february 2009 wingbars newsletter atlanta audubon society
TRANSCRIPT
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8/9/2019 February 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
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SPEAKER SERIES featuring Charlie Muise,Georgia IBA Coordinator
GIVE A HOOT FOR BURROWING OWLS3 PM, Sunday, February 22
Island Ford Unit of Chattahoochee River
National Recreational Area
ATLANTAAUDUBON SOCI
P. O. Box 2918Atlanta, GA 303
www.atlantaaudubon
AAS OFFICEand Information
770.913.051
GOS RARE BIRD AL
770.493.886
February 2009
Volume XXXV, Issue 2 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY
I N S I D Perch.............................
From the Exec Dir.........
AAS Legacy Club...........
Field Notes....................
Field Trips......................
Spotlight Mary Ann Hind
Time Well Spent ............
A Million Thanks...........
Bird Artistry..................
New AAS T-Shirt...........
Book Review.................
Past Presidents.............
2009 Photo Contest .......
Classifieds.....................
Fall Appeal Donors.......
GAs Declining Birds .....
Membership..................
Southern Birding Trails.....
Burrowing Owl at Phoenix Zoo
Photographer: Rick Scott
Charlie Muise will be the featured guest speaker at Atlanta Audubon Societys SpeakerSeries, which will be held at the Island Ford Unit of the Chattahoochee River NationalRecreational Area.
Charlie is known as a frequent and effective communicator on Georgia Birders Online(GABO), a listserv for the exchange of birding information related to Georgia, as well asthe coordinator for the Georgia Important Bird Areas Program. However, he brings toAtlanta Audubon Society a host of additional interests and skills. He is an environmentaleducator and operates two bird banding stations, including one that is a Georgia IBA site.
In 2001 Charlie helped a friend conduct fieldwork on Burrowing Owls in the high desertof Idaho. Unlike other owls, the species lives in underground tunnels dug by prairie dogsand other burrowing animals. Once common throughout the plains, these owls havedwindled in numbers as land development consumes their habitat. He plans to discussthe natural history of this fascinating (and, some say, cute) species and explain theresearch conducted.
The study, carried out by researchers at Boise State University, involved the use ofartificial burrows. The burrows were placed in both agricultural and non-agricultural landas part of an ongoing effort to study the effects of agriculture on the birds reproductivesuccess. Providing the burrows had the dual purpose of affording researchers access tothe nest and assisting the owls in locating substitute burrows for the natural burrows thathad been destroyed by development.
Directions:From the I-285/GA 400 interchange, go north on GA 400 to Exit 6(Northridge Rd.). Coming off the exit, turn west (right) and stay in the right line, crossingover GA 400. Turn north (right) onto Dunwoody Pl. Go 0.5 mi to Roberts Dr. Turn east(right) and proceed 0.7 mi to Island Ford Pkwy. on the right. Continue until you see theVisitors Center.From GA 400 S, take Exit 6 (Northridge Rd.) and continue straight aheadat the traffic light onto Dunwoody Pl. and follow the directions above. Parking will be on
the left before you reach the Visitors Center. There is a $3 user fee.
Election of Officers and
Appointment of Directors for 2009-2010The AAS board approved the Nominating Committeesrecommendations as follows:
Stacy Zarpentine, PresidentCarol Hassell, President ElectDave Butler, Conservation DirectorStanley Chapman, Field Trip Director
Please give them a warm welcome, and we express our appreciation to our
nominating committee, Georgann Schmalz and Lisa Hurt.
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It's a new year. I hope that 2009 brings good birding to all of you.
Ellen Miller, our newest past president, has flown from the position of president. As a member ofAtlanta Audubon, a current board member and a past president, I want to say a big Thank You toEllen for the leadership she has given to our organization. She has been an asset to Atlanta Audubon
and has helped us grow to what we are today.During the past two years under Ellens watch, Atlanta Audubon has continued to work in thecommunity towards our mission to promote the enjoyment and understanding of birds and toconserve and restore the ecosystems that support them. We thank her and all of our past presidentsfor the hard work, dedication and motivation and for presenting issues to the board and our generalmembership in such a positive, creative and effective manner.
There are many opportunities for the president of Atlanta Audubon Society to make a difference.Leadership skills are extensively used to organize meetings, handle speaking engagements for diversaudiences, and sometimes travel to faraway places. The president works with state and localgovernments, environmental organizations and local groups to achieve community goals and protechabitat and birds. The president becomes an expert in many fields while filling many shoes. All of this essential because Atlanta Audubon has many activities and ongoing projects.Officially the Atlanta Audubon presidents job description includes, but is not limited to, these duties
Preside at monthly meetings Preside at board meetings Represent the chapter at appropriate functions Interface with other conservation organizations Work with the president-elect, executive director and AAS Directors on issues Encourage visionary plans and programs and ensure implementation Take responsibility for appraising suggested projects and programs Complete various tasks and responsibilities
Being the president of AAS is an experience that not many of us have had, and I have a specialappreciation because of my term in office from 1999 to 2001. The organization owes much to thepresidents whose shoes I had to fill and to those who have followed in mine. At the beginning of thisnew year, we also want to acknowledge their contributions. Most are still members, still serving invarious and sundry capacities on a regular basis or from time to time except Georgine Pindar whopassed away in 2001. Take time to let them know we are grateful for the time they took from their
personal lives on behalf of Atlanta Audubon. They are:
See page 8 for pictures of AAS past presidents.
Board of Directors2009
Executive Director Catharine Kuchar770.993.9579
OfficersPresident Stacey E. Zarpentine
President Elect Carol N.Hassell
Treasurer Deanna Helie770.457.4403
Recording Secy Mark Jernigan404.298.8825
Corresponding Secy Barbara Tarpley404.687.0079
DirectorsConservation Dave Butler
Education Marge Igyarto
Field Trips Stanley [email protected]
Membership Darlene Moore404.633.9361
CommunicationsBarbara Tarpley404.687.0079
Publicity Vacant
Volunteers Nancy Hamilton404.874.2338
At Large
Jay Davis404.624.4973
Victor WilliamsEarthshare Representative
---
WebsiteJim Flynn
Wingbars EditorMary Ann Hindes 770.497.0664
ProofreadingSteven Phenicie
Design & LayoutCopy Preparation 770.939.2002
Newsletter deadline is the first ofthe month for material to be
published the following month.Please submit articles as MS-Word to
[email protected] attachments, if possible.
