september 2009 wingbars newsletter atlanta audubon society

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

1/14

Good News for Cerulean Warblers in GeorgiaBy Charlie Muise

ATLANTAAUDUBON SOCIE

P. O. Box 29189Atlanta, GA 3035

www.atlantaaudubon.o

AAS OFFICEand Information Li

678.973.2437

GOS RARE BIRD ALE

770.493.8862

September 2009

Volume XXXV, Issue 8 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY

I N S I D ESalton Sea.......................

Birds and Wings..............

Education Coordinator ....

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

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

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

Field Notes - May ...........

Field Notes - June ..........

Field Trips........................Spotlight Pam Higginbotha

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

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

Warblers Sing .................

Master Birder Program...

Bird Artistry.....................

Merritt Island Trip............

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

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

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

SparrowWorkshop...........

In early May I assisted Jim Wentworth of the U.S.Forest Service (USFS) and Nathan Klaus of GeorgiaDepartment of Natural Resources (DNR) inconducting surveys of their habitat managementareas along Ivy Log Gap Road and Coopers Creekwithin the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Beginning in 2001, the Georgia Important BirdAreas (GA IBA) Program has assisted in DNR andUSFS efforts to manage for the increasingly rare

Cerulean Warbler (CERW). Work began withintensive surveying followed by small patch cuts inthese two areas to try to mimic the structure of old-

growth forest interspersed with large treefall gapsalong these two areas. The purpose is to findwhether birds would occupy new habitat, and if so,how long it would take them to find it. While CERWis the target species, it is hoped that other songbirdsrequiring a well-developed canopy structure will

benefit as well.

The sites were chosen for their elevation, aspect

and forest type, which are similar to those occupiedby CERW in other parts of Georgia. Ivy Log Gap

Road in particular was chosen because CERW havebeen observed there since at least the 1920s. Withthe help of the GA IBA Program and Georgiabirders, these sites were surveyed for three years

prior to treatment. Sites already hosting CERWwere not treated. Twenty to thirty percent of thetrees were removed from each ten-acre treatmentsite by a commercial logger, and the proceeds fromthe timber sale covered all project costs. BecauseCERW tend to occupy the largest trees in an area,

these were carefully marked and left standing. Fouryears later, CERW now occupy at least half of thecuts along Ivy Log Gap Road. CERW are notoriouslydifficult to detect because they sing infrequently

and only very early in the season, but it is likely thatCERW occupy eight of the ten cuts along Ivy Log

Gap Road this year if casual observations are addedto the official counts. We have also documented an

increase in populations of Chestnut-sided Warblers,Hooded Warblers, Kentucky Warblers, Worm-eatingWarblers and American Redstarts. So far, CERWhave not occupied any of the control (untreated)sites or any part of the monitored DuncanRidge/Coopers Creek area.

Volunteers, organized in part by the GA IBAProgram, have played a critical role documenting

locations of CERW from the projects inception.Preliminary data collected by volunteers resulted inmuch earlier surveys than previously believednecessary by several experts, which in turn resultedin the highest CERW counts. Specifically, it wasthese citizen scientists who learned that the males

are holding territory and singing when spring foliageis still emerging. By the time traditional surveys areconducted, many of the males have found matesand have stopped singing. This information wouldnot have come to light without our volunteers,including Betty Belanger, Ken Blankenship, Rachel

Cass, Dot Freeman, Pierre Howard, Darlene Mooreand Georgann Schmalz.

The next step will be to determine if CERW beginoccupying the other cuts along Duncan Ridge in theCoopers Creek WMA. To our knowledge therewerent any CERW in these areas when the cutswere made. But the news from Ivy Log Gap Road isvery encouraging, and these

cuts may yet prove to be auseful tool for theconservation of our fastestdeclining warbler.

This work was supported inpart by donations toGeorgias Nongame

Conservation section (buy atag) and the GeorgiaImportant Bird AreasProgram (make a donation). Cerulean Warbler

Photographer: David Cree

Please be sure to check page 10,

which includes information about the new

AAS field bag that is available from Pajaro,

along with a very important volunteer

position for 2010.


2/14

Burning alivetwo words not generally associated with a birding

conference and certainly not words that should find themselves in an article

about my recent experience. I wouldnt have thought so myself either. How

could a scholarship sending me to the American Birding Association (ABA)

Young Birders Conference in San Diego, California, prove anything but a

dream come true? I could gush about the incredible boat ride to Santa Cruz

Island or I could weave a tale about the Islands Scrub Jay, and both would

be acceptable articles. However, one experience left a burning (punintended) impression.

Though being from Georgia grants me immunity to humidity, the dry heat

and direct sunlight of southern California felt completely alien to me. We

hopped out of the vans that had transported us across the desert,

binoculars poised and skin coated in sunscreen. An unwelcome blast of heat hit me like a slap to

the face as I emerged from the vans shade into the 100-plus-degree sunlit Salton Basin. We fanned

out on the escarpment by the saline lake only to meet an unexpected resident of the Salton Sea. As

the severely parched earth crunched beneath our feet, little white flies rose up in swarms and took

to landing on every inch of our sweat-covered bodies. Buzzing in ears, eyes, noses and mouths,

nothing would deter them. After seconds of swatting futilely, most accepted the unpleasant

sensation and went about birding, disgust etched passively on each face. I gritted my teeth, flicking

crushed flies from my field journals pages and picking them off my binoculars lenses.

We began at the waters edge, scopes and binoculars pointed out to groups of shorebirds in the

distance. As I stood there beneath the brutal newly-risen sun, a constant cloud of flies around me,

something very much like a birding epiphany struck me. My ornithology teacher and mentor, Mr.

Chris Showalter, had once said there were days when he had traveled all of several yards an hour

through thick foliage for the sake of birding, but I hadnt grasped the message. It took a 227-feet-

below-sea-level desert, stepping over dead fish and hordes of flies to really put into perspective

what my mentor said. Ultimately, it gave me a moment of clarity to say, It was worth it. I

encourage any birder to go out and have a Salton Sea experience, one that pushes the body and

mind to the brink. I can now say with certainty that birding is my greatest love and passion.

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

The Salton Sea ExperienceBy Jordan Budnik, AAS/ABA Scholarship Winner

Jordan Budnik with Red-tailed

Hawk at Zoo AtlantaPhotographer: Julie Budnik

We had our first walk in July, and it was a blast. Dont miss your chance to join us for this fun

evening event of bird watching, wildlife viewing and a relaxing casual walk. Well meet in the

parking lot at Buffalo Wild Wings on Mansell Road. From there, well pick up the path to the Big

Creek Wetlands Park trail. Afterwards, for all those interested, well head inside Buffalo Wild

Wings for some buffalo wings and fun with fellow birding friends. The event is free (food/drinks

will be on your own) and open to everyone who hates to get up early in the morning and all those

early birds too. Buffalo Wild Wings is donating 10% of our purchases after the walk toAAS. Thanks Buffalo Wild Wings! Note: The event will not be held if it is raining.

