march 2008 wingbars newsletter atlanta audubon society

8/9/2019 March 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

1/14

ATLANTAAUDUBON SOCI

Box 29189Atlanta, GA 303

www.atlantaaudubon

AAS OFFICEand Information

770.913.051

GOS RARE BIRD AL

770.493.886

March 2008

Volume XXXIV, Issue 3 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY

I N S I D Presidents Perch..........

From the Exec Dir.........

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

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

Shade-Grown Coffee ....

Spotlight Darlene Moore

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

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

2008 Birdathon..............

Learning About Birds ....

LAB Educators ..............

Education Committee ...

Merritt Island Dreaming

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

GAs Protected Birds.....

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

Zoo Atlanta....................

UPCOMING SPEAKER SERIESThe Natural World in Focus

29th Annual Photo Contest Presentation

Ribbons, Prizes Awarded and Talk by

Larry Winslett, nature photographer

with

Special Bird Banding Presentation with Charlie Muise

Sunday, March 16, 2008, 3 PMPike Family Nurseries Corporate Center Auditorium

4020 Steve Reynolds Boulevard, Norcross, GA 30093

This year we are delighted to welcome Larry Winslett, well-known nature photographer, asour judge for this very special event. Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded inall of our photography contest categories. You will have the opportunity to see the manymarvelous entries submitted for this years contest. Then we will welcome Charlie Muise,who will give an amazing presentation on bird banding. Charlie has also invited any interestedAAS members to a special bird banding session at Panola Mountain the morning of March 16before our Speaker Series in the afternoon.

We encourage emerging photographers to come see what wonderful and insightful photographshave been entered into this years competition and learn how to expand your photographyskills.

Prizes to be awarded on March 16 include ribbons plus:

First Prize Birds: 10x42 Vortex Diamondback Binoculars; retail value $209.99 (sponsoredby Eagle Optics)

First Prize Animals: Day Hiking Package, including Shocklight Trekking Poles, Daypackwith Hydration System and Daypack First Aid Kit; retail value $275.00 (sponsored by REI)

First Prize Habitat: Smith & Hawkens life-size pair of cranes rendered in steel with hand-hammered detail; retail value $189.00 (sponsored by Smith & Hawken)

Youth: iFlyer Birdsong Scanning Wand; retail value $99.95 (sponsored by Wild Bird Centers)

Humor:Backyard birdJam East CD; retail value $39.99 (sponsored by birdJam)

Judges Choice: The Original Pajaro Field Bag Waist Pack with a copy of National WildlifeFederationsField Guide to Birds of North America; total retail value $55.00 (sponsored byPajaro)

Grand Prize: Two-night stay at the Marriott Residence Inn Cape Canaveral in Cocoa Beach,Florida, plus Space Coast Outdoor Adventure Package for two; over $600 in total retail value.Also includes the opportunity to have your photograph printed on the Atlanta Audubon officialpicture postcard for 2008!

Take I-85 north of Atlanta to Beaver Ruin Road, GA 378 (Exit 102). If you are travelingnorthbound, turn right at the end of the ramp. If you are traveling southbound, turn left at theend of the ramp. Travel 1.1 miles to Steve Reynolds Boulevard and turn left at the traffic light.Pikes will be on your right. Park in front of the building, enter the main entrance and meet inthe auditorium.

Special Bird Banding Opportunity ... continued on Page 10


2/14

Every time I turn on the television I seeinformation on how the election of our next

President is going. Considering I recently voted

on Super Tuesday, I started thinking about birds,politicians and how we, as birders, can influencelegislation, Presidential decrees, etc. Ourgovernment(s) and the policies implemented

have a major impact on the future of bird habitatthat, in turn, impacts whether there are healthy

populations of the birds we love and enjoy.

Upon investigation I found that the NationalGeographic Society estimates there are 15million or more people of voting age who have a

serious interest in the welfare of birds. Wow! Ifwe vote together on bird-related issues and make

our views known, we can definitely have a voicein the outcome of elections and ultimately the

laws and policies of our various governments.Remember, in recent elections a few thousandvotes have made all the difference in who was

elected. With 15 million overall, every state musthave several thousand people of voting age

concerned about birds. So, as birders we couldhave a huge impact and at times THE impact on

who gets elected.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds(RSPB) in the United Kingdom sets the standardin terms of birders having an impact on

government policies. The RSPB boasts thestrength of a million members to influence

political issues and outcomes. The RSPB hasbeen compared with the Teamsters in this

country in terms of influence and, from what Iread, members of parliament think twice beforevoting against issues important to the RSPB.

One of the difficulties facing birders in this

country, it seems to me, is finding out the stances

taken by various politicians on environmentalconcerns and issues that impact birds and need

attention. National Audubon Society has a publi

policy office and a great deal of information onits Web site related to legislation and publicpolicy. You can even sign up for an e-mailnewsletter calledAudubon Advisory that

provides updates on various issues and how youcan help. For more information, check out:

http://www.audubon.org/campaign/policyoffice.ml. Another group helping provide information

and encouraging birders to vote as a block onbird issues is called Birders United. See:http://www.birdersunited.com/. This group also

has an e-mail newsletter you can sign up for thakeeps you updated on issues and provides

information on where various candidates standon issues that impact birds. Birders United even

has a free bumper sticker you can order thatsays: BirdersUnited.com: Building a NewAmerican Political Force to Protect Birds and

Their Habitats.

So in this election year, whether you consideryourself a Republican, a Democrat, an

Independent or whatever, find out where yourcandidate stands on bird-related issues and

please be a voice for birds.

Thank you. Make 2008 great for the birds!

Board of Directors2008

Executive Director Catharine Kuchar770.993.9579

[email protected]

President Ellen Miller404.355.8892

[email protected]

President-elect Allyson Read404.510.8281

[email protected] Deanna Helie

[email protected]

Recording Secy Mark Jernigan404.298.8825

[email protected]

Corresponding Secy Barbara Tarpley404.687.0079

[email protected]

DirectorsConservation Kelly Hopkins

[email protected]

Education Marge Igyarto678.398.0569

[email protected]

Field Trips Dave Butler404.580.3917

[email protected]

Membership Darlene Moore404.633.9361

[email protected]

CommunicationsBarbara Tarpley404.687.0079

[email protected]

Publicity Vacant

Volunteers Nancy Hamilton404.874.2338

[email protected]

At Large

Jay Davis404.624.4973

[email protected] Williams

Earthshare Representative770.423.1012

[email protected]

WebsiteJim Flynn

[email protected]

Wingbars EditorMary Ann Hindes 770.497.0664

[email protected]

Design & LayoutCopy Preparation 770.939.2002

[email protected]

ProofreadingSteven Phenicie

770.849.0391

[email protected] deadline is the first of

the month for material to bepublished the following month.

Please submit articles as MS-Word [email protected].

Email 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.

Presidents Perchby Ellen Miller

Election Year and the Birds

2 Atlanta Audubon Soci

Matching ContributionsAnother Important Way to Support

Atlanta Audubon Society

Your contributions to Atlanta Audubon Society make asignificant statement about how you value what we do inthe community.

