This time last year, the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) office became a flurry of excitement with eyes and smartphone cameras pointing at a tree outside of the window. Some employees thought they were staring at an unusual looking cat, but it was actually a confused Ringtail, flushed by the fussing squirrels and blue jays. Ringtails are not endangered, so why the office excitement? These nocturnal mammals are incredibly secretive, sleeping in trees, rock crevices, and building nooks during the day. In fact, most people have never set eyes on this elusive Texas native.

Ringtail, the common name for Bassaruscus astutus, perfectly describes the alternating white and black ring-pattern on its tail. Another common name for this mammal is a “Ringtail Cat” so we can see why this two-to-three-pound mammal in the raccoon family might be mistaken for a cat. Its tail can be just as long as both its head and body, and is used for balance. Besides an awesome tail, Ringtails can rotate their hind legs 180 degrees, making them superb climbers. Talk about flexibility!

Ringtails are also flexible in their diet and habitat. Ringtails prey on birds, bird eggs, and mice, and also eat cactus fruit, honey, and berries. Ringtails might occasionally indulge in hot dogs and fries if they live in a city. Like many other wild mammal species, Ringtails adapt to urban environments, therefore, it is important to properly dispose of human food.

Whether urban or rural, the land surrounding the San Antonio River’s fresh waters provide an excellent riparian habitat for these graceful mammals. Restoration projects, like the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk, ensure that native species continue to thrive in South Texas.

Let’s all do our part to support the ongoing efforts of SARA by making sure land is clean, because clean land means clean water for all wildlife! Consider yourself fortunate if you have the rare opportunity to see a Ringtail during the day!

Here is a word from our partners Texas and Parks Wildlife Department:

Which City is the Wildest?

Cities around the world will compete on April 27 – 30, 2018 to see which urban area has the most nature and the most engaged residents! This City Nature Challenge will include more than 60 cities from 17 countries around the world including 7 metro areas here in Texas: Amarillo, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Lower Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio.

If you live in or around one of these areas, show the world just how much nature we have here in Texas! It’s easy to participate by joining an event or making observations on your own using the iNaturalist app. Take a picture of a wild animal, plant, or fungi, upload it to iNaturalist (www.inaturalist.org), and the online community will help you accurately identify the species. We will also need help May 1-3, 2018 with identifications on iNaturalist, so no matter where you are in the world, share your Texas nature knowledge to help make this project a success.

Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Texas Master Naturalists, the Audubon Society, and many others in Texas will be joining this fun challenge. The data generated from this event will help researchers, land managers, and policy makers, so please participate! How will we measure up to other cities around the world?

Go to www.tpwd.texas.gov/naturechallenge or www.citynaturechallenge.com to watch the Texas leaderboard or learn more about how you can participate. You can also contact the Texas Nature Trackers program at tracker@tpwd.texas.gov with any questions. Let’s find some nature!

Imagine walking through a meadow full of wildflowers along the banks of the San Antonio River. You notice as sunlight strikes the flowers at just the right angle the riverside looks like it is on fire! The warm colors of the petals gently sway with the breeze making them dance like flames at your knees. Mexican firewheel, the common name for Gaillardia pulchella, perfectly describes the rich color pattern of these native wildflowers. Beautiful red petals with yellow tips encircle the dark brown and purple center of this annual, reminiscent of a campfire. Found across Texas, Mexican firewheels not only resemble the flames of a fire, but actually benefit from fire. That’s right, you read “benefit from fire.”

This hardy drought resistant flowering plant is perfectly adapted to the climate of South Texas, where Nature intended to have fires once in a while. Ecologist utilize a land management best practice called prescribed fire or controlled burning that mimics these natural fires. These purposeful and controlled fires improve ecological function by removing invasive species, debris, pests, and disease as well as restore nutrients to the soil. “But wait!” you might say, “Wouldn’t these annuals just burn in the fire?” Well, yes, Mexican firewheels are not fireproof and they will catch on fire. The magic begins after the prescribed fire because the improved ecology offers better growing and germinating conditions for Mexican firewheels, almost like a doctor prescribing medicine.

During the months of April through June, I encourage you to look for this wheel of fire on a stem the next time you are recreating along the San Antonio River. The Mexican firewheel provides seeds and nectar to birds and insects, making it a critical part of a balanced and sustainable food web. Keep an eye out for it, because this wildflower is on fire!

