May 2007 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

8/9/2019 May 2007 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

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ATLANTA

AUDUBON SOCIEBox 29189

Atlanta, GA 3035

www.atlantaaudubon

AAS OFFICEand Information L

770.913.051

GOS RARE BIRD AL

770.493.886

May 2007

Volume XXXIII, Issue 5 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY

I N S I D

Presidents Perch.......

From the Exec Dir ......

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

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

Jr Birders Camp ........

IBA Dedication...........

Festival Events ..........

Volunteer Corner........

2006 Financial Review

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

By The Way................

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

Birds in the Park

Come Celebrate International Migratory Bird DaySunday, May 6, 2007, from 8 AM until 3 PM at Piedmont Park,located on Piedmont Avenue, between 11th and 12th streets.

Join fellow bird enthusiasts for an entire day of bird activities and fun. More than a dozen

stations will be open for fun and learning. Heres a sampling of what you can do all day:

Build a BIRD FEEDER; take it home, and feed your own backyard birds. Get some

tips on what birds like to eat most.

See what native plants you can put in your back yard to attract birds; talk to the

specialists who really know the challenges of gardening in Atlanta, at PLANTINGNATIVE TO ATTRACT BIRDS.

Its not hard to plant a garden to attract BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES.

Find out how from the people who have done it.

Find out what those birds are youve been seeing in your back yard!BACKYARD BIRDS

Wondering which birds make the longest flights across Georgia, heading from South

America to northern Canada? Visit the MIGRATION MAPPING station to find out.

Coffee-lovers! Can you really make a difference for forests and birds? Find out at

the SHADE-GROWN COFFEE station.

Try your hand at sketching a real bird at the SKETCH A BIRD station. Friendly

artists will help you.

Wonder how birds use their beaks to eat? Visit FILL THE BILL and be a bird

with a variety of different beaks to find out.

Listen to BIRD SONGS AND SOUNDS and learn to recognize some common ones.

Thinking of getting some new binoculars? You cant buy them here, but you can visit

ALL ABOUT BINOCULARS and try some out, ask questions and learn what all

those numbers and ratios mean. Also try out a spotting scope. Talk to members of the Atlanta Audubon Society and the Piedmont Park

Conservancy. Find out what they do for conservation and the environment, and how

you can join in. (Theyll welcome you whether or not you are a member.) Meetfolks from Trees Atlanta and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and learn

about their work, too.

Want to see a raptor up close? A hawk will visit us from the Chattahoochee Nature

Center.

Special Festival Events: page 7

Presented by


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With the celebration of InternationalMigratory Bird Day coming up at PiedmontPark, I became curious about the event and

how it all got started, so I did a littleresearch:

I found that prior to the InternationalMigratory Bird Day we celebrate, there wasan event just called Bird Day, which wasstarted in 1894 by Charles AlmanzoBabcock, who was the superintendent ofschools in Oil City, Pennsylvania. Thepurpose of this bird day was conservationand awareness. (Sound familiar?)According to the source I read, by 1910 Bird

Day was widely celebrated.The current International Migratory BirdDay started in 1993 as the brain child offolks at the Smithsonian Migratory BirdCenter and the Cornell Laboratory ofOrnithology and was developed as a vehiclefor increased awareness of and support formigratory birds.

The idea came about in response todisturbing findings in the late 1980s thatmany of the almost 350 species of birds that

migrate from their breeding grounds inNorth America to their wintering grounds inSouth America were declining in numberand that these spectacular birds facegrowing threats on their migration routesand on both their breeding and winteringgrounds.

The first International Migratory Bird Daywas held on May 8, 1993, and included 130events in 39 states, two provinces in Canada,and in Guatemala and Mexico. From that

successful beginning, the holiday has grownsignificantly, with additional eventscontinuously added, and is now celebrated

all across the U.S., Canada, Mexico andCentral America. Now under the directionof the National Fish and Wildlife Foundatioand the Fish and Wildlife Service, IMBD hasgrown from being a good idea to being asignificant annual occurrence with hundredof public celebrations, including everythingfrom festivals to bird walks to educationalprograms and so on.

Each year a team of IMBD coordinatorspicks a current, conservation-based and

engaging theme to try to reach as varied anaudience as possible. This years theme isBirds in Climate Change, in recognition ofthe affects of climate change on birds andother wildlife. Last year the themerecognized the boreal forests as the nurseryof millions of migratory birds, and the yearbefore the theme focused on collisions withbuildings, communication towers, etc., tocall attention to the obstacles that migratorbirds face each time they go north to southand south to north. Themes of past IMBDs

have focused on what you can do to be apart of the solution and be a catalyst forconservation.

So with my curiosity satisfied, I am ready tospend a day celebrating the phenomenon ofmigratory birds and invite you to do thesame.

And remember, inherent in the celebrationof migratory birds is also a call to action.

