november 2009 wingbars newsletter atlanta audubon society

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

1/12

SPEAKERSERIESNew Management Policies for Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons

Where do we go from here?Thursday, November 19, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

AAS Office & Education Center at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve

ATLANTAAUDUBON SOCIE4055 Roswell RoaAtlanta, GA 3034

678.973.2437www.atlantaaudubon.o

GOS RARE BIRD ALE

770.493.8862

November 2009

Volume XXXV, Issue 10 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY

I N S I D EAnnual Appeal.................

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

Art Opening at Blue Hero

Field Notes - August .......

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

Spotlight - Charles Seabroo

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

Golden-winged Warbler..

Dragonflies......................Bird Artistry.....................

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

Colombia Trip....................

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

Southern Birding Trails......

Both the Bald Eagle and the Peregrine Falconhave stared directly into the face of possibleextinction. Both magnificent hunters sufferedgreatly during the decades in which DDT wasused as an agricultural pesticide. Along withthe impact from black market eggcollectors and illegal hunters, it

seemed as if these birds would notsurvive. However, both the BaldEagle and the Peregrine Falconhave made remarkable recoveries,thanks not only to the protectionprovided by federal legislation suchas the Bald and Golden EagleProtection Act of 1940 and theEndangered Species Act of 1973(ESA), but also to the hard workand determination of federal, stateand local conservationists. In 1995,the Bald Eagles status of

Endangered was reduced to Threatened,and it was completely removed from the listof threatened and endangered species 12years later. In 1999, worldwide captive-bredrelease programs also led to the removal of

the Peregrine Falcon from theselists.

Please join Jim Ozier, a wildlifebiologist and program managerwith the Georgia Department ofNatural Resources NongameConservation Section for anexplanation of how Georgiawildlife will be affected by thetwo new policies recentlypublished by the U. S. Fish andWildlife Service regarding thetaking of these two species.

Jim Ozier banding Peregrine FalconPhotographer: Rick Lavender, GA DNR

AAS Annual Holiday Banquet and Silent Auction5 Seasons Brewing

1000 Marietta Street, Atlanta (Indoor Location)Sunday, December 6 Reception (cash bar) 5:30 PMDinner 7:00 PM

Join us for a fun night with fellow birding friends as we enjoy great food and even bettercompany. The Marietta Street location of 5 Seasons Brewing provides a great venue for our

event, and it has a spectacular view of Atlantas skyline. Their menu features delicious local andorganic food.

Please come and help make our Silent Auction another big success. We have some great items

on which you can bid, so come with your checkbook or credit card in hand and prepare to havea blast. (To donate items for the auction, please contact Marge Igyarto at [email protected].)

We are offering an early-bird special of $25 for those who sign up and pay before the deadline atnoon Monday, Nov. 16. After that time, the charge will be $30 per person, and we must receiveyour registration by noon Monday, Nov. 30, after which time no reservations will be accepted.

Because AAS must pay the restaurant for everyone who registers, regardless of whether theyattend the event or not, cancellations must be made prior to noon Nov. 30 by calling the AAS

office at 678.973.2437 to receive a full refund. To register, please contact the AAS office at678.973.2437 and pay by credit card over the phone. Or, you may mail your check to Sally Davisat 3904 Ashford Lake Court, Atlanta, GA 30319.

continued on back page

continued on page 9


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We are extremely grateful to all of those individuals who have contributed $6,225 to this yearsannual appeal in support of AAS education efforts in our community. These donations will help

support the following goals:

Expand and diversify the number of workshops, classes and seminars

Create new materials/programs for young people in underserved minority communities Increase the number of Speaker Series events Boost our community outreach efforts for groups, clubs and organizations

Expand the very popular Learning About Birds program Increase support for and participation in the Youth Birding Competition

Build upon and expand our scholarship program

This year we also introduced our Bird Bucks that donors can redeem for fun AAS merchandise.

We would like to thank the following contributors for their generosity:

If you havent had a chance to give to this years appeal, we hope you will consider making a gift.Your gift does matter and is greatly needed and appreciated.

If your name has been misspelled, incorrectly identified, or if you believe you were left off the

list in error (the recognition list above includes donations received by Oct. 12), please let us

know by notifying us at [email protected].

Board of Directors2009

OfficersPresident Stacy E. Zarpentine

[email protected]

President-elect Carol N.Hassell770.945.3111

[email protected]

TreasurerVacant

Recording Secy Mark Jernigan404.298.8825

[email protected]

Corresponding Secy Barbara Tarpley404.687.0079

[email protected]

DirectorsConservation Dave Butler

[email protected]

Education Marge Igyarto678.398.0569

[email protected]

Field Trips Stanley [email protected]

Membership Darlene Moore404.633.9361

[email protected]

CommunicationsBarbara Tarpley404.687.0079

[email protected] Beth Giddens

[email protected]

Volunteers Nancy Hamilton404.874.2338

[email protected]

At Large

Jay Davis404.624.4973

[email protected]

JoAnn Jordan678.488.8022

[email protected]

Victor WilliamsEarthshare Representative

770.423.1012

[email protected]

Executive Director Catharine Kuchar770.993.9579

[email protected]

ducation Coordinator Emily Toriani-Moura404.661.6613

[email protected]

Administrative Coordinator Sally Davis770.216.9680

[email protected]

WebsiteJim Flynn

[email protected]

Wingbars EditorMary Ann Hindes 770.497.0664

[email protected]

Proofreading

Steven Phenicie770.849.0391

[email protected]

Design & LayoutCopy Preparation 770.939.2002

[email protected]

Newsletter deadline is the first ofthe month for material to be

published the following month.Please submit articles as MS-Word to

[email protected] attachments, if possible.

