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February 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

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  • 8/9/2019 February 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

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    ATLANTAAUDUBON SOCI

    Box 29189Atlanta, GA 303

    www.atlantaaudubon

    AAS OFFICEand Information

    770.913.051

    GOS RARE BIRD AL

    770.493.886

    February 2008

    Volume XXXIV, Issue 2 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY

    I N S I D Presidents Perch..........

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

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

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

    Warbler Workshop ........

    Natural World Focus .....

    Conservation Update ....

    Master Birders..............

    Birdathon 2008.............

    Atlanta CBC....................Supporters of Audubon.

    Waterfowl Workshop ....

    Frank McCamey............

    Water Brigade...............

    Spotlight Lisa Hurt .......

    Volunteer Opps..............

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

    Audubon Scholarships...

    Joe Greenberg CBC........

    Classifieds....................GAs Protected Birds.....

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

    Macro Photography ......

    UPCOMING SPEAKER SERIESHow to Survive Atlantas Drought

    for You and the BirdsJennifer McLaurin

    Environmental Education CoordinatorSunday, February 24, 2008, 3 PM

    Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area, Island Ford Park

    Join us on Sunday, February 24, at 3 PM for a program about the water crisis and what you cando to conserve water in your home and yard. Jennifer McLaurin, environmental educationcoordinator with the Fulton County Department of Public Works, will give us a preview of

    water conservation strategies that can be simply applied in your home and yard to effect the10% reduction mandated by Governor Sonny Perdue. She will discuss rain barrels, xeriscapingand conservation tips, as well as offer several give-aways for those attending.

    The Speaker Series program will be at the Island Ford Park located at the Chattahoochee RiverNational Recreation Area. There is a $3.00 user fee, and the parking lots are on the left beforethe Visitors Center, with closer parking at the end of the road. See directions below.

    Directions: Going north on GA 400, take Exit 6 (Northridge Rd.). Coming off the exit, turnright (west) and stay in the right lane, crossing over GA 400. Turn right (north) onto DunwoodyPl. Go 0.5 miles to Roberts Dr. Turn right (east) and proceed 0.7 miles to the park entrance onyour right (Island Ford Parkway). Continue down the parkway until you see the VisitorsCenter. Going south on GA 400, take exit #6 (Northridge Rd.). Continue straight ahead (north)at the traffic light onto Dunwoody Pl. Go 0.5 miles to Roberts Dr. Turn right and proceed 0.7miles to the park entrance on your right (Island Ford Parkway).

    Great Backyard Bird CountDuring Presidents Day weekend, February 1518, anyone can count birdsfrom wherever they are and enter their tallies online. These reports create anexciting real-time picture of where the birds are across the continent andcontribute valuable information for science and conservation. The GBBC is agreat way to engage friends, family and children in observing nature in theirown backyard, where they will discover that the outdoors is full of color,behavior, flight, sounds and mystery, said Janis Dickinson, director of citizenscience at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

    People of all ages and experience levels are invited to take part wherever theyareat home, in schoolyards, at local parks or wildlife refuges, even countingbirds on a balcony. Observers count the highest number of each species they

    see during at least 15 minutes on one or more of the count days. During the 2007 10th annual GBBC,citizen scientists across the United States and Canada submitted more than 81,003 checklists, countedmore than 11 million birds and tallied 616 species. Literally, there has never been a more detailedsnapshot of a continental bird-distribution profile in history, said John Fitzpatrick, director of theCornell Lab of Ornithology. Imagine scientists 250 years from now being able to compare these data

    with their own!

    For more information on how to participate, including identification tips, photos, bird sounds, mapsand information on more than 500 bird species, visit www.birdcount.org. The Web site provideshelpful hints for identifying birds. Participants can compare results from their town or region withothers, as checklists pour in from throughout the United States and Canada. They can also view birdphotos taken by participants during the count and send in their own digital images for the online photogallery and contest.

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    I bought the most recent Migratory Bird Stamp

    or Duck Stamp today. I buy one each year

    shortly after the start of the new year. The

    program that this stamp supports is one of themost highly successful conservation programs

    ever, with 98 cents of every dollar going to

    conservation. When I bought my stamp, I began

    reflecting on bird conservation this past year in

    Georgia and elsewhere. There is good news-

    great news, in fact! We have much to be grateful

    for and to be proud of for the year 2007.

    Initiatives such as those below do not happen

    without a great deal of hard work and

    extraordinary public support.

    Jekyll Island: Thanks to multiple groups and

    individuals, the south end of Jekyll Island wasprotected from development from the soccer

    fields south. As you probably know frominformation in Wingbars and other sources, thefight to keep Jekyll Island accessible and largely

    undeveloped continues; but, as we saw in theeffort to protect the southern end of the island,

    when enough voices are raised and forcesmobilized, those forces can have a significant

    impact. For more information on the ongoingefforts to protect Jekyll Island, go to

    http://www.savejekyllisland.org/.

    Georgia Land Conservation Program

    Funding: In December 2007, Governor Perdueannounced that in addition to funding from

    federal, local and private partners, the State ofGeorgia would invest $35 million under the

    Georgia Land Conservation Program to protectapproximately 20,000 acres of land in Paulding,Decatur and McIntosh counties. The land being

    protected includes a 6,800-acre tract known asPaulding Forest, 8,400 acres in Decatur County

    around Lake Seminole, which includes Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis)habitat, and approximately 4,200 acres in

    McIntosh County of a corridor connecting theAltamaha Wildlife Management Area and theTownsend Wildlife Management Area.

    Federal Government Initiatives: EvenPresident Bush got on the bird habitat

    conservation bandwagon in 2007. On October 22007, he gave a speech at the Patuxent Researc

    Refuge outlining a number of policies specificaldesigned to benefit migratory birds. Theseincluded habitat restoration of an additional

    200,000 acres of federal wildlife preserves by2009, $4 million to assist in preserving migratory

    habitat in Mexico, a state of the birds report bythe end of his term in office, and a recovery

    credit trading program modeled on a programbeing used in Texas to protect and enhanceGolden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroicachrysoparia) habitat. Lets hope his promises arkept and birds stay on the political map.

    International Efforts:And on the internationa

    front, Birdlife International announced a majornew initiative aimed at saving all 189 of the

    worlds most endangered species. This initiativeenlists Species Champions to raise 19,000,000pounds over the next five years to support and

    sustain a carefully orchestrated globalconservation effort.

    Wow! As you can see from just the examples I

    included, there really is some good news on th

    bird front. Lets build on the momentum. Than

    you, and good birding in 2008!

    Board of Directors2008

    Executive Director Catharine Kuchar770.993.9579

    [email protected]

    President Ellen Miller404.355.8892

    [email protected]

    President-elect Allyson Read404.510.8281

    [email protected] Deanna Helie

    [email protected]

    Recording Secy Mark Jernigan404.298.8825

    [email protected]

    Corresponding Secy Barbara Tarpley404.687.0079

    [email protected]

    DirectorsConservation Kelly Hopkins

    [email protected]

    Education Marge Igyarto678.398.0569

    [email protected]

    Field Trips Dave Butler404.580.3917

    [email protected]

    Membership Darlene Moore404.633.9361

    [email protected]

    CommunicationsBarbara Tarpley404.687.0079

    [email protected]

    Publicity Vacant

    Volunteers Nancy Hamilton404.874.2338

    [email protected]

    At Large

    Jay Davis404.624.4973

    [email protected] Williams

    Earthshare Representative770.423.1012

    [email protected]

    WebsiteJim Flynn

    [email protected]

    Wingbars EditorMary Ann Hindes 770.497.0664

    [email protected]

    Design & LayoutCopy Preparation 770.939.2002

    [email protected]

    ProofreadingSteven Phenicie

    770.849.0391

    [email protected] deadline is the first of

    the month for material to bepublished the following month.