Good birding!

Board of Directors2007

Executive Director Catharine Kuchar770.993.9579

[email protected]

President Ellen Miller404.355.8892

[email protected]

President-elect Vacant

Treasurer David Yon404.513.9806

[email protected]

Recording Secy Mark Jernigan404.298.8825

[email protected]

Corresponding Secy Barbara Tarpley404.687.0079

[email protected]

DirectorsConservation Clark Rushing

[email protected]

Education Marcia Klenbort404.874.9826

[email protected]

Field Trips Dave Butler404.580.3917

[email protected]

Membership Art Hurt770.934.7660

[email protected]

CommunicationsGeorgann Schmalz706.216.5012

[email protected]

Publicity Denese Van Dyne404.406.9324

[email protected]

Special Events Nancy Hamilton404.874.2338

[email protected]

Volunteers Vacant

At LargePast PresidentKelly Hopkins404.622.1888

[email protected]

Jay Davis404.624.4973

[email protected]

Lisa Hurt770.934.7660

[email protected]

Victor WilliamsEarthshare Representative

[email protected]

---

WebsiteJim Flynn

[email protected]

Wingbars EditorGrace Trimble 404.351.0518

[email protected]

Design & Layout

Copy Preparation [email protected]

ProofreadingMim Eisenberg

[email protected]

Newsletter deadline is the first ofthe month for material to be

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

gmtrimble @mindspring.com.Email attachments, if possible.

Wingbars is the monthly newsletter of AtlantaAudubon Society.We feature news, upcomingevents, meetings, field trips and projects.Wehope you will join us.Opinions expressed arethose of the authors and do not necessarily

reflect policies of the Atlanta Audubon Society.

Mission Statement:

To promote the enjoyment and understanding of birds and to

conserve and restore the ecosystems that support them.

Presidents Perchby Ellen Miller

Thoughts on IMBD

2 Atlanta Audubon Soci


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olunteerOpportunitiGET INVOLVE

IN ATLANTA

AUDUBON

We invite you to volunteerwith these Atlanta Audubonprograms.

PublicityHelp us get the word outthrough local media about field trips and workshops.Contact: Denese Van Dyne404.406.9324

MembershipHelp with mailings tomembership.Contact: Art Hurt770.934.7660

EventsRepresent Audubon at specfunctions and displays.Contact: Nancy Hamilton404.874.2338

EducationVolunteer for a variety ofeducational programs. Weprovide training workshopsContact: Marcia Klenbort404.874.9826

Wildlife SanctuarySupport the preservation o

greenspace in Atlanta.Contact: Jacqueline McRa

jacqueline.mcrae@comcas

ConservationBecome an Armchair Activiand keep updated on legislaction both locally and natiContact: Clark Rushing404.373.8585

Office and PhoneAnswer the AAS hotline anassist visitors to our officethe Dunwoody Nature CentContact: Ellen Miller

404.355.8892

Important Bird Areas ProgHelp distribute informationmonitor input, networkthroughout the state withIBA participants.Contact: Jim Wilson770.602.1679

We are in the process of creating anexciting new publication for AtlantaAudubon Society, Birds Matter, toeducate the general public about theimportance of birds, why they areimportant to the environment and howindividuals can get educated and getinvolved in protecting the birds that welove. A part of what we are exploring inthe publication is the various reasonswhy bird numbers are on the decline.They include:

Habitat Loss

The biggest culprit for the decline inbirds is simply habitat loss.Development and the substantial alteringof the landscape directly impacts bird populations. Birds lose importantnesting sites and areas to feed. Somespecies can successfully live and breedonly in one kind of place, such asbottomland hardwood forests, scrubhabitats or longleaf pine forests. Habitatloss also greatly affects migrating birdsthat no longer have important sites to

rest and eat.

Direct Killing

Two hundred and seventy million birdsare directly killed each year. Thisincludes hunting for shorebirds, waders,and hawks, as well as collisions withcars, towers and buildings. More than 80million birds alone are killed annuallybecause they run into buildings.Collisions with cell phone and radiostation towers are also becomingincreasingly problematic as more ofthese structures are built across thecountry. These collisions usually occurat night while birds are migrating.

Introduced Species

One of the biggest contributors to birddeaths around the world is theintroduction of new predators into

habitats where birds were adapted toenvironments without them. Thisespecially has been a problem on islands,where predators such as pigs, rats,snakes and goats have been introduced.

Predation by Cats

Scientists estimate that cats (bothdomestic and feral) kill four million birdseach day (one billion annually).Common victims include NorthernCardinals, Blue Jays and House Wrens,as well as endangered and rare species.In addition, cats may out-compete

natural predators for food, which canhave a detrimental effect on wildlifediversity.