Wingbars is the official newsletter of 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:

To promote the enjoyment and understanding of birds and to

conserve and restore the ecosystems that support them.

2 Atlanta Audubon Soci

Many Thanks to our Supporters WhoAre Helping Make Education a

Priority in Our Community

$1,000 or more

Carl W. Tyler, Jr.

$500-$999

Jerry G. PeveyJane Seward & Robert Berry

$250-$499

Brian BrackneyCarol & Scott James

Kelly HopkinsArt & Lisa HurtJet & Dennis Lacoss

Katharine & Ronald Robey

Up to $249Anonymous (8)

Lee Baker and Bob MayDiane C. BarnsleyKris Bisgard

Jane & Tom Blaisdell

Susan Callaway

Catherine CappsBarbara Clarkson

David Criner & Wister Cook

Johnette & Dave CrumCarolyn & Joshua Daniel

Dunwoody Womans ClubFabrick Architects

Barbara GiebelhausLeRoy W. Giles, Jr.

Cathy & Larry HarmanDarryl HarrisCarol Hassell

Joel HittSuzanne & Mark A. Jernigan

Elaine JohnsonJane Knapp

Thomas Lowndes, Jr.Gary LudiKatherine D. Marbut

Anne & Jim McCallum

Woodrow McKay, Jr.

Ann H. MillerSandra & Simon Miller

Katherine Mitchell

Terry S. MooreMary Ellen Myers

Linda S. OutlawElizabeth C. Pendergrast

Steve PhenicieDiane & David Pitts

Ted ReissingStewart R. Roberts, Jr.Donald J. Shure

Jerry A. SmithDr. & Mrs. James Van Bure

Waldin VidalLynn Waldvogel

Stella & Jack WissnerMr. & Mrs. Robert Yost


3/12November 2009

September, Atlanta Audubon Society held itsost successful Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary

our. Somehow we managed to have anbsolutely beautiful day even though it was

aining days before the tour and, soon after,tlanta had its devastating 100-year flood. We

elcomed over 300 guests, and our proceedsore than doubled those of past tours.

he residents of Fayetteville and Peachtree City,

ong with visitors from Atlanta, immenselynjoyed the day that included visits to two

GTV-featured gardens including Ferrol Samsroperty and Turnipseed Farms, Two Dovesarm (an organic farm where visitors could

urchase produce and plants), a breath-takingature preserve and backyard wildlife

anctuaries with water features and othertributes. We also introduced a new passport

rogram for children Age 12 and under. Afternding nature-related things at each site, theoungsters could redeem their passports for

pecial prize packs. We hope to encourage moreoung people to attend our tours in the future.

very special thanks to Jacqueline McRae, the

oordinator of this event. Without her ongoingforts, our tour would never take place. She is

n amazing asset to Atlanta Audubon Societyr managing the tour and for overseeing our

ertification process throughout the year.hanks also to Nancy Hamilton for organizingis years volunteers and to Cynthia Bohannon-

rown for taking the photographs of the day.

Cynthia did a wonderful job telling the storypictorially. Please check out her website at

www.cbbstudios.com. (Click on the AroundGeorgia link and then the BWS tour page.) We

would also like to thank Mike Swanson forproviding tours of the Sams Lake Bird

Sanctuary.

We are indebted to our volunteers at the varioussites: Joyce Bentley, Leonard Borg, Susan

Breunig, Anita Chilcutt, Sally Davis, NanetteDooley, Virginia Dunbar, Anne Foley, Beth

Giddens, Carol Hassell, Pam Higginbotham,Frank and Patty Hiller, Sally Hodges, JamieHolmes, JoAnn Jordan, Marge Igyarto, Nathalie

Kinkade, Janelle Kovner, Janet Lester, Grahamand Page McDonald, Sandy Miller, Anne

McCallum, Susan Norman, Steve Phenicie,Allyson Read, Emily Toriani-Moura, Victor

Williams and Jennifer Woodall.

We sincerely appreciate the efforts our propertyowners put into creating such wonderful and

inviting properties and then generously hostingthis years tour. We extend our gratitude toDavid Cree for making the tour in Fayetteville

and Peachtree City possible, to Ferrol Sams foropening his property to the public, and to

Steven Stinchcomb of Turnipseed NurseryFarms for all of his help.

To learn how you can create an AAS Backyard

Wildlife Sanctuary, visit our website atwww.atlantaaudubon.org.

From the Executive Directorby Catharine Brockman Kuchar

Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Tour in

Fayetteville and Peachtree City

our Biggest Success Yet

Art Opening at Blue Heron Nature PreserveBlue Heron Nature Preserve Opening Night Reception

Friday, November 13, from 6 PM to 9 PM

You are invited to the first art exhibit in the beautiful Blue Heron Nature Preserve (Atlanta Audubons new home) onthe evening of Nov. 13. The BHNP hopes to make this a quarterly event to showcase the work of local artists withthemes of nature. The first artist to be featured is Diane Evans who is showing a series of mixed media tree drawingin the lobby area. In the boardroom will be her collage work, and she will have jewelry, note cards and smaller workfor sale. This is a wonderful opportunity to check out the preserve and to see some amazing artas well as doing alittle holiday shopping.


