Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park April 28-30, 2017 Photo by Ray Carroll
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| April 28-30, 2017
Welcome The seventh annual Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival will take flight on April 28, 29 and 30 at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in Fredericksburg, Texas as nature lovers converge to enjoy the great diversity of wildlife found in the Texas Hill Country. In addition to the featured Hill Country’s natural fliers — birds, bats, butterflies, and dragonflies, this year’s festival schedule will also include programs on snakes, pollinators, wildlife management, and wildflowers. All activities in the park will be conducted on Friday and Saturday, April 28 and 29. The schedule for Sunday, April 30 will be dedicated exclusively to birding field trips in scenic Hill Country locations. The Wings Over the Hills Nature festival is very pleased to welcome Dorian Anderson, M.D., from San Francisco, California, as our featured speaker on Saturday evening. Anderson will recount his 2014 bicycling adventure across the United States in search of birds in his effort to raise money for three national wildlife refuges. Anderson biked, kayaked and hiked 17,700 miles from Boston to the Pacific Coast, and half way back to the Atlantic Coast recording 617 species of birds. His is a story of stamina, mental toughness and resolution to complete this yearlong mission. Bill Lindemann, local naturalist, will open the festival with a talk describing “what makes Texas Hill Country nature so special,” at 9 a.m. Friday April 28, in the Pioneer Pavilion in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. A wide variety of topics will be covered by area speakers during talks throughout Friday and Saturday. These experts will share their knowledge of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, snakes and pollinators, as well as covering
to the Seventh Annual Wings over the Hills Nature Festival
to host Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Hill Country Regional Outreach trailer. This traveling exhibit showcases past and present management of Hill Country ecosystems, and our relationship to our local wildscapes. TPWD biologists will be on hand to answer questions about their professional responsibilities within the state, ongoing white-tailed deer research at the Kerr WMA, and any other questions visitors may have. Vans will transport festival attendees to a local ranch on Friday and Saturday where avian professionals from the Gulf Coast Come enjoy a naturally wonderful weekend in Fredericksburg. This Zebra Birding Observatory in Lake Jackson will gently place tiny identification Longwing is one of the many species of birds found in the Hill Country. bands on the legs of hummingbirds. ranch. Birding field trips on Sunday This specialized procedure allows current topics relevant to Hill will include visits to Enchanted Rock attendees to closely observe and Country wildlife. SNA, Lost Maples State Natural Hawks, vultures and eagles will photograph the colorful birds. The Area, Junction and Kerr Wildlife take to the sky Friday afternoon banders will discuss the scientific Management Area. in downtown Fredericksburg as importance of capture, banding, Wings again welcomes John Karger Half and full-day birding field release, and recovery of the trips will be offered on all three of Last Chance Forever Nature hummers. festival days, exploring excellent Hill Novice and professional Conservancy. Karger and his staff rescue and rehabilitate these majestic Country venues for viewing two photographers will be able to endangered species, the Goldenbirds at their conservancy in San enhance their skills, as Wings cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Antonio. welcomes back Ruth Hoyt, Vireos. In previous festivals, the full- one of the country’s top nature Friday and Saturday activities day field trips have identified more in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal photographers. Hoyt will conduct than 100 species of birds. Field trip a nature photography workshop for Park will include nature talks, nature walks, a nature photography participants are likely to see three all skill levels on Saturday morning, bunting species, kingfishers, hawks, demonstrating and discussing workshop, beginner workshops on orioles and sparrows. butterflies and dragonflies, a free techniques she uses to produce Parents and children will be children’s activities area, shopping outstanding award-winning nature entertained and educated about our photographs. at vendor booths, and educational natural world through interactive displays. The Wings Over the Hills Nature games and activities at our Birding field trips on Friday Festival is sponsored by the Friends Children’s Pavilion, on Saturday and Saturday will search for of the Fredericksburg Nature Center. from 10 a.m.. to 2 p.m. This funbirds at Enchanted Rock State All proceeds will be channeled filled event has been a highlight Natural Area, Kerrville, Love into developing the Fredericksburg of past festivals. A butterfly tent Creek Nature Preserve, Guadalupe Nature Center in Lady Bird Johnson featuring live butterflies will be River State Park/Honey Creek Municipal Park and other natural set up at the beautiful Pollinator Wildlife Management Area, and areas in the City of Fredericksburg. Garden, where kids of all ages can Pedernales Falls State Park. A The outstanding nature area on a watch the interactions of birds, shuttle will transport participants scenic 10-acre section of this park insects and plants. to a hummingbird leg-banding has been created and maintained demonstration on a Gillespie County Wings Over the Hills is pleased almost entirely by volunteers.
