june 2009 wingbars newsletter atlanta audubon society

8/9/2019 June 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

1/12

ATLANTAAUDUBON SOCIE

P. O. Box 29189Atlanta, GA 3035

www.atlantaaudubon.o

AAS OFFICEand Information Li

678.973.2437

GOS RARE BIRD ALE

770.493.8862

June 2009

Volume XXXV, Issue 6 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY

I N S I D EEarthShare ......................

Field Trip Leaders ...........

Legacy Club ....................

Field Notes......................

Field Trips........................

Spotlight Tim Keyes ........

Time Well Spent .............

A Million Thanks.............

Statistics .........................Birding with Seniors.......

Armchair Birder ..............

Electronic Mailing Lists ..

Invasive Plants................

Classifieds.......................

Birds in Decline.................

Membership.....................

Southern Birding Trails......

2009-2010 AAS Officers and BoardAtlanta Audubon is growing andmaturing, and our new boardmembers reflect a wonderfulmix of talents and backgrounds.We previously announced theelection of President StacyZarpentine, President-electCarol Hassell, and boardmembers Stan Chapman,director for field trips, and DaveButler, director for

conservation. At our Aprilmeeting, the board approved thenomination of Beth Giddens asdirector for public informationand public relations and added

JoAnn Jordan as an at-largemember. Following arebiographical notes on ourtalented individuals selected forthis term.

Stacy, our new president, is aMaster Birder and frequent fieldtrip leader for AAS. Her passion

is her volunteer work withraptors at ChattahoocheeNature Center. She has hadsometimes fascinating,sometimes frighteningexperiences with these birds.She is an accomplished

photographer as you can seefrom her Indigo Bunting photofeatured with this article. Stacylives in Roswell and is employedwith Wachovia Bank.

Carol, our president-elect, has

played a volunteer role for AASfor some time. She is a MasterBirder and writes the AttentionMaster Birders newsletter (awonderful resource to assistMaster Birders in earning theirrequired hours while they help

AAS in the community). She isan articulate voice forconservation and is wellinformed on environmentalmatters. Carol is employed withthe Georgia Piedmont LandTrust (formerly Gwinnett Open

Land Trust). She recently ranfor the office of GwinnettCounty commissioner and willquickly tell you why your one

vote counts. She lost thenomination by a very narrowmargin.

Stan, our director for field trips,made spring migration soexciting this year. He is doing a

super job coordinating fieldtrips as evidenced by the manyand varied trips. We even added

pages to the April issue ofWingbars to publicize the trips.Stan is providing keyinformation about whichspecies are likely to be found incertain habitat. He lives inDecatur and is retired from theEmory School of Medicinewhere he was a psychologist foralmost 30 years. He semi-retired13 months ago and now works

on a contract basis with TheEmory Clinic.

Dave, too, is a Master Birder. Heis probably a more familiarboard member, having beenbirding with you as director forfield trips for three years. Davelives in Decatur and is employedwith the DeKalb County Officeof Parks Bond and Greenspace,a distinctive position for thedirector of conservation.

Most of you are familiar withBeth because of her wonderfulBird Artist Profiles. She is anassociate professor of English atKennesaw State University. Sheis perfect for the director of

public information and publicrelations with her superiorwriting skills as well as othercredentials. Beth is a MasterBirder and most recently servedon the Sustainability Committeewith Carl Tyler, NancyHamilton, Jay Davis, Allyson

Read and Pam Higginbotham.She lives in Marietta.

JoAnn received her graduatedegree in social work from

Arizona State and holds acertificate in web page designand a degree in professionalwriting from Kennesaw StateUniversity. Her capstone project(Masters Thesis) includes an

approach that our SustainabilityCommittee hopes will permitAAS to develop an educationprogram, called The AtlantaAudubon Society DiscoveryCenter at the Blue Heron NaturePreserve. Jo Ann lives inRoswell and is thecommunications director at the

Atlanta Athletic Club.

Beth and JoAnn will work as ateam, which will come naturallyas Beth supervised JoAnns

capstone program at KSU.Thanks to their incredibleefforts on behalf of theSustainability Committee and

Atlanta Audubon, the board isresolved to move ahead on oneof the first steps theyrecommended in the well-

presented recommendation: Weare seeking an educationcoordinator. Learn more aboutour exciting plans in anupcoming issue.

Lets welcome these committedindividuals and support themduring their term of leadership.

Indigo BuntingPhotographer: Stacy Zarpentine


2/12

Q: What species

recently dethronedthe Arctic Tern as

the bird with thelongest migration?

See page ___ for the answerSee last page for answer

Board of Directors2009

Executive Director Catharine Kuchar770.993.9579

[email protected]

OfficersPresident Stacy E. Zarpentine

[email protected]

President-elect Carol N.Hassell770.945.3111

[email protected]

Treasurer Deanna [email protected]

Recording Secy Mark Jernigan404.298.8825

[email protected]

Corresponding Secy Barbara Tarpley404.687.0079

[email protected]

DirectorsConservation Dave Butler

[email protected]

Education Marge Igyarto678.398.0569

[email protected]

Field Trips Stanley Chapman

[email protected]

Membership Darlene Moore404.633.9361

[email protected]

CommunicationsBarbara Tarpley404.687.0079

[email protected]

Publicity Beth Giddens770.792.3712

[email protected]

Volunteers Nancy Hamilton404.874.2338

[email protected]

At Large

Jay Davis404.624.4973

[email protected] Jordan678.488.8022

[email protected]

Victor WilliamsEarthshare Representative

[email protected]

---

WebsiteJim Flynn

[email protected]

Wingbars EditorMary Ann Hindes 770.497.0664

[email protected]

ProofreadingSteven Phenicie

770.849.0391

[email protected] & Layout

Copy Preparation [email protected]

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.

