may 2010 wingbars newsletter atlanta audubon society
TRANSCRIPT
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8/9/2019 May 2010 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
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ATLANTAAUDUBON SOCIE4055 Roswell Roa
Atlanta, GA 3034
678.973.2437www.atlantaaudubon.o
GOS RARE BIRD ALE
770.493.8862
May 2010
Volume XXXVI, Issue 5 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY
I N S I D ESpeaker Series................
Presidents Perch............
Secret Life of Birds.........
Field Notes - February....
Field Trips........................
Bird Collision Brochure...
A Million Thanks.............
Volunteer Opportunities.
Wild in Roswell ..............
Bartram Workshop .........
Tree ID Workshop ...........
Coyotes, Cats, & Cardinal
Book Review..................
Workshop Registration...
Classifieds.......................
Destin Bound?....................
Membership....................
Hmmm.........................
Duck Box Yields Rare FindBy Dave ButlerAs a great example of AASs collaboration with other localorganizations, the Friends of Constitution Lakes, (led by AtlantaAudubon board member Joy Carter), and DeKalb County NaturalResources Management, (represented by Conservation Chair, DaveButler), installed three duck boxes at Constitution Lakes, a 125-acrepark in southwest DeKalb County. The duck boxes were built anddonated by former AAS board member Art Hurt.
Several of the Friends checked the boxes in late March and, lo andbehold, a Hooded Merganser was settled on her eggs in one of theboxes. According to the experts, this is a rare find so we areextremely proud of providing this duck with a safe nesting space atthe lakes. It looks like the other boxes may be occupied as well, mostlikely by Wood Ducks.
Special thanks to Art for the boxes, Joy for pushing us to get them upthis year, and Eddie Klest for the boat; all soon to be proudgrandparents.
Long-range Planning for AASThe Atlanta Audubon Board of Directors authorized the development of a long-range plan at its meetingon Feb. 9. The decision was made after a ten-minute presentation byCarl Tyler, a former board member. He pointed out that AAS reached
important benchmarks in the past five years. Under the leadership ofthree-time president Georgann Schmalz, the Society initiated theMaster Birder program that continues to be an important source ofboard members and officers. In 2005 AAS held an executive retreat atthe recently enhanced facilities of the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Area. Asingle decision made that gathering important to Atlanta Audubon. Wedecided to hire an Executive Director.
The following President, Kelly Hopkins, formed a search committeethat selected Catharine Kuchar as our first Executive Director. Shortlythereafter a group of board members formulated AASs first StrategicPlan, another milestone in the Societys development. An updated planis ready for approval by the board that will carry us through 2012.
Now Atlanta Audubons offices are beyond anything we have everknown. Additional staff administer the Society very effectively. Morerecently they are developing an educational program that extends ourbounds. Atlanta Audubon is more fun than ever!
AAS is also poised to make more of a difference than it ever has. Butwhat will this difference be? Where is Atlanta Audubon headed? Theboard authorized a Task Force on Long-Range Planning to addressthese questions. Given the recent revision of the AAS Mission Statement, the time is right! At the Aprilboard meeting Carl, who volunteered to serve as task force chair, presented a proposal on how toproceed for board consideration, modification, and approval. Since the proposal calls for a group thatincludes both board and general AAS members, let Carl know if you are interested in serving. He can bereached at [email protected].
A good home for a rare find, thanks to
AAS and friends
Photographer: Eddie Klest
AAS Education Center and pond
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Board of Directors2010
OFFICERSPresident Carol Hassell
President-elect Vacant
Co-TreasurersEllen Miller
Tom Painter404.524.8833
Recording Secy Mark [email protected]
DIRECTORSConservation Dave Butler
Education Vacant
Field Trips Stanley [email protected]
Communications Vacant
Public Relations Beth Giddens770.792.3712
JoAnn Jordan678.488.8022
Volunteers Vacant
AT LARGE
Jay Davis404.624.4973
Pam Higginbotham770.939.3592
Harriette Hoyt770.650.8501
David Kuechenmeister404.822.8089
Victor WilliamsEarthshare Representative
STAFF
Executive Director Catharine Kuchar678.973.2437
Education Coordinator Emily Toriani-Moura678.973.2437
Administrative Coordinator Sally Davis678.973.2437
WebsiteJim Flynn
Wingbars ManagerDiane Hawkins-Cox
Wingbars EditorSusan Milne404.502.5496
ProofreadingSteven Phenicie
Design & LayoutCopy Preparation 770.939.2002
Newsletter deadline is the first of the monthfor 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 AtlantaAudubon Society and is published 11 times a
year. We feature news, upcoming events,meetings, field trips and projects. We hope youwill join us. Opinions expressed are those of theauthors and do not necessarily reflect policies
of the Atlanta Audubon Society.
Mission Statement:
Protecting Georgias birds and the habitats that sustain them
through education, conservation and advocacy.
2 Atlanta Audubon Soci
SPEAKER SERIES EVENTConservation Planning for At-Risk Species
Thursday, May 20, 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Location: AAS Conservation and Education Office
4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342
During the last 20 years, we have seen the advent of conservation plans
for waterbirds, shorebirds, and of course landbirds, based on the North
American Waterfowl Management Plan, and some early successes sinc1990. These successes have come largely from the collaboration betwee
conservation planning and scientific research. There is no doubt that threlationship between the two strategies is mutually beneficial. However
at times the association can be a bit similar to the chicken or the eggscenario.
The research component of conservation planning is used to identify the
resource that limits the imperiled species by gathering the pertinentbiological information. These results lead to recommendations for
management practices, which are then evaluated by monitoring theireffects. The two aspects are dynamic, adapting to the needs of thespecific issue at hand. These three components of adaptive resource
management - research, management, and monitoring - keep the researcand management finely tuned to the specific needs of the target species.