Wingbars is the official newsletter of Atlanta
Audubon Society and is published 11 times a
year. We feature news, upcoming events,
meetings, field trips and projects.We hope you
will join us. Opinions expressed are those of the
authors and do not necessarily reflect policies
of the Atlanta Audubon Society.
Mission Statement:
To promote the enjoyment and understanding of birds and to
conserve and restore the ecosystems that support them.
Perchby Victor Williams
2 Atlanta Audubon Soci
Ellen Miller 2007-2008Kelly Hopkins 2006Georgann Schmalz 2005Virginia Dunbar 2004Georgann Schmalz 2001-2003Victor Williams 1999-2001Lolly Lederberg 1997-1999Jim Wilson 1995-1997Gail Russell 1993-1995Georgann Schmalz 1991-1993
Linda Jones 1989-1991Dennis Lacoss 1987-1989Peter Schantz 1985-1986Joel Volpi 1984Vince Jackson 1981-1983Jean & Pat Bevis 1979-1980Terry Moore 1977-1978Carlton Neville 1975-1976Georgine Pindar 1973-1974
Time for a Change
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AtlantaAudubon
Socie
LegacClubJoin us as a charter memof the AAS Legacy Club bincluding Atlanta Audubin your bequests.
Your gift to Atlanta AuduSociety ensures our long-ability to manage theresources necessary to
preserve and protect metAtlantas birds and theecosystems that support thWhile cash donations aremost popular form of supa variety of options exist,
from charitable gift annuand more.
Question: What happin Georgia whensomeone dies withouLast Will andTestament?
Answer:A person dyiin Georgia without aWill (intestate) leavesresponsibility fordividing his or her esand distributing theproceeds to anadministrator that habeen approved by theProbate Court.Distributions are mabased on a statutoryformula, often contra
to the wishes of thedeceased and potentiunfair to the heirs.
For more informationcontact Art Hurt [email protected]
From the Executive Directorby Catharine Brockman Kuchar
An Exciting New Home for AASt is an exciting time in the history of Atlanta Audubon Society. For many months we have been
making plans and working toward creating a new home for our organization. Developing astrategic plan for the organization and thinking about our future has driven this work. Where
will we be in 10 years? What role do we want to play in the metro-Atlanta area and throughouthe region? How can we be the leader in creating, promoting and preserving bird-friendly
habitat? To expand our work and to provide space for our education efforts and resources forhe community, we were in need of functional space.
We are proud to announce that Atlanta Audubon Society has moved into a wonderful facility athe Blue Heron Nature Preserve. Centrally located in north Buckhead, the location includes a
25-acre site including a 5-acre community garden area along Roswell Road, 9-acre wetland,1-acre lake, and the Nancy Creek corridor with upland areas and trails on both sides. It alsoncludes a 1-acre building site with a 10,000-square-foot office building. The plan is to share the
space with other environmentally-oriented groups (we will have approximately 1,000 square feetof the space).
Our new physical address is 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30342 (for now, please notehat all mail should be directed to P.O. Box 29189). Our new education and conservationesource center includes 1) critically-needed office space, 2) outdoor areas for walks, classroom
work, etc., and 3) workshop/classroom space.
On a personal note, I want to assure the membership that the board has taken this step aftercarefully weighing the advantages and the financial commitment involved. We have carefullyconsidered the expenses associated with the new center and have worked diligently to beesponsible stewards of your gifts. We believe that our new home will afford opportunities to
expand AAS programs and provide a lasting impact on the birds that we love. Whatever we do,we must work conscientiously to fulfill our mission in the community. We look forward towelcoming you to the Blue Heron Nature Preserve. Look for more information soon about anopen house we will be holding in the spring.
ASs New Home
Photo by THW Design
For the past fewyears, the
DunwoodyNature Centerhas provided a
wonderful homefor Atlanta
Audubon Society.We are grateful
for everythingthat ClaireWaggenspackHayes, DNC
executivedirector, and her
staff have done tohelp our
organizationflourish.
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ATLANTA AREA
GEESE THROUGH SNIPE There were several reportsof SNOW GEESE during the month, but no largenumbers_just single birds and groups of two or three.A ROSSS GOOSE was a good find at the AtlantaMotor Speedway in Henry Co. on 15 Nov. (EB). FiveEARED GREBES were first reported at Lake Lanier on11 Nov. by JFl, and they were still there as of 22 Nov.(JSe, DV, PB). The best count of migrating TURKEYVULTURES was 129 over the Chattahoochee NatureCenter (CNC) on 23 Nov. (SZ). There were a total of 18reports of SANDHILL CRANES migrating through thearea during the month. The approximate total was
1470 birds during the month. The peak movementappeared to be between 25 and 28 Nov. GS had agood count of 19 WILSONS SNIPE near the CNC on15 Nov.
VIREOS THROUGH WARBLERS CL and JSe reportedsome good sightings on 2 Nov. from their yard inTucker with a YELLOW-THROATED VIREO, a BLUE-HEADED VIREO and a TENNESSEE WARBLER. OtherTENNESSEE WARBLERS were seen in NW Atlanta on 1Nov. (LH) and in Cherokee Co. also on 1 Nov. (VD).Other interesting warblers included single ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS at the Chattahoochee RiverNational Recreation Area (CRNRA) on 2 Nov. (AM) andagain at the CRNRA on 16 Nov. (PMc, KM), and aMAGNOLIA WARBLER on the GA Tech campus on 4
Nov. (SB).TANAGERS THROUGH SISKINS A late SCARLETTANAGER was seen in Tucker on 1 Nov. (CL, JSe). Avery late female plumaged SUMMER TANAGER wasseen at the CNC at least through 20 Nov. (SS). PR hada very good count of 400+ RUSTY BLACKBIRDS inHenry Co. on 27 Nov. An immature female BALTIMOREORIOLE was seen in the VA Highlands area on 7 Nov.by SB. This year is one of the largest invasions ofPINE SISKINS into the Atlanta area in history. Manypeople have reported good numbers coming to theirfeeders. Be on the lookout for a possible COMMONREDPOLL in with these flocks, as the two species aresometimes found together. If you learn the PINE
SISKIN calls, which they often give as they flyoverhead, then you will understand the magnitude ofthis years invasion.