    Please submit articles as MS-Word [email protected].

    Email 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

    Good News!

    2 Atlanta Audubon Soci

    Election of Officers andBoard of Directors

    At the general meeting of the Atlanta

    Audubon Society on Friday, December

    7, 2007, the membership votedunanimously on the ballot of

    candidates for officers and board

    directors published in the Decemberissue ofWingbars. There were no

    nominations from the floor.

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    If you havent had the opportunity to takepart in a bird banding experience, you dont

    know what youre missing. Its probably oneof the best ways youll have to see birds upclose and personal, carefully examining theirvibrant colors and gaining a better insightinto their overall size and relative staturecompared to other birds.

    In October during the Georgias ColonialCoast Birding and Nature Festival, I had thechance to participate in the Jekyll IslandBanding Station field trip. The site waslocated near Jekyll Islands famous southbeach and was situated in the midst of sanddunes and scrub forest. During festival time,

    hundreds of migrating birds are captured inmist nets at the site. Birds are banded, aged,sexed and measured. Scientists use data fromstations like the Jekyll Island BandingStation to help understand migration patternsand population trends.

    That morning under the warm Georgia sun,we watched as a variety of birds wascaptured in the nets. Each bird was placed ina small pouch and lined up according towhen they were caught. One by one thescientist on duty pulled the bird out of thebag and examined it carefully. It was a

    fascinating process. As each new type of birdwas captured it was photographed. Thisgave us the opportunity to look at each birdfrom a few inches away. When a Gray Catbird(Dumetella carolinensis) was turned overon its back, I could see the beautiful rustycolor on its underbelly and actually touch thesoft feathers. When I checked out a Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroicacaerulescens) up close, I could see its

    amazing colors. Admittedly, my favorite partof the field trip was having the opportunity

    to release several of the birds. It was thehighlight of my entire trip.

    On Jekyll Island the bird banding station(JIBS) bands migrating passerines for threeweeks each fall. Operated by Jan and ChrisPitman and Charles Ratliff, the data collectedare reported to the Department of theInteriors Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL).The BBL compiles and links its data withother stations in the Americas. Besidesstudying its own data, JIBS also participatesin various independent scientific studies,including investigating the West Nile Virus, a

    Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) DNAanalysis, avian bird flu and a re-captureanalysis with other Southeastern stations.The research is vital in helping scientistsunderstand migration patterns and overallbird populations. Their work is alsoextremely significant in light of severepressure to develop the island, which wouldmost likely destroy precious bird habitat. Youcan learn more about JIBS by visitingwww.jibspage.org.

    On March 16 at our Speaker Series event forour photo contest, Charlie Muise will be

    doing a special presentation on bird banding.We are also hoping to give our members theopportunity to join Charlie as he bands birdsat Panola Mountain that morning (stay tunedfor more information in the March edition ofWingbars). If you can make it to the meeting,you wont regret it. Its one of the many greatjoys of birding, and youll have an amazingtime.

    From the Executive Directorby Catharine Brockman Kuchar

    Getting Up Close and Personal

    by Participating in Bird Banding

    February 2008

    The non-game licplates program tu10 this year. The plate went on sal

    February 1997. Tprogram has raismore than $23 mi

    Buy a wildlife plathttp://tinyurl.com/2ydonate via the inc

    tax check-off, odirectly to Non-G

    Conservation

    770.761.3035

    AAS members celebrating at 2007 holiday party (new

    WingbarsEditor, Mary Ann Hindes, front and center).

    Delicious food prepared by Cathy Conways Avalon

    Catering for AAS 2007 holiday party.

    Former President and current Conservation Directo

    Kelly Hopkins, draws winning door prize from AAS

    President Ellen Miller.

    Photos by Cathy Harman

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    ATLANTA AREA

    WATERFOWL - Single ROSSS GEESE were seen at theSweetwater Creek State Park on 19 Nov. (PB, HG) andat the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area(CRNRA) on 23 Nov. (JG). Good finds at the E.L. HuieLand Application Facility (ELHLAF) in Clayton Co. werea female NORTHERN PINTAIL on 12 Nov. and twoREDHEADS on 15 Nov. (CaL).At Lake Acworth, CS hadnine REDHEADS on 28 Nov. and SP had a femaleCOMMON GOLDENEYE on 27 Nov. Back at theELHLAF, K&LT reported a female COMMONGOLDENEYE on 25 Nov., and CaL had a large flock of150+ HOODED MERGANSERS on several dates duringthe month.

    CORMORANTS THROUGH FALCONS - CaL had a largeflock of 150+ DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS atLake Blalock of the ELHLAF on 14 Nov. For somereason, ANHINGAS are being seen more commonly inthe southern portion of the Atlanta area. CaL reportedone bird starting on 6 Nov. at the ELHLAF, and twowere seen in the same area from 14 Nov. through theend of the month (CaL). Another good bird at theELHLAF was an AMERICAN BITTERN on 1 Nov. (CaL).Good numbers of migrating TURKEY VULTURES were

    seen during the month by a number of observers,with the peak count of 300 on 2 Nov. in southGwinnett Co. (R&SK). A PEREGRINE FALCON was arare sighting in Cobb Co. on 10 Nov. (DH).

    CRANES THROUGH SHOREBIRDS - There were at least12 separate reports of SANDHILL CRANES during themonth, totaling about 2,600 individual birds. The peakmovement appeared to be from 23 Nov. through theend of the month. An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERwas discovered in Cobb Co. on 10 Nov. by DH andwas seen at least through 12 Nov. (DH). A SPOTTEDSANDPIPER was a good find along the CRNRA on 30Nov. by DM.

    HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH SISKINS - A RUFOUSHUMMINGBIRD was frequenting a Chastain Parkfeeder on 22 Nov. (BL). RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHEScontinued their huge invasion into our area withmany, too many, individual reports to list. Almosteverybody was able to find the cute little nuthatchesin their yards or in most forested areas in the Atlanta

    area. Interesting warbler sightings included aTENNESSEE WARBLER in Cherokee Co. on 1 Nov. (VD)and an AUDUBONS WARBLER in the Woodstockarea on 18 Nov. (JR). Sparrows made a decentshowing with three VESPER SPARROWS at theELHLAF on 2 Nov. (CaL), a LARK SPARROW at theClyde Shepherd Nature Preserve on 12 Nov. (LHu),two WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS at the ELHLAF on 5Nov. (CaL), two WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS inBartow Co. on 10 Nov. (KB), and single WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS in Cherokee Co. on 5 Nov. and10 Nov. (VD). There were a few PURPLE FINCHES inthe Atlanta area during the month, but no largenumbers. The only PINE SISKIN was one in northFulton Co. on 6 Nov. by NB

    GEORGIA AREA

    DUCKS AND GEESE - Although the stronghold forBLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS continues to be atthe Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area (AWMA)near Darien, with as many as 11 present there duringthe month (m.ob.), the species is now showing up atother locations such as the Jekyll Island Causeway(JIC) by JSe, and CaL. Good goose reports were of fiveSNOW GEESE near Midway on 7 Nov. (TMi) and aROSSS GOOSE in Gordon Co. on 18 Nov. (MMc). TenNORTHERN PINTAILS was a good count along thecoast at the JIC on or about 4 Nov. (BZ). The WestPoint Dam (WPD) played host to a large number of

    waterfowl on 24 Nov., including 500 REDHEADS and500 RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. (BF).