Pesticide and Chemical Use

Since the publication of Rachel CarsonsSilent Spring in 1962, scientists haveworked hard to increase awareness ofthe general public about the dangerspesticides and other chemicals pose tothe environment. These toxins seep intothe water supply and affect every

member of the food chain.

Acid Rain

An extremely destructive form ofpollution, acid rain affects trees, plants,lakes, streams, animals and birds. Acidrain can cause trees to lose their leaves,needles or bark and stunt their growth.Fish die and so do the birds that eatthem. Soils become highly acidic ascalcium is depleted, food supplies are

diminished, and unhealthy and feweryoung hatch or survive.

All of these are important issues that weneed to share with family and friendssince they greatly impact bird numbersacross Georgia and throughout thecountry. I hope you will join me insharing with others the many ways thatbirds matter and how we can all geteducated and get involved!

From the Executive Directorby Catharine Brockman Kuchar

Whats Happening to Georgias Birds?

May 2007


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ATLANTA AREA

GEESE THROUGH FALCONS Two GREATERWHITE-FRONTED GEESE continued at themarshy area along Floyd Creek Church Road inBartow Co. on 8 Feb. (LC, JH). On 20 Feb., JSpreported nine GREATER WHITE-FRONTEDGEESE and one SNOW GOOSE from this samelocation. Another SNOW GOOSE (blue form)was reported from Douglas Co. on 18 Feb. byJF and EH. NORTHERN PINTAILS are not easyto find in the Atlanta area, so a count of 10+ inthe Cartersville area on 3 Feb. is certainly worthmentioning (AS). REDHEADS are certainly not

easy to find in the Atlanta area, so two at theE.L. Huie Land Application Facility (ELHLAF)were a good sighting by CL et al. on 17 Feb.Single GREAT EGRETS were seen at theChattahoochee Nature Center on 10 Feb. (PB)and in NE Atlanta on 16 Feb. (ET). Anotherinteresting observation was an OSPREY at theChattahoochee Nature Center on 18 Feb. (SZ).From downtown, JSe reported seeing twoPEREGRINE FALCONS at the former IBMBuilding on 2 Feb.

SANDHILL CRANES We probably had thelargest numbers of reports of SANDHILLCRANES ever, with 34 separate reports with

approximately 4900 birds being counted. Therewas probably some duplication in the numbers,but even with that we had very large numbers.The days with the peak counts were 20 Feb. and22-23 Feb.

OWLS THROUGH ORIOLES A bird thought tobe a LONG-EARED OWL was seen flying alongthe Interstate 75 in Henry Co. on 14 Feb. by EB.This species is very rarely seen in Georgia. ARUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD made an appearanceat a Gwinnett Co. feeder on 3 Feb. (R&SK). TwoTREE SWALLOWS were early migrants at the

ELHLAF on 9 Feb. (CL). Many observersreported large numbers of CEDAR WAXWINGSin the Atlanta area during the month. TwelveBREWERS BLACKBIRDS were seen in BartowCo. on 20 Feb. by JSp. At least as many asthree BALTIMORE ORIOLES frequented a Griffinfeeder during the month (EB).

GEORGIA AREAGEESE THROUGH DUCKS Two GREATERWHITE-FRONTED GEESE were seen in theDublin area on 24 Feb. by TMc. In Whitfield Co.,JSp had as many as 16 CANVASBACKS on 21Feb. Four REDHEADS were seen in the Maconarea on 24 Feb. by JF and JA. JF and EH had anexcellent count of 1,000 RING-NECKED DUCKSon the Bradley Unit of the Eufaula NWR on 10Feb. A COMMON EIDER was seen at GouldsInlet on 23 Feb. by SB for another record thisyear of this rare duck for Georgia waters. Afemale SURF SCOTER was seen at Carters Lakeon 7 Feb. (MM) and again on 8 Feb. (JSp). The

previously reported WHITE-WINGED SCOTERat the Bear Creek Reservoir was seen thereagain on 2 Feb. (MP). On 4 Feb. both theWHITE-WINGED SCOTER and the BLACKSCOTER were present at that same location(PB, HG). COMMON GOLDENEYES were seenat a number of locations, with the peak count of16 coming from the West Point Dam (WPD) on6 Feb. (PH). As many as four COMMONMERGANSERS were found in the Carrolton areastarting on 16 Feb. (ST) and remaining there forthe remainder of the month.

LOONS THROUGH EAGLES Inland RED-THROATED LOONS were reported from Lake

Blue Ridge on 17 Feb. (TS et al.) and from RumCreek on 24 Feb. (JF, JA). There were tworeports of PACIFIC LOONS, with single birdsseen at Tybee Island on 11 Feb. (CL) and at theWPD on 17 Feb. (PB, HG, TMo). Also at theWPD during the month were at least 100HORNED GREBES (m.ob.). A RED-NECKEDGREBE was seen at Carters Lake on 8 Feb. byLC and JH. The previously mentionedWESTERN GREBE at Lake Walter F. George wasrelocated on 4 Feb. (B&DZ, DV, K&LT) and wasseen again on 19 Feb. (m.ob.). A flock of 45AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS was a goodsighting at Lake Walter F. George Dam on 4 Feb.(B&DZ, DV, K&LT). Two AMERICAN BITTERNS

were a nice spotting at the Bradley Unit on 10Feb. (JF, EH). DB reported an immatureGOLDEN EAGLE from the Subligna area on 11Feb.

