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BLACK SWAMP BIRD OBSERVATORY
S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 4
BSBO NEWS
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
Director’s Perch 2
2014 Volunteer
Awards
3
Biggest Week In
American Birding
4
Bird Ohio Day 5
Research News 6-7
Education News 8-9
Conservation News 10
Donate the GUIA 11
Help BSBO 12-13
Welcome New
Members
13-14
Thank you to our
Donors
14-15
BSBO Membership
Renewal Form
16
BSBO Visitors’
Center Hours:
We are open
Friday, Saturday &
Sunday year 'round
from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
April & September:
Friday, Saturday,
Sunday, & Monday
from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
We are open every day in
May from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
419.898.4070
Black Swamp Bird Observatory: inspiring the
appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of birds and
their habitats through research, education and outreach.
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
P A G E 2 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S PERCH This might sound strange coming from the director of a bird
observatory, but I’ve been spending a lot of time talking to people
who know nothing about birds. And, truth be told, some of the
people I’ve been spending time with might not ever care about birds
in the way that you and I do. But that’s okay. Just as long as they
come away from our conversations with the awareness and
understanding of the economic value of habitat conservation, the
point that’s become a cornerstone of BSBO’s conservation message
since we started the Biggest Week In American Birding.
‘The Biggest Week’ is so much more than a great time for a whole
lot of birders. (And it certainly is that!) We’ve worked hard to leverage the economic
impact of birding tourism in northwest Ohio—$37 million each spring—to create a swell
of interest in habitat conservation. We’re talking to groups, organizations, and agencies
that we would never have imagined speaking to before we started the event! Northwest
Ohio Public Relations Society of America, Port Clinton Business and Professional
Women, Advertising Club of Toledo, Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development,
and Ohio Lake Erie Commission—just to name a few. What an amazing opportunity to
talk birds and habitat conservation with entirely new audiences!
The Biggest Week also allows us to engage the business community, which we believe is
crucial for the success of habitat conservation. BSBO’s Birds and Business Alliance
program offers cost-effective marketing of local businesses directly to birders. For a small
annual fee, participating businesses are exclusively listed on the Biggest Week In
American Birding website and in printed materials available through BSBO. The Alliance
also builds a network that allows BSBO to communicate with local businesses, offering
guidance about providing quality services for birders and information about bird
conservation issues in the region. And let’s face it, there’s no better time to talk about
conservation issues with folks who can help than right after you packed their
establishments with birding business!
And, as you’ll see as you read this issue of BSBO News, in addition to our work on the
Biggest Week, our education and research efforts are going full steam ahead, too! We’re
reaching thousands of people with our bird conservation message, and we’re doing it all
on a pretty small budget. We are a lean, mean, bird conservation machine, and with the
continued support of members like you, we’ll continue to do great things for birds--and
for people!
This is a wonderful time in BSBO’s history, and I’m proud to be a part of this team.
I hope you are, too!
Yours in bird conservation,
Kimberly Kaufman
Executive Director
Black Swamp
Bird Observatory Teaming Research with Education
to Promote Bird Conservation
13551 West St. Rt. 2
Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449
419 898-4070 (voice)
419 898-1363 (fax)
www.bsbo.org
Observatory Staff
Kimberly Kaufman
Executive Director
Mark Shieldcastle
Research Director
Kate Zimmerman
Education Director
Julie Shieldcastle
Research Project Field Supervisor
Lester Peyton
Outreach Director
Hugh Rose
Gift Shop Manager
BSBO Board
Chair
Barry McEwen
Vice Chair
Randy Kreager
Treasurer
Delores Cole
Secretary
Rob Ripma
Directors
Dr. Andy Jones
Doug Gray
Kenn Kaufman
Joe Komorowski
Jane Garling
Dr. Elliot Tramer
BSBO was nominated for one of the Toledo Press Club's Touchstone Awards for our efforts
to bring economic development to the region through the Biggest Week In American Birding. We didn't win, but just to be nominated and included with individuals and organizations who do so much for the community was a
tremendous honor! We are deeply grateful to Karen Fraker for nominating BSBO. Karen is a wonderful community leader, and it
means so much that she would feel our work was worthy of such a prestigious award.
And our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes time and energy to the Biggest Week. We talk a lot about how much the festival does to raise awareness of the value and importance of habitat
conservation; this is evidence of that. Without the remarkable team of volunteers who give so much to the festival, none of this would be possible.
P A G E 3 BSBO Volunteer Appreciation Picnic
2014 Conservation
Service Award
Tiffanie Hayes
Volunteer of the Year
Jim Mollenkopf
Tom Bartlett was
recognized for his incredible
contribution to BSBO’s
education programs through
his annual BIG SIT fundraiser
15-YEAR
VOLUNTEERS (NOT PICTURED)
MERIDITH BECK MARK BLEIM
Our heartfelt thanks to all of the amazing
volunteers who give so much to BSBO!
SPECIAL VOLUNTEER MILESTONES!
Five-Year Volunteers
Kelly McKinne, Sally Mogyordy, Karen Potts,
and Jill & John Bowers. Cindy & Jim Beckman,
Cheryl Harner,Laura Gooch, Darlene Sillick, El-
liot Tramer, Julie Davis, Tom Hissong, and
Liz McQuaid (not pictured)
Ten-Year Volunteers
Kenn Kaufman, Karen Mitchell,
and Kristin Mylecraine (not pictured)
Twenty-Year Volunteers
Tom Bartlett, Anita Manzec,
Hank & Sally Hiris, and Lee Garling.
