Aerial surveys for lesser prairie chickens will begin on March 17, and run through mid-May in Texas and four other surrounding states.
The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) conduct the work to find out population trends and how the bird is responding to management strategies.
The plan is a collaborative effort among Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Colorado and Oklahoma, which allows agriculture producers and industry continue operations while reducing impact on the bird and its grassland habitat.
The surveys will be conducted by helicopter at random locations. In previous years, some of the fly paths prompted calls, which is why WAFWA is getting the word out about this aerial work.
Good news came from last year’s survey.
As a result of an abundance of spring rainfall, along with the management plan and other forms of conservation, the lesser prairie-chicken population increased by 25 percent.

Texas Fest announces musical lineup, more

Texas Fest will take place from May 20-22 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, and the musical lineup has been announced.
Lee Brice, Kip Moore and Big & Rich with Cowboy Troy will be the headline musical entertainment.
The Lone Star Food Fest also will take place on May 21-22, also at the stadium.

Athens Eggfest: April 9

The sixth annual Athens Eggfest will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 9 at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens.

Surveys conducted from helicopter will help the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department better under the lesser prairie chicken population. (Courtesy photo from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department)