These processes are easily monitored within our borders, on U.S. soil. However, what happens t
the plan when the problem migrates outside of the U.S. and onto foreign land without the samconservation goals? Or, how do we respond when a species population size and range become
severely reduced? The Swallow-tailed Kite and Short-tailed Hawk are two species whosemanagement scope has been expanded and then adapted, through a series of applied-research
projects designed to optimize management and inform conservation planning.
Ken Meyer and Chuck Hunter have been working hand-in-hand to tackle conservation risks andwill help us understand the dynamic relationship between research and management of at-risk
species.
Ken is the founder and director of the Avian Research and Conservation Institute of Florida and
an associate professor at the University of Florida. He has dedicated his life to studying thebiology of vulnerable species such as Short-tailed Hawks,Swallow-tailed Kites, Great White Herons, and White-crownedPigeons among others.
Chuck serves as the Chief for Planning and ResourceManagement for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuges, NationalWildlife Refuge System, Southeast Region. For over 15 years, he
has been involved in the development of southeastern U.S.conservation plans. He presently works on implementing
recommendations across the Southeast on National WildlifeRefuges, as well as assisting other State and Federal agency
partners.
Dont miss this opportunity to hear from two truly dedicatedconservationists and the way in which their organizations have
shared this vital mission.
The monthly meeting and speaker presentation will begin at 7:30PM. Come early at 7:00 PM to meet the speakers and get to know
other AAS members and bird enthusiasts. This meeting is open tothe public.
Chuck Hunter in Ecuador
Photographer: Peg Gallagher
Ken Meyer holding a Short-tailed Hawk
Florida
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Do No Harm
The birders whom Ive had the privilege of meeting since I became interested in this fascinating activity strike me as being trufine people. Most of them share a passion for and excitement about birds, naturally, but they also are concerned and aware ofhe importance of conservation that can positively affect birds (and, thereby, other animals and plants). They take steps to lea
about the seasonally changing needs and activities of birds.Every once in a while, though, we should all step back and assess how WE may impact birds in the field. Its up to each andevery birder, regardless of the reason for his or her interest in the activity, to be aware of this need. A quick scan of theAmerican Birding Associations Code of Ethics could be summarized: Do no harm.
The Code states, In any conflict of interest between birds and birders, the welfare of the birds and their environment comesfirst. With that in mind, the precepts relating directly to impact on birds are common sense, including:
To avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger, exercise restraint and caution during observation, photography, sounrecording or filming. Use artificial light sparingly. Limit use of recordings to attract birds; dont use them at all if the specieis Threatened, Endangered, of Special Concern, or rare in your area.
Stay well back from nests, nesting colonies, roosts, display area, and important feeding sites.
Keep habitat disturbance to a minimum.
There is more to the Code, but these concepts seem to me to form the basis for any activity in the field. Perhaps a periodicreview of the entire code at www.aba.org/about/ethics.html should be something each of us does similar to our habit ofreviewing our bank or investment account statements. For birders, such thoughtfulness could be considered a small investmen the future of birds and their habitats.
Presidents Perchby Carol Hassell
The Secret Life o f BirdsTens of thousands of web watchers have been keeping tabs day and night on a barn owl nest box in San Marcos, California.Bird lovers Carlos and Donna Royal installed the box, complete with three webcams, and started streaming the video on thenternet after a barn owl they dubbed Molly moved in. So many people tuned in that it attracted local and national news
coverage. Never have so many been so fascinated by watching baby birds hawk up owl pellets! If you want the inside story onMolly, her mate McGee, and owlets Max, Pattison, Austin and Wesley (and an egg that didnt hatch which some wags call
Dudley), go to www.ustream.tv/theowlbox.
Carlos in an online chat with schoolchildren Max, Molly and Pattison Waiting for Mommy
Molly strikes a pose Getting some brotherly advice Molly grabs a rodent for lunch
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ATLANTA AREA
GEESE THROUGH EGRETS Five GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GEESE remained in Bartow Co.
at least through 20 Feb. (KB et al.).A ROSSS
GOOSE was reported from the E.L. Huie Land
Application Facility (ELHLAF) in Clayton Co. on 24
Feb. (CL). JSe had an excellent count of 290
GADWALLS at the ELHLAF on 10 Feb. Some of
the rarer ducks were seen this month with two
CANVASBACKS at Lake Acworth on 14 Feb. (JG),
five CANVASBACKS at Lake Varner in Newton Co.
on 19 Feb. (MMcS), 18 REDHEADS at Lake Varner
on 21 Feb. (PMcL), five WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS
at Lake Varner on 19 Feb. (MMcS) and aCOMMON GOLDENEYE at Lake Varner on 21 Feb.
(PMcL) and was previously reported by HG. MF
had an impressive count of 1092 RING-NECKED
DUCKS at Lake Varner on 17 Feb. A rather sizable
count of 42 WILD TURKEYS was made in Paulding
Co. on 4 Feb. (MW).A GREAT EGRET was a good
find at the ELHLAF on 19 Feb. (CL et al.).
CRANES SANDHILL CRANES were very widely
reported during the month with at least 28
separate sightings totaling approximately 11,000
birds although Im sure there was some amount
of duplication in these numbers. The peak
movement appeared to be in the period of 22
23 Feb.
NUTHATCHES THROUGH ORIOLES A RED-
BREASTED NUTHATCH was seen at the Mercer
Wetlands on 17 Feb. by PMcL.The two best
counts of RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were 100+ at the
Big Creek Greenway in Alpharetta on 2 Feb. (LC,
KO) and 200 in Lawrenceville on 11 Feb. (BBe).A
BALTIMORE ORIOLE was a good find in DeKalb
Co. on 12 Feb. (EB).
GEORGIA AREA
GEESE THROUGH SPOONBILLS A ROSSS
GOOSE was a good find in Carroll Co. on 1 Feb.
