October 2008

Volume XXXIV, Issue 9 AUDUBON SOCIETY

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS — TALES FROM AUDUBON CAMPS INSIDE Hog Island Field Ornithology June 22 to 28 President’s Perch...... 2 By Mary Nevil From the Exec Dir...... 3 Expectations were high as the Osprey III drew away from the mainland dock to make the short trip across AAS Legacy Club...... 3 Muscongus Bay to Hog Island. I was joining 36 other participants in the Field Ornithology program of the Maine Field Notes...... 4 Audubon Society for a week on the beautiful Maine coast. Geltner Sanctuary ...... 4 Our days and evenings at camp were packed with field trips, instructions/demonstrations, and fascinating evening lectures given by our instructors. One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to meet Scott Field Trips...... 5 Weidensaul, whose books Return to Wild America and Of a Feather: A Brief History of American Birding I Classes and Workshops ....5 had recently read. Throughout the week, Scott joined our field trips as a leader, led a hummingbird banding demonstration, and chatted with us about recent controversies and news in the birding world. One morning Spotlight Alison Huff...... 6 Scott and Peter Vickery (Maine birder and co-author of Conserving Grassland Birds) led a field trip to Time Well Spent...... 6-7 Medomak, a walk through meadows and around a pond that was mapped out by Roger Tory Peterson and Allan A Million Thanks...... 6 D. Cruickshank during the first Hog Island camp in 1936. It was thrilling to walk in their footsteps and spot many of the same species they had seen and heard more than 70 years ago. Volunteer Report ...... 7 Later in the week, we took a 40-minute boat ride to Eastern Egg Rock to see the results of the Puffin and Tern T-Shirt Design Contest...... 7 Restoration Project and then spent the afternoon exploring the natural history of the privately owned Harbor Maine Camp Experience....8 Island. After hearing a lecture one evening by Dr. Stephen W. Kress (founder of the Project Puffin) on the restoration of puffins and terns, I realized that this would be an ideal project to introduce to the third graders at Backyard Sanctuary ...... 9 my school. Knowing that their reading book contains a story on Icelandic puffins, I’m making plans to integrate Rare Glimpse ...... 9 Project Puffin into their language arts program. Calendar Designer...... 10 As a teacher, I felt especially privileged to meet and enjoy the 13 teens who were participating in the Coastal Classifieds...... 10 Maine Bird Studies and joined us for daily meals and evening lectures. Coming from as far away as California, these incredible young people brought enthusiasm and expertise to the camp experience, especially when the Senior Birding...... 11 older folks’ energy was flagging. The first evening, as we all introduced ourselves, I discovered that more than Membership...... 11 half the adults and youth attending Hog Island during that session had received scholarships from their local Audubon chapter or state ornithological society: a Wanted-Coordinator ...... 12 group of educators from nature centers in Maryland, a teen who volunteers at the World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis, a science teacher from West Virginia, and ATLANTA Alex Caille from Atlanta. Among them, I was proud to represent the Atlanta Audubon Society and wish to thank AAS and its education committee for this time of learning and renewal. AUDUBON SOCIETY Please see page 8 for Alex Caille’s journal describing his trip to Maine. Box 29189 Alex was also an AAS scholarship participant. Atlanta Audubon is very Mary Nevil and Alex Caille in Maine proud to have been represented by these two fine individuals. Photographer: Unknown Atlanta, GA 30359 Don’t Forget: www.atlantaaudubon.org Introduction to Birding Optics Seminar and Open House Saturday, October 4 — Chattahoochee Nature Center AAS OFFICE Free Event 10 AM to 11 AM Presentation and 11 AM to 3:30 PM Open House Eagle Optics will feature an hour-long presentation—Introduction to Birding Optics. You will learn and Information Line about binoculars and spotting scopes, including how to use them, what to look for when making your selection and what works best for you. Afterwards, Eagle Optics will have a display of spotting scopes, 770.913.0511 binoculars, tripods, digiscoping and camera adapters. This is an excellent opportunity to directly compare the best of what’s currently available in birding optics. You may even make a purchase right GOS RARE BIRD ALERT there at the event and AAS will benefit by receiving part of the sales proceeds. Please join us for this great opportunity! 770.493.8862 President’s Perch by Ellen Miller Board of Directors 2008 Executive Director Catharine Kuchar 770.993.9579 [email protected] Officers Legacy Club—An Exciting New Program President Ellen Miller 404.355.8892 [email protected] for Atlanta Audubon Society President-elect Allyson Read 404.510.8281 I wanted to use my column in Wingbars this month You have probably seen information in Wingbars [email protected] to announce a program that can go a long way about this financial planning tool, and very shortly Treasurer Deanna Helie towards ensuring that birds of the Atlanta area and you will begin seeing an informational brochure 770.457.4403 [email protected] in general will have a strong voice working that Rachel McMurray has helped us put together. Recording Secy Mark Jernigan on their behalf for generations to come. I want to Our goal is to assist members in designing estate 404.298.8825 personally thank those who have worked so plans that will provide financial strength to Atlanta [email protected] Corresponding Secy Barbara Tarpley diligently and persistently to bring the new Legacy Audubon Society as well as tax benefits for the 404.687.0079 Club of Atlanta Audubon Society to fruition. benefactors. [email protected] When I first joined the Board of Atlanta Audubon Probably the most exciting part of this for me is Society several years ago, one of our members, Art that although the actual charter will not be finalized Directors Conservation Kelly Hopkins Hurt, suggested a legacy club as something to until late next year, there are already four 404.622.1888 consider putting in place. At the time no one in the participating members! Anyone participating at the [email protected] group knew what it would take to set up such a time the charter is finalized will be considered Education Marge Igyarto 678.398.0569 program. In all honesty from what we were told at charter members with their names included in the [email protected] the beginning, it seemed a bit daunting. Now after charter in perpetuity. So a huge thank you from me Field Trips Dave Butler more than a year of hard work by a number of and from the birds to all involved in making this 404.580.3917 [email protected] people, the Legacy Club is a reality. In addition to program a reality and to those who have chosen or Membership Darlene Moore Art and, of course, our exceptional Executive will choose to participate! 404.633.9361 Director, Catharine Kuchar, we’ve had the help and Good Birding! [email protected] support of Panos Kanes, Rachel McMurray and Communications For more information contact: Barbara Tarpley others. 404.687.0079 [email protected] [email protected] Publicity Vacant Volunteers Nancy Hamilton 404.874.2338 [email protected] At Large SILENT AUCTION Jay Davis 404.624.4973 ITEMS NEEDED [email protected] Victor Williams You can make our annual auction a big success. Please donate goods or Earthshare Representative 770.423.1012 services such as birding “stuff,” art with a nature flair, weekend getaways, [email protected] --- landscape design for birding, wonderful bird books, bird guide services, Website etc. Your treasures may be the perfect gift for a fellow birder. Jim Flynn What bird species is not What a Q: [email protected] MARK YOUR CALENDAR Contact person: Nancy Hamilton lark, but ratherdethroned a recently Wingbars Editor DECEMBER, 2008 Mary Ann Hindes 770.497.0664 [email protected] member of the family [email protected] as Tern Arctic the Design & Layout Support AAS Icteridae along with Copy Preparation 770.939.2002 the with bird the [email protected] blackbirds and orioles? Proofreading migration? longest Steven Phenicie 770.849.0391 [email protected] Newsletter deadline is the first of Seeanswer pagethe for 10 for___ answerpage See 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 Audubon Society and is published 11 times a year. We feature news, upcoming events, Sooty Answer: meetings, field trips and projects. We hope you Shearwater will join us. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect policies Mission Statement: of the Atlanta Audubon Society. To promote the enjoyment and understanding of birds and to conserve and restore the ecosystems that support them.

