April 2010

Volume XXXVI, Issue 4 AUDUBON SOCIETY

AAS Goes to INSIDE By Ted Reissing GOS Guided Tour...... 2 Now that the narco-terrorists have been brought under control, birders are flocking back to Colombia. First Time Birders ...... 2 With almost 10% of the world’s species (more than twice as many as can be found in the entire U.S.) and about 75 endemics, this country is a natural target for listers. In addition, the top bird Annual Report ...... 3 conservation group in the country, ProAves, has developed a series of 15 preserves to protect specific and created lodging facilities to house visitors. Because of all these developments, AAS put Field Notes - January ...... 4 together a trip to do some serious birding in Colombia and the results of this outing are highlighted Field Trips...... 5 here. Delta flies directly from Atlanta to Bogotá daily and the four-hour A Million Thanks...... 6 flight arrives just after 9 PM (there is no time change when we are on standard time). If you do start in Colombia’s capital city, an Volunteer Opportunities...... 6 early morning visit to a local park can reveal eight to 10 good lifers Conservation Days...... 6 including the endemic Bogotá Rail. From there it is usually about an eight-hour motor trip to one of the major preserves. For this tour Merritt Island...... 7 we chose El Paujil, the prime site for the critically endangered Blue-billed Curassow. Very few outsiders have seen this bird in the Bird Journal ...... 7 wild, but after a couple of days of climbing steep trails in 95°F and Blue-billed Curassow Sculpting Birds...... 8 Photographer: ProAves 90% humidity, we were fortunate to see two birds that flew directly over our heads. These had been flushed by one of our guides. This Great Workshops...... 8 large bird (the size of a turkey) has been hunted extensively for food and as a result is super wary of humans. Other great birds we picked up in this area included Black-fronted Wood-Quail, White-tailed Trust for Public Land ...... 9 Trogon, Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Beautiful Woodpecker and Black-throated Mango. Another long drive through Medellín (the former drug cartel city) Classifieds...... 10 brought us to the Loro Orejiamarillo Preserve that was established to Membership...... 11 save the Yellow-eared Parrot. This bird is also on the world’s critically endangered list because the fronds of its favorite nesting and feeding Book for Birders ...12 trees are used for Palm Sunday celebrations. A campaign begun a few years ago to save these trees (by substituting other types of fronds) has been totally successful and the birds are now readily seen in the preserve. The nearby city of El Jardin actually holds a festival in honor of this parrot. A few of the other species seen here included ATLANTA Cock-of-the-Rock Tourmaline Sunangel, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Spillman’s Photographer: ProAves Tapaculo, White-capped Tanager and Gold-fronted Whitestart. And AUDUBON SOCIETY just five minutes outside the city is one of the best leks (male display areas, sort of like the basketball court at your local YMCA) in the world for spotting the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. We saw six males 4055 Roswell Road displaying. Atlanta, GA 30342 We then went back to Medellín to fly to Santa Marta on the north Caribbean coast. Air travel within Colombia on Avianca is very good and the airports are quite modern. One lifer, the Bicolored , was actually gained at lunch in the Santa Marta airport. From the city we traveled up the “worst road” in Colombia to the El Dorado Preserve. There is an excellent lodge at this site with a view of the highest mountains in the country, some of which are part of the preserve. There are about 20 endemics in the 678.973.2437 area and in a couple of days of birding we picked up 14 of them including Santa Marta Screech Owl, White-lored Warbler and Rusty-headed Spinetail. In addition Band-tailed Guan, White-tipped Quetzal, www.atlantaaudubon.org Masked Trogon and Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush were added to our sighting list. We flew back to Bogotá from Santa Marta and then home to Atlanta. During our eight days of birding we saw over 200 species. The greater part of three days was spent targeting the endangered birds GOS RARE BIRD ALERT mentioned, and we were not attempting to build numbers during these times. However, there are still many sites in Colombia waiting for Atlanta birders, and we will be returning. If you have an interest in another group going to this special birding country, please let the AAS office know. 770.493.8862 Board of Directors SPEAKER SERIES 2010 THE FLIGHT PATH OF THE GEORGIA OFFICERS President Carol Hassell 770.945.3111 ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY [email protected] President-elect Vacant April 15 7:30 PM to 9 PM Co-Treasurers Ellen Miller Location: AAS Education Center at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve 404.847.5260 [email protected] Tom Painter 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta Across from Pike Nurseries 404.524.8833 [email protected] Join us for our Speaker Series on April 15 for a guided tour through the workings Recording Secy Mark Jernigan 404.298.8825 of the Georgia Ornithological Society (GOS). Dr. Bob Sargent, wildlife biologist, [email protected] biology teacher and current president of GOS, will speak about the mission, DIRECTORS Conservation Dave Butler operations, successes and evolution of the society. Bob notes that since the 75th 404.580.3917 anniversary of the founding of GOS is fast approaching, it seems only fitting that [email protected] Education Vacant we should take a moment to look back at the road the society has traveled, to Field Trips Stanley Chapman recall what the detours taught us and to hazard a hypothesis as to where this [email protected] current road will lead us. Communications Vacant Public Relations Beth Giddens It wasn’t so long ago when the verb “birding” didn’t exist, when bird study was the 770.792.3712 [email protected] domain of ornithologists and the professionally well-to-do. Little was known about JoAnn Jordan the natural history of common bird species in those days, the Breeding Bird Survey 678.488.8022 did not exist, and listing had not yet become all the rage. As past president of [email protected] Volunteers Vacant Oconee Rivers and Ocmulgee Audubon Societies, Bob has been afforded the Dr. Bob Sargent unique opportunity to study in depth how the function of birding and ornithological AT LARGE GOS President Joy Carter societies differs and yet can be quite similar and has spent considerable time 404.622.0605 thinking about how the two entities can come together to accomplish what are generally mutual goals. [email protected] Jay Davis His presentation will recall the founding of GOS, will describe how the society evolved under the 404.624.4973 influence of both ornithology and birding, and will explore how the mission of the organization remains [email protected] relevant and vital in rapidly-urbanizing modern Georgia. Pam Higginbotham 770.939.3592 [email protected] Harriette Hoyt 770.650.8501 First-time Birders [email protected] David Kuechenmeister 404.822.8089 By Cynthia Bohannon-Brown [email protected] On an unusually warm February morning, fourth-grade students at R. T. Smith Elementary School in Clayton Victor Williams Earthshare Representative County were introduced to the perils of migrating birds through Flute’s Journey by Lynne Cherry. This 770.423.1012 [email protected] enchanting book took the students through the struggles and triumphs of a little wood thrush named Flute as STAFF he traveled from his birthplace in Maryland to the rainforest of Costa Rica and back home again. Flute’s Executive Director Catharine Kuchar 678.973.2437 Journey inspired these students to don binoculars for the first time as they actively watched native birds near [email protected] their own schoolyard. As the students observed the birds up close, they needed little prompting to use their Education Coordinator Emily Toriani-Moura 678.973.2437 field guides to identify their high-flying neighbors. Though no migratory birds were seen that day, many [email protected] Administrative Coordinator Sally Davis Bluebirds and American Crows were counted and their every movement was carefully observed by these novice 678.973.2437 bird-watchers. [email protected] Website As the students eagerly shared their experiences, they were obviously thankful for the resources that made it Jim Flynn [email protected] all possible. A copy of Flute’s Journey, individual binoculars, field guides and numerous other items were Wingbars Manager assembled and made available to educators by the Friends of Feathered Flyers, the Department of Natural Diane Hawkins-Cox 404.909.9095 Resources (DNR) and Melvin L. Newman Wetlands Center. Carol Lambert of Newman Wetlands hopes that [email protected] Wingbars Editor more teachers learn about these kits and borrow them to use in their own classrooms. Similar Friends of Susan Milne 404.502.5496 Feathered Flyers Bird Activity Boxes are available throughout our state at various sites [email protected] (http://www.georgiawildlife.com/education/educator-resources). Proofreading Steven Phenicie As children become more caring of the Earth and its , eco-friendly educational resources can serve as 770.849.0391 [email protected] catalysts for introducing them to the diverse habitat of birds. Design & Layout Copy Preparation 770.939.2002 [email protected] Newsletter deadline is the first of the month for material to be published the following month. Please submit articles as MS-Word to [email protected]. Email attachments, if possible. Wingbars is the official newsletter of Atlanta Photographer: Cynthia Bohannon-Brown Audubon Society and is published 11 times a year. We feature news, upcoming events, meetings, field trips and projects. We hope you Mission Statement: will join us. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect policies of the Atlanta Audubon Society. Protecting Georgia’s birds and the habitats that sustain them through education, conservation and advocacy. 2 Atlanta Audubon Society From the Executive Director by Catharine Brockman Kuchar