(VS). The TUNDRA SWAN previously reported last
month in Floyd Co. was last reported on 20 Feb.
(PMcL). Two other TUNDRA SWANS were seen in
the Augusta area on 20 Feb. (LS). Excellent
waterfowl counts included 65 REDHEADS at Bear
Creek Reservoir on 28 Feb. (RH, JN) and 49
COMMON GOLDENEYES at West Point Dam on 7
Feb. (MMcS). Thirty-one AMERICAN WHITE
PELICANS were seen along the Jekyll Island
Causeway on 3 Feb. (LT). A GREAT CORMORANT
was discovered at the Walter F. George Dam on
27 Feb. (WC). Four ROSEATE SPOONBILLS on 4
Feb. were an interesting winter record on Jekyll
Island (LT et al.).
CRANES There were at least 14 reports of
SANDHILL CRANES totaling about 5500 birds. The
highest count was the 3000 3500 in Gordon Co.
on 8 Feb. (JSp). The peak days of movement were
from 19 Feb. through 22 Feb.
SHOREBIRDS THROUGH NUTHATCHES - GK
reported a good count of 46 AMERICAN AVOCETS
on Jekyll Island on 6 Feb. A SOLITARY SANDPIPER
seen at the Altamaha Waterfowl Management
Area (AWMA) near Darien on 5 Feb. (CM) was
either a rare wintering bird or a very early arrival.
Other interesting shorebird reports included a
LONG-BILLED CURLEW on Jekyll Island on 8 Feb.(JMcN) and 18 PURPLE SANDPIPERS on Tybee
Island on 7 Feb. (JMcN). CG and MDod observed
100 RAZORBILLS about 7 miles off Brunswick on
10 Feb. for a rare report of this species. A WHITE-
WINGED DOVE report came from Darien on 14
Feb. (DC). Two BARN OWLS were seen in Gordon
Co. on 13 Feb. by JSp. Single RUBY-THROATED
HUMMINGBIRDS were seen in the Macon area for
most of the month (JFe) and in Valdosta for the
entire month (JSw).A WESTERN KINGBIRD was a
good spot in the Brunswick area on 16 Feb. (BW).
A rather early PURPLE MARTIN was seen at theEufaula NWR on 7 Feb. (NF). Two RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCHES were seen in Fannin Co. on 4 Feb.
(JSp) and another had taken up residence at a
Bogart feeder for most of Jan. and Feb. (AH).
WARBLERS THROUGH SISKINS A NASHVILLE
WARBLER was first seen at the Phinizy Swamp
around 1 Feb. and then again on 14 Feb. (LS).The
previously reported VIRGINIAS WARBLER
remained at a Valdosta feeder the entire month
(JSw). A rare wintering OVENBIRD was seen at
the AWMA on 18 Feb. (TK). Interesting sparrow
reports included a BACHMANS SPARROW in
Burke Co. on 14 Feb. (JFl), a GRASSHOPPER
SPARROW in Macon Co. on 4 Feb. (PR), two
HENSLOWS SPARROWS at Paulks Pasture on
Feb. (CM) and three at the same location on 8
Feb. (JMcN), a LE CONTES SPARROW in the
Albany area on 27 Feb. (AA), a LINCOLNSSPARROW in the Macon area on 13Feb. (TMc)
and 14 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS in Gord
Co. on 28 Feb. (NF). GW had a rare combinatio
two PAINTED BUNTINGS and a single PINE SIS
at his feeder in Glenville on 7 Feb. Good black
counts were 290 RUSTY BLACKBIRDS near
Columbus on 14 Feb. (WC, BBi) and 34 BREW
BLACKBIRDS in Murray Co. on 3 Feb. (JSp). JF
had a male BALTIMORE ORIOLE in the Macon
area on 13 and 14 Feb. Two PINE SISKINS we
seen in the Athens area on 20 Feb. (JMcN).
CONTRIBUTORS Alan Ashley, Brandon Best,Birkhead, Ken Blankenship, Eric Bowles, Patric
Brisse, Renee Carleton, Ellen Carrie, Rachel C
Walt Chambers, Doris Cohrs, Leslie Curran,
Marion Dobbs, Mark Dodd, Nathan Farnau, Jim
Ferrari, Jim Flynn, Terry Forbes, Mark Freeman
Hugh Garrett, Chris Geller, Clay George, Jim
Gilreath, Greg Green, Johnnie Greene, Richard
Hall, Eddie Hatchett, Pam Higginbotham, Pierre
Howard, Alison Huff, Brock Hutchins, Lynda
Jenkins, Gene Keferl,Tim Keyes, Gordon Knigh
Rick and Sandy Krause, Carol Lambert, Hal
Massie, Trey Mccuen, Patty McLean, Joel McNMark McShane, Max Medley, Mary Meyer,
Darlene Moore, Peggy and Terry Moore, Charli
Muise, James Neves, Karen Osborne, Sandy
Pangle, Pam Potter, Paul Raney, Chuck Saleeb
Jeff Sewell, Steve Slayton, Joshua Spence, Lo
Stacey,Vicky Stead, John and Kate Swiderski,
Lydia Thompson, Marty Weems, Gene Wilkinso
Vicki Williams, Brad Winn, and Stacy Zarpentin
.
Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Ct., Roswell, GA
30075 [email protected]
February Field Notes by Terry Moorez
After such an exciting January, it
was only to be expected that
February would turn out to be a
rather normal month. And that it
was! We had great reports of
Sandhill Cranes moving through the
state and decent numbers of some of the less
common waterfowl but that was about it. The
Atlanta area recorded 100 species for the
month (average = 103.6) to bring the year to
date list to 123 (average = 118.7). The Georgia
area did better with 197 species (average =
190.7) to bring the year to date list to 215
(average = 214.1).
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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 May field tripsthat may be scheduled.