2 Atlanta Audubon Society From the Executive Director by Catharine Brockman Kuchar Atlanta Audubon Society Fall is a Big Time for Birding and a Legacy Big Time for AAS in 2008 Atlanta Audubon Society is in full swing this fall also actively seeking matching funds for this with many great things happening. There was no grant. Club rest for the weary this summer (a traditionally • We have formalized the creation of our new slow time for birders and for AAS), and now that Join us as a charter member Atlanta Audubon Society Legacy Club, which of the AAS Legacy Club by fall migration has kicked into gear, AAS is getting will provide supporters with unique ways to including Atlanta Audubon in high gear as well. contribute to AAS to ensure our long-term in your bequests. We are working very hard to make some ability to preserve and protect metro Atlanta’s incredible things happen for our organization and birds and the ecosystems that support them. Your gift to Atlanta Audubon Society ensures our long-term for the birds that we love. It is part of the reason • We are working toward finding new office and ability to manage the why this year’s fall appeal is so important. classroom space for AAS. The new site will resources necessary to Shortly, you will be receiving a letter asking for give us space for our various workshops and preserve and protect metro your support of this year’s annual fall campaign. other programs along with providing a new Atlanta’s birds and the ecosystems that support them. We really do need your help. The support we resource center and library for the community. receive from you makes it all possible. While cash donations are the • We are conducting our first Introduction to most popular form of support, Here are just a few of the things we are Birding course, as well as continuing our a variety of options exist, successfully doing in education, conservation, annual Master Birder course and Sparrow from charitable gift annuities and more. community outreach and in Workshop. advancing/professionalizing the organization: • Internally, we are streamlining our • LEARNING ABOUT BIRDS is being membership to an annual cycle — January Question: How can I implemented in schools throughout the Atlanta through December. Our large membership make a charitable gift area again this year. drive is scheduled for early December. in exchange for a • We are working on a new publication Additionally, we are creating a new Code of lifetime payments? concerning Georgia’s declining common birds; Ethics and other important policy documents Answer: A charitable the publication should be completed this fall. for AAS. annuity allows you to • We received an important grant from the • We are conducting a new t-shirt design contest contribute assets to the National Audubon Society and Toyota to work for an official AAS t-shirt, creating sets of note Atlanta Audubon on a special wildlife project along the Atlanta cards highlighting 12 of Georgia’s Declining Society and take a BeltLine, a major focus of the Trust for Public Common Birds, and developing a calendar to charitable deduction on Land’s Parks for People Program that includes showcase our 2009 AAS Photo Contest your tax return. In turn, a section of land with a total length of winners. AAS will provide you approximately 22 miles (35 km). The BeltLine • We are supporting the construction of the new with a guaranteed income stream for life runs about 3 miles (5 km) on either side of birding wildlife viewing platform on Jekyll (the payout amount is Atlanta’s elongated downtown and includes a Island. The platform will not only be great for determined by using park component, multi-use trails and transit visitors, but will be an important structure for the U.S. Treasury life elements. See http://beltline.org for more collecting critical bird data. information. The project will include on-the- expectancy factors). ground conservation projects and promotional Wow, and all of that doesn’t include our day-to- This annuity can ease educational materials for the various day work of managing volunteers, administrating the worries about your neighborhoods along the route, and our partner financial documentation, taking part in festivals, out living your resources and provide in this project is Trees Atlanta. arranging speaking engagements, directing educational and conservation programs, and you with a high payout • The Important Bird Areas program is moving participating in other community outreach rate that is coupled ahead full steam with the implementation of efforts. Like I said, it’s a busy fall for AAS, and with numerous tax the major National Fish and Wildlife we are grateful for your support and for advantages. Foundation grant. We are working on key everything you do for our organization! conservation initiatives to directly focus on For more information three high priority species: Loggerhead Shrike, contact Art Hurt at American Oystercatcher and Red Knot. We are [email protected].

