Golden Cheek Warbler’s migration and lifecycles – breaking research by Janet Rogal.

On Saturday, March 23, biologist, Scott Rowin, of the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (BCNWR), will give our chapter a presentation on groundbreaking research conducted on the migration and overwintering grounds of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. This study involved capturing the warbler in mistnets and placing small geolocators on the bird’s back to track their movement for a one-year period. At the end of the year, the birds were recaptured, and the devices were recovered revealing many new and exciting facts about where the golden-cheeked warblers spend the winter, what migration routes they take, and important migratory stopover locations. Scott Rowin has been a biologist for BCNWR since 2011 and is responsible for all wildlife and habitat management activities on the Refuge. An Austin native, he began his career with the Ecological Services Division of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Prior to coming to BCNWR he worked for the City of Austin as the program Manager for the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. Throughout his career, he has helped with numerous Central Texas endangered species recovery initiatives, and in particular, with the golden-cheeked warbler. Following Scott Rowin’s presentation, attendees are invited to join a guided hike at Warbler Vista Hiking trail beginning at Cactus Rocks trail, one of the favorite nesting areas for the golden-cheeked warbler. Bring your binoculars while we try to spot the golden-cheeked warbler, as you learn a little about the Refuge, its history, geology, and protected habitat. Registration for this field trip is required. See Slack, Facebook or contact Janet Rogal to register.