GEORGIA AREA
DUCKS The Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area(AWMA) near Darien continues to be the best spot to
see BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS in the state. Anumber of observers reported as many as 60+ birdsduring the month at this location. Two GREATERWHITE-FRONTED GEESE in Lincoln Co. were a goodfind on 8 Nov. (JFl). There were quite a number ofSNOW GEESE reported from around the state, but notin any large numbers. A ROSSS GOOSE or a ROSSSX SNOW GOOSE was found in Hart Co. on 8 Nov.(JFl). A ROSSS GOOSE was found in the Athens areaon 15 Nov. (JN). A BARNACLE GOOSE was quite aninteresting find at the Walter F. George Dam (WFGD)on 17 Nov. (EB). The bird was unbanded and wary, butobviously its origin must be in question. Hopefully,more in-depth studies of this bird will be done to seeif we can add this species to the state list.CANVASBACKS are not a common species in GAexcept around Lake Seminole as shown by a count of510 there on 23 Nov. (KB, NF). Good counts ofREDHEADS were 19 at Bear Creek Reservoir on 15Nov. (JM) and 20 at West Point Dam (WPD) on 19 Nov.(WC). Interesting SCOTER sightings included 15-20SURF SCOTERS at Cumberland Island on 25 Nov. (KB),eight WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS at Jekyll Island on 25Nov. (JSe, CL), 60-70 BLACK SCOTERS at CumberlandIsland on 25 Nov. (KB), and a female BLACK SCOTERat Commerce Waterworks on 12 Nov. (MF). 10COMMON GOLDENEYES were seen at WFGD on 17Nov. (EB) and 92 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS wereseen at the same location on 19 Nov. (WC).
PELICANS THROUGH BITTERNS AMERICAN WHITE
PELICANS were well reported with 100+ at LakeSeminole on 16 Nov. (EB), six at Brunswick on 18 Nov.(DM, DV), 13 on Jekyll Island on 26 Nov. (JSp), andtwo at the AWMA on 29 Nov. (JSe, CL). A BROWNPELICAN previously reported from the WFGD remainedthere through the month (m.ob.).An adult GREATCORMORANT was discovered at the WFGD on 17 Nov.by EB, and the bird remained there through the end ofthe month (m.ob.). Two AMERICAN BITTERNS wereseen at the Phinizy Swamp on 1 Nov. (LS et al.), andtwo others were seen at the Eufaula NWR on 23 Nov.(MMcS et al.). A single AMERICAN BITTERN was seenat the AWMA on 29 Nov. (JSe, CL).
CRANES THROUGH GULLS There were eight reportsof SANDHILL CRANES with the peak coming from 20
through 25 Nov. The approximate total number ofbirds seen was 1270. A rare inland sighting was thatof a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER at Merry Brothers near
Augusta on 8 Nov. (LS et al.). Other interestingshorebird reports were two SPOTTED SANDPIPERS atWFGD on 1 Nov. (JFl), a PECTORAL SANDPIPER atMerry Brothers on 8 Nov. (LS et al.), 23 PURPLESANDPIPERS at Tybee Island on 30 Nov. (BZ), and twoDUNLINS at Merry Brothers on 8 Nov. (LS et al.). JSeand CL had a PARASITIC JAEGER off the north end ofJekyll Island on 25 Nov. Single FRANKLINS GULLSwere seen at WPD on 9 Nov. and at WFGD on 23 Nov.(both by MMcS). A GLAUCOUS GULL was discoveredin the Brunswick area on 9 Nov. (NF), and the birdremained in the area until at least 18 Nov. (DM, DV).
DOVES THROUGH WARBLERS PB and HG had anexcellent sighting of two COMMON GROUND-DOVEin Gordon Co. on 1 Nov. Interesting OWL reports wa BARN OWL in Lamar Co. on 1 Nov. (CM), a SHOREARED OWL in Baker Co. on 16 Nov. (EB), and aNORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL in Lamar Co. on 25 N(CM). A RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was reported fromGainesville on 27 and 28 Nov. (ER). A couple latereports were an EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE in GordoCo. on 1 Nov (JSp) and two NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS at the Phinizy Swamp on 28Nov. (LS). There were two reports of CAVE SWALLwith single birds at the Eufaula NWR on 1 Nov. (JFand another bird at the AWMA on 24 Nov. (JSp) anagain on 25 Nov. (JSe, CL). A couple late TENNESSWARBLERS were seen at the Eufaula NWR on 1 N(JF) and in Carrolton on 2 Nov. (ST). ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS are not that rare, but genea birder will find only one or two birds even in primhabitat. Therefore, the nine seen by BZ on HutchinIsland on 30 Nov. was rather impressive. Other latwarblers included a NASHVILLE WARBLER in GordCo. on 1 Nov. (GS,TH), a PRAIRIE WARBLER on
Hutchinson Island on 30 Nov. (BZ), and a HOODEDWARBLER in the Athens area on 2 Nov. (JM, B&KO
SPARROWS THROUGH SISKINS Single CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS were reported from TybeeIsland on 2 Nov. (RH) and in the Macon area on 16Nov. (TMc). TMc also had a LARK SPARROW at RuCreek WMA on 15 Nov. Interesting SPARROW repoincluded a GRASSHOPPER SPARROW found in GorCo. on 1 Nov. (PB, HG), another GRASSHOPPERSPARROW at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center on 6Nov. (TK), at least one LE CONTES SPARROW at thEufaula NWR on 23 and 30 Nov. (MMcS, TMc, JB)LINCOLNS SPARROWS at the Eufaula NWR on 1 N(JFl), and a number of sightings of WHITE-CROWNSPARROWS from around the state (m.ob.). Late
reports of buntings included an INDIGO BUNTING aTybee Island on 2 Nov. (RH), three INDIGO BUNTINat Lake Seminole on 16 Nov. (EB), and a PAINTEDBUNTING on Tybee Island on 2 Nov. (RH). An immaBALTIMORE ORIOLE was seen at the Eufaula NWR1 Nov. (JFl) and, as with the Atlanta area, PINESISKINS were widely spread across the state in prsignificant numbers.
CONTRIBUTORS Steve Barlow, Brandon Best, KeBlankenship, Eric Boehm, Brenda Brannen, PatrickBrisse, Jeff Buescher, Walt Chambers, Mark Davis
Vicki DeLoach, Nathan Farnau, Erin Feichtner, JarFisher, Jim Flynn, Mark Freeman, John Galvania, HGarrett, Jim Gilreath, Marion Gordin, Johnnie GreeRichard Hall, Theresa Hartz, Lisa Hodges, Steve
Holzman, Liz Horsey, Tim Keyes, Carol Lambert, TMccuen, Patty McLean, Hal Massie, Joel McNeal,Mark McShane, Al Mercer, Kathy Miller, DarleneMoore, Peggy and Terry Moore, Charlie Muise, JamNeves, Bill and Karla OGrady, Parrie Pinyan, PaulRaney, Ed Rigel, Georgann Schmalz, Jeff Sewell, SSlayton, Joshua Spence, Lois Stacey, Ann StewartStanley Tate, Lydia Thompson, Eran Tomer, Dan
Vickers,Vicki Williams, Marianna Wilson, BobZaremba, and Stacy Zarpentine.
Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Court, Roswell, GA30075 [email protected]
November Field Notes by Terry Moorez
November was a rather average
month for birding around the
state. There were a few birds
worth chasing such as the Great
Cormorant at the Walter F. GeorgeDam and a Glaucous Gull in the
Brunswick area. Probably the biggest news is
the massive invasion of Pine Siskins
throughout most of the state. They are really
putting on a show.
The Atlanta area tallied 102 species (average
= 114.5) to bring the year-to-date total to 252
(average = 242.4). The Georgia area came in
with 207 species (average = 207.5) to bring
that year-to-date list to 338 (average = 330.4).
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Saturday, Jan. 31,
Lloyd Pappy Snyder
cell 678.296.4463)
Newman Wetlands Center and E.L.
Huie Land Application Facility
Meet at 8 AM at the parking lot of the Newman
Wetlands Center, 2755 Freeman Rd., HamptonDirections: From I-75 South, take Exit 235
Tara Blvd.), go south 8.2 miles and turn left on
Freeman Rd.From I-75 North, take Exit 221Jonesboro Rd.), go west 6.3 miles to Freeman
Rd.From I-675, merge into I-75 S., and takeExit 221 as above. Follow Freeman Rd. to the
Wetland Center. For more complete directions,o to www.atlantaaudubon.org.
Birding focus: E.L. Huie is one of the premier
ocations in the Atlanta area for winteringwaterfowl. The Newman Wetlands center has a
boardwalk over the wetlands with surroundingorest. A few of the birds to be expected
nclude Gadwall, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked
Duck, Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Duck,Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, American Coot
and Swamp Sparrow. Other possibilitiesnclude American Black Duck (seen recently),
Northern Pintail, both Teal species, American
Wigeon, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crestedCormorant, Sora, Wilsons Snipe, Wild Turkey,
Winter Wren, Brown-headed Nuthatch, EasternMeadowlark, Savannah Sparrow and American
Pipit.
Saturday, Feb. 7,
Marcia Klenbort and Marilyn Harris
Piedmont Park (City of Atlanta)
Sponsored by the Piedmont Park
Conservancy and AAS
Novices and children are invited. We bringbinoculars for those who want to borrow them.Birding focus: Resident winter birds of the
Georgia Piedmont region
Directions: These directions may vary. Check
update on Website.
The Piedmont Park Conservancy CommunityRoom is located at the corner of Piedmont Ave.
and 12th St.From south of Atlanta, take the I-5/85 connector north to Pine St. (Exit 249B).
Go straight on Pine, crossing Peachtree St.
Turn left on Piedmont Ave. Travel about 1 mi.o 12th St.From northwest of Atlanta, take I-75
south to 16th St. (Exit 250). Go straight,
crossing 14th St. Follow the signs to 10th St.Turn left on 10th. Travel 1/2 mi. to Piedmont.
Turn left on Piedmont to 12th St. Due to streetclosings, including 10th and 14th St. Exits from
I-75 S., consider exiting at Northside Drive.
From northeast of downtown, take I-85 southto 17th St. (Exit 84). Continue straight, crossing
14th St. Follow directions above.FromMARTA, get off at the Arts Center Station, walk
south 1.5 miles to 14th St., turn left (east) andwalk two blocks to Piedmont Rd., then turn
right and walk south two blocks to 12th St.
Saturday, Feb. 14,
Walt Chambers
Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge,
Bradley Unit
Meet at 8 AM at the parking lot of the BradleyUnit of Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge.
Birding focus: Birds occasionally seen at the
refuge in winter and not often seen aroundAtlanta include Common Loon, American
Bittern, Black-crowned Night-Heron, GreatEgret, White Ibis, American Black Duck,
Greater White-fronted Goose, Redhead,
Canvasback, Common Moorhen, Bald Eagle,Bonapartes Gull, Barn Owl, and LeContes
Sparrow.Directions: The Bradley Unit is on the Georgia
side of the refuge along GA Hwy. 39 betweenthe towns of Omaha to the north and
Georgetown to the south (about 40 miles south
of Columbus). Florence Marina State Park isabout 7 miles north along Hwy. 39. The parking
lot is at the end of a dirt road leading west fromHwy. 39, and the turnoff is marked by a sign.
Note: If you are attending and to help in
planning, please e-mail Walt [email protected]. We encourage
carpooling to and from the meeting place. Ifyou are coming from the Atlanta area and are
willing to take riders or if you wish to ride with
someone (and share expenses), please e-mailthe Field Trip Director, Stan Chapman, at
[email protected] and include your phonenumber and location. Stan will send a master
list of drivers and riders to all who e-mail himby Feb. 11, and then everyone can make
arrangements on their own.
Saturday, Feb. 21,
Ken Blankenship (cell phone
770.317.8486) and Joshua Spence
Carters Lake area and
Pine Chapel Road
Meet at 7:30 AM at the Flying J Truck Stop
Exit 320 on I-75 near Resaca.Park outside The Cookery restaurant. We w
carpool from there.
Birding focus: This area of diverse habitatnorthwest Georgia hosts many interesting
wintering species, and a long line-up of rarihas shown up as well. We will start in the
morning on Pine Chapel Road to look forsparrows, including Savannah, White-crown
and Vesper. We will also scan the farm pond
which often produce interesting waterfowlsecond half of the trip will focus on Carter
Lake including the reregulation and main laWe will look for waterfowl and divers, such
Hooded Merganser, Common Loon, Horned
Grebe and many more.Directions: From I-285, take I-75 North to
Exit 320 near Resaca. We encourage carpooto and from the meeting place. If you are
coming from the Atlanta area and are willin
take riders or if you wish to ride with some(and share expenses), please e-mail the Fie
Trip Director, Stan Chapman, [email protected] and include your location
and phone number. Stan will send a masterof drivers and riders to all who e-mail him b
Feb. 18, and then everyone can make
arrangements on their own.
