SONGBIRDS SAVED: A COWBIRD TRAPPING UPDATE

In the spring issue of Seasons, we discussed the sad reality of Brown-headed Cowbirds, nest parasitism, and what it means to our native songbird populations. But the good news is some Texas landowners took action and, as result, songbirds have been saved.

By way of example, on one Travis County ranch, home to Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat, Plateau delivered and monitored one cowbird trap from early April through the end of May. The trap was located along a fence with cattle present on the neighboring property. A total of 49 male and 89 female cowbirds were caught and dispatched. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department reports that for each female cowbird caught, an additional 3.5 songbirds survive. Using this figure, the trapping that Plateau performed on this property resulted in 312 additional songbirds in western Travis County.

Plateau wraps up cowbird trapping in June as breeding season slows and the risk of trapping non-target birds (mainly juveniles) goes up. Trapping will begin again in March of 2011. For more information, contact us today!