Circle C - June 2022 by Peel, Inc.

Volume 19, Number 06

June 2022

www.circlecranch.com

JUNE news & Announcements Important Dates for JUNE 2022 Wednesday, June 1, 2022 Global Running Day – Celebrate by creating an anniversary of running and changing your life. Friday, June 3, 2022 World Bicycle Day Tuesday, June 14, 2022 National Flag Day: Celebrate the United States’ flag adopted on June 14, 1777. Sunday, June 19, 2022 Father’s Day “Juneteenth” Emancipation Day – A Federal Holiday commemorating the day the last enslaved people in America learned they were freed, 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Tuesday, June 21, 2022 Summer Solstice: The first day of summer and the longest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere. Wednesday, June 29, 2022 6:30pm: CCHOA Board Meeting via Zoom Upcoming: Monday, July 11th City of Austin Large Brush pick-up Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

In This Issue: • The Circle C Run Club In honor of Global Running Day, Circle C Run Club’s founder Josh Janicek implores residents to “Have Global Running Day become the anniversary of the day you start running and change your life.” • The Circle C Ranch Cycling Club As a nod to World Bicycle Month this June, members of our Circle C Ranch Cycling Club offer suggestions on bicycle safety. • Austin’s Monk Parakeets Austin has an affectionate, chatty foreigner that arrived decades ago. A few of these affectionate, feathered friends reside at the Austin Wildlife Center waiting to be adopted.

Circle C Pool: To access the pools, residents must provide proof of residency (POR) for anyone not listed on the deed and be in good standing with the HOA. For kids under 17 years, the following POR’s are accepted, any school, daycare, medial card or birth certificate with a parent’s name or address listed that matches our residential records will work. Residents of 17+ years will need an official record showing name and address. This can be a driver’s license, report card, or any official bill or mail from the city or county, etc. Any private information can be redacted, but the person’s name and address should be legible. Proof of residency may be emailed to: Coordinator@CCSwim.net. Feel free to call 512-363-5578 for questions or concerns.

Summer Pool Hours! Grab the pool bag and dig out those pool cards because summer pool hours start on Monday, June 6th. Visit the website at www.circlecranch.com under the aquatics tab for summer hours. If you need to register for your pool membership, you can visit https://ccaquatics.formstack.com/forms/pool_ tag_registration. You can also contact Circle C Aquatics at customerservice@ ccswim.net or 512-363-5578 if you have any questions. Continued on Page 3 Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

Announcements - Continued from Cover

Front Yard Guidelines: The Circle C Homeowners Association is tasked with monitoring the neighborhood to ensure compliance with Circle C Ranch’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. Please be aware of the following items to help keep your front yard properly landscaped and uncluttered: • Shrubs must be trimmed so 2/3 or more of the front windows of the home are visible. • Front yards or porches should not contain any of the following: plastic pots (original garden containers), artificial flowers, empty pots, pots within 10 feet from the curb (right of way), or pots placed in the yard. • No signs are allowed within 10 feet of the curb and signs may not be nailed or otherwise attached to trees. • Front yard art (including fountains, statues, gazing balls, and bird houses) must be minimal and integrated into the landscape. Please move extra yard art to the backyard. • Front yard patio changes must be approved by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC). Patios must have approved surrounding landscape screening (no invasive plants) and limited furniture (two chairs and one small table). Other patio furniture must be approved by the Architectural Control Committee. • Front door and window screens may be removed if desired. If kept, all screens must be in good condition (with no holes, faded coloring, sagging, fraying, or rips). The average life of a screen is seven years. • Any color changes to doors, trim, or screens must first be approved by the ACC. • Lounge chairs, fire pits, or extended front yard patios are not allowed. • Homeowners wishing to convert front yards to a waterwise plan must first receive written approval by the ACC. • All landscaping trees, shrubbery, and grass must be alive, attractive, and neatly maintained with no visible weeds. Grass must be kept mowed.

