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Atlanta Audubon Receives Major TogetherGreen Grantfrom National Audubon Society and Toyota
Atlanta Audubon and Trees Atlanta Plan Neighborhoods for Birds,
Wildlife and People in Atlanta BeltLine Transformation
ATLANTAAUDUBON SOCI
Box 29189Atlanta, GA 303
www.atlantaaudubon
AAS OFFICEand Information
770.913.051
GOS RARE BIRD AL
770.493.886
November 2008
Volume XXXIV, Issue 10 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY
I N S I D Presidents Perch..........
Eastern Hemlock ..........
Grass Seed....................
AAS Legacy Club..........
Field Notes....................
Sams Lake Bird Sanctua
Merritt Island ................
Spotlight Marcia Klenbo
Volunteer Opportunities
A Million Thanks............
Holiday Party & Auction
Earthwatch Trip.............
Audubon Camp.............
Classifieds....................
Gas Declining Birds .....
Membership..................
Songbird Act .................
One of 41 newly-announced TogetherGreen national innovation grants from National Audubon Society and
Toyota will enable Atlanta Audubon and Trees Atlanta to make birds and other wildlife a key part of the
transformation associated with the ongoing BeltLine Corridor project. Impending expansion and restoration of
the citys urban forest through creation of the Atlanta BeltLine arboretum brings a unique opportunity to halt
the decline of species such as the Brown Thrasher, Common Grackle and Northern Flicker that make up the
rich avian heritage of Atlantas resident birds.
A one-year grant will allow the two groups to work together and with the community to conserve a bird and
wildlife-rich canopy over five square miles in seven of the Atlanta BeltLine arboretums natural
neighborhoods. Work will focus on the ecologically and culturally diverse West Connection, Warehouse Row,
Southern Way, the Confluence, New South, Piedmont Park and Entrenchment Creek neighborhoods.
Information and funds stemming from the grant will also directly aid two specific initiatives: the Warehouse
Row/Triangle Brown Middle School effort to clear out privet and plant trees with the needs of wildlife in mind
and the West Connection project involving site preparation, grading and planting. Broad initial efforts will
include:
Assembling a science-based field analysis of the bird and wildlife species in each neighborhood, with a plan
for addressing their needs
Recommending bird-friendly tree selections appropriate for target species in each neighborhood and
participating in efforts to restore them
Developing seven educational booklets for each natural neighborhood focusing on the unique habitat and
wildlife of the area
The Atlanta BeltLine support is part of the first major grants awarded by the TogetherGreen initiative, a
National Audubon Society project with funding from Toyota. Grantees were selected from scores of applicantsacross America. Funds were awarded to organizations in the Audubon network that demonstrated exceptional
innovation in working with other groups on projects that will produce tangible benefits for environmental
quality. Theres a real opportunity to enhance this BeltLine project for the good of birds, wildlife and people,
and were happy to be giving these groups the help they need to meet it, said TogetherGreen Project Manager
Judy Braus.
TogetherGreen will invest in both promising environmental projects and outstanding leaders that can shape a
brighter tomorrow. Along with innovation grants to be awarded each year, TogetherGreen funds promote
conservation leadership training and volunteer programs designed to equip and engage diverse groups and
individuals to take action today to shape a healthier tomorrow. Information can be found at
www.TogetherGreen.org on other grantees, along with opportunities to get involved in conservation efforts,
showcase successful initiatives and honor those who are making a difference.
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KINGLETSAmy Leventhal
Team Lead
Barb Bataillon
Beth Giddens
Sally Hodges
Nathalie Kinkade
Robin Roberts
Georgann Schmalz
Larinda Tervelt
Patricia Williams
WOOLLY BULLIESJoy Carter
Team Lead
Ken Boff
Jay Davis
Terri Davis
Patty McLean
Karen Siener
Michael Workman
TREE HUGGERSSimon Miller
Sandy Miller
Co-Team Leaders
Ed Derricho
Patti Davis
Sally Davis
Ellen Miller
BEETLEMANIACSRobin Roberts
Team Lead
Dan Roberts + family
Any of you who bird or travel in thenorth Georgia mountains are familiarwith the eastern hemlock, Tsugacanadensis. Within the United Statesthe species is found throughout NewEngland, New York, Pennsylvania and
the Middle Atlantic States, extendingwestward from central New Jersey tothe Appalachian Mountains, thensouthward into northern Alabama andGeorgia. It is a beautiful and currentlycommon tree found along mountain
banks and streams. It is long-lived, great for wildliand improves water quality. Most likely you havealso read or heard about the damage being done bthe hemlock woolly adelgid. The end result of thisinfestation may be the absolute decimation of ourhemlock forests. Please see the article below for
the latest update describing how you can help. Thmore people involved the better. Be aware,however, as the current volunteers know, it helps have a bit of mountain goat in you when photomonitoring hemlock trees. Good Birding!