    LOONS THROUGH GULLS - JF and EH had a highcount of 300+ COMMON LOONS at WPD on 17 Nov.Good grebe reports were a RED-NECKED GREBE atthe Walter F. George Dam (WFG) on 22 Nov. (EB, MB)and 30+ EARED GREBES at Lake Juliette/Rum CreekWMA on 17 Nov. (TJ). BZ and EH found severalhundred NORTHERN GANNETS off Tybee Island on 23Nov. Rather rare for an inland location was a BROWNPELICAN at WFG on 17 Nov. (JF, EH). BZ had 75GLOSSY IBIS at the AWMA on or about 4 Nov. FourWOOD STORKS were late in the Augusta area on 3Nov. (LS).

    HAWKS THROUGH GULLS - Rare for the area was aMERLIN in the Dawson Forest on 10 Nov. (GS). TMcand AD reported hearing a BLACK RAIL at the AWMAon 10 Nov. Back at the Dawson Forest, GS had aSORA on 10 Nov. There were only five reports ofSANDHILL CRANES with the peak coming between 18Nov. and 29 Nov. (m.ob.). Four GREATER YELLOWLEGSwere somewhat unusual in Jackson Co. on 9 Nov.(DM). Two PECTORAL SANDPIPERS were late at theEufaula NWR on 4 Nov. (SB). BZ and EH saw three orfour LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS at Tybee Islandon 23 Nov.

    DOVES THROUGH SWALLOWS - Single WHITE-WINGED DOVES were seen at Jekyll Island on 17 N(MCl) and at Tybee Island on 18 Nov. (DC). In additto the GREEN-BREASTED MANGO which remainedits Dublin feeder throughout the month, the followhummingbird reports were received: a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD at Skidaway Island on 6

    Nov. (RW), an adult female BLACK-CHINNEDHUMMINGBIRD in Henry Co. on 25 Nov. (KT), andRUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS continuing in theDawsonville area on 9 Nov. (GS) and another in Dustarting on 16 Nov. (RT). The female VERMILIONFLYCATCHER that has frequented the Bradley Unit the Eufaula NWR was seen again on 4 Nov. (StB). AWESTERN KINGBIRD was a good find at the AWMA17 Nov. (MCh). A single CAVE SWALLOW was seenthe AWMA on 10 Nov. (fide JSe) and again the nexday by BZ.

    WARBLERS THROUGH SISKINS - Reports of latewarblers included one or two PRAIRIE WARBLERSJekyll Island on 24 Nov. (BZ, EH), an AMERICANREDSTART on Skidaway Island on 16 Nov. (BR), an

    YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT at the AWMA on 9 Nov.(RM). A CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was seen at the

    AWMA on 8 Nov. (D&BZ) and again on 10 Nov. (fidJSe). A LARK SPARROW was found on Tybee Island13 Nov. by SaB and BB and was seen there off anto the end of the month. An IPSWICH SPARROW wan excellent spot by BZ and PH at JI on or about 4Nov. A GRASSHOPPER SPARROW was seen at the

    AWMA on or about 4 Nov. by BZ. Other good sparrreports were a LECONTES SPARROW on AndrewsIsland on 10 Nov. (TMcc, AD) and a LINCOLNSSPARROW at the AWMA on or about 4 Nov. (BZ). Twere several reports of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROaround the state, but the peak count came on 10Nov., when JSp found 17 in Gordon and Murray Co

    very rare SNOW BUNTING was found at the AWMA7 Nov. (SaB, BB) and was seen at least through 10Nov. (fide JSe).A ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK waquite late in the Gainesville area on 29 Nov. (JP). Afew PINE SISKINS were reported, with as many asnine in Blue Ridge on 13 Nov. (TS) and a few actuareaching the coast with one bird on Tybee Island o14 Nov. (DC).

    CONTRIBUTORS- Natalie Bailey, Steve Barlow, SanBeasley, Eric Beohm, Michael Beohm, KenBlankenship, Brenda Brannen, Patrick Brisse, MikeChapman, Diane Churchill, Marjorie Clark, Anne Da

    Vickie DeLoach, Barry Fleming, Mark Freeman, HuGarrett, Johnnie Green, David Hedeen, Earl Horn, LHorsey, Pierre Howard, Lisa Hurt, Rob Jacobs, Terr

    Johnson, Verna Johnson, Cheryl Kanes, Gene KefeRick and Sandy Krause, Carol Lambert, Bill Lotz, JMadsen, Hal Massie, Trey Mccuen, Mark McShaneMary Meyer, Tim Miller, Darlene Moore, Peggy andTerry Moore, Roy Morris, Sandy Pangle, John PetriParrie Pinyan, Beth Roth, Chuck Saleeby, GeorgannSchmalz, Jeff Sewell, Jeff Spence, Lois Stacey, ToStriker, Karen and Luke Theodorou, Rusty Trump, TTrump, Jim Urban, Russ Wigh, Marianna Wilson, Band Deb Zaremba and Stacy Zarpentine.

    Have an interesting bird to report? Contact Terry

    Moore at [email protected].

    November Field Notes by Terry Moorez

    Once again, the month was rather

    ho hum with the exception that

    the Green-breasted Mango,

    discovered last month in the Dublin

    area, remained faithful to itsfeeder(s) so many birders could

    enjoy the bird. The next best rarity was

    probably the Snow Bunting found near Darien

    and which remained there for about three days

    before moving on.

    The totals for the month came in very close to

    the 10-year rolling averages.The Atlanta Area

    reported 122 species (average = 114.4) to

    bring the year-to-date list to 244 (average =

    241.4). The Georgia area came in at 204

    species for the month (average = 204.5) to

    bring that year-to-date list to 334 (average =

    327.9).

    4 Atlanta Audubon Soci

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    Field TripsCompiled by Dave Butler

    February 2008

    Field trips are open to the public and free (unless otherwise noted).We welcome everyone from beginners to advanced birders!

    Please check the Atlanta Audubon Website (www.atlantaaudubon.org)for the February field trips.

    Youth BirdinCompetitio

    Young birders are gup for the

    May 2-3 annual Y

    Birding Competita 24-hour BirdathCharlie Elliott WilCenter near Mansf

    Participation is freopen to teams

    ages K-12th gradehelp learn Georgiaspre-registered team

    paired with bird

    mentors for worksand other events bthe contest. Regist

    March 31 athttp://tinyurl.com/yo

    Carters Reregulation Lake andHidden Pond Trail (Murray County)Directions: Take I-75 north from Atlanta. TakeExit 320 and head east on Georgia Hwy. 136. Atthe intersection with US Hwy. 411 (landmark isRalstons Corner BP gas station), go straightacross the highway, pass over a railroad track andtravel 0.4 miles from the intersection to Old Hwy.411 (there is a brown sign here markingCoosawattee WMA). Turn left. The Songbird Trail

    (Hidden Pond Trail) is at the first recreation areaat the dam forming the reregulation lake just downOld Hwy. 411 on your right. We will meet in theparking area in front of the sign marking thebeginning of the trail.