Trash Cart Reminder: The HOA receives numerous calls about visible trash and recycling carts. Please remember to store your trash and recycling cans in your garage or out of sight from the street after trash/recycling is collected.

Continued on Page 4

HOA Mgmt Office................................. info@circlecranch.info or 512.288.8663 HOA Financial Office................................tgiles@mgilescpa.com or 512.451.9901 Aquatics Director....................................... director@ccswim.net or 512.363.5578 Newsletter Publisher Peel, Inc....................................................advertising@PEELinc.com or 512.263.9181 Circle C Amenities Circle C Avaña Pool.........................................................................512.292.1518 Circle C Café...................................................................................512.288.6058 Circle C CDC..................................................................................512.288.9792 Circle C Swim Center......................................................................512.363.5578 Circle C Community Center Pool....................................................512.301.8259 Grey Rock Golf Course (City Owned/Operated)................................512.288.4297 Grey Rock Tennis Club....................................................................512.301.8685 Circle C Grey Rock Pool..................................................................512.291.8398

CIRCLE C GATED COMMUNITIES Enclave off Spruce Canyon Spectrum Management...................................Colleen Pritchard, 512.834.3900 Enclave off of La Crosse Relevant Management................................................... Kim Todd, 512.580.4212 Fairways Estates Spectrum Management...................................Colleen Pritchard, 512.834.3900 Park West Goodwin Management...................................Marilyn Childress 512.502.7509 Hillside Estates Real Manage.................................................. Christine Gamache, 866.473.2573 Avana Estates Relevant Management................................................ Kim Todd, 512.580.4212 Muirfield Real Management.......................................... Victoria Escamilla, 866.473.2573

Theresa Bastian................................................................. President Stephen Bega............................................................ Vice-President David La Chance............................................................. Treasurer Trinh Bartlett................................................................... Secretary Russ Hodes, Jason Bram, & Kimberly De La Garza..........Board Members Contact the Board at: directors@circlecranch.info City of Austin Solid Waste................................................512.974.1945 Dead Animal Collection....................................................512.974.2000 Abandoned Vehicle............................................................512.974.8119 Pothole Complaints...........................................................512.974.8750 Stop Signs.........................................................................512.457.4885 Street Light Maintenance..................................................................311 Schools Clayton Elementary..................................................512.841.9200 Kiker Elementary......................................................512.414.2584 Mills Elementary.......................................................512.841.2400 Bear Creek Elementary..............................................512.414.0040 Cowan Elementary....................................................512.841.2700 Bailey Middle............................................................512.414.4990 Gorzycki Middle School............................................512.841.8600 Bowie High School...................................................512.414.5247 UTILITY PROVIDERS Electric Pedernales Elec.................................................... 512.219.2602 City of Austin. .................................................................512.494.9400 Texas Gas Service .............................................................800.700.2443 Water City of Austin ........................................................512.972.1000 MidTex Water Company...................................................866.654.7992 Solid Waste City of Austin ...............................................512.974.1945 Post Office Oak Hill Station .............................................800.275.8777 Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

Around Circle C

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

Around Circle C Announcements - Continued from page 3

Watering Restrictions: Please visit your water provider’s website to view current watering restrictions. City of Austin: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/ watering-restrictions Midtex (Southwest Water Company): https://swwc.com/texas/ drought

Irrigation After the Rain: If you see high spraying of water near retention ponds after a heavy rain or storm, it is likely recirculated water being sprayed further into the landscape to prevent stagnant water in the watershed. Circle C has multiple City of Austin watershed retention ponds that capture stormwater and use that water to irrigate the surrounding landscape.

