Catch and TagCatch and TagCatch and TagCatch and Tag Migrating Monarchs Migrating Monarchs Migrating Monarchs Migrating Monarchs Saturday, August 25 (raindate: Sunday, August 26)

1:00 pm Green Lake Area

Families, friends, young and old alike, can participate in the autumn migration of monarch butterflies on Saturday, August 25 (Rain date: August 26) from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. We will meet at the Londowski farm (see below for directions) where there will be a short orientation and a demonstration of the tagging process. Then participants will head out to the clover and alfalfa fields on the farm to net monarchs and attach numbered tags to their wings, record data, and release them as part of a nationwide research project by the University of Kansas called MonarchWatch (www.monarchwatch.org). These amazing fliers will migrate 1800 miles to spend the winter in the mountains of central Mexico. This event is suitable for children four years and up. We recommend that children wear long pants, shoes and socks. It is free to Winnebago Audubon members. The non-member fee is $5.00 per adult and $3.00 per child 17 years and under. Pre-registration is not required. Non-members may join at the event for only $20.00 for a one year family membership. A limited number of butterfly nets will be available, so please bring your own if you have one. Teachers or families who are raising monarchs and are interested in tagging their butterflies may contact Dave Moon for tags and forms at 920-235-4429 or djmoon@northnet.net. CARPOOL: If you would like to carpool, meet at Carl Traeger School, in the eastside parking lot, 3000 W. 20th Ave., Oshkosh. Arrive early to depart at 12:15 pm. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Meet us at the Londowski farm at 1:00 pm. From Hwy. 44 drive southwest of Oshkosh take Hwy. 91 to Berlin. In Berlin turn left (south) on Hwy. 49 to County Road J. Turn right on County Road J. The Londowski farm is one mile down the road.

August-September 2012 All programs and activities are open to the public Vol. 33, No. 2

P.O. Box 184, Oshkosh, WI 54903 � Published eight times a year Editor: Janet Wissink, 7035 Mountain Rd., Pickett, WI 54964 � 920-589-2602 � wiss@centurytel.net

Check our website for up-to-date information: www.winaudubon.org

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Prairie Walk on the Wiouwash

Sunday, September 9 1:30 pm

A fun, educational walk for the whole family to a prairie remnant on the Wiouwash Trail.

Winnebago Audubon invites everyone to join us on Sunday, September 9 for an exploration of the nature and beauty of the prairie on the Wiouwash Trail. We will meet at 1:30 pm in the Wiouwash Recreation Trail parking lot on County Road GG north of Oshkosh. Anita Carpenter and Tom Underwood will escort us through one of the prairie remnants that still retains some of its character of pre-settlement times. These remnant prairies along the trail are part of a State Natural Area. With Anita’s acute observational skills when it comes to insects and other critters, and Tom’s knowledge of the prairie plants and habitat, you can count on this to be an interesting afternoon for the whole family. We may even have the opportunity to tag monarch butterflies. The outing will begin at County Road GG, where the county maintains a small parking lot, and move north along the converted railroad grade. Dress for a mile and a half of easy walking and weather conditions. This field trip is free and open to the public. Call Dave Hanke with your questions at (920) 688-2907. DIRECTIONS: There are many ways to reach the parking lot on County Road GG, but here are directions from Hwy. 76. County Road GG crosses Hwy. 76 about 1/2 mile north of the Hwy. 76/41 interchange on the north side of Oshkosh. Go west on GG about 2 miles to the Wiouwash Recreation Trail crossing.

