By Pete Deichmann, Land Conservation Director, Houston Audubon
It was April 9, 2020. COVID-19 had swept across the country, forcing federal, state, and local governments to issue quarantine restrictions. Non-essential businesses shuttered their doors, Houston Audubon staff adopted a “work from home” schedule, and for the first spring since the initial High Island acquisition of Boy Scout Woods Sanctuary in 1983, the gates to our High Island sanctuaries were chained and locked.
It was the Thursday before Easter weekend. Our conservation technicians arrived at Smith Oaks Rookery just before sunset to complete the Rookery Count (a weekly count of nesting and/or roosting birds conducted throughout the year) when they heard a series of loud noises-”POP-POP-POP!” They weren’t alone. Despite the signs, the social media posts, and the locked gates, someone else was in the sanctuary, and they were armed. Thinking quickly, they called the county sheriff to report an armed trespasser. A sheriff’s deputy was dispatched and made contact with the perpetrators. Three males ranging in age from 17-21 were staying in Crystal Beach for the upcoming Easter weekend and decided to take their .22 caliber rifle out for some target practice. The trespassers assured Houston Audubon staff and the deputy that they had only targeted trees. As the sun was setting, the deputy collected their contact information, issued criminal trespass warnings, and sent them home.
The following morning, Houston Audubon staff took to the trails. Something told them there was more to this story. Atop platform D overlooking the Rookery, they found a smattering of bullet casings, and on the island across from the platform, a Roseate Spoonbill, splayed on the ground, not moving. Upon closer inspection, they found more – a Great Egret, a couple of Red-eared Sliders, and even what looked like a wounded alligator. The Texas Game Wardens and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Agent were notified and responded to investigate. The birds were collected and a field necropsy was conducted to determine the cause of death. Indeed, the trespassers had targeted more than just trees. In the end, the individuals were cited and justice was served. The Great Egret and Roseate Spoonbill were taken as evidence by the Texas Game Wardens.
This story has a silver lining, though. The Texas Game Wardens had the birds taxidermied to include in a wildlife crime exhibit. These exhibits are used across the state to educate the public on wildlife conservation and how wildlife crimes affect populations. We were fortunate to have these birds on display at our 2024 Avian Affair fundraising dinner. Special thanks to Game Warden Patricia Vannoy for her dedication to Texas’ wildlife and for her help protecting Houston Audubon’s High Island Sanctuaries over the years. Houston Audubon remains committed to safeguarding these vital habitats. We urge all visitors to respect sanctuary rules, report any suspicious activity, and join us in ensuring High Island remains a safe haven for the incredible biodiversity that graces our Texas coast.
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