Food Trailer Night Join us Friday, June 10th from 5-8pm at the Community Center (Corner of Spruce Canyon and La Crosse) for good food, fun activities & great company! Remember that glass is not permitted at this event. We encourage neighbors to walk or ride to the party but ask that scooters, bikes, skateboards, etc. not be ridden through the parking lot for the safety of those in attendance. More information about this event, like the Food Trailer Lineup will be posted on our website at www.circlecranch.com under the “Stay Connected/News & Announcements” tab as soon as it become available. You can also visit www.HelloCircleC.com

Parking at the Swim Center & Mail Center Our neighborhood pools have a very limited amount of parking spots as many of you may know. We greatly encourage our already very active neighborhood to take advantage of the sunny days and walk or bike to the pool to avoid the everlasting wait for a parking spot. The spaces in front and surrounding the Child Development Center building are designated for the CDC during hours of operation. Outside of operating hours, residents are welcome to park in these spaces. There are also spaces in front of the mailboxes at the Swim Center designated to mail pick up only. Please refrain from parking in the 4 designated mail center parking spaces for any use other than mail pick-up. The mail center is the largest of all the mail centers in Circle C and services over 900 residents so please keep your neighbors in mind. Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Circle C Aquatics News NOW HIRING FOR THE 2022 SEASON Lifeguard classes are now happening! Applicants ages 15 and older can email Amanda at coordinator@ccswim.net for scheduling, pricing, & registration. Lifeguard positions start at $15.00 per hour. We are also hiring positions for Front Desk and Swim Instructors. Visit www.circlecranch.com/apply to apply online.

YEAR-ROUND YOUTH SWIMMING – OPEN ENROLLMENT Our year-round youth group swimming team, Circle C Select, is currently accepting new and returning swimmers. For more information on our swim team, including information on how to enroll, please visit www.circlecranch. com/select.

ADULT MASTERS SWIMMING – REGISTRATION OPEN Masters Swimming is back! Masters Swimming is an adult technique and conditioning program. This program will help you learn how to swim faster and with less effort, in a fun, group environment. This is for adults of all abilities. Come join Coach Amy and Coach J for a Masters swim workout on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8a-9:30a, and on Saturdays, 11a-12p. Email Amanda at coordinator@ ccswim.net for registration. For more information, visit www.circlecranch.com/masters

attention Teenage Job Seekers! Do you know a teenager who would like to earn some extra money? Babysitting, house sitting, pet sitting, yard work, & tutoring are just a few of the tasks that teen job seekers have been requesting. If you or someone you know is interested in being added to the list, please submit their name, number, contact information, and job interests to reservations@circlecranch. info. The information is published in the printed, hard copy of the monthly newsletter and is never accessible in the online edition. For questions or to get further information, please contact the Community Coordinator at the email above or call 512-288-8663. Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

Around Circle C

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

Around Circle C HOA Frequently Asked Questions What are the rules on trash containers and recycle cart storage?

What are the rules on maintenance?

Trash containers and recycle carts are permitted to be at the curb only on your scheduled collection day and until 10pm. This is a requirement of the City of Austin. Trash containers and recycle carts are to be stored where they are not visible from the street at all other times.

Homes are to be kept in a well-maintained, safe, clean and attractive condition at all times. Lawns and garden areas should be kept alive, free of weeds and attractive. Lawn mowing is required on a regular basis. Litter, trash, dead vegetation and debris should be promptly removed. Trees and shrubs are to be pruned. Public right-of-way and sidewalks should be clear and unobstructed. All shrubbery should be trimmed away from street signs and from corner traffic sight line obstructions.