See page 2 for more activities: Chimney Swift Sit Land of the Thunder Dragon

Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon Presenter: Chubzang Tangbi

Wednesday, September 19 6:30 pm Evergreen Retirement Community 1130 N. Westfield St., Oshkosh The Commons (lower level) Joint program with Oshkosh Bird Club The ancient kingdom of Bhutan will unfold before your eyes when Winnebago Audubon and the Oshkosh Bird Club provide an opportunity for native Bhutanese Chubzang Tangbi to share with us his country of Bhutan. He brings to life the beauty of the Himalayan landscapes, sacred temples and deeply rooted culture filled with colorful festivals in an entertaining photo presentation. Chubzang is a photographer and premier birder and a tour guide with the Langur Eco Travels of Bhutan. His country was closed to outside visitors until 1970. Today, Chubzang is dedicating his life to share the wonders of his homeland with others. The presentation will take you trekking across the breathtaking high mountain passes, through alpine forests to see the magnificent hillside fortress-monasteries dzongs, to participate in the pageantry of the colorful festivals while experiencing the abundant flora, and discovering its wide diversity of birds and wildlife. Only half the size of Indiana, Bhutan is considered one of the world's top ten biodiversity hot spots. Its deeply rooted culture of Tantric Mahayana Buddhism stresses that inhabitants take care of the land and maintain the pristine environment in order that life thrives. Bhutan is one of the few unspoiled areas remaining in the world. The country mandates that two-thirds of the land remains under forest cover respecting the ancient landscape. This event promises to be an intriguing armchair journey into one of the world's truly remote ancient kingdoms. Join us for this free presentation on the country of Bhutan and it’s unspoiled natural treasures.

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Chimney Swift Sit Choose your dates: Aug. 30, 31, Sept. 1, 2, or 3 It’s easy and fun to help!

Those little, dark, flying cigars that we have seen every summer day over the streets of Oshkosh for years are in decline. These birds, called Chimney Swifts, use the human structure of a chimney for both a nest site and a communal roosting site. Perhaps they are declining due to a loss of these sites, or due to fewer flying insects--their main food supply--or for some other reasons. No one is sure. To try to understand what is occurring and to reverse the decline in numbers of the swifts, members of the Oshkosh Bird Club, Winnebago Audubon Society, and any other interested persons, will be trying to determine some of the chimneys that are being used by these birds at about dusk on the evenings of 30 and 31 August, and 1, 2, or 3 September 2012. All that is required is watching a designated chimney for about half an hour just before dark to see if any Chimney Swifts are using it, and if so, how many. The observer is asked to note the location of the chimney (street address or intersection), date and time of the observation, weather conditions, type of roost structure (such as house chimney, school chimney, large industrial chimney, etc.), and the number of swifts seen entering the structure. The observer’s name, address, phone number, and email address are also required. Once the information is gathered it should be sent to Bettie Harriman (via email would be best). If you would like to help with this project contact: Bettie Harriman, Oshkosh Bird Club at 920-233-1973 or bettie@new.rr.com before 30 August 2012.

Winnebago Audubon recently presented the Great Egret Award to Anita Carpenter in recognition of her 32 years of outstanding service to their chapter of the National Audubon Society. Anita is a charter member and has served over the years as President, Vice-President, field trip leader and program presenter. One of her greatest contributions has been writing a column for the chapter newsletter, “The Lake Flyer” since its inception over 30 years ago. Her “Badger Tracks” articles are always informative and a pleasure to read. She is a naturalist who shares her passion and knowledge of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and all the critters, with an enthusiasm that is contagious. For her longstanding and genuine dedication to this chapter Winnebago Audubon offers their sincere gratitude and was honored to present her with the Great Egret Award. Winnebago Audubon submitted their nomination of Anita to the National Audubon Society who agreed that she qualified for this recognition. Anita received a framed certificate signed by the National Audubon President and the Chair of National Audubon Board of Directors plus an exquisite framed color photo of a Great Egret by Bill Stripling.

Anita Carpenter Receives Great Egret Award

Winnebago Audubon Society extends a sincere thank you for your recent contribution.