Hundreds of companies in and around Atlanta alsorealize the importance of giving back to the communityand are getting involved by matching their employeesdonations to our organization.

By asking your employer to back your commitment, youare making your contribution even more meaningful!

Participating in your employers matching gifts program

is a simple process. Ask your human resources office fora matching gift form, complete your part,and send it to: Matching Gifts Coordina-tor, Atlanta Audubon Society, Box 29189,Atlanta, Georgia 30359. Well do the rest.

Your support ensures that our work inthe community continues today andflourishes tomorrow.


3/14

The Board of Directors and staff of AtlantaAudubon Society have been doing a lot ofwork over the past couple of yearsdeveloping a strategic plan for the

organization and thinking about our future.Where will we be in 10 years? What role dowe want to play in the metro Atlanta areaand throughout the region?

Our efforts over the years have included avariety of important programs and activitiesalways focused on the organizations missionto promote the enjoyment and

understanding of birds and to conserve and

restore the ecosystems that support them.

Now that we have set our sights on makingAtlanta Audubon Society the leader ofCreating, Promoting and Preserving Bird-

Friendly Habitat, this means we arecommitted to bird-friendly habitat by:

1) creating and enhancing green space andthe role individuals can play in thisprocess;

2) promoting the importance of habitatprotection and educating the public thatbirds matter; and

3) preserving and protecting bird-friendlyhabitat from uncontrolled growth andover-development.

It is a tough and uphill battle. Each day welose about 50 acres of green space todevelopment in the 16 counties that make upmetro Atlanta, and birds that rely onGeorgias precious habitat are struggling tosurvive.

To grow and expand our work, we need morespace. To carefully look at this issue, theBoard of Directors created a committee toexplore this idea. Through much work, thecommittee has moved forward and isfocusing on the Blue Heron Nature Preservefor several reasons: It includes 1) critically-needed office space; 2) outdoor areas for

walks, classroom work, etc., and 3) a largepresentation area. More important, it fits into

our goal ofCreating, Promoting andPreserving Bird-Friendly Habitat and ourcontinued desire to protect Atlantasgreenspace areas.

The Blue Heron Nature Preserve is centrallylocated in north Buckhead and includes a 25-acre site including a 5-acre communitygarden area along Roswell Road, 9-acrewetland, 1-acre lake, and the Nancy Creekcorridor with upland areas and trails on bothsides. It also includes a 1-acre building sitewith a 10,000 square foot office building. Theplan would be to share the space with other

environmentally-oriented groups. The goalsof the Preserve are to restore much of thearea around the site.

If Atlanta Audubon Society is to grow intothe 21st Century, expansion is critical to helpus serve the community and fulfill ourmission. A new site will also help us as wework to meet the strategic planning goals ofthe organization as outlined by our Board ofDirectors which include: strengthen ourconservation efforts relating to birds andtheir habitats; increase public awareness andrelevance of Atlanta Audubon in our

community; increase, energize and diversifythe membership and volunteer participation;provide metro Atlantans of all ages withopportunities to learn about and enjoy birds,and develop Atlanta Audubon Society into aprofessionally-run, sustainable organization.

Youll read more about this issue in thecoming months as we continue to explorethis issue. We are excited about our futureand look forward to sharing it with you.

From the Executive Directorby Catharine Brockman Kuchar

Great Expectations A Future Home for

Atlanta Audubon Society

March 2008

Jekyll IslandMaster Plan

Did you miss Art HuFebruary 5 article in th

regarding Jekyll Islamaster plan? If so, g

http://www.ajc.com/opcontent/opinion/stories/02/05/hurted_0205.h

Senator Jeff Chapmanproposed three senate

in response to LingLonger Communitieproposed village. S

http://www.legis.state.gContact him at

http://www.jeffchapma

or 404.656.0045 with support, as well as y

state senator.

For help, go tohttp://www.votesmart

Beech Building (named in honor of a tree)

Photo by THW Design

Landscape schematic former TWH Design headquarters

Photo by THW Design


4/14

ATLANTA AREA

GEESE THROUGH DUCKS There were several reports ofSNOW GEESE with the most unusual one being a blue morphat the Perimeter Mall area on 21 Dec. (DM). Interesting ducksightings included four AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS at LakeAcworth on 7 Dec. (CS) and two CANVASBACKS and 11

REDHEADS at Lake Horton on 1 Dec. (fide JSe). There weremore than the normal number of COMMON GOLDENEYESseen with single birds at the E.L. Huie Land ApplicationFacility (ELHLAF) in Clayton Co. on 12 Dec. (CL), one inCherokee Co. starting on 14 Dec. (VD) and another one atLake Horton on 16 Dec. (EB,TK).

ANHINGA THROUGH CRANE An ANHINGA spent the entiremonth at Shamrock Lake of the ELHLAF (CL). GREAT EGRETSwere noted during the month with two at Lake Horton on 2Dec. (PMc), 12 at Lake Horton on 16 Dec. (EB,TK), and a latebird at Blalock Lake of the ELHLAF on 28 Dec. (CL). Also atLake Horton were two WHITE IBIS on 16 Dec. (EB,TK). Asighting of a PEREGRINE FALCON over downtown Atlantawas a good spot by LH on 14 Dec. SORAS and COMMONMOORHENS were noted several times during the month atthe ELHLAF Site G (CL).There were 12 separate reports ofSANDHILL CRANES during the month totaling approximately1,650 birds. The peak movement appeared to be early in themonth from 1 to 3 Dec., but sightings were scatteredthroughout the entire month.

DOVES THROUGH NUTHATCHES On 16 Dec., EB and TKfound four COMMON GROUND-DOVES in Spalding Co. andone in Fayette Co. Hummingbird sightings during the monthincluded several RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS plus a BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD in Henry Co. starting on 1 Dec.(SB), a CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD in Lilburn starting on 28Dec. (R&SK), and the BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD thatreturned to the Mableton feeder early in the month (RT). Alarge flock of 91 FISH CROWS was reported from Cobb Co.on 17 Dec. by CS. This year has to go down as one of thelargest invasions of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES ever.

Enjoy them now because its difficult to tell when well getanother chance to see this many.

SPARROWS THROUGH SISKINS Good Sparrow reportsincluded two VESPER SPARROWS at ELHLAF on 1 Dec. (SB)and a LINCOLNS SPARROW on the Marietta CBC on 16 Dec.(fide BZ). A few rarely seen LAPLAND LONGSPURS werereported from Spalding Co. on 16 Dec. (EB,TK). A belated

report of a SNOW BUNTING was received by JSe from a FLbirder who saw the bird and took photos of it at St. MountainPark on 24 Nov. CS had a couple of good blackbird reportswith 60-70 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS in Paulding Co. on 21 Dec.and a BREWERS BLACKBIRD in Bartow Co. on 7 Dec.A rarewintering BALTIMORE ORIOLE was reported from theBuckhead area on 22 Dec. by FH. There were scatteredsightings of PURPLE FINCHES during the month, but no largenumbers. One of the few reports of PINE SISKINS was a birdin Roswell on 7 Dec. (SZ).