Directions: Traveling north on GA 400, get off at the Mansell Road exit and turn right. Go through

the light at North Point Parkway and past the Benihana restaurant, turn right into the Buffalo Wild

Wings parking lot on your right. Traveling south on GA 400, take the Mansell Road exit and turn

left. Go under the GA 400 bridge and follow the directions above. The address is 2375 Mansell

Road, Alpharetta.

Lots of Fun at theBirds and Buffalo Wings Evening Walks

Next walk is Wednesday, September 23, at 6:30 PM


3/14September 2009

Our New Education CoordinatorWe are pleased to welcome Emily Toriani-Moura, the new education

coordinator for Atlanta Audubon Society. Emily will work part time at ournew office and education center at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve. She

loves birds and will be an excellent addition to the AAS team.

Emily is a graduate of the University of Georgia, with a B.S. in forestresources (emphasis in wildlife biology and environmental assessment). She

was previously at the Cobb County Water System serving as the educationprograms assistant. She has been a naturalist at the Chattahoochee Nature

Center and a research technician at the Tall Timbers Research Station whereshe studied the Bachmans Sparrow. Emily plays soccer and is fluent inPortuguese and near fluent in Spanish. Welcome, Emily!

AtlantaAudubon

Socie

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: What is acharitable lead trust anhow can it benefit meand AAS?

Answer:A charitable letrust is a popularmethod of reducing oravoiding estate and giftaxes, while transferrinlarge amounts of assetto children and/orgrandchildren. The truwould pay AAS a streaof non-taxable incomefor a period of years, athen the income and

principal would betransferred to whomevthe donor desires. AAScan refer you to aprofessional advisor fomore information.

For more informationcontact Art Hurt [email protected]

Emily Toriani-MouraPhotographer:Vicki Culbreth

Our Annual AppealYour Gift Matters!A letter is being mailed to you asking you to give to this years AAS annual appeal. Besides yourmembership contribution, our annual appeal is the only other time in the year that we ask for your

financial support. We recognize that we are in tough times, but we want you to know that your giftreally does matter and is greatly needed and appreciated.

Our annual appeal supports AASs education efforts in our community. It is a very exciting time,

and we are planning many wonderful programs and services in education including adultworkshops (advanced and beginners) and the creation of new materials/programs for underserved

minority communities, an important group of fellow Atlantans often without environmentalprograms and materials.

New for our appeal this year, we will thank our donors with special Bird Bucks. When you send

in your donation card, you can redeem your Bird Bucks for fun AAS merchandise. We will also beholding a drawing for everyone who makes a gift of any amount and returns their Bird Bucks toAAS. Our drawing will be for a set of matted bird prints, photographed and donated by board

member, Darlene Moore. All donors will be recognized in Wingbars andfor the first timewill belisted on our new donor display board at Atlanta Audubons office and education center.

What can you Redeem for your Bird Bucks?

$1,000 or more gift, receive a free Pajaro field bag with special AAS bird patch

$500 - $999 gift, receive a free AAS T-shirt$250 - $499 gift, receive a free AAS license plate$249-and-under gift, your Bird Bucks go into a drawing for a set of two amazing matted

bird prints by Darlene Moore(All individuals giving gifts of over $250 will also be put into our drawing for the prints thatwill take place on December 15.)

We hope that you will be able to support our work in the community. Your gift matters and yoursupport is critical.

AAS International Birding Trip: Colombia

January 15 to January 23 or 24AAS is proud to be putting together a special trip to Colombia organized by birding guru, TedReissing. Colombia has the largest number of bird species (1,884), including 76 endemics. The tripwould include at least two days at El Paujil and perhaps an attempt to see the Yellow-eared Parrot.

We would hope to see at least 400 species during the 10-day trip. If interested, contact CatharineKuchar at [email protected]


4/144 Atlanta Audubon Soci

ATLANTA AREA

GEESE THROUGH SHOREBIRDS A SNOW GOOSE,reported several times during the winter and spring, wasstill in Newton Co. on 24 May (PB, TMi). Very unusual foran urban area was a NORTHERN BOBWHITE in Decaturon 12 May (FL). Four WILD TURKEYS in northern FultonCo. on 7 May were also unusual (PeM). PB and TMi hadan ANHINGA in Walton Co. on 24 May and CLa, et al., hadthree LEAST BITTERNS at the E.L. Huie Land ApplicationFacility (ELHLAF) on 3 May. An adult LITTLE BLUE HERONwas seen in the Roswell area on 9 May (PeM). Back atthe ELHLAF, CLa, et al., had 36 COMMON MOORHENS on3 May and JSe had a WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER on 22May. Up in Bartow Co. on 24 May, CT had two BAIRDSSANDPIPERS and one female RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.

FLYCATCHERS THROUGH THRUSHES A WILLOWFLYCATCHER was first reported from Henderson Park inDeKalb Co. on 22 May (CM, et al.) and remained in thearea at least until 29 May (PMcL). The SCISSOR-TAILEDFLYCATCHER which has frequented the McDonough areafor the past few years was seen there on 9 May (DV). On1 May, GB, et al., counted 67 RED-EYED VIREOS atKennesaw Mtn. National Battlefield Park (KMT) in CobbCo. CLa, et al., had an impressive count of 65 CAROLINAWRENS at the ELHLAF on 3 May. A GRAY-CHEEKEDTHRUSH seen at Henderson Park on 13 May was one ofthe very few reported this month (JSe).

WARBLERS Good counts of warblers at the KMTincluded 15 BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLERS, 26PALM WARBLERS and 47 BLACKPOLL WARBLERS, all on1 May, by GB, et al. At Henderson Park, JSe found twoCONNECTICUT WARBLERS on 13 May, and the birdsremained in the area at least until 26 May (JSe). AnotherCONNECTICUT WARBLER was found at the CNN Centeron 28 May (JM). A single MOURNING WARBLER wasfound at the Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve in DeKalbCo. on 20 May by JSe. CLa, et al., had a good count of24 COMMON YELLOWTHROATS at the ELHLAF on 3 May.Reports of WILSONS WARBLERS were a single bird atKMT on 8 May (SC), in Atlanta on 9 May (DF) and atHenderson Park on 13 May (PMcL).

TANAGERS THROUGH SISKINS GB, et al., had someexcellent counts at KMT on 1 May with 12 SUMMERTANAGERS, 52 SCARLET TANAGERS and 22 ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS.Also at KMT was a LINCOLNSSPARROW on 2 May (MMcS, AH). DICKCISSELS werewidely reported from Bartow, Newton and Waltoncounties.The peak counts of six came from Bartow Co.on 14 May (KB) and Walton Co. on 17 May (JF).A few

PINE SISKINS lingered into the month with the last birdbeing reported from south Fulton Co. on 13 May (CS).

