The newsletter of New York City Audubon Winter 2012-2013 / Volume XXXIII, No. 4

THE URBAN AUDUBON

Audubon’s Aviary

113th Christmas Bird Count

Winter 2012-2013 1

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 1 11/15/12 5:24 AM NYC AUDUBON MISSION & VISION Mission: NYC Audubon is a grassroots community that works for the protection President’s Perch Harrison Maas of wild birds and habitat in the five boroughs, improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. s advocates for nature in New York City, we in the NYC Audubon community know Vision: NYC Audubon envisions a that one of the most important places for birds along the East Coast is Jamaica Bay. day when birds and people in the five More than 300 bird species are regular visitors or year-round residents, including over boroughs enjoy a healthy, livable habitat. A 100 species of conservation concern. The bay’s mudflats, beaches, and other diverse habitats are THE URBAN AUDUBON essential for the survival of birds, especially shorebirds, migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. Editors Lauren Klingsberg & Marcia T. Fowle Your support of NYC Audubon’s work in Jamaica Bay has never been more urgent. Just Managing Editor Tod Winston a few years ago, our volunteer monitors counted tens of thousands of shorebirds at migratory Newsletter Committee Lucienne Bloch, Ned Boyajian, Suzanne Charlé, Catherine stopover sites on the bay. This year they saw only a few thousand. As this issue goes to press, Heller, Melissa Husby, Peter Joost, Mary hurricane Sandy has further underscored just how fragile our coastal habitat is: Huge amounts Jane Kaplan, Abby McBride, Don Riepe, Carol Peace Robins, Matthew Rymkiewicz, of raw sewage and oil were dumped in the bay and its landscape has been dramatically altered. Kate Walker Now, more than ever, we must fight to protect and restore this critical habitat–just when we Printing & Mailing Kase Printing, Inc. Design Whitehouse & Company have the greatest opportunity to help forge its future. Art Director Christina Rubin Publisher NYC Audubon Right now, decisions are being made that will determine whether Jamaica Bay will be able to withstand future assaults, natural or man-made, and remain a refuge for all the birds THE URBAN AUDUBON is published four times per year (Spring, Summer, Fall, that depend on it. This summer, the city and federal government signed an agreement to and Winter) by New York City Audubon manage the bay jointly. The National Park Service is drafting a new management plan for Society, Inc. Gateway National Recreation Area, of which the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a major part. BOARD OF directors NYC Audubon is the lead organization looking out for birds in this process. Thanks to your President Harrison D. Maas Vice President of Conservation Don Riepe support, we are working to make sure that protecting and restoring wildlife habitat is given the Secretary Marsilia A. Boyle highest priority. We mobilized over 700 members to sign our petition regarding the proposed Treasurer John Shemilt Immediate Past President Oakes Ames regulations for Gateway. Directors Richard T. Andrias, Brenda Your contributions sustain our research and restoration efforts in the bay, filling a gap left Torres-Barreto, Clifford Case, Judy Craig, Andrew Farnsworth, Marcia T. Fowle, by federal, state, and city agencies hampered by funding cuts and competing urban priorities. Catherine Schragis Heller, Lynne Hertzog, And our work aligns with National Audubon’s regional initiative to save migratory bird species. Sarah Jeffords, Ari Kavour, Robert J. Kimtis, Lauren Klingsberg, Lawrence M. Levine, Since 2009, staff and volunteers have been gathering data on the numbers, health, and food Pamela Manice, Dorothy Peteet, Peter sources of shorebird species, as well as the level of human disturbance at key sites. This research Shen, David Speiser, Tom Stephenson will show how Jamaica Bay fits into the large picture of bird migration and survival and will ADVISORY COUNCIL Sarah Grimké Aucoin, Drianne Benner, guide habitat management and restoration. Claude Bloch, Albert K. Butzel, Rebekah For the fourth year, our citizen science teams conducted a survey of horseshoe crabs, which Creshkoff, Andrew Darrell, Joseph H. Ellis, Mary Jane Kaplan, Janice Laneve, crawl onto the beaches to lay eggs that serve as a major food source for migratory shorebirds. We E. J. McAdams, Mary Tyler Moore, Peter also continued our volunteer beach clean-ups, habitat improvement programs, and educational Rhoades Mott, Lewis Rosenberg, James R. Sheffield events in communities around the bay. Our work in Jamaica Bay—and throughout the five boroughs—is possible only because of Executive Director Glenn Phillips your continued financial support. Please renew your support with a generous year-end donation in the enclosed envelope, or at www.nycaudubon.org. Together, we will protect wild birds in New York City.

NYC Audubon gratefully acknowledges Correction: In “A Tribute to Peter Joost upon His Retirement” in the fall 2012 issue, Peter Joost was the support of Fiduciary Trust Company International as the lead sponsor of incorrectly listed as a past president of the Brooklyn Bird Club. He was the editor of its newsletter, The Clapper The Urban Audubon Rail. The Editors

Remember NYC Audubon bequest is a thoughtful and straightforward way to protect birds and bird habitat in the five boroughs. It can be expressed “I bequeath [a sum of money or a percentage of my estate] to New York City Audubon Society, Inc. a not-for-profit A rd organization with offices at 71 West 23 Street, Suite 1523, New York, NY 10010, for its general purposes.” Consult your attorney and give Executive Director Glenn Phillips a call at 212-691-7483.

RECYCLED 2 www.nycaudubon.org Supporting responsible use of forest resources

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 2 11/15/12 5:24 AM In This Issue Winter 2012-2013 © F rançois Portmann

NYC AUDUBON 71 West 23rd Street Suite 1523 New York, NY 10010 Tel: 212-691-7483 Fax: 212-924-3870 www.nycaudubon.org

Cover Photograph: Snowy Owl ©David Speiser

Small Banner Photographs: Susan Elbin, Steve Nanz, and Don Riepe

Features

4 Trip Leader Profile: Glenn Phillips by Mary Jane Kaplan

5 A Look at Audubon’s Aviary by Peter Joost

5 6 May Migration Recorded in Blips and Bleeps by Kate Walker © E llen

M 6 This Winter, Make Your Birding Count ichaels by Melissa Husby

11 Tracking the Big White Bird by Carol Peace Robbins

12 Fall Roost 6 by Matthew Rymkiewicz

©Titus 16 Holiday Shopping

K ana

Departments 12 4 Volunteer! 11 2012-2013 Lecture Series

7 Conservation Notes 12 fall Roost Acknowledgments

8 Events and Adventures 14 News & Notes 10 national/International Trips 14 Volunteer Acknowledgments

Winter 2012-2013 3

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 3 11/15/12 5:24 AM Trip Leader Profile: Glenn Phillips Mary Jane Kaplan

©Virginia lenn Phillips first played third time, along with local expert Richard Garrigues. In Glenn’s

S the role of nature-walk view, trips to Costa Rica and similar birding hotspots serve a totz Gleader at the age of twelve, variety of purposes for NYC Audubon. The destinations chosen when he led a wildflower class near are important to New York City birds, both those that breed here his California home. (Puzzling out and those that use our parks as stopovers during migration, and wildflower species, he maintains, tourism revenues engender support for their winter habitats. Also, is even more satisfyingly difficult the trips foster bonds between the organization and its members at than identifying those confusing the same time that they raise money to support conservation work. fall warblers.) Later, working at the And—not least—they’re a lot of fun for all concerned. Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the NYC Audubon’s list of local “Events and Adventures” is Glenn Phillips New York Botanical Garden, he growing longer each year as participants and trip leaders suggest not only led tours but also trained new activities and venues. This winter Glenn has added a new docents to lead tours for adults and children. For the past six years, international destination: the island of Jamaica, which shares with as executive director of NYC Audubon, he has spent most of his the current destinations the qualities of relatively easy travel and time at the office on 23rd Street, but he also plays an active role in lots of spectacular birds. (See page 10 for details.) the organization’s education program, leading bird and/or botany Glenn enjoys leading nature walks today just as much as he walks for NYC Audubon members. And, beginning this fall, he did as a youngster. Beyond that, he stresses, education is one of has led some of the family bird walks that NYC Audubon offers the three pillars of NYC Audubon’s strategy for conserving birds each Sunday in collaboration with the Central Park Conservancy. and their habitats in the city, along with advocacy and science. If Glenn is also active in NYC Audubon’s international travel it’s fun as well, then all the better. Be sure to check out the list of program. In February 2013 he will lead a trip to Costa Rica for the upcoming walks and trips in this issue.

