Quarterly Newsletter of the Buffalo Audubon Society

President’s Message From Steve Eden

I hope you are making the most of the warm weather and sunshine and taking full advantage of everything that the great outdoors has to offer. I am very proud to be a part of Buffalo Audubon, and the longevity of our organization. Its storied history is not lost on me and was one of the reasons I asked to join the board of directors.

In May, I became the president of the board, and since then, I've been thinking a lot about stewardship and legacy concepts. Not only from a personal standpoint but also in a broader philosophical sense in what we, as a collective, are doing to leave a better world for our children and future generations to come. I guess the days spent safe social distancing have given me more time than usual to ponder. When you chose to become a member of Buffalo Audubon, you make the conscious decision to take a stance to help protect the environment, birds, and wildlife. It is your commitment that drives our organization and allows us to continue to provide valuable and necessary education and advocacy. We are all stewards and how we select to use that responsibility will determine our collective legacy and what kind of world we will leave behind.

Covid-19 has made me a workforce casualty, but this has allowed me to spend time with the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center volunteers over the past four Wednesdays. To say that I am impressed with their enthusiasm, the work they undertake each week, their combined tenure, and their unwavering commitment to Beaver Meadow would be an understatement. The love and care that they put into tending to the Center and surrounding properties are impressive, and without them, the grounds would not be the same. To our volunteers, I

say, "Thank You" as each of you is a steward of Beaver Meadow, and the property serves as your legacy.

If you are free on Wednesday mornings, our staff and volunteer crew would graciously accept your help. Simply show up in the parking lot at 9:00 AM, and they will happily welcome you and put you to work. If you are not available on Wednesdays and find yourself with some free time or have a specific skill that you would like to share, Buffalo Audubon could still use your support. All you have to do is let us know how you would like to be involved. You will be glad that you served as a steward for the organization and did your part to leave behind an important legacy for years to come.

Director’s Message

From Ed Sirianno

Many exciting things are happening at Buffalo Audubon this summer, so I’m sharing some highlights of the important news and events.

Have you heard about our summer promotion and free membership to the Buffalo Audubon Society at the beautiful Beaver Meadow Nature Center? Due to the generosity of our board and an anonymous donor, anyone who wishes can join Buffalo Audubon for free for the entire summer and enjoy full access to Beaver Meadow Audubon Center, one of the most beautiful nature preserves in Western New York. Details are available on our website at buffaloaudubon.org. Please take advantage of this one time offer.

We know how important being outdoors can be for your health and well-being. Spending time enjoying the out-of-doors with friends and loved ones is rejuvenating. From wide-open grassy paths designed for kids and families to

“111 Years of Environmental Education 1909 – 2020”

July – September, 2020

more challenging trails filled with abundant wildlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy a walk or hike on our beautifully groomed, well-mapped nature trails.

COVID-19 requires us to reimagine our usual summer programs, activities, and nature education. This summer, Beaver Meadow Audubon Center is offering 7 weeks of fun, personalized nature education. Choose your area of interest (more information on page 6) and come to your Center to experience nature while learning more about birds, pollinators, and wildlife. Come and investigate the beaver pond or hike in an old-growth forest. Learn from one of our experienced naturalists, or explore on your own or with your family by renting a Nature Adventure Kit. There is so much to do, see and hear and experience.

Our home here in Buffalo and WNY is also the Northern end of the Atlantic Flyway. This area has been designated as the “globally significant” Niagara River Corridor Important Birding Area (NRCIBA) and is home to more than 20,000 migrating birds. This summer Buffalo Audubon and our partners at the DEC (others) will be creating a new island in the Niagara River to support the conservation and provide habitat for the Common Tern.

Finally, as we head into the summer, we’re working on bringing our strategic plan to life. A critical component of that plan is our commitment to creating a nature center that supports inclusion, diversity, equity, and action. (IDEA). We invite you to join us in our efforts and hope that you’ll help us to live in and create a better world.