GEORGIA AREA

OSPREY THROUGH DUCKS Rare for Murray Co. was anOSPREY on 15 May (JP). Two SWALLOW-TAILED KITES inBulloch Co. were a good spot on 27 May (BL) as was alate NORTHERN HARRIER in Burke Co. on 17 May (LS).Good counts of BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKSincluded 40+ at the Altamaha Waterfowl ManagementArea (AWMA) near Darien on 2-4 May (NF) and 17 in theSavannah area on 7 May (JJ). Late duck reports were asingle RING-NECKED DUCK at Vogel SP on 12 May (DF)and single RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS in Towns Co.on 12 May (MD) and in Catoosa Co. on 27 and 28 May(DH).

GROUSE THROUGH TROPICBIRDS A good sighting fromFannin Co. was a RUFFED GROUSE on 16 May (JB). Thelast report of a PACIFIC LOON from Lake Richard B.Russell was a bird seen there on 24 May (LS). Late forthe coast was a HORNED GREBE at Ft. Pulaski on 15 May(GB, et al.). Pelagic species recorded from along theshore included a dead SOOTY SHEARWATER onCumberland Island on 24 May (PL) and two WILSONSSTORM-PETRELS off Cumberland Island on 25 May (JF,EH). A great pelagic trip out of Charleston, but primarilyinto Georgia waters, yielded the following species andcounts: 32 BLACK-CAPPED PETRELS, one BERMUDAPETREL, two CORYS SHEARWATERS, one GREATERSHEARWATER, one AUDUBONS SHEARWATER, 28WILSONS STORM-PETRELS, one WHITE-TAILED

TROPICBIRD and one RED-BILLED TROPICBIRD. If theBERMUDA PETREL is documented and accepted by theChecklist Committee, it will be the first record for thestate of GA.

PELICANS THROUGH TERNS A BROWN PELICAN wasseen at the Walter F. George Dam on 30 May (JSe, CLa).Interesting heron sightings included a TRICOLOREDHERON at the Phinizy Swamp on 2 May (LS, et al.), twoTRICOLORED HERONS at the Eufaula NWR on 8 May (WC)and a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON in Hall Co. on 11May (ER). Rare for an inland area was a BLACK-NECKEDSTILT in Morgan Co. on 7 May (JSe).A PURPLESANDPIPER was late at Tybee Island on 15 May (GB, etal.). Rare for the state were a BLACK-HEADED GULL atSt. Catherines Island on 10 May (LHu) and an ARCTICTERN on Cumberland Island on 24 May (PL).

FLYCATCHERS THROUGH KINGLETS KB found as manyas five LEAST FLYCATCHERS in Rabun Co. on 3 May.Afemale SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was reported fromMcDuffie Co. on 8 May (LD). JF had a good count of 28RED-EYED VIREOS in Union Co. on 9 May. JSe and CLafound large numbers of CLIFF SWALLOW nests in SW GAon 30 31 May with a total count of about 150 nests orso. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES are proving to berather uncommon breeders in north GA with as many asseven birds found in Rabun Co. on 3 May (KB). In additionto the Rabun Co. birds, one was found in Fannin Co. on29 May (JP). Rather interesting was a BROWN-HEADEDNUTHATCH found at 2700 feet in Union Co. on 9 May(JF). Another uncommon to rare breeder in north GA is

the BROWN CREEPER. KB and BB found several in RCo. during the month. KB also found a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET in Rabun Co. on 9 May for a rareoccurrence.

WARBLERS A NASHVILLE WARBLER was a good spCatoosa Co. on 2 May (DH). Some good counts ofwarblers were received including 21 BLACK-THROATGREEN WARBLERS in Union Co. on 9 May (JF), 14BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS in Union Co. on 4 May (K20 PRAIRIE WARBLERS in the Dawson Forest on 9 Ma(TH), 12 BLACKPOLL WARBLERS in the Athens area oMay (JMcN, et al.), 16 AMERICAN REDSTARTS in theAthens area on 7 May (JMcN, et al.), three AMERICANREDSTARTS in Quitman Co. on 31 May (JSe, CL) whifurther south than usual, and 14 PROTHONOTARYWARBLERS in the Athens area on 28 May (JN). A numof SWAINSONS WARBLERS were reported from arouthe state with the peak count of eight coming fromRabun Co. on 3 May (KB). Other interesting reports w17 OVENBIRDS in Union Co. on 9 May (JF), aCONNECTICUT WARBLER in Catoosa Co. on 2 May (Dsingle MOURNING WARBLERS (both on 9 May) in theAthens area (JMcN) and also at the Okefenokee Swa(SW, et al.), 19 HOODED WARBLERS in Union Co. on 9May (JF), and 20 YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS in theDawson Forest on 9 May (TH).

SPARROWS THROUGH BUNTINGS There were severeports of LINCOLNS SPARROWS being seen with onthe Rome area on 2 May (fide SH), two in Union Co. oMay (KB), one in Barrow Co. on 7 May (MF), and oneCatoosa Co. on 12 May (DH). Single WHITE-CROWNESPARROWS were reported from Athens on 2 May (JMRH), and one in Union Co. on 4 May (KB). TH had a gocount of 24 INDIGO BUNTINGS in the Dawson Forest May.A PAINTED BUNTING was out of its usual range Jackson Co. on 2 May (fide JSe).

DICKCISSEL THROUGH SISKIN There were a numbereports of DICKCISSELS with the peak count being thto four in Oconee Co. on 18 May (MF, CLu). The peakcount of BOBOLINKS was hundreds at the PhinizySwamp in the Augusta area on 2 May (LS, et al.). Thewere also scattered reports of RED CROSSBILLS frommountain counties with the peak count of five pluscoming from Rabun Co. on 24 May (PMcL). Smallnumbers of PINE SISKINS were seen in the northerncounties through the end of the month (m.ob).

CONTRIBUTORS Jason Baumgardner, Giff Beaton,Brandon Best, Annette Bittaker, Ken Blankenship, PatBrisse, Joy Carter, Walt Chambers, Stan Chapman, ViDeLoach, Nate Diaz, Marion Dobbs, Doris Cohrs, LeoDupree, Nathan Farnau, Jared Fisher, Jim Flynn, DotFreeman, Mark Freeman, Dan Furbish, Richard Hall, PHardy, Theresa Hartz, Andy Hester, David Hollie, StevHolzman, Earl Horn, Liz Horsey, Lisa Hurt, Jim Jackso

Tim Keyes, Carol Lambert, Fred Land, Vanessa Lane,Patrick Leary, Bill Lotz, Carole Ludwig, Jeff Madsen,Steve Mammoser, John McClatchey, Patty McLean, JMcNeal, Mark McShane, Kathy Miller, Terry Miller,Darlene Moore, Pamela Moore, Peggy and Terry MooCharlie Muise, James Neves, Sandy Pangle, JohnnyParks, Irvin Pitts, Ed Rigel, Tim Rose, Chuck Saleeby,Schlup, Jeff Sewell, Steve Slayton, Lois Stacey, LukeKaren Theodorou, Cindy Tobin, Dan Vickers, and SheiWillis.

Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Ct., Roswell, GA [email protected]

May Field Notes by Terry Moorez

The month of May was a pretty

good month with some

impressive counts of migrants

early in the month, a very fine

pelagic trip from Charleston intoGeorgia waters, plus a number of

reports of species that are proving to be rare

breeders in NE Georgia (Brown Creeper, Red-

breasted Nuthatch and Golden-crowned

Kinglet).

The Atlanta area came in right on the averages

with 162 species for the month (average =

162.0) to bring the year-to-date list to 215

(average = 214.8). The Georgia area came in

at 243 species (average = 234.0) to bring that

year-to-date list to 307 (average = 303.4)


5/14September 2009

ATLANTA AREA

DUCKS THROUGH FALCONS An interesting report

from the E.L. Huie Land Application Facility (ELHLAF)

in Clayton Co. was two female HOODED

MERGANSERS seen there on 18 June (CL). Also seen

at the ELHLAF (Newmans Wetlands) on 13 June was

a WOOD STORK (CL). OSPREYS are rather rare along

the Chattahoochee River this far north so a report of

seven near North Springs High School in north Atlanta

on 21 June was quite interesting (ZL). There were

definitely young birds involved, but whether this

represented one or two nests is unknown. A possible

rare dark morph of the BROAD-WINGED HAWK was

seen and photographed at Lake Allatoona on 27 June

(DT). Two PEREGRINE FALCONS were seen over

downtown Atlanta on 4 June (LH). and a single bird

was seen in the same general location the next day

(JM).

FLYCATCHERS THROUGH DICKCISSELS A WILLOW

FLYCATCHER was a rare find in Henry Co. on 27 June

(HG, PB). LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES are an uncommon to

rare sighting in the Atlanta area. This month we had

three reports: on 7 June JF had three birds in Coweta

Co., on 10 June VW saw one in Bartow Co. and on 28June, T&PM saw one in Henry Co. This last sighting

was significant in that TM has been running this

Breeding Bird Survey route for 34 years and has

consistently recorded LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES

somewhere along the route. Always good birds for the

Atlanta area were one to two DICKCISSELS in

Spalding Co. on 7 June (JSe, CL) and several birds in

Bartow Co. during the month (m.ob.).

GEORGIA AREA

WHISTLING-DUCKS THROUGH EGRETS Although the

Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area (AWMA) near

Darien consistently reports the largest numbers of

BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS, there were some

reports from other locations. which included four birds

in the Thomasville area on 5 or 6 June (YS), one birdat Reed Bingham State Park on 7 June (MMa, WS)

and four in the Albany area on 14 June (MMa, WS).

Two very odd duck sightings were a GREEN-WINGED

TEAL in Macon on 12 June (TI, KC) and a RED-

BREASTED MERGANSER in Catoosa Co. on 1 June

(DH). On a 14 June pelagic trip out from Tybee Island,

KB. et al.. reported one CORYS SHEARWATER, two

WILSONS STORM-PETRELS and two NORTHERN

GANNETS. REDDISH EGRETS were seen both on Jekyll

Island and Goulds Inlet during the month by many

observers.

SPOONBILLS THROUGH GULLS There were a

number of reports of ROSEATE SPOONBILLS fromalong the coast with the peak count of 17 coming

from the Marshes of Glynn Park in Brunswick on 13

June (JSe et al.). That, however, was somewhat

eclipsed by the number of inland sightings which

included one bird in Bulloch Co. on or about 5 June

through at least 12 June (BBr), two birds in Miller Co.

on 6 and 12 June (TA), one bird in Atkinson Co. on 13

June (AB) and five birds back in Miller Co. on 22 June

(DM, BL). CM had two WOOD STORKS in Dooly Co.

and one in Houston Co., both on 9 June. Rare for the

immediate coastal area was a MISSISSIPPI KITE at the

Marshes of Glynn Park on 13 June. (JSe, et al.).An

immature BALD EAGLE was an interesting sighting inGilmer Co. on 5 June (NS) as was a PEREGRINE

FALCON at Rabun Bald on 12 June (PH). Other good

sightings were three pairs of WILSONS PLOVERS at

Jekyll Island, each with a single chick, and a RING-

BILLED GULL in Gordon Co. on 28 June (MMe).

FLYCATCHERS THROUGH KINGLETS Interesting

flycatcher reports were a couple of WILLOW

FLYCATCHERS in Blairsville on 6 June (MMcS), two to

three LEAST FLYCATCHERS in Rabun Co. on 6 June

(MMcS, JSe) and an adult SCISSOR-TAILED

FLYCATCHER in Murray Co. on 13 June (TH, GS). PH

had an impressive count of eight COMMON RAVENS

at Rabun Bald on 12 June.There were a number ofreports of species which make Georgia their

southernmost breeding location. The species are RED-

BREASTED NUTHATCH (reported from Rabun and

Fannin counties plus the Cohutta Wilderness Area), a

BROWN CREEPER (Rabun Co.), WINTER WREN

(Brasstown Bald) and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET

(Dade and Rabun counties). One of the GOLDEN-

CROWNED KINGLETS which was found in Rabun Co.

on 20 June was carrying food and was photographed

with young birds, which provided the first

documented nesting of the species in Georgia (KB

RC).

WARBLERS THROUGH SISKINS Interesting warb

reports included one BLUE-WINGED WARBLER in t

Dawson Forest on 14 June (PMcL), an adult and

young BLUE-WINGED WARBLER at Piedmont NWR

21 June (PMcL, KM), five singing male BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS at Pine Mt. in Harri

Co. on 2 June (WC), two CERULEAN WARBLERS o

Log Gap Road in Rabun Co. on 8 June (MD, SB), a

SWAINSONS WARBLER in Lamar Co. on 7 June (J

CL), four OVENBIRDS in Emanuel Co. on 7 June (M

and one OVENBIRD at Yuchi WMA in Burke Co. on

June (LS). Good sparrow and bunting counts were

BACHMANS SPARROWS in the Albany area on 22

June (DM, et al,), 12 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS i

Murray Co. on 13 June (TH, GS), and 100 INDIGO

BUNTINGS in the Albany area on 22 June (DM, et

DICKCISSELS were widely reported with the most

interesting report of four in Murray Co. on 13 June

(TH, GS). Winter holdovers were a PURPLE FINCH

Dawson Co. on 3 June (GS) and a PINE SISKIN in

Fannin Co. on 3 June (TS).

CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Adkins, Daina Bazemor,

Annette Bittaker, Sterling Blanchard, Ken Blanken

Brenda Brannen, Patrick Brisse, Rachel Cass, Walt

Chambers, Ken Cheeks, Ken Clark, Mark Davis,

Nathan Farnau, Jim Flynn, Theresa Hartz, Mal Hod

David Hollie, Liz Horsey, Pierre Howard, Ty Ivey, Ca

Lambert, Zelia Lebeau, Steve Livingstone, Bill Lotz

Jeff Madsen, Melissa Martin, Patty McLean, Mark

McShane, Max Medley, Kathy Miller, Darlene Moor

Peggy and Terry Moore, Charlie Muise, Johnny PaJeff Sewell,Wayne Schaffner, Georgann Schmalz,

Nedra Sekera, Regi Sonnen, Lois Stacey,Yvonne

Stimson, Tom Striker, Deanna Taylor, Lydia Thomp

Kathy Tickner, Dan Vickers, Gene Wilkinson, and V

Williams.

Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Ct., Roswell, GA 30

[email protected]

June Field Notes by Terry Moorez

The most interesting sightings

during the month came from

northern Georgia where some

of the rarer breeding species were

noted.They included Red-breastedNuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter

Wren, and Golden-crowned Kinglet. Nesting

was confirmed for the Golden-crowned Kinglet

as photos were taken of a couple of young

birds. Way to go!

The Atlanta area reported 104 species

(average = 107.0) to bring the year-to-date list

to 216 species (average = 217.6). The Georgia

area found 185 species (average = 181.9) to

bring that year-to-date list to 309 (average =

309.0).

Q: What species

recently dethronedthe Arctic Tern as

the bird with thelongest migration?

See page ___ for the answerSee last page for answer

Name the sixmost widely

distributed landbird species thatbreed on everycontinent except

Antarctica.


6/146 Atlanta Audubon Socie

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 September field tripsthat may be scheduled.

Sketch by Anne McCallum

Wednesday,September 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30Henderson Park, Tucker, DeKalb CountyHugh Garrettwill be leading Wednesday walks atthis park throughout September and October.Meet at 7:30 AM at the parking lot. Bringwaterproof and sturdy footwear for walking onmuddy, wet and/or hilly terrain.Birding focus: Henderson Park has a lake, somemarshy areas and woods. It has been a great sitein recent years for fall migration. Birds found inSeptember have included Yellow-belliedFlycatcher, Golden-winged Warbler and sometimeshundreds of Tennessee Warblers among many

others.Directions:From downtown Atlanta: TakeI-75/85 N to I-85 N to Exit 96, Northcrest/Pleasantdale Rd. After traveling a short distanceon the access road, turn right onto PleasantdaleRd., which becomes Tucker Norcross Rd. and thenChamblee Tucker Rd. (CTR), heading south. Keepgoing straight on CTR south and do not make aright turn onto CTR going west. Do not turn ontoLivsey Drive, but rather turn right onto LivseyRoad, which is 2.9 mi. from the intersection of I-85access and Pleasantdale (a small brown sign forHenderson Park is at the turn.) Follow Livsey Rd.until it ends and turn left into the park. Pass aparking lot on the left and just past the soccerfield, turn into the parking lot on the right, 0.3 mi.

from the park entrance.

Saturday, September 5Piedmont Park (City of Atlanta) Sponsored bythe Piedmont Park Conservancy and AASMarilyn Harris and Marcia KlenbortMeet at 8 AM at 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: TakeI-75/85 connector north to Exit 249B/Pine St. Go

straight on Pine, crossing Peachtree St. Turn lefton Piedmont Ave. Travel about 1 mi. to 12th St.From northwest of Atlanta: Take I-75 S. to Exit250/16th St. Go straight, crossing 14th St. Followthe signs to 10th St. Turn left on 10th St. Travel 0.5mi. to Piedmont Ave. Go left and travel about 1 mi.to 12th St.From northeast of downtown: Take I-85 S to Exit 84/17th St. Continue straight, crossing14th St. Follow directions above. From MARTAArts Center station, walk south 1.5 mi. to 14th St.,turn left (east) and walk two blocks to PiedmontAve., then turn right and walk south two blocks to12th St.

Sunday and Thursday,September 6 and 17Clyde Shepherd Nature Center, Decatur,DeKalb CountyLisa HurtMeet at 8 AM at the entrance at corner of PineBluff Drive and Wood Trail Lane.Sometimes the trails are wet, so it is advisable tohave waterproof footwear.Birding focus: Clyde Shepherd has boardwalksover the wetlands with an observation deck andwooded paths along the creek. It can be excellentfor migrants and hawks and may have Wood Ducksand herons if enough water is present.

Directions:From I-285 N or S on the east side ofAtlanta: Take Exit 39A, Hwy.78/Stone Mtn.Freeway west toward Decatur. Hwy.78 merges withLawrenceville Hwy/US 29) and passes NorthDeKalb Mall, after which it changes to Scott Blvd.Just past the QT station on the right, takeHarrington Rd. for 0.6 mi., turn right onto WoodTrail Lane and follow Wood Trail Lane until itmakes a 90 degree turn to the left and becomesPine Bluff.From downtown Atlanta: Take I-75/I-85 N to I-85 N to Exit 89, North Druid Hills Rd.Turn right at the end of the exit ramp to go easttoward Decatur. North DeKalb Mall will be on theright after approx. 3 mi. At that point, turn rightonto Lawrenceville Hwy. and follow directionsabove.

Tuesday and Thursday,September 8 and 10Georgann SchmalzDawson Forest Wildlife Management Area,Atlanta Tract, Dawsonville, Dawson CountyMeet at 8 AM at the wetlands just inside the gate.Birding focus: Dawson Forest is an outstandinglocation for wetland birds, fall migrants andarriving winter residents. It is one of the bestlocations in north Georgia for warblers andsparrows.Directions:From I-285 Atlanta: Go north on GA400 for 36.6 mi. Turn left on Dawson Forest Rd. atthe North Georgia Premium Outlet, which is 6.6

mi. past Hwy. 369. (Hwy. 369 is the first traffic lighton GA 400.) Drive 3.9 mi. along Dawson Forest Rd.to GA 9 and continue for another 1.5 mi. to thegate into Dawson Forest WMA.

Saturday, September 12Newman Wetlands Center and E.L. Huie LandApplication Facility, Clayton CountyJeff Sewell and Carol LambertMeet at 8 AM at the parking lot of the NewmanWetlands Center, 2755 Freeman Rd., Hampton.Birding focus: Newman has a boardwalk throughthe wetlands adjacent to forest habitat. Huie is anexcellent site for birds of ponds and open areas,and interesting shorebirds are often seen in

September.Directions:From Atlanta, take I-75 S beyond285 to Exit 235, US 19/41/Tara Blvd. Drive sou8.2 mi. to and turn left on Freeman Rd. TheNewman Wetlands Center is 2.2 mi. on the rig

Saturday, September 19Cochran Shoals Unit of Chattahoochee NatRecreation AreaKen BlankenshipMeet at 7:30 AM at the parking lot of theInterstate North Parkway entrance to CochraShoals. There is a $3 parking fee (or annual pat this site. Bring waterproof footwear for waon wet grass.