Mary Lou Klein (not pictured)
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
Learn more about joining our volunteer team by visiting www.bsbo.org/volunteer
or by calling BSBO at 419.898.4070
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
P A G E 4
A YOUNG BIRDER’S THOUGHTS ON THE BIGGEST WEEK by Matthias Benko
2014 BIGGEST WEEK ACCOMPLISHMENTS
$14,000 FOR THE ‘SAVE THE GOLDEN-WING’ PROJECT WITH AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY
200 CONSERVATION STAMPS SOLD IN 10 DAYS
200 COPIES OF THE GUIA DE CAMPO A LAS AVES DE
NORTEAMERICA DONATED FOR CONSERVATION TRAINING PROGRAMS
$1,000 FOR THE FRIENDS OF MAGEE MARSH BOARDWALK RENOVATION
$1,000 FOR BLACK SWAMP CONSERVANCY
$1,000 FOR SANDUSKY COUNTY PARKS
$500 FOR THE OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
AUTO TOUR
$500 FOR THE SNOWY OWL PROJECT
Mark your calendars NOW
for the 2015 Biggest Week
In American Birding
May 8-17, 2015!
If you were told that you were going to travel to a place where birds drip from trees, would you
think it was a myth? If someone told me months ago, I certainly would have thought that the person
was exaggerating. However, my thoughts transformed when I experienced the Biggest Week in
American Birding.
The Biggest Week, a week-and-a-half-long festival celebrating spring migration, takes place in north-
western Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie. People from all over the world flock to this area in order
to experience the wonderful neotropical migrants passing through the area----warblers. There is
such a concentration of warblers here that the area is known as the “Warbler Capital of the World.”
The Biggest Week gives ample opportunities to birders to observe the beautiful migrants; for exam-
ple, there are daily guided bus trips around Erie County and walks on Magee Marsh Wildlife Area’s
famous boardwalk. Even though the bus trips last about nine hours, they are truly amazing experi-
ences for a variety of reasons.
My bus trip was called “The Wilds of Erie County.” First, our group of 12 people was driven to a
fantastic hotspot in Sandusky, Ohio, known as Pipe Creek Wildlife Area. Pipe Creek consists of
wooded areas and a series of marshes, providing perfect habitat for songbirds (including warblers),
rails, bitterns, herons, and ducks. We birded this area for an extensive amount of time, and the birds
did not disappoint. Some of the highlights at Pipe Creek were a Least Bittern, multiple Soras, and a handful of Black-crowned Night-
herons. After a relaxing lunch break at a local fast food restaurant, we headed out to the second and final destination of the day: Shel-
don Marsh. Sheldon Marsh is a sprawling expanse of deciduous forest with a nondescript marsh located close to the parking area.
Some highlights at Sheldon included a Veery, an Ovenbird, and two Brown Thrashers. We ended the day with exactly 100 species,
both birds we saw and heard.
The next day, I went on a guided walk of Magee Marsh Wildlife Area with Kenn and Kim Kaufman. I had been to the area the night
before and seen some pretty amazing species (Summer Tanager, Eastern Screech-Owl, Black-throated Blue Warbler, American
Woodcock), so I was eager for the morning to begin. Our group birded the Estuary Trail because birding with multiple people on the
boardwalk is quite difficult. This trail, which consists of a little beach, a wooded area, and an open area, was fantastic; along the way,
we had male Scarlet Tanagers, a Gray-cheeked Thrush, a male Magnolia Warbler, and a Blackburnian Warbler. On the trail, we saw
Common Terns over the water, a male Canada Warbler, a male Wilson’s Warbler, a Northern Waterthrush, and an American Rob-
in’s nest. This day yielded a lot of birds, pleasing my mood for the extensive four-hour drive to Indianapolis ahead.
The Biggest Week in American Birding is truly one of the best birding festivals in the world. I would highly recommend that every
birder go there at least once. Make sure to register for a room at Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center as soon as possible be-
cause the hotel becomes completely booked quite rapidly. The same thing goes for the bus trips; there are a limited number of spots,
so sign up right away! I sincerely hope to see you at Biggest Week 2015. It is a life-changing experience for all.
Matthias Benko
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
P A G E 5
BLACK SWAMP BIRDS
& BUSINESS ALLIANCE We encourage you to patronize
these establishments that support
the Observatory. Please tell them
that BSBO referred you, and
thank them for their support.
America’s Best Value Inn
Barnside Creamery
Bassett's Market
Bench Farms (SR-2)
Benchmark Prints
Birding Africa
BirdWatching Magazine
Birds and Beans Coffee
Birds & Blooms Magazine
Blackberry Corner Tavern
Brian Zwiebel Photography
BRANT
Camp Sabroske
Cheepers, Birding on a Budget
Common Grounds Coffee & Deli
Crazy Lady Saloon
DotNet Technology
DG’s Soft Ice Cream
Eagle Optics
Eagle's Nest Sweet Retreat
Five Bells Inn
Great Lakes Popcorn Co.
Greg Miller Birding
Jack's Superette
J. Conklin Consulting
Jet Express
Jordan Specialty Advertising
Holiday Inn Express - Oregon
Kaufman Field Guides
Kokomo Bay Restaurant
Kozy Corners
Leica Optics
Magee East Marina & Campground
Maumee Bay Lodge &
Conference Center
Maumee Bay General Store
McKenna’s Inn
Miller Boat Line
McCarthy's Restaurant & Pub
Naturally Avian
Ohio Telecom
Oregon Inn
Our Guest Inn & Suites
Our Sunset Place B & B
Riverview Industries, Inc.
Rock Ledge Inn Cottages
Sabrewing Nature Tours
Swarovski Optik USA
The Island House Resort
Time & Optics, Ltd.
Toledo Mud Hens
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours
Victorian Inn B & B
Wild Birds Unlimited - Toledo
On April 22, members of the BSBO staff,
along with three Ohio Young Birders Club
(OYBC) members and their families traveled
to Columbus, Ohio, to accept the official
resolution designating May 10, 2014, as the
first annual Bird Ohio Day, as adopted by the
Ohio State Senate on March 20, 2014. The
resolution was initiated and drafted by Black
Swamp Bird Observatory and sponsored by
Senator Randy Gardner and Representative
Chris Redfern.