AAS 2009 Annual Report

It was another exciting year for Atlanta Audubon Society. Our biggest undertaking included settling into our new home at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Buckhead. Our location gives us critically-needed office space, a classroom, education center and outdoor areas for bird walks, observations and on-the-ground conservation projects. We also hired our first Education Coordinator, Emily Toriani-Moura, and she has been a fabulous addition to our team. We produced a beautiful publication on Georgia’s common birds in decline, along with seven educational pieces on different neighborhoods along the BeltLine Arboretum. We also began work to grow our educational programming including more workshops and speaker series events. We created a new Facebook page, annualized our membership to cut down administrative costs, developed our Strategic Plan for 2010-2012, updated our mission statement, and revamped our by-laws. It certainly was a big year to “get educated and get involved.” In the report you will read highlights of our accomplish- ments in the following areas: x Conservation initiatives x Educational opportunities x Community outreach x Building community through volunteerism x Summary of financials We also believe in maintaining integrity and transparency in our financial practices and being wise and good stewards of the contributions and support that we receive. We strive to use our funds in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible, a commitment illustrated by the fact that 88 percent of our operating expenses went directly to our public outreach and education efforts. We expended less than one percent on fundraising efforts that drive our operations and 12 percent on management and general operations for such things as rent, insurance, etc.

2009 Revenue 2009 Expenses Total = $202,764 Total = $199,709 Contributions/Memberships/Grants = $145,277 Conservation/Education/Outreach = $174,240 Investment Income = $25,721 Member Dev./Fundraising = $973 Program Income = $29,997 Management/ Gen. Expenses = $24,495 Merchandise Sales, Advertising & Misc. = $1,769 (2007 total: $102,152; 2008 total: $121,513) (2007 total: $139,814; 2008 total: $162,373)

We are proud of our many accomplishments and are gratified in knowing that everything we did was possible because of our supporters, volunteers and Friends of Atlanta Audubon Society. Thank you for another great year!

We invite all of our members and supporters to view the complete 2009 Annual Report by visiting Atlanta Audubon Society’s Web site and downloading the complete, five-page, detailed report.

