The Feral Pigeons of White Rock Lake, Dallas

Most cities around the world have one thing in common: feral pigeons (Columba livia), also known as rock doves. White Rock Lake in east Dallas is no exception. The pigeon images below were all taken at Sunset Bay at White Rock Lake.

Pigeons arrived in North America with European settlers in the 17th-century. They were brought here as domestic birds, caged and kept as a source of food.

A pigeon at White Rock Lake

Feral pigeons are derived from wild rock doves that were domesticated in the Middle East over 6,000 years ago. Rock doves were domesticated initially as a source of food, and for religious purposes. The terms "dove" and "pigeon" are interchangeable. Most people refer to smaller species as doves.

Pigeons are regular visitors to White Rock Lake, especially Sunset Bay.

Humans soon produced variants that could be used in other ways e.g. 3,000 years ago pigeons were being bred not only for the table, but for delivering messages and for racing. By the fifth century BC, Syria and Persia had widespread networks of message-carrying pigeons.

Feral pigeons are derived from wild rock doves

Pigeons are regular visitors to White Rock Lake, especially Sunset Bay. The image above was captured from the pier at Sunset Bay.

The average lifespan of a pigeon is 10 to 15 years. The oldest recorded pigeon was around 33 years.

 Pigeongram stamps are eagerly collected for their novelty value

We have all heard of the international news service, Reuters. Guess how they started?

In 1850, Paul Julius Reuter’s fledgling news service used homing pigeons to fly the 120km between Aachen and Brussels, thereby laying the foundations for a global news agency.

Pigeons were also used to send messages from the Great Barrier Island in New Zealand (90 kilometers northeast of Auckland) to the mainland. It was referred to as a pigeongram service. The pigeon post service began between the island and Auckland in 1897, and ended when the first telegraph cable was laid between the island and the mainland in 1908.

 Feral pigeons sharing a meal with a red winged blackbird
whilst a squirrel looks on

We are all so impressed by the speed, power and efficiency of the Internet. Now consider this. As part of a PR stunt in South Africa, a pigeon carried a 4GB memory stick 80 kilometers. During the time it took the pigeon to deliver the memory stick, the country’s biggest Internet service provider only managed to transfer just 4% of the data on the memory stick. That’s amazing!

The average lifespan of a pigeon is 10 to 15 years

Homing pigeons played a vital part in both World Wars as military messengers. In World War I, pigeons proved to be an extremely reliable way of sending messages. Over 100,000 pigeons were used in the war with an incredible success rate of 95% of the messages being delivered.  

Pigeons did such extraordinary and valuable work during WW1 that the British government protected them by law: “Killing, wounding or molesting homing pigeons is punishable under the Defense of the Realm Regulations by Six Months Imprisonment or £100 Fine. The public are reminded that homing pigeons are doing valuable work for the government, and are requested to assist in the suppression of the shooting of these birds.”

During World War II, the United Kingdom used about 250,000 homing pigeons. The American Signal Pigeon Corps consisted of 3,150 soldiers and 54,000 birds. Some 90% of the messages got to their destination. 

These avian secret agents saved innumerable human lives as well. Of the 54 Dickin Medals (the highest possible decoration for valor given to animals - the animal’s VC) awarded in World War II, 32 went to pigeons!

But don’t think the use of pigeons as a means of communication is outdated. Even today, homing pigeons are used in remote areas. In fact, the Police Pigeon Service in Orissa, India, was retired only in 2002.

A pair of pigeons on the pier at Sunset Bay, White Rock Lake

Some religious groups feed pigeons for cultural reasons. For example, Sikhs feed pigeons to honor the high priest and warrior, Guru Govind Singh. Some Sikhs also believe that when they are reincarnated they will never go hungry if they have fed pigeons in their previous life. 

Christians believe that the pigeon is both a symbol of peace and of the Holy Spirit.  

In the image below, the male pigeon is going through a courtship ritual in an attempt to woo the female in the foreground. Feral pigeons mate for life.