Field Trips Compiled by Stan Chapman
Field trips are open to the public and free (unless otherwise noted). We welcomeeveryone from beginners to advanced birders! Please check the Atlanta Audubon
website (www.atlantaaudubon.org) for February field tripsthat may be scheduled.
Sketch by Anne McCallum
One way to get more involved with Atlanta Audubon is to help with coordinating, planning and publicizing
field trips. If you are interested in being on the Field Trip Committee, please e-mail the Field Trip Director,Stan Chapman, at [email protected]. Also, feel free to suggest future field trip locations and leaders, or to
express interest in leading a future field trip yourself.
Q: What speciesrecently dethroned
the Arctic Tern as
the bird with thelongest migration?
See page ___ for the answer
What is theaverage wingspanof an adult BaldEagle?
See last page for answer
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A Million Thanks!Atlanta Audubon Society is an amazing organization
because of its volunteers. As always, we extend our
gratitude to ALL of our volunteers, but would like to
send a special thank you to the following individuals
this month.
Many thanks go to everyone who contributes to Wingbarseach month. Special thanks to Grant McCreary for writingbook reviews and Beth Giddens for our new Bird Artistry
column. These are great additions to our publication.
Thanks to Kit Robey, author and AAS member, for her volunteer efforts withthe Learning About Birds program. Kit recently worked with volunteers Marilyn Harris andMarcia Klenbort to teach home school families about Atlantas birds.
Atlanta Audubon Society is very proud of its work to promote Shade Grown Coffee. Thatprogram is made possible through the tremendous efforts of volunteer,Jane Brann.Jane workshard to promote the importance of drinking shade grown coffee at a variety of events aroundAtlanta and keeping up-to-date information on our Website. Thank you, Jane!
So you are at a local restaurant and its trivianight. Your team is in second place and youredown to the last couple of questions. Thecategory is national birds and the question is
What is the national bird of Botswana? Betterhope you have Mary Ann Hindes on your teambecause she knows it is the Lilac-breastedRoller, and she thinks it is one of the mostbeautiful birds she has ever seen.
For the past year Mary Ann has been the editorofWingbars, this very publication that providesso much valuable information to AtlantaAudubon Society members. Mary Ann becamean AAS volunteer soon after becoming a MasterBirder in the fall of 2006. Her first assignmentwas to create a database of books, journals andother items for AAS, a project for which AAS
hopes to find funding. That experience helpedme realize the bountiful birding information thatis available, both in print and online, says MaryAnn.
The database project was a natural for MaryAnn. A former school librarian and teacher, shespent the last six years as an assistant professorof instructional technology at Georgia StateUniversity working in the school library mediaprogram, preparing students to become schoollibrarians.
Mary Anns interest in birding dates back to herchildhood in Illinois. I loved the
voices of the Whip-poor-wills and
the Northern Bobwhites. Unfortunately, I nolonger hear those lovely sounds when I visit mfamily in southern Illinois.
She continues to hone her birding skills and itrying to learn more about migratory birds.Each summer Barn Swallows nest at my houand watching these charming, tenacious birdsraise their young is one of my favoritepastimes. In addition to birding in her backyon a small lake in Duluth, Mary Ann hastraveled to several faraway places to pursue hinterest. I think birding in the Kruger NationPark in South Africa was my best birdingexperience. The terrain makes viewing birdsquite easy and the variety of species isamazing. When in Georgia, her favorite placebird is Danielsville in Madison County. I bird
there as often as I can.
So back to trivia night and national birds. Thenext question is Which secretive, semi-nocturnal national bird israrely seen by itscountrymen and women inthe wild? Hope that MaryAnn has hung around sinceshe knows its the Kiwi,which she had a chance toobserve in RainbowSprings Nature Park inNew Zealand.
Spotlighting... Mary Ann HindesBy Lynn Waldvogel
Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Volunte
Corner Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Volunte
Mary Ann Hindes atNorman Lake, DuluthPhotographer: Greg Mauld
TIMEWell Spent
Compiled by Pam Higginbotham
amazing 36 Individuals contributed 246 volunteer
urs to AAS and the GA IBA Program in collecting grass
ed. They are Vaughn Barry, Jason Baumgardner, Brian
ntley, Bill Boyd,Mary Chapman, Brian,Dan,Ellen Corrie,
m Daly, Dan Furbish,Debbie Granger,Jonathan Gray,
die Hatchett,Ashley,Blayne,Daniel Harrington, Paul
nowski, Myra Hundley, Cheryl & Panos Kanes,Lisa &
ott Kruse,Ken Morneault,Tracey & Allan Muise, Elaine
sh, James Neves. Susanne Newberry,Steve Phenicie,
an Pittman, Charles Seabrook,Stacy Smith, Susan &
b Todd,Karen & Wray Witten
n individuals contributed volunteer hours to our annual
mbership mailing. They are Vaughn Barry, Jason
umgardner, Sylvia Chandler, Anita Chilcut,Art Hurt,
rcia Klenbort, Ann & Jim McCallum, Patty McLean and
tor Williams.
ditionally, we had 282.5 volunteer hours for the
owing individuals.
Nov-Decme Hours Task/Event
ne Brann 3 SGC updates/Website
ve Butler 6.5 Fieldtrip Mgmt.,Bd Mtg.
ta Chilcutt 3 P&S Wingbars
rothy Dabbs 2.5 Freedom Park Gdn.
y Davis 2.5 Board Mtg.
m Flynn 10 AAS Website
th Giddens 6 Wingbars Article
ncy Hamilton 27.5 Board Mtg,Volunteer Mgmt
rol Hassell 2 Master BirdersNewsletter
m Higginbotham15 VolunteerManagement/Admin
aryAnn Hindes 19 Edit Wingbars
ly Hodges 3 P&S Wingbars
ly Hopkins 14.5 Board Mtg & Admin.,IBA &
Conservation
arge Igyarto 5 Educ.Admin
ark Jernigan 6.5 AAS Bd.Mtg & Minutes
thalie Kinkade 3 P&S Wingbars,
cilia Marrero 1.5 Freedom Park Gdn.
ant McCreary 4 Wingbars Article
en Miller 17.5 Various Exec Admin
eve Phenicie 5 Proofread WB,T-shirtContest
yson Read 2.5 Board Mtg.
d Reissing 1 Wingbars Article
rbara Tarpley 43 Bd.(Mtg/Admin)T-shirtContest WB Planning &Development
rol Vanderschaaf38 Freedom Park Gdn.
endy Weathers 3 Wingbars Article
nna Wensink 3 P&S Wingbarstor Williams 6 Bd Mtg./BlueHeron Cleanup
sc xxx 29 Misc
&SWingbars= Peel and Stick
s important your volunteer hours are reported to
gginb@comcast, as these are used for grant
plications,etc.
