Texas is home to 10 different Gould’s ecoregions as seen on the map below. Ecoregions are areas of land that share similar climate, topography and soils. In this series, we will dive into each of Texas’ 10 ecoregions one Critter Connections issue at a time. Next up – the Blackland Prarie!
Our backyards can be home to many different species of wildlife. There are over six hundred species of birds native to Texas, many of which take advantage of the mild climate, where it is not too hot and not too cold most of the year, and stay here year-round, although many will fly to warmer or cooler climates during winter and summer. When a bird flies to a warmer or cooler climate, it is called migration. Most migratory birds will fly south to warmer climates in Central and South America when it is fall and winter in North America, and then they will fly north again when North America is warmer here. Many people can enjoy observing birds that visit their own backyards throughout the year. Some people choose to provide the birds with food, water and shelter to help replace native habitat that is lost when new neighborhoods are built.