4/124 Atlanta Audubon Soci

ATLANTA AREA

IBIS THROUGH MOORHENS CM had seven

WHITE IBIS at Panola Mtn. State Park on 1 Aug.

and CaL had seven at a wetlands area near

Stockbridge on 13 Aug. In addition, CaL had four

WOOD STORKS at the same wetlands area on 8

Aug. There were several reports of small

numbers of MISSISSIPPI KITES in the Atlanta

area during the month (m.ob.). At the E.L. HuieLand Application Facility (ELHLAF) in Clayton Co.,

CaL had five adult and three young COMMON

MOORHENS on 11 Aug.

SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS Unless

otherwise noted, all the following observations

came from Bartow Co. KB had a BLACK-BELLIED

PLOVER on 17 Aug., and NF discovered a very

rare AMERICAN AVOCET that remained in the

area from 24 to 26 Aug. PMcL and KM had one

WILLET, one SANDERLING, six WESTERN and 22

STILT SANDPIPERS on 16 Aug. Two WHITE-

RUMPED SANDPIPERS were seen on 24 Aug. byDM and BL. In Forsyth Co., JFly had one WHITE-

RUMPED SANDPIPER on 26 Aug. GS, et al., had

two BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS on 22 Aug.,

and B&DZ and K&LT had one on 29 Aug. CaL

found two CASPIAN TERNS at the ELHLAF on 25

Aug., and KB had 11 BLACK TERNS in Bartow

Co. on 29 Aug.

DOVES THROUGH BOBOLINK Two COMMON

GROUND-DOVES were seen in Bartow Co. on 22

Aug. (GS, et al.). The highest count of COMMON

NIGHTHAWKS was 185 at the Chattahoochee

Nature Center on 30 Aug. GS, et al., had a good

count of 25 HORNED LARKS in Bartow Co. on 22

Aug.Also in Bartow Co. were 100+ CLIFF

SWALLOWS on 1 Aug. (B&DZ). A WHITE-

THROATED SPARROW in north Cobb Co. was a

rare find on 1 Aug. (WSk). In Forsyth Co., JFlyhad a DICKCISSEL on 31 Aug. Back in Bartow

Co., KB, et al., had a BOBOLINK on 22 Aug.

GEORGIA AREA

DUCKS THROUGH STORKS WSc had as many

as 19 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS (both

adult and non-flying young) in Baker Co. on 20

Aug. A blue phase SNOW GOOSE was an

interesting find in Morgan Co. on 23 Aug. (PMcL,

KM). A RING-NECKED DUCK was a rare find at

Vogel State Park on 4 Aug. (VD). Two reports ofCOMMON LOONS were received with single

birds seen in Hall Co. on 14 Aug. (BB) and

another single bird in the Columbus area on 14

Aug. (TT). Inland BROWN PELICANS were spotted

in Macon on 3 Aug. (TMc) and at the West Point

Dam on 27 Aug. (WC). Interesting wader reports

included an AMERICAN BITTERN at the Altamaha

Waterfowl Management Area near Darien on 10

Aug. (NF), a TRICOLORED HERON in Berrien Co.

on 2 Aug. (WSc), two ROSEATE SPOONBILLS in

Baker Co. on 20 Aug. (WSc) and 60 WOOD

STORKS in Baker Co. on 1 Aug. (JFly).

KITES THROUGH FALCONS Both MISSISSIPPI

and SWALLOW-TAILED KITES were widely

reported during the month. These species

congregate around fields that attract many large

insects such as dragonflies and june bugs.They

catch and devour these insects while in flight. To

say the least they put on quite a show. While

there were good numbers up in the Piedmont in

Newton and Morgan counties, the peak numbers

were found down in Long Co., where teams of

birders made a simultaneous count at three

locations and came up with 135 SWALLOW-

TAILED KITES and 31 MISSISSIPPI KITES on 1Aug. (GW, et al.). Always a pleasure to see was a

PEREGRINE FALCON seen in Morgan Co. on 16

Aug. (KG).

SHOREBIRDS MM had a good variety of

uncommon shorebirds at Carters Lake on 17

Aug. with four BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, one

WILLET, eight WESTERN SANDPIPERS and two

SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS. AMERICAN

GOLDEN-PLOVERS were seen 29 Aug., two in

Marshallville by StP and one in Baker Co. by JFly

and WSc. Back at Carters Lake, MMcS had f

WILLETS on 2 Aug. UPLAND SANDPIPERS we

well reported with the peak count of 30-40 p

several hundred PECTORAL SANDPIPERS see

Marshallville on 15 Aug. (JSe, BL, DV). Two

RUDDY TURNSTONES were seen in Baker Co

3 Aug. (WSc). Back at Carters Lake, MMcS h104 SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS on 2 Aug.

Rare shorebirds at Marshallville were a WHIT

RUMPED SANDPIPER on 19 Aug. (JFle, BF, FH

BAIRDS SANDPIPER on 3 Aug. (JFle) and nin

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS on 14 Aug. (W

A previously reported BLACK-NECKED STILT

again reported from Baker Co. on 2 Aug. (JFly

WILSONS PHALAROPE was found in Baker C

on 2 Aug. by JFly).

TERNS THROUGH DICKCISSELS NF had a g

count of seven GULL-BILLED TERNS along th

Jekyll Island Causeway on 10 Aug. BLACKTERNS were widely reported with the peak

count of 30 plus 15 COMMON TERNS at Wes

Point Dam on 27 Aug. (WC). A BLACK-BILLED

CUCKOO at Milledgeville on 30 Aug. was a ra

find (StP). At Jekyll Island, TK found a WESTE

KINGBIRD on 27 Aug. On a trip through SW G

JFly had at least 1200 NORTHERN ROUGH-

WINGED SWALLOWS on 2 Aug. GK found a ra

LARK SPARROW on Jekyll Island on 27 Aug.