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8/9/2019 February 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
7/12February 2009
Wildlife Sculptor Chris Wilson Captures BirdsDetail and Dynamism
Bird Artistry by Beth Giddens
Atlanta Audubon Societys
New T-shirts Are Here
Last month we announced the winner of our first AtlantaAudubon T-shirt design contestWoody Hickcox of Decatur.
Now, our T-shirts are available for purchase. This is a great way tonot only show off your support for Atlanta Audubon Society, but
youll also have a very cool looking T-shirt.
The winning design, the Scarlet Tanager, is showcased on apistachio green T-shirt available in sizes small, medium, large andextra-large. We also have a female cut v-neck T-shirt with the same
design, but in a lime green color. The sizes in the female cut are thesame as our regular T-shirt except they tend to run a bit smaller.
T-shirts are available for $15 and can be purchased at Atlanta Audubon Societys office and will be
given to any individual making a donation of $250 or more to our organization. We will also havehem for sale at special events, including our Speaker Series programs held throughout the year.
(Unfortunately, because of staff time constraints, we are unable to ship individual T-shirt orderswhether taken over the phone or via e-mail.)
Help support AAS by wearing this special new T-shirt.
Imagine a male Rose-breasted Grosbeakn breeding plumage perched on a
magnolia branch right before you, inchesaway, in all its glory. Theres the beautifulruby breast and jet-black head, of course,but also the detail of the backs mantleand coverts: waves of black-brownfeathers, a field of color and individualfeathers that you dont often get to see.Such is the joy of Chris Wilsons realisticsculptures; he creates life-size, trompe
loeil representations of birds, butterflies,dragonflies, and some mammals fromwood and metal through a variety oftechniques, including carving, wood-burning, and painting. Though fullyrepresentational, the sculptures evokelive, cognizant animals on the verge offlight or movement. When I see a TuftedTitmouse outside my window, I want tosculpt it. Im inspired by the birds that Isee, he explains. His birding has led tooriginal sculptures of songbirds,waterfowl and raptors.
An award-winning wildlife sculptor basedin Marietta, Georgia, Chris began his workas a teenager making waterfowl decoys.He became captivated by birds and built acertified aviary to observe them goingabout their daily activities. This interestwas developed through years of practiceand education, including a Master of FineArts degree from Georgia State University.Now he works full time as an artist,having left a teaching position at
Kennesaw State University because ofdemand for his work. His repertoireincludes both realistic and abstractsculptures for indoor and outdoor dispCurrently, he is completing a piececommissioned by Kennesaw StateUniversity, a cast bronze Great HornedOwl, which is the schools mascot. Whinstalled this spring on the campus grethe owl and the stylized base on whichstands will be over seven feet tall.
In addition, Chris shows his sculpturestop national wildlife art shows; the ann
Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival inThomasville, Georgia, held during thethird week of November, is the closestshow to Atlanta. Visit his Website,www.wilsonwildlifesculpture.com, to shis work, learn more about his techniqand achievements, and find contactinformation.
Chris Wilson and his art
Photographer: Beth Giddens
WarblerWorkshop
Sunday, April 5, 3:00 Pto 5:30 PM (Worksho
Blue Heron NaturePreserve
May 16 and 17(Field Trips)
North Georgia MountaDont miss the fun-filled warbleweekends with Giff Beaton on A5 (workshop) and the May 16 &field trips led by Leslie Curran aTheresa Hartz. If you are new toour area, theres nothing finer thour beautiful north Georgiamountains.
Call or e-mail Lisa ([email protected]) or gowww.atlantaaudubon.org.
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8/9/2019 February 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
8/12
AAS Past Presidents
8 Atlanta Audubon Socie
Flight. It is undeniably one of the primarycharacteristics that draw people to birds.But have you ever wondered why certain
birds fly the way they do? Or why thereare so many different wing and tailshapes? Or even how birds are able to flyat all? This book describes howaerodynamic principles and adaptationsto birds feathers, bones, wings, and tailall work together to allow flight. It alsodissects and analyzes the stages of flight,including taking off, the various types offlight and landing. It is amazing how muchmore there is to all of this than isgenerally realized.
Numerous photographs and diagrams
illustrate the concepts described by thetext. Additionally, a substantial portion of
the book consists of an annotated photogallery devoted to displaying the beauty offlight. Overall, the photographs are quite
good. Some are outstanding, but othersare not necessarily technically perfect interms of sharpness, focus and the like.But thats not a problem here. It is moreimportant that they are instructive andconvey a sense of wonder. And in thatregard, they excel.
The author takes a very complicatedsubject, which includes elements ofanatomy, ecology and physics, andpresents it in a way that non-professionalscan understand. This is the best generaltreatment of avian flight that I have seen.
Moreover, there is an abundance ofinteresting information, such as an
explanation of tail shapes, and a possibreason why Turkey Vultures fly with thwings in a dihedral position and rock
back and forth. Anyone who wants tolearn more about this fundamental aspof birds lives would be well advised tostart here.
Note: Thanks to the generosity ofMaurrie Salenger and QuaysidePublishing, AtlantaAudubon Societyhas a copy of thebook in ourLibrary, which isavailable on loanto Friends of
Atlanta AudubonSociety.
Birds in Flight: The Art and Science of How Birds Fly
by Carrol L. Henderson
Book Review by Grant McCreary
Ellen Miller2007-2008
Kelly Hopkins2006
Georgann Schmalz2005, 2001-2003,1991-1993
Virginia Dunbar2004
Victor Williams1999-2001
Lolly Lederberg1997-1999
Jim Wilson1995-1997
Gail Russell1993-1995
Linda Jones1989-1991
Due to lack of contact information, some presidents photographs arenot featured. If you have contact information for AAS presidents prior
to 1989, please send to [email protected].
Shorebird
WorkshopSunday, March 8,
2 PM to 4 PM(Workshop)
Blue Heron NaturePreserve
May 9 and 10(Field Trips)
Georgia CoastCall or e-mail Lisa
(770.934.7660artlisahurt@ bellsouth.net)
or go towww.atlantaaudubon.org.