Birding focus: Cochran Shoals has a diversehabitat of river, fields and forest that is veryattractive to many species of migrant birds. Itone of the best places in Atlanta to see Red-headed Woodpeckers, Great Blue Herons, andmany uncommon birds have been found therduring recent fall migrations. For detaileddescriptions, see Ken Blankenships websitewww.wingsoverga.com/CobbCountyBirdingSitml#CochranShoals.Directions:From I-75/85: take I-285 to Exit 2Northside/Powers Ferry Rd. Going west on I-2turn right at the first traffic light onto InterstNorth Pkwy. Stay on this road as it curves wethrough an intersection and crosses the river

the parking lot immediately on right. Going eon I-285, continue east at the exit to the secotraffic light, then turn left (north) and cross bridge over I-285 and continue through the trlight on the other side onto Interstate North then continue with instructions above.

Saturday, September 19 and 26Wednesday, September 23 and 30Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park,Stilesboro Rd., Kennesaw, Cobb CountyGiff Beaton and/or Chuck SaleebyMeet at 7:30 AM at the entrance to the mounroad adjacent to the parking lot.Birding focus: Kennesaw Mountain is one of best places in the eastern United States to fin

migrants in September, including warblers,tanagers, vireos, thrushes and flycatchers.Directions:From Atlanta: Take I-75 N to ExiBarrett Pkwy. Go west on Barrett Pkwy.approximately two mi. to Old Route 41 and taleft. (Look for a little brown sign on the rightthat intersection pointing left to the battlefieGo 1.3 mi. and turn right on Stilesboro Rd., thquick left into the visitor center parking lot.

If you have some expertise in birding and leadership and are interested in leading a bird walk, please e-mail thefield trip coordinator, Stan Chapman at [email protected].


7/14


8/14


9/14September 2009

Pam Higginbotham is inour volunteer spotlightfor the September 2009edition ofWingbars.When asked how she got

hooked on volunteeringfor AAS, Pam explained,a long-time friend fromFernbank Museum ofNatural Historyrecommended me to CarlTyler five years ago. Carl,then AASs volunteerdirector, charmed me

into volunteering for AAS, and Ive beenvolunteering ever since. In addition to serving onthe Volunteer Committee and Field Trips Committee,Pam keeps track of all volunteer hours for AAS. Youmight say shes a volunteers volunteer. This is a

vital function for the viability of AAS, as theinformation Pam tracks is needed to documentvolunteer commitment when AAS applies for grantmoney. All hours are important to document, Pam

points out. The name of each volunteer can be keptconfidential, if requested, and committee chairs areresponsible for tracking all hours in their area andsending that information to me on a monthly basis.Pam then enters the information into a spreadsheetand sorts it according to the volunteer directorsneeds. Pam also gathers volunteer information fromGeorgia Birders Online (GABO), from criticalfunction sheets that are collected by the AAS staffand from the executive directors monthly reports.

When it comes to birds and birding, Pam stated, Ivealways loved birds and continue to feed them in mybackyard, but Ive only been into serious birding forabout 10 years. When Pam and her husband woulddrive to visit her in-laws who lived in Elberton,

Georgia, they had a great way to pass thetime. We loved to count hawks along

the way and 31 was our record.

When Pams husband learned about the Hawk Watchin Cape May, New Jersey, he took her there for their

vacation in 1999. Then, in 2000, Pam went back toCape May for the week-long hawk identificationclass with Pete Dunne and Pat and Clay Sutton. The

following year, Pam went to Veracruz, Mexico, withthe Suttons to see the unforgettable River ofRaptors and has been hooked on birding ever since.Pam has also been to Ecuador, the GalapagosIslands, Alaska, Trinidad/Tobago, southeast Arizona,Newfoundland and Colorado (Prairie Chickens) onher quest to see the unseen and build her life list.Pam lives in the Northlake-Tucker area close toHenderson Park, but her favorite and most frequent

place to bird is her backyard where she has recentlybeen enjoying baby Coopers Hawks begging forfood. Last year, Pam had her yard certified as aBackyard Wildlife Sanctuary by AAS.

Pam has been lucky enough to participate in the

World Series of Birding five times and has manyfond memories of this event. During one such event,Pam fondly recalls an amazing and unforgettableowl encounter. It was about 10 PM and we had notseen or heard any Barred Owls, although we were inan area where one of my teammates knew BarredOwls were present. Two of my teammates startedhooting to see if we could get a response. Did weever! I felt the air move over my head ever soslightly, then we heard a Barred Owl call. We lookedat each other and asked the human hooters if theyhad hooted ... and no one had. Then we felt anotherbit of air move and, directly over our heads, BOTHowls started calling. Not to be outdone, two moreBarred Owls came in and the four owls proceeded todo their monkey chatter calls within 10 feet ofwhere we stood. Magic ... pure magic.

Pam, were going to take a cue from the owls andgive a heartfelt HOOT to you! Thanks for all yourimportant contributions to AAS, especially inkeeping up with all the volunteer hours that are soimportant to our organization!

Spotlighting... Pam HigginbothamBy 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

Pam HigginbothamPhotographer: Diane Jones

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

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

send a special thank you to the following individuals this month.A big thank you goes to Carl Tyler for donating a beautiful Audubon print ofRed-headed Woodpeckers to AAS for our new office. It is a wonderful addition to

our space, and we are extremely grateful. Another big thank you goes out to StellaWissner for donating a printer, which will be used by our new education coordinator,

Emily Toriani-Moura.

Many thanks toAnita Chilcutt for helping Sally Davis set up our new library at the Blue HeronNature Preserve. Anita helped unbox and organize many books and reference materials. Thanks, Anita!

New board members, Beth Giddens and JoAnn Jordan, have really hit the ground running. Besideserving on the board and helping to rewrite our mission statement, Beth and JoAnn have done aremendous amount of work helping to publicize our 2009 Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Tour. Thankso much.

TIMEWell Spen

Compiled by Pam Higginbot

This month our volunteering econcentrate on the Backyard WSanctuary Tour,Atlanta Audubon annual event that features som

finest backyards in our BackyardSanctuary program. Dedicated vcontribute a considerable amounand effort to make this successfupossible year after year.Two hunthirty-four hours (234) hours were

to our 2008 tour.