Gordon Co. JSp found as many as 13

DICKCISSELS on 4 Aug.

CONTRIBUTORS Brandon Best, KenBlankenship, Walt Chambers, Vicki DeLoach,

Nathan Farnau, Bill Flatau, James Fleullan, Ji

Flynn, Dan Furbish, Krista Gridley, Frank Houg

Gene Keferl, Tim Keyes, Carol Lambert, Zelia

LeBeau, Bill Lotz, Trey McCuen, Patty McLean

Joel McNeal, Mark McShane, Max Medley,

Kathey Miller, Darlene Moore, Peggy and Terr

Moore, Charlie Muise, Sandy Pangle, Steve

Parrish, Joshua Spence, Paul Raney, Ted Roe

Wayne Schaffner, Georgann Schmalz, Jeff

Sewell, Wayne Skelton, Karen and Luke

Theodorou, Ted Theus, Dan Vickers, Gene

Wilkinson, Bob and Deb Zaremba, StacyZarpentine.

Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Ct., Roswell, G

30075 [email protected]

August Field Notes by Terry Moorez

Georgia birders were treated to

quite a show this month as

Mississippi and Swallow-tailed

Kites actively hunted over large

fields that had an abundance oflarge insects. To watch these

species perform their aerial tricks is certainly

one of the thrills of being a birder. If you

havent made it to one of these feeding fields,

make sure you do it next year as it is a once in

a lifetime experience.

The Atlanta area came in with 145 species

(average = 137.5) to bring the year to date list

to 231 (average = 228.6). The Georgia area

had an even 200 species (average = 200.7) to

bring that year to date total to 315 (average =

317.9).


5/12November 2009

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 November field tripsthat may be scheduled.

Sketch by Anne McCallum

Saturday, Nov. 7, 8 AM

Piedmont Park (City of Atlanta)Sponsored by the Piedmont Park

Conservancy and AASMatt Ward

Meet at the Piedmont ParkConservancy Community Room,Piedmont Ave. and 12th St.

Children accompanied by a parent areinvited.

Birding focus: This trip is an excellent

way for beginners to learn about birdsfound in the forest and adjacent pond.Directions:From south of Atlanta: Take I-75/85 N to Exit 249B/Pine St. Go straight

on Pine St., crossing Peachtree St. Turn lefton Piedmont Ave. Travel about 1.0 mi. to

12th St.From northwest of Atlanta: Take I-75 S. to Exit 250/16th St. Go straight,

crossing 14th St. Follow the signs to 10thSt. Turn left on 10th St. Travel 0.5 mi. toPiedmont Ave. Go left and travel about 1.0

mi. to 12th St.From northeast of

downtown: Take I-85 S to Exit 84/17th St.

Continue straight, crossing 14th St. Followdirections above. From MARTA Arts

Center station, walk south 1.5 mi. to 14thSt., turn left (east) and walk two blocks toPiedmont Ave., then turn right and walk

south two blocks to 12th St.

Saturday, Nov. 14, 7:30 AMJason Baumgardner

Saturday, Nov. 21, 7:30 AMHerb Wollner

Cochran Shoals Unit of Chattahoochee

National Recreation Area

Meet at the parking lot of the InterstateNorth Parkway entrance to CochranShoals. There is a $3 parking fee (or annual

pass) at this site. Bring waterprooffootwear for walking on wet grass.

Birding focus: Cochran Shoals has a

diverse habitat of river, fields and forestthat is very attractive to many species of

birds, including ducks, geese, hawks,herons, woodpeckers, wrens, kinglets,

waxwings, blackbirds and sparrows,among others.Jasons walk is designed to help beginners

learn more about birds in the area. He hasjust passed beginner status and is eager to

share his skills with others.

Directions:From I-75/85: take I-285 t

Exit 22/Northside/Powers Ferry Rd.TravelingI-285 W, turn right at the firs

traffic light onto Interstate North PkwyStay on this road as it curves west thro

an intersection and crosses the river toparking lot immediately on right. TravI-285 E, continue east at the exit to th

second traffic light, then turn left (nortand cross the bridge over I-285 and

continue through the traffic light on th

other side onto Interstate North Pkwy.then continue with instructions above.

If you are interested in leading a field trip and/or volunteering to help with the Field Trip Committee, have ideas ofwhere you would like to go and/or feedback about leaders or trips, please e-mail Stan Chapman, Field Trips

Coordinator, at [email protected].

Atlanta Audubon Society

2010 Annual

Photography Contest

Dont miss out on entering the 2010 photo contest. Well have great prizesincluding a special

Grand Prizeand well be introducing a new conservation category, Georgias Grassland Birds.

Categories for 2010 include:

First PrizeBirds in Motion

First PrizeBirds in Portrait

First PrizeHabitat

First PrizeAnimals

First PrizeConservation Category Georgias Grassland Birds

Judges Choice

Grand Prize

Criteria for judging includes originality, overall impact, composition, technique,

presentation and difficulty

KEY DATESEntries must have been photographed since January 1, 2009 and must be received by midnight

on February 22, 2010. All entries will be displayed at the Speaker Series event to be held on

Sunday, March 21. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded at the event. All entries will be judged

prior to the event.