The male pigeon is going through a courtship ritual in an attempt
to woo the female

The next time you see feral pigeons, show them some respect. They are far from being a pest, and we have so much to thank them for. These beautiful creatures were a source of food for our ancestors, they kept us informed by delivering the latest news, and these brave birds helped us win both World Wars.

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Preening Mallard Duck at Sunset Bay, White Rock Lake

Ducks need to protect themselves against becoming water-logged whilst swimming, and in wet weather. They do this by keeping their feathers in top condition by preening themselves on a regular basis.This series of images of a Mallard duck preening itself was captured at Sunset Bay, White Rock Lake in east Dallas.

A Mallard hen preens herself at Sunset Bay, White Rock Lake

Ducks bathe often to remove dirt from their feathers. Using their bills, they comb the barbs on their feathers so that the barbules and even smaller hooks called barbicelli interlock and form a protective layer to repel water.

A Mallard hen has dull, brown feathers used as camouflage

The process of preening removes parasites and scales that cover newly sprouting feathers, but also involves the spreading of oil over clean feathers.

Preening removes parasites and scales that cover newly
sprouting feathers

Beneath the water-proof coat are fluffy and soft feathers that keep the duck warm.

A Mallard hen preening herself

There is a gland called the 'Preen Gland' near the duck’s tail. The duck uses this patch to roll and stroke its head over the oil.

The 'Preen Gland' is near the duck’s tail

The head is then rubbed over the body feathers to spread the oil evenly. This keeps the feathers bright and supple, and allows water to run off in droplets – hence the expression “like like water off a duck’s back.”

The process of preening involves the spreading of oil over clean feathers

And after all that hard work, it was finally time to tuck in for a quick snooze. Ducks sleep with half their brains awake and their eyes open. This enables them to see approaching predators.

Ducks sleep with half their brains awake and their eyes open

Compared to the male, the Mallard female duck (called a 'hen') has dull, brown feathers used as camouflage so that they can hide from their enemies and predators. The camouflage also helps nesting females to blend in better, and offers greater protection for the ducklings.

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Winfrey Point: New Documentation Reveals the True Purpose of the Dallas Arboretum’s Proposed Land Grab

Please click here and listen to this music while you read this blog

This blog is about nature, specifically the environment of White Rock Lake. However, when local politicians and business combine to deliberately mislead the public, it’s difficult to remain silent when it affects nature and the heritage of generations to come. 

Stunning wildflowers at Winfrey Point, White Rock Lake

You can read about the history of this ongoing saga by clicking here.

On May 9, 2012, the leadership of the Dallas Arboretum issued a press release that was phrased in such a manner as to make them look like the good guys. It stated that they had requested the local officials not to proceed with plans to mow Winfrey Point, a plan that the Arboretum leadership had hatched in the first place. The wording of this press release was intriguing:

“… any plans to temporarily park at Winfrey Point have resulted in serious misunderstandings …” Any plans? Why did they not simply say “the plans”? Why could the leadership of the Arboretum not have the courage to admit that they had made such plans?

From their last sentence in their press release, it is obvious that the current management of the Arboretum intends to continue with their plans for Winfrey Point. The last sentence reads: “It is our pledge to endeavor to make such planning transparent.”

And why could the leadership of the Arboretum not simply say: “It is our pledge to make such planning transparent”? Why did they include the word “endeavor”?

It is innuendo and legal-speak such as this that makes one question the bona fides of the Arboretum leadership.

The press release can be found here.  

The Dallas Arboretum posted a comment on their website this week, stating that it was a misconception that they planned to build a parking garage at Winfrey Point. The comment read: "The concept for a parking garage at Winfrey Point was never shown to the Arboretum, nor to the Park Board or city Council members ..” 

Really? 

The latest documentation uncovered by researcher, Hal Barker, has categorically revealed that the idea to turn Winfrey Point into a parking lot was first mooted by Mary Brinegar a couple of years ago. In a detailed email to Paul Dyer, Director Dallas Park and Recreation Department, dated August 8, 2010, Brinegar spells out her vision for Winfrey Point in detail. You can read her email by clicking here.