2 Atlanta Audubon Soci

The malespecies of what

duck can beidentified by itsbrownish body andgray head with agreen eye patchand white crown?

ATLANTA (April 9, 2009) EarthShare of Georgia was awarded a 2009 Environmental Awardfrom the Atlanta Business Chronicle in the Green Giving category. This award recognizes asignificant donation by a philanthropic or nonprofit organization to an outstandingenvironmental cause that has demonstrated a significant benefit to the environment. EarthShareof Georgia was recognized for its efforts related to raising funds through workplace campaigns,

more than $3 million since 1992.

EarthShare of Georgia offers citizens one smart and simple way to care for our air, land andwater. As Georgias only dedicated environmental fund, EarthShare partners with businessesand employees to support 60 leading environmental organizations through workplacecampaigns, Earth Day and other activities. For more information on how you and your companycan help carry on the Earth Day message throughout the year, call EarthShare of Georgia todayat 404.873.3173, or visit www.earthsharega.org.

EarthShare of Georgia wins a 2009

Environmental Award

from theAtlanta Business Chronicle

Get Those Cameras Ready...

Since the beginning of the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) in the 1960s, grassland breedingbirds have shown some of the steepest population declines of any birds. Grassland ecosys-tems are dependent on periodic disturbance for habitat maintenance. Historically, grazing bynative herbivores and fires were the agents responsible for maintaining grassland areas.However, the elimination of native herbivores, development of fields, widespread fire sup-pression, and conversion for agriculture have greatly altered grasslands in Georgia.

A special award/prize in next years photo contest will be given to the 1st place winner in thisnew category. Bird photos taken in Georgia that will be accepted in this category are:

Northern Bobwhite Bobolink Yellow-breasted Chat DickcisselEastern Meadowlark Indigo Bunting Sandhill Crane Grasshopper Sparrow

Blue Grosbeak Field Sparrow Wilsons Snipe Loggerhead ShrikePrairie Warbler Horned L ark Henslows S parrow Barn OwlVesper Sparrow Northern Harrier Short-eared Owl Upland SandpiperBuff-breasted Sandpiper

AAS is proud to announce a new category for next years 2010 photography contest

2010 Conservation Category:Saving Georgias Grassland Bird Species

Photos must be taken between January 1, 2009 and March 15, 2010.

Northern Bobwhite by

Darlene Moore

Announced in Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

05/17 Service Bulletin. Congratulations!Jack Boyette is graduating from Glennwood Academy.

Jordon Budnikwas awarded an AAS/GOS scholarship

to attend American Birding Associations

Youth Birders Conference.


3/12June 2009 3

Atlanta Audubon-led field trips and bird walks provide members with exciting opportunities to visitbirding hot spots around the metropolitan Atlanta area. These trips help us fulfill the part of our

mission to promote the enjoyment and understanding of birds.

We were thrilled to offer so many great field trips. Did you know that from January through Maywe offered over 55 birding opportunities? We want to express our thanks to our hard-working field

rip coordinator, Stan Chapman, his team, and the seasoned as well as new field trip leaders. Ourrips would not be possible without their dedication and commitment. Atlanta Audubon would like

o give a big thank you to these leaders:

AtlantaAudubo

Soci

LegacClubJoin us as a charter memof the AAS Legacy Club including Atlanta Audubin your bequests.

Your gift to Atlanta AudSociety ensures our long-ability to manage theresources necessary to

preserve and protect metAtlantas birds and theecosystems that support tWhile cash donations aremost popular form of supa variety of options exist

from charitable gift annuand more.

Question: What are tbenefits of a charitabtrust?

Answer: Do you own

low-yielding assets lireal estate or securitithat have appreciated

value? Is your objectito sell those assets anreinvest in higheryielding incomeinvestments? Acharitable trust may to eliminate capital gtaxes that you couldincur, reduce oreliminate estate taxeand give you a currentax deduction. AAS crefer you to aprofessional advisor more details.

For more informationcontact Art Hurt [email protected]

2009

BackyardWildlife Sanctuary Tour

Saturday, September 12

Atlanta Audubon Society is planning a fantastic fall tour on the south side of

Atlanta in Fayetteville/Peachtree City. Look for more information, including

the surprise sites, in upcoming editions ofWingbars.

Volunteers: We need you! If you are interested in volunteering for this years

tour, please contact Jacqueline McRae at [email protected].

Jason BaumgartnerGiff Beaton

Brandon BestKen Blankenship

Dave ButlerWalt Chambers

Jay DavisDot Freeman

Hugh GarrettMarilyn Harris

Theresa HartzAndy Hester

Joel HittLisa Hurt

George KingMarcia Klenbort

Carol LambertMark McShane

Max MedleyAl Mercer

Trecia NealChuck Saleeby

Georgann SchmalzJeff Sewell

Chris ShowalterLloyd Snyder

Joshua SpenceEran Tomer

Matt WardHerb Wollner

Stacy Zarpentine

Freedom Park Bird and Butterfly Garden

Candler Park Neighborhoodcorner of North Avenue and Candler Park Drive

You wont see this Cairns Birdwing, but if you volunteer for an occasional one to two hoursof gardening, chances are that you will see some butterflies just as pretty.

