M. E. Tewes

Feeding stations were established on a ranch in south Texas to determine seasonal seed preferences of visiting bird species. Seed preferences varied seasonally for most birds with black-oil sunflower, cracked corn, and milo accounting for the majority of seed consumed and for the greatest number of bird species attracted. If more than 1 type of seed is offered, then several feeders should be used to avoid competition between species and reduce wasted seeds.

As a result of agricultural, urban, and industrial development of native thorn-shrub communities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, < 1% of south Texas supports habitat for the endangered ocelot (Felis pardalis). We evaluated techniques that could facilitate restoration of ocelot habitat. Texas ebony (Pithecellobium flexicaule), granjeno (Celtis pallidd), lotebush (Ziziphus obtusifolia), and whitebrush (Aloysia gratissima) seedlings were planted in 3 4-ha plots at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Cameron County, Texas. Mean stem height did not differ (P > 0.05) among species...

We surveyed licensed bobcat (Felis rufus) pelt dealers to detennine relative abundance of high-quality pelts during the commercial harvest season (15 Nov 1982 to 15 Feb 1988) in Texas. Respondents indicates most high-quality pelts were obtained during January and February. Abundance of high-quality pelts was low from 15 to 30 November, but few bobcats were harvested during this time. Current season dates seem reasonable if managers wish to maximize recreational opportunities rather than pelt quality.