This was followed up by a presentation to Paul Dyer.

In a document prepared by the Arboretum entitled “Presentation to Paul Dyer and Willis Winters On Winfrey Point Use For The Dallas Arboretum”, it was revealed that one of the proposals (Proposal 5) presented by the Arboretum was to develop “the property into botanical gardens with three stories of parking underneath, accommodating over 4000cars. The model is Millennium Park in Chicago with most of the gardens above the parking facility. It allows those who are members to stop in to the garden for early breakfast or lunch while riding or walking around the lake and at the beginning or end of their ride. Winfrey Point is rebuilt in a circular structure with observation decks giving visitors the ability to see the developed gardens and the downtown vistas.”

So let’s understand this. 

1. The Arboretum wants Winfrey Point - prime real estate -  for nothing, depriving Dallasites free use of this spectacular location. 
2. The rate payers of Dallas foot the bill for much of the related expense.         
3.  If Dallasites wish to enjoy Winfrey Point in future they will have to pay for the privilege.  
4. Dallasites will be further deprived of their natural heritage. In its place will be beautifully contrived gardens and other facilities generating more revenue for the Arboretum.

So exactly how do the inhabitants of Dallas benefit from all of this? This smacks of a land grab - the Arboretum wins, Dallasites lose!

It would appear that the leadership of the Dallas Arboretum has lost their focus. They have become property developers at the expense of conserving nature.

As Gregory Bateson once said, "The major problems in the world are the result of the difference between how nature works and the way people think." Unfortunately, people are often driven by greed, and it is difficult to arrive at a different conclusion given the facts at our disposal.

After all the subterfuge surrounding Winfrey Point, maybe it’s time for heads to roll. 

And this is enough to make anyone gag. Mary Brinegar, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, signs off her emails with the following slogan: “Let Nature Nurture You.”

Seriously?

Based on the manner in which Brinegar has handled herself, we’re beginning to question whether she cares about nature at all. We now know that turning Winfrey Point into a parking lot was her idea in the first place, despite denials that she had no knowledge of what was going on.

To be precise, what Brinegar is advocating is to take a natural environment, a scarce resource, and turn it into a parking lot and other facilities that would generate revenue for the Arboretum. This is crass to say the least.

We have always supported the Dallas Arboretum. It is a wonderful place to get lost for a few hours. It saddens us that the leadership of the Arboretum would resort to these tactics in order to improve their bottom line. 

The latest documents discovered by Hal Barker leave a bad taste in our mouths, and reminds us of Mao Zedong’s slogan: "Man must conquer Nature." But one needs to heed the warning of legendary author, Fritz Schumacher, who once wrote, "man talks of a battle with Nature, forgetting that if he won the battle, he would find himself on the losing side."

Of course the Arboretum wants Winfrey Point. The land will add considerably to the asset value of the Dallas Arboretum. But Winfrey Point is more than an exceptional location with stunning views of the city. It contains several acres of protected Blackland Prairie grasses, it is covered in beautiful wildflowers, it is home to rare birds and many animals, and it supports all kinds of insect life, including spectacular butterflies.

A Monarch butterfly nectaring on a Texas Thistle at Winfrey Point

We doubt that the remake of the soap series Dallas could have a better storyline than this saga. Clearly, the battle to Save Winfrey Point is not over.

It would be appropriate to give the final word to a great Texan, President Lyndon B. Johnson, who upon signing the Wilderness Act, 1964, stated: “If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it."

Wise words, and all the more reason to Save Winfrey Point.

Spectacular Sunsets at Sunset Bay, White Rock Lake, Dallas

If you live in Dallas, Texas and you want to unwind after a stressful day at work, go watch the sunset at Sunset Bay, White Rock Lake. The sunsets are spectacular, and each day they are different as can be seen in the images below.

The image below was taken at Sunset Bay and shows Mallard Ducks taking off into the sunset.