If interested, e-mail Carol at [email protected]

Source: Wikipedia

A Round of Applausefor our Field Trip Leaders


4/124 Atlanta Audubon Soci

ATLANTA AREA

DUCKS THROUGH HERONS PMcL had

a good count of eight REDHEADS at the

E.L. Huie Land Application Facility

(ELHLAF) in Clayton Co. on 14 March.Rather unusual for an urban area were

eight WILD TURKEYS in Roswell on 14

March (LB). Interesting sightings from

Lake Varner in Newton Co. were a RED-

THROATED LOON on 30 March (MMcS)

and an EARED GREBE on 6 March (JSe)

and again on 9 March (MMcS). JF had

an amazing count of 821 COMMON

LOONS at Lake Lanier on 29 March.

Single ANHINGAS were reported from

Shamrock Lake (part of the ELHLAF) on4 March (CaL) and another in Cobb Co.

on 7 March (DH). Single AMERICAN

BITTERNS were seen at the Mercer

Wetlands from 21 March at least

through 27 March (JW) and other

reports came from the Big Creek

Greenway on 22 March (G&NB) and

from the Chattahoochee River National

Recreation Area (CRNRA) on 29 March

(KB, NF). An early YELLOW-CROWNED

NIGHT-HERON was seen at the CRNRAon 17 March (HG et al.).

OSPREY THROUGH WARBLERS A

couple OSPREYS appeared to be using a

cell phone tower near North Springs

High School as a nesting platform in

early March (SZ). A bird which appeared

to be a dark morph of a RED-TAILED

HAWK (HARLANS HAWK) was seen at

the ELHLAF on 13 March by JSe and

CaL et al. SZ had a good count of 86

migrating TURKEY VULTURES over

Roswell on 6 March. In the Roswell area

SZ counted 353 SANDHILL CRANES on 6

March and ME had 65 on 7 March.Several AMERICAN WOODCOCKS were

found at the CRNRA on 4 March (JH et

al.). A RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was seen

in the Buckhead area on 8 March (BL).

Early arrivals included a GREAT

CRESTED FLYCATCHER in Tucker on 15

March (CL, JSe), a NORTHERN ROUGH-

WINGED SWALLOW in Canton on 4

March (DF), two BARN SWALLOWS at

the ELHLAF on 13 March (CaL, JSe), and

a PRAIRIE WARBLER at the CRNRA on24 March (HG et al.).

GEORGIA AREA

GEESE THROUGH MERGANSERS A

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was

reported from Crawfish Springs in NW

GA on 29 March (PMcL). Two immature

TUNDRA SWANS made an appearance

in Walker Co. on 21 March (fide JF) andthey remained there at least until 29

March (JU). A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER

was a good find in the Columbus area

on 5 March (WC). At least one and

sometimes two female COMMON

GOLDENEYES were reported from the

Arrowhead Fish Hatchery on 7 March

(DR) and 8 March (MD). Two other

COMMON GOLDENEYES were seen at

Carters Lake on 15 March (KB et al.). JA

et al. had an excellent count of 58 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS at Rum Creek

on 14 March.

LOONS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS On 27

March MMcS had one RED-THROATED

LOON at Bear Creek Reservoir and on

the same day, JMcN had 170 COMMON

LOONS at the same location. The GREAT

CORMORANT previously reported from

the Walter F. George Dam was last

reported on 7 March (PMcL et al.). An

AMERICAN BITTERN was seen in the

Darien area on 6 March (SP). GK had

good count of 45 AMERICAN

OYSTERCATCHERS on Jekyll and St.

Simons Islands on 6 March. JSe had early PECTORAL SANDPIPER in Walke

Co. on 24 March.

OWLS THROUGH CROSSBILLS A

SHORT-EARED OWL was seen in

Stewart Co. on 5 March (BL). An early

BARN SWALLOW was seen in the Rom

area on 2 March (MD). A BEWICKS

WREN was an extremely rare sighting

from the Dalton area on 28 March (M

Unfortunately the bird did not remain

the area to be seen by others. Rare

sightings included a LINCOLNS

SPARROW at Harris Neck NWR on 8

March (NF), a dead YELLOW-HEADED

BLACKBIRD found two miles west of

Perry on 28 March (fide JSe), and a R

CROSSBILL in Rabun Co. on 7 March

(KB et al.).

CONTRIBUTORS Jerry Amerson, Gre

and Natalie Bailey, Lia Berez, Ken

Blankenship, Walt Chambers, MarionDobbs, Mim Eisenberg, Nathan Farna

Jim Flynn, Dan Furbish, Hugh Garrett,

David Hedeen, Jackie Heyda, Gene

Keferl, Carol Lambert, Chris Lambrech

Bill Lotz, Patty McLean, Joel McNeal,

Mark McShane, Max Medley, Peggy a

Terry Moore, Steve Parrish, Dan Rope

Jeff Sewell, Jim Urban, Joe Weissma

and Stacy Zarpentine.

Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Ct.,Roswell, GA 30075

[email protected]

March Field Notes by Terry Moorez

March was a rather dull month

with few noteworthy birds

being discovered. The Atlanta

area recorded 129 species (average

= 122.8) to bring the year-to-datetotal to 144 (average = 141.2). The

Georgia area came in with 204 species

(average 199.5) to bring that year-to-date list

to 227 (average = 239.2.)


5/12June 2009 5

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 June field tripsthat may be scheduled.

Sketch by Anne McCallum

Note: We encourage carpooling to and from out-of-town field trips. If you are coming from the Atlanta area and

are willing to take riders or if you wish to carpool (and share expenses), please e-mail Stan Chapman at

[email protected] and include your name, location, phone number(s) by 8 PM on the Wednesday preceding the tripat which time he will send a master list of participants for everyone to make their own arrangements.