October 2008 3 July Field Notes by Terry Moorez

GEORGIA AREA HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH SISKINS – An adult male BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD appeared at DUCKS THROUGH STORKS – At the Phinizy Swamp July was a rather disappointing an Americus feeder on 24 July and was last seen in the Augusta area, LS had two BLACK-BELLIED month with low species counts on 28 July (PH). If accepted by the GOS Checklist WHISTLING-DUCKS on 13 July and JK had three in for both the Atlanta and Georgia and Records Committee, this would be the third the same location on 19 July. Three AMERICAN areas. Maybe the hot weather kept record for this southwestern species for GA. MMe WHITE PELICANS were a good find in the Americus people indoors. About the only saw two CEDAR WAXWINGS in Gordon Co. on 4 area on 3 July (fide PH). A calling AMERICAN exciting report was about a Broad- July with one carrying nesting material. DC had a BITTERN was reported from Meriwether Co. on 26 very early NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH in the Darien billed Hummingbird that spent a few days at July by CM. JN and JM had a good count of four area on 17 July. MMe had a good count of eight an Americus feeder. Anyway, we can hope that LEAST BITTERNS at the Phinizy Swamp on 12 July. DICKCISSELS in Gordon Co. on 4 July. Small things will improve in August as our fall One ROSEATE SPOONBILL was seen at the numbers of RED CROSSBILLS were seen at feeders migration gets geared up. Ocmulgee Monument in the Macon area on 5 July in Rabun and White counties during the month with (AA) and seven were seen at the Altamaha The Atlanta area recorded a mere 103 species the peak count of 14+ coming from Rabun Co. on Waterfowl Management Area (AWMA) near Darien (average = 116.9) to bring the year-to-date 4 July (MMc, BC). Single PINE SISKINS were seen on 24 July (D&PMc). Eleven WOOD STORKS were in Rabun Co. on 4 July (MMc, BC) and on 19 July total to 231 (average = 220.3). The Georgia seen at the Ocmulgee Monument on 5 July (AA) (JF, EH). area came in with 179 species (average = and two at Dyar’s Pasture in Greene Co. on 10 July 179.5) to bring that year-to-date total to 315 (JH). CONTRIBUTORS – Anne Armstrong, Ken (average = 310.7). Blankenship, Bob Cheek, Doris Cohrs, Jim Flynn, KITES THROUGH TERNS – Kites seem to be Hugh Garrett, Jim Hanna, Phil Hardy, Earl Horn, increasing in numbers and range as evidenced by James Keener, Eugene Keferl, Dennie and Pam a SWALLOW-TAILED KITE, which was a good find ATLANTA AREA McClure, Joel McNeal, Mark McShane, Max at Dyar’s Pasture on 24 July (HG) and a roost of as Medley, Peggy and Terry Moore, Charlie Muise, BIRDS – PR reported an ANHINGA in the many as five MISSISSIPPI KITES in the Athens area James Neves, Bill and Karla O’Grady, Jim Ozier, Stockbridge area on both 10 and 22 July. At the on 4 July (SS). An early NORTHERN HARRIER was Steve Parrish, Paul Raney, Steve Slayton and Lois Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area on spotted in Lamar Co. on 21 July (JO). At the Stacey, 11 July, KB had a KING RAIL and a female Bostwick Sod Farm in Morgan Co., MMc had one plumaged AMERICAN REDSTART. UPLAND SANDPIPER on 23 July, HG had one there Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Court, Roswell, GA on 30 July, and B&KO had two there on 31 July. SP 30075 [email protected] had a STILT SANDPIPER at the AWMA on 23 July, and EK had two BLACK TERNS at on 19 July. Atlanta Audubon Society Volunteer Event at the Geltner Wildlife Sanctuary By Kelly Hopkins Please help AAS members be responsible stewards of this amazing greenspace. We have scheduled another cleanup project from 8 AM to 11 AM on Oct. 18 to clear away deer stands and remove abandoned furniture and appliances. This 184-acre wildlife sanctuary, located in Douglasville on Anneewakee Road, was donated to AAS by Geraldine Geltner and is featured on a local blog with some great photos: http://douglascountyga.funfoodlife.info/2008/08/06/geltner-nature-preserve-on- anneewakee.aspx. To register for the cleanup, leave a message at the 770.913.0511 with your name, e-mail Geltner Wildlife Sanctuary address, telephone number and how many there will be in your party. Or you can register Cleanup Day Volunteers Photographer: Frank Karycinski by sending an e-mail to Sally Davis at [email protected]. Bring work gloves, water, bug spray, sunscreen, etc. We also recommend wearing long pants and boots. Since there is limited parking around the property, we will meet at the Interpretive Center/Museum of the Sweetwater Creek State Park and carpool. Directions: Take I-20 west from Atlanta to Exit 44 Thornton Rd. Turn left and go 1/4 mi. Turn right on Blairs Bridge Rd., go 2 mi. and turn left on Mount Vernon Rd. Follow the signs to the parking lot. Note: There is a $3 parking fee at the park.