Sketch by Anne McCallum
Saturday, May 1, 7:30 AM
Charlie Elliott Wildlife Management Area, Mansfield,
Jasper and Newton CountiesEddie Hatchett
Meet at visitors center parking lot on Elliott Trail.Birding focus: Charlie Elliott Management Area includesields, ponds and woodlands. At this time of the year, raptors,
herons, flycatchers, bluebirds, meadowlarks, vireos, warblers,nd tanagers all may be seen. Directions:From Atlanta take-20 east to Exit 98/GA11, turn right and follow for 9.5 mi. Turneft onto Marben Farm Road (spelled Marbin in someocations) and follow the sign to the visitors center, which is athe end of Elliott Trail (a right turn off of Marben Farm Road).
Saturday, May 1, 8 AM
Piedmont Park, midtown Atlanta
Matt WardMeet at the Piedmont Park Conservancy building, corner ofPiedmont Ave. and 12th St.Birding Focus: Migrants and permanent residents.Notes and Directions: This trip is especially good for
eginners, children and families, who are invited on all AASrips. A few extra pairs of binoculars will be available toorrow. Directions:From south of Atlanta, take I-75-85 northo Pine St. (exit 249B). Go straight on Pine, cross Peachtreet. and then turn left onto Piedmont Ave. Travel about one
mile to 12th St. From northwest of Atlanta, take I-75 south toExit 250 and follow the signs to 10th Street. Turn left onto0th and follow it 1/2 mile to Piedmont Ave. Turn left onto
Piedmont, and follow it for 1/2 mile to 12th St.Fromortheast of Atlanta, take I-85 south to Exit 84, and follow theigns to 10th Street. Turn left onto 10th, and then follow theirections above. From MARTA, get off at the Arts Centertation, walk south to 14th St., turn left (east) and walk twolocks to Piedmont Ave., and then turn right and walk twolocks to 12th St.
Saturday, May 1, 2 PM and 4 PM
Blue Heron Nature Preserve, Atlanta, Fulton County
my LeventhalMeet at parking lot of Blue Heron Nature Preserve, 4055Roswell Road, N.W., Atlanta.Birding focus: Birds of woodlands and wetlands. The preservehas woodland trails and a creek and wetlands formed byNancy Creek.
Notes and directions: These two brief walks starting at 2 andPM are offered in conjunction with the Ecofair Celebrationt the Blue Heron Nature Preserve, which is the home of the
Atlanta Audubon Society office. They are oriented specificallyo beginners and extra pairs of binoculars can be borrowed.
Directions:From downtown Atlanta, take Piedmont Avenuenorth until it intersects with Roswell Road. Turn right on toRoswell Road and travel 0.8 miles to the preserve entrance onour right.From the north side of I-285, take exit 25 on to
Roswell Road, and travel south (inside the perimeter) 3.3miles from the exit. The entrance to the preserve will be onour left.
Sunday, May 2, 7:30 AM
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Kennesaw,
Cobb CountyMark McShane and Patty McLean
Meet at the field adjacent to the visitors center parking lot.The parking lot is at Kennesaw Mountain Road, immediatelyoff of Stilesboro Road.Birding Focus: Kennesaw Mountain is Georgias firstImportant Bird Area and is one of the premier spots forfinding migrating birds anywhere along the east coast. Therehave more than 20 species of warblers seen on the best days,and the mountain is excellent for vireos, flycatchers, tanagers,thrushes, the Baltimore oriole, and many other birds. This
walk should be near the peak of spring migration.Note and Directions: The group plans to bird the area aroundthe visitors center parking lot and nearby field, and then walkup the road to the top of the mountain and back down theroad. The gate to the Visitor Center parking lot may not beopen until 7:30 AM. Directions from Atlanta are revised frompreviously published ones, because Old Highway 41 betweenRidenhour Road and Stilesboro Road has been closed becauseof bridge construction. Directions: Take I-75 north from
Atlanta to exit 267B, and follow the exit ramp to the right in acircle back across I-75. Follow the signs to U.S. 41, and turnright at the traffic light onto 41 north. After about 0.5 miles,look for a Burger King on your left, at which point turn left atthe traffic light onto Bells Ferry Road and keep right. Makethe first right onto Old U.S. 41. After 1.2 miles, turn left ontoStilesboro Road and make an almost immediate left into the
visitors center parking lot. (Note that if you arrive before 7:30AM, park along Old US 41 just past Stilesboro Road.) Thelatest Old Hwy 41 road closure information and detaileddirections to Kennesaw Mountain are available at thefollowing two websites:http://www.nps.gov/kemo/planyourvisit/directions.htm, andhttp://www.nps.gov/kemo/index.htm
Wednesday, May 5 and Wednesday, May 12, 8 AM
Cochran Shoals Unit of Chattahoochee River NRA,
Cobb County, 8 AM.
Hugh GarrettMeet at the kiosk at the north end of the parking lot locatedat the Interstate North Parkway entrance to Cochran Shoalson the Cobb County side of the river. The address is 1615Interstate North Parkway, Atlanta. There is a parking fee of $3
(or annual pass) at this site.Birding focus: Cochran Shoals has a diverse habitat of river,fields and forest that is very attractive to many species ofresident and migrant birds. It is one of the best places in
Atlanta to see the red-headed woodpecker, as well as severalspecies of raptors, swallows, and the Great Blue Heron.Philadelphia Vireo is found annually, and the Prothonotary
Warbler usually nests here. Many other species of warbler,several vireo and flycatcher species, and Summer and ScarletTanagers, often can be found.Notes and directions: Note that considerable walking isinvolved, some of which might be on wet grass.Directions from Atlanta: Take I-285 to the Northside Dr./NewNorthside Dr./Powers Ferry Rd. exit (exit 22). Going west onI-285, turn right at the first light onto Interstate NorthParkway. Get in the middle lane and stay on this road as it
curves west, through the intersection with Northside Drand then crosses the river. After crossing, the parking loimmediate right. Going east on I-285, continue east at eto the second light, then turn left (north) onto New NorDrive and stay in the middle lane. Cross the bridge overand continue through the traffic light on the other side Interstate North Parkway, and then continue with instruabove.