Are basketball goals allowed in Circle C? Permanently installed goals are not permitted in Circle C unless approved by the Architectural Control Committee. The deed restrictions state that basketball goals are to be stored out of view of neighbors when not in use. City of Austin code prohibits portable basketball goals in the street or right-of-way (10ft back from curb); you may report to 311. Are cars allowed to be parked on the street? The CCHOA does not have jurisdiction over the streets in Circle C; they are the responsibility of the City of Austin. City of Austin regulations on abandoned vehicles may be found on the City’s website at: http;//www.austintexas.gov/department/ vehicle-abatement. Please call (512) 974-8119 to report and abandoned or non-operating vehicle. What should I do about barking dogs and stray animals? Stray animals may be picked up by animal control by calling 311. The City of Austin states it is unlawful for dogs to make frequent noise disturbing to persons in the neighborhood, and violations should be reported to the City. You may also call the CCHOA office at (512) 288-8663 with specific date and time for excessive barking. The staff will send a cooperative letter to the homeowner. How do I report a street light outage? Every light pole has an assigned number mounted on the pole. Call the City of Austin 311 non-emergency number to file a report of the street light outage using the assigned number mounted on the pole to specify which light pole has the outage. Are boats, trailers and recreational vehicles allowed in Circle C?

What are Circle C rules on walking with your dog off leash and what about picking up after your dog? Both of these issues falls under the jurisdiction of the City of Austin. It is against COA ordinance to have a dog off leash except on your private property. It is also a requirement by the City that dog owners pick up and properly dispose of their dog’s feces. Please keep our landscaped commons areas beautiful and clean for the enjoyment of all. Do I have to submit plans for improvements and/or additions to my home? All improvements such as changes in paint color (including repainting your house), roofing color, decks, patio covers, pools, change in fencing or any other permanent structure must be submitted to the Architectural Control Committee. You may download an application form as well as the guidelines and fee schedule on our website at www.circlecranch.com under the “ACC” tab. Are door-to-door solicitors and door flyers allowed in Circle C? Both of these issues are governed by the City of Austin, full details can be found on their website at www.austintexas.gov/. By City Ordinance, solicitors must abide by “No Soliciting” signs on private property. Some neighbors had success in placing a small “No Soliciting’ sign near their doorbell and/or a small staked sign near the front porch. Suspicious solicitation should be reported to 911 at the time of the occurrence.

The Deed Restrictions require that any vehicle or trailer other than a conventional automobile be stored, placed or parked in an area concealed from view of other homeowners. Our restrictions only apply to boats, trailers, and RV’s on private property. The CCHOA has no authority over what may be parked on the public street. A boat or trailer in the street that is not attached to a vehicle should be reported to CHOA Abandoned Vehicles at (512) 974-8119.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

Around Circle C World Bicycle Day was first established by the United Nations during their 72nd yearlong session (Sept. 12, 2017 – Sept. 17, 2018). The choice to highlight the bicycle was based on their theme during that session:

“Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet.” What better way to promote peace, decent living, and sustainability than to highlight the “uniqueness, longevity, and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries” as a “simple, affordable, reliable, clean, and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health”? And so, on April 12, 2018, the United Nations declared that—from that point on—June 3 would be celebrated as World Bicycle Day. After that date, bicycles would be forever after recognized as a “symbol of sustainable transportation” with “a positive impact on climate.” The session recognized all of the following attributes of the bicycle: • Bicycle riding fosters sustainable consumption and production. • The bicycle fosters creativity and social engagement for its user. • The use of a bicycle establishes an immediate, improved awareness of the local environment. • The bicycle, used as transportation, allows for better access to education, healthcare, and sport.

• Bicycle rallies may be organized as friendly competition with the intended goal of promoting peace and development, preservation of the environment, institutional development, and physical & social infrastructure. The United Nations also encourages all member states to “adopt best practices and means to promote the bicycle among all members of society.” Communities can do so by implementing the following examples: • Organizing bicycle rides on both national and local levels. • Improving and maintaining road safety. • Offering sustainable mobility and transport infrastructure. • Utilizing policies and measures that protect and promote pedestrian safety and cycling mobility • Maintaining a view on broader health outcomes and prevention of injuries and non-communicable diseases

