On June 1, researchers put leg bands on fuzzy Aplomado falcon chicks at Mustang Island State Park, where a pair of adult falcons occupy one of 67 artificial nest structures maintained along the Texas coast. A few days later, on June 5, scientists banded the 500th Aplomado falcon in Texas. It’s all part of ongoing monitoring to maintain the success of a wildlife restoration effort begun decades ago.
AUSTIN – With spring approaching, iconic coastal birds like brown pelicans, roseate spoonbills, black skimmers, and reddish egrets are starting to build nests, lay eggs, and raise their young in colonies on small, inshore islands along the Gulf Coast of Texas. The nesting islands, or rookeries, often support thousands of birds that utilize all available island habitat. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is cautioning Texas boaters and anglers to watch out for nesting birds, which are particularly sensitive to manmade disturbances.
AUSTIN – Over 15,000 acres of the Powderhorn Ranch along the Texas coast in Calhoun County, prime unspoiled coastal prairie, is now a state wildlife management area. The newest crown jewel in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) system is the result of a unique conservation land acquisition coalition led by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF).
AUSTIN — In support of Texas’ third statewide Pollinator BioBlitz, organizations and sites around the state will be hosting a variety of events to get people outdoors to observe pollinators of all types in yards, natural areas, gardens, parks and community centers. Of course, you don’t have to visit a particular site to participate, your very own yard or green space will do.
New Video Shows Stakes for Texas, How Plan Would Benefit People and Wildlife
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) unveiled a new website April 13 to educate and inform Texans about alligator gar – the largest freshwater fish in Texas and one of the largest freshwater fishes in North America. The site, which can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/texasgar, features informational articles about alligator gar and the findings of studies conducted by TPWD biologists.
AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has delayed until its public meeting in Lubbock on May 24 any final rulemaking on the use of air guns and air bows as legal means for taking certain game animals, game birds, alligators and furbearers. At the meeting the Commission expects to hear further public input and to receive additional data from TPW staff.
DALLAS – No Sale! That was the message nearly two dozen willing online sellers of illegal wildlife resources received from Texas game wardens, along with citations, during a Wild Web crackdown conducted this week in the Metroplex.
AUSTIN — This month the Trans-Pecos Pronghorn Restoration Project progressed with another successful relocation of 113 pronghorn.
Texas Game Wardens can spend months investigating and building cases against lawbreakers who shoot endangered whooping cranes, poach white-tailed deer, or dump polluting chemicals in waterways, but it takes working partnerships with local prosecutors to bring violators to justice.