Saturday, June 6, 8 AMChattahoochee Nature CenterStacy ZarpentineMeet at the Chattahoochee Nature Centerstore, 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. The fieldtrip will end about 10 AM.Birding Focus: Some of the commonbirds sighted are Blue-gray Gnatcatchers,Ospreys, and swifts and swallows over theriver.Directions:From Roswell Rd./U.S.19

heading north from Atlanta or I-285:Atthe first traffic light after crossing theChattahoochee River, turn left onto AzaleaDr. At the second traffic light, turn left ontoWilleo Rd. CNC is located 0.5 mi. on theright.From GA 400 Northbound, take Exit6/Northridge Rd. and bear to the right,going back over the freeway. Immediatelyafter crossing over GA 400, turn right ontoDunwoody Pl. Follow for 1.2 mi. toRoswell Rd., turn right and follow thedirections above.From GA 400Southbound, take Exit 6/Northridge Rd. Atthe end of the ramp, travel straight through

the traffic light onto Dunwoody Pl. andfollow the directions above.

Saturday, June 6, 8 AMPiedmont Park (City of Atlanta)Sponsored by the Piedmont ParkConservancy and AASMatt WardMeet at the Piedmont Park ConservancyCommunity Room located at the corner ofPiedmont Ave. and 12th St. Binoculars willbe supplied. Children accompanied by aparent are invited.

Birding focus: This trip is an excellentway for beginners to learn about breedingsummer birds found in the forest and anadjacent pond.Directions:From south of Atlanta, take I-75/85 connector north to Exit 249B/Pine St.Go straight on Pine, crossing Peachtree St.Turn left on Piedmont Ave. Travel about 1mi. to 12th St.From northwest of Atlanta,take I-75 S. to Exit 250/16th St. Go straight,crossing 14th St. Follow the signs to 10thSt. Turn left on 10th. Travel 0.5 mi. toPiedmont Ave. Go left and travel about 1mi. to 12th St. Due to street closings,including the 10th and 14th St. Exits fromI-75 S., consider exiting at Northside Dr.

From northeast of downtown, take I-85 Sto Exit 84/17th St. Continue straight,crossing 14th St. Follow directions above.

From MARTA Arts Center station, walksouth 1.5 mi. to 14th St., turn left (east) andwalk two blocks to Piedmont Ave., thenturn right and walk south two blocks to12th St.

Saturday, June 6, 7:30 AMNorth Georgia Mountains(multiple sites)Ruth MarleyMeet at the Byron Reece parking area atthe Blood Mountain trailhead on theeastern side and bring plenty of water. Ifyou wish to carpool and share expenses,please e-mail Pam Higginbotham [email protected] by 8 PM,Wednesday, June 3, at which time she willsend a list of drivers and riders to maketheir own arrangements.Birding focus: Blackburnian, Black-

throated Green, Chestnut-sided, Hooded,Yellow-throated, Black-and-white, Yellow,and maybe Canada Warblers, AmericanRedstart, Veery, Blue-headed and Red-eyedVireos, Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager,Rose-breasted Grosbeak, AcadianFlycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee andEastern Phoebe, among others.Directions:From Atlanta and north end

I-285, take GA 400 N to its end atDahlonega, stay on US 19/129 N for 21 mi.At that point, you will see the Walasi-YiCenter on your right at Neels Gap. Proceed1.5 mi. north to the well-marked entrance

to the Byron Reece parking area on youleft, which is a left turn off US 19/129between Dahlonega and Blairsville inUnion County.

We will bird around the parking area un8 AM. After weve tightened up the grouinto the least number of vehicles, wellproceed to Sosebee Cove where we wibird by walking the 0.25 mi loop toWolfpen Gap, Cooper Creek and LakeWinfield Scott. (Theres a $4 admissionfee.) At noon, well stop at the picnic arfor lunch. (Please bring something to eFor those who wish to continue birdingwell proceed along GA Hwy. 180 and tmove onto Suches to the ChattahoocheNational Fish Hatchery before returninour meeting place to reclaim vehicles.

Ruth is willing to go on to Brasstown Bif anyone wishes to look for higherelevation birds.

Saturday, June 27, 8 AM

Chattahoochee Nature CenterStacy ZarpentineMeet at the Chattahoochee Nature Censtore, 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. The fietrip will end about 10 AM.Birding Focus: Some of the commonbirds sighted are Blue-gray GnatcatcheOspreys, and swifts and swallows over river.Directions:From Roswell Rd./U.S.19heading north from Atlanta or I-285:Athe first traffic light after crossing theChattahoochee River, turn left onto AzaDr. At the second traffic light, turn left

Willeo Rd. CNC is located 0.5 mi. on thright. From GA 400 Northbound, take E6/Northridge Rd. and bear to the right,going back over the freeway. Immediatafter crossing over GA 400, turn right oDunwoody Pl. Follow for 1.2 mi. toRoswell Rd., turn right and follow thedirections above.From GA 400

Southbound, take Exit 6/Northridge Rdthe end of the ramp, travel straight throthe traffic light onto Dunwoody Pl. andfollow the directions above.