The Bird Ohio Day resolution encourages
teachers to incorporate birds into their
lesson plans; encourages all citizens of the
state of Ohio to spend time outside enjoying
the spectacle of bird migration through our
state; calls attention to the economic impact of
bird tourism in Ohio; and urges all citizens to
be better stewards of the habitats migratory
birds rely on for their survival. The resolution
also helped educate Ohio Lawmakers on the
value of habitat conservation.
Senator Gardner gave the group a brief tour of the Statehouse, took us onto the floor of
the Senate, and spent time talking with each OYBC member. It was a special day for
BSBO, for the OYBC, and most importantly, for bird conservation in the State of Ohio.
Our sincere thanks to Senator Gardner for his support, and for all of the time and effort he
and his staff put into helping us make Bird Ohio Day a reality!
BSBO staff and board with Sen. Randy Gardner,
Rep. Chris Redfern,
Ann Longsworth-Orr,
representing Senator Sherrod Brown,
Chief Scott Zody,
Ohio Division of Wildlife, Larry Fletcher, Lake Erie
Shores & Islands,
Rich Nachazel, Destination Toledo, and Sandy Burris,
Friends of Magee Marsh
BSBO's Executive Director, Kimberly Kaufman,
along with Ohio Young Birders Club
members Doug Whitman, Ethan Rising, and Delaney Hayes, accept the
official Bird Ohio Day Resolution from Senator Randy Gardner
BIRD OHIO DAY: RAISING THE VALUE OF HABITAT
CONSERVATION TO A NEW LEVEL
The First Bird Ohio Day Ceremony
May 10, 2014
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
P A G E 6
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
RESEARCH NEWS: BY MARK SHIELDCASTLE
HELP US
CONTINUE
TO LEARN
MORE ABOUT
MIGRATORY
BIRDS AND
THEIR HABITAT
NEEDS AND...
ADOPT A
MIST NET
BSBO’s songbird
banding research
would not
be possible
without expensive
mist nets.
For just $75,
Adopt A Mist Net
and help support
our research.
To adopt a net,
please call
419-898-4070,
or visit our secure
website at:
bsbo.org
Thank you
for helping
us help
the birds!
BSBO’s long-term study to monitor
the population status of neotropical
migrants and to better understand
the relationship between en-route
habitat and their breeding ecology
is conducted on the Ottawa
National Wildlife Refuge complex
and neighboring lands, SE Michigan,
and at the Nature Center at Shaker
Lakes. Constant-effort mist netting
and point counts are conducted at
each site to document the spatial
and temporal use of the habitats by
different birds in spring and fall.
The spring 2014 data are still being compiled for our satellite stations but we can look at the
data from our main banding station, Navarre Marsh. Our banding totals at Navarre Marsh this
spring were 7,807 individuals, which is very close to the average number of birds banded each
spring (7,907 individuals). This spring will be remembered by the oddities, both present and
absent. We banded significantly more Louisiana Waterthrushes, Northern Waterthrushes ,
and Northern Parulas compared to significantly fewer White-throated Sparrows, Indigo
Buntings, Cedar Waxwings, and Lincoln Sparrows this spring compared to other years. The
high water levels at the Navarre Marsh banding station were reflected in the capture of the first
spring Belted Kingfisher, the second Solitary Sandpiper on record, and five Green Herons (only
one banded in the past 30 years!). Two of the several exciting highlights this spring include the
recapture of a “foreign” banded Wilson’s Warbler and Canada Warbler! The Wilson’s Warbler
was originally banded in September 2013 near Springfield, Illinois. The Canada Warbler was
originally banded by Pelee Island Bird Observatory in May 2011. Other highlights include the
capture of a Northern Mockingbird, the first in our station’s history, and the station’s second
record of Swainson’s Warbler.
Swainson’s Warbler
Spring 2014 1989-2013 Average
Species # Banded Species # Banded
Magnolia Warbler 615 Magnolia Warbler 644
Yellow-rumped Warbler 563 Yellow-rumped Warbler 563
Gray Catbird 459 White-throated Sparrow 522
American Redstart 449 Gray Catbird 413
Yellow Warbler 430 Yellow Warbler 376
Traill’s Flycatcher 340 Common Yellowthroat 322
Swainson’s Thrush 327 Traill’s Flycatcher 295
White-throated Sparrow 305 American Redstart 274
Common Yellowthroat 302 Swainson’s Thrush 244
Palm Warbler 233 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 209
Top Ten species for spring 2014 and the 1989-2013 average at the Navarre Banding Station
P A G E 7
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
COLONIAL WADING BIRD POPULATIONS MONITORING
We were able to complete our population monitoring field work on West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge
this summer. This is a cooperative project with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio Division of Wildlife, and
BSBO. BSBO is responsible for banding a sample of the herons and egrets on the island to provide information on
the dispersal of these birds. West Sister Island NWR is an important breeding area for
many of the colonial wading birds, such as Black-crowned Night-Heron, in the Great
Lakes region. The island holds 40% of all the nesting herons and egrets in the U.S. Great
Lakes.
We observed the average number of nesting pairs of Black-crowned Night-Herons,
Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Great Egrets, and Double-crested Cormorants on West
Sister Island. However, we observed the lowest number of nesting pairs of the Great
Blue Heron since the inception of the population monitoring surveys during the late
1980s. A possible explanation for the low numbers of Great Blue Heron nesting pairs
could be explained by the harsh winter of 2013-2014. The number of non-migrating
Great Blue Herons has continually increased since the record blizzard of 1978. You
might think, why stay here year round? The advantage these herons have by staying
year round is the ability to acquire prime nesting sites in the rookeries because most
migratory heron and egret species have not yet arrived to the area. Winter mortality is the risk that these non-
migratory herons are taking by staying year round in this area. Is the risk worth the payoff? This is the gamble
these birds take every year. Therefore, was the risk too great for these birds during the record cold temperatures
and snowfall in Ohio this past winter? We can’t say for sure, but during the spring thaw we received lots of reports
of deceased Great Blue Herons along waterways in NW Ohio. Next year’s breeding population survey may be
needed to better understand this year’s observations.