4 Atlanta Audubon Society Field Trips Compiled by Dave Butler

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 additional October field trips that may be scheduled. Sketch by Anne McCallum Saturday, Oct. 4 Sunday, Oct. 5 Saturday, Oct. 11 Piedmont Park (City of Atlanta) Breakfast with the Birds Geltner Wildlife Sanctuary sponsored by the Piedmont Park Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Conservancy and AAS (DeKalb County) Don Scarborough Matt Ward Lisa Hurt and Dave Butler Bird walk in conjunction with Douglas Meet at 8 AM at the Piedmont Park Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve and the County’s THE BIG READ where residents Community Room, 12th and Piedmont Atlanta Audubon Society offer this field are urged to read To Kill a Mockingbird. Birding focus: Migrants, residents trip during fall migration that includes a See website for details. Directions: These directions may vary. light breakfast. Reservations are required Check update on website. and space is limited. Please contact Dave Sunday, Oct. 19 From south of Atlanta, take the I-75/85 Butler at 404.580.3917 or Constitution Lakes connector north to Pine St. (Exit 249B). [email protected] to register. The (DeKalb County) Go straight on Pine, crossing Peachtree St. cost is $5 and benefits efforts to preserve Joy Carter and Dave Butler Turn left on Piedmont Ave. Travel about 1 and maintain this 28-acre nature preserve. Meet at 8 AM mi. to 12th St. From northwest of Atlanta, Meet at 8 AM at the CSNP entrance. Constitution Lakes is a 125-acre DeKalb take I-75 south to 16th St. (Exit 250). Go Birding focus: Migrants, songbirds County park consisting of extensive straight, crossing 14th St. Follow the signs Directions: From I-285 N or S take Exit wetlands and forest along the South River. to 10th St. Turn left on 10th. Travel 1/2 mi. 39A (Hwy. 78/Stone Mtn. Freeway) west Along with fall migrants, birds may to Piedmont. Turn left on Piedmont to toward Decatur. (Hwy. 78 passes North include herons, ducks, hawks, geese, 12th St. Due to street closings, including DeKalb Mall.) At intersection of Hwy. 78, kingfishers and year-round residents. We 10th and 14th St. Exits from I-75 S., North Decatur Rd. and Medlock Rd., go may be the first to use the new boardwalk consider exiting at Northside Drive. From right on Medlock Rd. and drive 1/4 mi. to and observation deck built around the northeast of downtown, take I-85 south to Medlock Elementary School; go right on lakes. 17th St. (Exit 84). Continue straight, Wood Trail Ln. through a stop sign and Birding focus: Migrants, residents, crossing 14th St. Follow directions above. travel another 200 yds. to the preserve waterfowl entrance. Directions: From I-20 in Atlanta take Saturday, Oct. 4, From I-75/I-85 N or S take Exit 89 (North Moreland Ave. south approximately 5 mi. (DeKalb County) Druid Hills Rd.) east toward Decatur. After Turn left at the traffic light at South River Chris Showalter approximately 3 mi., go right on Hwy. 78 Industrial Blvd. (Nalley Truck Parts sign Meet at 8 AM at the Fernbank Science (at North DeKalb Mall). Follow directions on corner). Turn onto gravel entrance at Center in the side parking lot near the as above. first right to Constitution Lakes (no sign at observatory entrance), and go to the end of drive to Birding focus: Migrants, residents gravel parking lot. Directions: Fernbank Science Center is From I-285 South take Moreland Ave. located at 156 Heaton Park Dr., Atlanta. (Exit 53) and head north for 1.2 mi. Turn From I-285 take the right on South River Industrial Boulevard Freeway (US78) toward Decatur and follow directions above. (becomes Scott Blvd.). Turn right at Coventry Rd., left at first traffic light (Heaton Park Dr.) From downtown Schedule for Classes and Workshops Atlanta, take Ponce de Leon east toward Decatur and turn left on Artwood Rd. Master Birder Class: Oct. 7 through Nov. 13, before the railroad overpass, then turn Tuesdays & Thursdays right on Heaton Park Dr. The science Oct. 11, 18, 25 and Nov. 1, 8 (Field Trips) center is on the left. Introduction to Birding: Nov. 15 Sparrow Workshop: Nov. 22 & Dec. 6 (field trip) Interested in participating? See the September issue of Wingbars for details or go to our website www.atlantaaudubon.org.

October 2008 5 Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Spotlighting... Alison Huff TIME By Wendy Weathers Alison Huff belongs to the Oconee Rivers Alison said “I have always been interested in Well Spent Audubon Society in Athens and began the great outdoors and was always aware of