Jacqueline McRae is heading Sanctuary program,and there acertifiers and volunteers who supand AASnot only in making th

tours possiblebut also in cebackyards all over metro Atlantaevery year. These committed vocontributed an additional 256 ho

year in evaluating and advishomeowners whats best for our f

friends and other wildlife

Thanks to all of the following for done:

* If we have overlooked anyone, pus know so that can correct our o

Anita Chilcutt

Barb Battalion

Carol Hassell

Carol Vanderschaaf

Dave Chamberlain

Mr. & Mrs.Eddie Hatchett

Frank Hiller

Gary Wehner

Georgann Schmalz

Georgie Ferraro

Graham McDonald

Jackie Miller

Jacqueline McRae

Jane Blaisdell

Janelle Kovner

Janet SageJoni Atkinson

Joy Carter

Joyce Bentley

Judy Renault

Kathy Phillips

Leona Munch

Leslie Curran

Marge Igy

Marilyn Ha

Martina Go

Mary Ke

Nanette Do

Nathalie Kin

Page McDo

Pat Sull

Patricia Will

Penny Sta

Renee Ho

Russ Mik

Sally Dav

Sally Hodg

Sharon Bre

Stephanie

Steve PhenSusan Bru

Suzanne No

Tom Blais

Tom Pain

Victor Willia



Singin in the Rain: Warblers in Drizzly WeatherBy Mary Ann Hindes

Eight intrepid participants endured rainy weather in mid May to hear and see some

marvelous singers who were flitting and dancing in the verdant woods and fields of northGeorgia. No, we didnt see Debbie Reynolds or Gene Kelly, but the soggy group of determine

birders netted 82 species including 19 species of warblers. We especially enjoyed theperformances of the Swainsons Warber on Burrells Ford and the Worm-eating Warbler on IvLog Gap Road.

The excellent leaders of the AAS Warbler Workshop, Leslie Curran and Thersa Hartz, were

quite surprised at the tenacity of the participants among whom were plant as well as birdingenthusiasts. The orange flame azaleas and the mountain laurel were in full bloom, and whenwe werent birding, we were identifying plants. The trip for some even included a trip to a

well-stocked nursery in Blairsville.

The groups love of birding was certainly evident, and I found it wonderful that one of theparticipants had plans to take her ten-year-old grandson to Michigan specifically to see the Kirtlands Warbler, a rare andendangered member of the wood warbler (Parulidae) family.

Atlanta Audubon workshops are a great way to learn about migratory birds as well as resident birds. A Warbler Workshop, ably

taught by Giff Beaton, preceded the weekend of birding. His slides and handouts prepared the class for the outing in northGeorgia. Dont miss out on these marvelous and educational birding opportunities. Visit the AAS website for information onupcoming tripsthe early bird gets the worm.

Warbler Weekend ParticipantsPhotographer: Joann King

Master Birder Program Fall 2009

NAME ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS _________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

PHONE Home: __________________________________________ Cell: ___________________________________________

E-MAIL _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

OCCUPATION _______________________________________________________________________________________________

SPECIFIC AREAS OF INTEREST ______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Master Birder Program Fall 2009DATES: October 13 to November 19, Each Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

FIELD TRIPS: Each Saturday Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14

The Master Birder Program for fall 2009 will be conducted at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve, 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta. Th

course fee of $210 for Friends of Atlanta Audubon ($240 non-members) includes lectures, textbook, audio CDs and all othermaterials and handouts.

This is an introductory course in ornithology and is designed to provide participants with bird identification skills and general

knowledge of birds, their life histories and habitat requirements. The Master Birder Program contains eleven two-and-one-halhour lectures and five Saturday field trips. Participants are expected to attend all lectures and field activities. Upon graduatieach Master Birder is expected to complete volunteer service for Atlanta Audubon each year.

Master Birder course content includes: classification and identification of birds, guide to birding equipment, bird songs and caattracting birds and backyard wildlife habitat, anatomy and physiology, bird ecology, bird behavior, flight and migration and b

conservation.

For information and questions, e-mail Georgann Schmalz at [email protected] or call 404.245.7273.

To register, send your check payable to Atlanta Audubon Society, Master Birder Program, 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 303Please include the information below:

! !


11/14September 2009

The Atlanta Audubon Society will again sponsor a twoday/three night trip to Merritt Island National WildlifeRefuge in Titusville, Florida, on January 15, 16 and 17, 2010.Located east of Titusville, Merritt Island has the distinctionof being the home of NASAs Kennedy Space Center, theCanaveral National Seashore and a nationalwildlife refuge.

Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is the secondargest refuge in Florida. With its surrounding

waters, this refuge offers a sanctuary for an

abundance of plants and animals from bothemperate and tropical climate zones. Along its

western edge is the Indian River Lagoon, NorthAmericas longest and most biologically diverse estuary.

The refuge consists of 140,000 acres of salt marsh,reshwater impoundments, brackish estuaries, hardwood

hammocks, pine flatwoods and scrub. Due to the diversehabitats, Merritt Island remains unsurpassed as a refuge forendangered wildlife. It supports more threatened andendangered animals (21 species) than any other singleefuge in the continental U.S., including the Florida

manatee, Bald Eagle, Wood Stork, gopher tortoise andeastern indigo snake. Combined with the CanaveralNational Seashore, the refuge supports the worlds largestpopulation of Florida Scrub Jays. Offering varied birdingopportunities, the refuge has recorded more than 310

species of birds. The field trips around therefuge will concentrate on wintering waterfowland wading birds. There will be opportunitiesto view other species such as rails, FloridaScrub Jays and other wildlife.

The trip leaders will be Theresa Hartz andLisa Hurt. The cost of the trip (NOT includingfood or lodging) will be $175 for Friends of

Atlanta Audubon members; $205 for NAS-assignedmembers; $230 for non-members. This trip is limited to 12people. There will be a pre-trip orientation meeting andshort workshop on Sunday, December 6, at the AAS officeat the Blue Heron Nature Preserve from 3 to 5 PM.

For reservations or more information contact Lisa Hurt byphone or email: [email protected]; 770.934.7660.Your payment will confirm your reservation.

Annual Merritt Island Birding Trip

Marilyn Harris Paints Birdsfrom Travels and Home

Bird Artistry by Beth Giddens

I enjoy the process of painting birds,says Marilyn Harris, a longtime AASmember and volunteer with theLearning About Birds program forschool children. Currently, part of theprocess involves Tuesday eveningpainting sessions at the North DecaturPresbyterian Church on MedlockRoad, where she joins other artistslike Woody Hickcox to work onprojects and technique. In the lastyear, her work has resulted in a set ofcharming note cards featuringreproductions of her paintings. Theyattest to the simple wonder peoplebring to watching birds; at turns thepaintings feature birds distinctive

shapes and plumage or observers rapt attention as they gaze atthe birds nearby.