RESEARCH NEWS (CONTINUED)
Adult Black-crowned Night-Heron
OTTAWA
NATIONAL
WILDLIFE
REFUGE
AUTO TOUR
DATES
NOV. 16
DEC. 20-21
FEDERAL DUCK STAMPS MAKE WONDERFUL GIFTS!
P A G E 8
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
EDUCATION NEWS
Help us reach more
kids of all ages!
Donate to BSBO’s
education
programs at
www.bsbo.org
Benton-Carroll-Salem Schools; Magee Marsh Wildlife Area;
Ottawa NWR; The Oregon Public Library; Ottawa Soil &
Water Conservation District; Wright State University;
Hardin Northern High School; The University of Toledo;
Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist; Carroll-N-Company
4-H Club; Terra State Community College; Lake Erie
Islands Road Scholars Group; Otterbein Portage Valley
Retirement Community; Woodmore Elementary; Ohio
Association of Garden Clubs; Time & Optics; Stone Lab;
Pioneer Scout Reservation; Lakeside Chautauqua; Hayes
Presidential Center; Toledo Naturalists’ Association; OSU
Extension (Sandusky County); Boy Scouts of America
Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station; University of
Michigan; Ability Center of Ottawa County;
Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development;
NW Ohio Chapter of the Public Relations Society
of America, Port Clinton Business and Professional
Women; Oak Harbor Lions Club; Advertising Club
of Toledo; Port Clinton Lions Club; Ohio Lake Erie
Commission; Toledo Museum of Art; Ohio
Association of Garden Clubs; ; Schedel Gardens;
Shreve Migration Sensation; Amish Birding
Symposium; Blue Week ; Green Ribbon Initiative
Your BSBO education team has
been very busy! Each arrow below
includes partners we’ve worked with and
places and organizations we’ve given
programs for...
...JUST IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS
This amazing team of staff and volunteers
delivered programs directly to more
than 9,000 people of all ages!
We accomplished all this through
your support! Please help us
continue. In a few weeks, you’ll
receive a letter asking you to make an
end-of-the-year donation to BSBO.
We hope you will. We promise we’ll
keep doing good work for birds and
people with your support!
P A G E 9
OHIO YOUNG BIRDERS CLUB NEWS
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
The Ohio Young Birders Club
is supported by
memberships, sponsorships,
and donations.
Students,
membership is just $10
Adults,
please consider
becoming a friend
of the OYBC. For just
$20 a year, you can help
support the future of
bird conservation!
Your organization can
help the OYBC, too!
Organizations can
sponsor the OYBC at the
following levels:
$1,000 BALD EAGLE
$750 PEREGRINE FALCON
$500 RED-TAILED HAWK
$250 MERLIN
$100 AMERICAN KESTREL
Visit www.oybc.org
and join or donate through
our secure online
PayPal service,
or contact BSBO
at 419-898-4070 to
pay over the phone
Thanks to the support of BSBO members and donors, BSBO recently
added a new member to our team! Lester Peyton joins us as our
Outreach Director, in charge of helping to share BSBO’s message with
the community.
Lester is a Master Bird Bander who combines this skill with tremen-
dous experience in environmental education. He's a first-rate birder
who has led field trips for groups across the state, including being one of
the key field trip leaders for the Biggest Week In American Birding.
These skills, combined with Lester's commitment to bird conservation,
make him a wonderful addition to the BSBO team.
BSBO WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBER!
Students Against Balloon Releases (SABR) is a partnership between Black
Swamp Bird Observatory and Benton-Carroll -Salem Schools. The program seeks to educate students about the value of conserving natural resources, the dangers and wastefulness of mass balloon / sky lantern releases and other forms of litter,
and to empower them with the knowledge to educate others. Led by BSBO’s Conservation Outreach Specialist, Tiffanie Hayes, SABR has already achieved great success. We worked with BSC Schools to discontinue their
homecoming balloon release, and SABR volunteers handed out really cool pom- poms to students as a better and more eco-friendly way to show their school pride! SABR volunteers presented programs to 200 first and fourth grade
students, and hosted a poster contest for these students. Winners from each classroom received a free set of Kaufman Field Guides to share with their class!
Mylar & latex balloons can be dangerous for birds and wildlife
When balloons are released, their strings often become entangled
around birds and other wildlife causing starvation and death.
Both are falsely marketed as “100% biodegradable.”
In reality, they pop and fall back to the ground where they can
remain for months--even years. Deflated balloons look like food to birds and wildlife, often resulting in death.
Where do balloons go when they are released into the atmosphere?
Many people think they simply vanish, but the reality is that they can travel for thousands of miles before deflating and
falling back to the ground as Ugly Litter.
Many states have banned mass-littering events with balloons
and sky lanterns.
Massive fires ignite when mylar balloons float into high
tension power lines.
Sky lanterns are set on fire and released with no control
over when or where they land, sometimes resulting in
massive fires.
Logo designed
by Scott Arvin
Guillemot killed by deflated
balloon and string
Ric
ha
rd G
ilbe
rt
Balloons Stuck on
Power Lines
Tiffa
nie
Ha
ye
s
BSBO PARTNERS WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS
TO CREATE NEW CONSERVATION PROGRAM
For more information on the dangers of balloon release and safer
alternatives, visit www.balloonsblow.org
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
P A G E 1 0
WIND ENERGY UPDATE
Millions of birds cross Lake Erie during spring and fall migration. For many of these tiny birds, crossing the lake
is an arduous task that leaves them completely exhausted. A Lake Erie charter boat captain sent us these photos of a Golden-crowned Kinglet and a Nashville Warbler that were so exhausted during their crossing
that they landed on the first safe haven they came to—fishermen on a boat.
We hear stories of this happening on the Gulf of Mexico and other vast bodies of water that migratory birds must cross. But how many of you ever stopped to consider that for birds weighing considerably less than an
ounce, Lake Erie poses the same kind of challenge?