Compiled by Pam Higginbotham volunteering with AAS last spring after the the feathered friends who accompanied me on May,Jun,Jul Important Bird Areas dedication of Ossabaw my hikes. It just dawned on me one day that I Name Hours Task/Event Island. She works with the Georgia IBA didn’t know any of the names of the birds I Anonymous 20.5 Misc. Joyce Bentley 6 Butterfly Festival DNC Coordinator in reviewing prior Environmental was seeing, so I joined the Audubon Society Jane Blaisdell 6.5 P&S Wingbars, Birds in the Park Tom Blaisdell 6.5 P&S Wingbars, Birds in the Park Assessments and finding information about three years ago.” She now has a great set of Ken Boff 15 Hemlock proj. Lenny Borg 15 Cathedral Woods proj. habitat/conservation threats, fine-tuning binoculars and a “way nice” spotting scope. Janea Boyles 1 Freedom Park Garden information about boundaries, ensuring that Jane Brann 10 ShadeGrown Coffee website, Her best bird is always the latest bird, which Birds in the Park previously missing, unclear or incorrect data Dave Butler 14.5 Field Trips, Bd. Mtg. was an Agami Heron stalking, catching and Judy Candler 3 Birds in the Park are corrected, and updating information that eating a fish for breakfast on her recent trip to Catherine Capps 4 Birdathon has changed on the National Audubon Joy Carter 27.5 Geltner WSanctuary, Hemlock Belize where she saw over 200 species and proj, Birds in the Park database. She contributed bird count data to Anita Chilcutt 5 P&S Wingbars logged 150 life birds. She said her guide was Cary Cochran 6 Geltner WSanctuary help the State Botanical Garden of Georgia sensational. They stayed at the Lamanai Leslie Curran 4 BWSanctuary Dorothy Dabbs 2 Freedom Park Garden pass the review of their IBA nomination, and Outpost, which she added has “first class Jay Davis 14.5 Birdathon and Bd. Mtg. she is now working on the public recognition Patti Davis 7 Hemlock proj. accommodations, sensational food, inspiring Sally Davis 14 Geltner Wsanctuary, event. She also contributed a short story on Hemlock proj. excursions, dramatic Mayan ruins and one of Jule DeJong 6 Geltner WSanctuary the Ossabaw dedication for Wingbars and the the most peaceful settings I’ve ever discovered Ed Derricho 3 Birds in the Park Yellowthroat newsletters. Alison is a regular Jim Flynn 27 AAS Website on this planet.” She frequents the State Kathryn Fouts 1.5 P&S Wingbars contributor to the eBird database (a project Beth Giddens 33 Hemlock proj. Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens where Bud Gleason 3 Birds in the Park developed by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and she saw her first Cape May Warbler, but her Zana Gray 6 Geltner WSanctuary Nancy Hamilton 27.5 Volunteer admin. & Bd. Mtgs. the National Audubon Society) and wants to favorite place to bird is the Marilyn Harris 6 Birds in the Park & Field Trips stress its value as a “fantastic birding tool.” Stephanie Hart 8 BWSanctuary Phinizy Swamp for its Theresa Hartz 17 Warbler Workshop Carol Hassell 2 Master Birders Newsletters Alison helped build a bird blind at the Sandy variety of birding habitats. Deanna Helie 32.5 Financial mgmt. & Bd. Mtg. Creek Nature Center and manned booths at Pam Higginbotham 15 Volunteer admin. Alison is the Director of Frank Hiller 3.5 Horticultural Expo several nature day events. She has served as a Publications in the division Patti Hiller 3.5 Horticultural Expo Mary Ann Hindes 40 Wingbars Editor substitute bird walk leader and has helped of External Affairs at The Sally Hodges 20 Hemlock proj. & Field Trips neighborhood kids get involved in the Great Kelly Hopkins 83 Conservation Admin., YBC, Bd. University of Georgia and Mtgs. & Birds in the Park Backyard Bird Counts. She was a team leader Alison Huff 46 IBA Admin., IBA Site lives in Bogart. Jared Huff 6 IBA website for the 2007 Christmas Bird Count Art Hurt 73 Membership Admin., Field Trips, in Athens and has participated in Alison Huff at Bushy’s Place Warbler & Shorebird Wkshps, Photographer: Unknown Legacy Club three other CBCs. Lisa Hurt 46 Field Trips, Warbler & Shorebird Workshps. Marge Igyarto 35.5 Bd. Mtgs., P&S Wingbars, Educ. Activities & BWSanctuary Mark Jernigan 13.5 Bd. Mtgs., Bd. Admin. & Geltner WSanctuary Mikell Jones 6 Field Trips A Million Thanks! John Johnston 6 Geltner WSanctuary Frank Karycinski 6 Geltner WSanctuary Atlanta Audubon Society is an amazing organization Mary Kelly 9 Autrey Mill Nature Ctr., Birds in the Park because of its volunteers. As always, we extend our gratitude Tim Keyes 20 Declining Common Birds brochure to ALL of our volunteers, but would like to send a special Nathalie Kinkade 2 P&S Wingbars thank you to the following individuals this month. Marcia Klenbort 8.5 P&S Wingbars, Educ. Activities, Field Trips Janelle Kovner 6 Butterfly Festival DNC Many thanks to Beth Giddens for organizing our new Save the Sylvia Krebs 6 Geltner WSanctuary Hemlocks brochure that was recently published. Beth took a Carol Lambert 4 Field Trips Amy Leventhal 28 Hemlock proj. large amount of information on the plight of the hemlocks and Laura Lieberman 6 Geltner WSanctuary Chris Marconi 6 Geltner WSanctuary everything being done to protect them and skillfully condensed it Cecilia Marrero 2 Freedom Park Garden into a user-friendly format. She also made sure the project moved along Graham McDonald 4 BWSanctuary Page McDonald 4 BWSanctuary and stayed on schedule. Robert McLeod 1 Freedom Park Garden Rachel McMurray 10 Legacy Club brochure Dan Vickers is always coming through for AAS by sending us his amazing photographs to use Jacqueline McRae 12 BWSanctuary Admin. Alexis Mendozi 6 Geltner WSanctuary in various publications. His work is featured in Birds Matter, our new Save the Hemlocks Mary Menz 2 Book Review for Wingbars Curtis Miller 7 Hemlock proj. brochure, and the upcoming Georgia’s Declining Common Birds publication. Thanks, Dan! Ellen Miller 55 Bd. Mtgs., Exec. Admin., Hemlock proj., Birds in the Park Leonard Borg and Kristine Tarrer have both been helping AAS with their brilliant minds and & YBC Sandy Miller 23.5 Bd. Mtg., P&S WB & expertise in real estate law. AAS hopes to move its office and educational site to the Blue Hemlock proj. Simon Miller 14.5 Hemlock proj. Heron Nature Preserve, and Leonard and Kristine graciously supported AAS by reviewing the Geoffrey Mohs 6 Geltner WSanctuary lease for our organization. (continued next page) 6 Atlanta Audubon Society Matching Awesome Volunteer Hours Contributions Through By Nancy Hamilton TIME Volunteering The 1,415.5 hours contributed by Atlanta Audubon Well Spent Will Your Employer Make A Contribution for Your Volunteer Hours to AAS? Society members for this volunteer period and reflected May,Jun,Jul Employer matching for your volunteer efforts is another Name Hours Task/Event important way you can support Atlanta Audubon Society in Pam Higginbotham’s extensive report equates to a Mike Mulcare 6 Geltner WSanctuary and make a significant statement about how you value significant $27,616.41 using the commonly accepted Michael Oakley 13 Horticultural Expo, compiled what we do in the community. bird photos Tom Painter 3 Birds in the Park Hundreds of companies in and around Atlanta also standard set by Independent Sector. There are Steve Phenicie 18 Proof Wingbars & Geltner realize the importance of giving back to the community Wsanctuary and are getting involved by matching their employees’ additional hours to be reported, which didn’t make the Andrew Powell 6 Geltner WSanctuary volunteer hours with a cash donation. Mike Powell 6 Geltner WSanctuary deadline due to the holiday weekend coinciding with Allyson Read 17.5 Bd. Mtg., Birdathon, Space Participating in your employer’s matching program is a Planning, Display Bd. simple process. Check with your human resources the Wingbars publication date. Thanks to Pam for her Dan Roberts 7 Hemlock proj. department about forms and procedures and send your Robin Roberts 18 Hemlock proj., All Womens information to: Matching Gifts Coordinator, Atlanta huge effort in compiling these numbers and to each of Birding Bust Audubon Society, Box 29189, Atlanta, Georgia 30359. you who help us run this organization. We appreciate Susan Rush 6 Geltner WSanctuary We’ll do the rest. Bob Sattelmeyer 2 Freedom Park Garden Cecilia Scarbrough 6 Geltner WSanctuary Your support ensures that our work in the your Time Well Spent. Don Scarbrough 6 Geltner WSanctuary community continues today and Georgann Schmalz23 Exec. Admin., Field Trips, All flourishes tomorrow. Womens Birding Bust, Shore- bird Wkshp. & Birdathon Jeff Sewell 4 Field Trips Brenda Sexton 12 Waterfest Dwayne Sexton 12 Waterfest Chris Showalter 10 Field Trips Sue Sturges 20 Birds in the Park Shade-Grown Coffee Pat Sully 7.5 P&S Wingbars & BWSanctuary Barbara Tarpley 132 Wingbars Admin & Comm. Dir., The Atlanta Audubon Society’s Shade-Grown Coffee Birds in the Park, Bd. Mtgs.& Minutes Committee has been working since 1996 to increase Carl Tyler 2 Wingbars Article Bird Habitat Carol Vanderschaaf 22 Freedom Park Garden public awareness of the connection between neotropical Matt Ward 4.5 Field Trips migratory birds and traditional coffee farms. As a Wendy Weathers 9 Wingbars articles Gary Wehner 8 BWSanctuary volunteer effort, our campaign aims to educate Donna Wensink 2 Peel & Stick Wingbars Pandra Williams 2 Freedom Park Garden consumers about the positive role that shade coffee Victor Williams 16 Bd. Mtgs., Charlie Elliot Festival plays in the conservation of songbird habitat in the & JAKES Day Judy Yuknavech 15 IBA-Misc Latin American coffee- producing countries. Total Hours 1,415.5 May, June, July 2008 For more information and coffee sources, visit P&S Wingbars= Peel and Stick www.atlantaaudubon.org. To volunteer for committee It is important your volunteer hours are reported to phigginb@comcast, as these are used for grant activities, contact Jane Brann at [email protected] applications, etc. or 404.237.3542.