Hugh Garrett (Second from Right) with birders at CochranShoals Unit CRNRAPhotographer: Herb Wollner


6/126 Atlanta Audubon Socie

On April 26, 34 teamsof young birdersranging in age from 4to 18 gathered at theCharlie ElliottWildlife Center tocelebrate theculmination of the 4thannual 24-hourGeorgia YouthBirding Competition.Over 200 specieswere seen or heard

by the 126 participants, and the event raisedabout $1,200 for conservation. Tim Keyes,who is the focus of our volunteer spotlight,

has much to be proud of since he started thisannual competition four years ago to engagekids in birding and wildlife conservation andfor good reason. Kids will eventually becomeadults, and many will end up in leadershippositionsmaking key decisions that willhave a direct impact on land development,land conservation, habitat protection andother activities that will influence the verysurvival of the birds we love and enjoy.

Virtually everything Tim does professionallyand on a volunteer basis revolves aroundbirds and is of considerable benefit to our

birding community. As a wildlife biologist forthe Georgia DNR in the nongame

conservation section, Timsprofessional focus is on

nongame bird research, monitoring,conservation and education. His variousresearch projects and bird surveys on stateowned lands are helping to guidemanagement practices that will preserve bpopulations of interest to birders and vital a diversity of ecosystems. His work with thForestry Wildlife Partnership helps toeducate and encourage big timber companwith huge land holdings to utilize bestpractices and manage their timber resourcin ecologically responsible ways that benefwildlife, including birds. This is importantwork given the fact that over 90% ofGeorgias landscape is in private ownershipand timber companies own the largest trac

that provide critical habitat for many birdspecies. Tim has also spent a significantamount of time over the past three yearshelping finish the Breeding Bird Atlas, whiis now in press and should be availableFebruary 2010. Additionally, Tim helps withthe monthly Wingbars article, GeorgiasCommon Birds in Decline and previously tGetting to Know Georgias Protected BirdsHe was a key contributor for AtlantaAudubons timely publications, GeorgiasVanishing Treasures and Birds Matter. If thwerent enough, the multi-talented Keyes

helps teach the annual Master Birder ClassHow could we forget Tims demonstration Bernoullis Principle using the funnel and

Spotlighting... Tim KeyesBy David Kuechenmeister

V o l u n t e e r C o r n e r V o l u n t e e r C o r n e r V o l u nCorner Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Volunte

Priceless (Tim and Molly)Photographer:Alice Keyes

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 Lucinda Headrick for her wonderful outreachefforts for AAS. Lucinda gets the word out about our work and teachesothers about birds and gardening for birds through special presentations all

around town. Thanks, Lucinda.

Being able to effectively communicate with one another is central to AASs success. We wouldlike to thank volunteer, Harriette Hoyt, for the time she spent organizing and developing ourelectronic mailing lists. These lists are critical to our ability to reach out to volunteers, MasterBirders and board members. We are grateful to Harriette for everything she is doing on thisspecial project.

Wendy Westplays such an important role at AAS. She is one of the central volunteers behind thesuccess of our many workshops. She put our Sparrow Workshop together, making it, yet again,another big success. Thank you, Wendy, for everything you do.

TIMEWell Spent

Compiled by Pam Higginbotham

Dont forget to report your

volunteer hours.

February-March

ask/Event Hours

dministrative 30

aster Birders Newsletter 4

orresponding Secretary 20

embership 9

ebsite and ListServ 52lunteer Coord/Admin 55

ucation 7

AB 104

hoto Contest 135

A IBA 18

onservation 144.5

hade Grown Coffee 4

eld Trips 176.5

nancial Management 40

eel & Stick 19

oard of Directors hours 31Wingbars 161

peakers 16.5

pecial Events 20

OTAL 1046.5

s important your volunteer

urs are reported to

igginb@comcast, as these are

ed for grant applications, etc.

continued on pag

Bird Quote:

A man who never

sees a bluebird only

half lives.

-- Edwin Way Teale


7/12June 2009 7

Our very capable Pam Higginbotham maintainshe records on our volunteer hours, and she

compiles these in a manageable system. Thismonth she was kind enough to spend additionalime crunching the numbers in a different formathan we have been using in Wingbars for the lastew months. We hope that restructuring this data

will give you an added dimension to consider as

o how strong is the commitment of ourmembers to Atlanta Audubon.

We frequently highlight how importantvolunteers are to the Atlanta Audubon Society,emphasizing that our contributions to birds, theenvironment and to our community would bempossible without each and every ones

dedication. Sixty-eight members spent 1,046.5hours during the months of February and Marcheducating the general public about our missionand its importance in making the world a betterplace to live.

Based on the commonly accepted standard raten translating volunteer hours for thendependent sector, thats $20,407. However

much I like the idea of translating the volunteerhours into cashto get folks to think about thedirect value of the time spent in different areas,he indirect value is hugethe pleasure of

birding, the enjoyment of birds, the learning thatakes place. Its hard to assign a value to theseatisfying activities.

Below we highlight the highest ranking volunteerhours, but just as important as these are theothers not mentioned specifically, such as peel &

tick volunteers, administration, including theboard meetings attended by our directors,updating our Website, keeping our financialecords in order (40 hours), and providingpeakers for garden clubs and other venues.

Organizing field trips is one of our mostmportant endeavors, so we are not surprisedhat the field trip director and leaders

contributed 176.5 hours in February and March.Converted to dollars thats $3,442. Please takeime to note these individuals and thank them for

helping us find those birds at just the right time.See A Round of Applause for our Field Trip

Leaders in this issue.)Conservation came in second with 144.5 hoursworth $2,818) contributed by 15 individualsncluding Dave Butler who is the conservation

director. These individuals come from all walksof life and represent varied interests.

Developing and producing Wingbars andcreating and maintaining the Website came inwith 144.5 hours and 52 hours, respectively, andhats not counting CopyPreps in-kind

contributionhours Deb & Judy spend helping

us produce an accurate and interestingnewsletter for which theres no additional charge.

