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our local nesting birds. At noon we will put down our
binoculars and pick up forks and knives for lunch. Bring
your favorite, easy-to-make-and-serve dkh to share with
fellow OG members. Be prepared for a great time, hot
weather and mosquitoes. To reach Brazos Bend State Park,
follow US 59 south past the Brazos River, then follow the
signs. For those without the Texas Conservation Pass, the
entrance fee k $5.00 per vehicle. Call Dave Bradford if you
have questions...855-2615.
NEWS BRIEFS
.MINUTES OF OG MEETING, MARCH 1, 1993:
Chairman Bob Honig opened by announcing he was
scheduled to present the Purple Martin house for Hermann
Park to Mayor Bob Lanier on March 2. [The proclamation
presented by Mayor Lanier k reprinted in thk ksue.Ed.]
Bob ako noted more volunteers are needed for the ONC's
70th Anniversary celebration at the Houston Arboretum on
April 4.
Steven Bennett k video taping the OG programs
and tapes are available in the OG library for checkout. Bird
sightings noted by members were Lesser Goldfinch, Buff-
bellied Hummingbird and a Black Rail gripped in a Kestrel's
talons.
Gail Luckner, Program Chair, introduced our much-
anticipated speaker, Kenn Kaufman. Kenn, an associate
editor of "American Birds," author of Advanced Birr)jqg and
a master punster, presented hk program, "Owl in a Day's
Work." Kenn and friend, Rick Bowers, spent a very full day
in southeastern Arizona in search of owk. They located 11
of the 13species found in Arizona and established a new all-
time high record for a one-day count. They started at
Catalina State Park, travelled south to Tucson and moved
east and south. Kenn discussed the owl's symbolism in myth
and legends, their predatory nature and their physiology. He
demonstrated owl calk with each slide. Especially endearing
was the Elf Owl returning to its Saguaro cactus nest with a
cricket in its bill. Kenn's presentation was full of humor and
information. For those of us who made it through the rain
and floods, it was a real hoot! Christine Bourgeois,
Secretary
• • • • •
™MATAGORDA ISLAND FERRY READY TO
OPERATE. Hustler Marine will begin operating a
passenger ferry to Matagorda Island State Park and Wildlife
Management Area on March 13, 1993. The ferry will run
Saturday and Sunday through October as well as Memorial
Day, Jury 4th and Labor Day.
On Saturdays in March, April, May, September and
October, the ferry will leave Port O'Connor at 8 a.m. and 10
a.m., returning at 5 p.m. On Sundays, the ferry will leave
port at 10 a.m., returning at 5 p.m.
During June, July and August and the holidays, the
ferry will leave Port O'Connor at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on
Saturdays and Sundays. Return trips are scheduled for 3
p.m. and 5 pjn.
A minimum of 10 persons k needed before a run
will be made during spring, fall and summer. From
November through February, the ferry will operate only for
scheduled tours or groups with a minimum of 20 people.
Make reservations early. The ferry holds 51
passengers, plus whatever gear k brought. Passengers must
take their own food and drinks to the island and are
responsible for taking off the island whatever they bring to
the island. The cost k $12.00 for anyone over 12 years of
age. Twelve and under costs $6.00. School groups will be
charged $4.00 each. More trips will be scheduled if
necessary.
For information or reservations on the ferry, contact
the park at 512/983-2215. Check the park for scheduled
Texas Conservation Passport tours. _^~*
NOEL'S NICHE
LOOKING BACK
Bv Noel Pettingell
30 YEARS AGO/FROM MARCH lQ/ft SPnONRTl.I.
BIRDS FIND GREENERY ON GREAT LAKES
FREIGHTER. Because birds flying across the considerable
expanse of the Great Lakes need places for temporary stops,
Second Mate J.P. Perkins of the Sewell Aviary decided to
provide them with a floating "forest."
Hk kind provkion has been a great success. More
than 200 species have used "Perkins National Forest," which
in summer consists of two willow trees planted in buckets
and evergreens in spring and fall on the deck of the iron ore
carrier. The birds prefer alighting in thk bit of greenery to
other parts of the ship, and make stops to rest in the potted
trees.
Perkins derived a great deal of pleasure from hk
hobby. He uses a movie camera to take pictures of the
visiting birds, and has identified 18 flyways used by migrating
birds on the Great Lakes. However, the birds are not the
only ones to benefit, for hk shipboard bird sanctuary k
popular with birds and people alike. Many other sailors
have become interested in birds from associating with
Perkins and from watching hk feathered visitors. [Reprinted
from the Christian Science Monitor]
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