March 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

8/9/2019 March 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

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30th Annual Photo Contest Presentation, Photography Show and Reception

A Toast to the Beauty of NatureSunday, March 22, 2009, 3:30 PM

Vino Libro

ATLANTAAUDUBON SOCI

P. O. Box 2918Atlanta, GA 303

www.atlantaaudubon

AAS OFFICEand Information

770.913.051

GOS RARE BIRD AL

770.493.886

March 2009

Volume XXXV, Issue 3 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY

I N S I D Birdathon 2009.............

Scholarship...................

BeltLine Arboretum.......

AAS Legacy Club..........

Field Notes....................

Field Trips......................

Spotlight Jackie Heyda .

Volunteer Opps..............

A Million Thanks............

Georgia Water Issues ...

Weekend Workshops ....

Memorial Gifts ..............

Atlanta CBC ...................

Classifieds....................

Ellijay Needs Our Help..

Vanishing Treasures......

Membership..................

Southern Birding Trails.....

Join us for a very special program honoring the 30th annual photo contest winners. Winners willbe presented with ribbons and prizes in all photography contest categories, and all winningphotographs will be on display. We are fortunate again this year to have Larry Winslett, well-known nature photographer, judge the entries.

This pleasurable, social event will include a reception hosted at Vino Libro, a wine bar and bistroin Glenwood Park. The afternoon promises a unique experience where you can enjoy a glass ofwine, talk with your fellow Audubon friends, and view amazing photography. We encourage ourguests to enjoy this years program and reception, stay afterwards to indulge in fantastic tastingplates like flatbreads, hummus, antipasto and various dinners, and take a stroll in East Atlantasnewest neighborhood.

Prizes to be awarded include ribbons plus:First PrizeBirds in Portrait:Audubon 8 x 42 Audubon Raptor Binoculars,

retail value $149.00 (sponsored by Eagle Optics)First PrizeBirds in Motion:Adobe Photoshop CS4, retail value $699.00First PrizeAnimals: Florida Space Coast Outdoor Adventure Package for two,

retail value over $300. (Last year this prize included two complimentary registrations to the

2009 Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival; gift certificate to Dixie Crossroads SeafoodRestaurant; airboat ride; kayak tour of Merritt Island; admission to the Kennedy Space Centerand a gift certificate to Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach.)

First PrizeHabitat: Life-size pair of cranes rendered in steel with hand-hammered detail,retail value $189.00 (sponsored by Smith & Hawken)

Georgia Youth: birdJam Maker East and the Stokes Field Guide to Bird Songs CD - East, athree-CD set, retail value $100 (sponsored by birdJam)

Judges Choice: $250 cash prizeGrand Prize:Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Premium (includes products like inDesign,

Photoshop Extended, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Flash Professional, etc.),retail value $1,799.00.

Directions:Vino Libro is conveniently located just minutes off of I-20 in Glenwood Park at 933Garrett Street, Atlanta, Georgia, 404.624.3643.From I-20 E., take Exit 59B/Memorial

Drive/Glenwood Avenue, and turn right off the exit onto Bill Kennedy Way. After 1/4 mi., turn lefton Garrett St.From I-20 W., take Exit 60A/ Moreland Ave., and turn left onto Moreland Ave. Turnright on Glenwood Ave., right on Bill Kennedy Way and right on Garrett St. Immediately after youturn onto Garrett St., there are two driveways (one on the right and one on the left) that go behindthe buildings to parking lots. Or, you can park on the street. Vino Libro is located next to Vickerysrestaurant (both places share the 933 address).


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Birdathon will take place between April 10 and May 15. Your support helps us fund oueducational efforts including:

providing scholarships, including the new Georgia teen birding camp in June; giving underprivileged children the chance to participate in a Junior

Birder Camp; expanding ourLearning About Birdsprogram;

supporting Georgias Youth Birding Competition; offering birding workshops throughout the year; making more field trips available to the public. providing important education programs through our Speaker Series.

Birdathon is one of only two annual AAS appeals for your financial support. Our goal this year is traise $10,000 for our education efforts in the community, and you can participate in several ways:

Organize a Birdathon TeamInvite a friend or two (or more) to share in a fun big day of birding. You dont need to be an expertor even have previous experience to participate. Its all about having fun and raising funds for AtlantAudubon Society. If youd like to learn more about organizing a team, contact Sally Davis [email protected]. All Birdathon teams should contact Sally with your contact information so thwe can include it on the Website, where Birtdathon participants can contact you about sponsoringyour team.

