Audubon Society of Ohio The Chat Vol. 121, No. 3 • September/ October 2018 The Future of Burnet Woods by Chris Moran At one time, Burnet Woods, a Cin- would destroy habitat and endanger tion. A petition to preserve Bur- cinnati Park in Clifton, extended rare plant species and wildlife. net Woods in its current state and to Calhoun Street. In the 1870s, oppose any development in the area The National Audubon Society in 170 acres was leased as park land invites signatures. 2005 designated Burnet Woods as to the City of Cincinnati. The City a special category Important Bird The Cincinnati Parks Board does purchased 163 acres and sold some Area (IBA) “due to its value as a not have money for adding programs of the land to the University of stopover habitat for migrating land in Burnet Woods and needs funding Cincinnati (UC), which developed birds.” It is a well-known birding for maintenance. The Parks Board it into its college campus. In the location year-round. It is within is interested in public comments 1950s, UC obtained an additional walking distance of several urban about development at this park. At 18 acres from the City. Currently residential communities, businesses the third ‘community conversa- this 89.3 acre urban greenspace and UC. The mature deciduous tions/ public comment meeting’ in has over 100 tree species, includ- woodland is diverse in species and August, it was announced that an ing some very large old specimens, structure providing wildlife with environmental assessment will be hiking trails, a gazebo-style band- food, water and shelter. It is a conducted and no decision will be stand, a fishing lake, and the Trail- significant urban habitat island for made this year. side Nature Center, which houses wildlife and people. the Wolff Planetarium. A June 2018 National Audubon Proposals are now being considered Society letter urges the Cincinnati Comments/Questions: by the Cincinnati Parks to develop Parks to optimize the protection Burnet Woods. The Clifton Cul- Contact Cincinnati Parks: 513-357- of the IBA’s vital habitat at Burnet tural Arts Center would like to 2604; Woods. The Cincinnati chapter build a permanent location with a Audubon Society of Ohio Board Contact Cincinnati Council mem- 25,000 – 30,000 square foot build- adopted an official statement oppos- bers: www.cincinnati-oh.gov/coun- ing and 30 – 40 parking spaces. ing the development of portions of cil/council-members The Camping and Education Foun- the Cincinnati Park’s Burnet Woods dation is interested in establishing Preserve Burnet Woods petition and site. an urban presence with a 2,500 info: https://actionnetwork.org/peti- square foot Urban Wilderness A Preserve Burnet Woods group has tions/preserve-burnet-woods Center. Building these facilities come together to provide informa- Programs (contributed by Heather Farrington) Sept. 17: Allegheny Woodrats

Join us for an informative and entertaining look at the secret lives of Allegheny Woodrats, a state listed endangered species. These Audubon programs are held rodents inhabit the cliffs and rocky outcrops of Adams county, on the third Monday of with the highest population densities being on and around the the month (not including Edge of Appalachia Preserve. This talk will focus on an ongo- July, August or December). ing research project conducted by a team of scientists and field We meet at 7 p.m. for light biologists, including staff at the Cincinnati Museum Center and refreshments, with the program The Nature Conservancy, and supported by the Ohio Division of beginning at 7:30 p.m. We Wildlife. What makes the Allegheny Woodrat so unique? What meet at the Winton Woods is the status of current woodrat populations? What are the big- Visitor Center, located at gest threats to the species? We’ve been exploring these questions 10245 Winton Road. and more using trail camera footage, habitat surveys, and genetic Note that a Park District auto research. Join us as we take a look at what we’ve learned so far. sticker is required – $3 daily This program will be led by Dr. Heather Farrington, Zoology or $10 annual for Hamilton Curator at the Cincinnati Museum Center, and Laura Hughes, a County residents, or $5 daily contract biologist working on the Allegheny Woodrat research or $14 annual for non-residents. team.

Aforementioned pack rat. Photo courtesy of Heather Farrington.