GEORGIA AREA

WHISTLING-DUCKS THROUGH DUCKS Interesting sightingsfrom the Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area (AWMA)near Darien included five BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS on 27 Dec. (TB) and 13 on 30 Dec. plus a GREATERWHITE-FRONTED GOOSE also seen on 30 Dec. (BZ, EH).

There were a number of reports of SNOW GEESE along witha ROSSS GOOSE in Whitfield Co. from 4 Dec. (DH) to at least9 Dec. (SP). Another ROSSS GOOSE was seen in Floyd Co.on 24 Dec. (fide AS).A CACKLING GOOSE made a briefappearance in Gordon Co. from 29 to 30 Dec. (JSp, MMc,DM). The Garden Lakes area of Rome played host to a ratheramazing number of waterfowl with as many as 192GADWALLS and 217 AMERICAN WIGEON on 22 Dec. (MD).On Lake Hartwell, JF and EH found the following on 1 Dec.:NORTHERN PINTAIL 29, REDHEAD 400, GREATER SCAUP 3, and BLACK SCOTER 1. At the West Point Dam on 2Dec., B&DZ and K&LT saw five CANVASBACKS, 18REDHEADS, two SURF SCOTERS, one WHITE-WINGEDSCOTER and two COMMON GOLDENEYES. At Clark Hill, GZfound nine CANVASBACKS on 9 Dec. On 6 Dec., a COMMONGOLDENEYE appeared on Skidaway Island for the seventhstraight year (RW). Two other COMMON GOLDENEYES were

seen at the Eufaula NWR on 7 Dec. (CM, BR).

LOONS THROUGH CRANES JF and EH had some excellentcounts at Lake Hartwell on 1 Dec. with 54 COMMON LOONSand 145 HORNED GREBES. On a pelagic trip out from TybeeIsland on 9 Dec., BZ, et al. recorded 10 MANXSHEARWATERS and 500+ NORTHERN GANNETS. A veryunusual observation was that of a MAGNIFICENTFRIGATEBIRD seen on the Cumberland Island CBC on 15Dec. by PK and SJ. Single adult GOLDEN EAGLES werereported from Piedmont NWR on 17 Dec. (PS) and from theOkefenokee Swamp on 29 Dec. (SW). A LIMPKIN was quitean interesting find at the GA Veterans Memorial State Park inCrisp Co. on 20 Dec. (TJ). There were seven reports ofSANDHILL CRANES, totaling approximately 3,100 birds.Thelargest number was the 2,000 seen in the Marshallville areaon 24 Dec. (WC). A single WHOOPING CRANE was reported

from the Eufaula NWR on 5 Dec. (fide JF).PLOVERS THROUGH OWLS A SNOWY PLOVER wasdiscovered by WC at Jekyll Island on 29 Dec. This would bethe second record for this species in GA if accepted by theGeorgia Checklist and Records Committee (GCRC). Luckilythe bird remained in the same general area through the endof the month. PURPLE SANDPIPERS were reported fromTybee Island by a number of observers, topped by the countof 15 there on 28 Dec. (BBe). On the 9 Dec. pelagic trip outfrom Tybee Island, BZ et al., reported 500+ REDPHALAROPES plus one POMARINE JAEGER and threePARASITIC JAEGERS. JF and EH had some good gull countson Lake Hartwell on 1 Dec. with 150 BONAPARTES GULLS,350 RING-BILLED GULLS and four HERRING GULLS. AWHITE-WINGED DOVE was seen several times on Tybee

Island during the month (CK, BZ, DV). Very unusual was aCOMMON GROUND-DOVE seen at Carters Lake on 7 DeTH and YB. Several observers reported seeing SHORT-EAOWLS at the owl fields near Cobb in Sumter Co., and Whad one to two birds at Eufaula NWR on 16 Dec.ANORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL was captured and banded iLamar Co. on 2 Dec. (CM).This species is very secretiveis undoubtedly much more common than our records

indicate.

HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH WARBLERS The GREEN-BREASTED MANGO, first reported in late Oct., remains aDublin feeder. By now it has been seen by hundreds ofbirders, thousands of photos have been taken, but somewe havent managed to anger the residents in the area.Congratulations to all who went to see the bird and weretheir best behavior.A RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD wstill on Skidaway Island on 18 Dec. (RW). A very rare SAYPHOEBE was found in Sumter Co. on 22 Dec. by BZ and Luckily the bird remained in the area through the end of month and was seen by many observers. The femaleVERMILION FLYCATCHER at Eufaula NWR continued to staaround the silos as it was observed on 7 Dec. by CM anBR. Four WESTERN KINGBIRDS were reported on the 15 Cumberland Island CBC (PK, SJ). Two late BARN SWALLO

were seen at Harris Neck on 15 Dec. (JF, EH). Lots of REBREASTED NUTHATCHES were reported with the peak coof 39 on the Amicalola Falls CBC on 29 Dec. (GS). A possSPRAGUES PIPIT was reported from the Marshallville sofarms area on 30 Dec. (DB). Interesting warblers includePRAIRIE WARBLER on Tybee Island on 14 Dec. (JF, EH), aNORTHERN WATERTHRUSH and male WILSONS WARBLEthe AWMA on 30 Dec. (BZ, EH),

SPARROWS THROUGH SISKINS As many as four CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS were seen at the AWMA on 30 DeBZ and EH. A LARK SPARROW was seen off and on at TyIsland at least through 14 Dec. (CK). A SMITHS LONGSPa GA first if accepted by the GCRC, was discovered by Wthe Marshallville sod farms on 24 Dec. Many observers wto the area and most were successful, but this bird was easy to see. Photos and videos were taken of the bird soshould have a good chance of correctly identifying this

species as it is not a trivial identification problem. On 31Dec., JF and EH found, in addition to the SMITHSLONGSPUR, at least three LAPLAND LONGSPURS. Can yobelieve a two Longspur day in GA? At least six BALTIMOORIOLES were seen in the Statesboro area on 22 Dec. byBBr.An immature BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen in BullocCo. on 9 Dec. (JP). GS had 12 RED CROSSBILLS on theAmicalola Falls CBC on 29 Dec. and BZ had 20 in theDawson Forest WMA on 31 Dec.The highest count of PINSISKINS was 23 in Blue Ridge on 10 Dec. (TS).

OBSERVERS Jerry Amerson, Steve Barlow,Tom Beal, EBeohm, Brandon Best, Yvonne Bombardier, Devin BoslerBrenda Brannen, James Brooks, Walt Chambers, DianaChurchill,Vickie DeLoach, Marion Dobbs, Jim Flynn, CliffGibbons, Jim Gilreath, Johnnie Green,Theresa Hartz, Raland Ilze Henderson, David Hendrix, Earl Horn, Liz Horsey

Florida Huff, Stephen Johnson,Terry Johnson, Panos andCheryl Kanes, Tracy Kirkpatrick, Rick and Sandy Krause,Carol Lambert, Chris McClure, Patty McLean, Mark McShMax Medley, DeeAnne Meliopoulos, Mary Meyer, DarleneMoore, Peggy and Terry Moore, Charlie Muise, Sandy PaJohn Parrish, Brian Rolek, Chuck Saleeby, GeorgannSchmalz, Jeff Sewell, Joshua Spence,Ann Stewart, TomStriker, Paul Sykes, Karen and Luke Theodorou,AndrewTheus, Dennis Tolsma, Rusty Trump, Dan Vickers, SteveWagner, Jarrod Ward, Russ Wigh, Sheila Willis, Bob and DZaremba, Stacy Zarpentine and Gene Zielinski.

Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Court, Roswell, GA [email protected]

December Field Notes by Terry Moorez

Wow what a month of birding in

Georgia! Not only were there a

number of holdovers from the

previous month, such as Green-

breasted Mango and tons of Red-breasted Nuthatches, but new

exciting finds came in one after another. Can

you imagine chasing in one month a Smiths

Longspur, a Snowy Plover, a Says Phoebe,

several Lapland Longspurs plus many others?

Needless to say Georgia birders were kept very

busy between participating in Christmas Bird

Counts and also chasing some of these

rarities.

The Atlanta area recorded 119 species in the

month (average = 114.7) to bring the year list

to 244 which is right on the average of

244.7.The Georgia area came in with 205, very

close to the average of 206.9 that brings the

year list to 338, which compares well to the

average of 333.1.



5/14

Field TripsCompiled by Dave Butler

March 2008

Field trips are open to the public and free (unless otherwise noted).We welcome everyone from beginners to advanced birders!

Please check the Atlanta Audubon Website (www.atlantaaudubon.org)for the additional March 2008 field trips that may be scheduled.

Shade-GrowCoffee

The Atlanta AuduSocietys Shade-GCoffee Committee

been working sinceto increase pubawareness of t

connection betw

neotropical migratoand traditional cofarms. As a volun

effort, our campaigto educate consu

about the positive rshade coffee playsconservation of so

habitat in the LaAmerican coffe

producing count

For more informaticoffee sources, v

www.atlantaauduboTo volunteer for com

activities, contact Brann at

[email protected]

Saturday, March 1,Marcia Klenbort, Marilyn HarrisPiedmont Park (City of Atlanta)Meet at 8 AM at the Piedmont Park ConservancyCommunity RoomBirding focus: Winter residents, migrantsDirections: The Piedmont Park ConservancyCommunity Room is located at the corner ofPiedmont Ave. and 12th St. From south of the city,take the I-75/85 connector north to the Pine St.Exit (Exit 249B). Go straight on Pine, crossingPeachtree St. Turn left on Piedmont Ave. Travelabout one mile to 12th St. From northwest ofdowntown, take I-75 south to the 16th St. Exit(Exit 250). Go straight, crossing 14th St. Followthe signs to 10th St. Turn left on 10th. Travel abouta half mile to Piedmont. Turn left on Piedmont to12th St. Due to street closings, including Exitsto 10th and 14th Streets from I-75 S.,consider exiting at Northside Drive. Fromnortheast of downtown, take I-85 south to the 17thSt. Exit (Exit 84). Continue straight, crossing 14thSt. Follow directions above.

Sunday, March 2, Georgann SchmalzSaturday, March 8, Georgann SchmalzDawson Forest WMA,

Atlanta Tract (Dawson County)Meet at 8 AM inside the gate at the wetlandsBirding focus: Migrants, residentsDirections: Drive approximately 35 miles fromthe I-285/GA 400 interchange to Dawson ForestRd. Turn left (west) on Dawson Forest Rd. Drive 4miles, crossing over GA Hwy. 9 and continuing twomiles into the WMA.

Saturday, March 8,Dave DeckerGwinnett Environmental &Heritage Center2200 Clean Water Drive, Buford, GA(near Mall of Georgia)

Meet at 8 AMBirding Focus: Migrants, residentsDirections: From I-85, take Exit 115 (Buford Dr./GA Hwy 20) and travel west toward Buford toPlunketts Rd. Turn left and continue straight toClean Water Dr. Turn left on Clean Water Dr. andcontinue straight to the Center. From I-985, takeExit 4 (Buford Dr./ GA Hwy 20) and travel Easttoward Lawrenceville to Plunketts Rd. Turn rightand continue straight to Clean Water Dr. Turn lefton Clean Water Drive and continue straight to theCenter. From Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, turn

north onto Satellite Boulevard to Woodward MillRoad. Turn right, cross over I-985, and stay straightto Plunketts Rd. Turn left and stay straight toClean Water Dr. Turn right and continue straightuntil you get to the Center.

Saturday, March 22, Chris ShowalterSaturday, March 29, Chris ShowalterFernbank Forest (DeKalb County)Meet at 8 AM at the Fernbank Science Center inthe side parking lot near the observatoryBirding focus: Migrants, residentsDirections: Fernbank Science Center is locatedat 156 Heaton Park Dr., Atlanta, GA 30307.

From I-285, take Stone Mountain Expressway (US78) toward Decatur. It becomes Scott Blvd.; turnright at Coventry Rd., then left at first light(Heaton Park Dr). From downtown, take Ponce deLeon east toward Decatur and turn left onArtwood before the overpass RR bridge, then righton Heaton Park Dr. The Science Center is on theleft.

Sunday, March 23,Lisa HurtSunday, March 30,Lisa HurtClyde Shepherd Nature Preserve(DeKalb County)

Meet at 8 AM at the Nature Preserve entranceBirding focus: Migratory songbirdsDirections: From I-285 N or S: Take Highway 78,Stone Mt. Freeway exit, west toward Decatur.Highway 78 passes North DeKalb Mall andcontinues up hill past Banner Ford. At intersectionof Highway 78, North Decatur Rd. and MedlockRd., take right on Medlock Rd. Follow MedlockRd. 1/4 mile to Medlock Elementary School; goright on Wood Trail Lane. Go through one stopsign; travel another 200 yards to Preserveentrance. From I-85 N or S: Take North Druid Hillsexit, east toward Decatur. After approx. 3 miles, goright on Hwy. 78 (at North DeKalb Mall). Follow

directions as above.

Birders participating in AAS-sponsored Field Trip

Photo by Art Hurt


6/146 Atlanta Audubon Soci

A Million Thanks!Atlanta Audubon Society is an amazing organization because of

its volunteers. As always, we extend our gratitude to ALL of ourvolunteers, but would like to send a special thank you to thefollowing individuals this month:

Many thanks toDenese Van Dynefor her service on the Boardof Directors. Denese recently stepped down from her position on

the board, and we are extremely grateful for everything she hasdone for Atlanta Audubon Society. She was invaluable in overseeing

publicity and helping us move to the next level in managing theorganization.

We want to thank our leaders who will be conducting our 2008 Warbler Weekend Workshop.The classroom session of the workshop is being led by Giff Beaton and will be held in April.This will be followed by a weekend field trip in May led by Theresa Hartz andLisa Hurtin the north Georgia mountains. Many thanks to these terrific leaders!

Each month, Terry Moorepulls together our Wingbars field notes. Its tedious work, butgreatly appreciated by our readers who ranked the Field Notes page as one of the mostimportant areas of the newsletter. We thank Terry for doing such an amazing job!