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8/9/2019 February 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
9/12February 2009
KEY DATES AND DEADLINES THAT ARE APPROACHING FAST
Entries must have been photographed since January 1, 2008 and must be received by midnight on Feb. 23, 2009. All entries will be displayed at theSpeaker Series event to be held on the weekend of March 21-22. Ribbons and great prizes will be awarded at the event. All entries will be judgedprior to the Speaker Series event.
Check Out the Atlanta Audubon Web Site Soon for More Information at www.atlantaaudubon.org
At lanta Audubon S oc iety
2009 Annual Photography Contest
Prizes subject to change if availability issues arise.Adobe prizes cannot be upgraded to later editions in the future.
This Years Categories and Fantastic New Prizes:
N First PrizeBirds in Portrait: 8 x 42 Raptor Binoculars by Eagle Optics; retail value $149.00 (sponsored by Eagle Optics)
N First PrizeBirds in Motion: Adobe Photoshop CS4; retail value $699.00*
N
First PrizeAnimals: Florida Space Coast Outdoor Adventure Package for 2; retail value over $300 (last year this prize included twocomplimentary registrations to the 2009 Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival; gift certificate to Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant;airboat ride; kayak tour of Merritt Island; admission to the Kennedy Space Center and a gift certificate to Ron Jon Surf Shop in CocoaBeach)
N First PrizeHabitat: Smith & Hawkens life-size pair of cranes rendered in steel with hand-hammered detail; retail value $189.00(sponsored by Smith & Hawken)
N Georgia Youth: birdJam Maker East and the Stokes CDs East; retail value $100 (sponsored by birdJam)
N Judges Choice: $250 cash prize
N Grand Prize: Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Premium (includes products like inDesign, Photoshop Extended, Illustrator, Dreamweaver,Flash Professional, etc.); retail value $1,799.00.* Also includes the opportunity to have your photograph printed on the Atlanta AudubonSociety official picture postcard for 2009!
Criteria for judging include:
Originality Overall impact Composition Technique Presentation Difficulty
Photographs will be judged in the following categories:
Birds in Motion (no man-made elements, unless natural behavior, must convey the original dynamic motion of the bird or birds ); Birds inPortrait (no man-made elements, unless natural behavior, i.e. perching on a fence, may show nesting, stalking, or roosting activity) Animals(all living creatures, other than birds; no man-made elements); Habitat (flora and fauna in their natural environments, landscapes orpanoramas); Georgia Youth (18 and under Georgia residents in any category above); and Judges Choice.
Submission Details and Rules:N Please visit Atlanta Audubons Web site for rules and more details: www.atlantaaudubon.org
Docent Orientation at the Chattahoochee Nature CenterSaturday, February 28, from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM
By Rebecca Gilbert
Do you have a passion and enthusiasm for the natural world? If so, then join us as a docent at CNC. A docent interacts with visitors
to CNC and helps them understand the plants, animals and exhibits here. They may also lead hikes and do animal presentations. Thisclass will get you started. Register in advance at [email protected] or 770.992.2055, ext. 236.
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8/9/2019 February 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
10/12
Many thanks to our Supporters for helping us Create, Promote and Preserve Bird-Friendly HabitatWe are extremely grateful to all of those individuals who contributed to this years annual fall appeal in support of AASs conservation efforts to create, promote and preserve bird-friendly habitat.
Donations help support projects such as: Combating the hemlock woolly adelgid in our beloved north Georgia forests Introducing the first wildlife-related projects on the Atlanta Beltline Project Continuing to support Georgias Important Bird Areas (IBA) program Participating in hands-on projects such as our Geltner Wildlife Sanctuary, a 184-acre tract in Douglas County Teaching Georgians why some of our states most common birds are in decline Supporting the construction of a new bird viewing platform on Jekyll Island Creating important pockets of habitat through the Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Certification program
We would like to acknowledge the following contributors for their generosity:
10 Atlanta Audubon Socie
CLASSIFIEDS
Rates for 2.5 x 2.5 ads are $20/month or $45/quarter. Ads must be consistent with the conservation and birding mission of Atlant
Audubon Society. Ads may be accepted via e-mail, preferably in .pdf format. Call 770.913.0511 if you have questions. Send payment
WingbarsAds, Atlanta Audubon Society, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359.Send ads via e-mail to Catharine Kuchar at [email protected].
10 Atlanta Audubon Socie
Bird Songs of GeorgiaCD now available.
Email Georgann Schmalz [email protected] or visit
www.birdingadventuresinc.com
W en You Come
To The Mountains -Ask about the new Birders Guide to Fannin County!We feature Coles seed,squirrel-proof feedersthat truly are, houses,hummingbird stuff,great books, Audubonoptics, & hard to findhardware. Plus 100sof Ravensburger Puzzles,Music of the SpheresChimes & a hugeselection of educationaltoys andgames for kids!
Downtown Blue Ridge & Inside Mercier Orchards
611 E. Main St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513(706) 258-BIRD (2473) blueridgebirdseed.com
800-289-1132www.eagleoptics.com
EAGLE OPTICS RANGER SRT
EAGLE OPTICS
OPTIC OUTFITTERS
YOUR SOURCE FOR A FULL LINE OF
BINOCULARS AND SPOTTING SCOPES
FROM ALL MAJOR MANUFACTURERS
Bald Eagle ($1000 or more)Ellen MillerMarianne H. Halle
Animal Support Foundation, Inc.
Great Blue Heron ($500-$999)Kelly HopkinsGeorgann Schmalz
Red-headed Woodpecker($250-$499)Marilyn HallJerry Pevey
Rose-breasted Grosbeak($100-$249)Anonymous (2)Peter B. BlakeneyGina CharlesJohnette & Dave CrumAnne HammondLisa and Art HurtKatie D. MarbutAnne and Jim McCallumPatty McLeanSuzanne NormanMary Jane Stone
White-throated Sparrow($50-$99)Suzanne BalzartPatricia C. BevisJane and Tom BlaisdellThomas BrysonJean M. ButlerSandra B. CottrellSally DavisLarry EdmondsMia FancherMarge and David IgyartoMark and Suzanne JerniganMarcia KlenbortGary LudiPatricia S. McKay
Darlene MooreNancy ShoberDonald J. ShureEva and Carl TackettKerry Traubert
Supporter ($1-$49)Anonymous (4)Susan CallawayCraig CarpenterEve CottonLaura S. DabundoDavid DickensheetsAnn K. and Lewis S. FreedmanCheryl and Panos KanesDeanna Milledge
Stacey G. MouraRaquel Sabogal NugentTed ReissingJoan and Edward RigelKaren SienerNancy SpeirJudi and Lawrence R. Walz
*If your name has been misspelled,incorrectly identified, or if you believeyou were left off the list in error (therecognition list above includesdonations made prior to January 1,2009), please let us know by sending ane-mail to Catharine B. Kuchar at
Great BackyardBird Count
February13 to 16
Go to
http://gbbc.birdsource.org formore information
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8/9/2019 February 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
11/12February 2009
Wingbars is mailed only to Friends of Atlanta Audubon. All new National Audubon Society members receive an
ntroductory copy and can continue to receive this newsletter by becoming a Friends of Atlanta Audubon member.
