No public notice is made, despite National Institute of Health’s Toxicology Data Network showing it as a hazardous irritant to humans as well as the birds. The wall of poisonous fog keeps the birds on Bird Island, their haven within Elmendorf Lake Park. This chemical works by irritating the pain receptors associated with birds’ senses of taste and smell. Methylanthranilate chemical spray, named “Bird Buffer,” is deployed at Elmendorf Lake Park. JBSA make unsubstantiated claims that the Elmendorf Lake rookery causes safety risks of distracting pilots and colliding with planes. The assault on birds continues as Joint Base San Antonio – Kelly Field (JBSA) claims egrets have become a safety hazard in air space. The city of San Antonio uses pyrotechnic “bird screamers,” “bird banger” firecrackers, decoy owls, and balloons to try to scare birds from downtown. Despite WRR rescuing 24 chicks, only 10 survived and were released back to the wild where they were forced to find a new home, a fate that has been plaguing egrets ever since.
WRR intervenes on the bulldozing of an egret rookery on private property that had been nesting ground for thousands of birds for 20+ years.
The History of San Antonio’s Assault on Egrets Texas Parks & Recreation, Bexar Audubon Society, San Antonio Mayor and City Council Texas Parks & Recreation Bird City Websiteģ) Contact local officials and organizations to tell them you want more
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WRR aims to build a coalition to represent and protect these birds, and we encourage the participation of individuals and local and state entities.įollow us on here and on social media to learn about what is happening & how to get involvedĬheck out our most recent 2021 Fall Newsletter focused on the plight of egretsĢ) Read about Bird City Texas requirements and activities Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation is committed to working alongside city, county, and state as well as public and private entities to make this region a safer and more respectful place for birds and wildlife of all kind. We will continue advocating for what is best for these birds, which is respect for them as sentient beings and wildlife that occupied this earth-and these particular spots-long before humans. WRR avidly opposes the mistreatment and blatant disregard for these wild animals by city, state, and federal entities. WRR has seen egrets targeted by city residents and officials for decades, especially at Elmendorf Lake Park and Brackenridge Park. The requirement fulfillment should be public knowledge, and WRR is asking that it be carried out with more public participation. In order to earn this designation, an extensive application process was completed followed by a list of conservation actions that must be taken by the city to meet Bird City Texas requirements.
The list of rehabilitators by county can be found on the TPWD rehabilitator website.Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation is proud that San Antonio was named Bird City Texas, unfortunately, we have found that the proclamation may not be serving egrets and other bird species as well as the name would imply. If it is an injured raptor (hawk, owl, falcon, eagle, or vulture), see the Last Chance Forever website.įor other birds (and other animals), contact one of the licensed rehabilitators near you. What do I do with an injured bird or other animal?įirst, read the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website on orphaned and injured animals: Orphaned and Injured Animals. Please see the links below for more information:Ĭontact info for wildlife rehabbers in Bexar CountyĬontact info for wildlife rehabbers in the state of Texas If you feel that you have found an injured bird or other animal please get in contact with a licensed wildlife rehabber. Always keep all pets, feral animals, and kids far away from nests and nestlings so they don’t injure or unnecessarily stress them. Baby birds (aka fledglings) leave their nest many days before they are able to fly and the parents often leave them alone while they go in search of food and only come back for feeding. If the bird isn’t in immediate danger leave it alone because the parents could be nearby.