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  • 8/9/2019 October 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

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    SPEAKER SERIES

    Living Peacefully with Native WildlifeThursday, October 8, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

    ATLANTAAUDUBON SOCIE4055 Roswell RoaAtlanta, GA 3034

    678.973.2437www.atlantaaudubon.o

    GOS RARE BIRD ALE

    770.493.8862

    October 2009

    Volume XXXV, Issue 9 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY

    I N S I D EInteresting Statistics.......

    GA Youth Birding Club.....

    Annual Appeal.................

    Pajaro Field Bag..............

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

    Field Notes - July............

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

    Spotlight P&S Volunteers...

    A Million Thanks.............On Conservation..............

    Birding Worksops............

    Camp TALON ...................

    Master Birder Workshop.

    Saving Birds from Window

    Week that Was................

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

    Oconee Rivers Field Trips

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

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

    Southern Birding Trails......

    What do you do when you find an abandonedbaby bird in your yard or an injured opossumon the side of the road? Please join us for thefirst speaker series to be held at our newoffice and education center at the Blue HeronNature Preserve.

    The speaker will be MichaelEllis, founder and director ofthe Atlanta Wild Animal RescueEffort (AWARE), and thelocation is 4055 Roswell Road.Traveling south from I-285, ouroffice is just beyond the BlueHeron Nature Preservecommunity garden. Look forour driveway on the left thathas a sign for the Little Da VinciSchool. (Pikes Nursery is

    further south on the right.) Avolunteer will greet you at theentrance to our building anddirect you to our location on thesecond floor.

    AWARE is a non-profit, volunteer-basedorganization that is dedicated to rehabilitatingsick and orphaned wildlife as well aseducating the public about living peacefullywith and protecting wild animals. AWARE is

    located in the Arabia Mountain NationalHeritage Area, which is just a short distancefrom downtown Atlanta. Go towwww.awareone.org for more information.

    After working on the Zoo Atlanta gorillaproject, Michael volunteered at the Olympic

    Wildlife Rescue Project in Olympia,Washington. After the programgrew and gained recognition underhis leadership, Michael moved onto direct the California WildlifeCenter, one of the largest wildliferehabilitation centers in thecountry. After caring for thousandsof reptiles and exotic birds, hehelped to design and construct aliving museum of native and exoticwildlife. Michael then followed his

    roots and returned to Atlanta tofound AWARE, one of the fewaccredited wildlife rehabilitationcenters.

    Michael will speak with us about caring forinjured, sick and abandoned birds as well asother wildlife, and he will address the actionswe must take to be more responsiblestewards of wild animals and theirenvironment.

    Michael and SocketsPhotographer: Alex Johnson

    The Atlanta Audubon Society is presently selecting a nominating

    committee for the year 2010 and 2011. If you are interested in

    participating in the selection process to find replacements for the open

    board positions, we could use your expertise. There will be several

    vacancies including the communications director, volunteer director

    and treasurer, and we need help in finding folks to fill these posts.

    Check out this WebsitePatuxent Wildlife Research Center has a website that provides four-letter codes for bird species, e.g., Belted Kingfisher is BEKI

    http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/manual/sname.htm

  • 8/9/2019 October 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

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    Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis, Addendum to the 2006

    National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation Report 2006-4

    By Erin Carver of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

    Thanks to Kevin Breault of Brentwood, Tennessee ([email protected]) for bringing thispost to our attention. Kimberly Smith distilled the statistics from the report and posted them to thediscussion list for Arkansas Birders (ARBIRD). The entire report may be viewed:

    http://library.fws.gov/Pubs/birding_natsurvey06.pdf.

    In 2006, the year of the study sample, 47.7 million people (age 16 or more) in the U.S. were

    considered to be birders (21% of the population), 20 million of which were birding away fromhome. If you are skeptical, the publication says, The survey uses a conservative definition. Tobe counted as a birder, an individual must have either taken a trip one mile or more from

    home for the primary purpose of observing birds and/or closely observed or tried to identifybirds around their home. How about broadly conservative?

    The average age of birders was 50, with 40% of all birders age 55 or older. 27% of those 55 or

    older were considered birders. Only 15.6% of birders were less than 35 years old. The grayingof birding? Will there be birding 30 years from now, or will it become extinct like egg and bug

    collecting?

    30% of birding households have incomes of $75,000 or more.

    -- 37.3% of birders have college education or higher, and 28% of those with college backgroundsare birders.

    54% of birders are female.

    88% of birders are white, 3.4% are black, where the black population in the U.S. is about 13 to14%.

    People are more likely to bird if they reside outside Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA): 27%

    of the people outside these MSAs are birders, compared to 17% in MSAs consisting of 1million or more people.

    TENNESSEE ranks eighth in the U.S. with 31% of the populations involved in birding

    activities, first in the South. The next highest ranking state is Arkansas at thirteenth withKentucky ranked fourteenth.

    Where do these birders go? The most popular states are Wyoming, Hawaii, Vermont, Montanaand New Mexico. Among other things regarding this study, this indicates that ABA birders arenot a representative subset of all birders. States with the least out-of-state birding

    participation were Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Rhode Island.

    From 2001 to 2006 there has been a statistically significant eight percent increase in thenumber of birders birding away from home.

    In 2006, birders spent about $12 billion on trips and $24 billion on birding equipment (if direct

    indirect and other effects of these expenditures are included, the total output is $82 billion).These expenditures created 671,000 jobs with an average of $41,000 per person/year. Federal

    taxes were $4 billion and State $6 billion.

    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

    Interesting StatisticsProvided by Stacy Zarpentine

    CheckOut ...the new EarthShare Georgia

    website atwww.earthsharega.orgthat has been recently revamped anincludes a lot of great information.Atlanta Audubon Society is a membof EarthShare Georgia.