Board of Directors2008
Executive Director Catharine Kuchar770.993.9579
President Ellen Miller404.355.8892
President-elect Vacant
Treasurer Deanna Helie770.457.4403
Recording Secy Mark Jernigan404.298.8825
Corresponding Secy Barbara Tarpley404.687.0079
DirectorsConservation Kelly Hopkins
Education Marge Igyarto678.398.0569
Field Trips Dave Butler404.580.3917
Membership Darlene Moore404.633.9361
CommunicationsBarbara Tarpley404.687.0079
Publicity Vacant
Volunteers Nancy Hamilton404.874.2338
At Large
Jay Davis404.624.4973
Victor WilliamsEarthshare Representative
---
WebsiteJim Flynn
Wingbars EditorMary Ann Hindes 770.497.0664
Design & LayoutCopy Preparation 770.939.2002
ProofreadingSteven Phenicie
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 Atlanta
Audubon Society and is published 11 times a
year. We feature news, upcoming events,
meetings, field trips and projects.We hope you
will join us. Opinions expressed are those 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
2 Atlanta Audubon Soci
In February Atlanta Audubon Society launched a three-year conservation project focused on saving the
eastern hemlock. Dr. Joseph Culin, chair of the Department of Entomology, Soils and Plant Sciences atClemson University, is researching the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an aphid-like bug that is infestingand killing hemlocks. In support of Dr. Culin's research, AAS volunteers traveled each month from Marchto July to photo monitor designated hemlock trees in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Generally, whawe saw from the data collected was typical for fairly new infestations with HWA numbers increasing fromearly spring to July, according to Dr. Culin. However, some of the trees monitored had more HWA thanwhat I would expect for new infestations, which probably reflects some stress, likely from the drought, othe trees at those locations.
As a part of our effort to raise awareness of this issue, Atlanta Audubon received a grant from the NationaAudubon Society to create a new publication to educate the public on how the eastern hemlocks are undattack from this exotic insect species. Help Save the Eastern Hemlock outlines the issues including howthe hemlock die-off affects forests and wildlife, what is being done and what everyone can do to help
protect our forests. Copies of this attractive brochure are available at the AAS office and will be madeavailable to all Audubon chapters throughout the state, along with other organizations heavily involved in
this issue including Georgia ForestWatch and the Lumpkin Coalition.
Many thanks to all the team members who are working on this project, especially the team leads. If you ainterested in joining a Hemlock Project Team, contact Kelly Hopkins at [email protected] or404.660.3166. Photo monitoring will start again in Feb. 2009.
Help Save the Eastern HemlockAtlanta Audubon Volunteers Are Making A Differenc
By Kelly Hopkins
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AtlantaAudubon
Societ
Legacy
ClubJoin us as a charter membof the AAS Legacy Club byincluding Atlanta Auduboin your bequests.
Your gift to Atlanta AuduSociety ensures our long-tability to manage theresources necessary to
preserve and protect metrAtlantas birds and theecosystems that support th
While cash donations are most popular form of suppa variety of options exist,
from charitable gift annuiand more.
Question: What aresome ways that I canmake a charitablecontribution that woubenefit both Atlanta
Audubon Society andme, other than a bequin my Last Will and
Testament?Answer:An outright cgift gives you animmediate charitablededuction; a gift ofappreciated stock andassets avoids capitalgains tax, giving you atax deduction; a lifeinsurance policy (existor new) can be given t
AAS, affording you ataxable deduction;charitable trusts can
reduce or eliminate taaltogether whileproviding assets to yochildren orgrandchildren. We canrefer you to professionadvisors for moreinformation.
For more informationcontact Art Hurt [email protected]
Dear bird lovers, here is a chance for you to help the birds
and enjoy a few hours with like-minded people in a
beautiful place. The Georgia Important Bird Areas (IBA)
Program is leading an effort to collect native warm-season
grass (NWSG) seeds that we will provide to the Georgia
Department of Natural Resources, whose staff will sow the
seeds by hand as part of an effort to restore nativegrasslands. NWSG seeds cannot be harvested by machine,
and while the DNR has the facilities to prepare the seeds it
does not have enough manpower to collect these seeds. In
recent years, conservationists have undertaken restoration
efforts, and the Georgia IBA has decided to assist DNR
with collection. This restoration will succeed if we have a
large number of volunteers to help. Fortunately the work is not difficult and can be done by any
person who can walk across a field of tall grass on the side of a very small hill. It could be a fun
family event or an active social event for a church or Scout group. The biggest challenge to most
of us will simply be whatever Mother Nature dishes up because there is no shade or facilities
nearby.
The seeds we will collect are unique because they are what botanists call native phenotype,which means they are not only the species that belong here, but they are actually direct
descendants of the plants that were here hundreds of years agothe plants that our grassland
birds evolved with. When Europeans first arrived, native grasslands were all over what is now the
southeastern United States. I'd say all of Georgia had native grasses, says Nathan Klaus of the
Georgia Department of Natural Resources. That is not to say it was all grassland, just that
anyplace that was somewhat open had the grassy understory, usually from fires. There were
numerous smaller glades, probably ranging in size from less than an acre to several hundred acres
in size. There were post oak woodlands that graded into oak/pine (shortleaf in the Piedmont,
longleaf in the Coastal Plain) woodlands; there were open pine woodlands and savannas all over
the Southeast. Much of the longleaf savanna was not wiregrass; about half of it was longleaf
bluestem/indiangrass woodland. Sprewell Bluff is the best remainder of that ecosystem. As fires
were suppressed, other plants took over. Then invasive exotic plants began to out-compete ourgrasses until they were able to hang on only in pockets. Now, less than one percent of Georgias
native grasslands survive. The loss of extensive stands of NWSG has resulted in a decline of many
species, including Eastern Meadowlarks, Loggerhead Shrikes and many sparrows.
Grass Seed Collection Events:
Panola Mountain State Park on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, from 1 PM to 4 PM. We will also open
the bird banding station at 7 AM. All are welcome to attend.
Sprewell Bluff State Park on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, starting at noon. Park Manager, Phil
Delestrez, will lead an interpretive walk through some old-growth longleaf pines from 9 AM until
noon. All seed collecting volunteers are welcome to attend.