Come one, come all to the Great Backyard Bird Count! Starting next Friday, February 16, and running through Monday, February 19, citizen scientists both big and small will be counting the birds that surround them for at least 15. You can participate for one, two, three, or all four days! It is a fun and free event that can take place in your own backyard or at a wonderful scenic area such as the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, where just last month there were sightings of a Bald Eagle!

Get outdoors with the San Antonio River Authority, who is partnering with Mitchell Lake Audubon Center for this-nationally renowned citizen science event. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a global initiative that helps scientists gather population information on how bird species are surviving in order to protect the species and their habitat. Each person recording the bird sightings can participate for one day or all days, and can gather data anywhere. All numbers are recorded at http://gbbc.birdcount.org/get-started/ so sign up and be ready to count! And remember to also submit your observations on any of the San Antonio River projects on iNaturalist.

Happy New Year to all citizen scientists! The San Antonio River Authority would like to specially thank the 163 citizen scientists that identified 755 species and added a total of 1900 observations to the San Antonio River Watershed Project on iNaturalist. This past December, 79 observations were made alone by one citizen scientist.

Some of the amazing observed biodiversity include the following:
Red-tailed Pennant
Ringed Kingfisher
Purple paintbrush
Flatsedges
Crimson Patch
Neotropic Cormorant
Diamondback Watersnake

We thank you for your observations!

This week celebrates over 80 years of National Wildlife Restoration Week. Originally started in 1936, this year the week of March 13, 2017 through March 17, 2017 is a time targeted at educating the public on the importance of preserving our natural resources for both wildlife and humanity. Each year there is a theme aimed at spreading information to the public about conservation and wildlife resources. This year the animals from all over will be competing for your votes for the favorite species in the nation. It is down to the Final Four: the Bald Eagle, the Artic Fox, the River Otter, and the Sea Turtle, so go on to http://blog.nwf.org/2017/02/the-final-fur/ and cast your vote!

Meanwhile, take yourself down to your San Antonio River to see some amazing species right here in our own back yard. Learn about the eco-restored Mission and Museum Reaches of the River Walk, see how it benefits wildlife and conserves our resources, and take some great pictures of all the critters you will find who are making our river home. Have your own contest between your friends and family and have some fun!

Do not forget to mark your calendars for the San Antonio River Authority’s, in partnership with the San Antonio River Foundation, Flotilla Festival coming up here on April 8th at the Mission County Park Pavilion. It is a free event that goes on from 11 am to 5 pm, which includes a costume contest, kayak decorating contest, the official Flotilla Water Parade, music, food vendors, crafts and fiesta activities for the kids.

For more information on this or any future SARA events, visit our website at https://www.sara-tx.org/ and to help conserve our resources please join our Watershed Wise Warriors at: https://www.sara-tx.org/watershed-wise/watershed-wise-warriors/

Come one, come all to the Great Backyard Bird Count! Starting February 17, 2017 and running through February 20, 2017 Citizen Scientists both big and small will be counting the birds that surround them for at least 15 mins for one or more days of the event. It is a fun and free event that can take place in your own backyard or at a wonderful scenic area such as the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, where just last month there were sightings of a Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Great Blue Heron, and a Red-shouldered Hawk.

Get outdoors with the San Antonio River Authority, who is partnering with Mitchell Lake Audubon Center for this nationally renowned Citizen Scientist event. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a global initiative that helps scientists gather population information on how bird species are surviving in order to protect the species and their habitat. Each person recording the bird sightings can participate for one day or all days, and can gather data anywhere. All numbers are recorded at http://gbbc.birdcount.org/get-started/ so sign up and be ready to count! And remember, if you snap a great shot of a bird on the Mission Reach, Museum Reach, Helton Park or your own backyard make sure to upload it into iNaturalist on one of our San Antonio River Authority Watershed Projects. Counting is for the birds!

For more information on this or any future SARA events, please join our Watershed Wise Warriors at: https://www.sara-tx.org/watershed-wise/watershed-wise-warriors/

Venture forth from your winter hibernation and enjoy a free event with the San Antonio River Authority at John William Helton San Antonio River Nature Park on February 11, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Planets in the Park is a fun family program that brings the expertise and telescopes of the San Antonio Astronomical Association for a close look at astronomical features. Plus, photo opportunities with your favorite Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion!