These images are evidence of how imperative it is to protect habitat for migratory birds. Yes, it might seem
cool that birds would land on people on a boat out in the Lake. But the bottom line is that these birds were exhausted enough to land on people, and obviously flying low enough to spot this temporary refuge, putting
them within the reach of things like wind turbines.
Lake Erie—and the air column over it—is crucial habitat for migratory birds. We've got to do all that we can to ensure that it is protected. Here at BSBO, we are working hard to do that, and we hope you'll help us.
CONSERVATION NEWS
ASTONISHING EVIDENCE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF
PROTECTING LAKE ERIE’S MIGRATORY BIRD HABITAT
BSBO continues to advocate for bird-smart wind energy with a multi-pronged approach.
PUSHING BACK AGAINST THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY After hearing that the Blue Creek wind farm in Van Wert and Portage counties, Ohio, was killing a much higher
number of birds and bats than expected, BSBO submitted a request for post-construction mortality data under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Iberdrola Renewables, owner and operator of the project, has refused to release the data, using their attorneys to fight our request under the excuse that the data contains “trade secrets.” We submitted our request for data to the Ohio Power Siting Board, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Ohio
Department of Natural Resources. BSBO will continue to push for this data to be released in order to allow informed decision making about the placement of future wind energy projects and their impacts to birds and wildlife.
FIGHTING THE LACK OF SOUND PRE- AND POST-CONSTRUCTION STUDIES In evaluating the environmental assessments for wind energy projects such as Camp Perry, Lake Erie Business
Park, and most recently the LEEDCo “Icebreaker” project proposed for Lake Erie, BSBO and our partners at American Bird Conservancy have been appalled at the insufficiencies of these documents. We are not alone in our opinion of the failure of these documents. State and federal wildlife agencies agree with us. We are working
with the agencies and lawmakers to improve the methodology behind these studies in order to more accurately and effectively assess the impacts of wind energy on birds.
RADAR STUDIES WITH USGS BSBO’s research team is working closely with U.S. Geological Survey to conduct marine radar studies to document not only the volume of birds passing through the area during migration, but also the ascent / descent rate of the birds as they drop into and rise out of stopover habi-tat in northwest Ohio. This will allow BSBO to develop a position (based on sound science) on how far back from the Lake shore we must keep
wind turbines. LEEDCo ICEBREAKER PROJECT
BSBO is working with American Bird Conservancy to evaluate this project that proposes an initial six turbines in the Central Basin of Lake Erie, seven miles off the coast of Cleveland. The project goal is a future build out of more than 1,000 turbines. The pre-construction environ-mental impact studies were very weak, and BSBO and ABC are working with representatives from the company to educate them on the insuf-
ficiencies of their data. WIND ENERGY SHOULD BE REGULATED
BSBO is working to build contacts with lawmakers to advocate for the introduction of bird-smart wind energy legislation in Ohio. IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS (IBAs)
BSBO is working with National Audubon Society and many partners and stakeholders here in Ohio to strengthen Ohio’s Important Bird Areas program. Please support BSBO’s conservation efforts by making a donation through our secure online website, www.bsbo.org, or by calling us at
419.898.4070.
P A G E 1 1
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
In the spring of 2005, Kenn Kaufman’s Field Guide to the Birds of North America became the
first field guide to the birds of the US and Canada to ever to be published in Spanish. Kenn's vision for Guia de campo a las aves de Norteamerica was to help recruit scores of new birders from among the more than 28 million Americans who speak Spanish at home. The hope is that
the more people we can awaken to the beauty and importance of our natural world, the more support we win for conservation. Black Swamp Bird Observatory believes in Kenn’s vision so we put together the DONATE THE
GUIA program to help get this book into the hands of people who can really use it. We’re working with many partners to help distribute copies of the GUIA to organizations and individuals who are using the books for conservation outreach programs.
For just $12, YOU can send a copy of this valuable outreach tool to our partners! Call BSBO at 419-898-4070, visit www.bsbo.org/donate-the-guia or stop by the BSBO gift shop to
donate a copy today!
Guias donated in honor of friends and loved ones make GREAT gifts!
Call 419-898-4070, visit www.bsbo.org, or stop by the
BSBO Gift Shop to Donate a Guia, TODAY!
DONATE THE GUIA PROGRAM
BSBO FOCUS ON DIVERSITY
Judith Amrose
Alyssa Batzer Kimberly Batzer Joseph Benenate
Matthias Benko
Zoltan Benko Stanley Blackstone Robert Bochenek
Larry Bowdre Patricia Brannon Judy Cannon
Ryan Cook Ty Cook Deb Cooney
Dean Davis Fran Davis John Disterhoft
Cynthia Dooley Diane Evans Bob Finkelstein
Dale Forbes Carolyn Garber Jim Garber
Jane Garling
Alan C. Garrett Carol AnnGarrett Richard Gelbard
Abe George Janis George Jessica George
Janice Giesken Heather Giroux Keith Giroux
Kyron Giroux
Vincent Griesemer Sue Grisko Tom Grisko
Denise Haning
Thelma Harms Delaney Hayes John Hayes
Roger Heller Firmin Hickey Marie Hickey
Mary Hill Cate Hopkinson Mark Hopkinson
Katherine Hopper Josh Hunt William Hutchison
James Jeffery RosemarieJeffery Carlyn Jervis
Thomas Jervis Barbara Josephson David Josephson
Ritzie Junker
Cynthia Krakowski Jim Krakowski Randy Kreager
Raymond Kutnar Andrea Lanni JP Lawrence
Kim Lawrence Wade Lawrence Thomas Lebryk
Erica Locke
Jonas Locke Paula Lozano Barb Lucas
Barry McEwen
Cathy McEwen Sarah McKillip Janet McLean
Ilene Meyer Sharon Miller Tom Miller
Katrina Moilanen Dianne Noice William Noice
Amy Ogburn John Ogburn Paul Olson
Carol Ortenzio George Pagos Terry Pagos
Donna Pennington Joel Pennington Aidan Place
Andrew Place
Ted Pobud Ginger Pomiecko Barbara Quinlan
Barry Ramsey Julie Ramsey Brian Rippon
Cindy Rowe Kelli Rule Don Runker
Mary Rust
Tom Rust April Sayre Jeff Sayre
Cindy Shilkret
Donna Madrid-Simonetti Eric Smith Jay Smith
Kim Smith Katie Sumner Nancy Sumner
Ruth Swartzendruber Thomas Taylor Cathleen Tuley
Ann Ellen Tuomey Jim Tuomey Judy Volin
Brian Wargo Paul West Lewis Whitman
Mary Whitman Robert Williams Chris Wills
Teri Wills
Debra Witter Karen Zach
THANK YOU TO OUR GUIA DONORS
P A G E 1 2
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
WE’RE GONNA FLY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS
VOLUNTEER WITH US!
