Dedicated to creating a greater awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the interrelatedness of all ’s wild places and wildlife Join Us and the need for stewardship. A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT AT OUR FEBRUARY Birders are a curious lot, and And speaking of things that fly, many have additional hobbies to time has a way of sneaking up on MEETING! chase and list other critters. Often, us sometimes. If you haven’t yet these animals are also of the renewed your CAAS membership Thursday, February 1st, join us at our winged variety. I know many for 2017-18, now would be a good monthly meeting to hear from Kelsey birders who also observe or time. Your membership supports Graham, Post-doctoral Research photograph butterflies, odonates the programs and speakers we (dragonflies and damselflies), and— enjoy throughout the year as well Associate for the Michigan State University Department of Entomology. increasingly—bees. The number of as other educational projects that species of bees in the state the club undertakes. Remember stretches well beyond the that you can now pay online from introduced European honeybee. our website, send your renewal Our February program will through the mail, or bring your introduce you to the great diversity dues to the next membership of the native bees of Michigan. meeting. Good birding (and bee-ing), Barb Hosler

MICHIGAN YOUNG BIRDERS CAMP

CalendarIn an effort to connect of Eventsyoung and includes travel to several birding people with the diverse bird hotspots in the mid-Michigan region, communities of the Great Lakes as well as expert guest speakers from Region, Michigan Audubon, in around the state. Each day will focus

partnership with Alma College, on an overarching topic that will Dr. Graham will provide an introduction to Michigan bee diversity, and tips for Chippewa Nature Center, and U.S. provide participants a complete identifying major groups of pollinators Fish and Wildlife Service will be birding and conservation holding the first Great Lakes Young understanding. found in your garden. She will also Birders Camp in 2018. present a brief overview of some of the The goal of this camp is to connect not ongoing bee research at Michigan The inaugural camp will be based only young birders to each other but State University. out of Alma College. It aims to to connect them to the resources they

promote the development of young need to become the next generation of birders who will be the next conservationists. The success and generation of birders, scientists, reach of this camp will not be possible and conservation-minded citizens. without the support of sponsors, Through experiences that develop whose generous tax-deductible expertise in avian natural history, donations will ensure that we can foster connections with their maintain an affordable tuition rate for birding peers, and highlight our campers and offer need-based careers in bird conservation and scholarships throughout the Great

ornithology, participants will Lakes region. The meeting will begin with receive a foundation upon which refreshments at 7:00p.m. The program they can successfully grow their For more information, contact 1 will begin at 7:30p.m. Our meetings are passion for the natural world. Education Coordinator Lindsay Cain free and open to the public. Camp will run from June 24-28, at [email protected] or 2018, for 16 high school students, (517) 580-7364.

UPCOMING ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMICS & MI WATERS It’s safe to say that most people in depends on the quality of the state’s CAAS EVENTS Michigan understand that our water water resources. Protecting, restoring, resources are valuable. Lakes and and enhancing these resources can CAAS Monthly Meetings rivers conjure images of incredible open new opportunities for growth and Talks are held the first Thursday of each natural beauty and summon visceral preserve those that already exist. In month at Fenner Nature Center. memories of family and community fact, a 2007 Brookings Institute report Refreshments at 7:00 p.m. Meetings begin for the people of this state. They also estimated that full implementation of at 7:30p.m. with announcements and bird support Michigan’s top industries the Great Lakes Regional sightings followed by the program. including shipping, agriculture, Collaboration Strategy, a multi-state technology, manufacturing, effort that generated a comprehensive March 1 - Kestrels in Cherry Orchards recreation, and tourism. plan to restore the Great Lakes Presenter : Dr. Catherine Lindell, MSU ecosystem, would generate $80-$100 Lindell will discuss her research on The Great Lakes represent a $3 billion in benefits. These benefits American Kestrels effects on cherry trillion economic powerhouse for the would derive from wide variety of orchard pests. region. Often, there is unnecessary sectors, including augmentation of tension between the cultural, commercial fishing, recreation, April 5 - Birds of a Feather environmental, and economic values tourism and property values, as well Presenter : Bob Tarte of water. It is important to recognize as avoidance of pollution and flood Tarte is a birder and author of the social, community, and ecological related damages. Furthermore, these numerous books about birds and benefits we derive from our natural gains are inherently place-based. other animals. He writes with humor landscapes; it is also important to Investing in our natural resources about his experiences caring for recognize economic value as an produces real economic returns, and important piece of a healthy system. these returns accrue to the individuals animals and his journey to becoming and areas that made the investment. a birder. People want to live, work, and play in

