Print PageRelatively little work has been done with invasive exotic avian species birds in the state of Texas. In June 2008 a citizen-science program was initiated to investigate distribution, range expansion and natural history of several exotic invasive avian species invading the state of Texas. A standard questionnaire was developed and circulated among multiple bird watchers to provide unbiased data. Care was taken to create non-competitive questions that would elicit honest answers from competitive bird watchers. Once finalized, the form was offered in hard copy at monthly meetings at several local bird watching clubs, annual bird watching festivals, and circulated on Texas bird watching internet List-Servs. The form was posted at this website: http://www.hmns.org/files/invasivebirds.doc and ultimately was well distributed amongst the Texas bird watching community.
Results/Conclusions
This presentation provides results for two large species of exotic waterfowl (Anseriformes) in the state of Texas, based upon reports generated from the citizen-science project. The distribution of both species is centered in urban riverine systems in the southeastern Edward’s Plateau (Mute Swan in Austin, Egyptian Goose in New Braufels), and details are provided regarding the distribution and natural history of these large invasive waterfowl. Additionally the potential of these species causing environmental damage is addressed, specifically competitive displacement of native species.