The Changing World of Birding From Tom Kerr

Our world will not be the same after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time this article was written over 122,000 people have died in the United States, and that tragic number will keep climbing for the foreseeable future. There have been far-reaching effects that have changed how we will have to handle everyday life, and the birding world is no different. Buffalo Audubon was forced to cancel almost all of our birding programs over the last three months, and will have to rethink how we run our programs moving forward.

In these unparalleled times, there was something to be encouraged about. Many people turned to nature and to

birding during a time where they couldn’t be with friends and family, go to the movies or a restaurant, or spend an evening watching sports. eBird, a popular site where people log birdwatching sightings has reported increased downloads of their mobile app and submitted checklists. eBird’s May 9th Global Big Day broke records for birds counted and checklists submitted. Facebook birding groups noticed increases in memberships as well. Our local group, Buffalo-Niagara Birding, has added almost 500 new members since mid-March. When spring migration started in May, many of these people became aware of the beautiful birds that stop here to rest for the first time.

With all these new birders joining us, it is even more important that we make sure the outdoors and the birding community are as welcoming and inclusive for people of every background. As the events past month have shown us, that isn’t always the case. Many of us heard the story from Central Park, where Christian Cooper, a well-known birdwatcher and board member of NYC Audubon, approached a woman and asked her to leash her dog. She responded by dialing 911 and telling police an African American man was threatening to hurt her and her dog. Even though she was the one breaking the law, she attempted to weaponize the police against a Black man who was simply enjoying nature. Christian Cooper recorded the confrontation, which went viral over Facebook and Twitter. The National Audubon society responded by promoting Black Birders Week, which featured many men and women telling their stories and experiences of what it is like to be a person of color and a birder. While this was happening in our birding community, the entire country was seeing protests of racial injustice sparked by the murder of George Floyd. As stories and interviews of minoritized birders were shared across social media birding groups, most were met with discussions of how we can make the birding community more inclusive. Unfortunately, many groups across the country removed such posts. Members claimed they were too political, and that birding should be an activity where people escape from talk of politics.

As the birding community is confronted with these issues, it is important that we keep the discussion going. If we want birding to be an activity that allows people to escape from the problems in our world, we need to make sure it is that way for everyone, no matter what their background. Pay attention to the politics and how they affect birds, their habitats, and the birding community. If another birder tells you to “stick to birds” remind them why you can’t.

Upcoming Programs

July 2020 12 Sun 9am-2pm Allenburg Bog Walk – A casual hike

through the preserve in search of summertime flora and other interesting facets of this unique environment. A fascinating refuge of 390 acres, it is a jewel of the Buffalo Audubon Preserve System. Space is limited and pre-registration and payment is required by emailing Lauren Makeyenko at lauren@buffaloaudubon.org.

Weekly Theme: Insects and Pollinators 15-19 Nature Adventure Kit: Insects and Pollinators –

see page 6 for details. 16 Thurs 2-3:30pm Sweep-Netting in the Meadow –

Join us outdoors at Beaver Meadow for a guided sweep-netting program to look for insects and arthropods. Get an up close look at some of the important pollinators that call our meadow home. Pre-registration is required. $10.

17 Fri 7-9pm Firefly Fun! – Join us and learn some fun

firefly facts and make and decorate your own portable habitat to view them up close! We’ll search the meadow for our bioluminescent friends. This

program will take place completely outdoors. Please dress appropriately. Pre-registration is required. $12.

18 Sat 2-3pm Reptiles & Amphibians Meet and Greet -

Join us in the Beaver Meadow Nature Center for a short talk on the Reptiles and Amphibians that make their home in the different habitats of Western New York. We will feature a new cold-blooded creature every week, and learn all about where to find them in Western New York. Be sure to bring a camera! Donations gratefully accepted.

Weekly Theme: Pond Life 22-26 Nature Adventure Kit: Pond Life – see page 6 for

details. 23 Thurs 2-3:30pm Hidden World of the Pond – Join us

for a guided pond exploration using dip nets and other tools. Many insects and amphibians begin their life in the pond. Learn more about this part of their life cycle and their role in the food chain! Pre-registration is required. $10.