CRANES THROUGH GULLS There were atotal of 12 reports of SANDHILL CRANESrepresenting approximately 1700 individualbirds. The peak count came on 25 Feb. when2000+ were seen in the Rome area (fide AS).On the 11 Feb. pelagic trip out from theSavannah area, two RED PHALAROPES and anexceptional LITTLE GULL were seen (RW et al.).

At the WPD, B&DZ, DV and K&LT reported amany as 10,000 RING-BILLED GULLS and 5HERRING GULLS coming in for their eveningroost on 4 Feb.

DOVES THROUGH SPARROWS A WHITE-WINGED DOVE was a great find at Statesboron 23 Feb. (JP). A dead LONG-EARED OWL

was found in Dooly Co. on 9 Feb. (EB). ASHORT-EARED OWL was found in Toombs Con 22 Feb. by EB and RB. In the Savannah ara male CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD was seenfrom 7 Feb. through the end of the month (SThe female VERMILION FLYCATCHER at theEufaula NWR was last reported on 10 Feb. (JEH). A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER at DyPasture on 17 Feb. was probably a winteringbird (SB). An IPSWICH (SAVANNAH)SPARROW was seen at Jekyll Island on 20 F(JH) and again on 23 Feb. (SB). Otherinteresting sparrow reports included aHENSLOWS SPARROW in Evans Co. on 3 F(JF, EH) and four LECONTES SPARROWS at

the Eufaula NWR on 4 Feb. (B&DZ, DV, K&LTORIOLES THROUGH SISKINS WinteringBALTIMORE ORIOLES were widely reported,with the peak count being five or so at a Dubfeeder for most of the month (MJ). TheStatesboro male BULLOCKS ORIOLE wasrelocated on 3 Feb. by BZ, BL and DV andanother male BULLOCKS ORIOLE was seen the Dublin area starting on 17 Feb. (MJ). Winfinch reports included two RED CROSSBILLSCarters Lake on 8 Feb. (JSp), and PINESISKINS in the Rome area on 13 Feb. (MD), Lamar Co. on 17 Feb. (CM), and in the Romearea on 18 Feb. (MD).

CONTRIBUTORS Jerry Amerson, SteveBarlow, Sterling Blanchard, Ken BlankenshipEric Beohm, Richard Beohm, Patrick Brisse,David Brown, Steve Calver, Chuck Cape, KareCox, Leslie Curran, Marion Dobbs, Steve EhlyJim Flynn, Hugh Garrett, Jim Gilreath, DavidHendrix, Jackie Heyda, Joel Hitt, Earl Horn,Pierre Howard, Mike Ivie, Marshall and LauriJackson, Cheryl and Panos Kanes, MaryKimberly, Rick and Sandy Krause, CarolLambert, Berwick Lanier, Bill Lotz, ConnieMadia, Ed Maioriello, Ellery McClintock, TreyMcCuen, Max Medley, Pam Moore, Peggy anTerry Moore, Charlie Muise, Philip Northman

John Parrish, Michael Parrish, Sean PerchalsParrie Pinyan, Paul Raney, Dan Roper, TimRose, Larry Ross, Chuck Saleeby, Jeff SewelSteve Slayton, Joshua Spence, Lois Stacey,Ann Stewart, Pat Sully, Stanley Tate, TomStriker, Karen and Luke Theodorou, Eran TomDan Vickers, Russ Wigh, Victor Williams,Marianna Wilson, Bob and Deb Zaremba, andStacy Zarpentine.

Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Court,Roswell, GA 30075 [email protected]

February Field Notes by Terry Moorez

February was a rather averagemonth for birding, as therewere a number of holdovers

from the previous month, but notthat much was added to the list.The Atlanta area scored 102

species (average = 97.9) to bring thatyearto-date total to 122 (average = 113.7).The Georgia area came up with 180 species(average = 182.7) to bring that year-to-datelist to 217 (average = 209.0).

CORRECTIONIn the January Field Notes, the sighting of aCALIFORNIA GULL on St. Catherines Islandon 22 Jan. (including photos), should beattributed to Jim Flynn. I apologize for themistake.