Sponsor a Birdathon TeamYou can sponsor a Birdathon Team, either by pledging an amount per species or donating a fixedamount. Our Birdathon Teams appreciate your financial support of a very worthy cause. You can fina list of teams and contact information for how you can pledge on our Website in late March atwww.atlantaaudubon.org.

Participate in the Guided Birdathon TripsIf youd like to actively participate in Birdathon, but dont have the time to organize your own teameffort, our Guided Birdathon Trips might be just what youre looking for. More information on ourGuided Birdathon Trips will be provided in the April issue ofWingbars.

Atlanta Audubon Society needs you. We hope you will join us in this fun and exciting fundraisingevent.

Board of Directors2009

Executive Director Catharine Kuchar770.993.9579

[email protected]

OfficersPresident Stacy E. Zarpentine

[email protected]

President Elect Carol N.Hassell

[email protected]

Treasurer Deanna Helie770.457.4403

[email protected]

Recording Secy Mark Jernigan404.298.8825

[email protected]

Corresponding Secy Barbara Tarpley404.687.0079

[email protected]

DirectorsConservation Dave Butler

[email protected]

Education Marge Igyarto

[email protected]

Field Trips Stanley [email protected]

Membership Darlene Moore404.633.9361

[email protected]

CommunicationsBarbara Tarpley404.687.0079

[email protected]

Publicity Vacant

Volunteers Nancy Hamilton404.874.2338

[email protected]

At Large

Jay Davis404.624.4973

[email protected]

Victor WilliamsEarthshare Representative

[email protected]

---

WebsiteJim Flynn

[email protected]

Wingbars EditorMary Ann Hindes 770.497.0664

[email protected]

ProofreadingSteven Phenicie

[email protected]

Design & LayoutCopy Preparation 770.939.2002

[email protected]

Newsletter deadline is the first ofthe month for material to be

published the following month.Please submit articles as MS-Word to

[email protected] attachments, if possible.

Wingbars is the official newsletter of Atlanta

Audubon Society and is published 11 times a

year. We feature news, upcoming events,

meetings, field trips and projects.We hope you

will join us. Opinions expressed are those of the

authors and do not necessarily reflect policies

of the Atlanta Audubon Society.

Mission Statement:

To promote the enjoyment and understanding of birds and to

conserve and restore the ecosystems that support them.

2 Atlanta Audubon Soci

Take Part in Birdathon 2009

WINTER SPEAKER SERIES A SUCCESSThanks to our winter Speaker Series presenters, Ted Reissing and Charlie Muise. Tedspoke with us about his work with Birdlife International and saving the worlds criticallyendangered birds, including those 75 species that have fewer than 50 individualsremaining alive. To learn more about this endeavor, go to www.birdlife.org and/or [email protected].

Charlie Muise, Georgias IBA Coordinator, gave a fun and informative talk on BurrowingOwls, including his fieldwork in the high desert of Idaho. Both were fantasticpresentations.


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Volunteer Opportunity: Hands-on Work Dayson your BeltLine Arboretum

Do you want to make a difference right here in your own community?Earth Day is around the corner, so invite your friends and family to takecare of our special piece of earth the BeltLine Arboretum.

Atlanta Audubon Society and Trees Atlanta will hold two special, on-the-ground volunteer conservation projects on the Atlanta BeltLine. These events are a part of ourTogetherGreen grant that we were awarded by National Audubon Society and Toyota. Join AtlantaAudubon, Trees Atlanta and neighborhood volunteers. We need you!

Please dress in work clothes appropriate for the weather and bring water in a reusable container.Tools, gloves and instructions will be provided. Please RSVP to [email protected] if you wouldike to volunteer.

March 14, 2009, 9 AM to noonBrown Middle School BeltLine Arboretum Wildlife Triangle Tree PlantingMeet at Rose Circle Park on White Street to plant trees in the Brown Middle School Wildlife Triangleocated on the BeltLine Arboretum. We will be planting trees preferred by wildlife and removingnvasive species (also preferred by wildlife) in the Warehouse Row Natural Neighborhood. If you arenterested in how to attract wildlife to your yard, this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.

April 18, 2009, 9 AM to noonnvasive plant removal in the BeltLine Arboretum West Connection Natural Neighborhood

Meet at Gordon White Park as we continue our work to remove harmful invasive plants along theBeltLine Arboretum Corridor. Kudzu has already been treated for two years in this area, and we areargeting other pest plants like privet, Japanese honeysuckle and other invasive plants. We lookorward to seeing you there!