Hoyt to share photography skills at fest Images in nature can inspire, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Texas Hill Country. Get behind the lens with Ruth Hoyt, outstanding and accredited nature photographer, as she shares her life-long experiences and techniques on how best to capture these fascinating and breathtaking images. Hoyt will conduct her half-day nature photography workshop at the Wings over the Hills Nature Festival in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park on Saturday, April 29, 2017. Seating will be limited and registration is required. Hoyt, a resident of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, has been teaching wildlife photography for more than 20 years. She has led tours and workshops throughout the nation. Her work has been published by National Geographic Magazine, The Nature Conservancy, Birder’s World, Texas Monthly and many others. She has founded and also led several nature photography organizations, including Texas Nature & Environmental Photographers (TexNEP). Hoyt’s many talents include connecting kids, cameras and nature through a variety of young peoples’ camps and workshops. More information can be found at: www.ruthhoyt.com.
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Dorian’s ride
Anderson and epic trip is featured at 2017 fest Dorian Anderson took on an extraordinary challenge in the year 2014 to raise funds for three national wildlife refuges by only using non-motorized methods of transportation in his search for a maximum number of bird species in the continental United States. He began his odyssey trip on January 1 in Boston and finished it in late December in the Dallas area. In between, Anderson biked, kayaked and hiked 17,800 miles from Boston southward along the Atlantic Coast, around the Gulf of Mexico coastline, and westward to the Desert Southwest. He then turned northward through the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Northwest where he headed southward along the Pacific coastline to southern California. His final trek took him back through the Desert Southwest and eastward to the Dallas area. He recorded 617 species of birds in 23 states. Anderson’s challenge was an unbelievable story of stamina, mental toughness and resolution to complete his yearlong mission. The ultimate challenge for birders before 2014 was to complete a “Big Year” escapade to record the most species in North America in a calendar year; the current record being in the 750 species range required logging hundreds of thousand miles by air, sea and land. Removing motorized modes of transportation from the process upped the degree of difficulty to unbelievable levels in many ways. Anderson was very disciplined in following his rules and not using any form of motorized transport; he set a high bar for any future challengers. Anderson traveled alone, except for brief periods of time when his fiancée followed him in a car. Anderson had a number of sponsors, including the American Birding Association, The Conservation Fund, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, Best Western Motel and Hunt’s Photo and Video to reward his effort in recording as many species as possible to raise funds for his beneficiary refuges. He raised more than $50,000 during his yearlong “biking for birds” mission. He used Facebook to keep his friends informed of his progress
April 28-30, 2017
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Birds, Climate and YOU Join us at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29 in the Pioneer Pavilion as Tania Homayoun, Ph.D. will present “Birds and Climate: Audubon’s Climate Initiative.” The Earth’s changing climate patterns are impacting not only humans and other animals, but birds, too. As habitats are industrialized, exploited for mineral extraction or converted to agricultural use, birds everywhere face a one-two punch from these threats to their very existence. Fortunately, the solid, detailed data needed to understand the changing
climate’s effect on North American birds has been actively collected for over a century by volunteer bird watchers. These citizen scientists, whose observations are recorded in Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count, and through the North American Breeding Bird Survey, have provided the basis for comprehensive new research about climate pressures faced by bird species in North America. The good news: everyday citizens can make positive impacts on behalf of the birds everywhere.
Pollinator Garden on display Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center utilized more than 1,000 hours of volunteer work by members and Master Naturalists to build a beautiful pollinator garden in Lady Bird Johnson Park, a fitting tribute to the park’s namesake and former First Lady, Mrs. Lady Bird Johnson. More than 260 species of blooming plants have been recorded throughout park. The pollinator garden, located between the swimming pool and the RV campground, is a site where wildflower,
Dorian Anderson’s Herculean journey wound across the U.S. and whereabouts as well as posting regular updates on his blog. Interestingly, he passed through Fredericksburg during his time in Texas. Although his number of sightings did not challenge the “Big Year” records, it can be assumed that none of those contestants came close to meeting the challenges he faced every day of his “biking for birds” quest.
Anderson will share his Herculean experience at a reception in his honor at the Pioneer Pavilion on Saturday, April 29, beginning at 5:30 p.m. He will also do a biking for birds trip in LBJ State Park on Friday morning and a birding field trip to Lost Maples SNA on Sunday. For details and registration information, visit www.wingstx. org.