  • 8/9/2019 October 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    3/12Octoer 2009

    Georgia Youth Birding Club now FormingAtlanta Audubon Society is working with other organizations around the state to form a Georgia

    Youth Birding Club for young people from ages 11 to 18. The club will provide young people withopportunities to enjoy birding programs and events as well as do research and experience service-

    earning training. If you are interested in joining and/or finding out more information, pleasecontact AASs education coordinator, Emily Toriani-Moura, at [email protected]. Atlanta

    AudubonSocie

    LegacyClub

    Join us as a charter membof the AAS Legacy Club byincluding Atlanta Auduboin your bequests.

    Your gift to Atlanta Audub

    Society ensures our long-teability to manage theresources necessary to

    preserve and protect metroAtlantas birds and theecosystems that support theWhile cash donations are tmost popular form of suppa variety of options exist,

    from charitable gift annuiand more.

    Question: Should I haa Last Will andTestament?

    Answer:Absolutely. It simple and inexpensivand will avoid probatecourt administrationcosts in the distributioof your assets. While ycan use the availableproprietary forms, werecommend you have estate attorney draw uone for you. Contact tLegacy Club forinformation.

    For more informationcontact Art Hurt [email protected]

    Dont Forget to Help Us duringOur Annual AppealYour Gift Matters!

    By now you should have received a letter from AAS asking you to give to this years annual appeal.

    Besides your membership contribution, our annual appeal is the only other time in the year thatAtlanta Audubon Society asks for your financial support. We recognize that we are in tough times,

    but we want you to know that your gift really matters and is greatly needed and appreciated. Ourannual appeal supports AASs education efforts in our community. We are planning many wonderful

    programs and services in education including adult workshops and the creation of newmaterials/programs for the underserved minority communities. We hope that you will be able tosupport our work in the community. Support our work in the community. Your gift matters andyour support is critical.

    Available Now and For a Limited Time!!

    Atlanta Audubon Societys Special Pajaro Original 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 a great way to show off your supportfor Atlanta Audubon Society.

    The Original Pajaro Field Bag is perfect for carrying binoculars, field guides, travel books, compact

    camera, 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 flap sealswith Velcro; main pocket holds large binoculars or field guides; front pocket is ideal for fieldguides, notepads or trail map; 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 comes withthis special AAS patch

    Price: $34.95 each

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

    Call the AAS office at 678-973-2437to place your order (credit cards accepted).Should be available for pick-up in approximately 3-4 weeks.

    We will order the bags in groups and the manufacturer will sewon the patches and ship them back to us.

  • 8/9/2019 October 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    4/124 Atlanta Audubon Soci

    ATLANTA AREA

    DUCKS THROUGH KITES Rather

    unusual for this time of year was a pair

    of GADWALL seen at the Panola

    Mountain State Park on 25 July (CM)

    and a female GADWALL at the E.L.

    Huie Land Application Facility

    (ELHLAF) in Clayton Co. on 15 July

    (CL). Two female HOODED

    MERGANSERS were a good

    observation at the ELHLAF on 16-27

    July (CL). Rare wader sightings

    included two LEAST BITTERNS at the

    Euharlee Swamp near Cartersville on

    19 July (GS, et al.), a CATTLE EGRET

    in Bartow Co. on 19 July (GS, et al.),

    three CATTLE EGRETS at the ELHLAF

    on 15-20 July (CL), a BLACK-

    CROWNED NIGHT-HERON at the

    ELHLAF in Clayton Co. (CL) and a

    YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHTHERON

    at the Mercer Wetlands on 5 July (HG),

    four WHITE IBIS at the ELHLAF on 16-

    20 July (CL) and two WHITE IBIS at the

    Little Mulberry Park in Gwinnett Co. on

    11 July (PMcL). Two MISSISSIPPI

    KITES were an unusual sighting for the

    Newman Wetlands of the ELHLAF on

    27 July (CL).

    SANDPIPERS THROUGH DICKCISSEL

    Rare shorebirds included anUPLAND SANDPIPER in Bartow Co.

    on 17 July (JSe, KB, NF), a WILLET at

    the ELHLAF on 29 July (CL), a RUDDY

    TURNSTONE in Bartow Co. on 31 July

    (KB, RC), a BAIRDS SANDPIPER in

    Bartow Co. on 24 July (BL, JSe), 11

    STILT SANDPIPERS in Bartow Co. on

    29 July (MMcS), 13 STILT

    SANDPIPERS at the ELHLAF on 29

    July (CL) and a LONG-BILLED

    DOWITCHER at the ELHLAF on 30 July

    (CL). Good warbler sightings (all from

    Kennesaw Mountain National

    Battlefield) were a BLACK-THROATED

    GREEN WARBLER on 21 July (KB, NF),

    ten CERULEAN WARBLERS on 26 July

    (GB, B&DZ), and an AMERICAN

    REDSTART on 21 July (KB, NF).

    Reports of DICKCISSELS came from

    Newton Co. and Bartow Co. during the

    month (m.ob.).

    GEORGIA AREA

    DUCKS THROUGH STORKS A

    BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKwas a good find in the Albany area on

    6 July (AA). A breeding plumage

    COMMON LOON was seen at the Bear

    Creek Reservoir on 3 July (fide MMcS).

    A BROWN PELICAN was seen at the

    Walter F. George Dam on 26 and 27

    July (WS). As many as five WHITE IBIS

    were seen at the Arrowhead Fish

    Hatchery on 18 July (AS). Three

    GLOSSY IBIS were reported from

    Sumter Co. on 3 July (CR) and another

    three were seen in Dooly Co. on 25

    July (JF). Two ROSEATE SPOONBILLSwere seen near the town of Cobb on

    12 July (CR) and a single ROSEATE

    SPOONBILL was seen in the

    Bainbridge area on 26 July (LL). Two

    WOOD STORKS were found in

    McDuffie Co. on 11 July (ET).

    KITES THROUGH SANDPIPERS A

    SWALLOW-TAILED KITE was rather

    unusual in the Athens area on 21 July

    (JMc). TK did an aerial survey looking

    for SWALLOW-TAILED KITE roosts a

    came up with a count of 155 birds o

    21 July. JMc had a count of eight

    MISSISSIPPI KITES in Clarke Co. on

    10 July. A BLACK-NECKED STILT w

    seen in Baker Co. on 28 and 31 July

    (WS). Five UPLAND SANDPIPERSwere found at Marshallville on 12 an

    19 July (WS, DaM) and a single bird

    was seen in Sumter Co. on 18 July

    (P&MH). A WHITE-RUMPED

    SANDPIPER was quite a good find a

    Cumberland Island on 4 July (TR).