5/12

WildlifeSanctuar

This May yogo ahead and maSaturday, Septemberyour calendars the the 2007 Backyard W

Sanctuary Tour

We are already hawork looking fo

sanctuaries to be ontour for you to enjoy

tour will be in the APark/Virginia Highla

area of downtown At

If you are able to voland work a three-hou

during the tour, plecontact

jacqueline.mcrae@comc

Field TripsCompiled by Dave Butler

Field trips are open to the public andfree (unless otherwise noted). Wewelcome everyone from advancedbirders to beginners!

Please check the Audubon website for

other field trips not listed here.

Chattahoochee River NationalRecreation AreaCochran Shoals Area(Fulton County)Thursday, May 3, 2007Bill LotzThursday, May 10, 2007Bill LotzBirding Focus: Migratory songbirdsMeet in the parking lot at 7:30 AM. Parking fee($3) required.Directions: Cochran Shoals is located on thewest bank of the Chattahoochee, just north of I-285. Take I-285 to the Northside-Powers FerryRd. exit (exit 22). If you are going west on I-285,

turn right at the first light onto Interstate NorthParkway. Stay on this road as it curves west,through an intersection and crosses the river.After crossing, the parking lot is an immediateright.

Clyde Shepherd Nature PreserveSaturday, May 5, 2007Lisa HurtMeet at 8 AM at the Nature Preserveentrance.Birding Focus: Migratory songbirds.Directions: From I-285: Take LawrencevilleHwy US 29 exit (Exit 38), or the Stone Mtn.

Freeway US 78 exit (Exit 39A) west towardsDecatur, driving past North DeKalb Mall. Takea right on Harrington Dr. just after the QTstation, then a right on Wood Trail. ThePreserve is on the right at the bend .From I-85: Take North Druid Hills exit (Exit 89)south towards Decatur. Approx. three miles, goright on Lawrenceville Hwy (US 29) at NorthDeKalb Mall. Take a right on Harrington Dr. justafter the QT service station, then a right onWood Trail. The Preserve is on the right at thebend.From Decatur: Take Scott Blvd (US 29) to theintersection at North Decatur Rd and Medlock.

Turn north on Medlock Rd. and right on WoodTrail at Medlock Elementary School. Preservewill be on the right at the bend.

Fernbank Forest (DeKalb County)Saturday, May 5, 2007 Chris ShowalterSaturday, May 12, 2007Chris ShowalterMeet at Fernbank Science Center inthe side parking lot near the

observatory at 8 AMBirding Focus: Neotropical migrants.Directions: Fernbank Science Center islocated at 156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta, GA30307.From I-285, take Stone Mountain Expressway,Exit 39A (US 78) toward Decatur. It becomesLawrenceville Hwy. (US 78), then Scott Blvd(US 29); turn right at Coventry Rd., then left atfirst light (Heaton Park Dr). From downtown,take Ponce de Leon east toward Decatur andturn left on Artwood before the overpass RRbridge, then right on Heaton Park Dr. TheScience Center is on the left.

E.L. Huie Water Treatment Facility(Clayton County)Saturday, May 5, 2007Dale HardeeSaturday, May 19, 2007Malcolm HodgesMeet at 8 AM in the parking lot of theCCA office.Birding Focus: Shorebirds, waterfowl,waders.Directions: Take I-75 south beyond I-285 to US19/41 (Tara Blvd., exit 235); drive south for 8.2

miles to Freeman Rd. and turn left. The ClaytonCounty Authority office is a quarter-mile downFreeman Rd. on the right. The pond complex isacross the street.

May 2007

Q:Whatspecies recentlydethronedtheArcticTernasthebirdwiththelongestmigration?

Seepage___fortheanswerSee page 10 for answer

Q: Which bird lays thesmallest egg in relationto its size?


6/126 Atlanta Audubon Soci

The Atlanta Audubon Society's 2007 SummerJunior Birder Camp will be held in Decaturthis year, June 11-15. It will be an all-day

camp, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Campers will berising fourth and fifth graders. The camp will

be taught by Atlanta Audubon Society MasterBirders Marcia Klenbort, Sandy Miller and

Marilyn Harris and by other cameo teachers

who will come for just one or two mornings.Students will learn to identify birds native toour area, understand how birds survivedangers, discover what birds need in their

habitats, study bird flight, explore migrationpatterns of birds that fly through Atlanta,

build bird houses, learn to use binoculars, andvisit great birding spots. Bird activities and

interactive studies will be in the morning.Every afternoon there will be swimming andother fun activities (drama, nature study,

science). A major field trip to a birdsanctuary will take place on one day at the

end of the week.You don't have to be a resident of Decatur to

send your child to this bird camp. Fees arereasonable: $165 for the full week of JunioBirder Camp, including all books and birdi

materials used in the all-day activities.Campers will take home their journal, bird

posters, all projects they have made and afield guide to birds.