Black Swamp Bird Observatory could not function without the assistance of volunteers. You
may choose to help occasionally or regularly, as your schedule permits. No experience is necessary.
Benefits: Opportunities to learn, share with others who have
similar interests, and promote the Bird Observatory’s mission. Please contact us by phone at 419 898-4070, or email staff@bsbo.org
to join the team! Gift Shop and BSBO Office
Meet people from all over the world, help BSBO do all the “behind-the-scenes” work that is so vital to the Observatory’s
success. Answer the phone (that thing NEVER stops ringing these days!), greet customers in the gift shop, ring up sales, interact with
visitors and answer questions. Data entry and clerical work:
Many of our programs and projects require hundreds of hours of data entry and clerical work. The job might not be all
that exciting, but it’s an integral part of research. We REALLY appreciate the people who help us
out with this task ---like Tracy Marr, for example! :-) Adopt-A-Highway / Clean Up:
Help keep our stretch of St. Rt. 2 Clean. We also need help cleaning gutters, cutting brush along our walking trail, and keeping BSBO
look beee-u-tee-ful! Passerine Banding Station:
Volunteers needed 7 days per week during spring and fall migration. The spring season runs from mid-April to early June and
the fall season is from mid August to mid-October. Volunteers must attend a mandatory fall training
workshop to participate in this project. BSBO Booth/Display:
We are looking for volunteers to help work our booth and portable store at various festivals and events. It’s a lot of fun and it
really helps spread the BSBO message!
ANNA MACKE MIKOLAJCZYK “WINDOW ON WILDLIFE” NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Anna’s Window has brought the joy of
discovery to so many lives. We have
thoroughly enjoyed watching as our visitors
make their way into Anna’s room, waiting
to hear the intake of breath, followed by the
“ooohs & aaahs” as they see the scene
before them through her window. Our bird
feeders are kept full and clean by donations
to Anna’s Window on Wildlife fund.
Please help us replenish our bird seed stash! The resident and migrant birds (and
possibly a squirrel and opossum) around the BSBO grounds will thank you!
Donations can be made online at www.bsbobird.org, or by mailing a check to
Black Swamp Bird Observatory
13551 W. St. Rt. 2 • Oak Harbor, OH • 43449
Please indicate “Anna’s Window” in the memo line.
BSBO WISH LIST EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
Mist Nets for our research ($75 per
net)
Bird Seed and Suet for our feeders
HP LaserJet 05A Black Ink/Toner
Cartridge
Large plotter printer
Cases of copy paper
Cases of paper towels and toilet
paper
RETAIL GIFT CARDS
Staples or OfficeMax for office
supplies
Home Depot or Lowe’s for
maintenance supplies
Gas Cards to help fuel the BSBO
Bird Bus (NO BP GAS CARDS,
please!)
P A G E 1 3
PLEASE CONSIDER A GIFT TO BSBO IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING
You can help ensure the future of our research and education efforts by including
Black Swamp Bird Observatory in your estate plans.
Bequests of any size are gratefully accepted.
You will help us continue to help birds and conserve their habitats when
you name Black Swamp Bird Observatory to receive:
A specific dollar amount
A percentage of your estate's value
All or part of the remainder of your estate in your will or trust
All or part of the proceeds of a Life Insurance policy or Retirement Plan
Before completing your bequest to Black Swamp Bird Observatory,
please contact us to ensure that your philanthropic goals will be met.
Leave a
legacy—
remember
BSBO in
your estate
planning.