    TERNS THROUGH SISKINS During

    the month of July, BW made the

    following tern counts from the dredg

    island off the north end of Jekyll

    Island: GULL-BILLED TERN 60 pa

    ROYAL TERN 100 pairs, LEAST

    TERN 150 pairs and BLACK

    SKIMMER 200 pairs. There were

    many BLACK TERN reports with the

    highest count being 24 in Baker Co.

    31 July (WS). An excellent find was

    SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER in

    Clarke Co. on 9 July (ET). A late repo

    of nesting BLACK-THROATED GREE

    WARBLERS on the Pine Mountain

    Ridge in Harris Co. was made on 2

    June by WC. This is the southernmo

    nesting location for GA. There were

    several reports of small numbers ofDICKCISSELS around the state duri

    the month (m.ob.). Quite unusual wa

    the report of a PINE SISKIN in Clark

    Co. on 11 July (B&KO).

    CONTRIBUTORS Alan Ashley, Giff

    Beaton, Ken Blankenship, Patrick

    Brisse, Rachel Cass, Walt Chambers

    Marion Dobbs, Nathan Farnau, Jim

    Flynn, Hugh Garrett, Phil and Myra

    Hardy, Gene Keferl, Tim Keyes, Caro

    Lambert, Bill Lotz, Larry Lynch, Patt

    McLean, Joel McNeal, Mark McSha

    Ruth Mead, Kathy Miller, Darlene

    Moore, Peggy and Terry Moore, Cha

    Muise, Bill and Karla OGrady, Clive

    Rainey, Tim Rose, Georgann Schma

    Jeff Sewell, Wayne Schaffner, Steve

    Slayton, Johsua Spence, Ann Stewa

    Eugenia Thompson, Lydia Thompso

    Brad Winn and Bob and Deb Zarem

    Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Ct., Rosw

    GA 30075 [email protected]

    July Field Notes by Terry Moorez

    The month of July was actually

    pretty good as we either came

    close to our averages or we

    bettered them in at least one

    category. And, there were enoughrare sightings that it kept people

    busy chasing them down.

    The Atlanta area recorded 121 species

    (average = 115.6) to bring the year-to-date

    total to 224 (average = 221.7). The Georgia

    area had 180 species (average = 180.8) to

    bring that year-to-date total to 311 (average =

    311.7).

    Q: What species

    recently dethronedthe Arctic Tern as

    the bird with thelongest migration?

    See page ___ for the answerSee page 8 for answer

    Whichshorebird has the

    longest bill?

  • 8/9/2019 October 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    5/12September 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 October field tripsthat may be scheduled.

    Sketch by Anne McCallum

    Saturday, October 3, 8 AMPiedmont Park (City of Atlanta) Sponsored bythe Piedmont Park Conservancy and AASGeorge KingMeet at the Piedmont Park ConservancyCommunity Room, Piedmont Ave. and 12th St.Children accompanied by a parent are invited.Birding focus: This trip is an excellent way forbeginners to learn about early fall migrants foundin the forest and adjacent pond.Directions: From south of Atlanta: Take I-75/85N to Exit 249B/Pine St. Go straight on Pine St.,crossing Peachtree St. Turn left on Piedmont Ave.

    Travel about 1.0 mi. to 12th St.From northwestof Atlanta: Take I-75 S. to Exit 250/16th St. Gostraight, crossing 14th St. Follow the signs to10th St. Turn left on 10th St. Travel 0.5 mi. toPiedmont Ave. Go left and travel about 1.0 mi. to12th St.From northeast of downtown: Take I-85S to Exit 84/17th St. Continue straight, crossing14th St. Follow directions above.From MARTAArts Center station,walk south 1.5 mi. to 14thSt., turn left (east) and walk two blocks toPiedmont Ave., then turn right and walk southtwo blocks to 12th St.

    Saturday, October 3, 7:45 AM

    Al Mercer and Herb WollnerSaturday, October 24, 8 AMKen BlankenshipOctober 31, 8 AMJoel HittCochran Shoals Unit of Chattahoochee NRAMeet at the parking lot of the Interstate NorthParkway entrance to Cochran Shoals. There is a$3 parking fee (or annual pass) at this site. Bringwaterproof footwear for walking on wet grass.Birding focus: Cochran Shoals has a diversehabitat of river, fields and forest that is veryattractive to many species of migrant birds. It isone of the best places in Atlanta to see Red-

    headed Woodpeckers, Great Blue Herons, andmany uncommon birds have been found hereduring October including the Clay-coloredSparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, LincolnsSparrow, Marsh Wren, Sedge Wren and the BaldEagle. For detailed descriptions, see KenBlankenships website www.wingsoverga.com/CobbCountyBirdingSites.html#CochranShoals.Directions: From I-75/85: take I-285 to Exit22/Northside/Powers Ferry Rd. Traveling I-285 W,turn right at the first traffic light onto InterstateNorth Pkwy. Stay on this road as it curves westthrough an intersection and crosses the river to

    the parking lot immediately on right. Traveling I285 E, continue east at the exit to the secondtraffic light, then turn left (north) and cross thebridge over I-285 and continue through the trafficlight on the other side onto Interstate NorthPkwy., then continue with instructions above.

    Wednesdays, October 7, 14 and 21, 8 AMHenderson Park, Tucker, DeKalb CountyHugh GarrettMeet in the parking lot (see below).Birding focus: Henderson Park has a lake, somemarshy areas and woods. October walks allow a

    birder to observe the transition from fallmigration to winter birds.Directions: Take I-75/85 N from downtownAtlanta to I-85 N to Exit 96,Northcrest/Pleasantdale Rd. After traveling ashort distance on the access road, turn right ontoPleasantdale Rd., which becomes TuckerNorcross Rd. and then Chamblee Tucker Rd.(CTR), heading south. Keep going straight onCTR south and do not make a right turn ontoCTR going west. Do not turn onto Livsey Drive,but rather turn right onto Livsey Road, which is2.9 mi. from the intersection of I-85 access andPleasantdale (a small brown sign for Henderson

    Park is at the turn). Follow Livsey Rd. until itends and turn left into the park. Pass a parkinglot on the left and just past the soccer field, turninto the parking lot on the right, 0.3 mi. from thepark entrance.