Thursday, May 6, 8 AM
Henderson Park, Tucker, DeKalb CountyJeff Sewell
Meet at the second parking lot from the entrance, whic
the right just past the soccer field and adjacent to the tecourts. (The first parking lot is on the left.)Birding Focus: Raptors and spring migrants, including
warblers, vireos and thrushes. The park has a lake, sommarshy areas, and good woodland habitat.Notes and directions: Bring waterproof and sturdy foofor walking on muddy, wet, and/or hilly terrain.Directions: From downtown Atlanta, take I-75/85 nort85 north and follow I-85 just past I-285 to exit 96,Northcrest/Pleasantdale Road. After traveling straight adistance on the access road, turn right onto PleasantdaRoad, which becomes Tucker Norcross Road and thenChamblee Tucker Road (CTR), heading south. Keep goistraight on CTR south and do not make a right turn ontogoing west. Also, do not turn onto Livsey Drive, but rathright onto Livsey Road, which is 2.9 miles from the
intersection of I-85 access and Pleasantdale. (You will ssmall brown sign for Henderson Park at the turn). FolloLivsey Road until it ends and turn left into the park. Theparking lot on the right where we meet is 0.3 miles frompark entrance.
Saturday, May 8, 9 AM to Noon
Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve,
DeKalb County
Dave Butler (cell phone 404.580.3917).Meet at the nature center, 3787 Klondike Road, LithoniBirding Focus: Beginners field trip for spring migrants resident birds.Notes and directions: This trip is specifically designed beginners. It will start with an indoor class at the naturcenter (1 hour) that will include some tips on birding a
presentation by Michael Ellis with the Atlanta Wild AniRescue Effort (AWARE) with a couple of birds. Then the
will go to the historic Lyon Farm for the actual birding.Directions:From the west (Atlanta, Decatur): Take I-2to Evans Mill Rd. Exit 74. Make no turn for over 1/2 milethe Dairy Queen, then turn right onto Evans Mill Rd. at second traffic light. Note that the road becomes Woodro
when Evans Mill Rd. makes a right turn. Do not turn ontEvans Mill, but stay straight on Woodrow until it ends atKlondike Rd. Turn right. Drive 1.2 mile to the main (norparking lot on your right (0.2 mile after the caution lighFrom the east (Conyers, Covington): Take I-20 West to EMill Rd. Exit 74. Turn left from the exit ramp onto EvanRd., and proceed to Woodrow Dr. as above.
If you would like to lead a field trip, volunteer to help with the Field Trip Committee, contribute ideas for places to go,or give feedback about leaders or trips, please e-mail Stan Chapman, Field Trips Coordinator, at [email protected].
Note:For up-to-date information about field trips, go to atlantaaudubon.org. It is wise to check this website to make sure no changes have occurred in theschedule of trips. All trips are open to the public. No reservations are necessary. The only fees that apply are those charged for entrance to any venue.
Continued on pag
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Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner VolunteCorner Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Volunte
A Million Thanks!Atlanta Audubon Society is an amazing organization because of its volunte
As always, we extend our unending gratitude to ALL of our volunteers, b
we would like to send a special thank you to the following individuals t
month.
We want to send a big thank you to Michael Clifford and Joy Carter feverything they did to make this years photo contest a big success. Thayou, Michael and Joy!
We are also grateful to Ethan Hatchett, son of Eddie, for creating artwor
our new journal curriculum for grade school and middle school students. Wreally appreciate your help, Ethan!
A big thank you to Stuart Arey, Carole Manley and Donna Wensink for helping to prepare Learnin
About Birds activity bin materials.
Also, a million thanks to Marilyn Harris, Marcia Klenbort and Mary Nevil for co-leading the MarchLearning About Birds Teacher Training. Your continued support and enthusiasm is what keeps our
education programs thriving. Good luck to Marys Youth Birding Competition team, the Brown Thrash
olunteerOpportunities New Online Brochure:
How to Prevent Birds from Coll iding
with Home Windows/Doors
American Bird Conservancy (ABC) has just published a new,
downloadable brochure
(www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/collisions_flyer.pdf) that
offers a variety of tips on how to reduce the chances of birds fly
into home windows and glass doors. Scientists estimate that 300
million to one billion birds die each year from collisions with gla
the majority of which is on homes.
A bird may survive flying thousands of miles on migration, only
die when it tries to fly to a tree or sky reflected in your window.
Thats tragic. Its also preventable. This publication emphasizesquick, cost effective ways to reduce the chances of that happening, while minimizing obstructio
of your view, says Dr. Christine Sheppard, Manager of ABCs Collisions Program.
Every year, people bump into glass doors. This happens enough that youll often see frosted ar
at eye level, especially in public buildings. she said. The same thing happens to birds, only mo
collisions are lethal.
The publication describes techniques homeowners can use to help birds see windows, and
includes links to suppliers of suggested materials.
ABC is the only national organization with a program dedicated to reducing bird deaths from
collisions. ABC promotes bird-friendly construction and has helped develop legislation recently
introduced by Congressman Mike Quigley, (D-Ill.) that would require bird-safe construction for
new federal buildings. ABC is also conducting research to identify the most effective ways to dbird collisions and how to rate effectiveness of different materials. Dr. Sheppard says much of t
work in the collisions program is made possible through a generous grant by the Leon Levy
Foundation.
Writers
Wanted
Calling all would-be
Hunter S. Thompsons
(but no mind-bending
substances, please)!
Become a Wingbars
correspondent and feel
the thrill of seeing your
name in a byline. If you
have time to write the
occasional article for
the flagship publication
of the Atlanta Audubon
Society, please contact
Diane Hawkins-Cox at
Question:
Which birdhad thelongest
continuallyused tree
nest?