April 2010 3 January Field Notes by Terry Moorez

find in Bartow Co. on 23 Jan. (B&DZ). Small HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH THRUSHES – A female numbers of LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen in BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD made a surprise visit What a month for birding in GA! Bartow Co. at least until 23 Jan. (B&DZ). PMcL and to a feeder on St. Simons Island on 5 Jan. (fide RT). Not only did we score well in KM had a good count of 100+ BREWER’S The bird remained there until 28 Jan. and was seen the total species seen in both BLACKBIRDS in Bartow Co. on 3 Jan. EB reported a by many observers. This is the second record for the the Atlanta and GA areas but we BALTIMORE ORIOLE in DeKalb Co. on 9 Jan. and BL species in GA with the first one being a one day also had well-documented reports had a PINE SISKIN in the Buckhead area on 4 Jan. wonder. Three PURPLE MARTINS were seen at Reed of three mega-rarities. Read the Bingham State Park on 30 Jan. (WS). There were following details for Ivory Gull, Buff-bellied several reports of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES in GEORGIA AREA northern GA with the peak count of three found in Hummingbird and Virginia’s Warbler. WATERFOWL – The Altamaha Waterfowl Fannin Co. on 5 Jan. (RB). The SWAINSON’S THRUSH The Atlanta area came in with 122 species Management Area near Darien continues to be the previously reported from St. Simons Island was seen (average = 110.4) and the GA area came in hotspot for BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS as again on 2 Jan. in the same location (MC). with 212 species (average = 203.7). Both evidenced by the 52 seen there on 9 Jan. (B&DZ, WARBLERS THROUGH SISKINS – A VIRGINIA’S WARBLER (GA’s second record) appeared at a were outstanding efforts by Georgia birders. LG). A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was reported from Floyd Co. on 25 Jan. by JSp. A Valdosta feeder on 15 Jan. and remained there TUNDRA SWAN was found in Floyd Co. on 13 Jan. through the end of the month (JSw). Needless to say many observers saw the bird thanks to the ATLANTA AREA and remained there at least until 25 Jan. (JD). The previously reported flock of COMMON EIDERS at Sea hospitality of the Swiderski’s. An OVENBIRD was a WATERFOWL - PMcL and KM reported six GREATER Island continued there at least until 9 Jan. (three good find in Brantley Co. on 10 Jan. (TH). A rare find WHITE-FRONTED GEESE in Bartow Co. starting on 3 birds by JF and EH). A female COMMON was a SUMMER TANAGER in the Dublin area on 23 Jan and continuing at least until 23 Jan. A SNOW MERGANSER frequented Carter’s Lake from 4 Jan. Jan. (LJ). JSp had a good count of 35 VESPER GOOSE was also seen in the same area on 3 Jan. at least through 12 Jan. (MM et al.). SPARROWS in Gordon Co. on 7 Jan. SB found a (PMcL, KM). A ROSS’S GOOSE was a rare find along GRASSHOPPER SPARROW and a HENSLOW’S the National Recreation Area GREBES THROUGH SHOREBIRDS – Three EARED SPARROW in Evans Co. on 19 Jan. Another (CRNRA) on 9 Jan. (CB). At the E.L. Huie Land GREBES were reported from the Rum Creek WMA on HENSLOW’S SPARROW was found in Paulk’s Pasture Application Facility (ELHLAF) in Clayton Co., JSe 2 Jan. (TMcc) and three others were seen at the on 1 Jan. by JSp. Two different PAINTED BUNTINGS reported at least two NORTHERN PINTAILS starting West Point Dam (WPD) on 26 Jan. (JF). One were reported from the Glenville area on 9 Jan. by on 20 Jan. plus CL had 200 GREEN-WINGED TEAL AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was on St. Simons GW. A young male DICKCISSEL was seen at Sapelo on 12 Jan. also at the ELHLAF (CL). Rather rare for Island on 1 Jan. (JSp) and 15-20 were on on 27 Jan. (DC). There were several reports of the Atlanta area were three CANVASBACKS at Lake Island on 13 Jan. (DC). PF had a couple rare winter BALTIMORE ORIOLES around the state with the peak Acworth on 9 Jan. (CS) and two CANVASBACKS in records from with a REDDISH EGRET on count being four in the Glenville area on 19 Jan. (GW the same area on 28 Jan. (CS). Other interesting 13 Jan. and a ROSEATE SPOONBILL on 11 Jan. A et al.). A few PURPLE FINCHES were reported with sightings from Lake Acworth were 225 HOODED GOLDEN EAGLE was seen in Floyd Co. on 23 Jan. the peak count of 40 coming from Washington Co. MERGANSERS on 9 Jan. (CS) and a COMMON (DR) and a PEREGRINE FALCON was seen at WPD on on 23 Jan. (LS). PINE SISKINS were also reported in MERGANSER on 12 Jan. (SP). JSe had a rather 26 Jan. (JF). Only a couple reports of decent low numbers with the peak count of four coming remarkable count of 360 RUDDY DUCKS at Lake numbers of SANDHILL CRANES were received with from Fannin Co. on 19 Jan. (TS). Varner on 14 Jan. 150 in Berrien Co. on 1 Jan. (WS) and 100 in Pike Co. on 5 Jan. (LR). On a 15 Jan. pelagic trip out from CONTRIBUTORS – Michael Barrett, Sandy Beasley, FALCONS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS – A PEREGRINE Tybee Island a group of birders counted 72 RED Eric Bowles, Charlie Bostwick, Roy Brown, Walt FALCON was a great find in Bartow Co. on 16 Jan. PHALAROPES (DM et al.). Chambers, Mike Chapman, Doris Cohrs, Jeff Dixon, (JN, RH, VL). There were six reports of SANDHILL Priscilla Fleshman, Jim Flynn, Hugh Garrett, Lex CRANES, mostly heading south although some of the GULLS THROUGH RAZORBILLS – A THAYER’S GULL Glover, Johnnie Greene, Richard Hall, David Hollie, later birds were already heading north. A total of was reported from WPD on 26 Jan. (fide JSe). This is Ted Holloway, Earl Horn, Liz Horsey, Lance Jones, approximately 390 birds were reported. A SPOTTED a very rare sighting but pales in comparison to what Eugene Keferl, Carol Lambert, Vanessa Lane, Bill SANDPIPER was seen at the CRNRA on 9 Jan. (CB). comes later. An immature GLAUCOUS GULL was an Lotz, Ed Maioriello, Trey Mccuen, Patty McLean, excellent sighting at Tybee Island on 18 Jan. (EM). Mark McShane, Max Medley, Kathy Miller, Darlene HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH SISKINS – A RUFOUS On the 15 Jan. pelagic trip out from Tybee Island Moore, Peggy and Terry Moore, James Neves, Bill HUMMINGBIRD was seen in the Buckhead area on 3 four RAZORBILLS were seen (DM et al.). But the bird O’Grady, Sandy Pangle, Dan Roper, Larry Ross, Jan. (BL). In Bartow Co. JSp had at least 40 HORNED that truly rocked the birding world was an adult Chuck Saleeby, Robert Sattlemeyer, Wayne LARKS on 13 Jan. JSe reported a RED-BREASTED IVORY GULL which was found at WPD on 15 Jan. by Schaffner, Lynn Schlup, Jeff Sewell, Adam Smith, NUTHATCH in his Tucker yard on 1 and 16 Jan. WC. Luckily the bird remained in the area for a few Joshua Spence, Tom Striker, John and Kate PMcL had a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER at Lake days before it unfortunately fell ill and died on 29 Swiderski, Lydia Thompson, Rusty Trump, Gene Horton on 1 Jan. Interesting sparrows from Henry Jan. (fide JSe). Not only is this the first record for GA Wilkinson, and Bob and Deb Zaremba. Co. included three LE CONTE’S SPARROWS on 20 but is most likely the southernmost record for this Jan. (JSe, HG) and single birds on 23 and 25 Jan. species ever. Another thing that ist interesting about (JSe). Also seen in Henry Co. were single LINCOLN’S this bird is that it was an adult whereas most IVORY Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Ct., Roswell, GA SPARROWS on 20 Jan. (JSe, HG) and 25 Jan. (JSe, GULLS that venture into the US are immature birds. 30075 – [email protected] BL). Five WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were a good

4 Atlanta Audubon Society Field Trips Compiled by Stan Chapman

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 April field trips that may be scheduled. Sketch by Anne McCallum

