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SUBSCRIBE to the Monthly Featherless Flyer to keep up to date with everything happening at the refuge.  

March, 2024 Featherless Flyer

In This Edition:

  • Learn about the Crested Caracara, and how sightings have increased over the years--the Bird Census Van saw one on Tuesday, 2/28/2024! Photo by Mayve Strong.
Lots of Spring Break and other activities for the kids! 

February, 2024 Featherless Flyer

In This Edition:

  • It's not too late to see the geese! Over 7,000 were spotted during the Tuesday bird survey on Jan. 30!
  • Read all about the Otters sometimes seen at the refuge in our feature article "A Romp of Otters" by Renny Gehman.
  • Monarchs are struggling! You can help! Join the Monarch Research team, training session is Saturday, February 28th at 1:00. Details within, Registration Required.
  • Join the Butterfly Garden Docents, training session is Saturday, April 6th at 10:00 AM. Details within, Registration Required.
  • Register for our Spring Break programs about mammals: tracks, scat, skins, skulls and bats! Registration Required
  • Save the Date! On April 8th, come safely view the Solar Eclipse with us! FREE Eclipse goggles and stickers to the first 100 attendees! Filtered telescopes to view through!
  • Come, Take a Tour on the Wildlife Explorer! Reservations Recommended
  • Check out our Collection of Birds you may see in your backyard during the next Polar Vortex! The Refuge Rocks! program is about Animal Mimicry this month on February 17th. Details within, Registration Required
  • Make a bird feeder and learn about backyard birding in Puddles' Craft Corner. A lesson and craft instructions included.
  • Bird Walk at 8:00 AM and Second Saturday: 2024 Annual Work Plan for the Refuge with Paul Balkenbush, Deputy Refuge Manager on February 10th at 10:00 in the Visitor Center.
  • Join the Pottsboro Library for a President's Day program about birds in Texoma.
  • Calling all gardeners! The Butterfly Garden needs you! Work sessions are Wednesday mornings, Contact Us for information

 

January, 2024 Featherless Flyer

In This Edition:

  • Learn about the eagles on the refuge in our feature article by Peyton Briones. Photo by Laurie
  • Don't miss Refuge Manager Kathy Whaley's Second Saturday presentation about Eastern Bluebirds on Saturday, January 13th at 10:00 AM in the Visitor Center, and sign up for our new Bluebird Monitoring class offered on January 21st.  Both are open to the public.  Photo by Chris Balsamo.
  • Our next Little Sit Sunrise Bird Count is Saturday, January 6th.  Come and watch the birds come to the water while the sun is coming up.  Expert birders will be on hand to help with bird identification, excellent photo opportunities.
  • See the results of the latest Refuge Bird Census, including all of Jack's field notes.

December, 2023 Featherless Flyer

In This Edition:

  • The Geese are Here!  Read all about them in this month's feature article by Peyton Briones. Photo by Laurie Sheppard.
  • Christmas is on the way, and the Adopt-A-Nestbox Sale is on!
  • Help bird researchers from the comfort of your living room! The Christmas At-Home Bird Count/Feeder Watch Needs You! Or join the expert birders at the refuge for the annual Christmas Bird Count, details within.
  • The Little Sit is Saturday, December 2nd!  Come and watch the birds come to the water while the sun is coming up.  Expert birders will be on hand to help with bird identification, excellent photo opportunities.
  • See the results of the latest Refuge Bird Census, including all of Jack's field notes.

November, 2023 Featherless Flyer

  • The White-faced Ibis population spiked at Hagerman this past summer, read all about it in the Featherless Flyer.  Photo by Chris Balsamo
  • Christmas is on the way, and the Adopt-A-Nestbox Sale has Begun!
  • Help bird researchers from the comfort of your living room! The Christmas At-Home Bird Count/Feeder Watch Needs You! Or join the expert birders at the refuge for the annual Christmas Bird Count, details within.
  • The Geese are Coming!  The Geese are Coming!  And so will the Visitors!  Learn how you can help the refuge while meeting people from all over the world! Photo by Pam Rendall Bass.
  • The Little Sit is Saturday, November 4th!  Come and watch the birds come to the water while the sun is coming up.  Expert birders will be on hand to help with bird identification, excellent photo opportunities.
  • See the results of the latest Refuge Bird Census, including all of Jack's field notes.