Time to Get Your Artwork in for the AAS T-Shirt Design Contest Deadline for Submission is Oct. 15. We are still accepting artwork for Atlanta Audubon Society’s first t-shirt design contest. The winner will have their design proudly displayed on AAS’ new official t-shirt for the organization. If you missed the rules and directions for entering, here they are again: The rules are simple: • Artwork should include a bird(s) and may be done using any type of medium (colored pencil, watercolor, charcoal, oils, etc.). Design • All artwork must be submitted as the artist’s original design. your artw • Judging will be based on creativity, overall design and representation of AAS’ mission. ork to go he • The contest is open to any age participant. re! • Judges or their family members are ineligible to submit artwork for the competition. • AAS staff is ineligible to enter the contest. • Mailed entries must be postmarked by Oct. 15, 2008. • The winning design will be chosen by Nov. 10 and posted on our website soon thereafter. • The winning design will become the property of Atlanta Audubon Society, and all entries may be displayed in Wingbars and/or on the website. • When sending your entry, please include your full name, e-mail address, physical address and a phone number where we may reach you. • You may send a high-quality scan of your artwork to [email protected] or you may e-mail us at this same address to ask where you can send your hard-copy submission. We will work with the winner to produce a high-quality scan of the artwork for printing. (We cannot return artwork that is submitted through the mail). Don’t miss out on taking part in this fun event!

October 2008 7 My Maine Audubon Camp Experience By Alex Caille

Day 1 - Leaving Home This summer I into new areas. Placing decoy birds and recordings of mating took an amazing trip to Hog Island, calls around an area can attract multiple birds, hopefully Maine. I was going to a bird camp, starting a colony. After the presentation there were many thanks to the Atlanta Audubon Society. questions that helped me understand more about birding. The trip was filled with many firsts and Day 4 This day we woke up to a big many new lessons. I took my first surprise! We were going to Acadia airplane ride by myself. I met all kinds National Forest. When we finally of people and saw birds and views I’ve crossed the bridge to Acadia we were never seen before. Alex Caille and Maine Auduboners awed. We saw a turkey, we saw gulls, Photographer: Unknown Arrival When we got out of the car, and we saw Ospreys, Bald Eagles and we had our first glimpse of Hog Island. Through the mist and loons. It was really cool. We stopped at past the lake, you could see the outline of the island. We got on Thunder Rock. This was where water the boat and we started towards an exciting week. We were rushes into a hole in the rocks and greeted warmly by the smiling faces of counselors and other Arcadia National Park makes a thunder-like noise. Our other campers who later became my friends. Photographer: Alex Caille stop was my favorite. This was Jordan After dinner, we went to the Fish House where presentations Cliffs were we saw the Peregrine Falcons. They were soaring were done. We learned the history of Hog Island and the high above the cliffs moving at incredible speeds. history of birding. This was one of my favorite presentations, The night’s presentation was my favorite of all. It was about the besides the Great Auk presentation. After the presentation we Great Auk, a large bird that stands about three feet tall and were introduced to our counselors, and we then went down to cannot fly. The Great Auk is an extinct bird that was hunted at the Queen Mary to talk about the week. We were in the Queen first for food, then for its feathers. The colonies of these huge Mary, where there were tons of beautiful birds and marine life. birds were in great numbers. This night was one of my It was like our own private museum. favorites. Day 2 We were awakened by the sounds of blackbirds and Day 5 On the hike we saw all kinds of warblers, gulls, Doug’s voice. We walked down to The Bridge for breakfast. pigeons, Ospreys and my favorite bird, the Scarlet Tanager! My After this delicious meal, we were told the plan for the day was Grandfather told me to find this bird. It was his favorite bird of a hike on the mainland. While on the boat, we could see lots of all those he saw while hiking the when he gulls and loons. The water was covered by a white mist. We was younger. We saw it while listening to a sound magnifier. slowly approached the mainland where we would start our This bird was bright red, and it was one of the best moments I journey. We started off with our backpacks and binoculars. We have ever had. saw lots of birds. We heard some Mourning Doves. That was Day 6 This was our last day. We were all really sad, but at the first time that I learned to identify a Mourning Dove. It the same time happy. We were told we were going to Jurassic makes a sad, deep, repeating noise. We also saw many Park. This meant we were going to see the Great Blue Heron. blackbirds, which make high-pitched squeaks. We jetted to the boat packed and ready. The boat sped off with That evening after dinner we had a presentation on bird the blowing wind. The smell of the sea was great. We saw so banding. This was presented by Sarah. We learned about how many things on the way. People were spotting Ospreys, loons, bird banding can help us understand birds’ migration patterns. I eagles, guillemots, puffins and even porpoises. We used a small also saw how you catch the birds safely to band. You get a large boat to get onto the island, which was quite large. Going into net and let the birds fly into it. The presentation that night was the forest felt like exploring in the Jurassic period. We heard great. loud squawks from far away. It was really cool. We saw many Day 3 We awoke to the beautiful sound of nature. The nests. Then we finally saw them, two adults and a baby heron! campers took showers and headed down for the usual That night instead of a slide show presentation, we performed a breakfast, but there was a surprise activity for the day. After guillemot play. We decided to use the tune of the Pokémon breakfast Bridget, the camp director, told us that we were going theme song. I was a guillemot. It was really embarrassing, but on a boat tour of all the nearby islands. This was also the day fun too. This night was probably the best of all. we were going to see the puffins! I saw so many new birds that Day 7 Leaving I had never seen before. I was so interested, I’d ask about every I was sad to leave, but I made some bird I saw. I remember seeing the guillemot, which I can now really cool friends. I saw birds and identify. We saw several Ospreys, and we even saw a Bald Eagle sights that I probably will never see with some chicks in its nest. I have to say the highlight of mine again. I would like to thank the Atlanta and maybe everyone’s trip was seeing the puffins. The puffin Audubon Society for this wonderful may be the cutest bird there is. experience. Thank you! Thank you! Our presentation was another good one that night. The topic Thank you! was Bird Habitat Restoration. We learned how to bring birds Maine Coast Photographer: Alex Caille 8 Atlanta Audubon Society Another Successful Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Tour Photographer: Cathy Harman

