Five stories that have North Texas talking: Arlington’s got an egret issue; why actor Jason Lee loves Denton; do you have your Frida Kahlo costume ready?; and more.
Arlington residents are hatching a plan to take back their neighborhood that’s been invaded by as many as 200 nesting egrets, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
Dwellers of the Wilshire neighborhood have been disturbed by the sounds — and smells — of the birds’ arrival. And unfortunately for them, the new neighbors aren’t moving out for months. Also, once the birds “start nesting and producing eggs, they’re protected from harassment under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918,” the Star-Telegram reports.
Nearly hunted to extinction at the beginning of the 20th century, the egrets are making a comeback thanks to legal protections, which is good for the species, but not for the Wilshire neighbors.
Residents are devising a strategy to deter the birds (humanely) from settling in next year. According to the Star-Telegram: “Tools could include air horns, loud bells, propane cannons and reflective streamers and “scare-eye” balloons to hang in the trees.” Neighbors are also considering trimming branches to make nesting more difficult.
The earliest egrets will head their way at the beginning of February. [Fort Worth Star-Telegram]
- In a summer program from SMU, teachers took to the Trinity River in kayaks to learn about North Texas nature and how humans are negatively affecting it. [KERA News]
- Actor Jason Lee moved to Denton from California in 2015 to reconnect with friends and opt for a new pace of life. But, he’s moving back at the end of the year. [Texas Monthly]
- One year ago, a peaceful protest in downtown Dallas was winding down when a gunman opened fire. Here’s a list of several community events to remember July 7. [KERA News]
- The Dallas Museum of Art’s going for a Guinness World Record today for the largest gathering of people dressed as Frida Kahlo in one place. You in? [Art&Seek]
The High Five is KERA’s daily roundup of stories from Dallas-Fort Worth and across the state. Explore our archives here. And sign up for our weekly email for the North Texas news you need to know.