HELP SECURE BSBO’S FUTURE THROUGH PLANNED GIVING
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS FRIENDS Jeff and Cris Cox
SUPPORTING Robert Clarke
Keith & Paula Davis
John Dwyer Thomas Jervis Jim & Becky Sillery
Amanda and Edward Wolski FAMILY
Christine Adams Holden Baker
Jerry & Carolyn Barnhart Wendy Becker Steve Berry
Dave & Kathy Billings Adam Blank Patricia Blaskovic
Jen Brenke Jeannie Burnett William Meltzer & Catherine
Malkin Beth Clapper
Marilyn Cooley
Jane Coombs Nigel Cunliffe Thomas Dankowski Donald & Jackie Dann
Earl Decker Carl Dister Carol & Larry Dole
Greg DuBois Joan Duprey Tom Embaugh
Paul Evans
Paul Farrell Tracy Ficker
Deborah Fisher Jennifer Gaydos
Richard Gelbard
Jill Goldman Ken Ondo & Irene Gorta William Hall
Patrick Hogan Carol Holdcraft Randy Holmes Marianne Hosford
Ben & Margaret Humphrey Rosemarie Jeffery Georgia Kaufman
Martha Klems Deanna Lammie Rosanna Lane
Peter Lavalette Karen & Warren Leow Gary & Linda Mansfield
Pat & Ken Mauer John & Gail McCain
Linda Michaels
Susan Nicolaisen Don Niece Scott Norviel Greg Okoniewski
Tom Patt Kay & Mike Patterson Marsha Penner
Amy Popp Michelle Radtkin Catherine Ripma
Michaelina Schimming
Ronald & Hollie Scott Marian Sebastiano
William Stano Patricia & Walter Starr
Judy & Robert Sudomir
Rebecca Szabo Janice Tartell Jean Tatalias
Rachel Tayse Rebecca Traxler David Van Fleet Rafael & Leticia Villalobos
Adelynne Waldie Kimberly Warner Justina Weyman
Elizabeth Williams Richard Williams Susan Yorke
INDIVIDUAL Patricia Adams Ann Adjutant
Wynne Antonio Coralee Armstrong
Deborah Arthur
Judith Bailey Richard Banish Maureen Bardusk Kathleen Beard
Ann Bickford Benedikt Bierwisch Stanley Blackstone
Liz Boakram Susan Breisch Norma Bruce
Pat Buchanan
Harold & Camille Buchanan Jennifer Carter-Cornell
Benito Chia Jules Christensen
Linn Chuck
Ken Clarke Cheryl Coomez Michele Cote
Daniel Countryman Joanna Crewe Susan Curtis Sue Czech
Laura Dale William Davies Jodie DeLamatre
Kathy Dickey Jim Diebel Carol Dolgosh
Marilynn Dunn Jayme Duris Karen Fairweather
Elaine Fischhoff Marta Fisher
Mary Flood
David Frahlich Julie Frazier Janine Free Laura Fuderer
Brian Garrett Becky Gatewood Barbara Gee
*Continued on page 14
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
P A G E 1 4
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS (CONTINUED) INDIVIDUAL
Janice Giesken
Mike & Karen Gillen Michael Glinka Sandra Gratop
Catherine Green Barbara Hamelberg Jennifer Hamilton
Mary Hansen Jerry Harness Diana Harris Susan Hedler
Lee Hermandorfer Firmin Hickey Mary High
Cathy Hodge Wendy Hogrefe Elizabeth Holloway
Helen Holmgren Sheila Horowitz
Sue Hunter
LaDean Hutter Donna Johnson Bill Jones
Rosemary Kelly
Kathy Kepler Meishia Kernahan
Jeff Lamson Christine Larson Denise Lesko
John Lever Elizabeth Loesch Dafna Lotan
Ann Maddox Marcia McCintire Kathy McClain Bonnie McGrady
Gregory Miller Lyn Miller Sally Deems-Mogyordy
Karen Neff Kathleen Neugebauer Linda Oatley
Paul Olson Kellie Orshoski
Carol Pankratz
Paul & Margie Patton Sharon Pawlowski Arlene Pepera
Kathy Petersen
Katie Phillips Norma Portwood-Stacer
Kelly Quinn Nancy Radding Jeff Rader
Lesile Redmon Kay Regester Sarah Reinschmidt
Mary Ann Renz Suzanne Reta Kelly Riccetti Rosalyn Rinehart
Mandy Roberts Jan Rogers Mary Ann Rose
Robert Ross Margery Rutbell Ray Schaffer
Steven Schellenger Jane Schroeder
Marianne Shaffer
Stephanie Siddens Marsha Siglow James Smucker
Joe Staab
Timothy Stelzer Lee Sterrenburg
Natalie Swonger Linda Tate Lili Taylor
Martin Tilson Julius Toth Laurie Voss
Peggy Lee Wait John Wargo Brenda Warner Ann Waters
Susan Weaver Jeff Wentz JoAnn Whitmore
Larry Wilson Sandy Winland Cheryl Yarger
Elissa Young Gary Zirulnik
Oak Harbor Lions Club
*As of September 31, 2014
Thank you to all of our new members!
Our work depends on the support of our members like YOU.
Harris Abramson
Alula Birding & Natural History Tours Claudia Anders
Anonymous Clark Co Audubon Columbus Audubon Janice Avery
Ellen Avril Susan Wilkinson & David Axt Paul Baicich
Maclyn & Carol Ball Carla Barbaro Tom & Paula Bartlett
Barbara Bauer Ronald Becker Joe Benenate
Mark & Joanna Bennett Ann & John Benzon Barbara Berg
Joy Berlin Birds and Beans LLC
Tim Bischoff Stanley Blackstone
Robert Bochenek Nancy Bogart Meiring Borcherds
Jill & John Bowers John Brandan Susan Breisch
Gerry Brevoort Dale Broder Lisa Brohl
Erik Bruder
Ann Buchanan Garnet Byrne Craig Caldwell
Archie & Chey Call June Campbell Earl & Thurid Campbell Tony Carapella
Deborah Carr-Taylor Yvonne Cecil Laura Ceperly
Lisa Chapman Joan Clapp Rita Claypool
Timothy Cotts Jeff & Becky Cullen Scott Daniel
Lynn Daugherty Anne Dayer Jodie DeLamatre
Phyllis Devlin Jan Dixon
Paul Druckenmiller James Eidemiller
Michael Elbrecht Nancy Elmore Donna Emerson
Paul Farrell Bill & Jo Fedor Sherry Ferrell
Mark Filter Bonnie Fish Thomas Fishburn
Joseph Forte
David Freeman Rev. Mark Frey Michael & Guinivere Gallaway
Lee & Jane Garling Elizabeth Garney Scott & Cathy Garrett Brenda Gates
Cindy Gatewood Denise Gehring John Geither
Laura Gooch & David Kazdan Irene Gorta Kathryn Greisen
Deborah & David Griffith Kathryn Griffiths John Guenin
Ann & Martin Gulbransen Ed Gustafson Donna Gyde
Kathy Nicholson & Susanne Hanno
Norman & Ann Hannon Elizabeth Hardesty
Lynn & Greg Harris Mark Harrison Thomas Haskins
Tiffanie Hayes William Heck Eugene & June Hegemier
Maurice Henning Steve Henthorne Bev Hesse
Margaret Hiett
Loren Hintz Patrick Hogan Nathan Holewinski
Dallas & Linda Howard Ronald Howenstine Keith & Georgiana Huizenga Robert Hunt
David & Cathy Hunter Debra Ikeman Claire Johnson
Susan Johnson Dean & Trudy Johnson Andrew Jones
Barbara Kahler Rosemary Kelly George Klein
Kay Kramarz Randy & Nancy Kreager Kenneth & Kathy Krepley
Jane & Ray Kruse Thomas Kuenzli
Rosanna Lane Gretchen Larson
Martha Latshaw Kay Lauerer Walter Levernier
Fred & Kathi Lieb Jackie & Bill Light
*Continued on next page...