Come early and take an opportunity to spot a few special species along the river and snap a few shots for your San Antonio River Watershed project. John William Helton Nature Park is located just a short drive outside of the city at 15662 FM 775, Floresville, TX 78114 and features a pavilion, play area, trails through beautiful pecan groves, paddling trail access points, benches, picnic tables and restrooms. (For more information contact SARA’s Recreation Team at (210) 302-3222, parks@sara-tx.org or toll free at (866) 345-7272. Weather Permitting)

As you enjoy your visit, you will happy to know that recently along the San Antonio River there have been a slew of incredible bird species spotted like an American Pipit, Vermilion Flycatcher, an Eastern Phoebe, Green Kingfisher, and an White-tailed Kite. Other species include multiple spiders, beneficial snakes, a Gray fox and several amazing dragonflies in addition to our beautiful Texan native plants. Winter wildlife in San Antonio is like nothing else and there is always some action for any nature enthusiast! Bundle up if you have to, but come armed with your camera and see some amazing animals.

Don’t forget our LOVE BIRD WALK February 14th, more details to follow. To take advantage of future special events, join our Watershed Wise Warriors by signing up here: https://www.sara-tx.org/watershed-wise/watershed-wise-warriors/

Earlier this week we celebrated National Save the Eagles Day on January 10, 2017. This day is designed to raise awareness, minimize threats and increase the protection and safety of all eagles. Ironically a very sad incident happened this week on January 10; someone shot an eagle in the head and left it to die in a field. Unfortunately, the eagle could not be saved by wildlife veterinarians. The injured bird was found near Anahuac Texas, a small city just outside of Houston where many species of animals seek refuge along the water’s edge. Eagles are a majestic animal that have historically been threatened by loss of habitat, hunting, trapping and pesticide use. They usually are seen in Texas from fall through midsummer, and take up residence along riparian areas such as rivers, lakes and creeks. Even though the bald eagle was removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007, it is still a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Eagle Protection Act, not to mention it is our national emblem. Threats to the species still remain in the form of loss of habitat, hunting and lead poisoning from ammunition/fishing weights in prey.

Incidents such as these remind us that specialized habitat for certain species is vital to the health of any ecosystem. One of the goals of the San Antonio River Improvements Project (SARIP), is to concentrate on the issue of lost habitat by creating a native environment that is healthy for both humans and animals alike. The SA River and the achievements of the SARIP have provided habitat in the form of clean water, abundant food sources and tree coverage. The habitat along the river has improved so much that a couple of years ago a bald eagle was sighted nesting along the banks of the SA River. As the eco-restoration project continues to grow and improve our native habitat, more amazing species will continue to visit the banks of our beautiful river (see pic here of SA River eagle https://twitter.com/sanantonioriver/status/555852965026607105 ).

I encourage you to go out into your world, hang out in the back yard, visit your natural spaces in your area such as the SARIP and continue to create these observations of all our beautiful species. As more people become citizen scientists, there will be more eyes to watch and keep accountable the actions of others and maybe then we can focus on all the good we do for the world. To help increase and improve native habitat along the river join our Watershed Wise Warriors at https://www.sara-tx.org/watershed-wise/watershed-wise-warriors/

If you, or anyone you know have information leading to the shooter of this week’s bald eagle contact Chambers County Crime Stoppers at 844-860-8477 or operation Game Thief at 800-792-4263.

Don't forget our upcoming Love Bird Walk on February 14th. More information to follow.

Today January 5, 2017, is the 15th Annual National Bird Day! We invite you to celebrate this beautiful day along the San Antonio River’s Mission Reach, Museum Reach and at Helton Park by coming out to see the amazing birds that are present along the river at this time. Birds play an important role in the health of our ecosystem and they are a delight to listen to and observe. Along the San Antonio River watershed, native and migratory birds eat hundreds of insect species and help to propagate the seeds of multiple plant species. Birds are also central to a billion dollar ecotourism industry that involves photography, nature studies and bird watching. This day is set aside to appreciate the many pleasures that our native and migratory birds bring to us and to promote safe living conditions for those birds kept in captivity. Visit the National Bird Day website (http://www.nationalbirdday.com/e_linktous.php) to see more ways to help spread the word about our birds!

As a reminder we will revisit our birds on February 14, 2017 on the Mission Reach for our annual Love Bird Walk! -more information will follow or join our Watershed Wise Warriors to get updates on all future events, https://www.sara-tx.org/watershed-wise/watershed-wise-warriors/ .