    Saturday, October 10, 8 AMFernbank Forest at Fernbank Science Center,Atlanta, DeKalb CountyChris ShowalterMeet at the parking lot near the observatorydome on the north side of the Science Center.Fernbank Science Center is not at the samelocation as Fernbank Museum on Clifton Rd. The

    forest is closed to the public except for those onthe Atlanta Audubon field trip for the first twohours of the walk.Birding focus: Fernbank has an extensive forestin an in-town location and paved paths throughthe woods. It is excellent for woodland birds andis one of the best locations in the area to seethrushes and Pileated Woodpeckers.Directions:From I-285 N or S on the east side ofAtlanta, take Exit 39A/Highway 78/Stone Mtn.Freeway, west toward Decatur, which mergeswith Lawrenceville Highway/US 29) and passesNorth DeKalb Mall, after which it changes to

    Scott Blvd. After about 4 mi., go through themajor intersection with Clairemont Ave. andtake a right at the third St. onto Coventry RFrom Coventry, turn left at the first traffic lionto Heaton Park Dr., where you will see theScience Center 0.1 mi. ahead.From downto Atlanta/Peachtree St.,take Ponce de Leon Aeast toward Decatur for 4.2 mi., turn left ontArtwood Rd., and go 0.2 mi. and turn right oHeaton Park Drive. The Science Center is 0.ahead.

    Sunday, October 11, 8 AM

    Gordon McWilliamsSaturday, October 24, 8 AMJeff Sewell and Carol LambertNewman Wetlands Center and E.L. Huie LApplication Facility, Clayton CountyMeet in the parking lot at the Wetland Cente2755 Freeman Road, Hampton.Birding focus: The Newman Wetlands Centea boardwalk through the wetlands adjacent forest habitat. E.L. Huie is one of the best spin the Atlanta area for waterfowl, many of wshould have arrived in time for these two triDirections: From I-75 S, take Exit 235/Tarago south 8.2 mi. and turn left on Freeman R

    From I-75 N, take Exit 221/Jonesboro Rd.), west 6.3 miles to Freeman Rd. From I-675, minto I-75 S., and take Exit 221 as above. FolloFreeman Rd. to the Wetland Center. For mocomplete directions, go towww.atlantaaudubon.org.

    Sunday, October 25, 8 AMDawson Forest Wildlife Management AreaAtlanta Tract, Dawsonville, Dawson CounGeorgann SchmalzMeet at the wetlands just inside the entrancgate.Birding focus: Dawson Forest has a diverse

    habitat of fields, woods and wetlands, and itexcellent location for hawks, sparrows andwoodpeckers.Directions: From I-285 Atlanta: Go north o400 for 36.6 mi. Turn left on Dawson Forest the North Georgia Premium Outlet, which ismi. past Hwy. 369. (Hwy. 369 is the first trafflight on GA 400.) Drive 3.9 mi. along DawsonForest Rd. to GA 9 and continue for anothermi. to the gate into Dawson Forest WMA.

    Additional field trips (Oconee Rivers AudSociety) continued on page 10.

    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].

  • 8/9/2019 October 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    6/126 Atlanta Audubon Socie

    To borrow a line from DavidKuechenmeister, the peel &stick (P&S) volunteers are inour volunteer spotlight for the

    October 2009 edition ofWingbars. Until the advent ofthe computer and morerecently the Web, Atlanta

    Audubon Society totally reliedon a group of AAS volunteersto bridge the gap between thepublication of our newsletterand our members. Even nowwith our new technology,

    month in and month out we owe a debt to these unsung heroes whohandle peeling off labels and sticking them on the fresh-off-the-pressissues ofWingbars.

    As a reader of the newsletter you may think that the task is pretty

    simple, but theres far more to it than you perceive when you considerthe entire project and the organization it takes to successfully pull itoff every month. After the issue is printed and delivered and the labelsaffixed, the publication has to be taken to the Bulk Mail Postal Facilityfor posting. As any of us who have done that will loudly attest, at timesthat is no easy feat unless you have Georgann Schmalzs winning wayswith the postal employees who help you work through the maze of redtape, bureaucracy, etc. Presently, this task falls to one of our staffmembers, Sally Davis, and we owe her big time for adding thisresponsibility to coordinating the P&S activities for us every month.

    Prior to the luxury of having a staff member to help, the drive to BoggsRoad fell to various volunteers who quickly came to realize the debtwe owe to John Cox for having done this for so many years. During

    Johns tenure, we filled up twenty or so mail bags that he took to thCrown Road facility in East Point.

    Peel & Stick is a different task today with Wingbars being mailed tonly Friends of Atlanta Audubon. At the outset, the newsletter wassent to all National Audubon Society members with Metropolitan

    Atlanta ZIP codes, which ranged at times up to 8,000. Before we linup the actual task, our corresponding secretaries (Karen Osborne, Sully, Raquel Sabogal and others) with help from AAS members(Virginia Dunbar, Susan Callaway, Sara Sherberger, Diane LaHaise,al.) sorted the labels by ZIP codes that had to be kept together oncaffixed to the newsletter. With our often overzealous and new recrthis became a challenge until they learned the ropes from pros like

    Virginia Dunbar who probably won the award for doing the most thfastesta skill she learned in a former job.

    Last, but not least, our appreciation goes to Steve Ehly, Jane BrannJim Wilson, Ellen Miller and others who coordinated this huge taskover the years. While the latter group were perhaps more fortunatehave a pre-established venue (our AAS office), Steve, Jim and Jane

    were masters in finding generous members who were not only willto host us in their homes, but had the space to accommodate theassembly line of volunteers along with the many boxes, mail bags asupplies. This enjoyable experience provides the opportunity to geknow other AAS members and to learn how and where to bird fromsome of the experienced birders.