    Garden Lakes/Berry CollegeDirections: Take I-75 north from Atlanta. TakeExit 306 Adairsville and turn left on Hwy. 140. Stay

    on Hwy. 140 until it dead ends into Hwy. 27 North.The mileage is in excess of 15 miles (12.8 miles tothe Oostanaula River). Turn left toward Rome.Stay on Hwy. 27 for 7.5 miles (you will pass MountBerry Mall on the left and Berry College on theright). When you come to a large intersectioncalled Veterans Memorial Highway (Loop 1North/27N Bypass), turn right. Go 2.6 miles to anintersection where Hwy. 20 turns to the left(Garden Lakes Pharmacy is on the right side and a

    Hess Station is on the distant left). DO NOTTURN. Keep going straight at this intersection toenter the Garden Lakes subdivision. You will passGarden Lakes Realty on the right. Continue onGarden Lakes Blvd. and go to the sixth street onthe right (Lakeview). Turn right on Lakeview,where you will be at the large lake of GardenLakes.

    Cheryl Kanes and Darlene Moore have two field trips scheduled in February at Carters Lakeand Garden Lakes/Berry College in Rome. Check the Web site for dates and times or contact

    Darlene (phone 404.633.9361, e-mail: [email protected])or Dave Butler (phone 404.580.3917, e-mail: [email protected]).

    2008 Warbler Weekend Workshop

    Blackpoll Warbler Magnolia WarblerChestnut-sided Warbler

    Are you ready to sharpen those warbler identification skills? Well, here is your chance as Atlanta Audubon Society is againpleased to announce the 2008 Warbler Weekend Workshop. This will be a two-part workshop consisting of a comprehensive

    class session and a weekend field trip.

    The 2-1/2-hour class session will be conducted by Giff Beaton at the Dunwoody Nature Center on Sunday, April 6, 2008, from 3

    to 5:30 PM. The weekend field trips will be led by Theresa Hartz and Lisa Hurt on May 10 and 11, 2008, in the north Georgia

    mountains, where its possible to find 20+ species of warblers, many of which will be singing on their breeding grounds.

    Trip cost (excluding food and lodging): Friends of Atlanta Audubon $130, NAS-assigned members $155 and non-members $180.

    Payment confirms your registration.

    Participants limited to 15.

    To register or for more information, contact Lisa Hurt at [email protected] or 770.934.7660

    Photos by Giff Beato

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    Conservation Update by Kelly HopkinsI am excited about my new role on the Atlanta Audubon Societys board as the conservation director. As ymay have already read in the publicationBirds Matter!, our annual appeal letter or in recent Wingbars

    articles, Atlanta Audubon will continue our emphasis on conservation issues in 2008. Our conservation planwill focus on creating, promoting and preserving bird-friendly habitat.

    We will expand our current conservation programs: Wildlife Sanctuary Certification and Annual SanctuaryTour, Armchair Activists, Shade-Grown Coffee, and support for Georgias Important Bird Area (IBA) to includon-the-ground conservation initiatives. Some of these new initiatives will include:

    helping to save hemlocks in North Georgia

    cleaning up and monitoring the Geltner property in Douglas County

    partnering with other conservation focused organizations in Atlanta

    If you are interested in volunteering on the conservation committee, please send me an e-mail([email protected]). I look forward to hearing from you. Its going to be a great year!

    6 Atlanta Audubon Soci

    This year we are delighted to welcome Larry Winslett, well-known nature photographer, as our judge for this very special evenWinners will be announced and prizes will be awarded in all of our photography contest categories. You will have theopportunity to see the many amazing entries submitted for this years contest. Then we will welcome Charlie Muise, who willgive an amazing presentation on bird banding. In addition, Charlie will welcome any interested AAS members at a special birdbanding session at Panola Mountain that morning (look for more details in the March edition ofWingbars).

    We encourage emerging photographers to come see what wonderful and insightful photographs have been entered into thisyears competition and learn how to expand your photography skills.

    Sponsors of this years photo contest include birdJam, Eagle Optics, Florida Space Coast Festival, Marriotts Residen

    Inn, Pajaro, REI, Smith & Hawken and Wild Bird Centers.

    Mark Your Calendars

    Atlanta Audubon Society presents

    The Natural World in Focus29th Annual Photo Contest Presentation

    Ribbons, Prizes Awarded and Talk by Larry Winslett, nature photographerwith

    Special Bird Banding Presentation by Charlie MuiseSunday, March 16, 2008, 3 PM

    Pike Family Nurseries Corporate Center Auditorium, 4020 Steve Reynolds Boulevard, Norcross, GA 300

    Newest Class of Master BirdersOn November 15, 2007, we added 18 new fledglings to our growing group of master birders.Being our largest group ever, they were nicknamed the Greater Master Birder class. Quotgathered from the class include: Great experience! Lots of fun and lots of learning! I feellike now I know what I need to know in order to start really learning to identify birds.Geez...we could have expanded each night by at least two hours!! There is so much awesominfo to learn. Best class....loved it hugely...all the teachers were excellent.

    Our special recognition to the four instructors who kept these students on their toes eachsession: Diane LaCole, Lisa Hurt, Tim Keyes and Georgann Schmalz. A special thanks to theChattahoochee Nature Center for hosting this years program. Congratulations to BarbBataillon, Susan Breunig, Sandy Cottrell, David Criner, Patti Davis, Beth Giddens, PamHigginbotham, Mamie Hite, Tom Howick, Terri Israeli, Nathalie Kinkade, Zelia Lebeau, AmLeventhal, Mary Menz, Robin Roberts, Camille Scent, Sue Sturges and Carl Tyler.

    BradLancastersbook,RainWaterHarvestingforDrylandsandBeyond, offerssomesolutionsthatareapplicableforresidentsofAtlantawhilewelookfor

    waystomanageourdrought.

    Q:WhatspeciesrecentlydethronedtheArcticTernas

    thebirdwiththelongestmigration?

    Seepage___fortheanswer See page 10 for answer

    Q: The breeding male ofwhat warbler can beidentified by itschestnut cheeks, yellowbelly striped with blackwhite wing patch, andyellow rump?

  • 8/9/2019 February 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    7/14February 2008

    Get Ready for a New Birdathon 2008An easy and fun way to enjoy birding and

    help support Atlanta Audubons education efforts.Get ready to mark your calendars: Birdathon will take place betweenApril 19 and May 10. As we look forward to enjoying th

    years spring migration, Birdathon is the perfect opportunity to get involved and help support Atlanta Audubons educationoutreach. Your participation in Birdathon helps us fund scholarship programs, Audubon Adventures, Junior Birder Camp, Learn

    About Birds and support Georgias Youth Birding Competition, birding workshops, field trips, the Birds in the Park celebrationSpeaker Series programs and so much more.

    f you are unfamiliar with the concept of a Birdathon, heres what it is all about: Team members solicit pledges and donations

    rom individuals or organizations on a per species basis or for a fixed dollar amount. The teams see how many different speciehey can see or hear in a limited period of time. Funds raised from the donations and pledges are used to sustain and expand

    Atlanta Audubons education efforts.