Volunteer!

ake a difference for interested, contact volunteer@ work to conserve them. Harbor volunteers to transport injured New York City’s wild- nycaudubon.org. Herons Great Egret Foraging birds to licensed wildlife Mlife by volunteering Study volunteers collect data rehabilitators and veterinarians with NYC Audubon. There are Conservation Volunteers on foraging long-legged waders where they can receive proper many ways to help. If interested, If you are interested in around the New York Harbor to medical attention. To volunteer please contact the office at (212) contributing to NYC Audubon’s help us better understand how contact John Rowden at 691-7483 or at the emails listed conservation and science work, these birds use our wetlands. All [email protected]. below. there are a variety of projects of these programs can use your to choose from. Project Safe help in the spring, summer, and Press and Promotion OFFICE VOLUNTEERS Flight volunteers monitor fall. To learn more or to sign up Do you have a background in Help answer inquiries about buildings in the city to help us for an orientation or training event promotion or advertising, wildlife and about our field learn how they affect migratory session, contact John Rowden: and want to support bird trips, classes, events, and birds; data collected support [email protected]. conservation? We are looking conservation work. Also help our work to make migration for someone familiar with the with mailings, research, data through the city safer. Jamaica Bird Transporters ins and outs of press releases entry, photocopying, and filing. Bay program volunteers We often receive phone calls and event promotion who can Word-processing skills and monitor migratory shorebirds from concerned citizens who help spread the word about our knowledge of birds are helpful, and horseshoe crabs, so that have found injured birds, but trips, classes, and other events. but not required. This is a great we may better understand how are unable to transport them If interested, please contact opportunity to learn the ins populations of these species to medical facilities. We need Tod Winston at twinston@ and outs of a small nonprofit. If are changing and how we can caring and compassionate nycaudubon.org. 4 www.nycaudubon.org

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 4 11/15/12 5:24 AM A Look at Audubon’s Aviary Peter Joost

Audubon’s Aviary: The Original Watercolors for The Birds of America by Roberta J.M. Olsen Skira Rizzoli, 2012

nyone who has a rudimentary acquaintance with birds knows something about John James Audubon and has seen reproductions of his bird art in books and as posters. Perhaps this familiarity has bred a dullness of response. But try taking a look at Audubon’sA paintings—from which copperplates were made—at the “Audubon’s Aviary” exhibition at the New-York Historical Society, which begins in spring 2013. You’ll be stunned. Now Roberta J.M. Olson, who has overseen the “Aviary” exhibits and is curator of drawings for the Society, has brought something of this excitement to a book. One of the greatest treasures held by the New-York Historical helpful in making points, comparing Audubon’s paintings to those Society is its collection of Audubon’s watercolors, the basis for his of other artists or showing blow-ups for detail. The second essay, by monumental work, The Birds of America. Most were purchased from Marjorie Shelley, teases out Audubon’s technique, about which he his widow, and the Society continued to add to its collection, which himself was notably silent. It’s a masterly exposition of the artist’s also includes one of the magnificent double-elephant folios engraved “endless inventiveness.” Her discussion would turn anyone into an by Robert Havell, Jr. Today the Society holds the most impressive Audubon fan. collection of Audubon material anywhere. The next section, a selection of the paintings, is a treasure. It Olson’s book includes a biographical sketch, two essays, and includes Audubon’s comments taken from the text that accompanied highlights from The Birds of America paintings. One hundred and his plates for The Birds of America, analysis of technique, biographical fourteen works of art are culled from the total of 435, and there are or contextual information, current information about the bird miniature versions of “the rest of the flock.” displayed, and one or more additional small illustrations that shed Besides reminding us of important events and relationships in light. But it is the paintings, so beautifully and vividly reproduced, his life, Olson presents Audubon as a complex figure; unraveling that are the main show. his story, she states, “beg[s] for several lifetimes and multiple With impressive scholarship, delicacy, and respect Olson volumes.” In recent years there have been some significant Audubon brings us close to the paintings and to the man. At one point, biographies and a great number of articles. In a small space, Olson’s she evokes how Audubon’s brown ink fingerprints on the back sketch fits well beside them and adds new insights. of some paintings make her feel that she is in his presence. This In the first of the two scholarly essays, Olson illuminates extraordinary book makes me feel the same way. Audubon amid his contemporaries and predecessors. He is a pioneer, “Audubon’s Aviary: Part 1 of the Complete Flock,” the first of she shows, with unparalleled field experience and relentless curiosity. three annual exhibitions at the New-York Historical Society, will Here and in other parts of the book, illustrations are enormously take place March 8-May 19, 2013.

Winter 2012-2013 5

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 5 11/15/12 5:24 AM May Migration Recorded in Blips and Bleeps Kate Walker

n May, NYC Audubon undertook an ambitious project to These microphones recorded the night-time calls of migrating collect two coordinated sets of data that will help us know more birds: not full calls, but rather very short, species-specific vocalizations Iabout how birds migrate north through and around the built used during migration. Andrew Farnsworth of Cornell Lab of environment in Manhattan during spring migration. Ornithology, and an NYC Audubon board member, is working with As part of Project Safe Flight, these migration data will help NYC Audubon to identify the species that were recorded. answer questions such as: Do birds go east or west around the city, or Together, the data sets will give us a picture of migration: how do they fly up the canyon-like avenues? Do birds fly at higher or lower many of which species are migrating where over New York City. The altitudes than usual when encountering tall skyscrapers? radar data will tell us the approximate numbers of birds, altitude, and Working with J. Alan Clark of Fordham University, NYC direction of migration, and the microphones will tell us what species Audubon placed on Governor’s Island an avian radar unit (DeTect, are calling overhead. Inc., Panama City, FL). Throughout May this unit collected data that It will take time to analyze the raw data collected, but NYC indicate the numbers of birds migrating toward the tip of Manhattan. Audubon has already learned a lot about spring migration. The The Leon Levy Foundation provided funding for the radar unit, and microphone at 1133 Sixth Avenue (515 feet in height) picked up the the Harbor School and the National Park Service assisted with data most bird calls, but the nearby microphone at a higher altitude at collection. Currently, DeTect technicians are deciphering the data— One Bryant Park (945 feet) recorded the least number of calls. The teasing apart radar images that could be birds, bats, bugs, or even building on the west side picked up far fewer calls than the building boats. on the east side. Also in May, NYC Audubon set up highly sensitive microphones, NYC Audubon repeated the experiment this fall to see if these designed especially to record distant night flight calls in the sky patterns recur: Does the tallest building once again record the least (Wildlife Acoustics, Concord, MA) on the rooftops of four buildings number of calling birds? Is the east side preferred to the west side? managed by the Durst Organization. The properties utilized span NYC Audubon staff will continue to study night flight calls and Manhattan from east to west but are at roughly the same latitude (40º radar-tracked migration patterns as they seek to unravel the mysteries 45’19”N). The buildings ranged in height from 40 feet to 945 feet. of avian migration through New York City.

This Winter, Make Your Birding Count Melissa Husby

113th ChristmAs Bird Count originated as an alternative to the Victorian The 16th annual December 14 to January 5, 2013 tradition of shooting game birds on Christmas Great Backyard Bird Count Day, but don’t let the name fool you—the February 15-18, 2013 ttention, citizen scientists! Song- modern count offers birders the chance to birds and shorebirds of summer may participate over the course of three weeks. ew York City has historically been Ahave headed for sunnier climes, but Each borough of New York City is organized underrepresented in this count, so winter offers two important opportunities for into an official “count circle” led by a count Nwe need your help! You can join in birders across the nation to contribute to the compiler. Birders at all levels are welcome, from the comfort of your own home, but you ornithological record. and new this year, the Christmas Bird Count don’t need a backyard to participate in this Now in its 113th year, the Christmas is free to all participants. To volunteer with a free and flexible count—you can also bird Bird Count will take place from December local count, please contact the count compiler in your neighborhood or your favorite park. 14, 2012 to January 5, 2013. This count for your preferred borough: Simply pick a place, count birds for as little Count Date Coordinator eMail as 15 minutes or as long as you like over the The Bronx Saturday, 12/23 Michael Bochnik [email protected] four-day event, and record your results via Brooklyn Saturday, 12/15 Heidi Steiner-Nanz [email protected] an online form. For more details, please visit Manhattan Sunday, 12/16 Susan Elbin [email protected] www.birdsource.org/gbbc. Queens Sunday, 12/16 Ian Resnick [email protected] Staten Island Saturday, 12/15 Ed Johnson [email protected]

6 www.nycaudubon.org

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 6 11/15/12 5:24 AM Conservation Notes Susan Elbin © N

YC Audubon have increased to a lesser degree on other smaller islands in the bay, but the increase does not account for all the birds previously nesting on Canarsie Pol. We have also reported a four-year downward trend in the number of migratory shorebirds foraging at Jamaica Bay during their spring migration, although one of the main high-energy food sources (horseshoe crab eggs) has remained stable. John and I will be working closely with the natural resource managers at Gateway to examine trends in waterbird populations and to identify research directions to better inform management decisions. To this end, I co-led a working group session at the Northeast Bird Conservation Conference at Plymouth, MA, focusing on coordinating regional waterbird monitoring.