    While I would have liked to acknowledge every P&S volunteer whodevoted their time through the years, the lists represents only thenames of those with whom I am familiar and/or heard about in myassociation with P&S and membership. To the dedicated boardmembers who were always there to lend a helping hand and to thohave overlooked because of the time crunch, please accept our thafor a job well done.

    Spotlighting... Peel & Stick VolunteersBy Barbara Tarpley

    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

    August 2009 P&S VolunteersPhotographer: Victor Williams

    A Million Thanks!A million thanks to Jackie Heyda and Lolly Lederberg for donating many wonderful books to our library in thenew education office. We are very excited about having the books, and they are much appreciated.

    Thanks to Jim Bloom for putting on a very special program in the Stone Mountain area for AAS. We approached Jwith very short notice, and he stepped right up to help us out. Thanks, Jim!

    Many thanks to Jared Fischer for all the help he has given to the Georgia IBA Program. Before he moved to Maryland,ared created our brochure as well as the map featured on the Georgia IBA web page, and he worked hard to improve and update Georg

    Bird database.

    Coordinators

    Steve EhlyJane BrannJim WilsonEllen Miller

    Hosts(and Volunteers)

    Joan Ana-LeoAnselm Atkins &

    Margaret CavanaughAnne Beerman-Lawson

    Annette BurdgesSusan CallawaySylvia Chandler

    Stan Chapman

    Fran & Steve DandreaVirginia Dunbar

    Pat FincherBrookie Gallagher

    Veronica & CharlesGunter

    Lisa & Art HurtMark Jernigan

    Nannette JohnsonAlice & Tim Keyes

    Diane LaHaiseLolly Lederberg

    Didi & Bob MannsFrank MatthewsGinny & Frank

    McCameyEllery McClintock

    Ann Miller

    Linda & Romy MyszkaHilrie Quin

    Liz & Linc RobertsCynthia RingGail Russell

    Tony ScardaciPeter Schantz

    Georgann SchmalzJeannie WrightThe Wyands

    Annabel & Bill

    VolunteersCindy AffolderSylvia BanksMark Beebe

    Maria Birdseye

    Jane & Tom Blaisdell

    Melinda BronsonJudy Candler

    Katherine CapertonCatherine Capps

    Anita ChilcuttJohn Cox

    David CrinerLeslie Curran

    Terri DavisMartha & Dave Decker

    Steve DennisNannette DooleySusan EubanksScott FormanMarilyn Harris

    Lucinda HeadrickLynn Hennelly

    Jackie Heyda

    Sally HodgesMarge IgyartoLinda JonesRuss JuddParjit Kaur

    Margaret KavannaughJudy Kennedy

    Marcia KlenbortLaura Kososki

    Julie LeeKate MacQuen

    Gordon McWilliamsKathy MorrisonKaren OsborneBrenda Prather

    Marcia & Joe PughCarol Reed

    Margaret Ro

    Raquel SaboRuth SanfoSue Sharp

    Sara SherberSamantha Sm

    Terry SoulePat Sully

    Leslie TaciBarbara TarpDavid Thom

    Carl TylerMary Ann Ver

    Victor Willia

  • 8/9/2019 October 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    7/12Octoer 2009

    One of the more interesting(and disturbing) booksrelated to natural historythat Ive read isHope Is

    The Thing With Feathers by ChristopherCokinos. The book chronicles the extinction of

    the Carolina Parakeet, the Heath Hen, thePassenger Pigeon, the Labrador Duck, theGreat Auk, and the Ivory-billed Woodpecker(reportedly rediscovered recently in isolatedpockets of the country). It is a moving tale ofwaste, greed and butchery of six magnificentspecies of birds for the sake of sport. Withoutpositive action soon, Mr. Cokinos may have towrite a sequel to his book describing theextinction of dozens of other species that oncewere common North American birds.

    The Ivory Gull, a snow-white bird found only in

    Arctic regions, has declined by as much as 85%since the early 1980s. Once estimated at 2,450breeding pairs, only 500 or fewer are known toexist today. The Ivory Gull lives as far fromhuman activity as possible, yet it is stillnegatively affected. Ninety thousand Yellow-billed Magpies, a species endemic to California,have succumbed to West Nile virus in twoyears. This represents nearly half thepopulation of the species. Continued studiesindicate that another half of the population maydie this year. As an example of the ecological

    effects of the loss of a species, with the declineof these birds the oak forests that are renewedby the magpies burying acorns for the winterare at risk.

    A victim of the pet trade, the Yellow-headedParrot is popular because of its bright colorsand ability to speak. Native to Belize,Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico, the wildpopulation of this species dropped from 70,000birds in the mid-1970s to an estimated 2,000today.

    Ecologists estimate that six to fourteen percent

    of the worlds birds are likely to be driven toextinction by 2100, and many of the ecologicalfunctions they perform will be lost as well.Some of the declining common birds (from theNational Audubon Society) are:

    Northern Bobwhite down 82% Evening Grosbeak down 78% Eastern Meadowlark down 72% Field Sparrow down 68% Whip-poor-will down 57%

    Atlanta Audubon SocietysBirds Matter!publication offers the following: Did you knowthat birds contribute to the diversity of plantlife through pollination and seed dispersal? Orthat birds control insect outbreaks and createimportant nesting cavities for other species? Or

    that they help rid the world of disease throughscavenger clean-up services? Birds help shapeour culture, provide important economicbenefits, and serve as important indicators forscientists about the state of the environment.According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithologywebsite, an estimated 127 million Yellow-rumped Warblers breed each summer in theboreal forests of North America. Assuming thateach bird eats roughly 35% of its body weightper day in insects, this one species isconsuming well over a million pounds of

    insects per day during the spring and summer.That is what one species does to controlharmful insect populations.