If you would like to lead a field trip, volunteer to help with the Field Trip Committee, contribute ideas for places to go, or give feedback about leaders or trips, please email Stan Chapman, Field Trips Coordinator, at [email protected]. Generally speaking, field trips take place rain or shine. However, particularly in the winter, there is always a possibility of snow and ice or extreme cold, in which case a field trip may be canceled or changed. Any changes will be reflected on the Atlanta Audubon Society Facebook page and, if possible, on the website, www.atlantaaudubon.org. Saturday, April 3, 8 AM (1.2 miles). Turn right onto Roswell Road. At the first traffic DeKalb Mall on your right. At that point, turn right on to Buford Fish Hatchery, Cumming, Forsyth County light after crossing the Chattahoochee River, turn left onto Lawrenceville Highway, which is also Highway 29. After 0.6 Grant McCreary (cell phone 770-265-8458). Azalea Drive. At the second traffic light, turn left onto Willeo miles, right past the QT station, turn right on to Harrington Meet at the parking lot inside the gate to the hatchery. Road. CNC is located one-half mile on the right. From GA 400 Road and follow directions as above. Birding Focus: Winter residents, spring migrants, and birds of southbound: Exit Northridge Road (exit #6). At the top of the the river and lake. Some birds that might be found include ramp is a traffic light. Travel straight through the traffic light Saturday, April 10, 8 AM Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Common Loon, Rough-winged onto Dunwoody Place. Follow Dunwoody Place until it Williams Mill Greenspace Park, Hall County Swallow, Purple Martin, and some early vireos and warblers. intersects with Roswell Road (1.2 miles) and follow the Peter Gordon Notes and Directions: This trip will include birding along a directions above. Meet at entrance parking lot of Williams Mill Greenspace nature trail leading to the river and hatchery and birding Park, 6166 Black Jack Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 around Lake Lanier. Directions from Interstate 85/985: Travel Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21, and 28, 8 AM Birding Focus: Spring migrants and residents of woodlands west on GA Highway 20. After you cross the Chattahoochee (weekly Wednesday walks to continue through May 12) and grasslands. River you will turn right onto River Club Dr. (you will be Cochran Shoals Unit of Chattahoochee River NRA Notes and Directions: This trip is jointly sponsored with entering a subdivision - look for the DNR hatchery sign). Hugh Garrett Elachee Nature Center, where Peter Gordon is Education Travel approximately 1/2 mile on River Club Dr., turn right Meet at the kiosk at the north end of the parking lot of the Director, and with Hall County Parks and Leisure Services. If onto Trout Place Road (at the second hatchery sign). The Interstate North Parkway entrance to Cochran Shoals. There you intend to come, please register no later than April 3 by hatchery is through the gate at the end of the road. Directions is a parking fee of $3 (or annual pass) at this site. calling 770-965-7140. Directions: From Atlanta, take I-85 from GA 400: Travel east on GA Highway 20 for approximately Birding focus: Cochran Shoals has a diverse habitat of river, north and bear left at Exit 113 to get on I-985 toward 4 1/2 miles, turn left onto River Club Dr. (into the subdivision) fields and forest that is very attractive to many species of Gainesville. Follow for 8 miles and take the Friendship Road and follow the directions above. resident and migrant birds, the number of which should exit (#8) and turn right onto Friendship Road. Follow for 1.9 continue to increase until the end of April. It is one of the best miles, and then turn left onto Swansey Road. After 0.8 miles, Saturday, April 3, 8 AM places in Atlanta to see the Red-headed Woodpecker, as well turn right onto Blackjack Road. Go approximately .75 miles. Piedmont Park, midtown Atlanta as several species of raptors and swallows. Philadelphia Vireo Turn right into the entrance/parking lot of Williams Mill George King is found annually, and the Prothonotary Warbler usually nests Greenspace Park. Meet at the Piedmont Park Conservancy building, corner of here. Many other species of warbler, several vireo and Piedmont Ave. and 12th St. flycatcher species, as well as Summer and Scarlet Tanagers, Saturday, April 10, 7:45 AM Birding Focus: Early migrants and winter and permanent often can be found. Cochran Shoals Unit of Chattahoochee WMA residents. Notes and Directions: Note that considerable walking is Herb Wollner Notes and Directions: This trip is especially good for involved, some of which might be on wet grass. Directions See note of April 7 for birding focus, park fee, and directions. beginners, children and families, who are invited on all AAS from Atlanta: Take I-285 to the Northside-Powers Ferry Rd. Note that this walk begins at 7:45 AM, while the Wednesday trips. A few extra pairs of binoculars will be available to exit (exit 22). Going west on I-285, turn right at the first light walks at the same site begin at 8 AM. borrow. Directions: From south of Atlanta, take I-75-85 north onto Interstate North Parkway. Stay on this road as it curves to Pine St. (exit 249B). Go straight on Pine, cross Peachtree west, through an intersection and crosses the river. After Sunday, April 11, 7:30 AM St. and then turn left onto Piedmont Ave. Travel about one crossing, the parking lot is an immediate right. Going east on Newman Wetlands Center and E.L. Huie Ponds, mile to 12th St. From northwest of Atlanta, take I-75 south to I-285, continue east at the exit to the second light, then turn Clayton County Exit 250 and follow the signs to 10th Street. Turn left onto left (north) and cross the bridge over I-285 and continue Malcolm Hodges 1 Meet at Newman Wetlands Center parking lot, 2755 Freeman 10th and follow it ⁄2 mile to Piedmont Ave. Turn left onto through the traffic light on the other side onto Interstate 1 Road, Hampton, GA. Piedmont, and follow it for ⁄2 mile to 12th St. From northeast North Parkway, then continue with instructions above. of Atlanta, take I-85 south to Exit 84, and follow the signs to Birding Focus: Early songbird migrants, resident forest birds, 10th Street. Turn left onto 10th, and then follow the directions Thursday, April 8 and Thursday, April 22, 8 AM spring waterfowl migrants and shorebirds. above. From MARTA, get off at the Arts Center station, walk Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, DeKalb County Directions: From Atlanta, take I-75 south beyond south to 14th St., turn left (east) and walk two blocks to Lisa Hurt I-285 to US 19/41 (Tara Blvd., exit 235); drive south for 8.2 Piedmont Ave., and then turn right and walk two blocks to Meet at the entrance to the preserve at the corner of Pine miles to Freeman Road and turn left. The Newman Wetlands 12th St. Bluff and Wood Trail in Decatur. Center is 2.2 miles down Freeman Road on the right. Birding Focus: Clyde Shepherd has a boardwalk over a pond Saturday, April 3, 8 AM and wetland, and woodland trails. Spring migrants, including Saturday, April 17, 8 AM Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, warblers, vireos, and tanagers may be seen. at Fernbank Science Center, Roswell, GA Notes and Directions: Bring waterproof footwear, as trails DeKalb County Stacy Zarpentine (cell phone 404-219-5869) can be wet. Directions: From I-285 N or S on the east side of Chris Showalter Meet at the front of the center. Atlanta: Take Highway 78, Stone Mtn. Freeway exit, west Meet at the parking lot area of Fernbank Science Center Birding Focus: Birds of the river and surrounding woodland, toward Decatur. Highway 78 merges with Lawrenceville (which is different from Fernbank Museum), Heaton Park including waterfowl, sparrows, and hawks. Highway (also called U.S. 29) and passes North DeKalb Mall, Drive, Atlanta, GA. Directions: From Roswell Road (U.S. 19), heading north after which it changes name to Scott Blvd. Shortly, you will Birding Focus: Fernbank has an extensive forest in an in- from Atlanta or from the Roswell Road exit off of I-285). At pass the QT station on your right. Just past this station, turn town location and paved paths through the woods. It is the first traffic light after crossing the Chattahoochee River, right at the next street, Harrington Road. Follow it for 0.6 excellent for woodland birds, including warblers and vireos, turn left onto Azalea Drive. At the second traffic light, turn miles and turn right on to Wood Trail Lane. Follow Wood Trail and is one of the best locations in the area to see thrushes left onto Willeo Road. CNC is located one-half mile on the a short distance until it makes a 90 degree turn to the left and and Pileated Woodpeckers. For the first two hours of all the right. From GA 400 northbound: Exit on Northridge (exit #6) becomes Pine Bluff. The entrance to the refuge, where the Audubon Society walks, the forest will be closed to all except and bear to the right, back over the expressway. Immediately group will meet, is at this corner. From I-75-I-85 N or S: From those who meet for the Audubon walk. after crossing over 400, turn right onto Dunwoody Place. I-85 north or south, take North Druid Hills Road exit, east Directions: From I-285 on the east side of Atlanta, take the Follow Dunwoody Place until it intersects with Roswell Road toward Decatur. After approx. 3 miles, you will see North Continued on page 10 April 2010 5 Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer

olunteer Volunteer Conservation Days Opportunities The Georgia Important Bird Area Program is organizing two different volunteer events in which YOU can help birds and other native wildlife.