24 Fri 2-3pm Meet and Greet with Zelda – Join us in

the Beaver Meadow Nature Center for a short talk on Eastern Screech-owls with our Screech-owl

Visit Beaver Meadow!

Our flagship preserve and headquarters offers something for everyone! A nature play area for kids of all ages (and adults that like to act like kids – currently

closed due to Reopen NY restrictions), a variety of hiking trails, and several areas to just sit, relax, and BE in a peaceful setting. Bring a picnic lunch and make a

day of it! For directions, visit: www.buffaloaudubon.org

When you visit please leave your pets at home. Enjoy a hike but stay on the trails. Walk, don’t run. Please

don’t take anything home that you didn’t come with. Most importantly, have fun!

Thanks for visiting us at Beaver Meadow.

Volunteer with Us

Every Wednesday is volunteer day at Beaver Meadow! Join us from 9am-2pm for coffee and donuts and then help maintain the trails, work in the office or take on the “project of the day.” There’s no need to register but bring a lunch. Everyone is welcome – even first

timers! Call the Center if you have any questions.

Volunteers make all that we do at Buffalo Audubon and Beaver Meadow possible! Thanks to all those who give so generously of their time and talents. Face masks are

required to be worn by all volunteers.

All programs require pre-registration and space will be limited to a maximum of 10 people per program including the instructor(s). Face masks are required.

To register and pay in advance, please call (585) 457-3228.

Ambassador Zelda! Eastern Screech-owls are one of the most common birds of prey in Western New York but often go overlooked because of their nocturnal nature. Learn about where they live, what they eat, and the adaptations they have for hunting at night. Be sure to bring a camera! Donations gratefully accepted.

25 Sat 10-11:30am - Hidden World of the Pond – Join

us for a guided pond exploration using dip nets and other tools. Many insects and amphibians begin their life in the pond. Learn more about this part of their life cycle and their role in the food chain! Pre-registration is required. $10.

25 Sat 2-3pm Turtle Race – We’re off to the races!

Which turtle species do you think is the fastest? Join us for some fun times learning more about our resident reptiles! Donations gratefully accepted.

Weekly Theme: For the Birds 29-August 2 Nature Adventure Kit: For the Birds– see page 6

for details. 30 Thurs 2-3:30pm Learn to Bird – Join us for a kid’s

beginner birding lesson! Learn to use binoculars and a field guide to find our feathered friends at Beaver Meadow or in your own backyard. We’ll take a short walk through the different habitats at Beaver Meadow and see how many we can find. Pre-registration is required. $10.

31 Fri 2-3pm Fri 2-3pm Meet and Greet with Zelda –

see July 24th program description for details.

August 2020 1 Sat 9-10:30am Let’s Go Birding Together: Delaware

Park – Let’s Go Birding Together walks are for everyone who loves birds and the outdoors. We welcome those who identify as LGBTQIA++, allies, families, and anyone who wants to enjoy an outdoor experience that is inclusive. Pre-registration is required. Donations gratefully accepted.

1 Sat 10-11:30am Birding at Beaver Meadow – Join us

for a birding hike around the pond at Beaver Meadow! Many birds have already begun their fall journey south. We’ll see how many we can find on the pond and in the diverse habitats that surround it. Pre-registration is required. $10.

1 Sat 2-3pm Reptiles & Amphibians Meet and Greet – see July 18th program description for details.

Weekly Theme: Life Under a Log 5-9 Nature Adventure Kit: Life Under a Log see page 6

for details. 6 Thurs 2-3:30pm Nature’s Recyclers – Let’s learn

about the decomposers that live on the forest floor and under rotting logs. Without decomposers, dead leaves, dead insects, and dead animals would pile up everywhere! Pre-registration is required. $10.

7 Fri 2-3pm Meet and Greet with Zelda – see July 24th

program description for details. 8 Sat 10-11:30am Salamander Search – Flip over some

logs and search for salamanders at Beaver Meadow! We’ll learn about these fascinating amphibians and their life cycle, as well as how to safely handle and identify them. Pre-registration is required. $10.