The photo contest, highlighted in the May issue,represented 135 hours of volunteer time. At a$19.50 per hour average, you can see the valueadded contribution for Michael Cliffordsexpertise, as well as the others who provided us

with a first-hand opportunity to see qualityphotography. The committee (Michael Clifford,Joy Carter, Carl Tyler, Chris Willis) have alreadymet and decided to add a new category topromote conservation for the 2010 contest. Withour focus on grassland birds (see our latestbrochure, Georgias Vanishing Treasures), itmakes sense to choose Saving GeorgiasGrassland Bird Species to be included withBirds in Portrait, Birds in Motion, Animals,Habitats and Georgia Youth, as well as ourJudges Choice and Grand Prize.

We dont always hear about the day-to-day

accomplishments of our LAB (Learning aboutBirds) team including Marcia Klenbort, MarilynHarris and Kit Robey. Marcia was namedVolunteer for the Month of January at theCochran Mill Nature Center, in part because ofher Beginning Birding workshop. These leaders,with help from others including Anita Chilcuttand her sister, Lisa Hurt, and her husband, Art,prepared the materials used to educate ouryoungsters. They reported 104 hours or $2,028value-added dollars. A decided bargain, dont youthink?

Even with this level of commitment, we need

help from more of you. Please periodicallyreview the needs posted on our Website and inWingbars. The sense of a job well done is verygratifying and will be two-foldfor you andfor AAS.

Birding

with

SeniorsBy Marge Igyarto

Several weeks ago I had t

opportunity to give a talk o

gardening for birds at Mer

Universitys Senior Univers

It is a wonderful program

people aged 55 and older.

a very reasonable fee,

participants may choose f

a vast array of classes on

topics ranging from travel

arts and drama and literatThey take two classes per

quarter, and each class m

twice a week.

I was part of a gardening

series and focused on how

create a bird-friendly habi

stressed the fact that even

space is limited, container

and hanging baskets are

always an option. I always

encourage the use of nativ

plants whenever possible.shared a lot of printed

material including our new

publication, Georgias

Vanishing Treasures.

My audience was a deligh

group of folks. They were

smart, knowledgeable and

enthusiastic. I believe that

senior citizens have much

offer in support of our bird

friends. Several people ca

up to me afterwards and s

that they have always enjo

feeding birds, etc., but my

piqued their interest in

learning more, especially

about the species that are

decline. I hope it was a

worthwhile experience for

them. It certainly was for

Interesting StatisticsBy Nancy Hamilton

Will Your Employer Make A Contribution for

Your Volunteer Hours to AAS?

Employer matching for your volunteer efforts is anotherimportant way you can support Atlanta Audubon Societyand make a significant statement about how you valuewhat we do in the community.

Hundreds of companies in and around Atlanta alsorealize the importance of giving back to the communityand are getting involved by matching their employeesvolunteer hours with a cash donation.

Participating in your employers matching program is asimple process. Check with your human resourcesdepartment about forms and procedures and send yourinformation to: Matching Gifts Coordinator, AtlantaAudubon Society, Box 29189, Atlanta, Georgia 30359.Well do the rest.

Your support ensures that our work in thecommunity continues today and

flourishes tomorrow.

Matching

Contr ibut ions

Through

Volunteer ing



The Armchair Birder:

Discovering the Secret Lives

of Familiar Birds by John Yow(University of North Carolina Press, 2009)

Did you know that bobwhites roost in a tight circle on the ground with theirheads facing outwards? That House Wrens that have failed to reproducesometimes feed the young, as well as the adults, of other species? That some ofthe Brown-headed Cowbirds most common targets for brood parasitism such asthe Yellow Warbler, Eastern Phoebe, American Goldfinch, and Scarlet Tanager

cope with an unwelcome Cowbird egg by building a new nest on top of it for their own eggs?

These interesting facts and many more concerning the behavior of backyard birds are included in The Armchair Birder, anew book by John Yow, a freelance writer based in Acworth, Georgia, and an Atlanta Audubon Society member. With adroll tone and self-effacing persona reminiscent of novice New England farmer and essayist, Noel Perrin of First PersonRural fame, Yow gives readers insight into the lives of 42 common bird species in essays that blend anecdote, observationand the best of classic bird writing and contemporary research. The book is perfect for birders who want to go beyondspecies identification; it provides highly readable and amusing accounts of how the birds that we see every day eat, sing,mate, build nests and raise their young. In addition, because the author is a Georgian, the essays focus on Southeasternseasonal changes, landscapes and species.

Book Review by Beth Giddens

ping-pong ball or the cool facts he would share on thebirding field trips. The list goes on, but well save that foranother time.

Tim credits his love of the outdoors and birds of prey to hisather, who had a lifetime fascination with raptors. Tims

nterest in birding grew during a college field trip toNewfoundland and Labrador where he observed massiveNorthern Gannet colonies at Cape St. Mary on the AvalonPeninsula. Tim remarked, I got hooked on birding in 1993 as aunior in college and have been birding ever since. This hasncluded conducting fieldwork in Minnesota, Virginia, West