    Birdathon is one of only two annual appeals AAS makes for your financial support. This year you can participate in our Birdathundraiser in four ways:

    1. Organize a Birdathon Team

    2. Sponsor a Birdathon Team3. Participate on an Individual Level (make a donation and submit your personal checklist)

    4. Participate in a new program for Atlanta Audubon: Guided Birdathon Team

    We will also be organizing for Birdathon teams, guided teams and individuals submitting their checklists to create an AtlantaAudubon Society Birdathon 2008 checklist.

    Look for more information in the March Wingbars, including detailed descriptions of our Guided Birdathon Teams and how yo

    can sign up (space will be limited on each team). Our leaders for the Guided Birdathon Teams will be Giff Beaton, Jay Davis, LHurt, Darlene Moore and Georgann Schmalz.

    Atlanta Audubon Society needs you!

    We hope you will join us in this fun and exciting fundraising event.

    Atlanta Christmas Bird Countby Bob Zaremba, Compiler

    The 108th National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count for Atlanta/Marietta was held on December 162007, and proved to be one of the more challenging counts this season. The weather for the count day wtough to say the least! The cold temperatures, rain, sleet and wind made for challenging birding weathe

    When all was said and done, we ended up with 90 species, slightly higher than the 33-year average of 87species. In total, 36 area birders braved the elements for a combined total of 122 hours in the field,traversing more than 40 miles on foot and more than 650 miles in automobiles. Two very intelligent areabirders participated from the comfort of their homes and provided our only feeder watch counts. Mostly dto the inclement weather conditions and ongoing drought, the total number of individual birds recorded othe count was down almost 40% compared to our 33-year average and totaled 10,136 individual birds.

    There were a few highlights this year even with the tough conditions, and a few misses, as is always thecase. The number of Wild Turkey seen in the count area continues to rise each year, which is surprisinggiven the rapid rate of development in Cobb County. We did have some seldom seen birds for our countincluding 12 duck species, highlighted by Canvasback, American Black Duck and Northern Pintai. I had hhopes that the number of Red-breasted Nuthatches being reported earlier in the winter would stay arounfor count day, and we did set a new high count for that species. Other interesting sightings included aLincolns Sparrow, Snow Goose and Horned Grebe.

    Unfortunately, most of the marshes in the count circle were dry due to the severe drought conditions, somissed some of the species we normally find, such as Sedge Wren, Common Yellowthroat and the railsExcept for the efforts of one intrepid birder (and his reluctant spouse), we added a very late Virginias Ra

    he days list when they went back out after the count down to check a marsh that had been missed during the day!

    We also missed Orange-crowned Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo and Pine Siskin, mostly due to the bad weather I think. Considering the pooronditions, I think it turned out to be a pretty good count! A complete listing of the birds recorded on the count can be found on the Nationaudubon Society Web site at http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc.

    hanks to everyone who braved the wind, rain and cold to participate in the count. It was much appreciated. Also, thanks once again to thetlanta Audubon Society for graciously sponsoring this count.

    anvasback

    Photo by Bill Wiggins and Mark McShane

    ed-breasted Nuthatch

    Photo by Bob Zaremba

  • 8/9/2019 February 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    8/148 Atlanta Audubon Socie

    As of January 7, more than 100 of our members have donated to our first appeal to support Atlanta AuduSocietys conservation efforts to Create, Promote and Preserve Bird-Friendly Habitat. This focus will meanare committed to bird-friendly habitat by:

    1. creating and enhancing green space and the role individuals can play in this process2. promoting the importance of habitat protection and educating the public that Birds Matter!

    3. preserving and protecting bird-friendly habitat from uncontrolled growth and over-developmentWe are extremely grateful to everyone for their wonderful gifts. We have collected more than $15,000 durthis campaign to support our conservation work. On behalf of the board of directors and staff of AtlantaAudubon, we would like to thank the following contributors for their generosity:

    * If your name has been misspelled, incorrectly identified, or if you believe you were left off the list in error (the recognition list aboincludes donations made prior to January 7, 2008), please let us know by sending an e-mail to Catharine B. Kuchar [email protected].

    Supporters Make a Difference for AtlantaAudubons Bird Conservation Efforts

    Bald Eagle ($1000 or more)AnonymousMarianne H. Halle Animal

    Support Foundation, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Stephen H. Smith

    Great Blue Heron($500-$999)Nancy and John HamiltonKelly HopkinsEllen Miller

    Red-headed Woodpecker ($250-

    $499)David W. CreePatricia C. DavisMarilyn and John McMullanMac PedenAnn and Steve Rushing

    Rose-breasted Grosbeak ($100-$249)Anonymous (3)Johnette and Dave CrumDavid J. DeckerWilliam M. DreyerAnne HammondLisa and Art HurtSuzanne and Mark JerniganTom JonesHarriet W. KingGary Ludi

    James S. McCallum and familyMary Lou McCloskeyJennifer and Thomas MichaelsJonathan SpingarnNancy and Robert TrustyBette and Ed TurlingtonCarl W. TylerDenese Van DynePaula and Tom WelbornDavid Yon

    White-throated Sparrow ($50-$99)Anonymous (7)

    Kathleen S. BancroftAlexandra and Fritz BerendsenJanine BetheaJane and Tom BlaisdellPeggy and James BloomDorothy DabbsJay DavisSally DavisSara O. DavisDavid DickensheetsJanice S. FincherGeorgia Gulf CorporationBarbara H. GiebelhausMr. and Mrs. LeRoy W. Giles, Jr.Pam HigginbothamDuane HooverSally HorntvedtChuck Hunter

    Mitchell B. JacobyDeb and Dewey JenkinsMikell JonesCheryl Adams and Panos J. KanesAlice and Tim KeyesAnne Lawson-Beerman and

    Joel I. BeermanAnn McAllisterVirginia S. McCroryGeoffrey P. MohsGregory NoblesDorothy Payne and Mark AdamsDiane and David Pitts

    Penelope B. RaneyAllyson Read and Scott PfeningerTed ReissingDonald A. RudzinskiGeorgann SchmalzSara and Fred SherbergerNancy ShoberGlenna and Wayne StanhouseBeth and Charles StoverTracy J. TrentadueCole Van HoutenM. Lynette Wright

    Supporter ($1-$49)Anonymous (2)John B. BarfieldMrs. A. R. BarksdaleWilliam P. Blakeslee

    Marcia and Oded BorowskiGloria BrantlyJean M. ButlerSusan E. CallawayKaren A. ClarkeJancy DavisTricia DowningPamela and Raymond GillelaRuth H. GogelCharles D. GunterTheresa HartzDr. and Mrs. Henry W. HillKilbert L. Milhollin

    Ann MillerDeanna and R.D. MilledgeKatherine MitchellTerry S. MooreBarbara L. and C.L. PeelerNyta Lynn RichardsonKaren Fine SaltielMyrtie and Melvyn SchoychidRoberta J. SedamEva H. SilbigerSteve SmithNancy Cobb SpeirMr. and Mrs. John H. ThorntoElaine TreverSusan F. WilliamsonJames R. WilsonJulia M. Wing

