, and where you can find them around Houston!

Believe it or not, the holidays are almost upon us, bringing winter along with them. This means wildlife will be trying to find ways to keep warm and scrounge for food. As a result, you may find them venturing closer to human residences. Wildlife will be looking for a place to spend the cold winter.

Unless you suffer from ornithophobia (a fear of birds) or anatidaephobia (the fear that you are being watched by a duck), you probably enjoy watching ducks.

The mourning dove is native to Texas and gets its name from the soft, sad-sounding coo that usually only the male makes.

A pair of beautiful bald eagles are now calling Tomball, Texas, home and they’ve become quite the attraction.

Most people assume that the animal they are seeing in area lakes and streams is a beaver but it could be a river otter.

 Actually, yes, they are. For most people, the only thing they know about skunks is that they stink but they are very beneficial to farmers and homeowners. They eat garden and agricultural pests in large numbers. They feed on larvae, worms, fruit, eggs, reptiles, small mammals, bees, wasps, and fish. So are Skunks good for anything? YES!

We’ve all been in parking lots where we feel we’re being stalked by big black birds just waiting for us to drop a morsel of food. What are they? Ravens, Crows, Grackles? If you said Grackles, you’d be correct.

I almost missed what a thunderstorm had left in my front yard while I was carrying in my takeout: a tiny bird’s nest lying on the grass. I approached with fingers crossed, and I found two baby birds that had fallen victim to the downpour. Only one was still breathing. Over the next two hours, I hatched a plan to save the little guy’s life.

A few years ago, when I took my dog out for her last potty of the night, I heard the most beautiful bird singing. Just a few seconds later, another bird responded with the same beautiful song. I had no idea what species it was but after some research I learned it was a whippoorwill. The whippoorwill actually got its name because of its song—three syllables with emphasis on the first and last syllables.

And so it begins. Baby season 2020 and it all begins with baby squirrels. There are a number of reasons why baby squirrels get separated from mom. Homeowners cut down trees that have nests, high winds can blow nests down or can knock babies out of the nest or sometimes they just fall out. Whatever the reason, you can help.