    There are signs of change in the battle to savehabitat for birds and other wildlife. TheCanadian government announced in July that55 million acres of boreal forest in Ontariowould be placed off-limits to development,protecting habitat for hundreds of millions ofbreeding songbirds and waterfowl. PresidentObama revoked a Bush administration changeto the Endangered Species Act that made it

    optional, instead of mandatory, for federalagencies to consult with independent scientistsbefore taking actions that could affect listedspecies. The Nature Conservancy helped tobroker a deal between the United States andCosta Rica that forgives $26 million in debt fora promise to use the monies for selectedconservation programs in Costa Rica, a countryrich in biodiversity that provides winter habitatfor millions of North American songbirds aswell as species endemic to Central America.

    Despite these positive steps, many bird species

    continue to decline around the globe and muchmore needs to be done. The loss of any speciesis tragic. Please readHope Is The Thing With

    Feathers if you get the chance. I was soimpressed with this book that Ill even lend youmy copy.

    Sources

    Cornell Lab of Ornithology websiteThe National Audubon Society magazineThe Nature Conservancy websiteAtlanta Audubon Society website

    On ConservationBy Dave Butler

    AAS Fall 2009

    Sparrows WorkshInstructor:

    Charlie Muise

    DATE: Saturday, DecemTIME: 3:00 PM to 5:30PLACE: AAS Education C

    FIELD Saturday,TRIP: December 12, 8

    Panola State PaCOST: $55

    Friends of AAS$80NAS-assignedmembers$105 non-memb

    RESERVATION: [email protected]

    FOR MORE INFO:www.atlantaaudubon.org 678.973.2437

    AAS 2010

    Florida Birdi

    WeekendJanuary 15 to 17 Merritt

    National Wildlife RefuThe trip is filled, but if

    would like to be on a wacontact

    [email protected] 404.934.7660.

  • 8/9/2019 October 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    8/128 Atlanta Audubon Socie

    Camp TALON SoarsBy Bob Sargent

    Early in 2008, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division,the Atlanta Audubon Society, and the Georgia Ornithological Society (GOS) first kickedaround the notion of teaming up to create a summer birding camp for teenagers, TeenAdventures Learning about Ornithology and Nature (Camp TALON). Our first planningmeeting was held at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center on January 7, and it was clear from thebeginning that everyone involved had the same vision: create a camp curriculum that

    introduced young birders to the world of professional ornithology, especially research andhabitat management. We didnt want this to be all about making students super birders;instead, we wanted to recruit future biologists and science teachers to the team, educatevoters-to-be, and give these young people some of the tools needed to teach their friendsthe conservation message. Oh, and along the way we planned to have a great time birdinglike crazy.

    In June, the camp successfully fledged at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island. Forsix days, six chaperones took turns guiding 10 eager teens up and down the Georgia coast by bus birding and biologyinstruction. The formula for each day looked like this: get an early start, visit a refuge or management area until noon, go backto St. Simons Island for a break, head off to bird watch at a nearby beach for two hours in the late afternoon, break for dinner,and then conclude the day with a couple of hours of instruction in the classroom.

    Monday morning, June 15, started at Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge with Peter Range holding up a recently mist-nettedmale Painted Bunting before the eyes of 10 astonished and now fully-awake teens, as he demonstrated how to age, sex,measure and band a bird. If that didnt turn them on to birds, nothing would. Of course, the other way to view this was that thiswas only day one, and how were we going to top this? We neednt have worried. The field trips and the birds couldnt havebeen better. The students were treated to an up-close encounter with an absolutely throbbing Wood Stork rookery, the dazzlinsight of flocks of Roseate Spoonbills, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, and White and Glossy Ibis swirling over an Altamahamarsh, a peek into an active Red-cockaded Woodpecker nest and an opportunity to hold a Bachmans Sparrow at Ft. Stewart, afull day shore-birding and seine net fishing on Little St. Simons Island, and so much birding on Jekyll Island and at Goulds Inlethat, believe it or not, even the students were weary (in a happy way) by Thursday night.

    Thanks to a collective teaching effort by Tim Keyes, Dan Vickers and Bob Sargent, the evenings were filled with programsabout the ecological value of birds, how to learn songs, bird photography and censusing birds. To add some additional spice tothe classes and to get the competitive juices flowing, we challenged the students every night to identify at least six birds bysight or sound and awarded points for each correct identification. By the end of the week, two studentsLuke Theodorou andMac McCallwere tied for the lead, leading to a head-to-head competition eventually won by Luke. For his efforts, Luke

    received a copy ofBirdwatcher, a biography of Roger Tory Peterson. Other prizes, including field guides and binoculars, wereawarded to students for a variety of accomplishments.

    Camp TALON has not only successfully fledged, it has soared. Of course, its hard to mess something like this up when youvegot the Georgia coast and all its jewels as your playground, along with supporting resources of DNR, AAS, GOS and TERN. Buthe success of this camp is primarily attributable to the organizational gifts of Julie Duncan, Mary Terry, Catharine Kuchar andWalt Lane, and the immeasurable skills of the biologists and birding professionals who gave hours of their time to teach theteens: Dot Bambach, Larry Carlile, Brooks Good, Stacia Hendricks, Mary Moffat, Peter Range and Brad Winn. Thank you, all.And the teens of Camp TALON will see you again next year.

    AAS was proud to work with GOS to provide scholarships to several of the campers.

    Peter Range Banding Male Painted Bunting at

    Harris Neck NWRPhotographer: Catharine Kuchar

    Atlanta Audubon Society

    2009 Master Birder ProgramINSTRUCTORS: Georgann Schmalz and Co-InstructorsDATES: October 13 to November 19DAYS: Each Tuesday and Thursday

    FIELD TRIPS: Each Saturday Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14TIME: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PMPLACE: AAS EDUCATION CENTER, 4055 ROSWELL ROAD

    COST: $210 Friends of Atlanta Audubon; $240 non-membersRESERVATION: E-mail [email protected] or call 404.245.7273.

    APPLICATION: www.atlantaaudubon.org

    he Master Birder Program is an introductory course in ornithology designed to provide participants with bird identification sknd a general knowledge of birds including their life histories and habitat requirements. There are eleven classes and five Satur

    eld trips that the participants are expected to attend.After graduation, master birders are expected to annually comple

    olunteer service for Atlanta Audubon Society.