If you cant make one of the scheduled days, there are other ways to help:
- Support efforts to restore habitat with professionally prescribed fire
- Dont buy plume grass or blood grass (also known as cogon grass)
- Support habitat restoration by buying a Federal Duck Stamp or get a hummingbird license plate
for your car (these support national wildlife refuges and the DNR non-game division,
respectively)
- Consider donating time or money to the Georgia Important Bird Areas Program
(http://www.atlantaaudubon.org/aaswww/iba/iba.htm)
- Learn more from the Georgia Botanical Society (http://www.gabotsoc.org/) and the Georgia
Native Plant Society (http://www.gnps.org/)
For more information or to sign up contact Georgia Important Bird Areas Coordinator, Charlie
Muise, 678.967.9924 or [email protected]
Grass Seed Collection Volunteers NeededBy Charlie Muise
Banded Sedge Wren with grassy field in background
Photographer: Charlie Muise
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ATLANTA AREAHERONS THROUGH STORKS There were severalreports of YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS duringthe month. Sightings came from Forsyth Co. on 5 Aug.(JFl), the Mercer Wetlands in NE Atlanta on 6 Aug.(RWil) and the Chattahoochee River NationalRecreation Area (CRNRA) on 18 Aug. (KB), and twobirds at the same place on 21 Aug. (KB). An immatureWHITE IBIS was a good find at the ChattahoocheeNature Center on 3 Aug. (SZ, ZL, ML). WOOD STORKSare quite rare in the Atlanta area so three separatesightings were quite unusual. One bird was seen inForsyth Co. on 15 Aug. by JFl, CL reported 12 inClayton Co. on 16 Aug. and JBro noted three in HenryCo. on 26 Aug.
OSPREY THROUGH HARRIER Interesting reports ofOSPREYS nesting on cell phone towers came fromRoswell with as many as three pairs finding this to bea fine platform for a nest (JG, ZL). Very rare for theAtlanta area was a SWALLOW-TAILED KITE discoveredin Cherokee Co. on 2 Aug. and was last seen on 14Aug. (V&HD). Not to be outdone were three sightingsof MISSISSIPPI KITES with three birds in Henry Co. on10 Aug. (JBro), one in Cherokee Co. on 10 Aug. (ZL,SZ, MMcS) and a last bird at Henderson Park on 18Aug. (CL, JSe).An early NORTHERN HARRIER wasseen in Bartow Co. on 21 Aug. (MMcS).
SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS There was anunusually high number of the rarer shorebirds seen
during the month most, if not all, affected by TropicalStorm Fay to some degree. On 31 Aug., KB, RC andNF had four AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS and oneBLACK-NECKED STILT in Bartow Co. KB also had aWILLET in Bartow Co. on 25 Aug. An UPLANDSANDPIPER was seen near Taylorsville in Bartow Co.on 21 Aug. (MMcS). In Forsyth Co. a BAIRDSSANDPIPER was found on 16 Aug. by JFl and was lastreported on 21 Aug. (MMcS). Back in Bartow Co. therewere three to four WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS anda single STILT SANDPIPER from 25 Aug. through 27Aug. (KB, DM, JSe, BL). Also in Bartow Co. SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS were seen from 21 Aug.through 28 Aug. with the peak count of four coming
on 28 Aug. (MMcS, KB, NF). An early WILSONS SNIPEwas seen in Bartow Co. on 21 Aug. (MMcS). A RED-NECKED PHALAROPE was discovered in Forsyth Co.on 26 Aug. (JFl), and the bird remained there until atleast 27 Aug. (DM, JSe, BL, DF). Very unusual was aBRIDLED TERN seen flying over the Forsyth Co.protein plant on 27 Aug. (DM, JSe, BL).
FLYCATCHERS THROUGH WARBLERS An OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER was an excellent sighting at theCRNRA on 23 Aug. (JBru). Single NASHVILLEWARBLERS were reported from Henderson Park on 10
Aug. (PMcL) and Milton on 19 Aug. (AM). An earlyCANADA WARBLER was spotted at Henderson Park on1 Aug. by JSe.
GEORGIA AREA
DUCKS THROUGH FRIGATE-BIRD As is usual, theAltamaha Waterfowl Management Area (AWMA) nearDarien came in with the highest counts of BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS with 15 adults plus at
least 18 chicks on 12 Aug. (BBr,SB). Two AMERICANBLACK DUCKS were a rare summer sighting inTreutlen Co. on 23 Aug. (JFl). An immature BROWNBOOBY was reported from an artificial island off thenorthern part of Jekyll Island on 30 Aug. (B&TD). Aninland BROWN PELICAN was seen at Lake Walter F.George Dam on 28 Aug. (JFl). Two ANHINGAS were agood spotting in Barrow Co. on 17 Aug. (JFl). SingleMAGNIFICENT FRIGATE-BIRDS were reported fromSkidaway Island on 22 Aug. (RWig), from Jekyll Islandon 23 Aug. (SSt) and from Goulds Inlet on 24 Aug.(PR). Three additional birds were reported from JekyllIsland on 22 Aug. (fide KB).
EGRETS THROUGH STORKS One GREAT EGRET wasseen in NE White Co. on 2 Aug. for a rare mountain
sighting (JSe). There were several sightings ofREDDISH EGRETS from coastal GA with two birds onJekyll Island being the highest count on 24 Aug. (RM).
A good count at Lake Hartwell in Stephens Co. wasnine WHITE IBIS on 24 Aug. (KT). ROSEATESPOONBILLS were widely reported from the coast, butthe only inland report was a bird in the Albany area on16 Aug. (BBr). Two WOOD STORKS were seen as farnorth as Jackson Co. on 16 Aug. (MF).