It was, yet again, another great tour of Each site was unique—exhibiting varied of our other volunteers for their invaluable AAS-certified Backyard Wildlife elements like incredible water features, help at the various sites: Joyce Bentley, Sanctuaries. The weather was perfect, and koi ponds, flowers and plants. Additionally Jane and Tom Blaisdell, Sharon Brekke, the visitors enjoyed seeing how each all sites had been enhanced to include vital Susan Breunig, David Chamberlain, Anita property owners had created personal food, water, shelter and nesting sites for Chilcut, Sally Davis, Eddie Hatchett and havens for themselves and for the birds, birds and other wildlife that are being his wife, Sally Hodges, Renee Hopf, Mary butterflies and wildlife. pressured by rapid development Kelly, Nathalie Kinkade, Joyce Kovner, This year’s tour was held on Sept. 6 and throughout the region. For those who also Graham and Page McDonald, Russ Mikan, featured a core of five sanctuaries in had an opportunity to visit the 16-acre Jackie Miller, Leona Munch, Susan Mableton and Smyrna along with two sites Smith-Gilbert Arboretum, there were over Norman, Steve Phenicie, Kathy Phillips, in Kennesaw—a special “satellite” 30 sculptures from artists around the Judy Renault, Janet Sage, Penny Stanley, property and a bonus site, the Smith- world and beautiful gardens to check out. Patricia Williams and Victor Williams. Gilbert Arboretum. This new location for There was even a chance to view the We join Jacqueline in thanking each the tour was made possible because of incredible bonsai collection, which soon property owner for creating such Marge Igyarto and Gary Wehner, local will be leaving the arboretum. wonderful and inviting properties and then residents of the area. They wanted to have A special thanks to Jacqueline McRae, the generously hosting this year’s tour. As she a tour on their side of town and worked coordinator for this annual event and our said, “Each of these properties is a great hard in planning for this year’s event and Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary coordinator. example of what individuals can do to securing the sites. After having their The tour would not have been possible significantly improve the environment." properties officially approved Marge and without her efforts. Many thanks, also, to To learn more about how you can create Gary have been certifying properties and Nancy Hamilton for pulling together this an AAS Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary, have encouraged their friends and year’s volunteers and to Susan Breunig for visit our website at neighbors to join AAS and the Backyard creating tickets, organizing ticket sales and www.atlantaaudubon.org/aaswww/conserv Wildlife Sanctuary program. doing a tour analysis. Also, thanks go to all ation/sanctuary.htm.

By Barbara Tarpley Carol Vanderschaaf’s articleA about Rarethe I knewGlimpse it was a long shot and wasn’t elusive and endangered plant that has not Freedom Park Butterfly and Flower surprised when the Painted Bunting was been sighted in Corkscrew for at least 12 Garden encouraged me to write this reported as having been there earlier, but years. It appeared to be floating 45 to 50 article, which I hope is of some interest. alas it was already gone when I arrived. I feet in the air, but is actually growing on a I was invited by my sister and her husband suppose a trip to the coast for one of the 400 to 500-year-old Bald Cypress tree and to join them in Naples (alas Florida, not Coastal Birding Festivals is still calling my estimated to be 30 to 35 years old. Italy), an invitation I accepted with name. But, imagine my surprise, to learn The plant is native to southwest Florida alacrity. As I had never been to that the treat that was in store for me along the and Cuba. Its scientific name is derived particular area of Florida, I immediately boardwalk - the Ghost Orchid from its discoverer, the Belgian plant contacted Victor Williams since I had read (Dendrophylax lindenii or Polyrrzhia collector Jean Jules about his trips to Corkscrew Sanctuary lindenii) in bloom. Talk about serendipity. Linden, who first and the J. R. “Ding” Darling National I was at Corkscrew two days after it discovered this orchid Wildlife Area in a Spotlighting article by bloomed on June 23, and it flowered a in Cuba in 1844. It is Wendy Weathers. I was hoping for good second time in July when it earned the the subject of Susan news about my chances of seeing the name “super ghost.” Orlean’s novel The Painted Bunting, a bird sighting that I can’t Almost as interesting as the beautiful Orchid Thief, but she seem to time with my schedule….even flower is the story related to its discovery has never seen one in though Joe Greenberg insisted he saw one last year. One of the docents told me that bloom according to the a couple or three years ago at the Sunrise a birder looking for owls was data posted on the facility one block from my house. accompanied by a friend and botanist, Corkscrew Sanctuary Dendrophylax lindenii who happened to look up and see this website. Image Courtesy Mick Fournier October 2008 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 e-mail, preferably in .pdf format. Call 770.913.0511 if you have questions. Send payment to Wingbars Ads, Atlanta Audubon Society, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359. Send ads via e-mail to Catharine Kuchar at [email protected]. When You Come To The Mountains - Ask about the new Birder’s Guide to Fannin County! We feature Cole’s seed, Bird Songs of Georgia squirrel-proof feeders that truly are, houses, CD now available. hummingbird stuff, great books, Audubon optics, & hard to find Email Georgann Schmalz at hardware. Plus – 100’s of Ravensburger Puzzles, [email protected] or Music of the Spheres Chimes & a huge visit selection of educational toys and www.birdingadventuresinc.com games for kids!