Page 2 The Chat Programs (contributed by Heather Farrington) Oct. 15th: Crayfish Get ready to learn more about crayfish than you ever thought you wanted to know! We’ll delve into the hidden lives of these childhood favorites and learn about their great variety, life histories, ecological significance, and the conservation issues that they face today. I will focus mainly on the crayfish of our region, but will also cover the international crayfish scene, having just returned from the international astacology (study of crayfish) confer- ence. And yes, you will hear about the relationship between crayfish and birds! Emily Imhoff is the Zoology Collections Manager at the Cincinnati Museum Center. She was raised by biologists in the Hocking Hills, surrounded by forests and streams (containing crayfish). She studied at Oberlin College in northern Ohio and the University of Leeds in England, attaining her PhD in ecology and evolution, specializing in crayfish ecology. Prior to starting at the Museum, she worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation and Thomas More College. She also serves as an adjunct pro- fessor of biology at local universities, instructor for the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program, and chair of the Green Umbrella Watershed Action Team. Emily Imhoff.

Audubon programs are held on the third Monday of the month (not including July, August or December). We meet at 7 p.m. for light refreshments, with the program beginning at 7:30 p.m. We meet at the Winton Woods Visitor Center, located at 10245 Winton Road. Note that a Park District auto sticker is required – $3 daily or $10 annual for Hamilton County residents, or $5 daily or $14 annual for non-residents.

Crayfish. Photo courtesy of Heather Farrington.

Page 3 The Chat Field Trips & Events (contributed by Jay Stenger)

2018 ASO Bird Course Sundays at 8 a.m., September 30th, October 7th & October 14th, 2018 Hone your birding and identification skills by registering for the 32nd annual Audubon Birding Course. Our local Cincinnati Audubon Society Chapter (ASO) has been sponsoring this class since 1987. The three-week course will be held on three consecutive Sunday mornings. This year’s dates are September 30th, October 7th, American Kestrel (Falco sparverius). Photo by Sara J. Barnes. October 14th. Father-son team Jay Stenger and Jack Stenger will particularly focus on sharpening required and a field guide will be again be this year’s instructors. identification skills. When, where, useful to refer to in class and in the Both Jay and Jack are well known and how to find birds in our area field. If you do not have a pair of and exceptionally knowledgeable is also prioritized. Other course binoculars the ASO can lend you a birders. Jay has been an instructor topics will include migration, bird pair during the course. abundance and distribution, habitat, for this course since its inception Advance registration is required. in 1987. The course is held at conservation, local hotspots, and birding equipment and resources. Course fees are $15 for ASO the Audubon House which is members and $30 for non-members located in Groesbeck at 3398 W. The setting is informal and questions are encouraged. Jay and which include a year’s membership Galbraith Road, just a couple of in ASO. The course will be limited minutes from the Cross County Jack also infuse a lot of fun, levity, and enthusiasm throughout. to a maximum of 25 participants. Highway. To register, please make your check Each class will begin at 8 AM with This course is geared towards all payable to ASO and mail to: a casual class-room session that birding levels. While mid-level includes a continental breakfast birders will likely gain the most and refreshments. The morning from this course, most birders, ASO Bird Course classroom sessions will be followed beginners and experienced alike, by a field trip to a local hot spot, will find that this course will help 3398 W. Galbraith Road, hone their ID skills and add to their usually wrapping up about 1 PM. Cincinnati, Ohio 45239. The field trip locations will be knowledge of local birds. Over 500 determined by current birding area birders have taken this course conditions and the interests of the over the years and have found If you have any questions call the participants. it entertaining and informative. The course is open to everyone, Audubon House at 741-SWAN or Through discussions, visual and including older kids if accompanied email Jay Stenger at jaystenger@ audio presentations, and field by an adult. Binoculars are cinci.rr.com. observations, the course will

Page 4 The Chat Field Trips & Events (contributed by Jay Stenger)