WESTERN LONG ISLAND SOUND AND THE NARROWS Even as the winter approaches, the Western Long Island Sound/ Narrows region is still alive with egrets and herons. One of the Tribute in Light at the 9/11 Memorial, 2012 projects we are conducting with the aid of our citizen scientists aims to identify areas used by egrets for roosting. When the birds are not nesting in the colonies, where do they spend their time? Continuing IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS AND PROJECT SAFE FLIGHT: our partnership with NJ Audubon Society, NYC Audubon volunteer Fall migration and Project Safe Flight got into full swing by September Joe O’Sullivan and NJ Audubon staff member Mike Allen took to the 11 and the annual Tribute in Light Memorial. This year volunteers skies with our partners at LightHawk, searching for egrets late in the and staff counted nearly 5,000 birds in the light beams. Most of the day. Based on sightings from that trip, volunteers have been locating birds were seen between 9:30pm and 11:30pm, and our partners from roosts throughout the greater harbor region. Most of the roosts have the Municipal Art Society and the National September 11 Memorial been found in NJ, but we are still looking in Staten Island and & Museum assisted us in turning out the lights twice during the Brooklyn. Some of the birds we have seen could be “our” birds. Some course of the evening. Counting birds on one night of the year only of them could be visitors from farther north, staging their migration shows us a tiny piece of the larger pattern of migration over New south. York City. With logistical support from the Durst Corporation and On a different front in this region, we are in the beginning generous funding from the Leon Levy Foundation, we are collecting stages of a new, multi-partner project in Queens focused on best night flight calls of migratory landbirds as they pass over central management practices for stormwater management. Stay tuned for Manhattan. Adriana Palmer is coordinating the effort—and tending details as the project moves forward. to microphones, data cards, and sound files. So far we have seen that more birds fly over the center of Manhattan than over the east or west STATEN ISLAND shores. Our emphasis on Staten Island for the past several months has been related to a Harbor Estuary Program grant to NYC Parks & JAMAICA BAY Recreation and NYC Audubon to restore habitat at Prall’s Island (off Conservation activities this fall in Jamaica Bay have been focused on Staten Island’s northwestern shore) for wading birds. Parks is doing management-related actions. In addition to our submitted comments the planting, and NYC Audubon is monitoring birds, including on Gateway’s General Management Plan, we have been in discussions migrating passerines, as a way of evaluating the restoration. This fall about the new Jamaica Bay Science and Resilience Center, a research we found lots of warblers amid the poison ivy plants. We have been center that will embrace the exciting new Jamaica Bay Parks initiative counting and identifying them as part of the project. of the National Park Service and the City of New York. Associate Director for Citizen Science John Rowden and I have been meeting And now… it’s time to plan for the Christmas Bird Count and with senior staff at Jamaica Bay to discuss next steps for resource the Great Backyard Bird Count. See page 6 for details. management based on the results of our multi-year waterbird surveys. You can find the latest conservation project updates on our blog, We have witnessed the dramatic decline and ultimate abandonment of Syrinx, at www.nycaudubon.org/?Itemid=224. the waterbird colony on Canarsie Pol. Egret, heron, and ibis colonies

Winter 2012-2013 7

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 7 11/15/12 5:25 AM Events and Adventures

David Speiser and Lloyd Spitalnik recommended, online at www. shoot ducks, loons, grebes, and • NYC Audubon Events will share their expertise and help wavehill.org, by calling 718-549- eiders. Learn how shutter speed, • Partnership Events you improve your work. Registration 3200 x305, or at the Perkins Visitor aperture and ISO all work in required. No limit. $7 per meeting Center. (Walks take place rain or conjunction to get proper exposure. or pay a discounted price for the shine; in case of severe weather All skill levels welcome. Limited to CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT, • remainder of the year through June call the number above at x245 for 8. $70 ALL BOROUGHS updates.) Ages 10 and up welcome See dates and details for Christmas MEMBERS-ONLY with an adult. Walks are free; NEW YEAR’S DAY BEACH- counts in all boroughs on page 6. • December Member Trip to Fort please visit www.wavehill.org for WALK, BREEZY POINT, QUEENS Tilden and Floyd Bennett Field, Wave Hill admission pricing. NYC Tuesday, January 1, 11am-1pm VAN CORTLANDT BIRD • Queens Audubon members enjoy two-for- Guides: Mickey Cohen, WALKS, THE BRONX Saturday, December 8, one admission. Don Riepe Saturdays, December 1 - 9am-12pm With Gateway National February 23, 8-9:30am Guide: Gabriel Willow WINTER BIRDS & SURVIVAL Recreation Area Guide: Andrew Baksh or Urban • Take a trip to Fort Tilden and Saturday, December 15, 10am- Meet at Building #1 in Fort Tilden, Park Rangers (first Saturday of the Floyd Bennett Field to search 1pm Breezy Point, Queens. Keep up the month) for raptors and waterfowl. Guide: Don Riepe 30-year tradition by joining us for a With the Van Cortlandt Park Transport by passenger van is With Gateway National brisk hike along the beach at Fort Conservancy and NYC Department offered to a limited number Recreation Area Tilden to celebrate the New Year. of Parks & Recreation of guests and will leave Meet at Jamaica Bay Wildlife At noon, hike up to the hawk watch Meet at Van Cortlandt Nature Manhattan at 8am, returning by Refuge Visitor Center for an easy for a great view of the ocean and Center. Influential birders such as 1pm. Please call 212-691-7483 hike around the West Pond, New York Harbor. Afterwards, visit Roger Tory Peterson and Allan D. to register. Van limited to 11 gardens and upland woods. Learn the Rockaway Artist’s Alliance for Cruickshank learned their craft on people; walk limited to 20. Free how plants and animals adapt free coffee, cake, and champagne. Van Cortlandt Park’s ecologically to members only at the Family to winter, and look for waterfowl, No reservation necessary. For more diverse grounds, and these walks and Supporter levels owls, and wintering birds. To information, contact Don Riepe at celebrate the tradition set by them. register, contact Don Riepe at 718- 718-318-9344 or donriepe@gmail. Participants will look for resident 318-9344 or [email protected]. com. No limit. Free and migrant species and discuss a Limited to 25. Free wide range of avian topics. For more WINTER BIRDING ALONG PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB information, please call 718-548- • • THE HUDSON: WAVE HILL PHOTOGRAPHY Wednesday, January 2, 6:30- 0912. No registration necessary. No • Sundays, December 9, January 13, WORKSHOP: WINTER 8:30pm limit. Free and February 10; 9:30-11:30am WATERFOWL, LI See the December 5 listing for Guide: Gabriel Willow Sunday, December 16, 8am- details. DUCKS, RAPTORS AND MORE • With Wave Hill 12pm AT PELHAM BAY PARK, THE Meet at the Perkins Visitor Center. Instructor: Lloyd Spitalnik WINTER SEALS AND BRONX • Come explore the beautiful gardens Meet at Mill Pond in Bellmore, WATERBIRDS OF NY HARBOR Saturday, December 1, 9am-3pm and woodlands of Wave Hill Long Island. Photographer Lloyd Sundays, January 6 - February 3, Guide: Gabriel Willow and observe the hardy birds that Spitalnik will teach you how to 2-4pm Come explore the lovely coves and spend the winter in this urban think like a professional as he Guide: Gabriel Willow rocky outcroppings of Pelham Bay oasis. Advanced registration is takes you to his favorite spots to Meet at South Street Seaport’s Park, looking for wintering ducks, Pier 17 and come aboard NY migrating raptors, and more. Bring