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Order on our website: Website: www.workshopcreations.com E-Mail: [email protected] Tel: 770-448-5363 Fax: 770-448-5363 P.O. Box 921455, Norcross, GA 30010 2009 Photo Contest Calendar Designer

As a new and exciting feature of next year’s photo contest, we would like to create a calendar of all our winning photos. This calendar will be available for sale as a fundraiser project for Atlanta Audubon Society to support our conservation efforts. It will also be a great way to show off the 2009 Photo Contest winners.Q: So,What we speciesare looking for a volunteer who would be willing to create the calendar and workrecently with AAS dethroned staff to prepare the calendar for printing. Having calendar-creation software would be helpful. Early design the Arctic Tern as work would begin in January 2009 and final production can begin once our winners are announced in March or April. If interested, please contactthe bird Catharine with the Kuchar at [email protected]. longest migration? Take a gander at the fabulous pictures from our 2008 Photo Contest, posted on www.atlantaaudubon.org. See page ___ for the answer

Answer:Answer: Sooty EasternShearwater Meadowlark 10 Atlanta Audubon Society Seniors Enjoy LEARNING ABOUT BIRDS By Marilyn Harris Seniors told their bird stories in an autumn birding discussion led by AAS education team leader Marilyn Harris on Aug. 18 at the Frank Bailey Senior Center in Riverdale. The group of a dozen seniors from Clayton County has birded at William H. Reynolds Nature Preserve, and they are going to the E. L. Huie Land Application Facility (ELHLAF) when their binoculars arrive. The discussion was about feeding birds, the birds that are around now and which ones are leaving or are passing through, how to identify fall warblers, what we all can do to benefit birds, and what are the best birding websites. Using LEARNING ABOUT BIRDS materials, the group played “Ten Common Birds” concentration, not only naming the birds but describing the birds’ songs after listening to a tape. The group’s great idea is to make platform feeders out of old picture frames – their next project. Don’t Forget: International Day for the Elderly (Oct. 1).

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Wingbars is mailed only to Friends of Atlanta Audubon. All new National Audubon Society members receive an introductory copy and can continue to receive this newsletter by becoming a Friends of Atlanta Audubon member. Enrollment as a Friend of Atlanta Audubon does not include membership in the National Audubon Society. Thus, Now Available! you will not receive Audubon magazine. You can now renew your If you are not a Friend of AAS, please take this opportunity to fill out and return the form below. membership online. Just visit our Web site at www.atlantaaudubon.org Atlanta Audubon Society Membership Director, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359. and go to the membership page to You can also join online: www.atlantaaudubon.org. join via the Web. We are excited to be able to offer this new Friends of Atlanta Audubon Society service to you! J Make check payable to: J Basic Membership Atlanta Audubon Society J Individual ...... $25 BENEFITS Membership Director J Family...... $35 P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359 J Student...... $15 OF J Please charge my credit card: MEMBERSHIP J Amex J Diners Club J Discover J MasterCard J VISA J Contributing Membership...... $50 11 issues ______ Card Number Expiration Date J Supporting Membership...... $100 (July/August J Renewal J New Membership J Donor Membership ...... $250 combined) of Name ______Wingbars J Patron Membership...... $500 Newsletter Address ______Receive an official Atlanta Audubon T-shirt City______State ___ Zip ______ Friends discounts J Benefactor Membership...... $1,000 on classes, trips E-mail ______Receive above plus autographed copy Birds of Atlanta and special events Phone______J Interested in volunteering with AAS  Use of the AAS J Please send me information on planned giving opportunities through Atlanta Audubon Society’s Legacy Club library J Do not acknowledge my gift in Wingbars A great tax It is Atlanta Audubon Society’s policy not to share or sell our mailing list. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. deduction!

October 2008 11 Contest Co-Coordinator Atlanta Audubon Photo

rve as co-coordinator of the 2009 volunteer with IT experience to se We need a rk with Michael ntest. The co-coordinator will wo Atlanta Audubon Society Photo Co t (using the contest software, “ins and outs” of the photo contes Clifford to learn the est in managing the 2009 Photo Cont process, etc.), as well as assisting the judging h Michael’s ho is willing to learn the ropes wit competition. We want someone w the 2010 Photo Contest. guidance and take over managing

pportunity for AAS. Without a new n extremely important volunteer o This is a e to hold the he 2009 contest, we will be unabl coordinator coming on board for t lcome your assistance. 2010 competition, so we would we dinator, el Clifford, our photo contest coor If interested, please e-mail Micha at [email protected].

Would You Like to Save Trees? ATLANTA And save AAS time and monies AUDUBON in the process?? OFFICE If so, you can “opt out” of receiving your at Dunwoody Nature Center 5343 Roberts Drive monthly newsletter by mail and instead Dunwoody, GA 30338 read Wingbars on-line. Just send us a 770.913.0511 message at [email protected]., Send all mail fo and we’ll do the rest. The current issue is r posted at www.atlantaaudubon.org at the AAS to: beginning of the month. PO Box 29189 Atlanta, GA 30359

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE Atlanta Audubon Society P A I D Box 29189 • Atlanta, GA 30359 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Audubon Society is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Your donations are tax deductible to Permit #917 the fullest extent allowed by law.

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