Sunday, Sept. 16th, 10 a.m. Theme: Botanical Walk & Migrant Songbirds Location: Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum Leader: Denis Conover, (513) 641- 3651, [email protected] Meet: at Spring Grove Cemetery. Park along the main road, just beyond the tunnel from the main entrance on Spring Grove Avenue (see directions below). The focus of this field trip will Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum. Photo by Megan Mahon. be on plants, shrubs, and trees, but fall migrant songbirds will Denis plans to take us on a walk you have any questions, feel free to be near peak at this time as well. through a few different spots in contact Denis. Spring Grove Cemetery is one of the cemetery on what should be a Cincinnati’s most beautiful natural pleasant spring September morning settings. Its designation as an and early afternoon. Along the Directions: arboretum is well deserved as a way, he will identify and discuss tremendous diversity and number a wide variety of plants including The Spring Grove Cemetery main of plants can be found here. Over native plants, ornamental plantings, entrance is located on Spring Grove the years our trip leader, Denis and invasive species. Fall songbird Avenue just west of the Winton Conover, has become our go to migration will be near peak and a Road intersection. To find our guy when botany is the theme of diversity of bird species, including meeting spot, drive in through our field trips. We are fortunate warblers, should abound. the main entrance gates and go to have him share his knowledge straight. You will go through Other than a short drive here or with us. Denis is a skilled botanist a short tunnel. Just beyond the there to move to a different part of and has been involved in various tunnel, pull over and park alongside the grounds, participants should be types of botanical research since the right side of the road. You may prepared for a few hours of being 1981. He is a professor in the also park in the lot neighboring on foot and moderate walking. department of Biological Sciences the cemetery office by the main Most of the walking will be at the University of Cincinnati. entrance and walk your way relatively flat and on pavement, but Spring Grove Cemetery is one of trough the tunnel. If you have any there are a few low hills and some his favorite places, and he is very questions feel free to contact Denis. likelihood of damp or wet grass. familiar with its flora. Spring We suggest wearing comfortable Spring Grove Cemetery website: Grove is also a great place to find waterproof footwear. Binoculars fall migrant songbirds, and Denis, http://www.springgrove.org/spring- are not necessary to see flowers and who has interests in all aspects of grove-cemetery.aspx trees but are recommended if you natural history, will be sure to point have them, especially if you want out any birds and other fauna we Spring Grove Cemetery Map: to see songbirds. Restrooms are are certain to come across. available at the cemetery office. If http://www.springgrove.org/

The Chat Page 5 Field Trips & Events (contributed by Jay Stenger)

surrounded by a “sea” of asphalt Directions: and concrete in one of the densest urban areas in Cincinnati. The Burnet Woods is located in Park provides an “island” of green Clifton, Cincinnati. The Park is space that provides important bounded on the west by Clifton food, shelter, and relative safety to Avenue, on the north by Jefferson migrant birds, which allows them Avenue, and on the south by the to “refuel”, so to speak, before they University of Cincinnati and begin the next leg of their trip to Martin Luther King Drive. All Central and South America. three roads, Clifton, Jefferson, and MLK, have streetside parking and Ann Oliver, our trip leader, entrances to Burnet Woods. Our is a skilled, experienced and meeting place is closest to the enthusiastic birder and will Jefferson entrance on the north Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia) in Burnet Woods. Photo by Jordan West. help us find and identify the end of the Park (where Ludlow diversity of species we expect to Avenue becomes Jefferson and is Sunday, Sept. 23rd, see. Ann, a long time advocate intersected by Brookline Drive). of conservation, has served The Trailside Nature Center can 8 a.m. many terms on local birding and be found about 0.2 miles south of Theme: Fall Migration Birding conservation groups including this entrance. Some street parking Trip our Audubon Society, the is available within the Park on Location: Burnet Woods Cincinnati Bird Club and The Ohio Brookline Drive. Ornithology Society to name a Leader: Ann Oliver, (513) 307- Burnet Woods Website: http:// 0929, [email protected] few. Ann has also been prominent in the current effort to keep Burnet www.cincinnatiparks.com/central/ Meet: at the Trailside Nature burnet-woods/ Center in Burnet Woods (see Woods as it is and has spearheaded directions below). our opposition to Cincinnati Park Board plans to develop parts of The fall migration of warblers, Burnet Woods. Please read the vireos, thrushes, grosbeaks, Burnet Woods article elsewhere in flycatchers, and a host of other this issue. species will be close to peak on this date. Burnet Woods, which Ann plans to walk around the Park is widely known as a migrant grounds and trails as we observe trap during the spring songbird migrant songbirds and any other migration, has a similar effect in aspects of nature we come across. the fall. A large number and wide This trip will be a walking trip. diversity of songbirds and other However, the trails and roadsides species pass through this beautiful at Burnet Woods are relatively flat, Cincinnati Park each September except for a few spots that have on their southbound migration. a modest gradient, and the pace Mature woodlands with extensive will be at a leisurely birding pace. canopy, scattered groves, and Please feel free to call or email shrubby edges make up the habitats Ann if you have any questions. Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis) in this lovely 90 acre Park which is in Burnet Woods. Photo by Jordan West.