Rules and more details will soon be available on Atlanta Audubon Societys website:

www.atlantaaudubon.org

.

Look for more information in the January issue of Wingbars.


6/126 Atlanta Audubon Socie

What a pleasure it is to spotlightCharles Seabrook in our November2009 edition ofWingbars. Charlesneeds no introduction to the majority

of our Wingbars readers as many ofus first made his acquaintance yearsago while reading one of his manyinteresting environmental columnsfeatured in theAtlanta Journal-Constitution. Indeed, after 38 years ofexposure to his highly regardedweekly column, Im sure many of usfeel a certain kinship. Although

Charles retired asAJCs science/environmental writer in 2005, hecontinues to write his Wild Georgia column, a weekly AJC column hestarted in 1994.

When I met with Charles recently at Manuels Tavern, one of hisfavorite watering holes, he explained that, although he enjoys writing

about all wildlife, about 70% of his columns are devoted to birds. Healso enlightened me as to his purpose: In my writing, I try to helpreaders appreciate and understand the importance of our nativewildlife and natural habitats. If we appreciate them, we will be moreapt to protect them. That reminds me of the wisdom of Aldo LeopoldfromA Sand County Almanac: We abuse land because we regard itas a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community towhich we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect. IfCharles writings have helped his readers to better understand andconnect with nature and with the special places that provide habitatfor our wildlife, then he has done AAS and the State of Georgia a greatservice and deserves our deepest gratitude.

Charles has been birding for over 20 years and been a member of AASfor many years as well. Although not an AAS volunteer per s, Charlescontributions to the birding community through his prolific writingsare notable and significant. Charles participates in many AAS birdwalks that take place throughout the year and is also involved with theChristmas Bird Count. Charles noted that his passion for birds and

native wildlife goes back to his boyhood. When he was just 12years old, hed saved up enough money to buy hisvery own copy of Audubons Birds of America.

Charles exclaimed, For years, it was, and still is,

one of my most prized possessions. I still have it, and it still gives mpleasure to thumb through it and see Audubons paintings for theumpteenth time. Charles continued, I love all birds, especially wI see them in their natural habitats, but the male Painted Bunting is

special favorite. Every time I see one, I am amazed that a songbirdcolorful lives in Georgia. And, even though it is one of our everydaycommon birds (thank goodness), the bright red Northern Cardinalnever fails to give me a thrill when I see iteven though I might seone several times a day. I sense a lot of birders nodding their heaagreement.

As one might imagine, after 20+ years of birding and nearly 40 yearwriting about nature and birds, Charles has many favorite birding

places, although a few stand out. Charles went on to say, I love to at Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, especially when Lisa Hurt leadWe ditto that, Lisa! Its only a five minute drive from my home. Bualso love to bird the Georgia coast, especially Jekyll Island and HarNeck National Wildlife Refuge. I also love the Okefenokee Swamp,Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, Newman Wetlands Center in

Clayton County, the Everglades National Park (FL), Hawk Mountai(PA), ACE Basin Reserve (SC), the Alabama coast during springmigration and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (NC) for winwaterfowl. Okay Charles, we get it... youll bird just about anywhthere are birds.

Charles shared his favorite birding story, but noted he didnt think wife would concur. A few years ago while driving along a mountainroad in Pickens County, Georgia, he tried to follow the flight of a Rtailed Hawk. Well, we all know what can happen when we dont keour eyes on the road and, sure enough, Charles ran their car off theroad into a deep ravine. Neither of them was hurt, and, after mucheffort, they finally got a tow truck up the mountain to pull their carout, which was also unhurt except for being streaked with mud. Ttake away from that experience and Charles motto from that timeDont bird and drive. Sound familiar?

I asked Charles to share his top three tips for birders and here theyare: (1) Dont be cheap on binoculars; (2) savor the beauty andmoment of seeing a bird in its natural habitat (dont worry so muchabout your list); and, (3) make yourself learn bird callsyou hear fmore than you see.

Spotlighting... Charles SeabrookBy David Kuechenmeister

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

Charles Seabrook at Johns Island, SCPhotographer: Robyn Seabrook, Charles niece

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

As always, we extend our unending gratitude to ALL of our volunteers, but would like

to send a special thank you to the following individuals this month.

Many thanks to Bob May and Lee Baker of Workshop Creations for donating abeautiful bluebird box and a large fly-through feeder to AAS. They make a wonderfuladdition to the grounds outside of our office at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve. We will

enjoy them for years to come.

A million thanks to Darlene Moore, Dan Vickers and Jim Wilson for allowing AAS to ustheir amazing photos of birds and other wildlife in our new educational pieces for the Atlanta

BeltLine project with our partner organization, Trees Atlanta. The educational pieces were funded by TogetherGreen grant we received last year.

Thanks to Ted Reissing for all his hard work in organizing our international trip to Colombia this coming January.


7/12

The Golden-winged Warbler (GWWA) is in

trouble. It is federally endangered in Canada

and state-listed in most of its range in the

United States. In Georgia the only significant

population resides within the Chattahoochee

National Forest, and some people believe it

should be considered for Federal Endangered

Species status. For a number of years Georgias

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and

the United States Forest Service (USFS) have

worked together to try to save this southern-

most group of GWWA. The Georgia Important

Bird Areas Program (IBA) has helped with

monitoring and public education.

