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Great Blue Heron Photographer: Peggy Wilkinson

February 21, 2011
Article by: Peggy Wilkinson
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It was a foggy morning as the Audubon Egret II and Jack Jackson's boat headed across Matagorda Bay. Once we found our way through the fog to the pier, a light south wind helped make the perfect weather for a great work day on Sundown Island.

Our group of hard working volunteers were ready to get started. Once we unloaded the boats, volunteers got busy planting 60 new tree seedling trees - including Texas Ebony, Spiny Hackberry, Elbowbush, Huisache, and Live Oak. They also transplanted eleven salt cedar trees that were falling off the beach due to coastal erosion. Most of our trees from the fall workday survived but were in need of weeding and watering. Our watering system on Sundown Island is critical for delivering fresh water to our new trees. Past tree plantings have resulted in great habitat for our birds to nest in.

Jobs tackled by our volunteers included:

• Trimming freeze damage on several older trees by the tractor shed and weeding around the trees,
• Installing a new rain-water collection system on the side of the new shed addition,
• Treating for fire ants,
• Constructing new shelving in the shed,
• Repairing freeze damaged piping under the windmill,
• Cleaning up trash from the beach,
• Repairing one of the Sundown Island signs.

We observed a few early tenants—including about 50 pairs of Great Blue Herons starting to build their nests and a group of Tricolored Herons searching for the best nesting spots. Also spotted were a pair of Oystercatchers on the beach (hopefully already nesting), a large group of American Avocets, Red-wing Blackbirds, lots of Cormorants, and of course Brown Pelicans.

The Warden is concerned about the coastal erosion on Sundown Island. Shoreline continues to erode and with it have fallen some mature salt cedar trees. Donna Anderson with U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service visited the Island the day before work day to help brainstorm the best ways to slow down the erosion. We are going to develop a plan of action and apply for grants and funding from other sources.

As the crew was getting ready to head back, a large rattlesnake was spotted laying across the trail, sunning and enjoying his day! He quickly slithered away into the brush, so good luck to our next visitors!

Thank you Formosa Plastics for sponsoring Spring 2011 workday! A BIG THANK YOU to all our hard working volunteers! We completed quite a few jobs and are ready to welcome ALL our birds back to the island.

The Spring 2011 Work Day workers included: Mark Behrens, Abel DeLeon, Victoria Fluitt, Jack Jackson, Jennifer and Ethan Perry, Nancy Posey, Curtis Short, Warden Chester Smith, Ed Taylor, Tim and Peggy Wilkinson and W.T. Wilkinson.