Videos

Birding

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Bird City Texas


Bird City Texas is a state-wide certification program that recognizes communities for their outstanding work in bird conservation. Is your city going above and beyond for birds? Find out more at: https://tpwd.texas.gov/wildlife/birding/bird-city-texas #BirdCityTexas

A Passion for Birds, Shelia Hargis


A Passion for Birds How does someone go from shy introvert to a highly respected field-guide? Sheila Hargis says birding and the birding community transformed her life by channeling her enthusiasm for ornithology onto others. Find out more about birding in Texas: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/birding/

Just Hatched!


Yesterday they were eggs and then today, new life! A Texas Parks and Wildlife television producer mounted a small camera and then vacated the site to remotely capture some backyard wildlife in action; a female cardinal with her three chicks just a few hours old. She will spend the next several days flying back and forth gathering food for her hungry trio. Species of birds that are primarily seed-eating, like cardinals, switch to soft invertebrates when feeding their young. Seeds are difficult to digest and don't provide as much moisture or protein as a juicy insect! Nestlings need a lot of protein in order to grow. Don't spray pesticides -- let birds do their job of insectivory.

Searching for Desert Sparrows


Searching for Desert Sparrows Grassland birds are declining rapidly across North America. Habitat loss has made it especially tough on several species of sparrows. Research is underway from Canada to Mexico to find out how to save the disappearing grasslands and the tiny songbirds that call them home. This research is being done in conjunction with the Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, and the Dixon Water Foundation. Find out more about Grassland Sparrows at: https://bri.sulross.edu/ Bird Conservancy of the Rockies at: https://birdconservancy.org/

Saving Black Skimmers


You see this bird flying along Texas beaches skimming the surface of the water, it’s the Black Skimmer, and it’s in trouble. Take a look at efforts underway to save one of the most threatened coastal birds in Texas.

Attwater's Prairie Chicken Decline, The Last Dance


Historically there used to be one million Attwater’s prairie-chickens throughout the coastal prairies of Texas and Louisiana, now less than one percent remain. We follow along as biologists deal with one of the toughest breeding seasons on record, as they struggle to save one of the most endangered birds in all of Texas. Find our more about the status of the Attwater's Prairie Chicken at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/attwater_prairie_chicken/

Victor Emanuel - Birdwatching and the Guide to Immortality


Victor Emanuel entered the birding world when, as a boy, he joined a small ornithology club in Houston. That was over seventy years ago, and since, he’s been chasing birds over the world. Considered one of the preeminent birders anywhere, he has been an inspiration to tens of thousands of people. And even today, he’s helping prep a new generation of naturalists that will solidify his legacy long after he puts down his binoculars. Thanks t Travis Audubon for sharing this video. Find out more about Travis Audubon at: https://travisaudubon.org/

Chasing a Ghost, The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker


Chasing a Ghost In 2005 news of the extinct Ivory Billed Woodpecker being found in the woods of Arkansas electrified the birding community. Now a team is searching for the elusive Ivory Billed here in Texas. We followed the Texas team for six months as they explore the bird’s historic range, The Big Thicket National Preserve in East Texas. From using state of the art technology to good ole foot power, see what it takes to try and find a bird that hasn’t been seen in 60 years. Learn more about threatened and endangered species at: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/nongame/listed-species/ #birds #birding #extinction

Port Aransas Birding Boardwalk


Hurricane Harvey wiped out one of the best birding boardwalks on the coast. It’s now back in business. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of this birding hot spot!

Chimney Swifts


The “flying cigar” silhouette of the Chimney Swift is a common sight all summer in Texas skies, but these protected birds need our help. See how one couple has dedicated their lives to saving the Chimney Swift at https://youtu.be/J9kbGVQLJso

Saving Chimney Swifts


Swift Saviors From raising chicks to building nest boxes, meet a husband and wife team, that’s spent half their lives working to save the Chimney Swift. Georgean and Paul Kyle have made their Chaetura Canyon home a haven for these birds. Find out more at https://travisaudubon.org/

Black-Capped Comeback


A Black-Capped Comeback Not very long ago, the black-capped vireo was considered on the verge of extinction. But thanks to changing attitudes and better conservation practices, this little bird’s population has soared back into healthy numbers and off the endangered species list.