Kathie Phillipson, In memory of Jean Coenen

Wendy Rodman

I asked myself. What is the larva of a ladybug doing on my front door? It should be on a plant eating aphids. I was in a hurry so I let it be. A ladybug larva is an unique-looking insect having absolutely no resemblance to the adult it will become. This tiny creature resembles a fat, flattened alligator measuring almost one-half inch long and 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide. It has a small head with chewing mouthparts. Each of the next three body segments has a pair of short legs and the remaining nine segments decrease in size toward the final tail end segment. This black insect is highlighted with yellow bands and covered wit minute black spines. Ladybugs, more correctly called ladybird beetles are of the insect family Coccinellidae. They overwinder as adults, often in large congregations. Mating takes place in spring. The female lays her tiny yellow eggs in clusters of 5 to 30 eggs, depending on the species. The carnivorous larvae and adults eat the same foods, devouring soft-bodied goodies such as aphids, mites, scale insects and even small caterpillars. Where food is most abundant, larvae and adults may be living on the same plant. I frequently find both on milkweeds with aphids. The larva was still on the front door in the same sun-drenched place the following day. Perhaps I should move it to the milkweeds in my yard. I gently touched the larva only to find it had attached itself to the door with its rear end. The larva was here to stay. I decided to leave it alone and check on it regularly. It was there the following day, then the next. For about a week, nothing happened. Was it still alive? Then, almost imperceptively, its size and shape changed, constricting a bit, becoming shorter, fatter and almost oval-shaped. I could now envision an adult ladybug inside. It

Badger Tracks Badger Tracks Badger Tracks Badger Tracks by Anita Carpenter

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had “lost” both pointed ends of its body, but retained its black and yellow color and pattern. This l a r v a w a s pupating! I checked on the insect each time I opened the

door, looking for more changes, particularly in body structure and color but never witnessed any. Five days passed. I returned home to discover a change in the pupal case. It was empty! I believe the ladybird beetle had found its freedom. I had envisioned the dorsal (top) side of the pupal case splitting down the middle revealing the ladybug inside which would then crawl or fly away. Instead the opening occurred around the front of the head with the op of the pupal case being pushed upward. All the ladybug had to do was walk out forward, leaving behind its spent black and yellow pupal case. I regretted that I had missed the important moment of release and departure. Wherever the ladybug may be, I wished it well and silently thanked it for allowing me a glimpse into the secretive world of insect metamorphosis. In retrospect, I’m so glad I hadn’t flicked the larva off the door the moment I discovered it. Consequently I had the unexpected opportunity to watch it change. The wonders of nature are all around us, even in some unexpected places, if we just take time to look. Even my tiny city yard offers many opportunities for secrets to be revealed. I’ll keep on looking.

My Door was Bugged

Winnebago Audubon recently presented three of its members with a Meritorious Service Award. Don Meton, Doris Thomas and Dave Moon each received the award in grateful recognition of their outstanding service for conservation of birds, other wildlife and their habitat. The Meritorious Service Award honors members who have sustained a level of activity beyond that of the average Chapter member. The criteria for selection include: outstanding or sustained leadership as a Chapter officer, committee chairperson, special project leader, fundraiser, activist, membership recruiter or other area of dedication. The recipients received a certificate signed by Lynn Tennefoss, Vice President of National Audubon Society State Programs and Chapter Services. Doris Thomas, Oshkosh, served on the Board of Directors from 1988-1993 and then again from 2001-2007. She was newsletter editor from 1988 to 1999 during which

time she transformed it into a professional looking piece. She and her husband, David, also hosted the annual Spring Potluck for several years at their church. Don Meton, Omro, is a Charter Member of the Winnebago Audubon Society and served on the Board of Directors in 1981-1983 and again in 1996-2001. His love of the land and birds is appreciated by all. Dave Moon, Oshkosh, served as Vice-President in 1986-1987 and as a Director in 1987-1990; 1992-1996; 2000-2003; 2010-present. He also was Treasurer from 2003 to 2010. Since 2005 he has been volunteering as a guide at Sullivan’s Woods. Additionally, Dave coordinates trail and prairie maintenance at Sullivan’s Woods and volunteers at many of our events. As with any organization, Winnebago Audubon depends on dedicated members like these three and the Meritorious Service Award is just one small way to say thank you!

Audubon Chapter Recognizes Dedicated Members

A ladybird beetle. From left to right: adult, pupa, larva. Courtesy of USDA.

