For more information, contact Frontera Audubon Society at 956-968-3275 or email fronteraaudubon@gmail.com. Log on to our website at www.fronteraaudubon.org. If you are interested in serving by leading a bird walk or volunteering at
Frontera Audubon, please contact us.

Plain Chachalaca 10
Great Blue Heron 1
Great Egret 1
Turkey Vulture 100
Common Gallinule 1
Rock Pigeon 5
Inca Dove 3
White-tipped Dove 8
Ruby-throated/Black-chinned Hummingbird 1
Buff-bellied Hummingbird 2
Golden-fronted Woodpecker 4
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Great Kiskadee 1
White-eyed Vireo 1
Green Jay 2
Black-crested Titmouse 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 3
Hermit Thrush 1
Gray Catbird 1
Northern Mockingbird 5
Long-billed Thrasher 6
Ovenbird 1
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Orange-crowned Warbler 5
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Golden-crowned Warbler 1
Crimson-collared Grosbeak 1
Northern Cardinal 2
Altamira Oriole 1
House Sparrow X

Photo of a Yellow Breasted Chat by Robin Zurovek

Birds are considered to be among the most common Christmas tree ornaments. They have religious symbolism as being biblical messengers that bring love and peace to the world. Even today, birds represent good luck and good fortune.

It is said that many German families felt that finding a bird’s nest in the Christmas tree meant the gift of health, wealth and happiness throughout the year. And in southern Germany corn is placed on the roof to feed the birds on Christmas Eve.

In Denmark, the father of the household erects a “juleneg” on Christmas Eve. This is a corn stalk hung in a tree, just to let the birds know that Christmas has arrived.

Feeding bread crumbs, seeds, or a sheaf of grain to the birds on is also a Swedish tradition. The last sheaf of grain from the harvest, known as the Julkarve or the Christmas sheaf is hung out for the birds on Christmas Eve.

According to legend if lots of birds come, a good crop will follow the next year. The very act of giving to the birds signifies a reminder that no matter how lean the times, when people share, good fortune will follow.

If you would like to join the time honored tradition of feeding birds this time of year, you can fill your feeders or make edible ornaments to hang from the trees. Then as you enjoy your traditional Christmas meal inside, you can watch the birds and squirrels enjoy their meal outside the window.

Merry Christmas!

Sources: http://lansingwbu.blogspot.com/2011/12/tradition-of-feeding-birds-at-christmas.html

http://bargainhoot.com/2010/04/20/diy-birdseed-ornament-recipe/

Do it yourself birdseed heart

This Saturday, Dec. 10th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frontera Visitors’ Center and Skaggs House.

It’s FREE for everyone!

Enjoy the Holiday Season at Frontera Audubon!

*Holiday Treasure Hunt (win a prize!)

*Caterpillar Fun – Check out a live caterpillar display!

*Guided Nature Walks at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

*A Skaggs House Showcase slideshow

*Photos and gifts by Luciano Guerra for sale in the Skaggs House. Plus gifts from the Frontera Gift Shop!

*Holiday Cider and Cookies

Stop by and enjoy the Holiday Season at Frontera Audubon Society!

Photo by Luciano Guerra

“I’m trying to get people to realize birding is something anyone can do…you can even bird online by viewing live streaming video that’s now available at many of the birding sites locally and around the world,” the Mission native said.

Guerra will present his tips and tricks for birding at local sites, when he presents Birding Texas Style in the Rio Grande Valley at the Braught Theater (525 W. Kansas Ave. in Weslaco) on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 6 p.m. The program is part of the Nature Talk Series, sponsored by Frontera Audubon Society and the Mayor Joe V. Sanchez Public Library. The event is free to the public.

“This program is not just for birders, it’s for anyone who likes to be outdoors and enjoys native wildlife and birds,” Guerra said.

His slideshow presentation will showcase his award-winning photos of South Texas wildlife. The program will explore birds of the Rio Grande Valley, background information about the photos, photography tips, and an interactive birding-by-ear activity.

“I try to make the presentation entertaining so it’s not just a slide show, it’s interactive and people will have a chance to participate,” Guerra said.

The wildlife photographer says his love for nature and photography began when he received his first camera in high school. It wasn’t until he entered the Valley Land Fund wildlife photo contest in 1994 that he truly began to refine his craft. In 2004 Guerra won Best of Contest and the People’s Choice award in the Small Tract Competition.

Guerra says his goal is to inspire people to enjoy nature by informing about local natural resources.

“Nature is so accessible here in the Valley, and many locals tend to take it for granted, but people visit from all over the world to enjoy the beauty that is so freely available to us,” he said.

To view a sample of Guerra’s photos, visit www.BugsBirdsAndBeyond.com. For more information about this and other programs, call Frontera Audubon at (956) 968-3275.