Cool Quail Facts 2018


Texas has four species of quail. The most popular is the bobwhite quail known for its call. Its numbers have been in decline for the past 25 years but now folks are helping out.

A Green Jay Survey


A Green Jay Survey As the Rio Grande Valley becomes more urbanized, habitat for wildlife is dwindling. To find out how Green Jays are adapting to the changing environment, biologists are trapping, tagging and tracking these colorful birds. https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/birding/

Bald Eagles in Texas Fun Facts


Bald Eagles live year-round in Texas, with northern breeders arriving in October seeking water that doesn't freeze. Bald Eagles nest here from October to July. The eaglets fledge 11-12 weeks after they hatch. Learn more about Bald Eagles in Texas at https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/baldeagle/ #BaldEagles

Wetlands for Birds


West Texas Wetlands In the driest region of Texas, meet some ingenious landowners who created their own desert oasis’. From Presidio to Balmorhea, new man made wetlands are attracting not only birds but some excited birders. And if you head to one particular oasis you’ll see one of the rarest hummingbirds found in the United States.

The Bird Man of East Texas


The Bird Man of East Texas Ever wonder what that brilliantly blue bird is in your backyard or how to make hummingbird food? Just ask state ornithologist Cliff Shackelford on Red River Radio during his call in show, “Bird Calls.” The hour-long call-in show airs every month and reaches four states answering questions, giving tips and providing conservation methods about the avian species. Learn more about birding at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/things-to-do/birding-in-state-parks

Mockingbirds - Postcard From Texas


Postcard From Texas The mockingbird is the state bird of Texas and can be found throughout most of the U.S. and Mexico. It can also mimic many other birds and some insect sounds. #mockingbird #birding #birds

Island Erosion, A Shrinking Sundown


One of the most important rookery islands on the Texas coast is in trouble. Chester Island in Matagorda Bay is slowly shrinking, as the shoreline is eroding at an alarming rate. But now efforts are underway to save the island, and help the thousands of birds that nest there.

Whooping Cranes in Texas: A Journey South


The tallest bird in North America and one of the rarest, the endangered Whooping Crane breeds in the wetlands of Wood Buffalo National Park in northern Canada. Then, come fall, the birds migrate south and spend the winter months on the Texas coast at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge near Rockport: http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/aransas/ See what's on our program this week: ‪http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/tv/‬. For a list of stations and air times: ‪http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/tv/tvwhere.phtml‬.

Austin's Warblers, Nesting Golden-cheeked Warblers


Austin's Warblers In the heart of the hill country is the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, and here you will find the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler. Join some biologists as they monitor these unique birds during their nesting season.

Coastal Birds and Birders


Coastal Birds and Birders The sounds of the waves, a breeze in your face, and the peeps of a scurrying shorebird, you are birding at the beach and you didn’t even know it. We visit a couple prime birding hot spots along the coast and we’ll let you know where they are.

Birds of Estero Llano Grande State Park - Postcard From Texas


Postcard From Texas Estero Llano Grande State Park, part of the World Birding Center in the Rio Grande Valley, is home to many tropical bird species found nowhere else in the United States: http://worldbirdingcenter.org/

Loggerhead Shrike Nests, Settled in at Old Settlers


Settled In at Old Settlers The Loggerhead Shrike is a songbird with a raptor’s habits. They skewer their meals on barbed wire or thorns for easy eating. Some Shrikes have also found a nice nesting place in a busy Round Rock, Texas park. Thanks to John Brush, Mira Furgoch and Mark Vance for sharing some shrike eating footage with us.

Great Texas Birding Classic 20th Anniversary


What’s been called America’s longest and wildest birding competition turns 20 this spring, and it’s not just for avian experts anymore. The Great Texas Birding Classic has moved from a week on the coast to a month statewide, and it’s added new categories so more people can take part. All this is generating record participation, and more entry fees to benefit bird habitat. Texas Parks and Wildlife has this report.The 20th annual Great Texas Birding Classic begins April 15 and continues through May 15 with chances to compete in numerous categories. Last year raised $25,000 in grant money through team registration and event sponsorship. That money was donated back to the bird habitat conservation and nature tourism projects in Texas with winning teams input. For more information go to www.BirdingClassic.org