KITES THROUGH HARRIER Both SWALLOW-TAILEDand MISSISSIPPI KITES wandered widely during themonth. These species definitely seem to be on therebound and might be found almost anywhere in GAwith enough patience and time to scan the sky.Thepeak count for SWALLOW-TAILED KITES came from
Long Co. on 14 Aug. with approximately 90 100birds (GW, et al.). The high count for MISSISSIPPIKITES was 75 at Oxbow Meadows in the Columbusarea on 17 Aug. (TT). The farthest north sighting forMISSISSIPPI KITES was seven in Dawson Co. on 30
Aug. (GS). Early NORTHERN HARRIERS were reportedfrom Marshallville on 14 Aug. (WC) and in Lamar Co.on 15 Aug. (AH).
SHOREBIRDS JFl had two BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERSin Peach Co. on 23 Aug. and MMcS and JMc had onein Morgan Co. on 25 Aug. In Peach Co., JFL had an
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER on 23 Aug. and WC hadthe AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER on 26 Aug. plus a
WILLET and a BAIRDS SANDPIPER. Very unusualsightings included a PIPING PLOVER in WashingtonCo. on 23 Aug. (JFl) and 12 AMERICAN AVOCETS nSuches on 25 Aug. (BBel). UPLAND SANDPIPERS wfairly widely reported with the peak count of threecoming from Marshallville on 14 Aug. (WC). BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were also widely reportedbut only as single birds during the month. EightLONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS were reported from th
AWMA on 9 Aug. (JH). A WILSONS PHALAROPE wreported from Peach Co. on 24 Aug. (TMcC), a REDNECKED PHALAROPE was seen at Oxbow Meadowon 23 Aug. (WC) and two RED-NECKED PHALAROPwere seen in Oconee Co. on 27 Aug. (MF).
TERNS THROUGH JAEGERS At Carters Lake on Aug., JSe reported nine CASPIAN TERNS and 22BLACK TERNS.Along the coast, LT had one SOOTYTERN and seven BRIDLED TERNS on Jekyll Island 21 Aug. SS saw a BRIDLED TERN on Jekyll Island 23 Aug. WC had three inland SOOTY TERNS at LakOliver on 24 Aug. JFi found a SOOTY TERN and a BRIDLED TERN on Jekyll Island on 24 Aug. JFl had
two SOOTY TERNS at Lake Walter F. George on 28Aug. and a COMMON TERN on 26 Aug. at YahoolaRes.. DH was fortunate enough to find approximata dozen BRIDLED TERNS and a dozen BROWNNODDIES on Cumberland Island on 24 Aug., whichwas about a couple of days after the passage ofFay. BLACK TERNS were widely reported, but thpeak count came from St. Simons Island with 20021 Aug. (LT). A young LONG-TAILED JAEGER was asurprise at Lake Seminole on 28 Aug. (JFl).
DOVES THROUGH SISKINS Single WHITE-WINGEDOVES were seen on St. Simons Island on 16 Aug(PMcL) and on Jekyll Island on 17 Aug. (MMcS,JMcN). The RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD that appeareda Dawson Co. feeder on 08/12/07 appeared this y
on 7 Aug. (GS). It had previously been banded inAcworth in Dec. 2006. Two interesting observationwere that of two RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES anone BROWN CREEPER in Rabun Co. on 10 Aug.(BBest). A CANADA WARBLER was rather early in tColumbus area on 3 Aug. (WC). A single REDCROSSBILL was seen in Clayton on 2 Aug. by JSeSSl. Also in Clayton the same day was a PINE SISK(SSl).
CONTRIBUTORS Sandy Beasley, Betty Belanger,Michael Bender, Brandon Best, Ken Blankenship,Brenda Brannen, James Brooks, Jerry Brunner,Rachael Cass,Walt Chambers, Vickie and HarryDeLoach, Bruce and Traci Dralle, Nathan Farnau,Jared Fisher, Jim Flynn, Dot Freeman, Mark FreemHugh Garrett, Johnnie Greene, Jim Hanna, AshleyHarrington, Doug Hoffman, George King, CarolLambert, Mary Lebeau, Zelia Lebeau, Bill Lotz, RuMarley, Trey McCuen, Patty McLean, Joel McNeal,Mark McShane, Darlene Moore,Terry and PeggyMoore, Adriene Myles, James Neves, Bill OGrady,Raney, Sigrid Sanders, Georgann Schmalz, JeffSewell, Steve Slayton, Joshua Spence, Steve StokTed Theus, Eugenia Thompson, Lydia Thompson,Karen Torghele, Becky Valentine, Russ Wigh, GeneWilkinson, Rich Williams, and Stacy Zarpentine.
Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Court, Roswell, GA30075 [email protected]
August Field Notes by Terry Moorez
The passage of Tropical Storm
Fay caused quite a few
interesting sightings to be
recorded in GA for the month.
Although there werent hugenumbers of birds, the species
diversity, especially of shorebirds and terns,
was quite impressive. For the month the
Atlanta area recorded 138 species (average =
137.7) to bring the year-to-date total to 243 (a
new record). The average is 226.4. The
Georgia area came in with 211 (average =
200.0) to bring the year-to-date total to 324
(average = 316.6).
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Already certified as an Atlanta Audubon WildlifeSanctuary, thanks to the generosity of memberDavid Cree, Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary will be
open and free to the public from dawn to dusk.David is leading field trips at these wetlands so
check out the link on our website atwww.atlantaaudubon.org.
Located on Old Senoia Road south of Fayetteville,he 56.5 acre site, owned and managed by the
Southern Conservation Trust, features a half-milemulched walking trail, three bird-watchingobservation decks, and three dams that have
created ponds ideal for nesting and migrating birdhabitat. According to Trust Executive Director
Abby Jordan, This is a real environmentaluccess story. The site is very natural and is
developing into excellent habitat for all sorts of
wildlife including deer, snakes, turtles,heron and all sorts of other birds.