Circle C Ranch Cycling Club Our Circle C neighborhood happens to have our very own cycling club with those same goals in mind. The Circle C Ranch Cycling Club formed sometime around 2007—almost a decade before World Bicycle Day was established— and has experienced a few changes of presidents along the way. Tony Leckie, who moved to Austin in 2018, is the current president. Before moving to Austin in 2018, Tony had managed multi-day state races in California and seemed a natural fit to serve as the next president of Circle C Ranch Cycling Club. The former president, Marc Houston, an impressive athlete and charismatic fellow, went over to Tony’s house for BBQ one evening in 2018. “After a few cocktails together, he told me that he wanted me to take over as president. You give me a few cocktails and I’ll pretty much agree to anything!” Tony laughs but adds that, due to his past experience with organizing state-wide bicycle races, “it was actually easy for me to take over our neighborhood cycling club.” Continued on Page 15

• Bicycles promote physical work, improve health, and help to prevent disease. • Bicycles are an affordable means of transportation and thus facilitate social inclusion and a culture of peace.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

Around Circle C Continued from Page 10

The cycling club meets on both Saturday and Sunday mornings starting at 7:30 now that it’s warmer weather, and rides on roads only. Sunday’s destinations vary, but Saturdays rides are usually reserved for Five Mile Dam Park, between Kyle and San Marcos, approximately 25 miles from Circle C. They maintain an average pace of 18-miles-per-hour, returning usually around 11a.m., often stopping at one of the Circle C coffee shops to hang out for a bit before disassembling and heading back to their homes.

Thoughts on Bicycle Safety “Cars are our biggest concern when cycling,” cautions Tony. “Some roads, like Escarpment Boulevard, provide nice shoulders for bicyclists, but others have little to no shoulders, so we have to encroach onto the road a bit, especially when we have larger numbers.” The club contains around 50 members and the number of cyclists on an average ride ranges from 7 to 20. “When we have smaller numbers, we ride in single file for safety reasons,” Tony explains, “but when the groups are larger, we have to ride with 2 cyclists side-by-side.”

(oncoming cars, cars crossing the road, or cars or entering traffic).” This is especially true during rush hour, he adds. “So, I would not recommend cycling recreationally during rush hour,” cautions Dr. Mouw. “That’s the most dangerous time, mainly because it’s a numbers game.” In relation to bicycle safety, Dr. Mouw follows the belief of “see and be seen” in cycling: • To better see: it helps greatly to have rearview mirrors installed on all bicycles or helmets. Dr. Mouw says, “Ride with a rearview mirror, so you know what’s going on back there. For more style-conscious riders, mirrors are available that attach to the left drop bar or to the inside lens of eyeglasses!” • To to be seen by approaching vehicles: utilize flashing lights in three places: (1) on the back of the helmet (“it’s the mast on the horizon”), (2) behind the seat of the bicycle; and (3) on the front of the bicycle Sources: https://www.un.org/en/ga/72/#:~:text=The%2072nd%20ordinary%20 session%20opened,closed%20on%2017%20September%202018. United Nations General Assembly. Resolution Adopted by the General Assembly on 12 April 2018. April 16, 2018. https://daccess-ods.un.org/ tmp/6109585.76202393.html.

“Sometimes cars can be impatient with us. The law states that automobiles must allow at least three feet of space between their cars and a cyclist, but that’s a short distance. Safety is always a worry with cyclists.” To ensure safe bicycling, please follow common best practices: 1. Wear a properly fitting helmet 2. Ensure bicycles fit well, are the proper height, and are well maintained 3. Obey traffic laws 4. Use appropriate hand signals Recently retired emergency room doctor and avid cyclist, Michael Mouw has been a member of the Circle C Ranch Cycling Club since 2008. After several years of working in emergency rooms, Dr. Mouw has seen patients with various injuries and has developed a unique insight into bicycle safety. “When I see a patient with a cycling injury, I ask a lot of questions,” states Dr. Mouw. “I dig deep into the whys and hows of the injuries and I’ve made some interesting realizations.” Cycling fatalities, in particular, catch Dr. Mouw’s attention. “The majority of cycling fatalities occur in collisions with cars Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

