RARE SIGHTING AVID BIRD WATCHER ALSO A REPUBLICAN COUNCILMAN AND AN ENVIRONMENTALIST.Byline: GIDEON RUBIN Special to the Daily News Ronald D. Smith was on a family vacation somewhere in western Texas about eight years ago when he spotted a scissor-tailed flycatcher scissor-tailed flycatcher: see flycatcher. , a small gold, tan and gray sparrow-shaped bird with two long distinctive tails, indigenous to the region but one that he'd never seen before. Then he looked up at a power pole power pole Noun Austral & NZ a pole carrying an overhead power line , and there were 20 more. ``That was one of my more memorable sightings,'' the Lancaster resident said. Smith, an avid birder, has logged sightings of more than 370 species. He is among just two people in Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. County to ever officially report citing a rare varied bunting The Varied Bunting (Passerina versicolor) belongs to the Passerina genus of birds in the Cardinal family Cardinalidae. It is mostly found in Mexico, with a northern breeding range that extends into the furthest south parts of the U.S. , a gorgeous red, blue, purple and black hummingbird hummingbird, common name for members of the family Trochilidae, small, strictly New World birds, related to the swifts, and found chiefly in the mountains of South America. Hummingbirds vary in size from a 2 1-4-in. with stout body and tiny beak beak or bill Stiff, projecting oral structure of birds and turtles (both of which lack teeth) and certain other animals (e.g., cephalopods and some insects, fishes, and mammals). . He is considered a rare bird, too. Smith, an outdoor enthusiast who supports environmental causes, is also a conservative Republican lawmaker who cites President Reagan among his most inspirational ideological influences. Smith, 49, is a first-term Lancaster city councilman who says fighting crime and low taxes are his top priorities. Equally incongruous in·con·gru·ous adj. 1. Lacking in harmony; incompatible: a joke that was incongruous with polite conversation. 2. is his law enforcement background -- he was a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy for 16 years before being forced into retirement by a neck injury -- and his award-winning wildlife illustration vocation. ``I really don't fit any stereotypes, do I?'' he says with a chuckle. ``I guess that's just who I am.'' Smith is just as passionate about politics as he is about getting local residents to appreciate the Antelope Valley's environmental wonders, noting the high desert region is a migration mecca for some of the most beautiful birds, and that edible and medicinal plants medicinal plants, plants used as natural medicines. This practice has existed since prehistoric times. There are three ways in which plants have been found useful in medicine. abound amid the open space. Smith regularly leads organized bird-watching walks in west Lancaster's Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, and he was instrumental in the establishment of the Antelope Valley's first Audubon Society subchapter, which meets at the preserve. He said he hopes to establish an independent Audubon chapter, which would require 35 members. ``He's been a great supporter of this preserve,'' said Eileen McAllister, a recreation leader for the preserve, and noted that the Audubon Society subchapter ``was completely his doing.'' Although Smith acknowledged he is a partisan who doesn't take crossing party lines lightly, he hinted that he is also uncomfortable with some of the language Republicans have used assailing political opponents on environmental issues in the heat of a campaign. ``That's just rhetoric,'' he said. Councilman Andrew Visokey, considered a Smith political ally, said Smith's ability to speak comfortably about issues such as the environment figures in him being a potential rising star. ``It seems a little bit unusual for a Republican, but it just shows that you can be a Republican and still support the environment,'' Visokey said. ``It's a myth that Republicans don't care
"Don't Care" is a 1994 (see 1994 in music) single by American death metal band Obituary. about the environment.'' Smith won't comment on whether he has any political ambitions, but said he'll keep his options open. He vows to remain committed to supporting environmental issues. ``I'm an idealist i·de·al·ist n. 1. One whose conduct is influenced by ideals that often conflict with practical considerations. 2. One who is unrealistic and impractical; a visionary. 3. ,'' Smith said. ``God's given us this environment, and I believe we have an obligation to be good caretakers.'' gideon.rubin@dailynews.com (661) 267-7802 CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1) Lancaster Councilman Ronald D. Smith looks for birds at the Lancaster Prime Desert Woodland Preserve. (2) Smith spotted a white-crowned sparrow, above, at the Lancaster Prime Desert Woodland Preserve. Smith, an avid birder, has logged sightings of more than 370 species. Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer |
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