Registration for camp is NOW! Deadline fo

payment for camp registration is May 24. Fdetails and to get questions answered abouany of the "Whiz Kids Adventures Camps" f

rising fourth and fifth graders, call ClaireMiller, Decatur Day Camp Programs, at

404.378.1082. A full brochure on all theAdventure Camps is available (in print) at tDecatur Parks and Recreation building on

Sycamore Street, or on the Web atwww.decaturga.com. (Look under

Community, then Summer Camp.)

Parents with questions about the camp

should feel free to email Marcia at

[email protected]

AAS Junior Birders Camp June 11-15

The Georgia Important Bird Areas (IBA)program invites you to attend an IBA

Dedication Ceremony on Ossabaw IslandState Heritage Preserve

on Saturday, June 2,

2007, at 11 AM. Ourspeakers will be Mr.

Noel Holcomb,commissioner of the

Georgia Department ofNatural Resources, and

Mr. John Cecil, IBAcoordinator for theNational Audubon

Society. Please see the registration form onthe Atlanta Audubon website

http://www.atlantaaudubon.org/aaswww/iba/o

ssabaw-registration.pdfOssabaw Island, one of 48 IBA sites inGeorgia, is a magnificent example of prime

bird habitat in the largest state east of theMississippi River. This island, bigger than

Bermuda, provides vital habitats for manygroups of birds, including neotropicalmigrants, wintering shorebirds and resident

breeding birds. Several IBA priority speciesare found here, such as Worm-eating

Warblers, Short-billed Dowitchers and PaintedBuntings.

While we act locally to conserve Georgiasbird habitats, the IBA program itself is

worldwide, with many conservationorganizations partnering

with BirdLife Internatio

to conserve bird habitatall over the world. In

North America, theNational Audubon Socie

has identified more than2,000 IBAs. Once

identified, these areas amonitored and examinefor their conservation

needs to protect them for future generationof birds and people. While we include all b

species to watch over, we emphasize those

species that have declining populations, sucas Loggerhead Shrike, Painted Bunting,Brown-headed Nuthatch, Barn Owl,Swainsons Warbler, Lesser Scaup, and 79

other species. You can see the Georgia IBAConservation Priority Bird Species list at

www.atlantaaudubon.org.

We hope that you will join us for this

important event on one of our majestic

barrier islands.

IBA Dedication CeremonyMary Elfner, Georgia IBA Program Coordinator

Gail Russell, Advisory Committee Member


7/12May 2007

Special Festival Events:

89 AMBird Walk for Early Birders. Meetthe native birds of Piedmont Park insome of the best places in the city.

Got binoculars? Bring them.Otherwise, borrow ours. Got kids?Bring them along! Meet at theCommunity Center building at 12thand Piedmont. Led by Atlanta

Audubon Society Master Birders.

8:309:30 AMBird Walk. A slightly later bird walk.

910 AMLearn about Bird Songs with JayDavis.

10-10:45 AMBuild your Birding Skills usingsimple logic and knowledge of

common birds. With GeorgannSchmalz in the Community Room at12th and Piedmont.

12 PMFresh Air by the Georgia Clean AirCampaign.

Everyone is welcome to

celebrate the wonder of birds.

A Full Morning and

Afternoon of Special

Activities and Events

Be a citizen scientist

and discover what owls

eat

Get up close and

personal with a

bird of prey

Learn to identify

Atlanta's ten most

common birds

Try out binoculars andlearn what all those

numbers mean

Learn about the

benefits of drinking

shade grown coffee

Chart migration routes

of millions of birds tha

fly through Atlanta

Transform your back-

yard to attract birds

with native plants

Build a bird feeder

Learn to create a bird

and butterfly garden

Spy on birds in their

native habitats

Discover how birds are

being protected in

Georgia

Have fun!


8/128 Atlanta Audubon Soci

Birds in the Park

If you are in town on Sunday, May 6, you are especially

invited to join AAS and Piedmont Park Conservancy as

we launch a fantastic event for International Migratory

Bird Day. Contact Marcia Klenbort at

[email protected] if you would like to help

either in the morning or afternoon.

AAS Photographer

Do you like to take photographs? We are looking for

someone interested in being the official AAS

photographer. If interested, please contact Catharine

Kuchar at [email protected].

Calendar of Events Coordinator

We are looking for a volunteer to help us get our field

trips, events, etc., in the local calendar of events

around town. We will provide you with a list of

contacts with deadline dates, etc., and you will simply

submit the listings. The position is for one year and

would require approximately 1 to 1.5 hours per month.

If interested, please contact Catharine Kuchar at

[email protected].

Birdathon CoordinatorWe need a coordinator for our annual Birdathona

fun AAS event and an important fundraiser for the

organization. Being Birdathon coordinator is easy and

fun and involves determining dates for Birdathon,

publicizing the event, securing prizes to be awarded,

answering questions, etc. If interested, please contact

Ellen Miller at [email protected].

