TIMING IS EVERYTHING: FALL AND WILDLIFE

In some parts of Texas, nearly half of the bird species are found only during cooler months, which is why we offer the Wintering and Resident Bird Survey beginning the first of November. Designed to complement our Spring Breeding Bird Census (BBC), the winter survey provides valuable information on bird population dynamics. This is a great opportunity to learn which birds are utilizing your property during the winter months. Additionally, you can use the information to identify important wintering habitats, track population trends, and create management plans for year-round use. And, like our spring survey, the Wintering and Resident Bird Survey is a qualifying activity for your wildlife valuation. As always, our surveys are conducted by an experienced birder and, of course, the landowner is invited to come along. It is also a unique opportunity to show off your property and native wildlife -- a fun, informative, and activity-qualifying tour of your property before the football game. If you have not already done so, contact Plateau today to schedule your survey.

Fall is also prime time for the following activities:
• Conducting brush management before wintering birds arrive.
• A consulting site visit by a Plateau biologist to ensure wildlife management activities are on track for the year. Fellow landowners have had our biologists tour their property with family and friends so everyone can learn more about their land, from its unique plants to unexpected wildlife habitats. A fun fall family activity!
• Prickly pear chemical control is still underway.
• Deer surveys, including spotlight and camera surveys.
• Installation of turkey feeders and wildlife rainwater collection systems.

In the summer issue of Seasons, we suggested that you pull out your wildlife management plan and assess your progress. If barbecuing on the grill or floating down a lazy river took summer precedence, definitely take a moment now to re-familiarize yourself with your plan, and make sure you're staying on top of your wildlife management activities. If Plateau wrote your wildlife management plan, an easy starting point is with your Wildlife Management Planning Matrix, the one page summary spreadsheet created by Plateau to help landowners easily visualize the activities that are to be conducted over a five year window, making short and long range goals more assessable at a glance. Review the 2010 column for the activities you are responsible for this year. How many of your wildlife management activities have you completed for 2010? County appraisal districts generally conduct their appraisals between September and March (but it can be any time of the year), so don't wait until late in the year, particularly as many activities, such as the ones listed above, are season specific.

Plateau can help you meet all of your wildlife management goals. Contact us today for more information!

Article photo: Photo of a Spotted Towhee by Lee Kothmann. Winter populations of this shy little bird are found in Texas.