Around Circle C

History of Global Running Day Global Running Day occurs annually on the first Wednesday in June. This year, the date falls on June 1, 2022. Originating in 2009 as “National Running Day,” and was renamed to “Global Running Day” in 2016 after New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, after the event grew to include runners from more than 177 countries. The event celebrates the sport of running, encouraging runners of all ages and abilities to participate. In 2020, Global Running Day switched to virtual runs because of COVID-19, and still remains virtual in 2022. Those wishing to run may register for free at https://globalrunningday.org for a variety of running event around the globe.

Circle C’s Run Club remained solely virtual for several years, until a new resident joined the Facebook group and asked if any members ever met in person. By then, the group had already grown to hundreds of members. Slightly intimidated by the number of people that might show up if an official event was organized, Josh decided to set a date anyway. “I proposed that we meet at 7 a.m. that next Saturday at the Community Center.” The masses of people that Josh worried about didn’t appear and neither did the guy that suggested the in-person run together.

Circle C’s Run Club When asked for thoughts or advice for Circle C residents regarding Global Running Day, longtime resident and running enthusiast, Josh Janicek, states: “Have Global Running Day become the anniversary of the day you start running and change your life. Even if it’s running to the end of the driveway or to that next tree or post. We all have to start somewhere. “ Josh started the Circle C Run Club via Facebook on August 3, 2014. “I’d discovered running in July the year prior. In that year my week mileage increased, and the vast majority of those miles were in our neighborhood,” explains Josh. “I quickly realized that there are a lot of runners in Circle C, so I searched Facebook to see if someone had already created a neighborhood run group. A group didn’t exist, so I created it.” 16

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

That Inaugural Run, Though “I’ll always remember who showed up for our very first group run,” reminisces Josh. “Scott Marcus and Chad Goldwasser showed up. We were total strangers. We shook hands, introduced ourselves, and made small talk while we waited on other neighbors to show up. Scott, Chad, and yours truly then went on our inaugural 5-mile loop around the neighborhood. The 3 of us have grown very close as friends over the years and we’re all still very active in the club and in being stewards of our neighborhood and the sport of running.” Continued on Page 18 Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

Around Circle C Continued from Page 16

Since then, our local run club sometimes has 30 people join in a run together, although usually the groups are much smaller. Josh wishes more people would show up. “We have nearly 700 people in our Facebook group,” he states. “I know there are people who want to come run with us but just find it hard to take that first step out the door to come meet us.” Josh wants Circle C residents to know that everyone—including babies, kids, and dogs—are welcome to join both the Facebook group and the physical runs together. “There are absolutely zero requirements or prerequisites to be a part of the Circle C Run Club.” “Runners are inherently a good, kind and welcoming group of folks. I think it has something to do with increased blood flow and endorphins. We’re like drug dealers, but we want you to experience that natural high you get when you get outside and move your body through space at whatever pace and distance works for you. And our neighborhood is a beautiful and safe space in which to move.” For beginners or those returning to running, the run club has a new group run on Tuesday evenings starting at Fleet Feet on Escarpment around 6:45p.m. Known as the “10+ Group” because the running pace is 10 minutes a mile or slower, the Tuesday evening group runs across Slaughter Lane and along the crushed granite path in the Circle C Park, approximately 2 miles or so. They averages 12–14-minute miles and is an easy, casual run.

About Circle C’s Thanksgiving Fun Run . . .