8 Sat 2-3pm Reptile & Amphibians Meet and Greet –

see July 18th program description for details. Weekly Theme: Trees 12-16 Nature Adventure Kit: Trees see page 6 for details. 13 Thurs 2-3:30pm Arboretum Trees – Join us for a

tour of Beaver Meadow’s Arboretum and learn about the many different types of trees and their uses. Pre-registration is required. $10.

14 Fri 2-3pm Meet and Greet with Zelda – see July 24th

program description for details. 15 Sat 10-11:30am Old Woods Hike – Join us for a hike

through the old growth forest at Beaver Meadow! We’ll learn about what makes old growth forests so different and why they are important to our ecosystems. Pre-registration is required. $10.

15 Sat 2-3pm Reptiles & Amphibians Meet and Greet –

see July 18th program description for details. Weekly Theme: Rewilding Skills 19-23 Nature Adventure Kit: Rewilding Skills – see

page 6 for details. 20 Thurs 2-3:30pm Build a Survival Shelter - Learn

what to do during a survival situation and how to build your own survival shelter using branches and

leaves. Try and build a shelter that would keep you safe until help arrives! Pre-registration is required. $10.

21 Fri 2-3pm Meet and Greet with Zelda – see July 24th

program description for details. 22 Sat 10am-12pm Geocaching - Join us for a GPS

treasure hunt at Beaver Meadow! We’ll learn how to use a handheld GPS to find geocache treasure boxes in the woods along our trails. Pre-registration is required. $10.

22 Sat 2-3pm Reptiles & Amphibians Meet and Greet –

see July 18th program description for details. Weekly Theme: Choose Your Adventure 26-30 Nature Adventure Kit: Choose Your Adventure –

see page 6 for details. 27 Thurs 2-3:30pm Choose Your Own Adventure! –

Join us at the Beaver Meadow Arboretum for an afternoon of bug nets, pond pans, binoculars and log flipping! Choose from your favorite summer activities and explore nature with us! Pre-registration is required. $10.

28 Fri 2-3pm Meet and Greet with Zelda – see July 24th

program description for details. 29 Sat 2-3pm Reptiles & Amphibians Meet and Greet –

see July 18th program description for details. 29 Sat 7-9pm Summer Night Hike and Campfire – Join

us around the campfire for s’mores before a sunset night hike at Beaver Meadow. Beavers, owls, bats, raccoons, and nighthawks will all be out and about

getting ready for fall. Pre-registration is required. $12.

September 2020 4 Fri 2-3pm Meet and Greet with Zelda – see July 24th

program description for details. 5 Sat 2-3pm Reptiles & Amphibians Meet and Greet –

see July 18th program description for details. 12 Sat 10am-12pm Big Sit – Join us in the Beaver

Meadow Arboretum for a Big Sit! During this time, you can slow down and just observe nature around you while others are doing the same. We’ll provide journals to record your observations and wildlife sightings. You provide your own lawn chair, binoculars, face masks, and whatever else you think you’ll need (snacks, water, field guides, etc.) Pre-registration is required. Donations gratefully accepted.

26 Sat 10am-1pm Birding Buckhorn Island State Park –

Join Naturalist Tom Kerr for a birding walk in search of Fall Migrants and learn about the ongoing habitat restoration projects and research at Buckhorn Island. Pre-registration is required. Donations gratefully accepted.

27 Sun 10am-12pm – Feminist Bird Club Walk at Red

Jacket Riverfront Park – A fun, no pressure bird-watching club for feminists of all gender identities and skill levels. Join us for a leisurely bird watching trip including a discussion focusing on fall migrants. Pre-registration is required. Donations gratefully accepted.