Friday, April 2 Saturday, April 10 Help us to remove Chinese privet at Joe Kurz Help to re-establish a trail around the Ansley- WMA in Meriwether County. Last year we Hodges Impoundment at Altamaha Waterfowl killed a lot of this nasty invasive plant, and we Management Area in Glynn County. The trail can already see positive results! The privet- will be used by birders, hunters and anglers, as killing party starts as soon as bird banding well as the management staff. We hope to have ends, at about 2 PM. Feel free to arrive early to members of each of these groups join in. We see some bird banding. will work from 9 AM until 3 PM. Some of us GOT will arrive at dawn to do a bit of bird watching SEED? and see the beautiful sunrise. The birds at At each event we’ll provide light snacks and a big cooler of water, along with some tools. It would help if some volunteers could also bring a tool or two, as well as gloves. Dress the Blue Heron for whatever weather we have that day and bring a bottle or thermos for water. Nature Please contact Important Bird Areas Coordinator Charlie Muise: [email protected] Preserve need http://www.atlantaaudubon.org/iba/ your help! We These programs are made possible by grants from Toyota, TogetherGreen, Georgia are looking for Ornithological Society, the Southern Company and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. volunteers to “adopt a month” for A Million Thanks! filling the Atlanta Audubon Society is an amazing organization because of its volunteers! As always, we extend our unending gratitude to ALL of our volunteers, but we feeders around would like to send a special thank you to the following individuals this our building. month. One 20-40 lb. We would like to send out a message to all of the amazing volunteer bag is all that photographers who contribute so much to our organization. As many of you have seen, we have been fortunate to create many beautiful publications would be recently, including “Birds Matter,” “Georgia’s Vanishing Treasures,” our latest necessary. membership brochure, and the seven educational pieces on Atlanta’s BeltLine Please call Arboretum for our TogetherGreen grant. These publications would not be possible without the generosity and talent of these amazing bird and wildlife 678-973-2437 photographers. Not only do they help us keep our design costs down by offering their amazing work to us, to adopt a but they are also the heart and soul of the publications, bringing our pieces to life. These photographers month. make an important contribution to our organization and we ask you to join us in thanking them for everything they do: Cynthia Bohannan-Brown, Cathy Harman, Darlene Moore, Steve Sanchez, Todd Schneider, Dan Vickers, Jim Wilson, Tom Wilson and the Department of Natural Resources.

Question: Don’t Forget about our Binoculars Fundraiser Which We are conducting a small fundraiser to purchase 20 pairs of child-friendly binoculars (6.5 x 32 North Eagle Optics Ravens) for our educational programs at the Blue Heron and off-site at schools and American with community groups. We would like to be able to purchase binoculars that will be easier bird is the most for young people to use and enjoy. For every pair we purchase, Eagle Optics will donate a pair. specialized We would like to raise $1,190 for this effort. If you would like to contribute, please send a feeder, and on what check to Atlanta Audubon Society, 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 and write in the memo does it feed? line: “Binoculars Fundraiser.” We will send you a thank you letter and acknowledgement for your tax-deductible donation. See page 7 for answer 6 Atlanta Audubon Society Flight of Fancy: My Favorite Birds: A Trip to Merritt Island By Mary Ann Hindes My Favorite Places to See Birds: My Bird Can one’s imagination Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, even Eurasian Wigeon. A Journal match reality? What if nesting Bald Eagle and eaglets and a nesting Great Horned one’s expectations Owl, with tufts of feathers wafting in the wind, were also Name: ______come true? How many breathtaking treats. We got a very close and long look at a This journal is a publication of Atlanta Audubon Society, inspired by our friends lifers can a fairly Sora and a Clapper Rail—both hiding in the vegetationat Birmingham Audubonon Society in . novice birder one of the trails. Then there were the Willet, Marbled accumulate in two Godwit, four species of gull, and the elegant American days? Why do birders Avocet swinging its long upturned bill through the shallow “My Bird flock to Merritt Island water to catch a well-earned meal. There is an outstanding National Wildlife visitor information center off State Route 402, and a short Journal” The Roseate Spoonbill is one of many Refuge, and why does orientation trail is located behind the visitor center; we Merritt Island marvels Atlanta Audubon offer viewed nesting Osprey at the very start of this trail. Included in this month’s Photographer: Jim Flynn a trip to this area Not all birds use marshes so a series of trails is routed Wingbars is a special each year? Let me through the major habitats of the refuge. Two trails (Scrub journal insert for kids. explain why a visit to Merritt Island might be even better Ridge and Pine Flatwoods) provide the best place to see Simply pull the insert out than you imagine. Florida Scrub-Jays, a species found only in Florida. The of Wingbars, make as Merritt Island is on the eastern coast of Florida, south of Florida Scrub-Jay was classified as threatened under the many copies as needed, New Smyrna Beach and about 50 miles east of Orlando. U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1987. This imperiled bird is fold where indicated During the nineteenth century, citrus growers and a trickle considered a good indicator of scrub quality, and high inside, and enjoy! It can of homesteaders gained a foothold in the area. In the densities indicate well-managed scrub habitat. An twentieth century the burgeoning space program, which estimated 2,500 Florida Scrub-Jays can be found on the be used by kids started on the barrier island just to the east of Merritt refuge, according to government sources. Our group was interested in learning Island, was becoming too large and needed additional area fortunate to get long looks at several of these fine-looking about birds on their own for expansion. So in 1963 the federal government completed jays. They were all banded and Art Hurt cleverly or by teachers in their the purchase of nearly 220 square miles of land, dune, water commented, “Floridians love their Scrub-Jays so much that classrooms and is and marsh, and the National Aeronautics and Space they give them all bracelets.” especially useful for kids Administration (NASA) began building what is now the We also visited a wetland area south of Merritt Island. The who are participating in John F. Kennedy Space Center. Only a small expanse of land Viera Wetlands is part of Brevard County’s wastewater reuse this year’s Georgia Youth was actually needed for launch pads and other facilities; the system. Here we got up-close views of a pair of Mottled rest was set aside as a buffer zone. The entire tract was Birding Competition. “My Ducks and a lengthy look at a Limpkin. Black-crowned Bird Journal” is also designated the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, with Night-Herons were basking quite close to alligators, and available as a pdf file for public access to about half the area. A large portion of land cormorant were “hanging out to dry” nearby. We also had is also shared with Canaveral National Seashore. great views of Crested Caracara, which is the national bird free download on our Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over of our neighbor to the south, Mexico. Unfortunately, the education page on the 140,000 acres of beaches and dunes, estuarine waters, Masked Duck that had been sighted earlier in the week website at forested and non-forested wetlands, impounded wetlands, failed to appear for our group on Sunday. We certainly tried www.atlantaaudubon.org. and upland shrublands and forests. The refuge supports to find that masked stranger—but to no avail. However on a Let’s share the joy of over 1,000 plant species and over 500 wildlife species, last-minute return to the wetlands, three of our group did birds with our young including a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and neotropical spot the elusive duck on Monday. people. They are our migratory birds. The most productive birding spots are the It was certainly no “flight of fancy” that many of our group future conservationists refuge impoundments. The refuge manages more than 70 had so many “lifers” in just two days of birding. We were and leaders. impoundments, and the perimeter dike road is open and delighted to view so many fanciful birds taking flight in an maintained around many of them. These dike roads provide area where space shuttle flights are often the center of an excellent place to view wildlife. The seven-mile Black attraction. Point Wildlife Drive through restored salt marsh is an If you want to experience a birding trip to the Merritt Island amazing place to bird. Answer: National Wildlife Refuge with other AAS members, sign up I’ve told you the facts, but now I want to tell you about the Most likely, for next year’s trip. Remember to watch for workshop the experience—why birding there is so extraordinary, a flight opportunities for shorebirds, warblers, and sparrows. endangered of fancy. What wonders might one encounter while visiting Thanks to Lisa Hurt and Theresa Hartz, who led the 2010 Florida this remarkable wildlife refuge? In mid-January, our group trip and planned the afternoon class. Hopefully, these Everglade Snail Kite, totaled 102 species for the two-day trip. We saw Little Blue expert birders will lead the trip again in early 2011—a Heron, Tricolored Heron, Great Egret, Reddish Egret, Snowy depending great time to plan an escape to the warmth of central almost exclusively on Egret, a huge flyover of Roseate Spoonbill, White and Glossy Florida. the apple snail. Ibis, and the lovely Black-crowned Night-Heron. We saw