Compiled by Pam Higginbotham

Decemberame Hours Task/Eventhleen Bancroft 3 LAB training

e Blaisdell 1.5 Peel and Stick

m Blaisdell & 1.5 Peel and Stick

ms Niece 1.5 Peel and Stick

ms Sister 1.5 Peel and Stick

e Brann 4 Holiday Banquet

ve Butler 8 Managing field trips

m Eisenberg 3 WBProofreading

Flynn 12 Web site admin

hryn Fouts 1.5 Peel and Stick

ncy Hamilton 16 Holiday Banquet

hy Harman 3 Holiday Banquet

ry Harman 3 Holiday Banquet

rilyn Harris 3 Teaching LAB

m Higginbotham 10 Vol. Hour tracking

ry Ann Hindes 15 WingbarsEditing

rge Igyarto 20 Education

rcia Klenbort 2 Teaching LAB

y Hodges 50 Holiday Banquet

y Hopkins 13 Administration

a Hurt 4 Merritt Island Class

urt 14 Membership

rk Jernigan 5 Recording secretary

n Miller 38 President Duties, e tc.

hy Morrison 1.5 Peel and Stick

ry Nevil 3 LAB Training

ve Phenicie 3 WBProofreading

organn Schmalz 9 Field trips & WB

salyn Smith 5 Holiday Banquet

Sully 25 Answering phones

rbara Tarpley 20 Corr. Secretary,e tc.

bara Tarpley 25 Communications

inda Trevelt 4 Holiday Banquet

ce Trimble 7 WingbarsEditing

celia Turbyville 4 Holiday Banquet

tt Ward 3 Field tripor Williams 4 Speaker Series Mgmt.

vid Yon 20 Financial Mgmt

al: 357 Volunteer Hours

Darlene Moore began volunteering with AASin the fall of 2004, stuffing envelopes andmaking photocopies. She and Art Hurt areco-chairing membership this year.

Darlenes father is a birder and dragged heralong as a child to see some rarities like aGreat Gray Owl and a Red-neckedPhalarope. It wasnt until she moved toGeorgia four years ago, however, that shebecame serious about birding when herhusband suggested she get a hobby. She tookthe Master Birder course and has beenbirding ever since. This is where she met herbest birding girlfriends, the Babe-breastedWarblers (their teams name for the AllWomens Birding Bust that also includes

Cheryl Kanes, Becky Valentine, LyndaWiggins and Nita Wynn). Working together in2006 enabled each of these ladies to see 300species of Georgia birds.

Darlene has met many expert birder friendsthroughout the state and invites visitingbirders frequenting the area to accompanyher on field trips that she hosts with CherylKanes. She has learned not only about birds,but butterflies, plants and trees. She is also amember of birdingpal.com -- an Internet sitethat travelers can access to find a localperson to take them birding. She exclaimed,

Its a wonderful experience. She watchedBruno from Belgium see his first Red-

cockaded Woodpecker in thePiedmont NWR and Fredrik

from Sweden see his first Blue Jay.

Her favorite place to bird in Georgia depends

on the season. Spring is Warbler watching inthe North Georgia Mountains. Jekyll Islandand the barrier islands (Little Saint Simons,Cumberland and Saint Catherines) all havegreat birds like the Snowy Plover and theCommon Elder. In the summer UplandSandpipers, Buff-breasted Sandpipers andLongspurs can be seen migrating through thesod farms in Perry and Marshallville. Fall isWarbler watching at Henderson Park.Carters Lake has beautiful fall vistas andprovides wonderful birding any timelikethis years South Polar Skuas. Finally, winterreservoir birding at Walter F. George Dam

can be a wonderful or miserable experience,depending on the weather.

Darlene and her family live in Decatur. She isa wife, the motherof three children,and a part-timeNeonatal NursePractitioner atEmory UniversityHospital, but sheconsiders herselfa full-time birderor bird chaser.

She says she justcant stop!

Spotlighting... Darlene MooreBy Wendy Weathers

Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Voluntee

Corner Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Voluntee

Darlene Moore searching for

birds

Photo by Cheryl Kanes

TIMEWell Spent


7/14February 2008

Get Ready for aNew Birdathon 2008

Check out this years exciting program with new ways for everyone

to get involved to support Atlanta Audubons education efforts

As we look forward to enjoying this years spring migration, Birdathon is the perfect opportunity

to get involved and help support Atlanta Audubon. This year youll find that weve made a fewchanges, providing opportunities for everyone to get involved on some level.

Birdathon will take place April 19 to May 10, 2008. Your support helps us fund our educationalefforts including:

increasing the number of schools participating inAudubon Adventures; providing scholarships;

giving underprivileged children the chance to participate in Junior Birder Camp; expanding our Learning About Birds program;

supporting Georgias Youth Birding Competition; offering numerous birding workshops throughout the year; making more field trips available to the public;

providing important education programs through our Speaker Series programs; funding the second annual Birds in the Park celebration in Piedmont Park;

and so much more.

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of a Birdathon, heres what it is all about. Team memberssolicit pledges and donations, either on a per species basis or for a fixed dollar amount, fromndividuals or organizations. The teams count how many different species they see (or hear) in aimited period of time. Funds raised from the donations and pledges are used to sustain andexpand Atlanta Audubon Societys education efforts.

Birdathon is one of only two annual appeals our chapter makes for your financial support. Our

goal this year is to raise $10,000. This year you can participate in our Birdathon fundraiser inthese ways:

Organize a Birdathon Team.Invite a friend or two (or more) to share in a fun big day of birding. You dont need to be an

expert or even have previous experience to participate. Its all about having fun and raising neededfunds for Atlanta Audubon Society. If youd like to learn more about organizing a team, contact

our 2008 Birdathon Coordinator, Allyson Read, at [email protected]. All Birdathon teamsshould contact Allyson Read with your information so we can add your information to the Website and members can contact you about sponsoring your team.

Sponsor a Birdathon Team.You can sponsor a Birdathon Team, either by pledging an amount per species or donating a fixed

amount. Our Birdathon Teams appreciate your financial support of a very worthy cause. You canfind a list of our Birdathon teams and contact information on how you can pledge to that team onour Web site at www.atlantaaudubon.org. This information should be available online in late

March.

Participate on an Individual Level.You can also participate in this years Birdathon through your own bird count tally. Record whatbirds you see in a 24-hour period during the Birdathon period (April 19 to May 10) on the

Birdathon insert (or go on-line for a copy at www.atlantaaudubon.org). You can do your birding bywatching your feeders, taking a walk in the woodswherever you would like to go birding. Send

n your forms to be counted in ourBirdathon 2008 Bird Checklist.

Participate in a new program for Atlanta Audubon: Guided Birdathon Teams.Our new Guided Birdathon Teams might be just what youre looking for if youd like to actively

participate in Birdathon, but dont have the time to organize your own team effort. See thefollowing article for details on how to go guided for Birdathon 2008.

Atlanta Audubon Society needs you.

We hope you will join us in this fun and exciting fundraising event.


