The Roadrunner: General Meetings Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:00pm at Utep
The Roadrunner: General Meetings Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:00pm at Utep
The Roadrunner: General Meetings Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:00pm at Utep
The Roadrunner
General Meetings
Inside the
Monday, October 15, 2007 at 7:00pm
Roadrunner
2
at UTEP Centennial Museum, corner of
Chapter Info
Wiggins & University
Sanctuary News 3
Electric Company Lineman Saves Raptors
from Electrocution
Bird-watching 4&5
Electric company lineman Steve Ayers will re-
count his experiences and present photos related to his work for more
Calendar 6
than a decade to stop accidental raptor deaths, a global problem oc-
curring in deserts and prairies. He had noticed many hawks and ea-
gles were being electrocuted on older utility poles in his work area
around El Paso. When plastic bird guards became available for new
pole installations, Mr. Ayers began to also retrofit older lines with the
guards to prevent long-winged birds from touching two electrical con-
ductors simultaneously. The public is welcome to attend this impor-
tant meeting. Refreshments will be provided.
Folks seeking nature will be able soon to roam a new 400-acre New
Mexico State Park opening in the Mesilla Valley officially in February
2008. Heritage educator for the new Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park,
Alex Mares, will speak on the park’s developmental history as well as
the seven indigenous plant communities and the resident and migra-
tory birds found there. Mr. Mares says that a number of novel inter-
pretive exhibits and a new amphitheatre are now under construction
there. He also foresees offerings such as educational walking tours
that will showcase the historic park setting and offer glimpses of its
wildlife. The public is welcome. Refreshments will be provided.
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Volume 36 Issue 5 Page 2
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Volume 36 Issue 5 Page 3
AT FEATHER LAKE
Feather Lake re-opened to the public Sep-
tember 1. Water conditions are good right now,
but we’ll need some late-fall/early-winter storms
Audubon
to keep it a lake into the winter months. Among at
the avian visitors September 1: a Cordilleran RIO BOSQUE
Flycatcher, the 217th bird species recorded at WETLANDS
the lake. PARK
Volunteer response to staffing our sanctuary
during visitor hours has been terrific. Thanks to
everyone who has helped so far. Are you inter- Last year, water deliveries to Rio
ested in spending a relaxed morning or after- Bosque began October 29. For the latest
noon staffing Feather Lake this fall? Please on this year’s water conditions and what
contact John Sproul (747-8663, birds are being seen, check the Park’s
[email protected]). website, www.riobosque.org. Upcoming
free walking tours at the Park:
We hope you’ll join us for our annual pot-luck
picnic on Sat., November 3 (see page 4). 9 a.m. Sat., October 6 (Bird tour)
Celebrate the final day of Daylight Saving Time 9 a.m. Sun., October 14
at Feather Lake! And don’t forget our final (Introductory tour)
workday for the year. It’s Sat., December 1,
starting at 2 p.m. If the cottonwoods put on a 9 a.m. Sat., November 3 (Bird tour)
good display of fall color, this will be prime time 3 p.m. Sun., November 18
to be at the lake. (Introductory tour)
Feather Lake is located at 9500 North Loop at The meeting place is a bridge crossing
Bordeaux in El Paso, 0.3 miles west of Ameri- the Riverside Canal. To get there from I-
cas Ave. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon on Satur- 10, take Americas Ave. (Loop 375) to Pan
days and 2 p.m. to dusk on Sundays. Admis- American Drive, turn left onto Pan Ameri-
sion is free. can and travel 1.5 miles. Information:
747-8663.
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Volume 36 Issue 5 Page 4
BIRD WATCHING
BIRDS and PEOPLE
SATURDAY November 3, 4:00 until ??:??
16th Annual Pot Luck Picnic.
At our FEATHER LAKE sanctuary 9500 North Loop Drive
Bring your own main dish, hot dogs hamburger, or steak. This is a family affair, the kids will en-
joy it as the birds will be performing. The grill will be hot about 5:00 so you may cook. But come at
4:00 PM so you can build up your appetite as you walk around looking at the birds. By early Nov.
ducks are arriving and we will have some of regular night roosters (not chickens) flying in.
We ask you to bring a dish (Salad, Pasta, Dessert, or something else) to share with a few others,
Also your own utensils and what ever beverages you like. Our coffee pot with hot water and instant
mix will be ready.
Usually spotted at the Lake after Sep: American Wigeon, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Pintail, Sora,
Black-necked Stilt, Eurasian Collared Dove, Burrowing Owl Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler,
Western Tanager, Lark Sparrow.
If you think you might be coming give John Sproul (545-5157, [email protected] ) or Bob Johnson
(751-0125, [email protected]) or Jane Fowler (598-2448 [email protected] ) a call.
need an If you have a change of plans and on the last day and find you can come, please come .
DONA ANA
Let's see what we can find in the neighboring
county. After leaving the X roads, a drive to
Crawford Road, then on to the Sod Farm and
maybe, if time permits, out to Gardner Road.
we might see some buntings.
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Volume 36 Issue 5 Page 5
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