    Answer: SootyShearwater

    Answer: Long-billedcurlew with a bill up to8.75 in. (22.2 cm.)

  • 8/9/2019 October 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    9/12Octoer 2009

    n late June, Dunwoody Nature Center (DNC) welcomed 17campers for a week dedicated to learning about birds andheir habitats. Most of the campers came from the

    Brookhaven Boys and Girls Club, thanks to the generosity ofAtlanta Audubon Society. In addition to their scholarships,AAS enriched the camp experience with theLearning About Birds box of supplies donatedo the DNC several years ago.

    Campers commented on the best parts of theweek:

    My favorite thing was [we] created cool birdnests and when we learned about birdadaptations.

    I had so much fun I met new friends. I likedour very own binoculars from Audubon Society.

    Bird camp was a Blast. My favorite thing we did was createa cool bird nest that we got to eat, and studied the BrownThrasher.

    Teacher Jackie Flowers recalls some of the most successfulcamp activities: Making bird masks (see photo!), using

    binocs, wandering the trails and creek looking for birds,andthe biggest hitedible birds nests. Chocolate is alwaysthe biggest hit! Boys and Girls Club director Bobby Dunntells us that every summer, club members vie to be chosenfor the Nature Center week. An extra perk is the

    opportunity for club members to return to DNCthe afternoon our butterflies arrive for theButterfly Festival. Once the tent is assembledand filled with nectar-bearing plants, theselucky kids help release the butterflies into thetent.

    The Nature Center missionto preserve andimprove as a natural classroom forenvironmental educationneatly complementsthe Atlanta Audubon missionto promote the

    enjoyment and understanding of birds and to conserve andrestore the ecosystems that support them. DNC thanks AASfor its consistent support of our summer camps and theBrookhaven Boys and Girls Club.

    NBwe do miss having the AAS office here. Please dont bestrangers. We are always happy to have you drop by.

    This was the week that was For The Birds!By Claire Hayes, Executive Director Dunwoody Nature Center (AASs former home)

    t is claimed and there is an extensive body of evidence documenting that billions

    of birds are killing themselves each year by flying into clear and reflective

    windows worldwide. Stopping or meaningfully reducing this unwanted and

    unintended carnage is both a practical and moral obligation. Two recently

    published scientific studies in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology (March and June

    2009) further describe and address preventing this source of human-associated

    avian mortality; for specific species and bird populations in general, a source of

    mortality that is thought to be exceeded in importance only by habitat destruction.

    The March 2009 article identified architectural and landscape risk factors based on

    monitoring bird-window strikes over the fall 2006 and spring 2007 migratory

    periods in New York City. As common sense would dictate, the features associated

    with the greatest risk for fatal strikes were the proportionate amount of glass to

    other building materials, and vegetated ground cover near offending panes. The

    more windows the greater risk, and the presence of attracting vegetation near

    windows increased the density of birds near glass. The density of birds near

    windows has repeatedly been known to be best predictor of the number of

    ecorded collision victims at any one site. By systematically monitoring the death

    oll in a specific community, 1.3 fatalities per hectare (2.5 acres) were recorded for

    an urban area consisting of one to four story commercial and residential buildings.

    Using this space as an urban standard and extrapolating to all urban areas in North

    America north of Mexico, 34,322,861 annual bird kills are estimated to occur

    during just four months that encompass the fall and spring migratory periods. Even

    more alarming is evidence from previous studies that indicate that far more birds

    are killed throughout North America during the non-breeding season when

    countless numbers of birds are attracted to feeders near windows. Several

    esearch papers have documented that a perched bird as little as a meter (a bit

    over 3 ft) away from a window can build up enough momentum to kill itself

    striking the unyielding glass surface. Although seemingly and intuitively

    contradictory, placing bird feeders within three feet of a window saves bird lives

    because birds alight on the feeder; even those few that leave the feeder and

    glance against the nearby pane are unharmed because they do not build up

    enough force to sustain injury.

    The second study principally reports on the relevance of using ultraviolet (UV)

    signals to alert birds to windows. New exterior films with UV-reflecting and UV

    absorption areas were found to be effective in preventing bird strikes. Howevethis film is currently not commercially available. Also tested and found to be

    effective preventive measures were windows uniformly covered with: (1) 0.32

    (0.13 in) dots 0.32 cm apart, (2) CollidEscape one-way viewing exterior film, a

    multiple opaque and translucent decals of various shapes such that they are

    separated by 10 cm (4 in) or less in vertical columns or 5 cm (2 in) or less in

    horizontal rows. Before a product was available for testing, external UV films h

    often been considered the most hopeful elegant solution to deter bird-window

    strikes because birds see UV and we humans do not. Retrofitting existing wind

    and adding UV patterns as coatings to sheet glass used in new construction is

    in the future. Film companies and glass manufacturers need to be convinced t

    investing in these bird-safe products is justified for business and ethical reaso

    Visit [email protected] for copies of these articles and to obtain forms to

    individual bird strike events. The following are the formal citations of the descpublications.

    Klem, Daniel Jr., Christopher J. Farmer, Nicole Delacretaz, Yigal Gelb, and Pete

    Saenger. 2009. Architectural and landscape risk factors associated with bird-g

    collisions in an urban environment. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 121(1):1

    134.

    Klem, Daniel Jr. 2009. Preventing bird-window collisions. The Wilson Journal o

    Ornithology 121(2):314-321.

    Colorful Birding CamperPhotographer: Jackie Flowers,

    DNC Educator

    SAVING BIRD LIVES FROM WINDOWSby Daniel Klem, Jr., Acopian Center for Ornithology, Department of Biology,

    Muhlenberg College, Pennsylvania

  • 8/9/2019 October 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

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    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] or visit

    www.birdingadventuresinc.com

    Crossrock Cabin Rentals

    Phone: 1-877-376-5032

    E-mail: [email protected]

    Website: www.cabinsinblueridgega.com

    Blue Ridge, Georgia

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    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

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    P.O. Box 921455, Norcross, GA 30010

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    Saturday, October 3, 8 AM

    Sandy Creek Park, Athens

    Meet in the parking lot of the parkBirding focus: Autumn birds along a lake and woodland trails.Directions:From I-85 Nfrom Atlanta, take Exit 106 (GA 316 E to Athens).