© Water Taxi’s eco-friendly vessel for L

lunch. Transport by passenger van loyd a winter adventure in New York

included. Limited to 12. $70 S pitalnik Harbor. Look for harbor seals on the rocky shores of Governor’s PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB • Island and the more remote Wednesdays, December 5, January Hoffman and Swinburne Islands. 2, February 6, and March 6; Learn about the surprisingly 6:30-8:30pm diverse winter birds of New York Instructors: David Speiser, City, including ducks, geese, loons, Lloyd Spitalnik and sandpipers. See the Statue Meet at the National Audubon of Liberty and pass under the Office, 225 VarickS t. Whether Verrazano Bridge. Complimentary you’re a beginning or more hot drinks. Limited to 90. To advanced photographer, our friendly register, contact New York Water photography club is the place to Taxi at 212-742-1969 or www. discuss diverse photography-related nywatertaxi.com. $35 for adults; $25 topics and hone your skills. Skilled for children under 12 (no member bird and nature photographers Common Eider discount)

8 www.nycaudubon.org

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 8 11/15/12 5:25 AM © F • PHOTOGRAPHY rançois Portmann rafts of wintering ducks in breeding ducks, horned larks, Lapland WORKSHOP: WINTER plumage, raptors such as northern longspurs, snow buntings, and WATERFOWL OF LONG BEACH harrier, sharp-shinned hawk, and snowy and short-eared owls. Bring ISLAND/ BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ long-eared owl, and possible lunch. Transport by passenger van Saturday, January 12, 6:30am-4pm early spring migrants. To register, included. Limited to 11. $80 (Rain date: Saturday, February 2) contact Don Riepe at 718-318-9344 Instructor: David Speiser or [email protected]. Limited • PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB Photograph harlequin ducks, to 25. Free Wednesday, March 6, 6:30- purple sandpipers, scoters, 8:30pm long-tailed ducks, and possible • PHOTOGRAPHY See the December 5 listing for Ipswich savannah sparrows or WORKSHOP: CENTRAL PARK details. short-eared owls. Enjoy small- FEEDERS AND RESERVOIR group instruction focusing on Saturday, February 23, 8:30- • WINTER BIRDS OF SANDY exposure technique, cold weather 11:30am HOOK, NJ photography, and composition. Instructors: David Speiser, Lloyd Saturday, March 9, 10am-5pm Equipment requirements: DSLR, Spitalnik Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy 200-400mm or greater. Tripod not Meet at the Central Park Warblers LLC required. Birds may be close, so Boathouse. Learn how to Sandy Hook, a spectacular barrier some flexibility in focal length is photograph songbirds and island at the northernmost point desired. Trip includes walking over Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ducks with Photography Club of the NJ coast, hosts a variety of a mile on uneven or icy trails. Bring leaders David Speiser and Lloyd species including Arctic-bound lunch. Transport by passenger van as well as wintering ducks, grebes, Spitalnik. At the Ramble feeders, migrants and harbor seals that lie included. Limited to 8. $165 and loons. Transport by passenger we’ll photograph white-breasted on the beach to warm up in the van included. Limited to 12. $75 nuthatches, brown creepers, sun. Other possible sightings: American goldfinches, yellow- loons, sea ducks, snow buntings, MEMBERS-ONLY • SOARING RAPTORS: EAGLES bellied sapsuckers, and more. and horned larks. Bring lunch. Winter Bird Walk in Central AND OWLS OF THE HUDSON Then we’ll be off to the reservoir to Transport by passenger van Park RIVER VALLEY, NY look for northern shovelers, ruddy included. Limited to 11. $65 Tuesday, January 15, 8-9:30am Sunday, February 3, noon-7pm ducks, and hooded mergansers. Guide: Harry Maas Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy This workshop will focus on proper Meet at Central Park West and Warblers LLC exposure and tracking of fast- 72nd St, parkside. Join NYC You don’t have to travel to Alaska moving songbirds. Limited to 8. Audubon President Harry to see our country’s emblem, $60 • TO REGISTER FOR ALL NYC Maas to search for possible the American bald eagle. Thanks AUDUBON EVENTS and for visitors from the north such to one of the most successful • WINTER AT JONES more information, visit www. as pine siskins, redpolls, and reintroduction programs on record, BEACH, LI nycaudubon.org or call 212-691- many eagles now soar over the crossbills, as well as regular Tuesday, February 26, 8am-4pm 7483 unless otherwise specified. winter residents. Limited to 20. nearby Hudson Valley. Travel with Guides: Peter Mott, Tod Winston Please call Adriana Palmer at us to see this spectacular raptor, as Several bird species that nest in important information 212-691-7483 to register. Free well as possibly spot the secretive the far north spend the winter at • Classes meet at 71 West 23rd for contributing NYC Audubon short-eared owl. Bring lunch. Jones Beach, where they prosper in Members at the Student/ Transport by private coach included. a habitat similar to their summer Street, Suite 1523. Senior level and up Limited to 35. $75 home on the tundra. We’ll start at • Contributing Members (Student/ Point Lookout and work eastward Senior level and up) receive a • PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB to Robert Moses State Park in 10% discount on most local trips • SNOW BIRDS OF FLOYD Wednesday, February 6, hopes of finding an interesting and classes. See membership BENNETT FIELD AND FORT 6:30-8:30pm variety of avian species including form on page 15. TILDEN, QUEENS See the December 5 listing for harlequin ducks and eider. Bring • For all coach and van trips, the Saturday, January 26, 10:30am- details. lunch. Transport by passenger van meeting location is in front of 4pm included. Limited to 11. $40 71 West 23rd St. in Manhattan Guide: Gabriel Willow unless otherwise specified. LATE WINTER BIRDWALK AT WINTER BIRDS OF Winter brings many rare birds to • • • We depart promptly at the stated NYC that can’t be found here at any JAMAICA BAY BARNEGAT, NJ start time. other time. Most exciting are the Sunday, February 17, 10am-1pm Tuesday, March 5, 9am-4pm • For all overnight trips, member- “snow birds” of the Arctic tundra Guide: Don Riepe Guide: Joe Giunta, Happy that can occasionally be found in With Gateway National Recreation Warblers LLC ship in nyc audubon at the tundra-like habitats further south, Area Explore Barnegat Inlet’s expansive Student/Senior level and up is such as snow buntings and snowy Meet at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife beach to view the winter birds required. See membership form owls. Look for horned larks, tree Refuge Visitor Center. Hike around that gather where land, bay, and on page 15. sparrows, and rough-legged hawks, the East and West Ponds to look for sea meet. Search for harlequin

Winter 2012-2013 9

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 9 11/15/12 5:25 AM National/International Trips ©