Our Sincere Thanks to Our Recent Donors

Legacy Society Members:

Anonymous (4), Mary Canfield, Barbara Delenkitis, Judith Hoffman, Dorothy Rapp, Susan and Allen Ott Sr., Amy Choboy and Pamela Rossotto, Dr. Scott W. Phillips and Ms. Mary C. Carroll, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Stevenson, Annette & Richard Komroy. The Legacy Society recognizes individuals who have made a bequest or other estate plans to benefit the Buffalo Audubon Society, and who have let us know of their intent. We would like to extend our since gratitude to these individuals for the wonderful commitment they have made to the long-term success of the Buffalo Audubon Society. If you have made such a gift and would like to be recognized in this and other listings, or if you would like information about how to make such a gift, please contact us at (585) 457-3228 or email info@buffaloaudubon.org

DONORS: Catherine Burkhart Barb Carr Cynthia Cassavino Arturo Cavalli Margaret Clukey Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Charles Conklin George and Annette Cook Narcy Czajka Linda Darling Donald Dixon Kim Downing Shirley Duane Margaret Dunne John and Anita Dutcher Marilyn Feuerstein Sharon Fleck Diane Fleck Anne Floyd P. Forsyth Edwin Francis Tom Garwol Arthur Georger Phillip Guiga Janet Glaves Linda Haley Eric Hanson Eugene Harvey Sharen Hermann

Jennifer Hoffman Courtney Huckle Christopher Hull Deborah Insalaco William Irr W. Jones Pamela Jones Michael Jozwiak Barbara Kellerman Paula Kerr Tom Kerr Daniel Klute Jonathon Koszuta Robert Lonski Melissa Maldovan Timothy Maloney Richard Mangino John Melithoniotes Bill and Linda Michalek Leslie Misener Michael Myers Network for Good/FaceBook Followers nSytes Website Development/Sue Barth Patrick O’Neill Donald and Jane Ogilvie Raymond Ouellette Kirk Peryea Linda Plulff Anthony Prastaro Dorothy Rapp

Red Top Foundation Chris Root Jajean Rose-Burney Marie and Harry Schick Janet Sciolino Sanjay Sethi Beverly Seyler Molly Short Ed Sirianno Norman Smith Nerina Sorrentino Patrica Sortisio Jacqueline Stains Jane Stock Norbert Storm John Stutzman Todd Terech Maria Testa Gerald Thurn Patricia Tramp Mark Vanderwater Eileen Watson Daniel Way

Nicole Williams Rachel Wilson Walter Witmer Karen Wuerch

1610 Welch Road North Java NY 14113

Ph 585.457.3228 Fax 585.457.1378

Email: info@buffaloaudubon.org www.buffaloaudubon.org

Officers & Directors

2019

PRESIDENT Jeff Beich

VICE PRESIDENT

Stuart Hempel

RECORDING SECRETARY Courtney Huckle

TREASURER

Caleb Jennings

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stephen Eden Kyle Gorman Eric Hanson

Ana Hernandez-Balzac Marcia Nixon Stuart Urban Lisa Wood

STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Vacant

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Lauren Makeyenko

NATURALISTS Mark Carra Tom Kerr

ADMINISTRATIVE

SUPPORT MANAGER Kate Watson

GIFT SHOP MANAGER

Ellen George

CARETAKER Lynn Feist

DONORS (con’t.): In Memory of Dr. John Hodson Marian Ffield David and Gloria Rote In Memory of Joan Baer Ellen Carl In Memory of John Benjamins Mary Canfield

In Memory of Marion Brown Fred and Linda Reehling In Memory of Marjorie Faes Tom and Kim Ball Greg and Dede Latimer Russ and Annie Metcalf Maureen Thiel Joseph and Deborah Floss

In Memory of Richard Christensen Richard Baer Karen Rader Frank and Cindy Voelker Marian Ffield

Buffalo Audubon Society Beaver Meadow Audubon Center

1610 Welch Road North Java NY 14113 Phone: 585-457-3228

Fax: 585-457-1378 Email: info@buffaloaudubon.org

www.buffaloaudubon.org

OFFICERS & DIRECTORS 2020 President Steve Eden Vice President Stuart Hempel Recording Secretary Courtney Huckle Treasurer Caleb Jennings Board of Directors Jeff Beich Kyle Gorman Eric Hanson Ana Hernandez-Balzac Marcia Nixon Stuart Urban Lisa Wood

STAFF Executive Director Ed Sirianno Director of Education Lauren Makeyenko Naturalist Tom Kerr Administrative Manager Kate Watson