Meetings & Events
Bexar Audubon Society of San Antonio offers you engaging
presentations, enlightening topics, useful workshops,
and enriching discussions during our monthly meetings.
Please join us!
BAS Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, June 28 | 6:30 to 8:00 PM |
In-person (6:00 PM) and Zoom (6:30 PM)
Exposure of terrestrial birds to microplastic: The effects of urbanization and ecological traits
Presented by Alexis Baum
Alexis Baum, UTSA graduate student, will present information in person about microplastics (<5mm), an emerging threat that has deleterious impacts on wildlife and biodiversity. However, little research has examined the exposure of terrestrial birds to microplastics, and it is unknown how urbanization relates. This study aims to investigate terrestrial birds’ exposure to microplastics by examining gastrointestinal contents and the correlation between ecological traits such as foraging type and microplastic loads. We also will compare microplastic exposure of terrestrial birds across an urban gradient using Crested Caracaras (Caracara plancus) as a model system. This research will provide insight into microplastic exposure of terrestrial birds and produce information that can be used to inform management plans that mitigate the potential effects of microplastics on wildlife.
About Alexis Baum
Alexis (Lexi) Baum received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Science at UTSA and joined the Smith Lab in the Spring of 2022. While in school, Lexi has worked in the science department at Trinity University and enjoys community involvement while volunteering as a Texas Master Naturalist.
Approved for AAMN AT hours.
Please sign up here if you plan to attend the meeting in person so we know how much food to bring and how many chairs are needed in configuring the conference room. BAS will provide sandwiches for the meeting and you are welcome to sign up to bring an appetizer, dessert, relish tray, etc.
We will meet at Alamo Colleges District conference room at 6:00 PM (2222 N. Alamo Street) or you can watch from home.
To Watch from Home, Join the Zoom Meeting HERE
Meeting ID: 817 1500 8389
Passcode: 488289
Find your local number to call in here
SAVE THE DATE | NOVEMBER 8
Dr. Craig Farquhar of Texas State University will be our guest speaker at this joint meeting with San Antonio Audubon Society on Wednesday, November 8 in the evening at Alamo Colleges District, 2222 N. Alamo Street. Dr. Farquhar will discuss his new book, Raptors of Texas. Signed copies of the book will be awarded as raffle prices. A nominal fee will be charged to attend in person or via Zoom. More details to come.
From Texas A&M University Press about the book: "Diurnal raptors—birds of prey that hunt during the day—include easily recognizable birds like eagles, hawks, or falcons. They may be seen perched on highway signs, electrical poles, or soaring overheard in urban and rural spaces across North America. Here, avian ecology and raptor experts C. Craig Farquhar and Clint W. Boal present the first comprehensive volume on these birds of prey in Texas. Given the state’s size, location, and biodiversity, it is not surprising that Texas leads other states in the documented number of raptor species.
The introductory chapters of Raptors of Texas provide information on raptor ecology, evolution, behavior, morphology, and the unique conservation challenges raptors face in Texas and elsewhere. Detailed species descriptions of Texas’ regularly occurring diurnal raptors come next, illustrated with life-like graphite drawings and accompanied by unique, up-to-date range maps. Additionally, shorter entries for rare raptors sighted in the state are provided.
This reference is a must-have for serious birders, ornithologists, avian ecologists, and wildlife professionals who want to know more about these birds of prey and the important roles they play in our urban and rural environments alike."
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center Upcoming Events
In Case You Missed It:
Bexar Audubon online presentations are available on Vimeo
Click on the word "Vimeo" in headline above
to access these recordings.
Ocelots in Texas: Conservation Challenges and Opportunities by Dr. Sharon Wilcox
30,000 Miles in Search of Godwits, from the Mexican Border to the Arctic Ocean by Bruce Beehler, PhD
The Strange and Wondrous Adaptations Birds Rely on to Get By: Dr. Roger Lederer
Lights Out: Safer Skies for Migrating Birds
by Dr. Tania Homayoun
Hog Island Audubon Camp Experiences in Maine by Yvette Stewart and Corina Solis
Anticoagulant Rodenticides and Raptors by Eres Gomez
Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Texas by Romey Swanson
New insights into the genetics of the Golden-Cheeked Warbler by Dr. Giri Athrey
Wingbeat Atlas: Bird Photography by Ken Butler and Poems by Lucy Griffith
Little (studied) Kite on the Prairie: Investigating the Ecology of Mississippi Kites by Dr. Ben R. Skipper of Angelo State University
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Birds of the World by Laura Kammermeier
Victoria Winter Hummingbirds by Dr. Brent Ortego
The Edwards Aquifer and San Marcos Springs by Gregg Eckhardt
Ethnobotany and the Appreciation of Native Plants by Maeve Bassett of San Antonio Botanical Garden
Golden-cheeked Warbler Important Bird Area Training Video presented by Jewell Cozort of SA Parks and Recreation Dept.
The Wonderful Wild of Texas: A Herping Big Year by Romey Swanson of Audubon Texas
"A Most Remarkable Creature" by author Jonathan Meiburg about caracaras
The Billion Birds Report and Texas by Richard Heilbrun, TPWD
Effects of Light and Noise on Birds by Dr. Jennifer Phillips of Texas A&M San Antonio
A Kingdom of Birds: Birding in Saudi Arabia by Greg Askew
All About Flycatchers by Craig Hensley, Texas Nature Trackers/TPWD
The Serengeti by Peter Roberts, Bird Guide
Doc & Martha: Matagorda Island Naturalists Documentary by Greg Pasztor
San Antonio Parks & Rec Natural Areas: An Opportunity to Connect People with Nature by Nature Preserve Officer Wendy Leonard
A House for Wren by Author Julie Beever
Balcony Birding in the Time of Coronavirus by Martin Reid
Wildscaping, Creating Habitat in Our Cities by Judit Green, TPWD
iNaturalist and the City Nature Challenge by Craig Hensley, Texas Nature Trackers/TPWD
Birds of Prey by Matt Reidy, TPWD
Purple Martins78209 Project by Allison Hayne
Catios: Outdoor Cat Patios by Cynthia Chomos
To Burn or Not to Burn? By Maureen Frank, Texas A&M AgriLife
Building Bird-friendly Cities and Conservation Leaders for the Future by Yvette Stewart, Audubon Texas
Saving Birds One Building at a Time by Lynne Parks, Lights Out Baltimore
Introduction to Bats by Nyta Brown, Old Tunnel State Park
Damsels & Dragons by Craig Hensley, Texas Nature Trackers/TPWD
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