On July 17, advocates of the GWWA received

some very good news. Andrew Baker, acting

district ranger of the Chattahoochee NationalForest, announced the decision to authorize

work which was jointly proposed by the USFS

and the GA-DNR biologists. Nathan Klaus,

senior biologist of the Non-Game Commission

of the Georgia Department of Natural

Resources says, This has been a very long

process. I was worried it would take so long

that we would lose the birds, but Im happy this

decision was made in the end. I cant wait to

start this important work. The decision was

made to go forward with alternative three

with some small modifications. This is thealternative that was preferred by ornithologists

and for which the Georgia IBA Program

lobbied.

Nathan was one of the first to document the

colonization of GWWA in some very large

treefalls caused by the remnants of a hurricane.

Partnering with Jim Wentworth of the USFS, he

began to monitor what they determined was

the largest population of GWWA left in Georgia.

They planned management of this species to be

conducted after three years of survey work.

These surveys, completed in 2008, provided a

baseline view of GWWA populations for latercomparison.

According to Dr. David Buehler with the

University of Tennessee Department Forestry,

Wildlife and Fisheries, GWWA is one of the

most significantly declining birds in eastern

North America. It has already been listed in

Canada and has been listed as endangered in

Georgia. Without immediate and significant

management attention, it will likely be

extirpated from the Appalachians. Dr. Buehler

reminds us that the top GWWA experts in thecountry reviewed and approved the

management during the meeting of the Golden-

winged Warbler Working Group in March, 2009.

The final management decision was reached

after the USFS read many letters from people

across Georgia and consulted with many

groups, including a field day in which

representatives from several organizations

walked through the area so that all could share

ideas. In the end, several modifications were

made to incorporate concerns held by groups

such as the Southern Environmental Law

Center (SELC).

The Georgia IBA Program, which operates on

donations and grants, will continue to help

organize monitoring of the area during and

after the treatment phase. If you would like to

help when work begins this winter, please

contact Charlie Muise, Georgia IBA

Coordinator, at [email protected] or go to

the Georgia IBA website at

www.atlantaaudubon.org/iba.

One of Georgias Rarest BreedingBirds Will Get a Hand

By Charlie Muise

Golden-winged Warbler from www.lilibirds.comPhotographer: David Speiser

Q: What species

recently dethroned

the Arctic Tern asthe bird with the

longest migration?

See page ___ for the answerSee page 8 for answer

Which NorthAmerican birdhas the mostrestricted

breeding range,how large is its

range, and whereis it located?

UpcomingMembersh

Renewals

Your yearly AAmembership ren

is coming upWe will mail o

renewal noticeslate Novembe

Please save us tand postage a

renew online no

Will your emplomake a matchcontribution t

AAS?

Visitwww.atlantaaudubo

and go to themembership pag

renew.

November 2009


8/12

From a Novices PerspectiveBy Steven Phenicie

To say that I didnt know much about dragonflies and

damselflies would be like saying that a glutton doesnt know

much about wise food choices. But after a summer tour wit

dragonfly and damselfly expert Giff Beaton at the NewmanWetlands Center in Clayton County, Im not quite as ignoran

as I used to be.

When I showed up for the walk, one of the first things Giff

did was to ask the 20 or so of us how many werent very

knowledgeable about the subject. Although I had expected

everyone except me to be an in-the-know type, nearly

every hand went up. Well, I wont be the only ignoramus in

the bunch after all, I thought. It wasnt long, however,

before the group (and I) began to catch on. Once Giff explained the difference between

dragonflies and damselflies, it was fairly easy to differentiate. For starters, dragonflies perch

with their wings outstretched so they look like a plane headed for takeoff. Their bodies might b

the width of a pencil. Damselflies are smallerperhaps the width of a match stickand seem

appropriately named. With their wings folded up behind their backs, they remind me of medieva

ladies in pointy hats, especially the ebony jewelwing, which is one of the largest damselflies.

Both kinds of flies come in dozens of varieties, with some brightly colored and others less so.

Early in the trip Giff pointed out a damselfly nymph that had just crawled out of the water and

was beginning to assume its adult form. It was so unremarkable at that stage of its life that I

might not have recognized it as a living being had he not enlightened us. As we walked along th

boardwalk, numerous varieties with colorful names came into view: the Eastern pondhawk, the

blue dasher, the slaty skimmer, the prince baskettail, the common whitetail and others. Some

members of the group quickly became so proficient at identification that they were able to tell

the differences between males and females. Perhaps because I was busy taking notes, I was not

one of the fast learners.At one point, Giff caught a variable dancer damselfly with his net and asked us to look at it from

the reverse end of our binoculars. With its bug-eyed head, it could have signed a contract for a

role in a monster movie. Some of the other fun facts Giff told us:

The flies are most active in the sun.

Although sensitive to vibration, they are deaf and have great eyesight.

About the only threat to their existence is loss of habitat.

A dragonfly can eat 300 mosquitoes a day.

The flies spend up to 90% of their livestypically up to a yearunderwater.

The ones we see flying around do so for only two to four weeks before dying.

A fossil of a dragonfly that lived 290 million years ago is very similar to one that exists todayexcept that the oldtimer was much bigger.

As we wove our way through the wetlands, cameras often clicked for the turtles, snakes, birds

and frogs, but clearly the stars of the showon this day, at leastwere the often-ignored

dragonflies and damselflies. Ill never consider them just buzzy things again.

Giff is the author of several books, includingDragonflies & Damselflies of Georgia and the

Southeast. To learn more, go to his website at www.giffbeaton.com.