    Check

    Out

    This Website:

    THE FEATHER ATLAS:FLIGHT FEATHERS OF NORTH

    AMERICAN BIRDS is a newWeb-based resource from the

    National Fish and WildlifeForensics Laboratory for theidentification of wing and tail

    feathers. Individual feathers areoften presented to wildliferehabilitators (sometimes

    associated with bird remains),but can be very difficult to

    identify with bird field guidesalone. The Web site

    http://www.lab.fws.gov/featheratlas/) contains high-resolution

    scanned images of the flightfeathers of 64 species of North

    American birds. This is anongoing project that will

    continually add new species.The Lab is soliciting the

    donation of specimens for thisproject. If a species from onethe families currently covered

    on the Web site is notrepresented, that means theyneed a specimen from thatspecies. Examples include

    Swallow-tailed Kite, Zone-tailedHawk, Gyrfalcon, White-winged

    Dove and Common GroundDove. They are also interested

    in obtaining examples ofunusual plumage types, such as

    very dark or very pale Red-tailed Hawks. Inquiries,

    comments or suggestions on

    he Feather Atlas may be sent toPEPPER TRAIL

    (e-mail [email protected])or through the contact page of

    the Web site.

    Waterfowl Workshop in Clayton CountyThe E.L. Huie site of the Clayton County Water Authority is recognized bymany as one of the best inland Georgia birding areas. More than 260 specof birds have been recorded at this metro Atlanta site. The winter monthsbring many species of waterfowl to the Huie ponds, reservoirs and wetlan

    The CCWA Newman Wetlands Center will hold its annual Waterfowl

    Workshop on Saturday, February 2, from 9 AM to 12:30 PM. The instructoare Carol Lambert and Jeff Sewell. Participants will spend approximately ohour at the Wetlands Center in a discussion of the species, habitat andwaterfowl migration patterns, where they will receive resource materials. Tgroup will then drive to the Huie ponds and other nearby waters, as neede

    for a field study of these birds.

    Space is limited, and reservations are required. For information and reservations, call or e-mail CarolLambert: 770.603.5603, [email protected]

    Ruddy Duck

    Photo by Dan Vickers

  • 8/9/2019 February 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    9/14February 2008

    In March 2005 Frank McCamey was presented with the Eugene Odum Outstanding Lifetime Service Award from theEnvironmental Education Alliance of Georgia. This honor goes to a person who has achieved long-term, significant anmeaningful contributions to the field of environmental education through dedicated and exemplary teaching, researchand/or service. McCamey has an amazing record, said Deron Davis from EEA. He spent seventy years researchingand teaching others about the natural world.

    Franks career began with researching and teaching through the Boy Scouts, serving as education assistant at the

    Boston Museum of Science, working as a Ranger Naturalist in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and teachinas a professor of forestry and wildlife management at Michigan State College and the University of Connecticut.

    He served on the board of directors and as a staff member for numerous environmental education organizations,including Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania, the Cincinnati Nature Center in Ohio, the Seven Ponds Nature Center in Michigan and the NaturalScience for Youth Foundation in Georgia. Through his association with the NSYF, Frank helped establish 29 nature centers throughout the UnitStates, including in Georgia the Elachee Nature Science Center at Gainesville, the Chattahoochee Nature Center at Roswell, the Reynolds NaturePreserve in Clayton County, the Sandy Creek Nature Center at Athens and the Atlanta Outdoor Activity Center.

    Frank was one of the founders of the Environmental Education Alliance (EEA) of Georgia, served as the president of the Georgia OrnithologicalSociety from 1979 to 1982, was treasurer of the Georgia Botanical Society and served on the board of the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

    Frank was a very active member of Atlanta Audubon and was on the board for many years. His firm voice could often be heard at meetingsmaking important announcements of various kinds. He was quick to congratulate AAS for what had been accomplished and encouraged

    everyone to do more. He was a steadfast foundation for the solid history of AAS and very proud of the societys progress. He cannot bereplaced, but will be remembered with great fondness. And, in case we ever forgot, Thank you, Frank.

    Frank was 88 years old when he passed away on Christmas Day, 2007. A memorial service is scheduled at the Central Congregational UnitedChurch of Christ, 2676 Clairmont Road, at 2 PM on March 1.

    In MemoriamBy Georgann Schmalz

    Frank McCamey enjoying

    the AAS 2005 Holiday

    Banquet

    Photo by Georgann Schmalz

    Freedom Park Garden Water BrigadeBy Carol Vanderschaaf

    Everybody visualize water! Well, at least visualize gray water.

    We had some great news about the Freedom Park Bird and Butterfly Garden. First, on October 8, the City of Atlanta Parks Department (thankyou) approved our request to expand the garden by approximately 38 x 24 feet. Secondly, on November 15, the Mary Lin Elementary SchoolChallenge Classes (gifted) and their teachers, Krystal Manning and Ms. Caller, helped us plant more than 30 native plants in the new section ofthe garden, as well as fill in old sections with some new plants. A group of Paideia School students, recruited via the Atlanta Food Bank by Mast

    Gardener Phil Edwards, had helped clear the English Ivy and other invasives from the area the prior week. Thanks, too, to the Atlanta SanitatioDepartment for taking away all those bags that the students filled.

    We were on a roll (and wishing wed need a raft) after an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article by John Becker was published in late Octoberabout the garden, highlighting our water requirement during the drought. Thanks to Tom Painter of Audubon for letting Janea Boyles and LaureWelsh know about that need. Lauren provided us with many jugs of gray water. Hats off to Janea, who started a gray water recycling program atthe restaurant where she works. After hearing of our plight, she volunteered the gray water theyd been collecting and dropped off several five-gallon containers at my house every week, which I transferred to gallon jugs for transportation to the garden. Thanks also go to Robert MacLeodwho lives across the street from the garden, for pouring countless gallons of his gray water on the new plants and to neighbor Jim Satcher, whowas so generous in letting us use his spigot to water the garden before the total water ban. Atlanta Audubon volunteers, Dorothy Dabbs andMartha Treadwell Justice, helped me tote water jugs over to the garden a couple of times a week to keep those new plants watered.

    Phil Edwards and the DeKalb Master Gardeners will soon be expanding the low fence around the garden to include the new area. In themeantime those pesky red landscaping flags will be in place. Once the leaves dropped and the Parks Department maintenance crew (thanks!)stopped cleaning them up, Phil put down pine straw to mulch the garden for the winter.

    Dot Roger helped Phil and me design markers for the plants in the garden. The markers will include the growing habits of each plant, theirbenefits to wildlife and more. Soon we hope to have some of them in place.

    Other garden notes: Last month a Red-tailed Hawk landed in a pine tree across the street from the garden. We hope it doesnt visit too often! Retails can often be seen soaring around the in-town neighborhoods. Theyve nested off Page Avenue in Candler Park for the last few years. Red-taare permanent residents here in Georgia. Their breeding season runs from late February to early September. Mates stay together betweenbreeding seasons and perform elaborate aerial courtship displays (watch those skies!) prior to nesting, according to the Georgia Wildlife Web siWe now have three American Beautyberry plants in the garden. Beautyberry can grow in full sun to full shade. Its fruit is eaten by Purple FinchCarolina Wrens, Brown Thrashers, Wood Thrushes, towhees, cardinals, catbirds, robins and mockingbirds. It is propagated by seeds, cuttings andivision, and it is found in the mountains of Georgia, the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain.