April 2010 7 Sculpting Birds from Concept to Finish Saturday, June 19 — 10 AM to 2 PM Would you like to learn more about the travels of the great naturalist and explorer, William Bartram? Would you like to learn how to sculpt a bird out of clay? Then this workshop is for you! Chris Wilson, a wildlife sculptor, will not only talk about his meditations on and inspiration from his ancestor, William Bartram, he will also lead you through the process of creating your own original piece of art. Chris has won over 100 First Place awards and 82 Best in Show awards for his sculptures. He has taught art classes at Kennesaw State University (KSU), created over 100 sculptures in public and private collections, and recently finished a commission for “Midnight Watch,” a monumental size bronze owl statue on the KSU campus. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to sculpt a clay bird with such a talented instructor! Charge: $85 Friends of AAS/$105 Non members Location: AAS Education Office at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 William Bartram and “Midnight Watch” Space is limited and registration is required. Photographer: Unknown Please contact Emily Toriani-Moura at (678) 973-2437 or [email protected] to register. Attention Avid Learners: Mark your Calendar for these Great Workshops! March 20 and April 10— April 6 & 10—Wetland Plant May 27—Tree Identification Exploring Nature through Art Management Workshop Workshop Drawing Workshops Chattahoochee How well do you know your trees? Tree ID with Atlanta Artist, Nature Center skills will aid you not only with finding birds Carol Sutherland wetland in their natural habitat, but also with Photographer: describing birds’ locations to others you are Henning Von guiding. Understanding the relationship The first workshop Schmeling of this three-class between a bird species and its preferred series was a true tree (e.g., Cedar Waxwing and berry- delight! Students Wetlands play many different roles in our producing trees or Nuthatches and pine learned the basic environment, from filtering pollutants and trees) helps us to understand their concepts of line controlling floods to providing nursery grounds behaviors and habitats more intimately, and value as they and stopover locations for many valuable plant giving us a greater sense of appreciation. created value and species. Our wetlands are scales, traced disappearing steadily over time, with negative Join us on Thursday, May 27 from 6 PM to hawk illustrations, impacts from habitat loss and invasive species. 8:30 PM as Chris Showalter teaches about and drew ivy This fun and educational workshop will prepare identifying trees by leaf, bark, shape and leaves. The you to become involved in wetland conservation habitat, as well as bird/plant associations. atmosphere was and restoration efforts! Cost: $35 Friends of AAS/$45 non- Detail from “Ti Leaves” by uplifting and the Section 1: Plant ID 101 at the Chattahoochee members. Carol Sutherland instructor was Nature Center (CNC) with Henning Von Schmeling inspiring. Even if you missed the first class, you Section 2: Plant Propagation 101 with Henning may still join us for the next two classes of this Von Schmeling and Lisa Cole drawing series. We will learn depth of field, Section 3: Field Trip and Hands-on Removal charcoal and still life drawings next. See our Training at Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve with website for a complete class description. Dave Butler and Walter Bland The line-up of instructors for this workshop is Time: 10 AM to 3 PM unbeatable. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn Cost: $85 Friends of AAS/$90 practical ways to make a difference in the non-members and a discount for natural areas of your community. signing up for both classes. Location: Blue Heron Nature Center, Time: April 6, 10 AM to 4 PM; 4055 Roswell Rd., April 10, 9 AM to 1 PM Atlanta, GA 30342 Cost: $100 CNC & AAS members $125 non-members Location: Sections 1 & 2 at Chris Showalter Chattahoochee Nature Center, Photographer: Tony Madden, Roswell, GA Fernbank Science Center Section 3 at Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, Decatur, GA 8 Atlanta Audubon Society Spotlighting ... The Trust for Public Land By David Kuechenmeister This month Wingbars is birding “hotspots.” Although TPL does not generally intend to own spotlighting an TPL is not classified as a “land trust,” per sé, and manage land over the long-term like The organization whose efforts since its mission isn’t to “hold” land or Nature Conservancy or the many land trusts have had far-reaching conservation easements in perpetuity. Rather, TPL partners with, TPL pulls all the pieces impacts on the birding TPL’s mission is to help conserve land in together, structures the acquisition and community and have perpetuity for public benefit by helping to make conveyance transactions and ensures that the contributed to the land transactions happen and to ensure that land will be conserved for its intended purpose conservation of many the most appropriate long-term steward ends in perpetuity. TPL’s role has been invaluable to thousands of acres of wildlife habitat in Georgia up with the land or easement. TPL conveys federal and state agencies as well as cities and and elsewhere. Meet The Trust for Public Land, conservation land and easements to many counties anxious to protect rapidly diminishing an organization that is not as well known as one different long-term stewards including land natural resources, including critical wildlife might expect, yet whose mission and activities trusts, federal agencies, state agencies, cities habitat. In many cases TPL has helped acquire have meshed well with that of AAS and the and counties. lands that connect already-protected areas greater birding community. within parks, preserve iconic views, or maintain So what does The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national recreational access to some of our most TPL actually do, treasured parklands. Sometimes TPL will split 501(c)(3) not-for-profit land conservation you ask? TPL’s organization whose stated mission is to out the interests in land it acquires and convey goal is to enable the conservation easement interest to a land conserve land for people to enjoy as parks, public agencies community gardens, rural lands and other trust and the restricted fee interest to a county to acquire or city for a passive recreation park. Many of natural places, ensuring livable communities important lands for generations to come. For more than 37 years the projects TPL has taken on were brought to at a fair value. TPL’s attention by concerned citizens who TPL has been conserving land and protecting TPL works important natural and cultural resources became aware of “at risk” or high resource closely with the value properties that needed to be conserved. throughout the United States, including sites in agencies’ Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean. During that standards and Among the more than 21,000 acres TPL has timeframe, TPL has worked with willing processes for helped conserve in Georgia since 1990 are landowners, community groups, and other non- establishing an habitats important to resident bird populations profits, plus national, state, and local agencies. independent fair as well as migrants. Some notable examples Together, they have completed nearly 4,000 land Dog River Park in Douglas County that birders regularly frequent include: Photographer: David Swann market value for conservation projects in 47 states plus the targeted Cumberland Island National Seashore Virgin Islands, covering more than 2.8 million properties. TPL acquires land in its own name, (Camden County) - 2,195 acres acres of land. This includes conservation assuming all the risks of ownership as well as projects that have enhanced or added to over Cloudland Canyon State Park (Walker the costs associated with buying, holding, and and Dade) - 2,000-acre assemblage 50 national parks in today’s 84 million-plus acre selling land. TPL does not operate as a broker system. The land conserved has helped protect or an agent of governmental agencies, but Bond Swamp (Bibb County) - 959-acre important wildlife habitat, water resources, rather as a principal and risk-taker, supporting assemblage environmentally sensitive landscapes and the agencies’ independent decision-making Chattahoochee National Forest (Rabun, notable cultural resources while affording process. The bulk of TPL’s federal work has Stephens, Jasper and White) - 2,299-acre recreational and educational opportunities to been with the National Park Service, U.S. Fish assemblage the general public. and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service. Constitution Lakes (DeKalb County) - 51 TPL also has a long history working with state acres agencies to help create new state parks and expand existing ones. Sawnee Mountain Preserve (Forsyth County) - 643-acre assemblage TPL works only with willing sellers, including individuals, families, corporations and Dog River Park (Douglas County adjacent developers. For owners of conservation lands, to Dog River Reservoir) - 801 acres TPL can make commitments timed to Kennesaw Mountain NBP (Cobb County) landowners’ needs, negotiate in confidence, and - 35-acre addition near summit (+16 acres often provide substantial tax benefits. TPL is pending) able to act swiftly when government agencies Sawnee Mountain Preserve in Forsyth County Little Mulberry Park (Gwinnett County) - Photographer: David Swann often cannot. TPL’s government affairs and 485-acre assemblage fundraising staff often can help assemble Much of the land conserved by TPL becomes funding to make a conservation transaction Chattahoochee River NRA - 23 projects parkland or protected natural areas ranging in work. Since 1994, TPL has helped states and totaling 817 acres to date with additional size from less than one acre to many thousands communities craft and pass over 330 ballot projects pending of acres. Most of this protected land includes measures, generating almost $25 billion in new TPL was an early endorser of the Atlanta wildlife habitat important to many different conservation-related funding. species of birds and includes a number of Continued on page 11