    After approximately 40 mi., turn right onto GA Rte. 10/Loop/S. AthensPerimeter Hwy., heading west/north, take exit for US 441 and turn left on US441. After about 5 mi., look for sign on the right for Sandy Creek Park andtake a right on Bob Holman Rd. for 12 mi. The park will be on your right. Takea left around the loop, go over the dam, and continue on the road until it endsat the parking lot.

    Saturday, October 10, 8 AM

    Whitehall Forest of University of Georgia, Athens

    Meet at the forest entrance at the corner of South Milledge Ave. andWhitehall Rd.Birding focus: Located at the confluence of the North Oconee and LittleOconee Rivers, it is an excellent forest and river habitat.Directions:From I-85 Nfrom Atlanta, take Exit 106/GA 316 E to Athens.

    After approximately 40 mi., take the ramp onto US 29 N for 4.3 miles. TakeExit 6/Milledge Ave./State Hwy. 15 N, 0.3 mi. Turn right on South Milledge Avfor 1.8 mi. ending at a T-junction with East Whitehall Rd. Go straight througthe intersection into Whitehall Forest. Drive until you see a gate blockingaccess and wait there for the trip leader to arrive. Whitehall Forest is part othe University of Georgia and is closed to the public.

    Oconee Rivers Field TripsThe Atlanta Audubon Society cooperates with our friends at Oconee Rivers Audubon Society by publicizing and inviting attendance at eachothers trips. For more information about the Oconee Rivers field trips, please go to www.oconeeriversaudubon.org/upcoming.html/#walks.

  • 8/9/2019 October 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    11/12Octoer 2009

    TIMEWell Spent

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

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

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

    ou will not receiveAudubon magazine.

    f you are not a Friend of AAS, please take this opportunity to fill out and return the form below.

    Atlanta Audubon Society Membership Director, 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

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    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!

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    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!

    Over the past 40 years, the Ruffed Grousepopulation has declined 54% in Georgia.

    The Ruffed Grouse, Bonasa umbellus, is a crow-sized bird displaying a variety of brown, gray andblack colors that keep it well camouflaged in itswoodland home. Males and females look alike, yet

    the male displays one of the most unusualterritorial behaviors of all of Georgias birds. Toattract a mate, the male perches himself up on afallen log or stump, fans his tail, raises the ruffson its neck and beats his wings against the air to

    create a very low drumming sound that begins slowly and grows inspeed until it eventually dies off. The male perches himself highenough off the groundaround 10 inchesfor the female to be ableto see him, but under dense enough coverage to avoid being seen bypredators. The male is highly territorial and can be highly aggressivedefending his turf. There are reports of Ruffed Grouse even peckingbikers and hikers to shoo them away.

    Because the Ruffed Grouse is mostly found walking on the forestfloor, its diet includes leaves and twigs in the winter and seeds and

    berries in the summer. They will also eat insects, invertebrates anamphibians.

    The nests of the Ruffed Grouse are usually found on the ground athe base of a tree. After mating occurs, males and females nolonger interact or work together to incubate the nine to fourteeneggs that will usually be laid. The female does the remaining work

    This species can be found throughout much of the forested areasthe northern United States and Canada. The Georgia Blue RidgeMountains provide the southern most part of its range. Theirpopulation has slowly been declining. The Ruffed Grouse prefers esuccessional forests, as opposed to old-growth forests. Successioforests are those that have recently been created by some type odisturbance like a fire or storm, with smaller trees and shrubs. Wa 54% decline in population in Georgia over the past 40 years, it be important to manage forest areas to include the creation andmaintenance of early successional forest for this species.

    Source: Declining common bird findings based on National Audubon SocietyCommon Birds in Decline: A State of the Birds Report, with additional figu

    from the Georgia DNR.

    Georgias Common Birds in DeclineRuffed Grouse

    Ruffed Grouse

    Artist: Anne McCallum

  • 8/9/2019 October 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

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    NON-PROFIT

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    Atlanta Audubon SocietyP.O. Box 29189 Atlanta, GA 30359

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    4055 Roswell Road

    Atlanta, GA 30342

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    AAS to:4055 Roswell RoaAtlanta, GA 3034

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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.

    Natural features divide North Carolina neatly into thirdswith mountains in the west, the coastal plain in the

    east, and the Piedmont Plateau in between. Twosections of a statewide birding trail are finished,

    and the third, the mountain regions, isscheduled to be ready for business by thesummer of 2009*. Travel this trio of trails for a

    cross section of some of the best birding onthe continent. The coastal plain features the

    long sweep of the Outer Banks, where theWright brothers made their first flight and where

    huge flocks of migratory shorebirds still gather inspring and fall. Waterfowl also abound, and wintering

    flocks of Tundra Swans provide for spectacular winter trips.

    In the upper coastal plain and the Piedmonts tranquil pineforests, there are parties of Brown-headed Nuthatches

    chattering and clambering about the branches likelittle wind-up toys. Scarlet Tanagers and rose-red

    Summer Tanagers sing from the woods, whileIndigo Buntings and Yellow-breasted Chats addspots of color in the brushy edges. The western

    peaks have a Canadian flavor with Dark-eyedJuncos and Blackburnian Warblers singing from

    the spruces, a world away from the coastssubtropical feeling. For more information;

    www.ncbirdingtrail.org or call the North CarolinaWildlife Resources Commission at 866.945.3746.

    *As of this summer, all three trails are finished.

    North Carolina Birding Trail

    ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

    Volunteers needed forHoliday Party and Silent Auction

    We need volunteers to assist with our Holiday Party and the

    Silent Auction.

    The auction is an important fundraiser for Atlanta AudubonSociety, so help us make it another successful event, and weneed a Co-coordinator.

    If interested, e-mail [email protected].