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Want Adventure? Try Audubon Adventures!

Audubon Adventures is a unique program designed for 3rd, 4th, 5th and now 6th grade students to provide an environmental learning experience. Every Audubon Adventures kit supplies all the materials needed for this year’s theme of “Sharing Our Earth.” Within this theme are these four topics:

• Share Our Shores • Caring for Our Planet – Be a Friend to Birds • World of the Forest • Grasslands: A Prairies Tale

New features to this year’s program include an Educator ’s Guide, various hands-on materials, reproducible pages and background information to support educators. Audubon Adventures follows the guidelines established by the North American Association for Environmental Education in the areas of language arts, math, science and social studies. Each teacher who participates receives full membership to Audubon. We have numerous donors who have already committed their dollars to sponsor classrooms. We have funds for 11 classrooms so far and other people waiting in the wings as potential additional sponsor. All we need now are teachers to sign up so kids can embark on their adventure. So, teachers, sign up now by completing the information below. Students and parents, encourage teachers to take advantage of this great opportunity. For further information, feel free to visit www.audubon.org/educate/ad or contact Dana Hartel at danahartel@yahoo.com or at 920-410-7659. Please respond by September 15 and you should receive your materials by mid-October. ___ Yes, I want to sign up my classroom! Teacher’s name:

_________________________________ School's name:

_________________________________ School's address:

_________________________________ _________________________________ Phone number:

_________________________________ Email address:

_________________________________

Grade: _________

River Otter Exhibit Coming to Menominee Park Zoo

Imagine river otters sliding into a pond and watching the bubbles stream from their thick pelts as they dive under water. In anticipation of this new exhibit, farm animals have been moved to the west side of the zoo. Ground breaking for a new river otter exhibit with underwater viewing is expected to begin this fall at the Menominee Park Zoo. The exhibit is the third in a series, including the wolf and elk exhibits, to highlight North American wildlife and the relationship between humans and wildlife in Wisconsin since the 18th century. The otter exhibit will emphasize the importance of conserving Wisconsin’s water resources and animals that depend on water. The Oshkosh Zoological Society (OZS), a non-profit group committed to enhancing the educational and recreational impact of the zoo, has been working toward an otter exhibit for several years. The project has been made possible by the support of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, generous donations from Tom and Penny Harenburg, Kuenzel Foundation, Alberta Kimball Foundation, E.B. Williams Fund, James Ryan Memorial Fund, local businesses and individual donors. Additional donations for the exhibit are still needed and may be sent by mail to OZS, P.O. Box 394, Oshkosh, WI 54903, or by Paypal at oshkoshzoo.org. Since 1978 the Oshkosh Zoological Society has contributed to the success of Oshkosh's Menominee Zoo. It is the Oshkosh Zoological Society's mission to support the zoo through fundraising and educational programs. Some of the programs we participate in include: Oshkosh Bird Fest (first Saturday in May), Eggsciting Day at the Zoo, Conservation Carnival (August 18th 10am-4pm), Zooloween Boo (October 20th & 21st), Oshkosh's Gallery Walk, Snooze at the Zoo (Sept 8th and 9th), and Animals in Action Zoo Class. If you have questions about the OZS, are interested in volunteering at our events or becoming a member please contact Memuna Khan at 920-267-7847.

Friends of Sullivan’s Woods

Last spring all of the Oshkosh area schools’ 4th graders spent one day experiencing Sullivan’s Woods’ by exploring various habitats and its’ wildlife. The teachers value the Friends that assist by guiding the students on the trails and explaining the sights along the way. A big thank you to the following people who donated their time and experience: Judy Anderson, Carolyn Blassingame, Lorraine Eberle, Neil Koeneman, Mike McAleer, Dave Misterek, Dave Moon, Jaci Mueller, Karen Scheuermann, Jean Snowhook, Barb Urbroek, and Frank Zuern. School will be starting soon and last springs 4th graders will be returning as 5th graders to experience Sullivan’s Woods in the fall. New volunteers are always welcome and needed. Teaching experience is not required as you can learn by shadowing a veteran guide. For more information call Zaiga Freivalds at 233-5914.