places that are vibrant and beautiful. This kind of upward momentum can May 3 - Birds and Soundscapes In many cases, we can see that set off a chain reaction; people flow Presenter : Dr. Sharon Gill, WMU commitment to maintaining a clean into the region, drawn by its vibrant Based at Western Michigan environment that people enjoy is not a waterfronts, and soon a connection University, Dr. Sharon Gill studies barrier, but a driver of local between person and place begins to behavioral ecology, ornithology and economies. Consider, for example, the grow. The influx of people creates sound ecology. She will speak on the value of recreation activities. demand, which launches new topic of soundscapes and how they Economic data collected through a business and creates new jobs. affect bird populations. large-scale community engagement Increasing economic opportunity process by the Huron River encourages the people already June7 - Member Photo Show and Ice Watershed Council indicates that the enchanted by the region’s stunning Cream Social recreational amenities of the river water resources to make their homes Enjoy time with the CAAS while draw more than $29 million in direct there, and the area develops a self- members share their favorite photos spending to the region annually. Local propagating pull that attracts both from the year. Please submit an businesses benefit from the increased young and old. Michigan’s water-based image to the newsletter for patronage, which leads to higher local economy already supports and publication as well. employment. sustains thousands of residents, but it is still full of untapped potential. Do you have an event to share? Another example can be found in a Studies suggest that further Email us at - [email protected] 2015 study of the effects of changes in investments in coastal wetlands and or share it on our Facebook page - water quality on Lake Erie beachfront dunes could attract thousands more facebook.com/capitalareaaudubon property. The study found that tourists. improving water clarity increased CAAS SPRING VOLUNTEERS individual housing values by Michigan is a hub of manufacturing $21.54/centimeter. Aggregated, this and shipping expertise, and new Although the weather outside is cold led to benefits of $221-$2,379 per technological skills could sustainably beach. This increased value enhance this industry. Its water-rich and wintery, we have already represents more than just economic location could also make Michigan a started planning spring field trips! gain; it also shows how environmental hub for innovative water technology. If you are interested in leading a field restoration can turn a region into a trip this spring, or have an idea for an more desirable place to live. The lakes and rivers that make outing or destination, please let us Michigan great are also part of a know at our next meeting, or by On a broader scale, the National vibrant economy. As Michigan looks emailing [email protected] Oceanic and Atmospheric ahead to a new economic climate and Administration’s coastal accounting changing global economy, the Great We are also looking for leaders for program estimates that Michigan’s Lakes represent an opportunity to our weekly bird walks at Fenner maritime economy accounts for grow by looking to our roots. Nature Center each Saturday in April 59,000 jobs and $2.5 billion in Michigan’s future is still blue. and May. revenue each year. Sectors range from marine transportation and From the 2017 State of the Great Lakes 2 construction to recreation and Report. By: Christina Pastoria, Economic tourism. This thriving economy Analyst, Michigan Office of the Great Lakes