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butterfly and wild bee enthusiasts can observe the activities carried out by those pollinators as they move among the native plants. In addition, butterfly larva will likely be feeding on their favorite host plans. Unfortunately, many of the essential pollinators are being destroyed by insecticides and loss of habitat. Valerie Bugh, a noted Austin naturalist and arthropod specialist will be speaking on Friday, April 28, on “Pollination: What Goes on in the Garden.”
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| April 28-30, 2017
Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center The Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center would like to welcome all to the Seventh Annual Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival. The Friends’ mission is to enhance, protect and interpret the natural ecosystem of the Texas Hill Country while providing educational and quality of life opportunities for members of the community and visitors. The Friends has scheduled a threeday celebration of the outstanding natural diversity found in the Texas Hill Country. The non-profit corporation was founded by a group of volunteer nature enthusiasts in 2000 to provide educational venues for school children and trails for the enjoyment of all who appreciate nature. Turning what was considered 10 acres of waste property in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park into a favored destination for birders, hikers and explorers proved to be a rewarding challenge. Friends and volunteers built one mile of nature trails in 2001 along Live Oak Creek and upgraded about 600 feet of the trail in 2007 into a Handicapped Accessible Trail (HAT). Along the HAT are special sites for users to appreciate Hill Country birds, butterflies, wildflowers and rocks. All proceeds from the festival are used to create and promote other nature-related venues in the park and city. In 2012, the Friends converted an abandoned experimental rose garden into a pollinator garden in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. The pollinator garden not only serves as a great educational venue for the pollination process, but also has become the most
beautiful part of the park. Be sure to visit as a lot of buzzing is going on there. Inventories of the flora and fauna indicated the seven distinct habitats found in the nature area hosted an extensive array of plants and animals, including over 260 species of naturally occurring wildflowers, 182 birds, 70 butterflies and 50 species of dragonflies and damselflies. In 2014, the Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine cited our nature center area as the “Best in Texas” for adding to plant and animal lists. In 2004, the Friends joined with Fredericksburg Elementary School to host an annual Third Grade Day in the park for approximately 200 students. The event became a regular part of the school curriculum. Other schools also use the nature area as an outdoor classroom. In 2010, the Friends teamed up with the Fredericksburg Rotary Clubs to host an annual nature festival called the Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival. In 2014, the Friends became the sole sponsor of the event. The nature area in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park is a testament to the importance of volunteers creating an important educational and recreational venue in a community. Through tens of thousands of hours of labor donated by members, master naturalists, Boy Scouts and students, the trails of the nature area allow thousands of hikers to appreciate and enjoy nature in the park. We thank all of the people who joined us in celebrating nature during the sixth annual festival in 2016. An invitation is always open to return to our nature area throughout the year.
Wildlife Management Plan can benefit area’s songbirds
One of the goals of the Wings practices to implement during the Over the Hills Nature Festival is year. These practices include habitat to raise awareness of protecting control, erosion control, predator the outstanding fauna and flora control, census counts, providing found in the Edwards Plateau, shelters, supplemental water and more specifically the Hill Country, food sources. through good land stewardship Many landowners implement practices. all seven practices to maximize As most of the Hill improved wildlife conditions. Country is privately An example of successful owned, it is incumbent wildlife management on the landowners practices is the rebounding to recognize that of two endangered songbird wildlife successes, or species, the golden-cheeked meeting their needs, are warbler and the black-capped dependent on how well vireo to the point that both the natural habitat is are being considered for managed for their long upgrading their status from Maureen Frank endangered to threatened. term benefit, and in some cases, survival. The Wings Over the Hills In 1997 Texas landowners had Nature Festival is pleased to have the opportunity to convert their Maureen Frank, an Assistant agricultural tax valuation to an Professor and Wildlife Specialist open space wildlife management with the Texas A&M AgriLife plan and receive the same tax Extension Service in Uvalde to benefits. It is important to note speak on the details of utilizing a that the wildlife management wildlife management plan to benefit plan went well beyond managing songbirds. game animals to cover all wildlife She will be speaking at 1 p.m. including songbirds. Saturday, April 29 in the Pioneer Landowners can choose three Pavilion in Lady Bird Johnson of seven wildlife management Municipal Park.