B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y
P A G E 1 5
MEMORIAL
DONATIONS
In Memory of... Pat Watkins Lucy Zach Harold Ashley
Tina Walker Kelly Skinner Kathleen Acker
GIFTS WE
HAVE RECEIVED
EMPLOYER MATCH
Nancy Andersen
Jayme Duris
Carol Leininger
Tracy Marr
John Stein
Anonymous
Pat Whitesides &
Donald Bauman
ADOPT-A-MIST
NET
2 Large Bat Houses: Mike Rule
Bird Feeders: Steve Sergio
Duck Painting Kits & Book:
Robert Moyer
Bird Seed & Suet Cakes: Walmart
(Fremont, OH)
8’ Folding Table & Home Depot Gift Card:
Dia Staniszewski
Glass Bowl: Lee & Jane Garling
Relief Wood Carving: Bob Vanhoff
120lbs. Sunflower Seed: Candace Patz
Bird Seed: Crary Family
Book: Barb & Dan Myers
Suet Cakes: Amy Hanney
Books: Hugh Rose
Epson LCD Projector: Paul Owens
InFocus Projector: Candace Patz
Gift Certificate: Erie Shores
Chiropractic
Gift Certificate: Hand-in-Hand
Nail Design
8x42 Prostaff 5 Binocular: Nikon
Bird Feeders: Wild Birds Unlimited of
Erie, PA
Vacation Package: Victor Emanuel
Nature Tours, Inc.
Backpacks, science calculators, assorted
office supplies: Donald Masaitis
DONORS (CONTINUED) Mary Line
Dafna Lotan Paula Lozano Ronnie Macko
Ann Maddox Anita Manzeck Daniel Marchant Bernie Master
Clinton Mauk Thomas May Trish McCartney
Dorothy McDowell Patty McKelvey Janet McLean
Elizabeth McQuaid William & Catherine Malkin Meltzer
Frank Merritt Ilene Meyer Doris Midili
Dr. John & Joyce Millar Michael & Cathy Moore Janice Morrow Robert Morton
Jerry Motter Lynn & Bob Moyer Nan & Lin Nester
Ed & Bev Neubauer
Robike Noll-Faries Stacy O'Hair Ohio Association of
Garden Clubs Paul Olson Constance Oney Doug Overacker
Fern Overbaugh Barbara Padgett Jack Papp
Nancy Parry Barb Partington Candace Patz
Jane & Ron Payne William & Carol Pfeifer John Phelps
Jessica Philpott Randy Pinkston Matthew & Deborah Plotts
Edward Powers Jeff Powers Dr. & Mrs. Leon Putnam Marsha Randall
Frances Repperger Paula Reynosa Kelly Riccetti
Glenn & Mary Richter
Jay Rine Tom & Mary Anne Romito Judy Kolo-Rose & Hugh Rose
Ann & Howard Rosenberg Cynthia Rudick Bill & Marge Rupp Wesley Sadler
Jen Sauter Kurt & Debbie Schroeder Carol Schwierking
John & Betsy Searight Mary Ann Sergio Beulah Shanks
Rebecca Shemenski Mark Shieldcastle Irwin & Melinda Simon
Julia & Dan Smith Julia Smith Jack Solomon
Lynn Spencer Mary St John Cindy Stahl-Yuhas John Stein
Robert Styer Bert Szabo Martin Tilson
Bill & Ann Toneff
Sue & Lee Tooman Christine Tratnyek Margy & Scott Trumbull
Laraine Turk Richard Tuttle Tammi Ventura Lawrence & Christy Virgin
Dan & Patricia Voydanoff Tom Wasilewski Ann Waters
Jim & Cynthia Waymer Julie West & Gary Neuman Dennis & Nancy Whalen
Lewis Whitman Dorinda Whitsett John & Judy Wilkinson
James Wilson Tim & Amy Winnicki Allen Wolf
Francisco Wong Gary & Jaqueline Yambert Karen Zach Fred Zimmerman
*As of September 31, 2014
Walmart Foundation
Verizon
GE Foundation
United Health Group
Bellevue United
Selective Fund
Bank of America
State Employees’
Community Campaign
Black Swamp Bird Observatory 13551 W. State Route 2
Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449 www.bsbo.org 419-898-4070
We are located just inside the entrance
to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
"Teaming Research with Education
to Promote Bird Conservation”
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
Oak Harbor, OH 43449
Permit No. 87
Address Service Requested
Printed on Recycled Paper with Soy Ink
Mail to: Black Swamp Bird Observatory, 13551 W. State Route 2, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449
Black Swamp Bird Observatory
Membership Renewal
Name: _________________________________________________
Organization: ___________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
City: __________________________ State: ______ Zip: ________
Phone: ___________________ Email: ____________________________________
Gift Membership from: _________________________________________________
Yes, I want to conserve trees and expense; sign me up for electronic delivery of the BSBO quarterly newsletter.
$ _______ Donation Amount - Yes, I would like to make a donation to help support BSBO! $ _______ Annual Fund $ _______ Membership Dues $ _______ Total Amount Enclosed (Please make checks payable to BSBO) Are you interested in volunteering? How? _________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
__ $15 Student (24 and under)
__ $35 Individual
__ $25 Individual Senior (60 +)
__ $40 Family
__ $100 Supporting
__ $250 Friends
__ $500 Sustaining
Time to renew your BSBO Membership
Recommended