October, 2023 Featherless Flyer

Schedule for The Refuge Roundup:

8:00 Until Sold Out: Native Plant Sale 

8:00 - 9:30 Early Bird Walk with Jack Chiles

10:00 Second Saturday: Buzz Off! Exploring Mosquito Ecology and Control Strategies

10:00 Tram Tour (Reservations Required)

10:00 Until 2:00: The Ice Hole Food Truck: Serving pulled pork, hot dogs and chips

10:00 Until 4:00  Crafts by Cindy Steele, at the pavilion, a come-and-go activity

11:30 Nature Hike Adventure

12:00 Tram Tour (Reservations Required)

12:00 Grand Opening of the Environmental Education Park at the Pavilion

12:15 Butterfly Garden Walk and Monarch Tagging

1:00 Spiders! In the Visitor Center

2:00 Tram Tour (Reservations Required)

2:15 Mammals by Dr. Bryon Clark in the Visitor Center

3:15 Snakes! In the Visitor Center


Also in this edition: 

  • The "Big" Little Sit is Saturday, October 7th!  Normally this event is the "Little Sit", but this one is the Big Sit because the entire country is participating!
  • Learn about the majestic American White Pelicans migrating through the refuge in October.  759 were recorded in the September 26th Bird Census!


September, 2023 Featherless Flyer


August, 2023 Featherless Flyer

  • This month's feature story is The Mississippi Kite – The Graceful Gray Raptor: a fascinating article and photos by Laurie Sheppard.
  • See how the Eastern Bluebirds are doing this year with a report of our 48 monitored Bluebird houses. Watch for our year-long summary in the September edition.
  • Don't miss Second Saturday on August 12th: Kim Snipes' Prehistoric Grayson County Presented by Wayne Meyer
  • Need a fun activity for the kids (in the air conditioning)? Hop On Over to the Frog Pond for a craft with Puddles, by Cindy Steele
  • New! Intermediate and Advanced Junior Ranger workbooks! Work through the program then come to the Visitor Center to recite a pledge and recieve your official Junior Ranger badge.
  • The Little Sit is every First Saturday, photographers and Sunrise Watchers welcome.
  • Come, take a Tram Tour of the refuge! Groups of 6 to 8 May Request a Special Tour.
  • See the results of the latest Refuge Bird Census, including all of Jack's field notes.


July, 2023 Featherless Flyer



June, 2023 Featherless Flyer
  • Read about the World's First Record of a White-eyed Vireo X Black-capped Vireo Hybrid.  Found by Laurie Lawler.
  • Let's Go Fishin'! Join us for a free Special Fishing Event Saturday, June 10th at 10:00 AM, at the Pond on Refuge Road
  • Wanted: Chinese Privet sightings.  Please let Refuge Manager Kathy Whaley know if you see this invasive plant.
  • Don't miss Second Saturday on June 10th: Alligator Research on Lake Texoma with Tim Patton Saturday, June 10, 2023  at 10:00 AM in the Visitor Center.
  • It's not too late to register for the free, day-long program offered by the Master Naturalists: Nature Ology. For kids 10-11 years old
  • The Little Sit is Saturday, June 3rd: Birders, Photographers and Sunrise Watchers Welcome.
  • See how the Eastern Bluebirds are doing this year with a report of our 48 monitored Bluebird houses.
  • The Photo Club is going on a Field Trip to Tishomingo! Free and open to the public.
  • The Weather is Perfect for a Tram Tour!  New: Groups of 6 to 8 May Request a Special Tour.
  • See the results of the latest Refuge Bird Census, including all of Jack's field notes.