April 28-30, 2017
Other festival highlights Hummingbird Banding
Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival, will again feature the popular hummingbird leg-banding demonstration at the Dendy Ranch located between Kerrville and Harper. Owned by Bill and Fran Dendy, the ranch hosts hundreds and possibly thousands of hummingbirds each year, a virtual beehive of activity from March to September. A shuttle will operate between the Park and the Dendy Ranch on April 28 and 29, leaving at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. from the Pioneer Pavilion. Seating is limited and registration is required for this event. To register, visit www.wingstx.org. Robert and Kay Lookingbill, who hold master bird banding permits, are research associates for the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory out of Lake Jackson, Texas. They have managed a variety of bird banding projects for over a decade, banding hummingbirds, songbirds, raptors, owls and pelicans. In addition to their work at the GCBO, they also volunteer their banding experience for a number of other organizations and facilities in Texas. The Lookingbills operate a yearround banding station at the GCBO for songbirds and hummingbirds. The Lookingbills will discuss the natural history of the hummingbirds and the type of information that can be obtained from bird banding projects.
Did you know...?
The Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo were placed on the federally endangered species list when their numbers decreased because of loss of habitat and predation by nest parasitism of cowbirds. Their limited breeding range covers a narrow band of favorable habitat through the Texas Hill Country. Members of the dragonfly family have been on the planet Earth for more than 320 million years along with fellow insects, silverfish and cockroaches? Mexican Free tailed bats are the
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Participants will observe the gentle capture, banding, measurement and release of the hummingbirds. This provides a great opportunity for close-up observation and photography.
Birding Field Trips
Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival conducts guided birding trips to nine excellent Hill Country venues. Vans will take registrants to and from Enchanted Rock SNA, hotspots in Kerrville and Junction, Love Creek Nature Preserve, Lost Maples SNA, the Kerr WMA , Pedernales Falls SP, and Guadalupe River SP/ Honey Creek SNA. The field trip leaders are experienced birders from state and regional locations: Martin Hagne (Lake Jackson), Richard Redmond (Bandera), Kyle O’Haver (Colorado City), Rhandy Helton (Junction), Craig Hensley (Bulverde), Romey Swanson (New Braunfels), Brent Ortego (Victoria), Crystal Ledezma (Kerrville), Jimma Byrd (San Saba), and Bill Lindemann (Fredericksburg). This year enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to ride with guest speaker Dorian Anderson in a Birding by Bike field trip through LBJ State Park. Field trips in past years have cumulatively located over 100 bird species, including the endangered Golden-cheeked Warblers and Blackcapped Vireos.
Things you may learn at the Wings Over the Hills Festival
Two thirds of the over 630 recorded sightings of birds in Texas have been in the Edwards Plateau (including the Hill Country). The plateau makes up only 17 per cent of the Texas landscape.
most common bat found in Texas. They spend the cold weather months in Mexico. A large concentration of these flying mammals is found in an abandoned railroad tunnel south of Fredericksburg.
Butterflies often go unnoticed by the general public and, to some extent, nature lovers largely because butterflies are mostly small and silent in their environmental niche of pollinating plant flowers.
LOCHTE FEED & GENERAL STORE Welcomes everyone to the Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival • feeders • seed • birdhouses
509 Longhorn St. Phone 830-997-2256 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7-6 Sat. 7-3
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10 am-2 pm — Crafts & Activities Volunteers will be available in Pavilion 2 to guide children through crafts projects such as making owl and butterfly masks, clothespin dragonflies and milk carton bird feeders. We’ll offer washable tattoos, games to play and photo opportunities.
On Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., we are pleased to offer a variety of activities to entertain and educate children about the natural bounty in the Hill Country. We hope to create those “A-ha!” moments that will inspire them to become the stewards of our natural treasures. Children’s programs are based in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in Pavilion 2, near the Pioneer Pavilion. There is no charge to participate in these activities!
10 am-2 pm — Hill Country Reptiles Kory Perlichek, a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department biologist, will present specimens of Hill Country snakes.
Schedule: 10 am-11 am — Pollinator Parade with costumes & music. Wings will be provided to the first 50 children to sign in. 10 am-2 pm — Butterfly Tent in the Pollinator Garden Cathy Downs and Gracie Waggener travel the state to teach children about the life cycle of butterflies.They welcome children to enter the tent where butterflies might perch for a close up encounter. At the nearby Pollinator Garden, families are welcome to explore and view a variety of butterflies and other insects that are attracted by the many flowers found there.
