Don’t forget about the Aransas (TXAR-2015-#65) Christmas Bird Count on December 22. Paul Swacina is the coordinator and is still putting together teams. All birders, from beginners to expert, are invited. Contact Paul to get on his list. Be sure to let him know your level of birding experience, as well as familiarity with the Refuge, so he can assign you to an appropriate team.

 

Coffee, pastries, and lunch fixings will be provided, sponsored by Friends of Aransas NWR.

The Nature Store will be open that day, allowing count participants a chance to do last minute Christmas shopping. The store has some great new merchandise for all ages, and all profits are used to support the Refuge.

 
Paul reports that this year there will be an “after” party at Butch and Adela’s Tavern at Hopper’s Landing and offers the following information:

 
“Hopper’s Landing  is located just up the road from the refuge and has been closely connected to ANWR since the refuge’s founding.

“The famous Audubon researcher Robert Porter Allen during his seminal research on both Roseate Spoonbills and Whooping Cranes stayed at a cabin at Hopper’s landing (which is still there) and relates many fine stories of Butch’s grandpa and father in his numerous books and reports.

“Adela was an active volunteer at the Refuge in the past and has many fond memories from her years there.

“There are cabins and RV places to stay at either the day before the count or the night of the after party, reservation are suggested.

“The Jerry James Band will be providing live music from 7:00 p.m. – till 10:00 p.m.  He also performs regularly in Victoria Texas at Greek’s 205. Jerry is recently retired from the City of Victoria where he was the Environmental Services Director."

 

Be sure to contact Paul for more information.