Kid’s Eye View by Madeline Kneeland

Wildlife Rehabbers

Wildlife rehabilitators, or rehabbers, are people who assist in the healing process of wild animals. Most wildlife rehabbers have limitations on the types of wildlife that they will work with. Often it depends on the clinic size, equipment, and housing, amount of donated funds, government permits, their area of expertise, and the time available. There are many procedures taken by animal rehabbers to protect themselves and the animals they are working with from further harm. Some of these procedures include: placing baby animals (such as baby squirrels, rabbits and birds) in incubation chambers or on heat pads to keep them warm; calming the animal by putting a hood, sock, or blanket on them during handling; and by being quiet and less visible to prevent the animals from becoming too comfortable (imprinted) with humans. Rehabbers also protect themselves by being properly trained and using safety equipment like gloves. Careful cleaning and disinfecting is also important for the protection of rehabbers and wildlife patients. Wildlife patients are treated differently depending upon the reason they are admitted to a clinic, which include injuries, illnesses, orphans, and even rescued victims of human kidnap. It is important to gather information from the kind person who found the animal, like where exactly it was found and what it was doing at the time. A physical examination of the patient is performed and species, weight, and approximate age are determined. At this time, the wildlife rehabbers have to make the difficult decision of whether that animal can be saved and successfully released back into its wild habitat. If treatment is decided, a plan has to be developed for its care, which includes a food diet that is close to the animal’s natural one. Sometimes, an animal cannot be treated or the animal would be unable to survive in the wild again. When this happens, sometimes the animal can develop into an education animal and live the rest of its life in captivity; otherwise, humane euthanization is performed to prevent the animal patient from further pain and suffering. Wildlife rehabilitation clinics are non-profit and not publicly funded. Most of the staff are volunteers that donate their time and fund their own continued education. Donations of medical and cleaning supplies, food, money, and sometimes cage building skills are greatly appreciated. Madeline is an 8th grader at Shattuck Middle School in Neenah. She assists her father, who is a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator at Aves Wildlife Alliance in Neenah and Wild Instincts in Rhinelander. EDITOR’S NOTE: Visit our website (http://www.winaudubon.org/birds/index.html) for a complete list of wildlife rehabilitators in our area.

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Shoreline Restoration at Menominee Park in Oshkosh

Your participation needed to put it back into the plan!

Winnebago Audubon applied for and received a $500 matching grant from National Audubon to support the efforts of shoreline restoration in Menominee Park in Oshkosh for 2012. We received the funds to develop signage for the new efforts along the shoreline of Miller’s Bay on the north end of the park. We participated in the first planting last fall and the planting is now in bloom and in need of some weeding for this first year to help decrease the competition from invasive weeds. If you’re willing to help, let me know! There is a plan for the park being developed and it is meeting with resistance from some nearby property owners. They are concerned about the view from their property. This week a second draft of the plan was up for review. The original plan included several areas designated for restoration to native vegetation. Because of the complaints mentioned earlier, the second draft will remove the new areas for restoration (beyond the one original area). Winnebago Audubon encourages our members, especially those living in Oshkosh, to express their interest in restoring the plan to the original multiple areas for establishment of native vegetation along the shoreline. Some of the benefits of shoreline restoration include filtering of polluted runoff from surrounding land; retaining of sediments that would normally run off into the lake; creating a buffer between the lake and the parkland (geese won’t cross the vegetation); beautification of the shoreline with native flowers instead of a monoculture of grass; and reduction of cost for upkeep once established since these areas will not require regular mowing, fertilization or pest control in the future. Please contact the Director of Parks in Oshkosh, Ray Maurer, and Bob Poeschl and any other city councilperson you can reach to let them know that you support shoreline restoration with native vegetation in Menominee Park, and that the park belongs to ALL of Oshkosh not just to those who happen to live nearby and everyone needs to be considered in the decisions regarding future development at the park. Also mention that you support Winnebago Audubon’s efforts to provide support for this project through financial investment in educational signage along the lakefront. Monday night August 13th, the Parks Advisory Board met for its regularly scheduled meeting in Room 404 in City Hall. They are the body that makes recommendations to the City regarding parks. Many attended that meeting so that there was a presence of interested parties which was helpful. There was also a meeting at City Hall on Tuesday Aug 14th to talk about the master plan for Menominee Park. This was not an official meeting but a meeting of those interested in the development of shoreline restoration. I will keep you informed regarding any future meetings of public boards/committees where this topic will be discussed and voted on.