Mallard Ducks taking off into the sunset at Sunset Bay

Sunset Bay is very sheltered and the waterfowl flock there most evenings. It’s officially classified as a wetland. Birders love Sunset Bay and for good reason - 175 birds have been identified in or near Sunset Bay.

The setting sun ignites White Rock Lake

The image below presents a strange phenomenon. Downtown Dallas is approximately five miles away from White Rock Lake. So how do the buildings reflect in the lake? If anyone could explain that, we would be grateful.

The tall buildings of downtown Dallas reflecting in White Rock Lake

In the above image, the setting sun gives the tall buildings of downtown Dallas a pinkish hue.

Each evening, the waterfowl congregate at Sunset Bay to feed. The bay also offers them a lot of protection against predators.

American Coots and Mallard ducks in Sunset Bay at sunset

Sunset at White Rock Lake, Dallas

White Rock Lake glows red as the sun sets

The setting sun reflecting in White Rock Lake

Waterfowl flock to Sunset Bay at sunset

The evening sets in at White Rock Lake

Someone on the pier at Sunset Bay

The setting sun at White Rock Lake, Dallas

Sunset Bay as the sun begins to set for the night

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Winfrey Point: Arboretum asks for Mowing Plans to Stop

The Dallas Arboretum say they have asked that mowing plans for Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake, Dallas be stopped after the public expressed outrage over the approved measure last week, read a statement released this morning.

Winfrey Point: A Monarch butterfly visiting a Texas Thistle

The Arboretum say they have reached out to District 9 Park Board members to not proceed with the approved plans to mow down an area at Winfrey Point so that a parking area could be created.

"Over the past couple of weeks, the Arboretum has heard the opinions of its friends and neighbors and recognizes any plans to temporarily park at Winfrey Point have resulted in serious misunderstandings that need to be addressed," read the statement.

Here is the full release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Mary Brinegar
Chief Executive Officer & President
Dallas Arboretum

DALLAS (May 9, 2012)
- On Tuesday, May 8, the leadership of the Dallas Arboretum asked Paul Dyer, Dallas Park and Recreation Department director; Joan Walne, Dallas Park Board president; Councilman Sheffield Kadane, City Council District 9; and Gerry Worrall, District 9 Park Board not to proceed with current plans to mow the previously approved area at Winfrey Point. 

Over the past couple of weeks, the Arboretum has heard the opinions of its friends and neighbors and recognizes any plans to temporarily park at Winfrey Point have resulted in serious misunderstandings that need to be addressed. We are committed to being a good neighbor and steward to the citizens of East Dallas, the metroplex and all of North Texas.

We are looking forward to working with city officials and neighborhood associations in the immediate future to develop a plan that best serves the interest of all parties involved. It is our pledge to endeavor to make such planning transparent.

Thank you for your patience while we work to find a solution to the City's and our parking needs.

Well done to everyone involved with Save Winfrey Point. Your efforts have been noted and applauded!

At least for now, the wildflowers are safe and the butterflies can still dance at Winfrey Point.

 A swallowtail butterfly visiting a Texas Thistle at Winfrey Point

White Rock Lake, Dallas Needs Rain – Lots of it

The water level of White Rock Lake in Dallas is really low and the smaller streams have dried up. The ground is cracking in several places around the lake. The wildflowers are really small and going to bloom quickly because of the lack of water. White Rock Lake needs rain – lots of it!

The cracks below were at Celebration Tree Grove on April 29, 2012.

 Lack of rain causing parts of White Rock Lake to crack 

A closer view of the cracks around Celebration Tree Grove

By the way, can anyone tell me why Macy’s Creek near the Bath House has dried up? According to locals, there used to be a perennial stream of water flowing through Macy’s Creek and that dried up some time ago.

The image below was taken at Winfrey Point on May 5, 2012.

Winfrey Point - White Rock Lake needs rain

 The dry ground is cracking up at Winfrey Point, White Rock Lake

Winfrey Point: Don’t Pave Paradise, And Put Up a Parking Lot!