8/14

8 Atlanta Audubon Socie

Go Guided with new Guided Birdathon TeamsAre you just too busy to plan your own Birdathon team? Then check out our new Guided

Birdathon Teams. All trip preparations are made for you and each trip is meant for birders of alevelsbeginning birders are especially welcome. You do not have to be a member to

participate. Join the team on your own or bring a friend. We will offer five trips fromexperienced trip leaders for a focused half-day to day of birding.

To participate, contact our office at 770.913.0511. Well sign you up for the trip of your

choice. The cost per person, per trip, is a minimum $25 donation/registration. Well also sendyou a Birdathon packet, including directions to the meeting location, a bird checklist, etc. All of

the monies go to Birdathon and our education efforts. Each team is limited in size, so if youreinterested in joining a team dont delay.

Warbler Wranglerswith Giff Beaton

April 2008*, 7 AM to 11 AM*(This April trip will be announced in the April Wingbars)Join Giff Beaton, the guru of Kennesaw Mountain birding and author ofBirds of KennesawMountain, and enjoy this special Birdathon trip to one of the countrys most important birdareas. Youre sure to spot many species of warblers and other migrant passerines. This trip is

limited to eight participants.*Due to Giffs varied work schedule, we will not know his date until late March.

If you are interested in the trip, let us know and well also contact you directly to give you thedate as soon as we know it.

Ridge and Ravine Raptorswith Jay DavisSaturday, May 10, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PMJay Davis will provide a terrific all-day trip to northeast Georgia, including Lake Hartwell,

Chattooga River, Rabun Bald and Black Rock Mountain (some moderate hiking). Expect tospend a fun day exploring some birding hot spots. Participants will carpool from Atlanta or

meet at Lake Hartwell. This trip is limited to 15 participants.

Birdathon Buntingswith Lisa HurtSunday, April 20, 8 AM to 12:30 PMLisa Hurt welcomes you to a special morning of birding at Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve andHenderson Park (time will divided between these two places). You can expect to see many grea

species on this special trip. Lisa is one of our most popular field trip leaders and alwaysprovides a great time for all. This trip is limited to eight participants.

Wing Riderswith Darlene MooreSaturday, May 10, 7 AM to noonDarlene Moore invites you to join her for a fun morning of birding at Conyers International

Horse Park. Expect to see many great species as you explore the area. The trip will also include

a stop at the end for lunch. This trip is limited to 12 participants.

The Birding Adventures Clubwith Georgann SchmalzSaturday, May 10, 8 AM to 11 AMGeorgann Schmalz, one of Atlanta Audubons favorite trip leaders and producer of theBird

Songs of Georgia CDs, will take you on a special trip through Dawson Forest WildlifeManagement Area where you are bound to see many species and beautiful sites. This trippromises to be a lot of fun for everyone. This trip is limited to eight participants.

Submit

Your

Birdathon

2008

Bird ChecklistThis year, we are excited to

announce that we will be

collecting and tallying Atlanta

Audubons first ever Birdathon

2008 Bird Checklist. Dont

miss out on the opportunity to

add your personal checklist toour final tally. Our big tally will

come from our Birdathon

teams, guided trip leaders and

YOU. All you have to do is record

what birds you see (or hear!)

during any 24-hour period

during the Birdathon period

(April 19 to May 10) and fill out

the tally sheet found in this

ssue of Wingbars(you can also

download a copy from

www.atlantaaudubon.org). Send

in your tally sheet to Atlanta

Audubon, P.O. Box 29189,

Atlanta, GA 30359, and well do

the rest. Results will be posted

online, in Wingbars, and will

also go to Cornell Universitys

bird lab and National Audubon

Society. Dont miss out on this

chance to submit YOUR bird

checklist this year and help

make this program

a big success.


9/14February 2008

Its a cold Thursday afternoon in January,

and these 15 1st-5th graders have been in

school for a long day already. Now they are

filling tiny chairs in Ms. Marsha Francis

Kindergarten room on the ground floor of a

bright new school building in southwest

Atlanta. The Adamsville neighborhood isnt

well known. Its west of I-285 and south of I-

20 on the very southwest edge of Atlanta.

The school sits amid small houses and big

trees on a hilly lot with woods at the edges.

The students are members of

the Margaret Fain Elementary

School Science Club.

Science Club begins with a

snack period. AAS Master

Birder, Kit Robey, makes the

rounds of the tables. Do youknow who we saw on our way

out to your school this

afternoon? She opens the Jim

Wilson book1 to the Great Blue

Heron page. A student grabs a

Sibley Eastern Birds2 and looks

in the index to find out more

about this bird. Now a boy is

standing with arms spread to

approximate the wingspan.

I wanted to start a science

club, says Ms. Francis. I wantour students to be aware of the

nature around them, and I want

them to exercise their curiosity

doing experiments that they wont

necessarily experience during the school day.

So LEARNING ABOUT BIRDS came along at

just the right time for me!

Ms. Francis joined other

teachers in the metro area

for the November 3 LAB

training, and by December

she was calling the ScienceClub into being on Thursday

afternoons from 2:30 to 4 PM.

It was the school secretary,

Ms. Margaret McWhorter,

who first made the

connection to the Atlanta

Audubon Society. She was

part of a group attending an AAS training

class for LEARNING ABOUT BIRDS (LAB)

last June at the Adamsville Recreation

Center. After doing the ecology web activity

and identifying Atlantas common birds in an

identification game, she announced to the

group: I want this for my school!

This January afternoon is the third meeting

of the Science Club. Having learned bird

parts and having spent a day with the AAS

stuffed Barred Owls, today is Owl Pellet

Dissection Day. Cant wait for

owl pellets! was the subject

line of Ms. Francis e-mail to

the Master Birder volunteers.

For an hour, students leaned

over their pellets, using

toothpicks, straight pins, andan ice cream stick to scrape

away the fur and feathers and

get at the bones buried inside.

They assemble the bones on

their bone charts: Is it a hip

bone of a shrew; the femur of a

vole; the rib of a songbird? Kit

noted after the lesson: Even

kindergarten children

understood the concept that

they were sifting through to

find the bones left over fromthe owls meal of a small

rodent. Students enriched their

vocabularies, too. Dissect,

regurgitate, pellet, sterilize are concepts they

now understand; and they have met some

new animals, too: shrew and vole.

LEARNING ABOUT BIRDSBy Marcia Klenbort

Mr. Marcus Stallworth,

Principal at Margaret

Fain Elementary, an

Atlanta Public School, is

pleased with the AtlantaAudubon Society

connection. Thanks to the

AAS volunteers for giving

time and talents to

inspire our students to get

connected to science. I am

excited about our science

club, and I thank you for

helping to turn our

students dreams intorealities!

Students and Kit Robey dissecting owl

pellets at Margaret Fain Elementary

Photo by Marcia Klenbort

Activities and materials were assembled by

AAS volunteers from the Education

Committee. Costs of the materials were

borne by the Georgia Department of Natural

Resources, Watchable Wildlife Division.