The Chat Page 6 Field Trips & Events (contributed by Jay Stenger)

Sunday, Oct. 7th, 9 a.m. Theme: Mid-fall migration, especially sparrows Location: Miami Whitewater Wetlands (Shaker Trace) Leader: Ned Keller, (513) 349- 3369, [email protected] Meet: at the Baughman Rd. parking lot (see directions below). Late migrant passerines, late shorebirds, early waterfowl, raptors and early winter visitors are all possible on this trip to one of our area’s finest wetlands; the Shaker Trace at Miami Whitewater Forest. Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii). Photo by Don Martin. The focus of this trip however will be on sparrows. While most The weather might prove to be the Directions: neotropical migrants move through star of this trip as mid-October has during September, the month typically cool, crisp autumn days. We will meet at 9:00 a.m. at of October sees the bulk of the Fall colors will be abundant and the wetlands parking area on sparrow passage. make a picturesque backdrop to Baughman Road. From I-74, take what should be a pleasant morning the Dry Fork Road exit # 3, and Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow, an walk. turn right. Continue past West otherwise extremely rare migrant Rd, and stay on Dry Fork until it through our area, has become an The trip will consist of level, ends. Turn right onto New Haven annual and regular migrant at the moderate walking. However, Road. At the first stop sign, turn wetlands, and is seen fairly often the trails through the wetlands left onto Oxford Road, and then here during the month of October. are not paved and can be damp immediately left again onto We have a good chance of finding and muddy, so wear appropriate Baughman Road. Go about .7 mile one or two. Lincoln’s Sparrow footwear. This trip should end to the dirt parking area on the is also expected at this time of around noon. If time permits, Ned right side of the road, just past the the year and many of the winter may make a quick visit to nearby bike trail crossing. Contact Ned to sparrows should be in by then. A Fernald Preserve. If you expect to answer any of your questions. long shot, but the right habitat and see birds, binoculars are necessary. the right time of the year, would be There are no restroom facilities at LeConte’s Sparrow. We can expect the Miami Whitewater wetlands, Directions to Miami Whitewater some surprises and a mixed bag but they are available nearby in as well as maps and other on this trip. Sparrow ID can be a the main park area and at Fernald information can be found at the little tricky but our trip leader Ned Preserve. A Hamilton County following website: Keller, an expert birder and the Park pass is required ($3.00 current President of our Audubon daily, $10.00 annual) at Miami http://www.greatparks.org/parks/ Society, will help us sort them out. Whitewater for each vehicle. miami-whitewater-forest

The Chat Page 7 Field Trips & Events (contributed by Jay Stenger)