Many Circle C-ers lament the loss of that run, so the Run Club decided to make bringing the event back a priority. This time, however, Josh says it will be done, “in an actual official and lawabiding format”. They have completed a permit application that is currently under review with the City of Austin. Josh is optimistic, saying that it’s a possibility the event soon, but they will likely need a lot of help from residents in helping with organization and volunteer opportunities. “If we get approval, then it’ll be a mad dash in figuring out all the remaining logistics.” In the meantime, however, there remains a small, unofficial jog starting at the Community Center continues to somehow appear on Thanksgiving mornings. (Shhhhh.) “We just won’t call it a Turkey Trot lest we get into trouble . . . again,” chaffs Josh.

A Final Request Since its inception in 2014, the Circle C Run Club continues to grow and evolve into a more organized, friendly, and welcoming club. Recently, they teamed up with the Austin Runners Club (ARC) to become an official affiliate. “This means we now have vast resources and support from the largest and oldest run club in Austin,” Josh declares. “We’re really excited to grow our relationship with ARC and leverage their experience and resources to help us with ideas to enrich our club, give back to our community, organize events like clinics, our Turkey Trot, and other fun parties or get-togethers.”

Josh does have a request for Circle C residents: “Come out and run, jog, or walk with us. Please don’t feel scared or hesitant to come out to one of our group runs for your first time. . . Anyone and everyone is always welcome to come run with us. Your pace never matters. Your experience doesn’t matter. If you can run 50 feet or 50 miles, you’re always welcome to join us. Children and dogs are also always welcome to join too. We want nothing more than to share our love for running and hope that you find that same love.” Find out more about the Circle C Run Club as well as group runs and events at their website: www.circlec.run, and/or their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ circlecrunclub/

Some residents may remember Circle C’s very own, homegrown Turkey Trot . . . er, Thanksgiving Run started in 2013 by a small group of residents including Ana and David Bosada. Unfortunately, by the 5th unofficial run, the number of participants had rapidly ballooned to over 800 people, swarming La Crosse Avenue and impeding traffic. So, in 2018, the unpermitted event was shut down. 18

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

Around Circle C Kern’s flower beetles

Wizzie Brown, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Kern’s flower beetles are a type of scarab beetle, closely related to May and June beetles. These are medium sized beetles, reaching about 1/3 inch in length. There are multiple color variations ranging from all black, to brownish-orange or creamy white with black markings. These beetles are pollen feeders and can be found in multiple types of flowers. Often you will find numerous beetles in a single flower. Treatment of these beetles is optional as they feed on pollen and typically do not eat the flower itself. If you feel the need to remove the beetles, you can hand pick them and dump them into a bucket of soapy water. For more information or help with identification, contact Wizzie Brown, Texas AgriLife Extension Service Program Specialist at 512.854.9600. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service or the Texas A&M AgriLife Research is implied. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides equal access in its programs, activities, education and employment, without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

Around Circle C Austin’s Monk Parakeets!

A vibrant green foreigner lives in Austin and has for decade now. Although longtime Austinites now consider him part of our culture, many newcomers remain unaware of his presence here. Don’t worry, though. He’s a friendly fellow–as are the thousands of his family and friends that reside in Austin with him. He likes to snuggle with his human friends and, like many of our Circle C womenfolk, he tends to chatter incessantly. This highly intelligent creature works to learn our language and often develops an impressive vocabulary. He is known by several names but locally, we refer to him as the Austin Monk Parakeet. The Austin Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)—also known as the Austin Green Parrot, Quaker Parrot, Budgie, and other nicknames—originally hails from the Patagonia region in South America. The story of its journey here to North America, particularly to Austin, Texas, is unknown. Many ornithologists theorize that the ancestors of our Monk Parakeets were caged pets in the 1960s–1970s (as exotic parrot pets were quite the trend in those times), but their loud squawking possibly became a nuisance, so owners released them to the wild.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