April 2010 9 CLASSIFIEDS

Rates for 2.5” x 2.5” ads are $20/month or $45/quarter. Ads must be consistent with the conservation and birding mission of Atlanta Audubon Society. Ads may be accepted via email, preferably in .pdf format. Call 678.973.2437 if you have questions. Send payment to Wingbars Ads, Atlanta Audubon Society, 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342. Send ads via email to Catharine Kuchar at [email protected]. When You Come Affordable Housing To The Mountains - and Feeders for Ask about the new Birder’s Guide to Fannin County! Birds, Bats and We feature Cole’s seed, squirrel-proof feeders Butterflies that truly are, houses, hummingbird stuff, great books, Audubon optics, & hard to find Basic, functional and long-lasting hardware. Plus – 100’s of Ravensburger Puzzles, cedar products Music of the Spheres Chimes & a huge selection of educational toys and Workshop Creations, Inc. games for kids! Order on our website: Website: www.workshopcreations.com Downtown Blue Ridge & Inside Mercier Orchards E-Mail: [email protected] Tel: 770-448-5363 Fax: 770-448-5363 611 E. Main St. • Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 258-BIRD (2473) • blueridgebirdseed.com P.O. Box 921455, Norcross, GA 30010

Field Trips Continued from page 5 Expressway (U.S. 78) exit west toward along Ivy Log Gap Road near Blairsville. Both of these Decatur. At North DeKalb Mall, it merges with and higher elevation locations are excellent nesting sites for becomes U.S. 29, also called Scott Blvd. After about four many species of flycatchers, warblers, as well as vireos, miles, go straight through a major intersection with Scarlet Tanagers, and other songbirds. Clairemont Avenue, and then take the third right on to Directions: From Atlanta, go on GA 400 north 36.6 miles Bird Songs of Georgia Coventry Road. From Coventry, turn left at the first light from I-285. Turn left on to Dawson Forest Road at the CD now available. onto Heaton Park Drive, and you will see the Science North Georgia Premium Outlet, which is 6.6 miles past Center 0.1 miles ahead. From downtown Atlanta, take Highway 369. (Highway 369 is at the first stop light along Email Georgann Schmalz at Ponce de Leon Ave east toward Decatur. 4.2 miles east of 400.) Drive 3.9 miles along Dawson Forest Road to GA 9 to [email protected] Peachtree Street, turn left from Ponce de Leon on to the stop sign, and continue straight for another 1.5 miles or visit www.birdingadventuresinc.com Artwood Road. Go for 0.2 miles and turn left on to Heaton to the gate into Dawson Forest. The wetlands are just Park Drive. The Science Center is 0.1 miles ahead. inside the gate. Saturday, April 17, Wednesday, April 21, Saturday, Tuesday, April 27, 7:30 AM April 24 and Wednesday, April 28, 7:30 AM (or join the group at the observation deck overlooking Kennesaw Mountain the pond as late as 8 AM) Giff Beaton and/or Chuck Saleeby Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, DeKalb County Meet at the entrance to the mountain road adjacent to the Stan Chapman and Pam Higginbotham parking lot. See entry for Clyde Shepherd for April 8 for birding focus Birding Focus: Kennesaw Mountain is one of the premier and directions. spots for finding migrating birds anywhere along the east coast. There have been as many as 20 species of warblers Thursday, April 29, 8 AM Field Trips Sponsored by seen on the best days, and the mountain is excellent for Henderson Park, Tucker, DeKalb County Oconee Rivers Audubon Society vireos, flycatchers, tanagers, the Baltimore Oriole, and Jeff Sewell Atlanta Audubon Society has a cooperative relationship many other birds. Meet at the second parking lot from the entrance, which is with Oconee Rivers Audubon Society centered in Athens. Note and Directions: The group plans to walk up the road on the right just past the soccer field and adjacent to the As a service to our members, both publicize the walks of to the top of the mountain. The gate to the parking lot may tennis courts. (The first parking lot is on the left.) the other so as to increase the opportunities for all. Please not open until 7:30 AM. Parking has been available on the Birding Focus: Spring migrants, including warblers, vireos see the Oconee Rivers Audubon website, side along Old Route 41. Directions from Atlanta: Take I- and thrushes. The park has a lake, some marshy areas, http://www.oconeeriversaudubon.org and click on 75 to exit 269, Barrett Parkway. Go west on Barrett and good woodland habitat. “upcoming” for their scheduled walks. Directions are Parkway approximately two miles to Old Route 41 and Notes and Directions: Bring waterproof and sturdy available from the “Hotspots” tab on their website. Their take a left. (Look for a little brown sign on the right at footwear for walking on muddy, wet, and/or hilly terrain. April schedule is as follows: that intersection pointing left to the Battlefield.) Go 1.3 Directions: From downtown Atlanta, take I-75/85 north April 3: Sandy Creek Park miles and turn right on Stilesboro Road, then a quick left to I-85 north and follow I-85 just past I-285 to exit 96, 8 AM-11 AM: meet at the last parking lot on Campsite into the visitor center parking lot. Northcrest/Pleasantdale Road. After traveling straight a Drive across the dam; the gates open at 8am. short distance on the access road, turn right onto April 10: Whitehall Forest Sunday, April 18, 7:30 AM Pleasantdale Road, which becomes Tucker Norcross Road 8 AM-11 AM: meet in the driveway at the end of South Dawson Forest WMA Atlanta Tract and north Georgia and then Chamblee Tucker Road (CTR), heading south. Milledge Road (go through T-junction with Whitehall Road mountains Keep going straight on CTR south and do not make a right into Whitehall Forest). Georgann Schmalz (cell phone 404-245-7273) turn onto CTR going west. Also, do not turn onto Livsey April 17: Sandy Creek Nature