Sunday, Oct. 21st, Directions: 10 a.m. The Spring Grove Cemetery main entrance is located Theme: Fall Color & Botanical Walk on Spring Grove Avenue just west of the Winton Road Location: Spring Grove Cemetery & intersection. To find our meeting spot, drive in through Arboretum the main entrance gates and go straight. You will go Leader: Denis Conover, (513) 641-3651, through a short tunnel. Just beyond the tunnel, pull over [email protected] and park alongside the right side of the road. You may Meet: at Spring Grove Cemetery, along the road also park in the lot neighboring the cemetery office by the just beyond the tunnel from the main entrance main entrance and walk your way trough the tunnel. If on Spring Grove Avenue (see directions below). you have The focus of this field trip will be the diverse Spring Grove Cemetery website: botanical community found at Spring Grove http://www.springgrove.org/spring-grove-cemetery.aspx Cemetery. Come out and join UC professor and skilled botanist and naturalist, Denis Conover, Spring Grove Cemetery Map: as he leads us on a mid-morning autumnal walk through the beautiful grounds of Spring Grove http://www.springgrove.org/ Cemetery. This is a beautiful time of year. Fall color should be near peak on this date. Denis will identify the tremendous diversity of trees, shrubs, and other plants that can be found here and expound on their ecology. Denis will point out our native flora, invasive species, ornamental plantings, and fall color as well as show us some of the many national and state champion trees found here. One white oak that he will show us is thought to be nearly 400 years old. Denis has interests in all aspects of natural history and will be sure to point out any birds and other fauna we might run across. So why not come along and join Denis on what could be a glorious fall morning and gain some tips and insight on plant identification and their natural history. Participants should be prepared for a few hours of walking, most of which will be relatively flat and on pavement, but there will also be some walking off pavement on trails or in damp or wet grass. We suggest wearing good waterproof footwear. Binoculars are not necessary to see plants but are recommended if you have them or want to see birds. Restrooms are available at the cemetery office. Denis Conover (left) & Jack Stenger (right). Photo by Sara Barnes.

The Chat Page 8 Conservation Year of the Bird by Chris Moran

To mark the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Spring, in March plants for Birds, native plants, was Act (MBTA), the National Audubon Society, National encouraged. Action in April was a call to speak up for Geographic, Bird Life International and Cornell Lab birds and support a strong MBTA. May featured Cor- of Ornithology came together to celebrate 2018 as nell’s Global Big Day and Audubon’s Climate Watch. the Year of the Bird. Each month an opportunity has Cut Out the Plastic was the action featured in June been announced for action to shape a better world for with information about the harm plastics are causing birds today and into the future. Threats to birds today for birds in the oceans. In July there was the invitation include attempts to weaken the MBTA, loss of habi- to Take a Child into Nature and August urged Discov- tat and the changes that are rapidly occurring to the er Your National Parks. climate. Take part in the Year of the Bird. Visit the web site Following the January announcement of the Year of Year of the Bird for information and sign the Pledge. the Bird and an invitation to everyone to take a pledge For descriptions and actions you can take visit: for birds, in February participation in the Great Back https://www.audubon.org/yearofthebird Yard Bird count was suggested. As the forerunner of

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) in Winton Woods. Photo by Megan Mahon.

The Chat Page 9 Audubon Society of Ohio

3398 W. Galbraith Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45239

513-741-7926 (SWAN) [email protected]

President Newsletter Ned Keller Sara Barnes Vice President Jerome Stenger John Stewart Programs Treasurer Harris Abramson Jay Stenger Social Media Secretary Richard Amable Chris Moran Outreach Communications Penny Borgman Ned Keller Facilities Field Trips Brian Keane Jay Stenger Member-at-Large Preserves Heather Farrington Jim Mundy

Our mission is to promote the conservation and appreciation of nature for environmental sustainability with a focus on birds, through habitat protection and education

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