F than any other West Indian

MONTAUK WINTER WEEKEND: rancesco Veronesi species. We’ll stay in a lovely SEALS, SEA BIRDS AND SANDY cloud forest lodge as we visit island. Most of these can be BEACHES, LONG ISLAND, NY haunting Poas volcano; pass found in the two very different Friday, January 4, 3pm - through warm Caribbean habitats we’ll visit: the stunningly Sunday, January 6, 4pm lowlands on our way to the beautiful Blue Mountains and Guides: Mike Bottini, Mickey impressive, conical peak of the pristine and exotic Cockpit Cohen, Don Riepe Arenal volcano; and then descend Country. We’ll finish off our tour With American Littoral Society through tropical dry forest to at the renowned Rocklands Bird Visit the vast dunes, beaches reach the spectacular gulf of Sanctuary, where the spectacular and woods at Montauk during Nicoya. Target species include red-billed streamertail, or peak sea bird season and hike fiery-throated hummingbird, Jamaican hummingbird, feeds the beautiful “Walking Dunes,” Montezuma’s oropendola, lovely from the hand. Includes one pre- Hither Woods, Oyster Pond cotinga, roseate spoonbill, and trip workshop, accommodations and the “Seal Haul-out” site. Sword-billed much more. Includes two pre- at the sumptuous Strawberry Hill Includes double-occupancy Hummingbird trip workshops, lodging, local and Silver Sands resorts, local lodging at the luxurious Manor transportation, most meals, and transportation, meals, and all park House, most meals, guided sword-billed hummingbird, as all park fees. Please visit our fees. Limited to 12. $1,895 ($550 hikes, evening programs, a star well as fascinating manakins, website or contact Tod Winston single supplement) watch, and free pickup at the LIRR colorful tanagers, and many at [email protected] to station in Montauk. To register, rarities. Please visit our website learn more. Limited to 12. $1,995 TEXAS COAST AND HILL contact Don Riepe at 718-318- or contact Tod Winston at ($300 single supplement) COUNTRY 9344 or [email protected]. [email protected] to Saturday, April 6-Sunday, Limited to 60. $375 ($120 single learn more. Limited to 12. $2,395 JAMAICA: THE BLUE April 14 supplement) ($250 single supplement) MOUNTAINS, COCKPIT Guides: Don Riepe, COUNTRY, AND CARIBBEAN Carol Borneman BIRDING THE ANDEAN SLOPES: COSTA RICA: VOLCANIC COAST Fly to Houston and start with NORTHWEST ECUADOR HIGHLANDS AND GULF OF Thursday, March 14–Monday, a visit to the High Island and Friday, January 11-Monday, NICOYA March 18, 2013 Galveston areas during peak January 21 Saturday, February 23-Saturday, Workshop: Thursday, March 7 spring bird migration. Other Guides: John Rowden, March 2 Guides: Glenn Phillips, Lyndon highlights: the Attwater Prairie Edwin Perez Workshops: Tuesdays, February 5 Johnson, Wendy Lee Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, Join us for a trip to one of South and 12, 6:30-8:30pm Enjoy a luxurious tropical get- an Austin boat tour to watch America’s most celebrated (and Guides: Glenn Phillips, away on the isle of Jamaica—and thousands of bats emerge at dusk, spectacularly scenic) areas for Richard Garrigues explore one of the best island and a visit to Texas Hill Country to birding, led by one of Ecuador’s Join Executive Director Glenn birding destinations in the world, look for the endangered golden- finest bird guides. Starting from Phillips and Richard Garrigues, at the perfect time to see both cheeked warbler and black-capped Quito, the trip will cover east and author of Birds of Costa Rica, for migrant and resident species. vireo. Includes roundtrip flight, west slope Andean birds, from a tour of some of Costa Rica’s A total of 307 bird species has local transportation, lodging, paramo to foothills. Target species most beautiful and fascinating been recorded here, including some meals, and park fees. include the coveted Andean landscapes, home to a dizzying 180 migrants. Jamaica also Limited to 14. $1,950 (price is cock-of-the-rock, long-wattled array of tropical birds including boasts of 28 endemic species subject to change) umbrellabird, Andean condor, over two dozen hummingbird (native only to Jamaica), more

nyc Audubon Board Seeks Birding Safely in New Members New York City

NYC Audubon is seeking nominations to its board of NYC Audubon recommends that when birding in city directors for two-year terms beginning in January 2013. If parks, you bird in the company of a friend or group, be you are a member of NYC Audubon at the Student/Senior particularly cautious in secluded sites, and be aware of your level and up, you are eligible to submit a nomination. Please surroundings in order to ensure your safety. Notes about submit your suggestions to David Speiser, chair of the personal safety are included in relevant sections of the Go nominating committee, at [email protected]. Birding section of our website. www.nycaudubon.org.

10 www.nycaudubon.org

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 10 11/15/12 5:25 AM Tracking the Big White Bird Carol Peace Robins

ome may call it bling. It is, after all, a rather in-your-face protection and will help raise public awareness and understanding yellow. But to Susan Elbin, NYC Audubon’s director of of the importance of actively conserving wildlife. Elbin asks that if Sconservation and science, it is a low-tech tracking device, one you see any of these wing-tagged birds this spring, please note the that’s much more visible than a leg band (try spotting a band on tag code, take a photo if possible, and contact her at 212-691-7483 a bird wading in a marsh!) She and the conservation team (John or [email protected]. ©

Rowden, Liz Craig, and Tod Winston) attached the tags to the wings L ouise of fledgling great egrets in spring of this year. These tall and elegant S birds were chosen as representatives of the wide variety of long- imard legged wading birds nesting in New York Harbor. The tagging will enable NYC Audubon to better understand wading bird foraging behavior and seasonal movements—where do they go and why?— as well as provide an indication of the health of the harbor. Fledglings are nearly full grown, so the tags do not hinder wing growth, and the tags are so lightweight, they don’t interfere with flying. Twenty-five young birds were tagged at two nesting sites: eighteen at Jamaica Bay’s Elders Point Marsh East and seven at Hoffman Island, off Staten Island. Observations so far range from the expected (sightings in the New Jersey Meadowlands) to the more surprising (two seen in the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge near Philadelphia) to the quite astounding (one was spotted in Quebec). It is well known that great egrets will disperse northward after breeding before migrating south in winter, but Elbin was surprised to discover just how far north they would go. The tagging project will provide valuable information for A Tagged Great Egret Spotted at Riviére des Mille the Harbor Heron Conservation Plan about habitat in need of Îles, Saint-François, Laval, Quebec

2012-2013 Lecture Series All lectures are free and open to the public and are held at The Arsenal, Central Park, 5th Avenue at 64th Street, 3rd Floor. This series has been made possible by the support of Claude and Lucienne Bloch and Patagonia. v YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT: INVESTIGATING WATERBIRD world, and even some finches and ducks, lay their eggs in the nests of FORAGING BEHAVIOR other species. The host birds raise the brood parasitic birds’ young. By Elizabeth Craig Mark Hauber, Professor of Psychology at Hunter College, will discuss Wednesday, January 9, 2013, 6pm why and how hosts of brood parasitic birds fail to recognize “foreign” New York Harbor is home to an impressive diversity of waterbirds, eggs in their nests and whether brood parasitic young face challenges, ranging from long-legged waders such as the great egret and glossy using illustrations and his experimental studies from North America, ibis to diving seabirds like the double-crested cormorant. How do New Zealand, and Europe. these birds live in the urban waterways of New York City? Join Eliza- beth Craig, Ph.D. candidate at Cornell University and Research Associ- VISIONS: EARTH’S ELEMENTS IN BIRD AND NATURE ate at New York City Audubon, as she explores the urban wild spaces PHOTOGRAPHY where these birds make their homes, and describes how scientists can By Kevin Karlson and Lloyd Spitalnik use a single feather to investigate waterbird foraging behavior. Wednesday, May 8, 2013, 6pm

COWBIRDS, CUCKOOS, AND FOSTER PARENTING IN CONSERVATION PROGRAM UPDATE AND ANNUAL MEETING THE AVIAN WORLD By Susan Elbin and John Rowden By Mark Hauber Wednesday, June 12, 2013, 6pm Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 6pm Obligate avian brood parasites, including cowbirds in our parks and backyards, honeyguides in Africa and Asia, many cuckoos across the

Winter 2012-2013 11

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 11 11/15/12 5:25 AM Fall Roost Matthew Rymkiewicz All photos ©Titus Kana issues in Central Brooklyn. In an area where gentrification and commercial development threaten public green spaces, especially community gardens, Mr. Brown has worked to raise awareness of the neighborhood’s environmental assets and the importance of grassroots partnerships. In his remarks, Mr. Brown shared that growing up in Brooklyn, he had little access to green spaces. Community gardens represented not only an oasis in a desert of concrete, but also a link to history, where an intergenerational bond is forged among people who otherwise would never have met. Helena Durst is Vice President at the Durst Organization, and has been a partner of NYC Audubon for a number of Project Safe Flight initiatives, including Lights Out NY and bird-friendly buildings. With Board President Harry Maas, Honoree Ajamu Brown, and Executive Director Glenn Phillips Ms. Durst’s assistance, NYC Audubon has been placing hile fall migrants flew overhead to warmer climes, microphones on the rooftops of guests at the 8th annual Fall Roost benefit gathered Durst properties in Midtown, Win the Lake Room of the Central Park Boathouse for providing invaluable data for an evening of great company, frenzied bidding, and to honor three mapping how migrant song individuals whose work reminds us what being a member of NYC birds navigate and exploit New Audubon is all about. York City. Ms. Durst, expecting Ajamu Brown is a TogetherGreen Fellow from the Bedford- her son’s imminent birth, was Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, where he created the Bed- unable to attend. Harry Maas, Stuy Community Eco-Mapping Project, a goal of which is to president of NYC Audubon, identify and cultivate new leaders on environmental sustainability praised the Durst Organization Honoree Helena Durst

