By Melissa Gaskill
Texas (click here) designated the mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) as official state bird in 1927 (Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8, 40th Legislature).
Bastrop is for the birds. (click here) The Central Texas town, along with Dallas, Houston, and Port Aransas, are among the first certified Bird Cities in Texas. The certification from Audubon Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recognizes these communities for undertaking community engagement, habitat management, and threat reduction for birds.
It comes at a time of growing scientific evidence of stress on our feathered friends. Scientists recently estimated that since 1970, North America lost more than one in four birds, or nearly three billion total. The causes include pesticide use, insect declines, climate change, outdoor cats, and glass skyscrapers (birds are killed when flying into reflective glass). Migratory species also deal with changing conditions along their routes and in winter habitats. Audubon’s Survival by Degrees report says that two-thirds of North American birds face greater risk of extinction due to increasing temperatures globally.
By preserving green spaces, Bird Cities help people, too. Humans enjoy better health and well-being around nature. According to TPWD, bird-friendly habitat increases property values and helps control insects. Plus, the designation provides economic benefits to communities by helping them attract more of the state’s 2.2 million bird watchers....