The dispute between the Dallas City Council and White Rock Lake residents and supporters continues. The furor arose as a result of the City Council allowing the Dallas Arboretum to park cars at Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake, an area that contains several acres of protected Blackland Prairie grasses. Winfrey Point is part of a very unique and endangered ecosystem that is home to rare birds, plants and many animals. 

 Supporters of Save Winfrey Point gather to protest

This morning, a judge ruled against the defendants preventing them from constructing any permanent structures, but he did allow temporary parking at Winfrey Point and mowing of the area.

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION!

You can click here to watch one of the TV news reports, and click here for Channel 5 NBC.

 A protestor makes her point - Save Winfrey Point!

Save Winfrey Point immediately arranged a protest and concerned residents and supporters gathered at Winfrey Point, as well as TV news crews and reporters. 

 The press converged on Councilman Sheffie Kadane upon
his arrival at the Winfrey Point protest

Sheffie Kadane, councilman for the area, arrived to address the gathering. He immediately assured concerned protestors that no mowing would take place this weekend, and that the Arboretum would not be parking cars in the area this weekend (the Chihuly exhibition starts this weekend). Kadane said he would do everything in his power to prevent the parking lot proposal going forward. The crowd was skeptical, but Councilman Kadane seemed sincere in his remarks.

 Councilman Sheffie Kadane (white shirt) addressing the gathering
at Winfrey Point, White Rock Lake, with Chris Herron.

Halfway through his address, one of the Save Winfrey Point supporters asked Mr. Kadane if he would wear a “Save Winfrey Point” t-shirt if he was given one. The councilman readily agreed, and sportingly squeezed into a t-shirt that was at least two sizes too small for him.

 Councilman Sheffie Kadane showing some solidarity with the
Save Winfrey Point supporters

 Ironically, the Dallas Little League erected the sign below at Winfrey Point.

 Do not pick wildflowers ... the city will mow them for you!

The supporters of Save Winfrey Point will be protesting outside the Dallas Arboretum tomorrow.

Hopefully, they will have the support of a portable stereo blaring out the more familiar cover version of Big Yellow Taxi by Counting Crows.

             Don't it always seem to go
          That you don't know what you've got
          'Til it's gone
          They paved paradise
          And put up a parking lot

Winfrey Point, White Rock Lake, Dallas to be used as a Parking Lot

Let’s state this categorically at the outset: we love and support the Dallas Arboretum. They are a HUGE attraction in Dallas, and they deserve their rock star status … BUT … hands off Winfrey Point! 

White Rock Lake is a gift that belongs to the people of Dallas. The objective is to conserve it, not pave it for a parking lot. Turning Winfrey Point into a parking lot is a totally absurd idea.

 This endangered ecosystem is home to birds, plants and
all kinds of animals

If ever there was a situation that epitomized the 1970's Joni Mitchell song, Big Yellow Taxi, this is it.

It would appear that the takeover of Winfrey Point is part of a larger planned expansion of the Dallas Arboretum and the opening of the children’s interactive education park in 2013.

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION!

Whilst we will always remain huge fans and support the Dallas Arboretum, we believe that they need to exploit all options for a creative solution to the problem, and Winfrey Point should not be part of the solution.

The Issue

The Dallas Arboretum has run out of parking space for special events.

Without any consultation with residents or concerned citizens, the Dallas Parks Board recently authorized parking in the Texas Lone Star Land Steward prairie grass and wildflower areas on Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake.

Winfrey Point is located on the east side of White Rock Lake, the “crown jewel” of the Dallas parks system. It is the site of many cultural, athletic and community events and contains several acres of protected Blackland Prairie grasses. This is a very unique and endangered ecosystem that is home to rare birds, plants and many animals. 

 Protected native tallgrass prairie at Winfrey Point

Dallas Parks have won a Texas Land Steward award for their efforts to protect and preserve this prairie.

The prairie is a diverse ecosystem of mainly native grasses and flowering plants with prairie wildlife, soil, and geology all playing important roles. Texas used to have 20 million acres of beautiful tallgrass prairie. Today, there is less than 1%, and losses are still occurring due to plowing, improper overgrazing, and development.