Fall Roost Acknowledgments

THE FALL ROOST DONOR Jill and Ken Iscol FRIEND Robert Kimtis and CONTRIBUTOR HOST COMMITTEE Clifford P. Case and Jared and Songmei Drianne Benner Susan Bynum Maxwell Abbott Karen B. Dubno keyes Vivian Berger and Sue and Bob Klein William Abbott BENEFACTOR Andrew Farnsworth Lauren and Ethan Michael Finkelstein Robert D. Krinsky Richard Andrias Cathy and Lloyd Heller Marcia and Bruce Fowle Klingsberg Lucienne and Claude Tom Loizeaux Catherine Barron Anonymous The General Open Space Institute Bloch Harry D. Maas Daniel Biederman Contractors Rafael Pelli Douglas Blonsky Pamela Manice David Burg PATRON Association The Port Authority of Ned Boyajian Tracy Meade and Robert Annemarie Colbin The Durst Organization Sarah Jeffords NY & NJ Marsilia Boyle Bate Peter G. Dorosh The Nanz Company Rachel Mullen Polly Bruckmann Lenore and Peter Mott Edward and Diana Spectra Energy Lisa Raze Albert Butzel Mona Payton Greene Virginia Stowe Cheryl Reich and David Al Caccese, Audubon Glenn Phillips and Nancy Goeschel Dewhurst New York David Nish Michael and Anne B. Sims Metal SUPPORTER Luanne Rice Abigail Angell Canfield Genie and Donald Rice Golden Management Louise and Oakes Ames Donna and Steven James Carpenter Don Riepe Betty Hamilton James Bodnar Schragis Margot Ernst Elizabeth Barlow Rogers Lynne Hertzog Judy and John Craig Peter Shen and Mary Richard Fried, VMD and Lewis Rosenberg Janice Laneve Edward Cruz Seeger Stella Kim Richard and Marjorie Florence Lapidus Gail Epstein David Speiser Bob and Sandy Green Schneidman Susan Loesser Fiduciary Trust Lenore and Peter Standish Nancy Hager Melissa Kasper Shapiro Mary Jane Kaplan John and Heather International Christopher and Pam Valerie Jennings Monica G-S. Wambold Allan and Ethel Levantin Shemilt Kathleen Heenan and Ward Peter H. Joost Frederic and Robin E.J. McAdams Clary Olmstead D. Bruce Yolton Ari Kavour Withington Jean M. McCarroll Susan R. Witter Judy Miller 12 www.nycaudubon.org

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 12 11/15/12 5:25 AM at the Roost as “the leader of New York City property owners making buildings as bird-safe as possible.” Christopher Ward has served as Executive Director of the Port Authority of NY and NJ, and as the New York City Department of Environmental Protection commissioner. At each of these organizations he has pioneered sustainability initiatives that will impact New York City well into the future. A former NYC Audubon board member, Mr. Ward is currently the Executive Vice President for Major Projects at Dragados USA. In the words of Harry Maas, “There is not enough that can be said about what Chris Ward has done on behalf of NYC Audubon.” As the evening’s program progressed and the silent auction bidding deadline loomed, the fantastic array of items on the Lake Room’s periphery drew more and more attention. In the end, some may have been disappointed with losing out on their coveted prize, but all were pleased to have spent the night in such fine New York City DEP Commissioner Carter Strickland and Honoree Christopher Ward company and for a great cause.

Fall Roost Trivia Winners Lenore & Peter Mott, Cheryl Reich, and David Dewhurst. Parks Commissioner Ted & Robin Withington enjoy the view from the boathouse. Prizes courtesy of Citadel Group Wines. Veronica White

Henry H. Moulton Assembly Member SILENT AUCTION Meopta USA, Inc. Joe Giunta, Happy Citadel Group Wines Liz Neumark Deborah J. Glick DONORS Peter Mott Warblers, LLC Iittala Dorothy Peteet Assembly Member The Orvis Company, Hacienda Cusín and Deborah Jones Jean K. Pettibone Brian Kavanaugh ART Inc. Las Palmeras Inn, Aileen Ruddy Hector and Erica Assembly Member Barbara Banthien Patagonia Ecuador Smart Source Audio Prud’homme Matthew Titone Marilyn Barnett, Hawk Mountain Visual William Rosenblatt Council Member Workman Publishing OUT & ABOUT IN NYC Sanctuary, Stamford Tents Matthew Rymkiewicz daniel Garodnick Charles Chessler American Roland Food Pennsylvania Brenda Timm & Anne Sidamon-Eristoff Council Member Carlos Falchi Corp. Quisisana Resort, Tamarack Media Tom and Wendy robert Jackson Peter Houts The Daily Show with Maine Titus Kana Photography Stephenson Council Member Iittala Jon Stewart El Refugio Cloud Forest Virginia K. Stotz G. Oliver Koppel Jeffrey Kollbrunner Jeffrey P. Feinberg, Lodge, Ecuador Event Volunteers Lynne Veitch Council Member Kramer Portraits Citadel Trading Corp. Don Riepe Karen Asakawa Alexander Zagoreos brad Lander Richard Malenky Great Performances John Rowden Brooke Buchanan Council Member Don Riepe Late Show with David John Shemilt Wendy Bustamante HONORARY HOST Jessica Lappin Christina Rubin Letterman Strawberry Hill Hotel, Yoryi De La Rosa COMMITTEE Council Member SocialPakt Lincoln Center for the Jamaica Erica Fitzgerald MEMBERS Peter F. Vallone, Jr. David Speiser Performing Arts Gabriel Willow Kate Francis The Honorable Lloyd Spitalnik New York Philharmonic Sarah Greenwald Charles E. Schumer Mark Symczak Special Thanks to Margarita Halikias Manhattan Borough Deborah Zerden TRIPS & TOURS Action Letter, Inc. Elaine Silber President Susan Elbin Kristen Bannister Anastasia Smith scott M. Stringer OUTDOOR GEAR Emerson Resort and (graphic design) Lenore Standish Eagle Optics Spa, Hudson Valley Central Park Boathouse Lu Wu Winter 2012-2013 13

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 13 11/15/12 5:25 AM News & Notes Volunteer Acknowledgments