The opening of Sams Lake fulfills federal
requirements to replace several acres oflow-quality wetlands displaced by
construction of Runway 10-28the formalname of Hartsfield-Jacksons fifth runway,
which opened in 2006. These displacedwetlands were in the Flint River Basin. To
meet the federal requirement the ArmyCorps of Engineers identified Sams Lake,a dry lake bed also located in the Flint
River basin, as an ideal place to restore aswetlands, said Kathryn Masters, the
airports lead engineer on the restorationproject. For more information about Sams
Lake that was donated by the Sams family,visit www.sctlandtrust.org.
Field TripsCompiled by Dave Butler
Field trips are open to the public and free (unless otherwise noted). We welcomeeveryone from beginners to advanced birders! Please check the Atlanta Audubon
website (www.atlantaaudubon.org) for November field trips that may be scheduled
Sketch by Anne McCallum
New Wildlife Sanctuary Has Airport ConnectionFifth Runway Leads to Wetlands Restoration in Fayette County
Atlanta Audubon Society will again
sponsor a two-day/three-night trip onJan. 17, 18 and 19, 2009, to Merritt Island
National Wildlife Refuge, the secondargest refuge in Florida, located east of
Titusville. The trip leaders will be
Theresa Hartz and Lisa Hurt.
Merritt Island has the distinction ofbeing the home of NASA's Kennedy
Space Center, the Canaveral National
Seashore and Merritt Island Wildlife
Refuge. Along its western edge is theIndian River Lagoon, North America's
longest and most biologically diverseestuary. The surrounding waters offer asanctuary for an abundance of plants
and animals from both temperate andtropical climate zones. The refuge
consists of 140,000 acres of salt marsh,freshwater impoundments, brackish
estuaries, hardwood hammocks, pineflatwoods and scrub. Due to the diverse
habitats, Merritt Island remainsunsurpassed as a refuge for endangeredwildlife and supports more threatened
and endangered animals (21 species)than any other single refuge in the
continental U. S., including the BaldEagle, Wood Stork, Florida manatee,gopher tortoise and eastern indigo
snake. Offering varied birdingopportunities, the refuge has recorded
more than 310 species of birds.
Combined with the Canaveral Nationa
Seashore, the refuge supports theworld's largest population of Florida
Scrub Jays. The field trips willconcentrate on wintering waterfowl awading birds, but there will be
opportunities to view other species suas rails and other wildlife.
This trip is limited to 12 people. There
will be a pre-trip orientation meeting ashort workshop at the Dunwoody Nat
Center on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, from 3PM to 5 PM. The cost (NOT including
food or lodging) will be $175 for Frienof Atlanta Audubon members, $200 foNAS-assigned members and $225 for
non-members.
For reservations or more information
contact Lisa Hurt by phone or email:
770.934.7660 or
[email protected]. Your
payment will confirm your reservati
Annual Merritt Island Trip
Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary
Courtesy Southern Conservation Trust
Great White Egrets at Merritt Island
Photographer: Larry Harman
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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.
Atlanta Audubon volunteers and staff have been busy workingon our upcoming publication focusing on Georgias commonbirds that are in decline. Many thanks to Tim Keyes who has
helped write material related to the critical areas of thepublication and to Michael Oakley who created our range maps.
Speaking of our new brochure on Georgias declining common birds,a million thanks toAnne McCallum who painstakingly created our
illustrations for the publication. Our board and staff were so taken by her work that we arecreating the Atlanta Audubon Collection based on Annes illustrations. Check out the ad in thisissue ofWingbars to see how you can order your own set of these amazing cards.
Donna Wensink is a relatively new volunteer who has done some amazing things. Not onlydoes she help with our monthly Peel and Stick and is serving on Georgias declining commonbirds publication committee, but Donna has been pulling together a very detailed list offoundations and funders. Her work will be critical in finding grants for Georgias ImportantBird Areas, along with other conservation and education efforts. Donna, we cant thank youenough!
Marcia Klenbort began volunteering with AAS
about six years ago after taking the MasterBirder course. Since then, she has served on
the board as Education Chair and still enjoysgoing regularly to Peel and Stick activities,
saying they have a kind of quilting partyatmosphere. Currently, Marcia heads up theLearning About Birds (LAB) project, a part of
the education program. Its mission is to bringthe delight of birds to kids, especially those in
inner city neighborhoods, their teachers andleaders. There are now 18 sites in schools and
nature centers where teachers and leaders aretrained by AAS volunteers, and the childrenuse materials provided by them.
Several years ago she served as an AAS
representative to Piedmont ParkConservancys planning group to determinewhat to do with the new 50 acres that is now
under development. They advocated forwetlands and a path friendly to birders. During
the past year she has assisted with the monthlybird walks in the park, which take place on the
first Saturday of every month.
Marcia became interested in birding over 50
years ago at her mother-in-lawshome where feeders were in
the back yard. Her interest grew, and now sh
has been birding for about 45 years, but addthe first 40 years I was using some terrible
binoculars. Ive got some good ones now.When she travels she naturally gravitates to
green spaces even in cities.
A recent favorite bird is the Black-backed
Woodpecker, which she saw for the first timin the Adirondacks. She enjoys birding in th
lakes of the Okefenokee Swamp. A favoritememory is hearing and seeing a pair ofPileated Woodpeckers right up close with Jo
Hunsinger and Marilyn Harris when they webirding near the presidents house at Emory
University.
Marcia is retired and
lives near PiedmontPark. She formerly
worked as a communityorganizer, advocating
for public school reformto benefit kids andteachers, and as a
curriculum developerand a teacher.