The subjects for her realistic watercolors of birds often comefrom her travels. Her trip to Panama led to paintings of the Long-tailed Silky Flycatcher and Resplendent Quetzal. In Ecuador shesaw and then painted a Blue-throated Sabrewing, and in

Nicaragua the Golden-winged Warbler and Collared Trogon wadded to her life list and painting oeuvre. Marilyn has also takbirding trips to Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico and, mostrecently, to Trinidad where she saw a nocturnal Oilbird.

Marilyn is also inspired by the birds in her yard. She has painseveral pieces that include a Goddess of the Birds, a standingoddess figure with a bird head surrounded by local birds suas a Scarlet Tanager, Painted Bunting, Eastern Bluebird, Whitbreasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse and Carolina Chickadee.a landscape version using the goddess motif, a woman is seatin a garden with resident birds perched close by on tree limbsall gaze toward the goddess figure located in a niche in thegarden wall. No doubt this piece comments on the serenity a

enjoyment that watching birds in the backyard offer to manyus.

Retired from a career of teaching writing and literature at thehigh school and college levels, Marilyn has pursued painting travel. Painting birds with watercolors and, these days, withacrylics because they offer eye-popping color has proved toboth fun and rewarding. To see a selection of Marilyns paintigo to her Picasa page at http://picasaweb.google.com/marilynsbirds/PaintingsForCards?feat=email.

arilyn Harrishotographer: Beth Giddens



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, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359.Send ads via e-mail to Catharine Kuchar at [email protected].

Bird Songs of GeorgiaCD now available.

Email Georgann Schmalz [email protected] or visit

www.birdingadventuresinc.com

Crossrock Cabin Rentals

Phone: 1-877-376-5032

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.cabinsinblueridgega.com

Blue Ridge, Georgia

NorthGeorgiaPremierVacationRentals

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

W en You ComeTo 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:

Coordinators needed forHoliday Party and Silent Auction

We need an assistant for our Holiday Party volunteer to helplocate a restaurant and choose a menu for our annualDecember event. The AAS staff will handle the reservationsand the restaurant will handle the food and setup.

We need two to three people to help our volunteer with the

auction. This is an important fundraiser for Atlanta AudubonSociety, so help us make it another successful event.

Available Now and For a Limited Time!!

Atlanta Audubon Societys Special Pajaro Original Field Bag

We are pleased to present this field bagwitha special AAS patch sewn onto the flapby 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, 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 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 greatway 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 sew

on the patches and ship them back to us.


13/14September 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, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359.

You can also join online: www.atlantaaudubon.org.

Join Atlanta Audubon Society

BENEFITSOF

MEMBERSHIP 11 issues

(July/Augustcombined) of

WingbarsNewsletter

Friends discounton classes, tripsand special even

Use of the AASlibrary

Agreattaxdeduction!

J Make check payable to:Atlanta Audubon SocietyMembership DirectorP.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359

J Please charge my credit card:

JAmexJ Diners Club J Discover J MasterCard JVISA

_______________________________ _________Card Number Expiration Date

J Renewal J New Membership

Name _____________________________________

Address ___________________________________

City____________________ State ___ Zip ______

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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!

In Georgia, the Brown Thrasher has declined 35% over the

past 40 years and is slowly declining throughout most of its

range.

The Brown Thrasher, Toxostoma rufum, is a large, rusty-

brown bird with white underparts and heavy black streaking,

and a distinctive yellow eye that helps distinguish it from the

Wood Thrush. Males and females look alike. The BrownThrasher is one of the mimic birds, like the Northern

Mockingbird and Gray Catbird that can imitate the calls of

other birds. It has a very extensive song list with over

1,000 variations and usually repeats its songs in two or

three note phrases. It is extremely secretive and most likely

got its name from how it forages for food. The Brown Thrasher uses its long

curved bill to thrash leaves and debris out of the way hoping to uncover its primary

diet of insects.

The Brown Thrasher is found in the eastern United States and is a permanent

resident in all of Georgia. The breeding season begins in late March, and the bird

will usually have between two and six eggs. The cup-shaped nest is constructed out

of twigs, dead leaves and other grasses. This species is also an aggressive

defender of its nest, even striking people and other animals hard enough to dra

blood. In the past, farmers believed that the breeding of the Brown Thrasher w

signal of the arrival of spring and a sign to begin planting crops.

The Brown Thrasher has a special place in Georgias heart. In 1928 Georgias

school children selected the bird to represent the state. Seven years later the

Governor of Georgia signed a proclamation declaring it the official state bird, an

1970 the Georgia General Assembly officially adopted it.

Leroy Giles is fortunate to have a resident Brown Thrasher that hes been

observing. He writes, It has been quite amusing over the past couple of weeks

watching our resident Brown Thrasher trying to get to our suet feeder. He star

out dive bombing, but of course couldnt latch on. Then he started coming at th

feeder from the bottom and eventually was able to grasp the side, but still coul

hold on. Finally, he was able to hold on momentarily, thrashing about and quickl

falling off as you can see from the photo (Ha!), but he was sometimes able to g

taste of the suet. He has finally learned how to land and hang on long enough to

get a bite, which he then takes to my porch railing to devour, then again return

the feeder.

Source: Declining common bird findings based on National Audubon Societys Common

in Decline: A State of the Birds Report, with additional figures from the Georgia DNR.

Georgias Common Birds in DeclineBrown Thrasher

Determined Brown

Thrasher

Photographer:

Leroy Giles


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Atlanta, GA 30342

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Answer: Barn Owl,Peregrine Falcon, Osprey,

Great Egret, Cattle Egretand Glossy Ibis.

Check Out ...Birds and Buffalo WingsBackyard Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

(We need volunteers)

Master Birder WorkshopsSparrow Workshop

Annual Merritt Island Birding TripHoliday Party & Silent Auction

(We need volunteers)

Sparrow Workshop

Are those little brown birds testing your birding skills? Identifying sparrows can be bothchallenging and enjoyable. Come join us for the Sparrow Workshop, a two-part workshopconsisting of a classroom session (Saturday, December 5, 3 PM to 5:30 PM at the AAS office at

the Blue Heron Nature Preserve) and a field trip (Saturday, December 12, 8 AM at the PanolaMountain State Park).

Charlie Muise will be the instructor for the classroom session, as well as the field tripleader. Charlie is the Georgia Important Bird Areas coordinator and is a federally-licensedbird-bander. Charlie will unravel the mystery of identifying sparrows in Georgia, including

pointing out places where the field guides may lead you astray. In past years attendees have seen the White-crownedSparrow, Vesper Sparrow and other wintering birds. The field trip will include helping Charlie band sparrows andother birds at Panola Mountain in areas normally closed to the public.

The cost will be $55 for Friends of Atlanta Audubon members; $80 for NAS-assigned members; and $105 for non-members.

A reservation is required for the workshop and can be made by contacting Wendy West by email

[email protected]. Wendy will inform you where to mail the check when you register. Your check

confirms your registration. The number of participants will be limited, so register early.

september 2009 wingbars newsletter atlanta audubon society

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