Pat Nichols patnichols@earthlink.net or 920 426-0261

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PAID OSHKOSH WI PERMIT NO 90

Winnebago Audubon Society Mission Statement: Advance the mission of the National Audubon Society to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity through grassroots efforts of community outreach and advocacy.

AUDUBON SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

���� Chapter Only Membership: Your $20.00 stays in our chapter and you receive the Winnebago Audubon chapter newsletter and all chapter benefits. Make $20.00 check payable to Winnebago Audubon.

OR

� National Audubon Membership: Your $20.00 includes chapter membership and all chapter benefits, PLUS Audubon magazine and all national benefits. Make $20.00 check payable to National Audubon Society.

� I do not wish to receive solicitations from National Audubon Society.

Name: ____________________________________

Address: __________________________________

City/State/Zip: ______________________________ Chapter Code: C2ZZ120Z Mail this form with payment to: Pat Nichols, Membership, PO Box 184, Oshkosh, WI 54903

OFFICERS President: Janet Wissink 920-589-2602 / wiss@centurytel.net

Vice President: Dana Hartel 920-582-4498 / danahartel@yahoo.com

Secretary: Evelyn Meuret 920-573-7828 / evelynmeuret57@att.net

Treasurer: Carla Hansen 920-233-1129 / carlajhansen@sbcglobal.net DIRECTORS Zaiga Freivalds 920-233-5914 / zaigam@charter.net Dave Hanke 920-688-2907 Dave Moon 920-235-4429 / djmoon@northnet.net Pat Nichols 920-426-0261 / patnichols@earthlink.net

Important Note: TEMPORARILY AWAY? Please notify us if you will be temporarily away. The post office will not forward your newsletter. If your newsletter is returned to us, we remove you from our mailing list. Please contact Pat Nichols at patnichols@earthlink.net or 920-426-0261 with any questions.

RENEWALS: Your mailing label includes your membership expiration date above your name. If you are a “Chapter Only” member the word CHAPTER will appear after the expiration date. Please renew your chapter membership by filling out the application form below. Thank you for helping us save on the cost of renewal reminders. If you are a member of National Audubon, NATL will appear after the expiration date. You will receive renewal notices from National or you may renew by using the form below. If you are receiving a complimentary newsletter, COMP will appear with an expiration date. Please consider joining our chapter by using the application below.

Welcome to Winnebago AudubonWelcome to Winnebago AudubonWelcome to Winnebago AudubonWelcome to Winnebago Audubon

If you joined National Audubon, you are a member of our local chapter, Winnebago Audubon. We invite you to participate in our activities to make the most of your membership. We are a group

of like-minded individuals interested in the natural world. Our activities are offered to educate the public and our members and

engage people in citizen science.

If you are new members of National or the Chapter and haven’t seen your name here in the last couple

of months, please contact Pat Nichols, Membership Chair

(email me at: patnichols@earthlink.net)

GO GREEN by opting to receive your newsletter via e-mail. Contact Pat Nichols at patnichols@earthlink.net

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Robert Beese Annie Decker Edward Durkin

Paul Farrell Marilyn Fender Ralph Heasty Nick Hergert Donna Holm

Kimberly Johnson-Thiel Tim Kneeland

Jackie Le Bouton

Earl MacDonald Mandy Mitchell

Roger Neubauer Tom and Linda Powell

Judith Rammer Harold Schaffer

Wendell Williams William Wingren Richard Wojahn Frank Zwolski