Virginia, Massachusetts, Portugal and, of course, Georgia. Timcontinued, then there were the traveling birding trips (mywife called them something else) to Costa Rica, Ecuador,Australia, Holland, Spain, Switzerland, British Columbia,California, Arizona, Texas and Colorado (where we spent ourhoneymoon). Tim recalled, I am a big fan of cold weather somy favorite birding adventure was owling in Minnesota during

he great owl invasion four or five years ago. My cousin, tworiends and I flew to Minneapolis, rented a car, and spent four

days birding in northeastern Minnesota from Sax-Zim Bog upo the Gunflint Trail and all along Lake Superior. The birds

were amazing: from Boreal Owl to Northern Hawk Owls andabundant Great Grays to Hoary Redpoll, Bohemian Waxwingand both woodpeckers found in boreal habitat. The weatherwas frigid and one day dropped to 56 degrees below zero. Atone lodge, we stopped for coffee and they sent us backoutside with boiling cups of water to fling into the air. Thewater crackled and froze before it hit the ground. My cousin

had hiking boots with no insulation so we would get out ofcar, chase down whatever bird we were looking for, thensprint back to the car. He would then take off his boots andwould sit on his feet to try to help warm them up. I can stilfeel the chill of his feet just thinking about it. Fortunately, wall survived with no frostbite. Another highlight of that tripwas learning about Priceline. One time we went into the nihotel in Duluth and Steve Holzmann used the lobby computo book us rooms at about half the standard rate, then usedthe hotel printer to print our vouchers. I think Steve and Tcould probably teach William Shatner a few tricks.

Tim, his wife Alice and 17-month-old daughter Molly (who say owl and imitate the call) will soon be moving fromAtlanta to Brunswick, Georgia, where Tim will be coordinamuch of the coastal bird work for the DNR involving Swalltailed Kites, Wood Storks, Painted Buntings and shorebirdsAnyone interested in a cute 2/1 in Ormewood Park? Tim sahes very excited about getting to work with a different suit

birds and living on the coast. Im sure well be hearing abounew youth birding teams emerging from the Brunswick arelike the Brunswick Buntings, next April when the 2010 YoBirding Competition is held.

Thanks, Tim, for all your many contributions to AAS, birdsbirding. We wish you, Alice and Molly all the best with youmove to the coast. We hope you will still make periodic visto Atlanta to impart your knowledge, cool demonstrations humor during Master Birder Classes and local field trips.

Spotlighting Tim Keyes (continued)

Author John Yow


9/12June 2009 9

Kudzu, privet, English ivy, honeysuckle: these and manyother plants are common throughout the Southeast,particularly in the Atlanta area. They are non-native ANDnvasive, meaning that they spread rapidly, usually forcing

out native plant species that cannot compete with thenewcomers. Good for birds? Bad for birds?

According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology,invasive species are a primary threat to

Americas 94-million-acre* National WildlifeRefuge System and Audubon Important BirdAreas. The Fish and Wildlife Service says thatnvasive species are the single greatest threat tohe refuge system, causing widespread habitat

destruction and contributing significantly tohe decline of trust species.

Monocultures formed by exotic plants makepoor bird habitat. Birds need a variety of plantspecies for food and nesting sites. Weve all seenhe endless expanses of kudzu covering trees

and fields, English ivy smothering forest floors,and privet infesting floodplains. Although manybirds eat the fruits of privet and ivy (therebyspreading more seed), the spread of these plantseduces the variability of diet and provides lessood value than native plant foods. Insect

populations may also be reduced in numbers and variabilityof species, which results in less food for birds. Invasiveplants may have fruit that is actually toxic to birds. Otherwildlife species are also greatly impacted.

Around the country, invasive plants take over 14 millionacres per year and 4,300 acres per day on public landsalone. Purple loosestrife kills sedges, cattails and bulrush,thus, crowding out native plants that provide food andcover for waterfowl. Melaleuca infested approximately

500,000 acres in south Florida, destroying

nesting habitat and reducing food sources forbirds.

Some areas of the country have passed lawsprohibiting the sale of some of the mostinvasive plants and other jurisdictions areconsidering similar legislation. More nurseriesare offering native species and phasing outnon-native plants in their stores. Native plantsthat provide food and shelter for birds includeAmerican Holly, Southern Red Cedar,Beautyberry and Virginia Creeper.

Do your part to control non-native plants inyour yard and neighborhood. Cut ivy at theproperty boundary and trim privet to keep itfrom producing seed or replace these plantswith natives. Volunteer at your local park or at

AASs adopted forest at Blue Heron NaturePreserve to help remove invasives. Also learnmore about invasive plants by visiting the

Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council Website atwww.gaeppc.org.

*now 95-million-acres per NWRS.

Update for AAS Members Concerning Electronic Mailing Lists

By Barbara Tarpley

Many of you are familiar with the electronic mailing lists that AAS has used for years, thanks to the efforts of HelenaWood. Helena has turned over the reins of this task to Harriette Hoyt, who will be assisting us in maintaining the listsfor the AAS Board of Directors, the Master Birders, the Volunteers and the Armchair Activists.

This communication tool is the most effective way for us to distribute informative details and requests for help on atimely basis. So, in the coming weeks, you will see inquiries from us as we work to update our server files with newand corrected e-mail addresses. If you wish to continue receiving e-mails, theres no action necessary. But for those ofyou who do not presently receive communications from us in this manner, please send us an e-mail atwww.atlantaaudubon.org indicating that you would like to be added to our Volunteer list (where you can be notified ofvolunteer opportunities) and/or the Armchair Activists list (to learn about public policy issues related to birding,protection of habitat, the environment, etc.)

Atlanta Audubon Society is very active in the community, especially in the spring and fall seasons, so we need helpwith festivals and the many other activities we support. Nancy Hamilton and her committee look forward to yoursupport in whatever volunteer activity suits your particular area of expertise.