C HRISTMAS BIRD COUNT REPORT EATON RAPIDS CBC The 2017 East Lansing Christmas 2u Northern Harrier (irreg/irreg) Bird Count was conducted on 2d (2/1) RESULTS December 16, 2017. There were 52 35d Red-tailed Hawk (26/29) participants, the most since 2005. 4u T Rough-legged Hawk (irreg/irreg) The Eaton Rapids Count was conducted They had to contend with 3u Buteo species on December 30, 2017. It was the tenth temperatures in the mid-20s and 719d Rock Pigeon (627/681) year the count was conducted as a 324d Mourning Dove (240/287) several inches of snow on the “national” count, which means that the 13u Ring-billed Gull (237/119) results are reported to the National ground, including some that had 1u Gull species freshly fallen. Audubon Society and included in the 1d Eastern Screech Owl (4/3) Christmas count data base. The weather 58 species were tallied, which is 1u (irreg/irreg) was less than ideal. Temperatures right at the ten year average for this 3u Owl species count (58.5), but below the average 3d Belted Kingfisher (2/3) hovered between 10 and 14 degrees and, of the last five years (61). 22,663 110u Red-bellied Woodpecker (76/71) while it did not seriously snow during birds were counted, which was well 151u Downy Woodpecker (130/133) the time that the count was being above the five and ten year averages 31d Hairy Woodpecker (17/21) conducted, there were several inches of for the count (17,934/18659). That 29d Northern Flicker (16/16) snow on the ground and the roads were was the highest total for this count 10uT Pileated Woodpecker (6/4) slippery. since 2005. 3s American Kestrel (3/4) Only 2593 birds were seen, less than There were no species discovered 3uT Peregrine Falcon (1/2) half of the average for this count (5233). 386u Blue Jay (217/238) which were new for this count. Nevertheless, the 40 species seen was 7004u American Crow (5021/4176) slightly above the count average of 38. However, a Northern Bobwhite that 46u Horned Lark (8/18) was ticked by Bruce Mortimer in his Two species new to this count were seen: 575d Black-capped Chickadee (480/546) Common Merganser and Brown-headed yard was the first of that species 86d Tufted Titmouse (74/86) Cowbird. Two other species had new seen since 1991. There were no new 5d Red-breasted Nuthatch (11/13) high counts for any species, 190u White-breasted Nuthatch (144/140) highs for the count: Horned Lark and although there were a few ties of 15u Brown Creeper (13/17) American Tree Sparrow. previous high counts. (See the 1s Winter Wren (1/1) Thanks to the truly intrepid birders who following species list.) The 7004 7s Carolina Wren (9/8) participated. Next year’s count will American Crows counted was the 1d Golden-crowned Kinglet (9/6) likely be December 29, 2018. second highest total for that species. 82d Eastern Bluebird (49/47) That number was achieved largely 2d American Robin (76/59 ) Canada Goose 497 by Clara Bratton and her diligent 2748u European Starling (1578/1925) Mallard 89 302u Cedar Waxwing (200/366) Common Goldeneye 9 crew carefully counting the birds 7u Lapland Longspur (irreg/irreg) Common Merganser 1 departing the west Lansing roost. 73u Snow Bunting (21/142) Ring-necked Pheasant 1 On the other end of the spectrum, 3u Yellow-rumped Warbler (ireg/irreg) Wild Turkey 97 the count for Mallards was the 172d American Tree Sparrow (185/178) Great Blue Heron 1 lowest since at least 1981. 451u Dark-eyed Junco (418/392) Northern Harrier 1 The top ten species were: 3d White-throated Sparrow (15/13) Cooper’s Hawk 3 1) American Crow 2) Canada Goose 8s Song Sparrow (10/8) Red-tailed Hawk 8 3) European Starling 4) Rock Pigeon 338d Northern Cardinal (333/387) Rough-legged Hawk 2 5) House Sparrow 6) Mallard 1u Red-winged Blackbird (irreg/irreg) Rock Pigeon 116 7) Black-capped Chickadee 14u Purple Finch (irreg/4) Mourning Dove 82 8) American Goldfinch 9) Dark-eyed 233 House Finch (215/229) Eastern Screech-Owl 3 Junco 10) Blue Jay. 525u American Goldfinch (376/430) Great Horned Owl 1 A big thanks to Sam and Liz Febba 704d House Sparrow (725/861) Red-bellied Woodpecker 11 Downy Woodpecker 36 for hosting the compilation dinner KEY: The number in front of the species Hairy Woodpecker 3 and to Tom Wheeker for this report name is the 2017 total. R=record total. Northern Flicker 1 and compiling the CBC results. T=tied old record. u=up from 2016. American Kestrel 1 d=down from 2016. s=same as 2016. Blue Jay 46 The count for next year will be held Irreg=not seen in at least 3 of the last 5 American Crow 369 Saturday December 15, 2018. years or 6 of the last 10 years. ----- = not Horned Lark 46 seen in the five or ten year period. Black-capped Chickadee 100 Following the species name is the average SPECIES LIST Tufted Titmouse 28 for the species for the preceding 5 and 10 Red-breasted Nuthatch 3 years. White-breasted Nuthatch 30 6442d Canada Goose (4179/3522) Brown Creeper 3 2s Wood Duck (1/irreg) SEEN IN 2017 BUT NOT IN 2016: Red- Carolina Wren 3 3d American Black Duck (3/5) breasted Merganser; Northern Bobwhite; 646d Mallard (1389/1160) Pied-billed Grebe; Northern Harrier; Ring- Eastern Bluebird 10 6u Hooded Merganser (32/17) billed gull; Barred Owl; Horned Lark; European Starling 101 4uT Red-breasted Merganser Lapland Longspur; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Cedar Waxwing 4 (irreg/irreg) Purple Finch; Red-winged Blackbird American Tree Sparrow 242 7u Common Merganser (5/4) Dark-eyed Junco 193 1u Northern Bobwhite (-----/-----) SEEN IN 2016 BUT NOT IN 2017: Ring- Song Sparrow 1 99d Wild Turkey (77/98) necked Duck; Ruddy Duck; Great Horned Northern Cardinal 88 1u Pied-billed Grebe( irreg/irreg) Owl; Northern Shrike; Hermit Thrush; Gray Brown-headed Cowbird 17 3 2d Great Blue Heron (2/2) Catbird; Ovenbird; Fox Sparrow; Pine House Finch 92 2d Sharp-shinned Hawk (2/2) Siskin; Common Grackle. American Goldfinch 152 15u Cooper’s Hawk (9/11) House Sparrow 102 1s Accipiter Species