Now this incredible resource, and specifically the area around Winfrey Point, is in danger of becoming a parking lot!

What YOU can do about it

We should be getting back to nature, not deliberately destroying it. YOU can help Save Winfrey Point so that all may enjoy the natural beauty at White Rock Lake. 

Voice your opinion by:

• Signing the petition to save Winfrey Point, and by 
• Contacting the officials who are in favor of destroying the Blackland prairie at Winfrey Point and/or those who are able to help stop this from going forward.

Maybe the protestors and supporters of Save Winfrey Point should use Big Yellow Taxi as their call to battle.

We will let Joni Mitchell have the last word:

Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
'Til it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

Note

Counting Crows had a huge hit with Big Yellow Taxi in 2002 and consequently it is the more famous version.

Queen Anne's Lace: An Intriguing Wildflower with a Regal History

Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota) is a tall, spectacular white wildflower that covers large areas of White Rock Lake. The plant is also known as Wild Carrot (it is related to the carrot), Bird’s Nest and Bishop’s Lace.

Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota) at White Rock Lake, Dallas

During the flowering period the flower head is nearly flat or slightly convex. A flower head comprises multiple individual clusters of flowers that radiate from the stalk, and each cluster has approximately 20 individual flowers that all originate from a common point (an umbel). 

The individual clusters of flowers all arise from a common point

When Queen Anne's Lace starts flowering, the lace-like flower heads take on a beautiful pinkish hue, and this changes to white as the flower head develops.

The lace-like flowers of the Wild Carrot aka Queen Anne's Lace

An interesting feature of the flower is the single dark purple floret in the center of the flower (and sometimes it is blood red). Legend has it that Queen Anne’s Lace is named after Queen Anne of England, an expert lace maker. One day she pricked her finger with a needle while making lace, and a single drop of blood fell into the lace, thus the dark purple floret in the center of the flower. In reality, the function of this red or purple flower is to attract insects.

The single dark purple floret in the center of the flower attracts insects

If you examine the lace-like flowers of the Wild Carrot closely, you will find all kinds of visiting insects. Caterpillars of the Eastern Black Swallowtail butterfly eat the leaves, and bees and other insects drink the nectar.

A honey bee visiting Queen Anne's Lace, White Rock Lake, Dallas

Daucus carota has been used for medicinal purpose for several centuries, and the root is edible. In fact, women have used the seeds from the Carrot Plant as a contraceptive, and the earliest written reference for such use dates back to a work written by Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine.

During the flowering period the head is nearly flat or slightly convex

The flower heads also seem to become a rendezvous for insects looking for mates, and perhaps this is the plant's biggest contribution to nature.

These bugs found love on Queen Anne's Lace

Some flowers on this plant have already developed seed heads

After pollination, the umbel of the flower head begins to fold in on itself, somewhat like an umbrella that has been turned inside out, and during this process the seed head resembles a bird’s nest.

Daucus Carota is often called Bird's Nest for obvious reasons

As the seeds ripen the flower head becomes more cup-like. At the tip of nearly every tiny flower stalk is a minute ovoid fruit covered with tiny sharp bristles, and this is what has been used as a contraceptive for centuries. The seeds are clearly visible in the image below.

In its second year the plant blooms, sets seeds and then dies.

When the seed head dries, it falls off with the help of insects that chew through the stem. The heads become tumble weed and as the wind-assisted seed heads roll all over the countryside, they distribute their seeds. 

The Wild Carrot is not native to the USA. The seeds were introduced by settlers from Europe. Regrettably, the Queen Anne's Lace is an invasive species and some dire action is required to prevent it from crowding out the indigenous flora. As can be seen below, the plant is widespread and does constitute a threat to the wildflowers of White Rock Lake.

 Queen Anne's Lace is an invasive species - some dire action is
required to prevent it from crowding out the indigenous flora

White Rock Lake is located in east Dallas, Texas.