12 Sep Texas Drought Brings Ecosystem Effects

The drought Texas is experiencing is one of the worst this state has ever seen. We recently have experienced wildfires—land and homes were burned by the sun; wells and rivers have dried up, and wildlife is greatly affected by the heat—especially birds.With no rain, our vegetation is not growing.No insects, no food for the birds. Until we get the rain we desperately need, there are things we can do to help the wildlife around us in their quest for survival during this drought.

A press release from The Travis Audubon Society said thebest way to help our native birds is to provide a water source for them to help endure these dire conditions.  Urban birds are desperate for water sources and anyone with a yard can come to their rescue.  The Travis Audubon Society reminds of that birds need fresh water every day. This can be in the form of birdbaths, shallow bowls and even clay saucers from potted plants—all placed in the shade. The water needs to be replenished daily because it evaporates quickly in high temperatures.

Travis Audubon Society also suggests putting out birdseeds. Birds will also eat sunflower seeds and fruit like oranges and apples.  The Travis Audubon Society wants us to be aware of the Hummingbirds’ situation as well.  Many are getting dehydrated because few blooming plants remain for nectar. Fill hummingbird feeders with sugar water (four parts hot water to one part white sugar, boiled for 1 to 2 minutes). Thoroughly cool, and hang in the shade.

Ways to take care of our birds:

• A bird bath should be no more than 3” deep for birds. Change the water daily to avoid spreading disease. Avoid using chemicals to clean your birdbath. Just use a brush to scrub out any algae every few days.
• Place the birdbath near some small bushes or low cover. This makes them feel more secure and not out in the open and vulnerable to predators. It also allows them to have a place to fly to in order to preen their feathers after bathing.
• Get creative…plant a “bird garden” around your bird bath.  Planted native fruit bearing plants that the native birds would eat.
• If possible, textured birdbaths such as concrete are preferred so birds can get a better footing when bathing. Place rocks or broken pieces of terracotta pots in the middle to provide a landing area for birds. If you only have a smooth surface bird bath, you can place pebbles in it for more texture.
• To attract birds to the birdbath, drippers can be purchased from wild bird suppliers to create a running water sound. Most of these drippers can also be turned into misters which the birds will most happily fly through.
• Make sure to change out their feeders every two to three days to avoid mildew buildup. Placing saucers of fruit in your backyard will draw flies, gnats, wasps and other smaller insects to the area. Hummingbirds are known for swooping down and snatching insects out of the air, a great protein source for them. Contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds do not exclusively drink nectar for a food source.
• It’s important to mention that most people are unaware of mice and rats raiding the birdfeeders at night. Consider using a metal birdfeeder with the spring loaded perch or bring the feeders in at night.
• Homeowners with cats are asked to please protect the birds from harm.

Many of our native birds eat insects and while providing a buffet of bloodworms, mealworms or crickets (most of these can be found in your local pet store) can be very expensive, you can help these birds by simply not using insecticides in your yard. Also, if you have one of those electronic bug zappers now would be a good time to put it away to increase the population of insects as a food source.

Butterflies

Remember the Butterflies too!  Butterflies have special requirements for drinking. Butterflies are incapable of drinking freestanding water that bird baths provide.  Construct a butterfly watering station:

First, you will need clean sand and a shallow dish or birdbath. Fill the container with sand and keep it moist, mound the sand to the center or around the edges so there is always sand that isn’t covered in water. To make landing pads for them, place rocks in the middle and at the sides. Rinse the sand regularly to keep it clean and to inhibit mosquitoes from breeding there.

Besides providing watering stations you can also provide nutrition for them as well. Butterflies enjoy overripe fruit such as bananas, watermelon or pears. Place these offerings in brightly colored dishes in your backyard, to attract a variety of butterflies.

Ecosystem Effect

River and lakes are at even lower levels now and scientists are concerned about a total ecosystem problem that could have long-lasting effects. From the smallest insects to the largest predators, they are all struggling for survival. The foundations of their habitats — rivers, springs, creeks, streams and lakes — have turned into dry sand, wet mud, trickling springs, or large puddles. Reports indicate of the state's 3,700 streams, 15 major rivers and more than 200 reservoirs at least seven reservoirs are effectively empty and more than half of the streams and rivers are at below normal flow rates.

Reports also show that the drought will most immediately cause fish to die and such kills have already happened in parts of the state.  Again, without water, few plants grow. Without plants, there are fewer insects. No insects result in low seed production. The animals that rely on seeds and plants for nutrition —from birds to deer— have low reproduction.

There certainly is a domino effect in the eco-system from this drought. Although, we may not fully understand the true domino effect this will have in the future, now is the time to act and take care of our wildlife. 

Special thanks to Nancy Manning of Travis Audubon Society.  For more information about Travis Audubon Society, check out their website at http://travisaudubon.org/