CALL NOTE EXCITING SIGHTINGS Published monthly September through June by the In January a few exciting sightings were reported in the area. Capital Area Audubon Society PO Box 22065, Lansing MI 48909. - A Snowy Owl was recorded on Williamston Road, a few miles south Deadline for submissions: of 96 by a number of birders on January 6. 20th of the month. - Also on January 6th, Keegan Nature Park was host to a Goldeneye 2017-2018 CAAS Officers Roost, a Northern Shoveler, a White-winged Scoter and a Double- crested Cormorant. President Barb Hosler Vice President Parks Marion - On January 13th, a Short-eared Owl and Northern Saw-whet Owl Secretary Alexia Witcombe were identified at the East Dansville Road Fields. Treasurer Michael Caterino

Membership Ed Merz - Visit the Common Goldeneye Roost Editor & Facebook Kristy Taylor Each evening around sunset, hundreds of Goldeneye fly in groups to Publicity & Hospitality Eileen Houston land on the river at Keegan Nature Park in Lansing and begin their Field Trip Coordinator Parks Marion courtship displays. A couple of notes on the roost from Kirby Adams. Program Coordinator Don Dickmann 1. Goldeneye spook easily, so you can't creep up on the floating Historian Jim Hewitt roost. There's a stomped out spot where birders stand to watch without spooking any ducks. 2. There's very little parking there and 2017-18 CAAS Board of Directors homes along the other side of the street, so it's courteous to carpool and not muck up that quiet street with cars. Make people happy to Michael Caterino have a nature park for a neighbor, not annoyed by it! Sue Davis Don Dickmann Barb Hosler These sightings were reported at our meeting or Eileen Houston on Ebird.com or with the Ebird App. Ed Merz Parks Marion Do you have an exciting sighting to share? Connie Page Email us at - [email protected] Alexia Witcombe or share it on our facebook page - facebook.com/capitalareaaudubon

[email protected] capitalareaaudubon.org facebook.com/capitalareaaudubon Thank You!

A huge thank you to Marti Caterino and Debbie Wolf for supplying the wonderful snacks at our January meeting.

Big thanks to Fai Chan for allowing the CAAS to use his beautiful images on our header, website and Facebook page. To submit an image for publication, please email Kristy Taylor at [email protected]

YEAR OF THE BIRD MICHIGAN MEMBERSHIP

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has Members of CAAS enjoy 10 monthly programs per year on a variety of natural joined with National Geographic, WINTER EVENTS history topics, guided field trips, a monthly National Audubon Society, BirdLife WPBO's SPRING FLING (APRIL 28-29th) newsletter, and the satisfaction of International, and more than 100 REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 2, 2018 supporting initiatives to interest young organizations to declare 2018 the people in birds and nature. Year of the Bird. Coinciding with the centennial of the Migratory Bird This year will mark the 30th Annual Membership Categories Treaty Act's ratification, it's a great Spring Fling: WPBO’s Celebration of Bird Individual $15.00 Migration when members and their moment to pledge to do one thing Family $20.00 guests “migrate” to Paradise, Michigan Contributing $30.00 per month to help birds. To kick off and the Whitefish Point area to visit Sustaining $50.00 the year, They have collected six with old friends, both human and Donor $100.00 resolutions to help you bird your avian. Many activities are being For a membership form, please visit our world in 2018. planned for another refreshing website at capitalareaaudubon.org or Visit www.nationalgeographic.org/ weekend of birding experiences. pick one up at our next meeting. projects/year-of-the-bird Tickets go on sale beginning February for more information and to pledge 2, 2018. Each year we have been Online registration and payment is now to help make our world better for thrilled to see this event grow. available at birds in 2018. They will send out Questions may be directed to capitalareaaudubon.org/membership 4 monthly suggestions and articles [email protected] about the birds we all love. wpbo.org/events/spring-fling/