See page 9 for answer
Photograph by
American Bird Conservancy
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8/9/2019 May 2010 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
7/12May 2010
Not an Early Bird?Evening Bird and Wildlife Walk
Tuesday, May 25Meet at 6:30 PM
Atlanta Audubon Society and the ChattahoocheeNature Center invite you to our evening bird andwildlife walk. Well meet at the awesome Big CreekWetlands Park in Roswell and enjoy an evening ofbird watching, wildlife viewing and just a greatcasual walk. This event is free and open to everyonewho hates to get up early in the morning and allhose early birds too. Event will not be held if it isaining. Directions: Traveling north on 400, get off
at the Holcomb Bridge Road exit and travel eastowards Norcross. Go through one light and thenurn left onto Old Alabama Road. About a _ mile
down the road, on the left, youll see the entranceo the Big Creek Park for Roswell. Turn into the lot.
The immediate lot you enter is where the mountainbikers park. Go past this lot and down the dirt road
or a bit. The road runs along utility lines. At theend of the path, it will take a right turn into the bigparking lot. Park here. We will meet right by theestroom area at the start of the paved trail. This is
a different meeting location than our other AASevening walks.
Peeps and PancakesBird Walk
Saturday, May 22Meet at 7:30 AM
Atlanta Audubon Society and the ChattahoocheeNature Center invite you to our Peeps andPancakes Bird Walk in Roswell. Well meet at the
Vickery Creek entrance of the National Park(located on Riverside Drive, almost across fromRiverside Park in Roswell). Our leader will guideparticipants on a walk in this very special sectionof the park. Well walk over the covered bridge,take a peek at the Mill ruins and walk up the hill toJ. Christophers Restaurant for breakfast.
Afterwards, well wander back through the park toour original meeting place. These events are free,(food will be on your own), and open to everyone,(moderate hiking level). Parking at the site is $3.Events will not be held if it is raining.
WORKSHOPS/CLASSES FORAAS AND CNC MEMBERS
Chattahoochee Nature Center
Gardening for Birds andOther WildlifeSaturday, June 5, 10 AM to 11 AMLearn fun ways to create a wildlife habitat in yo
backyard that attracts birds, pollinators and otinteresting wildlife with an Atlanta AudubonSociety instructor. After the class, you can walkaround the grounds to see some of the plantsmentioned in class and enjoy the CNCs butterfgarden.
Introduction to Bird IdentificationThursday, June 3 from 8:30AM to 10AMOpen to everyone in the family. Learn the basichow to identify birds by sight and sound so youfamily can enjoy moments in nature together.Taught by an Atlanta Audubon Society instructthis will include a 45-minute class session and minute walk around the grounds of the CNC.
Wild in Roswell CelebrationSPECIAL BIRD WALKS
Big Creek Wetlands Park
Photographer: Bobby Daniels
How to ID a TreeThursday, May 27
6 PM to 8:30 PM
How well do you know your trees? Tree ID skills will aidyou not only with finding birds in their natural habitatalso with describing birds locations to others you areguiding. Understanding the relationship between a birdspecies and its preferred tree (i.e. Cedar Waxwing andberry-producing trees or Nuthatches and pine trees) hus to understand their behaviors and habitats moreintimately, giving us a greatersense of appreciation.Join us on Thursday, May 27from 6 PM to 8:30 PM as ChrisShowalter teaches aboutidentifying trees by leaf, bark,shape and habitat, as well asbird/plant associations.Cost: $35 Friends of AAS/$45non-members.
Location: AAS Education Officeat the Blue Heron NaturePreserve, 4055 Roswell Rd.,Atlanta, GA 30342
Would you like to learn more about the travels of the greatnaturalist and explorer, William Bartram?
Would you like to learn how to sculpt a bird out of clay?
Then this workshop is for you! Chris Wilson, a wildlifesculptor, will not only talk about his meditations on andinspiration from his ancestor, William Bartram, he will alsolead you through the process of creating your own originalpiece of art. Chris has won over 100 first place awards and 82Best in Show awards for his sculptures. He has taught artclasses at Kennesaw State University (KSU), created over 100sculptures in public and private collections, and recently
finished a commission for Midnight Watch, a monumentalsize bronze owl statue on the KSU campus. Dont miss thisone-of-a-kind opportunity to sculpt a clay bird with such atalented instructor!
Charge: $85 Friends of AAS/ $105 Non membersLocation: AAS Education Office at the Blue Heron NaturePreserve, 4055 Roswell Rd., Atlanta, GA 30342
Space is limited and registration is required. Complete andsend in the Workshop Registration form on our homepage, www.atlantaaudubon.org, toregister. Contact Emily Toriani-Moura at 678.973.2437 for questions
Chris Wilsons Wilson Wildlife Sculpture web site:http://wilsonwildlifesculpture.com/index.html
Discover Your Inner MichelangeloSaturday, June 19, 10 AM to 2 PM
William Bartram and Midnight
Watch
Chris Showalter
Photographer: Tony Madde
Fernbank Science Center
orkshops Workshops Workshops Workshops Worksh
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8/128 Atlanta Audubon Socie
How are coyotes, domestic
cats, and Cardinals (and other
birds) connected? Coyotes kill
pet cats, and coyotes and cats
both attack wild birds. People
lose their beloved pets and
nature loses millions of birds
annually.
Although Atlanta Audubons
main purpose is bird
conservation, the protection
of our environment for all
wildlife, as well as for people,
is our overarching goal. To
that end, we want to provide
our members with
information that covers this
issue from a broaderperspective, taking into consideration birds, first and foremost,
but also through the eyes of the coyote and the millions of cat
owners in Georgia.