Photo by Marcia Klenbort(Kit Robey and Marilyn Harris also volunteer at Margaret Fain Elementary School)1Common Birds of Atlanta by Jim Wilson2The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America by David Allen Sibley

Bird banding will takplace at Ft. Morgan St

Historical Park, GulShores, Alabama, fro

dawn until mid-afternoon March 29

April 10 The birdbanding is free once yget in the park, but this a charge to get onthe State Park properBring a chair for eacmember of your partwater, bug spray, yocamera and lunch, i

needed. For moreinformation, contac

Martha or Bob Sargeat 205.681.2888 [email protected]

SCIENCE CLUB PHOTOS


10/1410 Atlanta Audubon Soci

2007-2008

LEARNINGABOUT BIRDS Teachers and LeadersWho are they?

Where in the metro Atlanta area do they teach?

Special Bird

Banding

Opportunity

with Charlie

MuiseAtlanta Audubon Societymembers and guests are

nvited to join CharlieMuise at Panola Mountain

State Park the morning ofMarch 16 to experience

he fun of bird banding.Participants should meetat 9 AM at the main

entrance on SR 155 northof McDonough. You will

be led to the banding siteon a section of the park

hat is restricted. Ifnterested, please contact

Charlie at

[email protected] toet him know. If it rains or

s too windy, he willcontact you to cancel.

Bird Bandingontinued from page 1.

Education Committee ReportBy Marge Igyarto

As I start my term as education chair, I am excited and also grateful for the support and enthusiasm

evident in this committee. The education folks continue to be very busy with some projects that are doin

very well.

LEARNING ABOUT BIRDS: This program continues to thrive in area schools under the leadership of

Marcia Klenbort and Marilyn Harris. There are many enthusiastic teachers and volunteers involved. They

are also starting to get requests for assistance at science nights at the schools. The owl presentations in

particular are very popular.

IMBD: We will be coordinating our efforts with Piedmont Park again. Sue Sturgess is in the process of

meeting and planning this event.

Field Trips: Lisa and Art Hurt took a group to Merritt Island in January. This has proven to be a very

worthwhile, rewarding and popular event.

Scholarships: Interviews for the Barnsley and Echols scholarships will be taking place March 1. More

information will appear in later issues ofWingbars.

Chattahoochee Nature Center: I will be meeting with Amy Bram, the director of Camp Kingfisher, on

Wednesday, February 6. We will be discussing how Atlanta Audubon might be involved in their summer

camp program.

As you can see, education is a vital and busy committee with several ongoing projects as well as special

events. We can always use more volunteers. Whether you can spare a couple of hours or would like to be

more involved, we would love to hear from you. Let me, Marge Igyarto, ([email protected]) or Nancy

Hamilton ([email protected]),Volunteer Coordinator, know that you are interested.

Sheila Appling is Science Lab teacher at Centennial Place

Elementary School (Atlanta Public Schools).

Kathleen Bancroft, an AAS member, assists MelodySwierski, 5th grade teacher at Tritt Elementary School

(Cobb Co.).

Brittany Camp is an environmental educator who leads

field trips and summer camp experiences at Arabia

Mountain Nature Center (DeKalb Co.).

Anna Conrad is Science Lab teacher at Trinity School, a

private school in Atlanta; she and AAS member and nurse

Scottie Johnson will bring birds to 429 students.

Marsha Francis is a Kindergarten teacher at Margaret Fain

Elementary School (APS); she and Margaret McWhorter

have a vision for school-wide science and birds.

Buddy Goodloe runs a 4th-5th grade bird club after school

at Glenwood Academy (Decatur), where AAS members,

Becky Valentine and Cheryl Kanes, help him.

Mrs. R. R. Harris and Barbara Leath started their first

year of teaching birds at Collier Heights Park and

Adamsville Center (Atlanta).

Richard Hatchers science class at Campbell Academy

(APS) is focused on flight this year.

Claire Hayes and her staff teach birds at the DunwoodNature Center (DeKalb Co.).

Stephanie Gwinn, Librarian, and Roy Jackson, Scienc

Lab leader, continue with LAB this year in their

environmental projects at Parkside Elementary Schoo

(APS).

Christina Marr teaches birds to adults and children at M

Creek Nature Center (Gwinnett Co.).

Mary Nevil, an AAS member, coaches her Brown

Thrashers Bird Club at Knollwood Elementary, where she

librarian (DeKalb Co.).

Mary Nevins and Rick McCarthy are environmental

educators at Cochran Mill Nature Center (Fulton Co.).

Sheri Pisaturo teaches 13-year olds in her Contenders

Home School group (Gwinnett Co).

Ellen Powell, a longtime bird teacher and AAS membe

teaches Challenge classes at Bolton Academy (APS).

Camilla Warren, a parent, coaches three classes this ye

at Medlock Elementary (DeKalb Co).

Catharine Kuchars bird banding

experience @ Jekyll IslandBanding Station

Photo by Kuchar Admirer


11/14March 2008

An exceptionally wonderful experience was had

by all the birders attending Atlanta Audubons

Merritt Island Shorebird Workshop over Martin

Luther King weekend in January, which was very

capably led by Lisa Hurt and Theresa Hartz. We

saw 95 species of birds, and I learned so much.

A group of about 15 of us drove down toTitusville, Florida, where we stayed at the Best

Western near the waterfowl impoundments of

the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Scouting a day

early with Lisa and Art Hurt, birders Sylvia

Chandler, David Criner and I were treated to

Lesser Scaups, Black-bellied Plovers, Short-billed

Dowitchers, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater

Yellowlegs, Dunlins, Ruddy Turnstones, and an

immature Great Black-backed Gull while we

were crossing the Indian River Intracoastal

Waterway. Once we were near the Mangrove

ponds, which are beautiful in and of themselves,we saw hundreds of American Pintails, Northern

Shovelers, some American Widgeons, a few

Eurasian Widgeons, Blue-winged Teal and

several dozen Green-winged Teal. Along the

pump house road we saw 60 or more American

Avocets feeding in long lines that were criss-

crossing each other. Their black and white

feathers made patterns similar to the June Taylor

Dancers. Intermittently flying near them was a

pair of Black Skimmers dipping into the water

with their longer lower mandibles eating

delicious food. Hundreds of other standing Black

Skimmers were snoozing in long lines on thewater. The next day with the rest of the group,

we saw a Sora and a Clapper Rail up close. We

had a very good look at two Bald Eagles in their

nest feeding their two youngsters. The third day

we went to the Viera Water Reclamation Project

and saw a Crested Caracara, an American

Bittern, some Ruddy Ducks and had a lovely

view of three River Otters. Theresa Hartz and

other members of the group went on to Ponce

Inlet and New Smyrna Beach and saw a Great

Cormorant, which was a life bird for them.

The one uneggceptional thing was the eggs atthe Best Western. David Criner said they were

worse than the Navys. Not a huge

recommendation, though I would certainly

reserve a place for this trip when you see it on

the AAS Web site for next January.

Merritt Island DreamingBy Amy Leventhal

Peoplewho photograpfeed or simp

watch wildlife Georgia spent eye-popping $1billion in 2006according to

trends-trackinU.S. Fish and

Wildlife surveThe estimate to

the state'sprevious high that category

amongcomparable

surveys: $99million spent

1996 on whatcommonly callwildlife watchin

Roseate Spoonbill in flight

Photo Cathy Harman

Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge Dreamers

Photo Larry Harman

Crested Caracaraa

Photo Cathy Harman

Q:WhatspeciesrecentlydethronedtheArcticTernas

thebirdwiththelongestmigration?