Scholarships Coordinator

A one-year position, the Scholarships coordinator

announces and publicizes the opportunity to apply

the adult and youth scholarships, recruits and train

small committee to review the applications and

interview the applicants, informs winners of their g

fortune and reminds them of their obligations to AA

upon returning from camp. To volunteer, contact

Marcia Klenbort at [email protected].

Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program

We are looking for volunteers to work three-hour s

on Saturday, September 8, during the Wildlife

Sanctuary Tour. We are also looking for help with

certification of properties. If interested, contact

Jacqueline McRae at [email protected]

Database Update

We regularly need someone to do data entry into o

database. You can work from home. High-speed

Internet access is required. Keeping the database

current is critical. For more information, contact A

Hurt at [email protected].

Volunteer Corner We need YOU!

Volunteers are what make Atlanta Audubon Society such an amazing organization. We rely

volunteers in virtually every area of the organization in order to be successful, and we are

always looking for individuals who want to get involved. Check out some of our current

volunteer opportunities below. Additional volunteer opportunities can be found on the Web

site at www.atlantaaudubon.org.

Shade-Grown Coffee

The Atlanta Audubon Shade-Grown Coffee Committee has been working since 1996 to increa

public awareness of the connection between neotropical migratory birds antraditional coffee farms. As a volunteer effort, ourcampaign aims to educate consumers about the positive

role that shade coffee plays in the conservation ofsongbird habitat in the Latin American coffee-producing

countries.

For more information and coffee sources, visit

www.atlantaaudubon.org. To volunteer for committee

activities, contact Jane Brann

([email protected] or 404.237.3542)


9/12May 2007

Atlanta Audubon Society

2006 Financial Year-in-Review

2006 was an amazing year for Atlanta Audubon Society, filled with many exciting educational programs, special events andongoing conservation efforts to protect the birds that we love and the ecosystems that support them.

In all of our efforts, fiscal responsibility is a top priority. Atlanta Audubon Society is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3)

organization funded almost exclusively by the contributions of our members. We believe in maintaining integrity andopenness in our financial practices and being wise and good stewards of the contributions and support provided to ourorganization.

We strive to use our funds in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible, a commitment illustrated by the fact that77 percent of our operating expenses went directly to our public outreach and education efforts. We expended only 4percent on fundraising efforts that drive our operations and 18 percent on management and general operations for suchthings as rent, stationary, insurance, etc.

RevenueTotal = $107,784Contributions/Memberships = $57,253

Investment Income = $26,412Program Income = $23,251Merchandise Sales and Advertising = $868

52%

25%

22%

1%

Contributions/Memberships

Investment Income

Program Income

Merchandise Sales & Adv.

ExpensesTotal = $74,330Public Outreach and Education = $57,960Membership Development/Fundraising = $3,196Management and General Expenses = $13,174

78%

4%

18% Public Outreach/Education

Membership Development/Fundraising

Management/Gen. Expenses


10/12

CLASSIFIEDS

Black Oil

Sunflower20lb Bag $7.50 always

with Audubon Membership Card

Proud Supporters of EnvironmentallyConscious Organizations in our Local

Community.

Wild Bird CentersCumming 2825 S. Vickery St. 678-456-6900

Dunwoody2472 Jett Ferry Rd 770-396-3353

Johns Creek3630 Peachtree Pky 770-813-947

Peachtree City 1211 N. Peachtree Pkwy 770-631-247

WWW.Wildbird.com

Rates for business card size ads are $20/month or $45/quarter. Ads must be consistentwith the conservation and birding mission and agenda of Atlanta Audubon Society.You may also design your own ad. Call for pricing.Send ads and payment to:

Wingbars Ads Atlanta Audubon Society, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359


W en You Come

To The Mountains -Ask about the new Birders Guide to Fannin County!We feature Coles seed,squirrel-proof feedersthat truly are, houses,hummingbird stuff,great books, Audubonoptics, & hard to findhardware. Plus 100sof Ravensburger Puzzles,Music of the SpheresChimes & a hugeselection of educationaltoys andgames for kids!

Downtown Blue Ridge & Inside Mercier Orchards

611 E. Main St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513

(706) 258-BIRD (2473) blueridgebirdseed.com

1874 Piedmont Ave. Suite 101-AAtlanta, Georgia 30324

CANINE SHOWCASE

& WILD BIRD INC.

4048750611

Weve moved to a bigger and better location.

We are located in Piedmont Pointe next t o Einstein Bagels on

Piedmont Road. We are expanding our already great selection

of bird supplies to include:

Swift Binoculars

Droll Yankee Feeders

Coveside Houses

Garden & Yard Art

Answer: SootyShearwater

Answer: Ostrich,the egg weighs1.5% of the parent

Panama!October 3-11, 2007

Canopy Tower and the Canopy Lodge

$1640 per persondouble occupancy

($200 single supplement). Price includes 8 nights lodginbirding guides, transfers and most meals.