May, 2023 Featherless Flyer


    April, 2023 Featherless Flyer
    • Teachers: Plan Your Free Hagerman NWR Field Trip today! Apply online!
    • The Butterfly Garden Docents are Back!  Enjoy a guided walk through the garden or join the docents.
    • The Photo Club is taking a Field Trip to the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, for excellent photo opportunities.
    •  The Refuge Rocks:  Nature Journals for Little Explorers, registration required online.
    • Enjoy a Hippity Hoppity Craft in Puddles' Craft Corner
    • Second Saturday: Hummingbirds with Dr. Wayne Meyer.  Jack Chiles will be leading an Early Birdwalk before the well-timed Second Saturday presentation.
    • "Crazy Trio" Photo by Bert Garcia
    • The Weather is Perfect for a Tram Tour!  New: Groups of 6 to 8 May Request a Special Tour.


      March, 2023 Featherless Flyer
      • Could your children spend 1,000 outside? Read about this healthy challenge.
      • Swamp and Vesper sparrows are featured in the last piece in our Sparrow Series
      • Would you like to know more about the accomplishments of the Friends of Hagerman?  The Annual meeting is March 19, 2023


        February, 2023 Featherless Flyer 
        • Find out what you may encounter while visiting Hagerman in our feature piece "Strange Things in the Woods" By Kathy Whaley, Refuge Manager
        • The date for the Annual Meeting has been set, the public is invited
        • Learn about ongoing refuge improvements
        • The Friends are sponsoring 13 family-friendly events in February, come on out!


          January, 2023 Featherless Flyer  
          • Learn about the many species of sparrows that visit our area in our second article about them
          • The next Little Sit is this Saturday, January 7th at 7:00AM at H-Pad, details within
          • Our Refuge Manager Kathy Whaley will be presenting our annual Second Saturday session about the Eastern Bluebird
          • Jack Chiles will be leading a bird walk before Second Saturday on January 14th


          December, 2022 Featherless Flyer  
          • Don't miss the Little Sit this Saturday! 
          • Learn about the many species of sparrows in our first in a series of articles about them.
          • Check out the amazing winning photos of the 2022 Nature Photo Contest
          • See some of the items the Nature Nook has ready for your Christmas Shopping
          • Adopt-A-Nest boxes are on sale now!  Always an appreciated gift!

          November, 2022

          • Is it legal to collect firewood at the refuge?  Find out in our article entitled: Firewood and Foraging in the Fall
          • Learn about the impact of food waste on the environment, and what you can do to help
          • Nestboxes go up for adoption on December 1st
          • The Friends of Hagerman NWR announce a new self-guided activity at the refuge: Virtual Cache Hunting
          • Learn about Painted Buntings at the November Second Saturday on November 12th

          • Join us for the Little Sit, Bird Walks, Tram Tours, Refuge Rocks, a Photo Club Meeting and enjoy a craft with Puddles!

          October, 2022

          Join us for our special event: The Refuge Roundup!
          Saturday, October 8th

          • Native Plant Sale while supplies last!
          • Early Bird Walk with Jack Chiles
          • Second Saturday: Learn about the Game Warden
          • Take a Tram Tour of Wildlife Drive
          • Meet Jordan Foster and his Snakes on the Patio.
          • Go for a Hike led by Ranger Spencer Beard.
          • Enjoy a Butterfly Garden Walk with a Garden Docent
          • Observe the Experts: Monarch Tagging
          • The Kids Will Love a Butterfly Craft with Cindy Steele
          • Giant Bubble Making
          • And much more!!!
          Check out the Schedule of Activities!

          The Friends of Hagerman Online Auction is Here! 
          ...and it isn't on Facebook anymore!

          This is the time of the year that we invite you to support our local Refuge and its programs. Projects resulting in our beautiful Butterfly Garden, our popular Wildlife Explorer electric tram, renovations to the Big Mineral Creek Recreation Area, and the Education Pavilion are available, thanks in large part to your donations and financial support.  All monies  raised from the auction will be reinvested in educational opportunities and programs for both children and adults.

