We Stand with Bird Island
I can’t imagine anything more important than air, water, soil, energy and biodiversity. These are the things that keep us alive.
— David Suzuki
The world is in crisis. San Antonio recognizes that. That’s why it’s recently passed Climate Action and Adaptation Plan claims to “promote biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.” Yet right now the City is helping destroy one of the only known rookeries in San Antonio, home for decades to a variety of birds, including herons, egrets, cormorants, and others.
City officials say the project is necessary because of US Air Force concerns over bird-airplane collisions. But the City and Air Force have failed to demonstrate that the targeted cattle egrets from Elmendorf Lake are an actual threat. According to the Air Force itself, species of primary concern are actually vultures, geese, pelicans, hawks, and doves.
The motivation is more likely a dislike by a few powerful people of the sights and sounds and smells of a healthy rookery.
In mounting this violent assault on this ecological gem of the Westside, the City of San Antonio has also failed to consult with the community in a meaningful way. Those Westside resident attending only a few offered public meetings overwhelmingly rejected the proposal.
That is why the Friends of Bird Island are demanding a moratorium on the continued harassment of the birds, which has involved undisclosed chemical deterrents, lasers, pyrotechnics, and noise harassment, both disturbing area residents and threatening the safety of park visitors.
Join us by signing the below petition. Help us protect and grow a more diverse San Antonio with room for all of our relations.
Save Bird Island 