Spotlighting... Marcia KlenbortBy Wendy Weathers
Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Volunte
Corner Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Volunte
Marcia Klenbort in her
favorite role, babysitting he
first grandchild, KaitlynFamily Photographer
olunteerOpportunities
ompiled by Carol Hassell
he Freedom Park Bird andutterfly Garden needs help with
watering and weeding especially inarly November during the falllanting with the Mary Lin School,s well as keeping those newlants watered until the middle ofecember. We could also use help
n developing a PowerPointresentation for interestedeighborhood groups. Please call ormail Carol Vanderschaaf,04.373.0295 [email protected]
WANTED: Atlanta Audubonhoto Contest Co-CoordinatorWe are looking for a volunteer withT experience to be the co-oordinator of the 2009 Photoontest who would work with
Michael Clifford to learn the ins anduts of the photo contest (using theontest software, the judgingrocess, etc.), and would assist in
managing the 2009 competitionnd be willing to take over the 2010hoto Contest. This is an extremely
mportant volunteer need for AAS,s we will be unable to hold theompetition in 2010 without a newoordinator coming on board for009. If interested, please contact
Michael Clifford,[email protected].
Armchair Activists Coordinatorre you interested in public policynd protecting bird-friendly habitat?o you like to mobilize peopleround critical issues? Do you likeo use the Internet toommunicate? We need anrmchair Activists Coordinator to
esearch critical issues that affectirds and send summary
nformation to the Armchair Activistsstserv on what action to take, e.g.,ending letters to congressmen,alling senators, etc. While this isn ongoing role, there is morectivity in the beginning of the year
when the legislature is in session.rmchair Activists are a criticalomponent of our grassrootsrogram. If you have about fiveours per month that you canolunteer for AAS, contact Kellyopkins [email protected] or04.660.3166.
8/9/2019 November 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
7/12
Join us under the twinkling lights of 5 Seasons
Brewings festive biergarten as we kick up ourheels, enjoy great food and even better
company. 5 Seasons Brewery is located onRoswell Road south of I-285just 300 yardsnside the perimeter. This year our holiday
banquet will be held on Sunday, which we hopewill make it easier for more people to attend.
You can help make our Silent Auction a biguccess by bidding on one (or more!) of ourabulous offerings. We already have a great list
of items, including a cabin for a weekend awayn Blue Ridge, Georgia, a Wildlife Sanctuary
Certification consultation with a MasterGardener, a private bird walk with Georgann
Schmalz, a box of hand-crafted bird note cardsand a hand-crafted owl box. Come withcheckbook or credit card in hand and prepare
o have a blast!
This year we will offer an early-bird registration
ate of $25 for all those that sign up and paybefore the early-bird deadline, Thursday noon,
Nov. 13. After that, the cost will be $30 perperson and we must receive your registration by
Wednesday noon, Nov. 26. No reservations will
be accepted after this date. If you need tocancel your reservation, you must call
770.913.0511 by Wednesday noon,Nov. 26, to avoid billing and toreceive a full refund. AAS must pay
the restaurant for everyone whoregisters, regardless of whether they
attend the event or not, so pleasehelp us by registering or cancelingon time.
To register, please contact theAudubon office at 770.913.0511.
Send your checks to Sally Davis,3904 Ashford Lake Court, Atlanta,
GA 30319 to reserve your space(you can also pay by credit cardover the phone).
To volunteer to help with thebanquet, contact Joy Carter at
[email protected]. Todonate items for the Silent Auction,
please contact Marge Igyarto [email protected].
November 2008
Holiday Party and Silent AuctionDas muss gefeiert warden
(This Calls for a Celebration)Its the annual Atlanta Audubon Holiday Banquet
5 Seasons Brewing, Biergarte5600 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA
The Prado Shopping Center,Suite 21
Sunday, Dec. 7
5:30 PM reception (cash bar)7:00 PM dinner
Silent Auction throughout the evening
Just in time for the holiday, gift-giving season...
Each set of beautifullyillustrated cards by artist
and Atlanta Audubonmember Anne McCallum
includes 12 differentdesigns. They feature someof our most common birds
in Georgia that areexperiencing significant
declines. In each packageyou will get one of each of
the 12 birds, plus envelopes,all elegantly wrapped,
perfect for gift giving thisholiday season or for your
own use! Each set comes onthe highest quality paper.Proceeds from this specialfundraising event will go
to Atlanta Audubonsconservation efforts to
protect these special birds.
A Special Fundraiser to
Support Georgias Common Birds
That Are in Decline
Atlanta Audubon Society proudly presents
T h e A t l a n t a A u d u b o n
C o l l e c t i o nN o t e c a r d s b y A n n e M c C a l l u m
Price per set: $10.00*
Set of 12 cards, featuring 12 different designs. Envelopes are included. (*add $4 forshipping). Produced in limited quantities, so order yours today! Card size is 5 1/2 x4 1/2 (blank inside). Call 770.913.0511 to place your order (credit cards accepted).
8/9/2019 November 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
8/128 Atlanta Audubon Socie
Earthwatch TripBy Steve Phenicie
I wasnt sure whether I could tell the differencebetween a dusky flycatcher and a dusty fly
swatter. Nevertheless, I signed up for a projectwith Earthwatch, an organization that sponsorsscientific research around the world. The
subject was Songbirds of the Tetons, and the
site was Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Earthwatch volunteers pay for the cost of their
trip and then do some of the grunt work underthe direction of scientists. There were 10 people
in my groupthe last of six during thesummerand we were a varied crew: two
Japanese schoolteachers, a mother/daughtercombo from Oregon, a married couple from
Milwaukee, a Massachusetts schoolteacher, anurse practitioner from Colorado, a SanFrancisco office worker and me. It might be fair
to say that none of us was a super-birdwatcher
type.We stayed in log cabins at the Teton Science
Schools, a multifaceted conservationorganization that has a campus within Grand
Teton National Park. Superb views of themountains were right off the porch.