          The online auction is a chance for you to contribute while picking up something nice for yourself!  The auction starts October 5th, but please feel free to browse: www.32auctions.com/FOHNWR


          Also in this edition:

          • Enjoy our feature article about the thousands of American White Pelicans migrating through the refuge in October.
          • Make a "Creatures of the Night"  craft with Puddles
          • Who's in Town? Find out which species were recorded in the weekly bird census in Birding with Jack
          • Schedule a tram tour of the refuge aboard the Wildlife Explorer


          September 2022

          Save the Date! Saturday October 8th is the Refuge Roundup!

          • The Big Sit Bird Count
          • Native Plant Sale
          • Earlybird Walk with Jack Chiles
          • Second Saturday Presentation: The Game Warden
          • Snakes on Display!
          • Go for a Hike Led by Ranger Spencer Beard.
          • Enjoy a Butterfly Garden Walk with a Garden Docent
          • Observe the Experts: Monarch Tagging
          • The Kids Will Love a Butterfly Craft with Cindy Steele
          • Many more activities for the family!​

          Also:

          • The refuge manager, Kathy Whaley, reveals information about Ricky and Lucy, and the nest that was discovered last year.
          • Make a craft with Puddles while learning about Monarch Butterflies
          • Peruse the many events happening this month: The Little Sit bird count, tram tours, a bird walk, presentations, kids activities, a photo club meeting and the photo contest!

          August 2022

          • Get your photos ready!  The 13th Annual Photo Contest begins September 1st!
          • Learn all about Roadrunners in our feature article
          • Time to de-clutter: donate your treasures to support the friends' online auction
          • Teachers: sign up for a fun-filled Hagerman Field trip!


          July 2022

          • Read the true story behind the mysterious Dead Woman Pond. 
          • This Monday, July 4th: Join us at sunrise to watch the birds come to the water at the Little Sit.
          • Calling all teachers: sign your class up for a Hagerman field trip in the fall!
          • Read about our upcoming online auction
          • Enjoy some of the activities this month: a tram tour, Second Saturday: Bats, Refuge Rocks! for the kids, and a photo club meeting.


          June, 2022

          Read an interesting history of Hagerman, including some of the names on the refuge map. In person events are in full swing, including: this Saturday (6/4) at the Refuge, Let's Go Fishin' 10am to Noon, Free for Ages 4 to 18, It is the biggest Refuge Rocks event of the year!  The Little Sit starts at sunrise: visit with expert birders while watching the birds come in to the water. The free day camp: Nature O'logy is back this summer on June 20th! Register by June 13th.


          May, 2022

          You are invited to join us for Spring Fest on May 14th!The day will start at 8 am with Early Birding with Jack, then our first in-person Second Saturday: Wildflowers of North Texas.  We'll have crafts for the kids, Butterfly Garden walks and tram tours.  Enjoy presentations about snakes, wildflowers, migratory birds and the refuge itself!  The event will end late with a Dark Sky Presentation and a look at the night sky.  Details and exact times within.


          April, 2022

          Don't miss the Spring Fest on May 14th!  We'll have activities for the family from 8:00 AM until well after dark!  Details within. Also, Mother's Day in the Butterfly Garden is back!  And we have a new monthly event: The Little Sit!  Find out about all the smoke just North of the refuge on Saturday. 


          March, 2022

          The visitor center is open! Come and see the indoor exhibits, sign up for a tram tour and do some shopping in our Nature Nook.  Join us for our Annual Meeting on March 20, 2022, and enjoy a craft with Puddles.


          February, 2022

          Learn all about an uncommon but interesting visitor to the refuge: the Common Loon. Also, the February Second Saturday presentation is about True Bugs, and have fun making a Cardinal Craft with Puddles!


          January, 2022

          This month's feature article is about the Monarchs For Humanity project: Texas Master Naturalists teamed up with Habitat to Humanity to provide Monarch Way Station butterfly gardens for willing Habitat for Humanity participants.  Also, don't miss our Second Saturday presentation about Eastern Bluebirds.

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