Enrollment as a Friend of Atlanta Audubon does not include membership in the National Audubon Society. Thus,
ou willnot receiveAudubon magazine.
f you are not a Friend of AAS, please take this opportunity to fill out and return the form below.
Atlanta Audubon Society Membership Director, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359.
You can also join online: www.atlantaaudubon.org.
Join Atlanta Audubon Society
BENEFITSOF
MEMBERSHIP 11 issues
(July/Augustcombined) of
WingbarsNewsletter
Friends discounton classes, tripsand special even
Use of the AASlibrary
Agreattaxdeduction!
J Make check payable to:Atlanta Audubon SocietyMembership DirectorP.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359
J Please charge my credit card:
JAmexJ Diners Club J Discover J MasterCard JVISA
_______________________________ _________Card Number Expiration Date
J Renewal J New Membership
Name _____________________________________
Address ___________________________________
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J Supporting Membership ...............................$100
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Receive an official Atlanta Audubon T-shirt
J Benefactor Membership............................$1,000
Receive above plus autographed copy
Birds of Atlanta
J Interested in volunteering with AAS
Friends of Atlanta Audubon Society
J Please send me information on planned giving opportunities through Atlanta Audubon Societys Legacy Club
J Do not acknowledge my gift in Wingbars
It is Atlanta Audubon Societys policy not to share or sell our mailing list. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us.
Now Available!
You can now renew yourmembership online. Just vis
our Web site atwww.atlantaaudubon.org
and go to the membership pag
join via the Web. We are excito be able to offer this new
service to you!
While the Northern Flicker is regularlyseen throughout the state, there has beena 64% decline in its population over thepast 40 years.
The Northern Flicker, Colaptes auratus, isone of Georgias most beautiful
woodpeckers. With its golden-brownplumage with a variety of patterns andcolors, it flashes its white rump patch andbright yellow underwings in flight.
This amazing and delightful bird is also anecosystem engineer, making an importantcontribution to the environment. The
Northern Flicker, like other woodpeckers, excavatesor chisels outitsnesting site by creating cavities in a dead branch. Once they leave the sitefor good, other species such as Great Crested Flycatchers and AmericanKestrels adopt the home to protect themselves from the elements and tocreate a nesting site. These cavity adopters depend on birds such as theNorthern Flicker for their survival. For its own reproduction, Northern
Flickers breed between mid-April to early June in Georgia, and both themale and female excavate the cavity. Besides nesting in trees, they willnest in the sides of buildings, utility poles and fence posts. The mating usually has five to six eggs in the clutch.
In Georgia the Northern Flicker is a common year-round resident. It livea variety of open forest habitats and other places with trees such as
woodlands, swamps, beaver ponds, forest edges and residential areasdiet consists primarily of ants, and it uses its long barbed tongue to lap
them up. Although it can climb up and forage on the trunks of trees, itprefers to find food on the ground.
The decline in the population of the Northern Flicker in Georgia, aselsewhere around the country, is cause for concern. The significantdecrease is due primarily to loss of nesting habitat and competition witother cavity nesters. The destruction of its habitat has had a tremendoimpact on this species and will only become worse as the shortage ofsuitable cavities grows.
Source: : Declining common bird findings based on National Audubon SocCommon Birds in Decline: A State of the Birds Report, with additional figu
from the Georgia DNR.
Georgias Common Birds in DeclineNorthern Flicker
Northern Flicker
Photographer: Jim Wilson
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8/9/2019 February 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
12/12
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S.POSTAGE
P A I D
Atlanta, GA
Permit #917
Atlanta Audubon SocietyP.O. Box 29189 Atlanta, GA 30359
Wingbarsis printed on recycled paper
ATLANTA
AUDUBON SOCIE
OFFICEat Blue Heron Nature Pres
4055 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30342
770.913.0511
Send all mail for
AAS to:PO Box 29189
Atlanta, GA 3035
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WestPacesFerry
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PiedmontRoad
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Atlanta Audubon Society is an independent, non-profit
501(c)(3) organization. Your donations are tax deductible to
the fullest extent allowed by law.
Answer: SootyShearwater
Answer:7-8 feet
SOUTHERN BIRDING TRAILSBy Kenn Kaufman
For the next few months, Wingbars will present information on a number of birding trails in the southern Unite
States. A complete list of the trails can be found in Audubon Magazine published by the National Audubon Societ
Some of the most splendid salt marshes left in the UnitedStates are on the Georgia coast, where they provide a
year-round home for Clapper Rails, Marsh Wrensand many other birds. Seasonal movements bringNorthern Harriers, flocks of White Ibises and
florid pink Roseate Spoonbills. Several of thebarrier islands are easily reached by bridges
and causeways. On the islands protectedbeaches and tidal mudflats, you will come acrossimpressive concentrations of birds year-round.
American Oystercatchers, black and white with longred bills, stalk across the flats, while Black Skimmers glide
low over the shallows. Gulls and terns rest on the beaches athigh tide, and Piping Plovers, Red Knots and numerous other
shorebirds gather in winter during migration. Away from thewaters edge, the woods of the islands and coast are alive
with songbirds. In summertime spectacular PaintedBuntings pop up in the thickets, especially inCumberland Islands semi-wilderness, reached
from the mainland only by ferry. At the trailssouthwest end lies the Okefenokee Swamp. This
immense wetland is most easily traversed bycanoe or kayak, and the more than 100 miles of
boat trails invite one to see the swamps birds
including resident Sandhill Cranes and summerProthonotary Warblers. For more information:
http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/ or call the GeorgiaWildlife Resources Division at 770.761.3035
Georgias Colonial Coast Birding Trail
Backyard Wildlife
Sanctuary TourCan you recommend a wildlife sanctuary
that you think would be suitable for our2009 tour this fall?
Send your recommendations to