    Good gardening, good birding and good cocooning to all.

  • 8/9/2019 February 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    10/1410 Atlanta Audubon Soci

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

    its volunteers. As always, we extend our gratitude to ALL ofour volunteers, but would like to send a special thank you tothe following individuals this month:

    Georgann Schmalz contributes to Atlanta AudubonSociety in many ways, but this month we would like tothank her for representing our organization on AM 1620s

    Animal Hour radio show in January. She and Catharine

    Kuchar, AAS executive director, spoke with host Susie Agaabout many different bird issues. Audio available at

    www.radiosandysprings.com/animalhour.php.

    Preparing for Atlanta Audubons big photo contest each year is alot of work. Along with coordinator Michael Clifford, we would like to

    thankJim Flynn, our Web master, for helping us upload all of the contest information ontoour Web site: www.atlantaaudubon.org.

    Many thanks toHelena Woodsfor managing Atlanta Audubon Societys listservs. Eachmonth, Helena keeps our various lists up-to-date so we can all stay connected and on top ofAAS business. We appreciate Helena continuing this very important job year after year forour organization.

    olunteerOpportunitiesVolunteers make Atlanta AudubonSociety such an amazingorganization. We rely on volunteers invirtually every area of theorganization in order to besuccessful. We are always looking forindividuals who want to get involved.Check out some of our currentvolunteer opportunities. If there isany other way you would like to useyour talents to serve AtlantaAudubon, we would like to hear fromyou. Please contact Nancy Hamiltonat [email protected].

    Atlanta Audubon Festival ManagerWe are looking for someone to help usorganize our involvement in festivals.This person would simply track theestival and events where we set up a

    display or booth and let members knowabout volunteer opportunities as festivaleaders and shift workers. If interested,please contact Nancy Hamilton [email protected] for morenformation.

    Whos That Bird?Create a bird profileVolunteers are needed to create birdprofiles (Whos That Bird?) for birds ofparticular interest to the kids we serven our Learning About Birds program.

    Volunteer tasks: Collect magazine orWeb photo pages and information

    about the birds habits, habitats andmigration patternsall sorts of birdacts. You choose the bird, or well help

    you choose. Well give you guidelineson what you need to produce theprofiles. Contact Marcia Klenbort [email protected].

    Audubon Adventures CoordinatorNational Audubon Society createsquarterly newsletters for use inelementary classrooms.An AtlantaAudubon volunteer solicits requestsrom metro area teachers and follows

    up to see how the materials were used.This project needs a coordinator.Allsupplies and instructions are provided.

    Contact Marcia Klenbort [email protected] ifnterested.

    Speaker Series ManagerTypically Atlanta Audubon organizesabout five speaker series programseach year.We are looking for someoneo help with the speaker series

    programs in 2008 by working to helpus come up with ideas for speakersand to line them up. If interested,please contact Catharine Kuchar [email protected].

    Lisa Hurt has beenvolunteering with

    AAS for more than20 years. She was

    the EducationDirector for four

    years and servedas an at largeboard member on

    the educationcommittee. Her

    primary jobcurrently is

    overseeing theWarbler, Merritt Island and Shorebird

    workshops. She also leads bird walks andteaches in the Master Birder Program.

    Lisa has always been interested in nature,but the interest in birds began when shestarted including them in the curriculum she

    was writing for the City of Decatur schools.She stated that Georgann Schmalz is her

    mentor and gave her this birding disease.Lisa has been birding more than 25 years.

    She said, Birding allows me to connect withnature and be part of the

    miracle of birds.

    Lisas favorite bird is the one in view at thetime. The most memorable bird for her is the

    Inca Tern in Peru. She added, The fieldguides do not capture the beauty of this

    bird. Her favorite place to bird is theGeorgia coast on Jekyll Island, Harris Neck

    and the Butler Island WMA, but she equallyenjoys Georgia mountain birding, especiallyin the spring when you can hear the birds

    songs all around you.

    Lisa has had many birding moments that shecalls magical and dramatic. Some arewatching a Bald Eagle carrying a Herring

    Gull in its talons, peering into ahummingbird nest in Belize where she saw

    two newly hatched nestlings, and watchingshorebirds voraciously feed on eggs of

    spawning horseshoe crabs on the Georgiacoast. She said that on her first foray into thetropics she got 104 life birds in about four

    hours. She was dizzy and almost overdosedon too many birds.

    Lisa resides in the Northlake area and is aretired teacher from the City of Decatur

    Schools, where she taught the GiftedProgram students and wrote the curriculum

    to include birds in their studies.

    Spotlighting... Lisa HurtBy Wendy Weathers

    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 n t eCorner Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Voluntee

    Lisa Hurt in Machu Picchu,

    July 2006

    Photo by Georgann Schmalz

  • 8/9/2019 February 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    11/14February 2008

    For more

    than a decade,

    the Atlanta Audubon Society

    has awarded two scholarships annually for

    one of National Audubon Societys renowned

    summer ecology camps. The Louisa Echols

    Scholarship is awarded to an adult and the

    Edward Barnsley Scholarship to a youth. The

    scholarships cover camp fees and up to $500

    for transportation expenses.

    Louisa Echols Scholarship:

    The Louisa Echols scholarship enables the

    recipient to attend a National Audubon camp

    to enhance his or her knowledge of the

    environment and incorporate that knowledge

    on the job. The recipient can select to attend

    a National Audubon camp in either Hog

    Island, Maine (Maine Audubon Society); Pine

    County, Minnesota (Audubon Center of the

    North Woods); or Northwestern Wisconsin

    (Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary and Nature

    Center). The faculty of these camps is

    composed of Audubon staff educators and

    naturalists who bring years of experience

    and skill in environmental and outdoor

    learning.

    Eligible applicants will:

    Be a teacher or environmental educatorin the metro Atlanta area and involved

    with teaching youths or adults science,natural history or environmentaleducation in either a formal schoolsetting or a non-formal environmentaleducation program

    Be available and willing to beinterviewed by the Atlanta Audubonscholarship review committee

    Be willing to participate in threeAtlanta Audubon Society activitiesduring 2008

    Be 18 years or older

    Edward Barnsley Scholarship:

    The Edward Barnsley Scholarship goal is to

    instill in the recipient a love, respect and a

    sense of stewardship for the natural world.

    The recipient will attend a National Audubon

    youth camp program in Hog Island, Maine.

    Campers get to hike through cathedral-like

    spruce-fir forests, search for organisms in

    tide pools and learn about wildlife. The

    curriculum is wide ranging and includes

    marine biology, forest geology, ornithologyand pond life.

    Eligible applicants will:

    Be a student in the metro Atlanta area

    Be willing to participate in threeAtlanta Audubon Society activitiesduring 2008

    Be between 10-15 years old.

    How to Apply

    Application deadline for scholarships isFebruary 15, 2008.