Group size is limited to 10.

For additional information and to be put on the list for a spa

contact: [email protected]

800-289-1132www.eagleoptics.com

2120 W. Greenview Dr.

Middleton, WI 52562

Your source for a full line ofbinoculars and spotting scopesfrom all major manufacturers


11/12May 2007

Wingbars is mailed only to Friends of Atlanta Audubon. All new National Audubon Societymembers receive an introductory copy and can continue to receive this newsletter by becoming a

Friends of Atlanta Audubon member.

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.Enrollment as a Friend of Atlanta Audubon does not include membership in the NationalAudubon Society. Thus you willnot receiveAudubon magazine.

Join the Atlanta Audubon Society

Make check payable to:

Atlanta Audubon Society

Membership Director

P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359

Renewal New Membership

Name_____________________________________Address___________________________________

City___________________________ State _____

Zip Code _____________

E-mail ____________________________________

Phone ____________________________________

Basic Membership Individual .......................................$25 Family ............................................$35 Student ..........................................$15

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

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

Donor Membership..................................$250Receive an officialAtlanta Audubon T-shirt

Patron Membership.................................$500Receive a T-shirt and signedcopy of Birds of Atlanta

Benefactor Membership........................$1,000Receive all of the above plus a signed framedprint of Charles Harpers Missing Migrants

Friends of Atlanta Audubon Society

Please do not share this information with any other organization Do not acknowledge my gift in Wingbars

BENEFITS OFMEMBERSHIP

12 issues ofWingbarsNewsletter

Friends discounon classes, tripand specialevents

Use of the AASlibrary

A greattaxdeduction!

Thanks to allof you for your

support andenthusiasm.

By The Way highlights information, announcements, short updates and miscellaneous items. If you have brief items of interest toFriends of Atlanta Audubon members, please send them to the editor.

New opportunities are available in making a special gift to Atlanta Audubon Society.

New IRA rollover provisions of the new Pension Protection Act of 2006 allow for tax-

free charitable transfers from your IRA. Individuals aged 70.5 or older can roll overup to $100,000 from an IRA directly to a qualifying charity like Atlanta Audubon

Society without recognizing the transfer as income. Currently this giving option is

available only through 2007, and other restrictions may apply. Consult your estate or

financial planner for details on this unique giving opportunity.

Congratulations to Michael Burtell for winning the $50 gift certificate to Pike Family

Nurseries at our drawing held in conjunction with the 2007 AAS Member Survey.

Thanks to everyone who filled out a survey. Look for results of the survey in

upcoming editions of Wingbars.


12/12

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

P A I D

Atlanta, GA

Permit #917

Atlanta Audubon SocietyBox 29189 Atlanta, GA 30359

Wingbarsis printed on recycled paper

ATLANTAAUDUBON OFFI

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Center

5343 Roberts DrivDunwoody, GA 303

770.913.0511

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285

Birds matter. Urban gardens matter. We matter.By Carol Vanderschaaf

Our native wildlife habitats seem to be disappearing too quickly. Sometimes it seems there is little we cando to protect them. This is especially true in cities, where forested areas seem to be replaced overnight bhuman habitat. Though we can't often stop development, we can do something to help restore nativehabitat for wildlife.

In cities all over the country, there are many wildlife sanctuaries, community land trusts and urban gardens being developed and maintaine

by individuals and community groups.

Here in Atlanta, we have Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, the Lake Claire Land Trust and the Oakhurst Community gardens, among others.Gardens like these not only provide habitat for wildlife but encourage community involvement in environmental restoration.

Atlanta Audubon has the Wildlife Sanctuary Certification Program and the annual garden tour as well as the Greater Atlanta GreenspaceInitiative. Audubon members and the DeKalb Master Gardener Association are developing the Freedom Park Bird and Butterfly Garden. Aof these programs emphasize the use of native plants for urban habitats.

And each of us has our acreage, yards, porches or balconies where we can develop our own urban gardens, large or small. Whether you planacres of native azaleas and muscadine grapes, one wax myrtle, a bed of black-eyed Susans in your yard, a clay pot of coral honeysuckle on yodeck or balcony, or just let the pokeweed and Virginia creeper have their way, you will be contributing to the urban garden.

Urban gardens are important not only to wildlife but to us. These gardens teach environmental stewardship and enrich urban communitiesEco-psychologists have begun speaking of the "ecological self," that sense of selfbodily, perceptual, aesthetic and spiritualthat we feel innatural settings. Urban gardens can provide such settings.

Sarah Moss-Wolfe once said, "Nature is my medicine." I believe her. Urban gardens and the wildlife they support can be our medicine too.

Birds Matter

Upcoming:

Birds in the Park

9 AM - 3 PM

Piedmont Park

May 6

May 2007 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

Documents

Transcript of May 2007 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society