Armchair Activists, as the name implies, influence public policy when they have some free time. As an ArmchairActivist, you can help us by calling or writing state and/or national legislators to persuade or dissuade their backing forlegislation that affects the environment, etc. We are still looking for a coordinator who can help us rebuild thisgrassroots effort by keeping us apprised of important issues. Should you have any questions about this effectiveconservation tool, please contact Dave Butler at dabutler700@comcast.

Even a Pretty Name:

Pueraria lobata(Kudzu)

Source: Wikipedia

Invasive Plants: Bird Friend or Foe?By Dave Butler



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].

Bird Songs of GeorgiaCD now available.

Email Georgann Schmalz [email protected] or visit

www.birdingadventuresinc.com

Crossrock Cabin Renta

Phone: 1-877-376-5032

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.cabinsinblueridgega.com

Blue Ridge, Georgia

NorthGeorgiaPremierVacationRentals

Perfect for birding in the mountains...90 minutes from A

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

AAS would like to thank theKnollwood Elementary SchoolsBird Club, The Brown Thrashers,

for their donation. The youngteam collected pledges for theGeorgia Youth Birding Competitioon April 26 and raised $111.80 foour organization.

Many thanks to these young birders and Mary Nevil for their support.

Thank You! Knollwood Elementary!

P.O. Box 921455, Norcross, GA 30010

Website: www.workshopcreations.comE-Mail: [email protected]

Tel: 770-448-5363 Fax: 770-448-5363

Affordable Housing

and Feeders for

Birds, Bats and

Butterflies

Workshop Creations, Inc.

Basic, functional and long-lasting

cedar products

Order on our website:


11/12June 2009 11

TIMEWell Spent

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 will not 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 ___________________________________

City____________________ State ___ Zip ______

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J Basic Membership

J Individual ...........................................$25

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J Contributing Membership ...............................$50

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Receive an official Atlanta Audubon T-shirt

J Benefactor Membership............................$1,000

Receive above plus autographed copy

Birds of Atlanta

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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!

In Georgia, the Whip-poor-will hasdeclined 23% over the past 40

years.

With its brown speckled plumage, theWhip-poor-will, Caprimulgus vociferus,is one of natures most well

camouflaged birds. Most humans onlysee this birds red eyes glowing inreflected headlights on or next toroads. A bird of the night, its

unmistakable Whip-poor-will song can be heard at dusk or dawnand during a moonlit night.

The Whip-poor-will prefers open, dry deciduous woodlands thatprovide ideal habitat for feeding and breeding purposes. As itforages at nightprimarily at dusk and dawnit consumes night-flying insects, such as grasshoppers and mosquitoes. As a result,humans benefit from the Whip-poor-wills environmental service asthey help control unwanted pests. Against the moonlit sky, it will

also hunt for moths and beetles by detecting their silhouettesagainst the sky.

Unlike many other birds that create a typical nest, the Whip-poowill nests under a shrub or tree, nearly always laying two eggs o

thin bed of leaf litter on the forest floor. The eggs and chicks arevery well camouflaged and are ready to fledge within 20 days of

hatching.

In Georgia the Whip-poor-will is rarely found in the southern half the state. It is a common summer resident in the Georgiamountains and Piedmont region, with a few occurrences in theUpper Coastal Plain region. Scientists have a lot of difficulty trac

the birds because of their elusive nighttime behavior. Between1966 and 2005, the birds population has declined approximate3% per year in the Southeast, losing nearly 23% of its populatioGeorgia over the past 40 years.

Source: Declining common bird findings based on National AuduboSocietys Common Birds in Decline: A State of the Birds Report, w

additional figures from the Georgia DNR.

Georgias Common Birds in DeclineWhip-poor-will

Whipporwill

Artist: Anne McCallum


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

678.973.2437

Send all mail for

AAS to:PO Box 29189

Atlanta, GA 3035

285

7585

400

WestPacesFerry

BlueHeronNaturePreserve

Peachtr

ee

Road

Peacht

reeIn

dlBlv

d.

PiedmontRoad

RoswellRoad

EastPacesFerry

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: Sooty

Shearwater

Answer:American Wigeon

SOUTHERN BIRDING TRAILSBy Kenn Kaufman

A complete list of the trails can be found in Audubon Magazine published by National Audubon Society.

The Texas Panhandles high plains might seem flat at

first glance, but the endless horizons, hidden

canyons, broad playa lakes, and rugged mesascreate an indelible portrait of Americas wide-open spaces. Shallow wetlands on the plainsprovide seasonal stopovers for migrating

plovers and sandpipers, traveling between theArctic and the South American pampas, while

serving as winter quarters for noisy hordes ofSandhill Cranes by the tens of thousands. Here

you can visit scenes straight out of the Old West,like big prairie dog towns, where you might spot aBurrowing Owl, a Ferruginous Hawk, or a flock of Mountain

Plovers. In summer Scaled Quail give their hoarse scraping

calls from fence posts, while brown-toned Cassins

Sparrows and flashy Lark Buntings perform

fluttering flight songs over the grasslands. Inwinter, flocks of longspurs swirl above the sameflatsand watch for a hunting Prairie Falcon inclose pursuit. For some birders, the prize will be

a Lesser Prairie-Chicken. This rare grouse hasvanished from some former haunts, but in the

Panhandle you can still marvel at the malesperforming their bizarre stomping and hooting

dances at dawn. For more information:www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/wildlife_trails/plains/

or call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at

512.389.4800.

Panhandle Plains Wildlife Trail, Texas

Please note our

NEW telephone

number andstreet address

in North Buckhead.

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

june 2009 wingbars newsletter atlanta audubon society

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