The purpose of the project was to
study declining songbirdpopulations and the effect that
development in Jackson Hole ishaving on them. The previous fivevolunteer groups helped with
various tasks, but our groupmainly concentrated on what the
scientists call gathering veg data.In laymens terms that means we
wandered through a lot ofthickets, prickers, weeds, waterand mud looking for nests that
earlier teams had found. To dothis, we used a Global Positioning
Systema trying but rewarding experience f
those of us whose technical know-how is stuback in the 20th century.
I became great with a tape measure, too. We
had to measure vital statistics about each neLets seethis nest is 90 centimeters off the
ground, and it is 34 centimeters from the nesthe outer edge of the shrub. The nest shrub i210 centimeters across and 334 centimeters
high. As I measured, my partner, Tricia, wrodown the statistics. When a tree was too tall
measure with tape, I would estimate with mythumb how many Tricias tall it was. We the
had to divide the area around the nest shrubinto four quadrants. In each quadrant, wemeasured the distance between the nest shru
and the next-nearest shrub as well as theneighboring shrubs diameter and height. Of
course, birds tend to put their nests in hard-tget-to places, and getting a width on a willow
bush isnt an exact science. Mosquitoes, antsand branches whacking you in the face donthelp much either. We were lucky to do five
nests in a morning. Our most frequent nest tywas that of the AMRO project-speak for
American Robin.
By the end of the week, I had walked away wa number of intangible rewards. For one, I fe
almost as proficient as a small child would inthe use of a GPS. My binocular skills had
improved, so much so that I bought a new pa
And rambling through the wilds brought bacmemories of growing up in rural Michigan.
Our expedition was not all work, however. Oour recreation day, we hiked in the Tetons. A
one point, I spotted a bear perhaps 50 yardsaway. He was fashionably attired in a radiocollar with matching yellow ear tags but was
too interested in us. We quickly moved on.
If you think you, too, might like to participatthis Earthwatch project, it is not too late. We
were told that the project will be held againnext season. For more information, check th
Earthwatch website, www.earthwatch.org.
Steven Phenicie relaxing by Wyoming stream
Photographer: Linda Gathnay
Q:WhatspeciesrecentlydethronedtheArcticTernas
thebirdwiththelongestmigration?
Seepage___fortheanswer See page 10 for answer
The last remainingspecies of whatPenguin-like flightlessbird was killed in 1844?(Hint: See Alex Caillesarticle in the Octoberissue of Wingbars)
It is interesting and
encouraging to see
how the whole world
(our world!) is waking
up to our interest in
irds. Im so glad of it
it makes one hope
something may be done
to preserve them.
Olive thorne Miller
8/9/2019 November 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
9/12November 2008
Hello, my name is Will Wagner, and I amhe park naturalist and environmental
educator for Reynolds Nature Preserve inMorrow, Georgia. Located right in the
middle of Clayton County, the ReynoldsNature Center is a 146-acre wildlifesanctuary where we offer hiking trails,ponds, educational programs and annterpretive center.
ts a hot day in mid-August at the Atlantaairport as I board my plane on a non-stoplight to Maine. Ive never been this far
north before, and I am excited as I realizem only a few hours away from a trip thatve been looking forward to for some time
now. Atlanta Audubon Society has givenme a great opportunity by awarding me its
annual adult scholarship and sending meo Hog Island, right off the coast of Maine.
As I step off the plane and feel the 50-degree air, I quickly realize that Im not inGeorgia any longer.
Hog Island is a 333-acre wildlife refugegiven to the National Audubon Society in1936 for preservation and education.Located in Maines Muscongus Bay, thesland offers miles of trails to explore the
native flora and fauna typical of a northerncoastal island. Maine, like Georgia more soof late, is nicknamed the Pine Tree State;
however, unlike the evergreen loblollypines back home, the northern wildernesss a boreal forest filled with birches andirs. The gracefully rising ferns and fungi
create a very mystical place.
My trip to Hog Island begins with a shorterry ride across the bay, the only accesso a roadless land. We are greeted by the
staff at the dock and given an itinerary forwhats to come for the next seven days.Our accommodations are refurbished oldustic lodges and bunkhouses that used to
be a small resort in its heyday. The other
participants and I are not the only onessettling in as a thick fog begins to moveacross the island, eliminating the viewacross the water of an old wreckedwooden ship.
We rise with the sun, and each day beginswith an early morning bird walk at 5:30AM. We have good luck and see a numberof warblers and Cedar Waxwings. Weknow the walk is over and breakfast iseady when the giant cast iron bell rings,
so we make our way down to the dining
hall. Following breakfast we migrate intothe meeting hall called the Fish House fordiscussions on wildlife issues of today andenvironmental education practices of
tomorrow. Each afternoon a naturalistleads us to specific areas of the islandwhere we explore different living thingsindigenous to Maine.
One particular evening we wandered downto the rocky shores with buckets and netsto study and collect aquatic species whilethe tide was low. The ocean was litteredwith buoys marking the lobster traps thatthe fishermen lay on the ocean floor. As Ientered the cold Maine waters and beganto fish, my legs instantly became numb.We were fortunate to see green crabs, sea
stars, anemones, lumpfish, shrimp, andeven a pipefish (related to the seahorse).One afternoon we boarded the Puffin V totake a cruise to Eastern Egg Rock Island,the highlight and most exciting part of mytrip. Along the way we saw many gullsfeasting on chum left behind by fishermenand the occasional osprey flying overheadwith a fish grasped in its talons. While wewere passing other islands, loons and theCommon Eider were bobbing in and out ofwater looking for food. Once we arrivedwithin viewing distance of Eastern Egg
Rock, we saw harbor seals sunning on theedges of rocks as our eyes scavenged forthe prize the Atlantic Puffin. It didnttake long until a few puffins came intoview, and while circling the island we sawmore along with a few terns. The Puffin Vdelivered a good trip with a Bald Eagle onthe way home for the icing on the cake.