First, some coyote biology:
Coyotes are most active at night and in the early morning (but
may be seen any time of day)
They are omnivorous -- eating plants, fish, garbage, small
mammals, and (darn it) BIRDS
They give birth once per year to an average of six pups
Coyotes may carry rabies but the incidence is extremely rare
(foxes and raccoons more often contract rabies)Coyotes fill an ecological niche in the Southeast once held by the
Red Wolf, (Red wolves disappeared from the Southeast in the
1800s). Coyotes help control rodents and fit the role of the top
predator in our ecosystem. They are not a protected species and
may be removed subject to local laws. However, the species will
continue to breed to fill the available habitat, an important point
to remember when trying to control coyotes. The factors
limiting coyote populations are space and food sources. The
successful return of the coyote throughout the U.S., despite
centuries of poisoning, shooting, trapping, and other methods of
eradication, shows that coyotes are here to stay.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources policy on coyotes
is learn to live with them. This policy is echoed by local
governments that do not have the resources to trap or otherwise
remove coyotes. Homeowners are free to hire a trapper to catch
coyotes but they cannot be released elsewhere once caught; they
must be euthanized (state law)..
Now to the felines. There are over 100 million domestic cats in
the U.S.; some estimates say over 150 million including those
abandoned, escaped, and living in the wild. Millions die every
year from disease, starvation, accidents, and yes, coyotes. Cats,
like dogs, are extremely important to their owners and are gre
companions. Yet many people let their cats roam free to catch
disease, fight with other cats, or get caught by Wile E. Coyote
As for the birds, the rate of decline of our most common spec
is startling. Over the last 40 years, the average populations of
common birds have fallen by 68 percent. According to theNational Audubon Societys Common Birds in Decline List:
Rusty Blackbird 98% decline over the last 40 years
Field Sparrow 69% decline
Eastern Meadowlark 66% decline
Wood Thrush (the most beautiful bird song in the woods)
50% decline
Red-headed Woodpecker 50% decline
The combination of habitat loss, building collisions, invasive
species competition, climate change, and predation by cats is
devastating to our bird populations. Cats that are let outside b
their owners kill hundreds of millions of birds (and billions of
small mammals) each year. Cats are not natural predators a
some people would argue; they are well fed and have the
advantage of superior care and health. The birds are losing an
our ecosystem is suffering.
Please consider the following:
Keep pet cats indoors or in enclosed pens in the back yard
Neuter your cats (and dogs)
Dont leave pet food outside (may attract coyotes)
Keep garbage in tight containers
Support the efforts of Atlanta Audubon Society and other
conservation organizations
For the conservation of our remaining birds and the protectio
your pet, please take care of your cat and keep her indoors.
For more information:
American Bird Conservancy www.abcbirds.org
National Audubon Society www.audubon.org
Cornell Lab of Ornithology www.birds.cornell.edu
Georgia DNR _ www.georgiawildlife.org
Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort (AWARE)
www.awareone.org
COYOTES, CATS, AND CARDINALSBy Dave Butler
Cats that are allowed outside kill millions of birds every year.
Photographer: Ishpuz
Coyotes kill a lot of pet cats and wild birds.
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8/9/2019 May 2010 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
9/12
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8/9/2019 May 2010 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
10/1210 Atlanta Audubon Socie
CLASSIFIEDS
Rates for 2.5 x 2.5 ads are $20/month or $45/quarter. Ads must be consistent with the conservation and birding mission
of Atlanta Audubon Society. Ads may be accepted via email, preferably in .pdf format. Call 678.973.2437 if you have questions.Send payment to WingbarsAds, Atlanta Audubon Society, 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342.
Send ads via email to Catharine Kuchar at [email protected].
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Downtown Blue Ridge & Inside Mercier Orchards
611 E. Main St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513(706) 258-BIRD (2473) blueridgebirdseed.com
P.O. Box 921455, Norcross, GA 30010
Website: www.workshopcreations.comE-Mail: [email protected]: 770-448-5363 Fax: 770-448-5363
Affordable Housing
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Order on our website:
Saturday, May 8, 8 AM
Red Top Mountain State Park, Cartersville,
Bartow County
Victor Williams
Meet at the Red Top Mountain Lodge and Restaurant, 50Lodge Road, SE, Cartersville, GA.Birding Focus: Spring migrants and resident birds of
woodlands, fields and lake.Notes and directions:A state park fee applies ($5.00 per
vehicle). This trip will start on the Lakeside Trail whichmakes a 3/4 mile loop around a restored 1869 log cabin
with field and woodlands habitat and a view of AllatoonaLake. It is ADA accessible for the full length. Other areasof the park also will be explored. Directions: Take I-75
north from Atlanta to exit 285, which is Red Top MountainRd. Exit to the right and go approximately 2 miles. Turnleft at the visitors center cabin then follow the signs to theLodge.
Sunday, May 9 and Thursday, May 20
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, DeKalb County, 8 AM
Lisa Hurt
Meet at the entrance to the preserve at the corner of PineBluff and Wood Trail Roads in Decatur.Birding Focus: Clyde Shepherd has a boardwalk over apond and wetland, and woodland trails. Spring migrants,including warblers, vireos, and tanagers may be seen.Raptors are commonly found, and the pond may haveherons and wood ducks.Note and Directions: Bring waterproof footwear, as trails
can be wet. If it has rained recently, rubber boots areadvisable. Directions:From I-285 N or S on the east sideof Atlanta: Take Highway 78, Stone Mt. Freeway exit, westtoward Decatur. Highway 78 merges with LawrencevilleHighway (also called US 29) and passes North DeKalb Mall,
after which it changes name to Scott Blvd. Shortly, you willpass the QT station on your right. Just past this station,turn right at the next street, Harrington Road. Follow it for0.6 miles and turn right on to Wood Trail Lane. Follow
Wood Trail a short distance until it makes a 90 degree turnto the left and becomes Pine Bluff. The entrance to therefuge, where the group will meet, is at this corner.From
I-75-I-85 N or S: From I-85 north or south, take North DruidHills Rd. exit, east toward Decatur. After approx. 3 miles,
you will see North DeKalb Mall on your right. At that point,turn right on to Lawrenceville Highway, which is alsoHighway 29. After 0.6 miles, right past the QT station, turnright on to Harrington Drive and follow directions as above.