10 am-2 pm — Texas Parks & Wildlife Trailer Visit the trailer for free information about the wildlife and parks of our state. 11 am - Insects Wayne Seifert, a retired Schreiner College biology instructor, will share his passion for insects using specimens and larger than life models. Noon-2 pm — The Buzz About Bees Storyteller and beekeeper Kim Lehman will tell us all about honeybees. In this hands-on demonstration, children will have the chance to try various kinds of honey, try on a beekeeper’s suit and learn about the products of the hive.
Last Chance Forever Birds of Prey Demonstration A high-flying good time is in store at 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 29, when John Karger brings his exciting Last Chance Forever rescued raptor program to 252 East Main Street in Fredericksburg. Using rehabilitated hawks, owls, falcons, vultures and
eagles, Karger tells the story of man’s interaction with nature and his environment in an entertaining and educational program. Everyone is invited. Tickets are $5 per person at the door and no reservations are needed to attend.
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| April 28-30, 2017
Speakers’ programs, times and locations TIME
FRIDAY, APRIL 28
SATURDAY, APRIL 29
SUNDAY, APRIL 30
PROGRAM
PRESENTER
7 am
Vendors/Exhibitors set-up
7 am
Birding by Bike with Dorian Anderson - LBJ State Park (Stonewall)
7:30 am-Noon
Birding trip to Enchanted Rock SNA
7:30 am-Noon
Birding Trip to Pedernales Falls State Park (Johnson City)
9 am-5 pm
Trade Show open - Free to the public
9-10 am
What is Special About Texas Hill Country Nature?
PLACE Pioneer Pavilion
Dorian Anderson
Pioneer Pavilion Pioneer Pavilion Pioneer Pavilion
Bill Lindemann
9-10:30 am
Nature Walk on Trails (Free)
9 am
Hummingbird Banding Demonstration shuttle leaves - 1st trip
Robert, Kay Lookingbill
10:30-11:30 am
Pollination - What Goes On In the Garden?
Valerie Bugh
11:30 am-1 pm
LUNCH AND VISIT THE TRADE SHOW
Pioneer Pavilion Pioneer Pavilion Pioneer Pavilion Pioneer Pavilion Pioneer Pavilion
1-2 pm
Hill Country Dragons and Damsels
James Laswell
Pioneer Pavilion
1-3:30 pm
Hummingbird Banding Demonstration shuttle leaves - 2nd trip
Robert, Kay Lookingbill
Pioneer Pavilion
2-4 pm
Butterfly 101 Workshop
Bill Lindemann
Tatsch House
2:30-3:30 pm
Introduction to Birds of the Texas Hill Country
Brent Ortego, PhD
Pioneer Pavilion
4:30-6:30 pm
Last Chance Forever Raptor Demonstration
John Karger
252 E. Main St.
5:30-7 pm
Festival Volunteer Appreciation Reception (by Invitation Only)
Tatsch House
6:30 am-4 pm
Birding Trips to Junction, Guadalupe River SP/Honey Creek SNA, Love Creek Nature Preserve and Kerrville Hot Spots
Pioneer Pavilion
7:30-11:30 am
Nature Photography Workshop
Ruth Hoyt
9 am-4:30 p.m.
Trade Show open - Free to the public
9 am
Hummingbird Banding Demonstration Shuttle Leaves - 1st trip
10 am-2 pm
Children’s Activities Open (Free)
Tatsch House Pioneer Pavilion
Robert, Kay Lookingbill
Pioneer Pavilion Pioneer Pavilion #2
10-11:30 am
Nature Walk on Trails (Free)
10:30-11:30 am
Birds and Climate: Audubon’s Climate Initiative
Pioneer Pavilion
11:30 am-1 pm
LUNCH AND VISIT THE TRADE SHOW
1 pm
Hummingbird Banding Demonstration Shuttle Leaves - 2nd trip
Robert, Kay Lookingbill
Pioneer Pavilion
1-2 pm
Wildlife Management Plans - For the Birds
Maureen Frank, PhD
Pioneer Pavilion
1-3 pm
Odonate (Dragonfly) 101 Workshop
James Lasswell
Tatsch House
2:30-3:30 pm
Natural Splendor: Lower Rio Grande Valley Butterflies
Bill Lindemann
Pioneer Pavilion
Tania Homayoun, PhD
Pioneer Pavilion Pioneer Pavilion
5:30-6:30 p,
Reception for Dorian Anderson
6:45-7:45 pm
A Biking for Birds Odyssey Across America (Feature Presentation)
6:30 am-4 pm
Birding trips to Junction and Lost Maples SNA
Pioneer Pavilion
7:30 am-Noon
Birding 101 to Enchanted Rock SNA (carpool)
Pioneer Pavilion
Welcome to Wings Over the Hills!