Seepage___fortheanswer See page 12 for answer

Q: Spending winterconsiderably furthernorth than otherwarblers, what is aYellow-rumped Warbler'sprimary source of foodduring winter?


12/14

CLASSIFIEDSRates for 2.5 x 2.5 ads are $20/month or $45/quarter. Ads must be consistent with the conservation and birding

mission of Atlanta Audubon Society. Ads may be accepted via e-mail, preferably in .pdf format. Call 770.913.0511 ifyou have questions. Send payment toWingbarsAds, Atlanta Audubon Society, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359.

Send ads via e-mail to Catharine Kuchar at [email protected].


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

Bird Songs of GeorgiaCD now available.

Email Georgann Schmalz [email protected] or visit

www.birdingadventuresinc.com

Answer: SootyShearwater

Answer:Berries

Many of our newer AAS members who have joined since mid-2000 will likely remember our membership brochure, which was designedwhen our Atlanta Chapter of the National Audubon Society began a locally-based membership, Friends of Atlanta Audubon (FOAA). In case

you are interested in the brochures history, our own renowned Georgann Schmalz was instrumental in getting permission for the artwork

from Charley Harper, who died last June at the age of 84. I was privileged to be Membership Chair at the time and worked with Georgann

this exciting time in Atlanta Audubon Societys history, so I thought the following excerpt from the January 31 posting of Audubon in the

News would be of interest in case you missed it. Even if it is a repeat, we can never say thanks often enough to Charley for the contributio

his art added to our handsome brochure.

Artwork of Charley Harper, Renowned Contemporary Bird Artist,Featured in Audubon Magazine Online Photo Essay

New York, NY - You might know him by the numerous posters he did for ecological parks, nature centers, and wilderness reserves. Or,

perhaps youre familiar with his illustrations appearing in Betty Crocker cookbooks or Morton Salts advertisements. But Charley Harper,whose artistic career spanned more than six decades, was also admired for his unique repertoire of bird illustrations and paintings. Throug

the use of bright colors and simple shapes, Harper perfected a style that enlivens the essence of his feathered subjects and reveals his dee

respect for nature. Now, a new book celebrates Harpers work. To read more about the artist and his singular style, view bonus shots not

available in the magazine, and test your powers of observation in a Charley Harper bird quiz, go to

http://www.audubonmagazine.org/features0801/photoessay.html.

Privileged ConnectionBy Barbara Tarpley


13/14March 2008

Wingbars is mailed only to Friends of Atlanta Audubon. All new National Audubon Society

members receive an introductory copy and can continue to receive this newsletter by becoming aFriends of Atlanta Audubon member. Enrollment as a Friend of Atlanta Audubon does not include

membership in the National Audubon Society. Thus, you 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 the Atlanta Audubon Society

BENEFITS

OF

MEMBERSHI

11 issues(June/Julycombined) ofWingbars

Newsletter

Friends discounton classes, tripsand special even

Use of the AASlibrary

Agreattaxdeduction!

Thanks to allof you for your suppo

and enthusiasm.

Getting to Know Georgias Protected Birds:Kirtlands Warbler

Kirtlands Warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii) isa small songbird, 15 cm (6 in) in length,

with a bluish gray back with dark streaks.Females have a slight brownish tint to theeathers on their backs and shoulders. The

hroat, chest and abdomen of both sexesare yellow with black streaking or

potting on the flanks. While it might look

similar to the Canada Warbler or MagnoliaWarbler, one behavioral clue that sets the

Kirtlands Warbler apart from the othergray-backed warblers is a tendency to bob

or wag its tail.

Kirtlands Warblers nest in northern lower

Michigan in large stands. It winters in theBahamas and may travel through Georgia

during migration. Only a few seasonaloccurrences of this species have beenrecorded for Georgia, although very few

records exist for any state along itsmigratory pathway.

This warblers diet consist of centipedes,caterpillars, sawfly adults and larvae,

grasshopper nymphs, flying moths,deerflies, horseflies, crickets, blueberries,

and pine sap in the summer with berries

and insects in the winter.

Kirtlands Warblers are consideredendangered according to the State of

Georgia listing and endangered at thefederal level. An endangered bird is a

species which is in danger of extinctionthroughout all or part of its range. Habit

loss on the breeding and winteringgrounds and Brown-headed Cowbirdparasitism are the greatest threats to

Kirtlands Warblers. Surveys of singingmales showed significant declines in

numbers from 1961 (when there were 5to 1974 (when only 167 were recorded)Numbers have sporadically increased af

large fire breakouts in jack pine habitatcritical area for breeding.

Source: Georgia Department of NaturResources, Protected Animals of Georg

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 JMasterCard JVISA

_______________________________ _________Card Number Expiration Date

J Renewal J New Membership

Name _____________________________________

Address ___________________________________

City____________________ State ___ Zip ______

E-mail ____________________________________

Phone_____________________________________

J Basic Membership

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

J Family................................................$35

J Student..............................................$15

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

J Supporting Membership ...............................$100

J Donor Membership ......................................$250

J Patron Membership......................................$500

Receive an official Atlanta Audubon T-shirt

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

Receive above plus autographed copy

Birds of Atlanta

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.


14/14

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S.POSTAGE

P A I D

Atlanta, GA

Permit #917

Atlanta Audubon SocietyBox 29189 Atlanta, GA 30359

Wingbars is printed on recycled paper

ATLANTA

AUDUBON OFFIat Dunwoody Nature Cen

5343 Roberts Drive

Dunwoody, GA 30338

770.913.0511

Send all mail forAAS to:

PO Box 29189Atlanta, GA 303

400DunwoodyVillage

M

t.Ve

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wy.

Mt.Vern

on Hwy.

ChambleeDunwo

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Rd.

Chamblee

DunwoodyRd.N.Shallowfo

rdRd

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Dunwoody

Rd.

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Spaldin

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SpaldingDrive

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Peachtree

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PeachtreeRd.

Exit 30

Exit 30

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285

Join us for a

Birdathon

Activity

No Speaker Series

in April

Atlanta Audubon Society is an independent, non-profit

501(c)(3) organization. Your donations are tax

deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Volunteers are needed to help staff

the Shade-Grown Coffee

Committee's table at Zoo Atlanta's

Celebrate Think Green Day. Answer

questions and hand out information

to Zoo visitors about the connection

between traditional coffee

plantations and migratory bird

habitat. No experience needed!

Contact Jane Brann at 404.237.3542

or email [email protected]

Zoo Atlantas CelebrateThink Green Day 2008

Saturday, March 8, 2008 10 AM to 2 PM

Mim Eisenbergs exhibit atthe Phoenix and DragonBookstore gallery during

April. Reception

April 4 at 7 PM,5531 Roswell Road,

Atlanta, GA.

march 2008 wingbars newsletter atlanta audubon society

Documents