Saturday, May 22, 8 AMSweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mount Vernon
Road, Lithia Springs, Douglas County
Phil Deleztrez (cell phone 404.218.4425)
Meet at the Office/Interpretive Center inside the park.Birding Focus: Late migrants and summer and permanentresidents of wetlands and forest, including herons, woodducks, herons, warblers, thrushes, vireos, tanagers andflycatchers.Notes and directions:With its falls, overlooks, and lake,Sweetwater Creek State Park is Georgias most-visited statepark and is the closest state park to the city of Atlanta. Itoffers a diverse birding habitat of woodlands, streams,
wetlands, grasslands and a large lake. There is a $5.00state park fee per vehicle. Directions: Take I-20 west from
Atlanta, to exit #44 at Thornton Road, which is the third
exit west of I-285. Turn left onto Thornton Road and go 1/4mile. Turn right on Blairs Bridge Road, and after 2.1 milesat a 4-way stop, turn left on Mount Vernon Road andproceed to park.
Field Trips Continued from page 5
Bird Songs of GeorgiaCD now available.
Email Georgann Schmalz atgeorgannschmalz@windstreamor visit www.birdingadventuresinc
Field Trips Sponsored by
Oconee Rivers Audubon SocietyAtlanta Audubon Society has a cooperative relationship with Oconee Rivers Audubon Society centered in Athens. Asa service to our members, both publicize the walks of the other so as to increase the opportunities for all. Please seethe Oconee Rivers Audubon website, http://www.oconeeriversaudubon.org/upcoming.html#walks for their scheduled
walks. Directions are available from the Hotspots tab on their website. Their May schedule includes two walks:May 1: Georgia State Botanical Garden, Athens, 8 AM.May 8: Kennesaw Mountain, meeting in Athens to carpool at 7 AM. The group will arrive later at the mountain.
Would You Like to
Save Trees?
And save AAS tim
and monies in th
process?
If so, you can optout of receiving you
monthly newsletter mail and instead rea
Wingbars
online.Just send us a message at
[email protected] well do the rest. Thecurrent issue is posted at
www.atlantaaudubon.org at tbeginning of the month.
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8/9/2019 May 2010 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
11/12May 2010
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,
you 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, 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342.
You can also join online: www.atlantaaudubon.org.
Join Atlanta Audubon Society
BENEFITSOF
MEMBERSHI 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 Director4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342
J Please charge my credit card:
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J Renewal J New Membership
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Receive an official Atlanta Audubon T-shirt
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Renew Online!
You can renew your memberonline by visiting our websitewww.atlantaaudubon.org a
linkingto the membership p
We are excited to be able to o
this service to you!
Simply go towww.atlantaaudubon.
and click onJoin/Renew AAS Onlin
(located under the log
Atlanta Audubon members can receive a 10% discount on the published rates of this
gulf-front Destin condo (www.emeraldtowers1203.com) by contacting Jim Wensink
770.926.4313. For each one-week reservation made by members
between now and Nov. 1, a donation of $50 will be made to
Atlanta Audubon Society.
Atlanta Audubon Members Support Atlanta Audubon Society
by spending some vacation time in Destin this year.
Vacation here, save money and
help AAS all at the same time!
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8/9/2019 May 2010 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
12/12
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P A I D
Atlanta,GA
Permit #917
Atlanta Audubon Society4055 Roswell Road Atlanta, GA 30342
Atlanta Audubon Society is an independent, non-profit
501(c)(3) organization. Your donations are tax deductible to
the fullest extent allowed by law.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Wingbars is printed on recycled paper
Things that make you go, HmmmBy Steve Phenicie
Many Audubon members pride themselves on their ability to spot a Purple-breasted Who-ze-whats-it in a bush 300 yards away. They seem to
know just about everything there is to know about birds. Not me. In fact, Im barely a birder at all.There are many things I still wonder.
For example, who gave the franchise on Christmas cards to the Northern Cardinal? Did this bird have to pay off Santa Claus or what?Would your yuletide greetings be any less sincere if you sent a card adorned with a Turkey Vulture or a Brown-headed Cowbird?
Why is the Yellow-rumped Warbler so reluctant to display its yellow rump? Isnt this sort of like a beauty contestant not wanting to showher curvature? It would be a lot easier to identify if it wasnt shy about its most prominent feature.
And why do Song Sparrows seem to have more outfits than a Delta flight attendant? Again, itwould make identification easier if everyone wore standard-issue feathers complete withprominent spot instead of this dress-as-you-wish stuff.
Howd the Tufted Titmouse get its name? Couldnt its stature be enhanced a bit if its name didntbring to mind Orkin or Terminix?
Do the White-breasted Nuthatch and the Brown Creeper have some kind of sneaky agreement?(You work up the tree and Ill go down.) Could the government rule this an anti-competitive laborpractice?
Why does my neighborhood call its swim team the Mallards? True, we have quite a few Mallardsin our neighborhood, which backs up to the Chattahoochee River, but we also have Yellow-belliedSapsuckers, and no one seems to name a team after them.
On the professional level, why do we root for the Atlanta Falcons, Hawks and Thrashers and not, for example, the Atlanta CommonGrackles?
And has anyone ever considered replacing our national symbol, the Bald Eagle, with the European Starling? After all, Birds ofGeorgia says that the starlings prime habitat is fast-food parking lots. What better symbol of America than a bird associated with a BigMac and fries?
Tufted Titmouse: image problem?
Photographer: Ken Thomas