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830-998-7486 • 97 Hitchin Post Trail Fredericksburg, Texas
Pioneer Pavilion Dorian Anderson, PhD
Pioneer Pavilion
Welcome to the Wings Over the Hills Festival FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS HONDO’S • 312 WEST MAIN • 830-997-1633 www.hondosonmain.com
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Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival CUSTOM SCREENPRINT & EMBROIDERY LOCATED AT 157 INDUSTRIAL LOOP 997-9926
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Wings DORIAN ANDERSON, Ph.D (Featured) “A Biking for Birds Odyssey Across America” Dorian Anderson will headline the seventh annual Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival by recounting his “Biking for Birds” eco-adventure in 2014 and share his expertise on field trips to Texas Hill Country birding venues. During 2014 Anderson cycled over 17,800 miles through 28 states while observing 617 species. He pedaled, hiked and kayaked the entire distance and raised more the $50,000 for bird conservation. Please plan to meet and hear Dorian’s wonderful story of his birding adventure. Bio: Anderson began birding at a very young age in the Philadelphia area, spending much of his time in national wildlife refuges and other birding hotspots. He interrupted his birding adventures by studying Cell and Molecular Biology at Stanford and eventually earning a Ph.D. at New York University in Developmental Genetics. He followed with a post-doctoral position at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. He left his post-doctoral studies in 2013 to complete his birding odyssey in 2014. VALERIE BUGH “Pollination – What Goes on in Your Garden” The movement of pollen from stamen to stigma is a major issue for plants, and they cannot easily do it themselves. While bees are the first resource that comes to mind when pollination is mentioned, no ecosystem is simple; complexity demands multiple solutions to the issue. We will look at the various animals that interact with plants in this process, and discuss the expenditures, risks and compensations. Bio: Bugh is a local naturalist specializing in the arthropods of the Austin area, with interests in taxonomy and photography. She runs the Fauna Project at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, leads insect discovery walks, teaches entomology courses, provides insect/spider identifications, gives talks to local organizations and is the author of pocket guides to “Butterflies of Central Texas” and “Spiders of Texas.” Website: www.austinbug.com JOHN KARGER “Birds of Prey Demonstration” This program offers common sense oriented education regarding these birds’ importance and the necessity for all life forms to live in a health balanced ecosystem and conservation of our environment. Live birds of prey including falcons, hawks, eagles, owls and vultures make up his cast of birds that have been rehabilitated. Those birds that can fly will put on displays of their flying skills. Karger describes the important identification features and behavioral habits of each bird while at rest and flying. Bio: Karger, a Hill Country native, is
April 28-30, 2017
Over the Hills speaker topics & bios a nationally known raptor rehabilitator, founded the nonprofit Last Chance Forever, The Bird of Prey Conservancy organization in 1978. He is a certified veterinary and bioengineering behavioral technician and holds permits to rescue and rehabilitate protected and endangered wildlife species and possess these species for exhibition and education purposes. His organization receives from 240 to 300 sick, injured and orphaned raptors annually and over 60 per cent of these birds are returned to the wild. This rehabilitation work has had both national and international impact. His education programs using live birds has taught and entertained over 4 million people on the common sense approach to wildlife conservation. He is master class falconer and promotes falconry in his presentations. ROBERT AND KAY LOOKINGBILL “Hummingbird Banding Demonstration” The banding demonstration will take place on a private ranch, owned by Bill and Fran Dendy. The Dendys are annual hosts to thousands of hummingbirds every spring and summer. Last year the Lookingbills banded 200 hummingbirds, mostly Black-chinned Hummingbirds, but including a few Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. The Lookingbills will discuss the natural history of the hummingbirds and what has been learned from banding projects. Participants will observe capture, banding measurement and release of the hummingbirds. The demonstration last year allowed for close-up observation and photography opportunities for more than 65 people. The Lookingbills will be assisted by Brooks Short of Lake Jackson, Texas Bios:Robert and Kay Lookingbill, who hold master bird banding permits, are research associates for the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory in Lake Jackson, Texas. The Lookingbills have managed a variety of bird banding projects for over a decade, banding songbirds, hummingbirds, raptors, owls and pelicans. They also volunteer their banding expe JAMES LASSWELL “Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Texas Hill Country” Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are among the oldest extant group of insects and have captured the eye of many nature enthusiasts, particularly in the last 10 years. The unique geographic position of Texas has resulted in it becoming the epicenter of odonate diversity in North America. With a mix of subtropical, temperate, eastern and western faunas, Texas supports over half of the North American fauna and its numbers are growing annually with new discoveries. “Workshop for beginners on Dragonflies and Damselflies of the