Ebony Jewelwing DamselflyPhotographer: Darlene Moore

Answer: SootyShearwater

The endangeredKirtlands Warbler. The62 by 80 mile (100x129km) breeding range inMichigans north-centrallower peninsula is one ofthe smallest for anybird not restricted to asmall island.

8 Atlanta Audubon Socie

AAS Fall 2009Sparrows Workshop

Instructor:Charlie Muise

ATE: Saturday, December 5

IME: 3:00 PM to 5:30 PMLACE: AAS Education Center

IELD Saturday,RIP: December 12, 8:00 AM

Panola State Park

OST: $55Friends of AAS$80NAS-assignedmembers$105 non-members

ESERVATION: [email protected] is required. Wendy

West will inform you where tomail your check when youegister.

OR MORE INFO:www.atlantaaudubon.org or

78.973.2437


9/12November 2009

A Contagious Joy about Nature:Mim Eisenbergs Macro Photography

Bird Artistry by Beth Giddens

Im fascinated by the inside ofa tulip or raindrops on petals

the things that children marvel

at and adults forget to notice,

explains Mim Eisenberg about

the motivation for her macro

photography. One of her shots,

Luminous, presents evidence

of this statement: It depicts a

tulip bloom from the

perspective of an ant inside the

cup, encased in deep purple

and magenta petals and gazingup at towering stamens and

pistil. A viewer is transported

away from the fuss of daily life

and invited to wonder at the

intricacies of nature, as she

says, because they fill our eyes

with astonishing shapes and vivid colors that demand attention.

One must pause.

A long-time Atlanta Audubon member, former proofreader of

Wingbars, and an accomplished (but very humble) macro

photographer, Mim began taking photographs in the 1980s after

she was inspired on wilderness trips led by the late John Tveten,

renowned naturalist for the Smithsonian Institute. Until about

2005 she shot what she calls regular photographs, but then she

bought a digital camera with image stabilization, and her new

camera became an extension of my body. She was soon taking

macro photographs of insects, flowers, leaves, and spiders in all

stages of their life cycles during shoot breaks from her wora freelance editor and transcriber of oral, personal and corpo

history interviews. Many of her shots are in sharp focus,

showing the iridescence of dragonfly wings, the subtle shadi

of flower petals, and the elaborate design of a spiders web. O

she mastered her camera, she began using post-processing

software to enhance images and sometimes to apply texture

and filters. These techniques give some photographs the loo

Georgia OKeefe paintings; they become elegant abstractions

natural objects. Others emerge as stylized illustrations, nosta

takes on botanical prints and field guides.

Though she doesnt consider herself much of a bird

photographer, her portfolio on Flickr.com argues the contrar

shows many sharp and humorous shots of Eastern Bluebirds

Brown Thrashers, Goldfinches, Eastern Towhees, and other

backyard birds. In addition, she won second place in the Bi

in Portrait category of this years AAS Photography Contest

a stunning close-up of a Red-tailed Hawk titled Reflection in

Hawks Eye. She has also won awards in contests held by th

Chattahoochee Nature Center and the National Wildlife

Federation. In 2008, a show of her work was held at the galle

of the Phoenix and Dragon Bookstore in Sandy Springs. To s

selection of Mims recent work, go to

www.flickr.com/photos/mimbrava.

No profile of Mim would be complete without a mention of h

dog Zoe Bear, an almost 11-year-old, black-and-white

Pomeranian who knows 200 objects by name, 24 colors, 52

commands, and has been featured inReaders Digest. This

charming, intelligent, and energetic dog has much in commo

with her owner. Both are full of life and fun.

Mim Eisenberg and Prized PhotoPhotographer: Beth Giddens

Jim has been working with Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons since he first started with the Georgia DNR in 1987, but hisinterest in these issues began long before that. Jim says that it has been very gratifying to see both species recover to the pointhat they could be removed from the Endangered Species Protection. He is sure to share some great insight about these twospecies with us.

Directions: Traveling south from I-285, our office is located at 4055 Roswell Road just beyond the Blue Heron Nature Preservcommunity garden. Look for our driveway on the left that has the new sign directing you to AAS, BHNP and the Little Da VincSchool. (Pikes Nursery is farther south on the right.) A volunteer will greet you at the entrance to the building and direct youour location on the second floor.

Speaker SeriesBald Eagles and Peregrine Falconscontinued from front page


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 e-mail, 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 e-mail to Catharine Kuchar at [email protected].

Bird Songs of GeorgiaCD now available.

Email Georgann Schmalz [email protected] visit www.birdingadventuresinc.com

Crossrock Cabin Rentals

Phone: 1-877-376-5032

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.cabinsinblueridgega.com

Blue Ridge, Georgia

NorthGeorgia

PremierVacationRentals

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

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

P.O. Box 921455, Norcross, GA 30010

Website: www.workshopcreations.comE-Mail: [email protected]: 770-448-5363 Fax: 770-448-5363

Affordable Housing

and Feeders for

Birds, Bats and

Butterflies

Workshop Creations, Inc

Basic, functional and long-lasting

cedar products

Order on our website:

Available Now and For a Limited Time!!

Atlanta Audubon Societys Special Pajaro Field Bag

We are pleased to present this field bagwith a special AAS patch sewn onto the flap by the folksat Pajaro. It is perfect for any birder, naturalist or hiker, and it is a great way to show off your sup-

port for Atlanta Audubon Society.