NATIONAL AUDUBON HONORS WOMEN IN CONSERVATION The National Audubon Society awarded its ew York City Audubon’s conservation and education work would not be 2012 Rachel Carson Award to Hunter Lovins, possible without the help of hundreds of volunteers who donate thousands the Rev. Canon Sally Bingham, and Janette of hours each year. If you volunteered during the period from October Sadik-Khan. NYC Audubon’s Director of N 2011 to September 2012 and your name is not on this list, please let us know! We Conservation and Science Susan Elbin was one of 24 New York City women given special strive to keep accurate records for our funders and want to make sure you receive the recognition for their work in local conservation. recognition you deserve. Cristina Accorsini TG Wendy Bustamante Sarah Elliott CBC Melissa Husby UA GET YOUR free LOOK AROUND Shayne Adler TG PSF Suzie Elliott CBC Aswad Hutchins TG Zaheera Ali TG Alison Butterfass CBC Joseph Ellis OA Michael Ivkov UA The most recent issue of our free children’s Deborah Allen CBC Albert Butzel OA Hollie Ellison FR Ferris Jabr JB publication, Look Around New York City, is Emily Allen TG Maria Caban JB Neil Emond CBC Sarah Jeffords CBC/OA now available. Designed for children in fourth Barbara Alpert EO/ Yolanda Caban JB Margot Ernst CBC Imani Jenkins TG FR/OA Anita Cabrera JB Tom Escovar TG Phil Johnson UA/WE through sixth grades, Look Around aims to Jean Altomare JB Jennifer Cantor HH Blake Evans CBC Eileen Jones TG get city kids involved in their environment Regina Alvarez TG James Capenter TG Donna Evans HH/JB Peter Joost CON/EO/ by promoting nature appreciation and Louise Ames CBC Angela Carbonetti TG June Fait TG OA/UA Oakes Ames CBC/OA Hugh Carola HH Andrew Farnsworth Chantal Joseph TG preservation. If you’d like a copy or would Richard Andrias OA Clifford Case OA OA/PSF Lisa-Marie Joseph TG like to order Look Around for your school, Felicity Arengo CBC Odette Chalandon EO Michael Feller HH Eli Jossen TG please contact John Rowden at jrowden@ Brian Aronson TG Stephen Chang CBC Sandy Fiebelkorn UA Judy Judd HH Marcelo Arteaga TG Elaine Chapnik CBC Amanda Finlayson TG Radhika Kaicker TG nycaudubon.org. Funds for the free distribution Karen Asakawa FR/OA Suzanne Charlé UA Dean Fleischman UA Jayanthi Kallam PSF of Look Around New York City come from a Jarad Astin JB Hubert Charles TG Natasza Fontaine JB Aram Kang JB generous donation from Con Edison. Sarah Aucoin OA Leonor Chavez CON Marcia Fowle OA/UA Mary Jane Kaplan Andrew Baksh JB Judy Chen EO/HH Louise Fraza CBC CBC/OA/UA Kristen Bannister FR Miranda Chen JB Jessica Freirech CBC Donald Kass EO/JB/ NATIONAL AUDUBON CONVENTION Brenda Torres-Barreto Roslyn Chernesky CBC Robert Friedman TG TG/TIL After an 11-year hiatus, Audubon will hold a OA Shailendre Chitre PSF Andrew Fulmer HH Ellen Kastel TG James Barron TG Michael Christopher JB Dennis Galcik JB Charlie Katz CBC national convention in July 2013. NYC Audubon Kyle Barry TG Barbara Chutroo PSF Calla Gambrell TG Marc Katz CBC Executive Director Glenn Phillips is co-chair William Barry TG Greg Cicchino TG Jamey Gambrell TG Ari Kavour OA of the planning committee for the National Clifford Bart TG Tom Cleary CBC Lee Garcia TG Brandon Keim TIL Chelsea Bassman TG Robin Clugston CBC Agnieszka Gasparska Frances Kelly EO/TG Audubon Convention, which will take place July Damien Bassman TG Herbert Coles TG JB Lena Kelly EO 12-16 at the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, WA. Rob Bate TG Yvonne Collery JB Lily Geller TG Barbara Kempe EO/LA All Audubon members are welcome to attend; Onon Bayasgalan TG Christina Colon TG Viktor Geller TG Jared Keyes EO/OA Keith Bedell TG Gary Comgran TG Michael Germanovsky Tracie Kiernan PSF details will be available at www.audubon.org as Hadley Beier-Green TG Chris Cooper CBC TG Robert Kimtis OA the event approaches. Missy Bell TG Lorraine Copeland TG Ross Gibson JB Thomas King TG Drianne Benner OA Sunny Corrao CBC/JB Chris Girgenti HH Kara Kirchhoff HH Sharon Berlan CBC Susan Cosier JB Bob Gluck CBC Coby Klein HH Managing Gateway National Jane Bernstein OA Andrea Couture TG Kate Gluzberg JB Lauren Klingsberg Recreation Area Jamel Berry TG Judy Craig OA Dylan Granger CBC OA/UA In spring 2013, the National Park Service Alexander Betser TG Liz Craig HH Jessica Green CBC Christina Knoll CBC Amanda Bielskas PSF Rebekah Creshkoff OA Caroline Greenleaf Gerson Koenig TG will issue the first draft of a new General Amanda Blake PSF Sara Crosby TIL CBC Severyn Kozak TG Management Plan for Jamaica Bay National Claude Bloch CBC/OA Cidele Curo EO/PSF/ Helen Gross EO Jeff Kraus HH/TG Recreation Area, and NYC Audubon’s Lucienne Bloch OA/UA TG Sheldon Gross EO Lynn Kraus HH/TG Jeff Bloomer CBC Alison Cymes JB Colin Grubel HH David Krauss CBC conservation committee will review it. In the Elise Boeger CBC Andrew Darrell OA Mara Grunbaum JB Robert Krinsky CBC meantime, we continue to collect signatures on Jennifer Bogo JB Diane Darrow CBC/ Ania Grzesik PSF Joe Kulhanek HH/EO our petition (www.nycaudubon.org/gateway- Valeriya Bolyakova TG PSF Brendan Guy TG David Künstler HH Ardith Bondi CBC Gabrielle Davis TG Julia Hackel TG Janice Laneve OA gmp) and work to provide the National Park Ron Bourque CON/JB Michael Davis TG Nicole Hadley TG Kenny Lao JB/TG Service with information about the status of Ned Boyajian UA Yoryi De La Rosa CON Steven Harris TG Amy Lau TG bird populations within the park. Lindsay Boyer JB Liz Denlinger CBC Wendi Harrison JB/OA Dawn Lavigne EO/ Markley Boyer JB Olivia DeSilva TG Daryl Hartshorne PSF JB/TIL Marsilia Boyle CON/ Youssouf Diallo TG Mark Hauber HH Kang San Lee JB BOARD OF DIRECTORS OA Al Domeyko JB Amanda Hayde CON Nim Lee JB Peter Joost and Jared Keyes have stepped Kathy Boytsova TG Eveddy Dominguez TG Cathy Heller CON/ Stephanie Lee TG Michelle Brachfeld JB Paul Dorfman TG OA/UA Vladlena Lee TG down from their roles as secretary and Dolores Brandon HH Michael Dougherty Lynne Hertzog OA/WE Gayle Lennon EO treasurer, respectively; Steve Nanz has Demitri Bratton TG CBC Jan Hesbon CBC Stuart Lepkowsky TG stepped down from the board of directors. James Brisotti OA/TG Jane Dowling JB Cheryl Heyman UA Lawrence Levine OA Elizabeth Brown TG Jill Dowling JB Miles Hilger CBC Marcionne Lewis TG We would like to express our gratitude to Claudia Brumbaugh Kathy Drake CBC Arina Hinzen CBC Jessica Leyco TG Peter, Jared, and Steve for the generosity EO Alan Drogin CBC Katie Ho TG Richard Lieberman and passion they have each brought to NYC Brooke Buchanan FR Jennifer Dudley CBC Laurie Hockman PSF CBC Jamie Buckner TG Acacia Dupierre JB Mitchell Horowitz CBC Sandy Lin TG Audubon. We are happy to report that board Nicole Budine JB/TG Roger Ebrahimzadeh Susan Houston PSF/ Wayne Linton TG members Marsilia Boyle and John Shemilt John Burke HH TG TIL Anthony Liriano TG have accepted the positions of secretary and Louise Burns JB/OA Greg Elbin CON William Huber CBC Christian Liriano EO/ Sarah Burns PSF Rachel Elbin CBC Holly Hunnicutt TG HH/PSF treasurer, respectively. 14 www.nycaudubon.org