Texas Hill Country This workshop will introduce nature enthusiasts to the “World of Dragonflies and Damselflies.” The agenda calls for both classroom and outdoor study of one of the world’s oldest families of insects (>300 million years) and equally colorful as birds and butterflies. Classroom topics will include informal introduction to families, general identification features, life cycle, habitat preference, equipment and reference book selection and interesting facts and features of these extraordinary insects. Outdoor activities will include finding and identification, learning distinctive family features, observing behavioral habits, up close looks of the insects. Bio: Lasswell holds a Bachelor’s degree in botany from Texas A&M University and a Master’s degree in Zoology from Sam Houston State University. He spent his career as a research biologist, first for Texas Parks and Wildlife and later for Texas A&M’s Texas Ag-Life with most of his career spent at the Texas A&M Ag-Life Research and Extension Center in Stephenville, Texas, retiring in 2008. Lasswell has conducted research programs on odonates and has co-authored a book, A Dazzle Of Dragonflies, and a number of popular and scientific articles on a number of subjects. Lasswell helped develop a process of digitally scanning odonates and producing a website for odonate scans. An avid nature photographer, a number of his photos have occurred in the Journal of the American Entomologist, Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine and National Geographic. JARED HOLMES “Slithering Creatures in the Texas Hill Country” Jared Holmes will feature live specimens of Hill Country snakes in his presentation. Get up close looks while learning interesting facts of the many native reptiles that are found in the 25 counties that make up the rugged rocky limestone-karst terrain of the Texas Hill Country. Bio: Holmes is a biologist and educator with the Selah-Bamberger Ranch Preserve, a 5,500 acre nature preserve dedicated towards conservation and
stewardship of native habitats. He grew up in the Poconos of Pennsylvania while learning from a young age how to collect, care for, photograph and share his love for amphibians and reptiles. He attended Texas A&M University. Upon finishing his education, Jared became a research biologist and educational presenter for all age levels specializing in snakes. TANIA HOMAYOUN, Ph.D “Birds and Climate: Audubon’s Climate Initiative” Birds are excellent indicators of ecosystem health, and new research using decades of data from Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count and the Breeding Bird Survey suggest that more than half of US birds are at risk from climate change. This talk will introduce Audubon’s Birds and Climate Change Report, the vital role of citizen science in this study, and the tools and models helping guide bird conservation into an uncertain climate future. Bio: Homayoun is the Urban Conservation Program Manager with Audubon Texas and director of its Urban Conservation Program. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Ecology/Evolution/ Conservation Biology and Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin and a PhD in Conservation Biology from the University of Minnesota, where she studied the impacts of urbanization on landbird communities. She joined Audubon Texas in July 2011 at the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center and joined Audubon Texas’s Conservation Science Team in February 2013. MAUREEN FRANK, Ph.D “Wildlife Management Plans, for the Birds” Have you heard of wildlife management plans (WMPs)? Are you interested in earning an open space agricultural valuaation on your land? Did you know that WMPs aren’t just about deer? A habitat management plan designed for songbird management can benefit both the ecosystem and the landowner. This talk will cover the four aspects of habitat, basic songbird open space agricultural valuation WMPs. Also included will be considerations for improving traditional agricultural practices to be songbird-
friendly ecology, and specific habitat management practices that can benefit and align with songbirds. Bio: Frank is an Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Ms. Frank holds a Bachelor degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Texas A&M University, and a PhD in Wildlife Biology from Utah State University. BRENT ORTEGO, Ph.D “The Birds of the Texas Hill Country” The Texas Hill Country and the Edwards Plateau cover only seventeen per cent of the state; however the region has 40 per cent of the flora and 67 per cent of the bird species found in Texas. Variation in topography, rainfall, temperatures and geology also contribute to the diversity of both plants and birds. The power point presentation will feature many of the exceptional bird species found in the region which will include species normally found in