Center Meet at the wetland just inside the gate of Dawson Forest. Drive, but rather turn right onto Livsey Road, which is 2.9 8 AM-11 AM: meet at the Allen House parking lot (the first Birding Focus: The group will first bird Dawson Forest at miles from the intersection of I-85 access and lot on the left) the wetland, including the power line, fields and forest, Pleasantdale. (You will see a small brown sign for April 24: Charlie Elliott which are excellent locations for lingering winter sparrows Henderson Park at the turn). Follow Livsey Road until it 7 AM-1 PM: meet at the Shops of South Athens parking lot and incoming neotropical migrants and summer residents, ends and turn left into the park. The parking lot on the by the Waffle House on South Milledge near the bypass. along with herons, woodpeckers and hawks. At 8:30, we right where we meet is 0.3 miles from the park entrance. will carpool from Dawson Forest to Sosebee Cove and 10 Atlanta Audubon Society The Trust for Public Land Continued from page 9 BeltLine, commissioning the critical 2004 The Georgia office of TPL, along with its many applauds the efforts of its conservation partners Garvin study, The BeltLine Emerald Necklace: conservation partners, has been involved in a that contributed to the overwhelming success of Atlanta’s New Public Realm. Even before the signature initiative referred to as The The Chattahoochee River Land Protection City of Atlanta had identified funds to purchase Chattahoochee River Land Protection Campaign Campaign, including the Chattahoochee Nature land, TPL began acquiring sites for parks along since the initiative’s inception in the mid-1990s. Center, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation the mostly abandoned 22-mile loop of historic The goals of the campaign were to protect water Fund, Georgia Conservancy and Upper railroad that encircles downtown and midtown quality and to ensure continued recreation Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. Atlanta. After four years of work, TPL’s along the river by establishing a “green” The next time you visit one of Georgia’s birding partnership with the city and Atlanta BeltLine, corridor from the north Georgia mountains to hotspots or protected natural areas, remember Inc. has resulted in 33 transactions Columbus. TPL and its partners raised over that the odds are good that TPL or another representing 82 acres of new urban parks at a $160 million for the campaign and together conservation organization had a hand in its cost of over $44 million. TPL’s front-end work to have protected over 150 miles of riverfront land protection. help integrate greenspace, trails and transit -- more than 16,000 acres -- for parks and trails. connecting 47 historic neighborhoods has More than 20 public agencies, including 11 For more information about TPL go to helped pave the way for follow-up opportunities counties, have committed to long-term www.tpl.org. For more information about this and efforts. Of particular interest is the Atlanta stewardship and management of the lands article or to pass along thoughts you have BeltLine Arboretum being spearheaded by Trees preserved through this initiative, which will regarding threatened land that should be Atlanta in partnership with AAS to establish help ensure the protection of critical wildlife conserved for public benefit, please contact bird friendly projects, environmental education habitat and support long-term opportunities for David Kuechenmeister at 404-873-7306 ext. 275. and community outreach. the birding community. TPL acknowledges and

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A Useful Book for Georgia Birders By Grant McCreary The Breeding Bird Atlas of Georgia Edited by Todd M. Schneider, Giff Beaton, Timothy S. Keyes, and Nathan A. Klaus From 1994 to 2001, over a thousand birders scoured the state of Georgia looking for breeding birds. It took the better part of 10 years, but now the data they collected has been analyzed and distilled into The Breeding Bird Atlas of Georgia. It was worth the wait. The Atlas contains an account for each bird found breeding in Georgia during this period, 182 species in all. A full two-page spread is allocated to each account, with the text and a color photograph on the left-hand side, along with a map and graphs on the right. The text covers habitat, life history, distribution, status and conservation information in general, but particularly as it applies to the bird in this state. This state-specific information is especially interesting. For instance, it’s intriguing that the Cerulean Warblers breeding in the Ivylog-Gumlog area use habitat that is unusually open compared with the preferred habitat elsewhere in their range. Besides the obvious management implications, that’s a nice puzzle for some enterprising researcher to tackle. I was also pleased to see that subspecies information is included where appropriate. The large, color maps plot the breeding occurrences in great detail, with symbols denoting possible, probable, and confirmed records. You can learn much just by browsing through the maps – I hadn’t realized that Worm-eating Warblers bred south to the Fall Line, and possibly even below it! For most species, there is also a table of sampling information and a population trend graph using data from the Breeding Bird Survey. As if this weren’t enough, an extensive introduction covers the survey methodology, Georgia’s ecoregions and habitats, changes in bird distribution, and conservation. It should be noted that, though the photos are excellent and fairly large, this is not intended for use as a field guide. Besides, with its large dimensions and hefty weight, you’d have to hire a porter to carry this into the field for you! A wealth of information that’s a pleasure to immerse yourself in, the Atlas will be an indispensable tool for any Georgia birder.