The Original Pajaro Field Bag is perfect for carrying binoculars, field guides, travel books, compactcamera, maps, checklists and so much more. The always-handy field bag is equipped with easy-to-use pockets: full-size pocket in back of field bag holds trail maps, etc.; secret pocket inside flapseals with Velcro; main pocket holds large binoculars or field guides; front pocket is ideal for fieldguides, notepads or trail maps; and zippered, expandable front pocket holds compact binoculars orsmall camera or film.

Order your field bag today!It makes an amazing gift and is a great way to support our organization.

Each field bag comeswith this special AAS

Price: $34.95 each

Available in green/black and as a waist pack orshoulder bag with belt loop

Call the AAS office to place your order(credit cards accepted)

678.973.2437


11/12November 2009

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

ntroductory copy and can continue to receive this newsletter by becoming a Friends of Atlanta Audubon member.

Enrollment as a Friend of Atlanta Audubon does not include membership in the National Audubon Society. Thus,

ou 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

MEMBERSHIP 11 issues

(July/Augustcombined) of

WingbarsNewsletter

Friends discounton classes, tripsand special even

Use of the AASlibrary

Agreattaxdeduction!

J Make check payable to:Atlanta Audubon SocietyMembership Director4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342

J Please charge my credit card:

JAmexJ Diners Club J Discover J MasterCard JVISA

_______________________________ _________Card Number Expiration Date

J Renewal J New Membership

Name _____________________________________

Address ___________________________________

City____________________ State ___ Zip ______

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

J Interested in volunteering with AAS

Friends of Atlanta Audubon Society

J Please send me information on planned giving opportunities through Atlanta Audubon Societys Legacy Club

J Do not acknowledge my gift in Wingbars

It is Atlanta Audubon Societys policy not to share or sell our mailing list. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us.

Now Available!

You can now renew yourmembership online. Just vis

our Web site atwww.atlantaaudubon.org

and go to the membership pag

join via the Web. We are excito be able to offer this new

service to you!

AAS is proud to organize a special internationalbirding trip to Colombia, coordinated by our very

own birding guru Ted Reissing. Colombia has thelargest number of bird species (1,884) including 76endemics, and we hope to see 400 species duringthe ten-day trip. Well visit great birding spots suchas the ProAves Yellow-eared Parrot Bird Reserve,Minca, Jardn and many other exciting places.

Cost: $2,300 per person includes all internalColombian flights, hotels and meals with theexception of the dinner in Bogot on the finalnight. A single room supplement of $150 isavailable for four nights in hotels. Single rooms

are not always available at the El Paujil Reserve.

A detailed itinerary with a list of activities andthe birding spots that will be visited can be

found (with links) atwww.ecoturs.org/gonewiththewind:

Eastern Andes, La Florida, Santa MartaMountains, El Dorado Bird Reserve, WesternAndes, Yellow-eared Parrot Bird Reserve,Magdalena Valley, El Paujil Bird Reserve.

If you are interested, please contact CatharineKuchar at [email protected] soonas possible since only six spaces are available.

AAS International BirdingTrip to ColombiaJan. 15 to Jan. 25, 2010


12/12

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S.POSTAGE

P A I D

Atlanta, GA

Permit #917

Atlanta Audubon Society4055 Roswell Road Atlanta, GA 30342

Wingbarsis printed on recycled paper

ATLANTA

AUDUBON SOCIE

OFFICEat Blue Heron Nature Pres

4055 Roswell Road

Atlanta, GA 30342

678.973.2437

Send all mail for

AAS to:4055 Roswell RoaAtlanta, GA 3034

285

7585

400

WestPacesFerry

BlueHeronNaturePreserve

Peachtr

eeR

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PiedmontRoad

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Atlanta Audubon Society is an independent, non-profit

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

the fullest extent allowed by law.

SOUTHERN BIRDING TRAILSBy Kenn Kaufman

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

Taken by itself, this is one of the shortest birding trails onthe continent with only three major stops. But it is a

must-see historical complement to the 20 wildlifetrails that wind their way around the Bluegrass

State. It features the area of Henderson whereJohn James Audubon lived for several yearswhile beginning his epicBirds of America. By

following the hiking paths in the state park,you can almost literally walk in Audubons

footsteps and perhaps watch descendants ofthe very birds that inspired the artist two

centuries ago: kingly wild turkeys, coveys ofNorthern Bobwhites, brilliant golden Prothonotary

Warblers and shaggy-headed Belted Kingfishers. Along forest

streams youre pretty sure to see Louisiana Waterthrushesbobbing and teetering at the waters edge, little Green

Herons lurking in the shadows, and hear Red-eyedVireos singing repetitive whistled phrases from

the treetops. Farther along the trail, lakes andmarshy sloughs provide a winter home formigratory waterfowl, including American

Wigeons, American Black Ducks, Mallards, tealand impressive numbers of Canada Geese. Great

Blue Herons stand at attention along theshorelines and build bulky stick nests in colonies

high in the trees, just as they did in Audubons day.For more information:

www.trailsrus.com/wildlife/audubontrail.html.

Kentuckys Audubon Birding Trail

Annual Holiday Banquet

and Silent Auction

To volunteer to help with the banquet,

contact Joy Carter at [email protected] orKit Robey at [email protected].

Directions: 5 Seasons Brewing is centrally located at 1000

Marietta Street, Atlanta, at the intersection of Howell Mill

Road and Marietta Street in the new Brickworks development.Please note that it is a different location than our event

last year, so you wont have to worry about being cold, as wewill be in a beautiful, completely indoor facility.

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

continued from front page

november 2009 wingbars newsletter atlanta audubon society

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