52268_NYC_Aud_Winter.indd 14 11/15/12 5:25 AM Sindy Liu TG Adriana Palmer FR/PSF Nancy Severance CBC Amy Strauss EO/HH/ Rhonda Waggoner PSF/ Gregory Zelo TG Ben Loehnen CBC George Palucci TG Jose Severino TG JB/TG/TIL TG Jesslyn Zhang TG Kat Long TG Dan Pancamo UA Ann Shahmoon TG Rob Strauss CBC Lillian Waldmann TIL John Zucker CBC Heydi Lopes JB Alexander Papachristou Sarina Shahmoon- Charles Sturcken CBC Kate Walker UA/WE Karen Zucker CBC Allison Lucas PSF OA Kleinman TG Taylor Sturm CBC Lucy Wallace TG Matthew Zucker CBC Haoxin Luo TG Wynne Parry JB Suzan Shahrestani JB/ Suin Suh TG Nian Hu Wang PSF Ryan Zucker CBC Xiao Hong Ma TG Joshua Paulino TG OA Vivian Sukenik FR/OA Noriko Watanabe TG Mitch Zykofsky JB Harry Maas CBC/CON/ Carla Payano TG James Sheffield OA Alex Summers HH Mitch Waxman HH EO/OA Cheryl Payer CON/ John Shemilt OA Sharina Summers TG August Weinbren TG NYC Audubon Program Jennifer Magee LA FR/OA Peter Shen OA Wei-Nee Sung OA Steve Weingord TG Legend Najma Malik TG Adam Pekor HH/TG Wen Shi TG Lisa Synoradzki CON Michelle Wenelczyk TG CBC = Christmas Bird Rubab Malik TG Joseph Pena TG Catherine Shih EO Johnny Szeto TG Dottie Werkmeister JB Count CON = Conservation Shaheer Malik TG Mara Pendergrass CBC Fern Silva JB Alexander Tapper TG Rachel Whitlow TG EO = Education and Shozab Malik TG Tom Perlman CBC Michael Sirlag TG Rakeem Taylor CBC Delta Willis CBC Outreach Henry Man TG Gillian Permuy CON/ Vladislav Smirnov TG Lydia Thomas PSF Gabriel Willow LA FR = Fall Roost Elizabeth Manclark HH/JB/TG Kathy Soll TG Jim Thompson HH Augusta Wilson TG HH = Harbor Herons TG/UA Amanda Perry CBC Valerie Soll TG Morgan Tingley CBC Michael Wityk TG JB = Jamaica Bay (includes Pamela Manice OA David Perry HH/PSF/ Liz Sorg TG/HH Emilio Tobon CON/HH Casey Wong TG Horseshoe Crab and Tom Maresca CBC TG Jennie Spector EO Edwin Torres TG Kevin Wong TG Shorebird Surveys) OA = Office Administration Allan Margulies PSF/ Nate Perry PSF David Speiser CBC/ Tyghe Trimble JB Khadijah Woods TG LA = Look Around OA Dorothy Peteet OA CON/EO/OA/UA/ Nicholas Truesdale CBC Danielle Worrell TG PSF = Project Safe Flight Andy Martin TG Jean Pettibone CBC WE Andrew Turk EO/HH Lu Wu JB/PSF/TG TG = TogetherGreen Adriana Martinez TG Bill Pham TG Lloyd Spitalnik EO/ Jesse Turner JB Meiying Wu TG Volunteer Days Jacinda Martinez TG David Phu TG UA/WE Ann Marie Vaduva CBC Bonnie Wuper CBC TIL = Tribute in Light Nancy Martinez TG Philippe Pierre-Antoine Jennifer St. Hill TG Gretchen Van Matre Lucy Yang TG UA = The Urban Audubon Jennifer Mateja OA CON Stayc St. Onge EO EO/TG Kimarie Yap TG WE = Website and The Harnel Mathuriu JB Melissa Pisarra TG Hilary Standish JB Margarita Vasquez TG Jason Ye TG eGret eNewsletter Laura Mauldin JB Tracy Plowman CBC Lenore Standish FR/ John Vazzana JB Bruce Yolton CBC E.J. McAdams OA Phillip Pond JB HH/OA Mira Vazzana JB Anan Yu TG Abby McBride LA/UA François Portmann Tatiana Stepanov TG P.J. Vazzana JB Allan Yuhas JB Rebecca McCarthy TG UA/WE Tom Stephenson OA Judith Velosky CBC Daisy Yuhas JB Gerry McGee UA Tristan Porto HH Judith Stivelband JB Ilona Vinklerova TG Christopher Zavelo OA Laura McNeil FR Shirley Qian TG Gretchen Stoddard JB Alina Zaynullina TG Tracy Meade TG Kelly Quinones EO Evelyn Melendez TG Sahil Rajan TG Dara Mendeloff JB/PSF Jillian Ramos TG Emelio Mendez TG Joe Ramos TG Give a Gift of Membership Jon Merwin JB/OA Nicole Rand TG Laura Meyers EO/UA/ Anita Randolfi CBC Show that you care by giving a gift that makes a difference. Help protect wild birds and habitat WE Tina Razack TG in New York City with a gift membership to NYC Audubon Ellen Michaels WE Esther Regelson TIL [ ] Supporting $100 [ ] Family $50 [ ] Individual $25 Judy Miller TG Don Riepe CON/EO/ Lynn Miller TG HH/OA/TG/UA/WE [ ] Student $15 [ ] Senior (65+) $15 David Momjian TG Collin Robateau TG Mary Tyler Moore OA Sheree Robateau TG Giver ______Malcolm Morris CBC Carol Peace Robins Anne Mortimer-Maddox JB/UA Address: ______EO/OA Dave Robins JB Peter Rhoades Mott OA Chelsea Robinson JB Phone:______Email: ______Lawrence Moy TG/JB Eric Rodriguez TG Kristin Mullane- Shari Romar JB Recipient:______Shimada TG Lewis Rosenberg CBC/ Keith Mulvihill EO/JB/ OA PSF Doug Rousso TG Address: ______Mary Mundy TG Christina Rubin EO/ Sonia Naidu PSF LA/UA Phone: ______Email: ______Steve Nanz EO/OA/ Doug Russo JB UA/WE Matthew Rymkiewicz Lela Nargi PSF UA [ ] Enclosed is my check payable to NYC Audubon Tami Nelson TG Krissa Saldana HH Jennifer Neumann EO/ Phylis Salom EO/OA [ ] Charge my credit card: [ ] Visa [ ] MC [ ] Amex [ ] DSC JB/TIL Henry Salonen TG Jessica Newman CBC Chris Sangimino TG Card #: ______Exp. Date: ______Diana Nikonchuk TG Diane SanRoman JB/ Jill Nord TG TG Join NYC Audubon Lisa Nord TG Samarra Scantlebury Members are essential to our education and conservation work. Help protect birds and Susan Obrecht CBC TG Luke O’Brien CBC/TG Lisa Scheppke CON/ habitats in the five boroughs by joining our flock. As a Member of NYC Audubon you will: Lisa Ochs EO EO/OA • Receive The Urban Audubon newsletter • Enjoy discounts on field trips and classes Msaitor Omar PSF Mary Schroeder HH • Make a difference in your city’s wildlife and natural areas. Shannon O’Neil TG Jonah Schrogin TG Mail this form with your payment to: Alisa Opar JB Freda Scott TG Brenda Ostreicher PSF Nick Sedky TG NYC Audubon, 71 West 23rd Street, Suite 1523, New York, NY 10010 Joseph O’Sullivan Jerry Seigler CBC CON/EO/HH/OA Emily Sekine TIL Membership in NYC Audubon does not include National Audubon membership or Audubon magazine. Sara Pace UA Ann Seligman EO/JB Donations to NYC Audubon are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. NYC Audubon is a 501(c)(3) Lissette Palestro TG My Seppo TG non-profit organization.

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PRSRT STD NOTES: US POSTAGE PAID #1 N. READING, MA PERMIT NO. 234

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New York City Audubon NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE 71 West 23rd Street PAID Suite 1523 #3 N. READING, MA New York, NY 10010 PERMIT NO. 234

Dated Material: Winter 2012-2013 Newsletter

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Holiday Gift Ideas from NYC Audubon

ELLE DESIRE JEWELRY well as the winners of last year’s This lovely bird nest pendant, Photography Club contest. $15 crafted from 14K gold and freshwater pearls, is just one GIVE THE GIFT OF of several Hall INDICIA's.inddMEMBERSHIP 1 11/1/12 10:33 AM nature- Share your love of New inspired York City’s birds with jewelry pieces a NYC Audubon Gift available by Membership. Includes Elisabeth all regular membership DeCaprio. Twenty percent of sleeved ($30) and short-sleeved benefits plus a set of eight proceeds will benefit NYC ($25) versions are available. holiday gift cards. See AUDUBON’S AVIARY: The Audubon’s conservation work. page 15 for details. Original Watercolors for The Birds $125 NYC AUDUBON of America, by Roberta J.M. Olsen; 2013 CALENDAR Skira Rizzoli, 2012 NEW LIMITED-EDITION Get your own copy of NYC Limited-edition SocialPakt This important new volume NYC AUDUBON SHIRT FROM Audubon’s first wall calendar! t-shirts may be ordered by presents the complete collection SOCIALPAKT Featuring spectacular bird visiting www.socialpakt.com/ of dazzling watercolors that In this imaginative design, photography by Photography shirt/nycaudubon2012. All other Audubon painted for his famous graphic designer and illustrator Club leaders David Speiser gifts may be ordered through our set of engravings, accompanied Nathan Pyle has married the and Lloyd Spitalnik, as online store at www.nycaudubon. by the story of their creation. (See NYC skyline with the wings of org/support-us or by calling the review on page 5.) We are happy a bird to create a truly original office at 212-691-7483. to offer a 25% discount to NYC piece of apparel. For every shirt Audubon members of all levels. sold, SocialPakt will donate $6 to $68 NYC Audubon. Both long- Happy Holidays!

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