    Mail completed application (go towww.atlantaaudubon.org) as follows ore-mail [email protected]:

    Barbara Giebelhaus

    418 Bridlewood Circle

    Decatur, GA 30030

    Apply Now for an

    Atlanta Audubon Society

    Scholarship

    Victor Williams at Boy Scout

    Photo by Fred Feldman,

    Kennesaw Mountain Trail Clu

    Christmas Bird Count VolunteerJoe Greenberg participated in the Oakland Christmas Bird Count on December 18, two days before

    celebrating his 89th birthday on December 20, 2007. Son Doug helped him participate in the OaklandChristmas Bird Count, where he counted the birds that he sees every day from his window at SunriseAssisted Living. Joe gets to have his name in the count report, a nice thing for him at this stage ofhis life, said Doug.

    While Joe is experiencing increasingly difficult days with his health, all the while his interest in birdshas not waned. We marvel at his strength and perseverance. Dear friend Lolly Lederbergsgranddaughter aptly nicknamed him the Energizer Bunny.

    Doug has some wonderful photos posted at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dagberg/

    Joe Greenberg:

    the Energizer Bunny

    Photo by Doug Greenberg

  • 8/9/2019 February 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    12/14

    CLASSIFIEDSRates 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 770.913.0511 ifyou have questions. Send payment toWingbarsAds, Atlanta Audubon Society, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359.

    Send ads via e-mail to Catharine Kuchar at [email protected].

    12 Atlanta Audubon Soci

    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 educational

    toys andgames for kids!

    Downtown Blue Ridge & Inside Mercier Orchards

    611 E. Main St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513(706) 258-BIRD (2473) blueridgebirdseed.com

    Bird Songs of GeorgiaCD now available.

    Email Georgann Schmalz [email protected] or visit

    www.birdingadventuresinc.com

    Answer: SootyShearwater

    Answer:Cape May Warbler

    Must surrender coupon to receive offer. Valid at Pike retail stores oCannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Offer does noapply to prior purchases, gift cards, event tickets or delivery chargeOne coupon per customer and can be used only once. Cannot be solbartered or traded. Expires February 29th, 2008.

    20%your nexpurchase

    off

    Bring inthis coupon for

    pikenursery.com

    Atlanta Audubon Society Member Spec

    A t l a n t a A u d u b o n S o c i e t y

    2 0 0 8 A n n u a l P h o t o g r a p h y C o n t e s t

    The Deadline for Entries is Approaching Fast!

    Check Out This Years Great Prizes:N First PrizeBirds: 10x42 Vortex Diamondback binoculars; retail value $209.99(sponsored by Eagle Optics)N First PrizeAnimals: Day Hiking Package, including Shocklight Trekking Poles, Daypack with Hydration

    System and Daypack first aid kit; retail value $275.00 (sponsored by REI)

    N First PrizeHabitat: Smith & Hawkens life-size pair of cranes rendered in steel with hand-hammereddetail;retail value $189.00 (sponsored by Smith & Hawken)

    N Youth: iFlyer Birdsong Scanning Wand; retail value $99.95 (sponsored by Wild Bird Centers)N Humor: Backyard birdJam CD East; retail value $39.99 (sponsored by birdJam)N Judges Choice: The Original Pajaro Field Bag waist pack with a copy of National Wildlife Federations

    Field Guide to Birds of North America; total retail value $55.00 (sponsored by Pajaro)

    N Grand Prize: Two-night stay at the Marriott Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach, Florida plus SpaceCoast Outdoor Adventure Package for 2 (over $600 in value). Also includes the opportunity to have your photo-graph printed on the Atlanta Audubon official picture postcard for 2008!

    Criteria for judging include: Originality Overall impact Composition Technique Presentation Difficulty

    Photographs will be judged in the following categories:Birds (no man-made elements, unless natural behavior, i.e. perching on a fence); Animals (all living creatures, otherthan birds; no man-made elements); Habitat(flora and fauna in their natural environments, landscapes or panoramas);Georgia Youth (18 and under Georgia residents in any category above); Judges Choice and Humor.

    Submission Details and Rules:N Please visit Atlanta Audubons Web site for rules and more details: www.atlantaaudubon.org

    KEY DATES

    Entries must have been photo-graphed since January 1, 2007and must be received by midnighton Feb. 25, 2008.

    All entries will be displayed at theMarch 16 Speaker Series event.Ribbons and great prizes will be

    awarded at the meeting. All en-tries will be judged prior to theMarch Speaker Series event.

    Check Out the Atlanta AudubonWeb Site Soon for More

    Information at

    www.atlantaaudubon.org

    Sponsored by

  • 8/9/2019 February 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

    13/14February 2008

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

    members receive an introductory copy and can continue to receive this newsletter by becoming aFriends 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

    BENEFITS

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    Getting to Know Georgias Protected Birds:American Swallow-tailed Kite

    The American Swallow-tailed Kite

    (Elanoides forficatus) is easily identified

    by its striking black and white plumageand deeply forked tail. Known for itsaerial grace, it can be distinguished even

    at great distances by its unique silhouetteand seemingly effortless flight. These kites

    arely flap their wings, but continually

    rotate their tails as they fly low overforests, open areas or marshes in search

    of small snakes, frogs and flying insects.The American Swallow-tailed Kites are 48-

    61 cm (19-24 in.) in length with adistinctive black forked tail which is 30-38

    cm (12-15 in.) in length.The current breeding range in the U.S. is

    continued in just seven states and isrestricted to riparian habitats throughoutpeninsular Florida and associated with

    major river systems of the lower coastalplains of Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana,

    Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas.They are present in Georgia only during

    the spring and summer. After arriving inlate March from their wintering grounds innorthern South America, adults establish

    territories and begin nest building. Nests

    are typically shallow, made of small sticks

    loosely held together and lined withlichens and Spanish moss. Communal

    night roosts of several to 30 kites arecommon during nesting, and large pre-

    migration communication roosts havebeen described in Florida.

    Considered rare, according to the Statof Georgia listing, it does not have a

    federal status. A rare bird in Georgiameans that the species may not beendangered or threatened, but should b

    protected because of its scarcity. Loss onesting, foraging and roosting habitat fr

    drainage of marshes and conversion ofbottomland forests are the major threat

    to the species.

    Source: Georgia Department of Natur

    Resources, Protected Animals of Georg

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  • 8/9/2019 February 2008 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

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    March 16

    2008

    Annual

    Photography

    Contest

    Atlanta Audubon Society is an independent, non-profit

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

    deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

    Local photographer Mim Eisenberg, former Wingbars

    proofreader, gets up close and personal with flowers and

    bugs. Noted for the intimacy of her macros and her vivid

    colors, she will be the featured artist at the Phoenix and

    Dragon Bookstore gallery in April. Included in the exhibitwill be a selection of her finest work, including some of her

    prize-winning photographs, as well as her Blue Bowl

    series and a Dictionary of Image grouping containing

    photos of flowers, animals, birds and more with

    typographical definitions lovingly layered directly into the

    images. Join her for the opening reception on April 4 at 7

    PM at 5531 Roswell Road (just inside the perimeter), or

    visit the gallery during April. All works on display, framed

    or matted, will be for sale.

    Drawn In:a macro photography celebration of flora and fauna

    SPEAKER SERIES LOCATION MAPFebruary 24

    luminous one of Mim Eisenbergs exhibit photos