I really appreciate the experience thatAtlanta Audubon Society has given me andwill always cherish the learningexperience that I received. I am excited tobring back a new program as I have
already begun work on our ornithologyclass. Branching out from this we willoffer a special outreach program called theThrasher Bash in which we will have ahands-on, take-home class to educatechildren and their parents about theBrown Thrasher and get them started onhow they can help ensure its habitat.Thank you Atlanta Audubon for all thatyou have given me.
Another Tale
from Audubon CampBy Will Wagner
Puffin V
Birds feasting on chum at Hog Island, Maine
Those are Puffins out there!
Getting acquainted at Audubon Camp
Photographs byWill Wagner
8/9/2019 November 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
10/1210 Atlanta Audubon Socie
CLASSIFIEDS
Rates for 2.5 x 2.5 ads are $20/month or $45/quarter. Ads must be consistent with the conservation and birding mission of Atlant
Audubon Society. Ads may be accepted via e-mail, preferably in .pdf format. Call 770.913.0511 if you have questions. Send payment WingbarsAds, Atlanta Audubon Society, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359.
Send ads via e-mail to Catharine Kuchar at [email protected].
Answer: Sooty
Shearwater
Answer:Great Auk
10 Atlanta Audubon Socie
Bird Songs of GeorgiaCD now available.
Email Georgann Schmalz [email protected] or
visitwww.birdingadventuresinc.com
W en You Come
To The Mountains -Ask about the new Birders Guide to Fannin County!We feature Coles seed,squirrel-proof feedersthat truly are, houses,hummingbird stuff,great books, Audubonoptics, & hard to findhardware. Plus 100sof Ravensburger Puzzles,Music of the SpheresChimes & a hugeselection of educationaltoys andgames for kids!
Downtown Blue Ridge & Inside Mercier Orchards
611 E. Main St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513(706) 258-BIRD (2473) blueridgebirdseed.com
P.O. Box 921455, Norcross, GA 30010
Website: www.workshopcreations.com
E-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:
Schedule for Classes and WorkshopsIntroduction to Birding: Nov. 15Sparrow Workshop: Nov. 22 & Dec. 6 (field trip)Merritt Island Workshop: Jan. 17, 18, 19, 2009
New to Birding?Contact Sally Davis 770.913.0511 for an open spot in ourIntroduction to Birding.
Cant tell one Sparrow from another?Contact Wendy West 404.218.8141 or [email protected].
Want to expand your birding horizons?Contact Lisa Hurt 770.934.7660 or [email protected].
8/9/2019 November 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
11/12November 2008
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 willnot 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
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MEMBERSHIP 11 issues
(July/Augustcombined) of
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Now Available!
You can now renew yourmembership online. Just vis
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join via the Web. We are excito be able to offer this new
service to you!
Ninety percent of the NorthernBobwhite population in Georgia hasdeclined the past 40 years.
The Northern Bobwhite, Colinusvirginianus, is a robin-sized, robustquail that forages on the ground. While
the body of both sexes of the speciesis brown, males have black-and-whitefacial stripes, while females havebrown-and-tan.
Living on farmland and in brushy fields throughout much of theeastern United States, its breeding season runs between lateFebruary to late October. Both males and females build the nestusing primarily dead vegetation. The Northern Bobwhite has theunusual behavior of settling down for the night in a circle with all ofthe birds facing out. By doing so, the birds have a 360 degree viewto spot predators. If one bird scatters, the entire group takes flightto avert danger.
As foragers, the Bobwhites diet consists mostly of insects and
seeds. It is also a highly opportunistic feeder, eating seeds ofagricultural crops and weeds. It is because of these eating habit
that the Bobwhite population expanded in the 1800s and early1900s. During that time settlers converted extensive forest are
to agricultural land, altering the landscape and expanding the birnumbers. When much of this land converted from farming to ot
uses by the mid 1900s, the population of the Northern Bobwhitdecreased dramatically.
In Georgia, the bird is prized by hunters and is the official game of the state. It can be found throughout Georgia with the greatenumbers found in the Coastal Plain (primarily the southern half o
the state), including quail plantations in the Southwest. Between1966 and 2005 Northern Bobwhite populations declinedapproximately 4.2% per year. Overall the bird has lost 90% of itpopulation over the past 40 years. The greatest threat to theBobwhite is the continued loss of habitat due to a variety of landchanges.
Source: Declining common bird findings based on National Audu
Societys Common Birds in Decline: A State of the Birds Reportwith additional figures from the Georgia DNR.
Georgias Declining Common BirdsNorthern Bobwhite
Northern Bobwhite
Photographer: Charlie Muise
8/9/2019 November 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society
12/12
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and/or print a copy of the current newsletter withpictures in full color. Please note that AAS does notdistribute the newsletter by e-mail. Thank you for
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Nearly half of the migratory songbird species
in America are declining due to habitat loss
and mortality from a number of human-
related causes.
You can help conservationistsreversethese declines.
Join theAct for Songbirds Campaign to reauthorize
the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act
Americas only source of federal funds specifically
dedicated to conserving migratory birds.
Visit www.actforsongbirds.org and Act for Songbirds today!
MacGillivrays Warbler: Greg Lavaty
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