According to Texas A&M University’s Texas Breeding Bird Atlas, Monk Parakeets were “introduced into the United States in great numbers in the 1960s for the pet trade, mostly in the northeast.” As they grew in numbers, some perceived they might grow to become a threat to agriculture, so many were eradicated. Sometime in the 1980s, an additional 19 Monk Parakeets were intentionally released in or near Zilker Park. From there, the numbers continued to increase. Between 2002–2016, the Journal of Ornithology reported 23,992 recorded sightings of parrots in Texas alone. Texas ranks as the 3rd state in North America for wild parrot sightings, after Florida and California. “Parrot” and “parakeet” are often used interchangeably to describe these beautiful birds because parakeets belong to the order Psittaciformes, which is composed of parrots. So, technically a parakeet is a parrot, although the word “parrot” is commonly used to refer to the larger species in the order. Parrots can reach over 3 feet in length, whereas Austin’s Monk Parakeets tend to range from 11”–14” in length. The parakeets that children tend to keep as pets today are typically around 7” in length. So, Monk Parakeets belong in the medium-sized category of parrots: smaller than the bigger parrots we see in Hawaii, but larger than the typical smaller parakeets that children keep as pets.

Other than their disagreements with the grackles, however, Monk Parakeets are affectionate and friendly. They are urban birds that know how to forage in milder temperatures but could benefit from bird feeders in the winter. Their nests are unique. Whereas most other parrots utilize a hole in a tree or structure for nesting, Monk Parakeets use branches and thorny twigs to build larger, communal nests, divided into smaller apartment-like nests. The birds use their own paths to and from the communal nests, so they keep their own private entrances and exits. Pairs of Monk Parakeets breed and roost together as couples in their smaller apartments. Austin’s Monk Parakeets tend to create communal nests that usually fit 12 pairs, whereas communal nests in the wild can reach up to 8-feet-wide. Grown offspring in the communal nest help to feed the young. Monk Parakeets tend to lay 5–8 eggs in spring and summer months, usually from April to July. Sometimes a second clutch may be laid in early September. Eggs are incubated for 24 days, and the fledglings tend to stay with their parents until they are 3 or so months old, although some more adventurous fledglings will leave the nest as early as 49 days after hatching. Many Monk Parakeets remain in their communal nests for their lifespan, Continued on page 21

Austin’s Monk Parakeets have longer tails than stereotypical parrots, and they have white or gray faces and chests, with yellowish bellies. The top of their heads, backs, and tails are a bright lime green with blue tips on their wings, and their beaks are orange. They tend to chatter amongst themselves loudly and have been known to scuffle a bit with the grackles in East Austin in a West Side Story fashion.

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throughout every season. When their nests are moved, Austin’s Monk Parakeets work quickly to make new ones in the same location because they are homebodies. Monk Parakeets prefer tall heights for their nests and sometimes larger birds steal the nests, forcing the parakeets to find another location. When a bird falls from a nest, such as is the case when humans need to move their nests, the bird is sometimes injured to the point where they can no longer survive in the wild. That is when Austin Wildlife Rescue (AWR) is called. They will nurse the bird to health and then try to find a family that will adopt the injured birds. Information on Monk Parakeet adoptions is listed below. Want to Adopt a Monk Parakeet? AWR receives orphaned and injured Monk Parakeets throughout the year. Those orphaned cannot be released back into the wild and are available for adoption. If you are interested in adopting one of the Monk Parakeets in the current care of AWR, please visit https://www.austinwildliferescue. org/, click on ‘Contact’, and fill out the form. An AWR volunteer should then contact you and explain the adoption process, then ask a few questions, and provide information about care requirements for a pet Monk Parakeet. The tax-deductible adoption fee is $100. This fee helps support the mission and goal of Wildlife Rescue, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife in the Austin area.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS Name

Age

Baby Sit

Pet Sit

House Sit

Yard Work

Phone

Name

Age

Baby Sit

Pet Sit

House Sit

Yard Work

Phone

* -- CPR Training + -- Red Cross Certified ^ -- First Aid

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022

PO Box 1148 Round Rock, Texas 78680

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PEEL, INC.

Circle C Ranch Newsletter - June 2022