the Trans-Pecos, East Texas, lower Rio Grande Valley and South Texas and North Texas. Bio: Ortego worked as a biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife for 34 years. He holds a Master’s degree in Wildlife/ Wildlands Science and Management from Louisiana State University and a PhD. in Wildlife Ecology/Fisheries from Auburn University. Duties at TPWD included conservation planning, landowner assistance and incentive programs, public education and outreach, and wildlife surveys. Also coordinates numerous surveys, including bald eagle, USGS breeding bird, Texas Christmas bird counts, and various bird migration surveys. BILL LINDEMANN “What is Special about Texas Hill Country Nature” This presentation will explore the evolution of the Texas Hill Country region beginning over a billion and one-half years ago to the present. The talk will cover the
past and present inhabitants, the changes that have occurred since settlement, and what the future might hold. The Edwards Plateau, which includes the Hill Country, is one of the most diverse biological regions on the planet. Although it covers only 17 per cent of the state, more than 40 per cent of the flora and 60 per cent of the birds are found here. Over 100 million bats call the Hill Country home during the summer months. Colorful insects, including butterflies and dragonflies also call this region home. The presentation will conclude with a discussion about stewardship of land and natural resources. “Natural Splendor – Lower Rio Grande Valley Butterflies” The sub-tropical climate of the Lower Rio Grande Valley in deep South Texas and its proximity to Mexico supports the greatest diversity of butterflies in North America. Approximately 300 of North Americas 700 species can be found here and one half of these species occur only in this region. Butterfly enthusiasts come here to search the many beautiful gardens for that rare butterfly from Mexico that has never been seen before in the United States. This presentation will highlight the most spectacular species with special colors and patterns visitors to this region may encounter while in their search for that rare jewel. It is natural splendor on display throughout this sub-tropical region. Bio: Native Texan from Gonzales County; attended University of Texas at Austin with two degrees in geology; employed by Exxon for 32 years as exploration geologist with worldwide experience in oil and gas, minerals, coal and synthetic fuels; avid birder for 50 years; weekly newspaper columnist on “Birding in the Hill Country” for 18 years; principal founder of the Fredericksburg Nature Center; twice president of Native Plant Society of Texas; currently vicepresident of the Hill Country Land Trust; naturalist; frequent speaker around the state on various nature subjects.
and the
The Red Bird Grille welcomes everyone to the
Wings Over the Hills Festival
Helping Here.
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GOLF COURSE
RED BIRD GRILLE
830-997-4010
830-997-7480
Open Tues - Sun 7am until dark
Open Tues - Sat 7am until dark
341 Golfers Loop • Fredericksburg Visit our Pro Golf Shop and Dine at the Red Bird Grille while you’re at the Festival!
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| April 28-30, 2017
LINDEMANN’S
LENS
Golden-Cheeked Warbler
Crimson Patch Butterfly
Vermilion Flycatcher
Widow Skimmer Dragon Fly
Presenter, avid bird and butterfly enthusiast and one of many festival organizers, Bill Lindemann’s career of writing about and photographing the “Wings Over the Hills” has resulted in some beautiful images. Above, a Mexican Bluewing Butterfly rests on a tree trunk.
The 7th Annual
Wingswould Over the Hills Nature Festival like to thank its sponsors, patrons and vendors.
Lead Sponsor: The Friends of
We appreciate the vendors’ participation and hope everyone will visit their booths and displays.
the Fredericksburg Nature Center
Supporters:
City of Fredericksburg McLamore Family Fund Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post Texas Commission on the Arts H-E-B Enterprise Rent A Car Short Stop Convenience Stores Bee Creek Communications Fredericksburg Rockhounds Fritztown Cinema Grape Creek Vineyards R.S. Hanna Gallery Flying L Ranch, Bandera Hill Country Bicycle Works Last Chance Forever Bird of Prey Conservancy Wolfmueller’s Books, Kerrville Pedernales Brewing Company Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Phyllis Burkett Dr. Errol and Susan Candy Phil and Pat McConnell Bill and Fran Dendy Sherry and John Austin Hanna David and Stacy Johnson Bill and Janet Lindemann Pam and Alan Middleton Ward and Pat Miller Camey Stewart
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, information DDD enterprises—unique feeders and wind chimes Dexter Imaging – bird and scenic color photos Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center – information Karen Krumm Fine Art—paintings, prints, cards Michael Langford—bat and bird boxes Monarch Watch—butterfly tent Opticron LLC – binoculars, spotting scopes and accessories Gerald Sneed—nature merchandise Texas Master Naturalists Hill Country chapter – regional information Texas Ornithological Society – memberships, tee shirts and caps Tom’s Bird Feeders – bird feeders and gifts for the naturalist
Thanks for all your support!
Vintage Vogue Jewelry—stone, silver and costume Buzzie’s BBQ Kona Ice