Find more information about the BeltLine Arboretum:http://www.beltline.org/BeltLineBasics/AtlantaBeltLineArboretum/tabid/2831/Default.aspx

March 2009

AtlantaAudubon

Socie

LegacClubJoin us as a charter memof the AAS Legacy Club bincluding Atlanta Audubin your bequests.

Your gift to Atlanta AuduSociety ensures our long-ability to manage theresources necessary to

preserve and protect metAtlantas birds and theecosystems that support thWhile cash donations aremost popular form of supa variety of options exist,

from charitable gift annuand more.

Question: Is there a tadvantage available wmaking charitablecontribution from a tdeferred investment s

as an IndividualRetirement Account(IRA)?

Answer: If you are 70older, you may directamount up to $100,0as a charitable contri-bution and avoid Fedincome tax on yourdistribution. This spebenefit will expire at end of 2009 unlesscongress makes it

permanent. Our planning advisors will havmore detailedexplanation.

For more informationcontact Art Hurt [email protected]

ATTENTION TEEN-AGED BIRDERS!You can win a Free Trip to a Birding Conference in San Diego this June!

What is it?Atlanta Audubon Society (AAS) and the Georgia Ornithological Society (GOS) want to help youngpeople learn about the fascinating and fun hobby of bird watching (birding). We are offering one

cholarship to an interested young person (ages 13 to 18) to attend the American Birding AssociationsABA) Young Birders Conference in San Diego, California, June 21 to 27, 2009. This is an

extraordinary opportunity for a young person to learn about all aspects of birding from some of thebest birders in the country. To learn more about the conference, visit the following Website:http://www.aba.org/yb/conf/

How will AAS and GOS help?

Well pay the registration fee and up to $500 to cover travel expenses for one young birder. Theegistration fee covers the cost of food and lodging as well as the birding trips. AAS and GOS will

make arrangements with ABA to register the scholarship recipient. The recipient will need to makehis/her own travel arrangements.

What do you have to do to apply?The applicant must be age 13 to18 during the period of the conference and must be a resident of the

State of Georgia. The interested birder must fill out an application (please request by [email protected]) and write an essay (minimum 300 words) explaining why he/she is

nterested in birds and birding, what he/she plans to do with the knowledge gained from going to theconference, and how he/she will spread interest in birding to friends. Three letters of

ecommendation must be submitted with the application. The recipient of this scholarship must write

an article for AAS (Wingbars) and GOS (GOShawk) newsletters about the conference when he/sheeturns home.

When should you apply?The deadline for submitting your application, essay and letters of recommendation is March 16, 2009.

The winner of this scholarship will be selected by Wednesday, April 1.

Where do you apply?Send your application paperwork to: Robert Sargent (ABA Conference), 1263 Clairmont Place,Macon, GA 31204.


4/124 Atlanta Audubon Soci

ATLANTA AREAGEESE THROUGH PELICANS PMc found a GREATERWHITE-FRONTED GOOSE at the Smith Reservoir (partof the E.L. Huie Land Application Facility (ELHLAF) inClayton and Henry counties) on 7 Dec. Not to beoutdone, CL reported the same bird the next day plusthree more at the ponds of the ELHLAF for a total offour GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE. PB and HGhad an excellent report of two ROSSS GEESE atSweetwater Creek State Park on 1 Dec. and, on thesame day, another ROSSS GOOSE in South Fulton Co.There were more reports than usual of CANVASBACKSand REDHEADS as evidenced by the 14CANVASBACKS at the ELHLAF (Shamrock/Blalock

Lakes) on 4 Dec. (CL), 20 CANVASBACKS at PeachtreeCity Lake (PCL) on 23 Dec. (PB, HG) and 40REDHEADS at Lake Lanier on 8 Dec. (MMcS). PB andHG had some good reports from PCL on 23 Dec. with2,000+ RING-NECKED DUCKS, three GREATERSCAUP, one COMMON GOLDENEYE (HG only), and300-400 RUDDY DUCKS.An EARED GREBE was seenat Lake Lanier on 12 Dec. by JF, and an AMERICANWHITE PELICAN was reported from Blalock Lake from5 through 7 Dec. (fide CL).

VULTURES THROUGH TERNS CS reported a ratheramazing count of 820 TURKEY VULTURES at LakeAllatoona on 25 Dec. Rare for the area was aPEREGRINE FALCON at Lake Lanier on 8 Dec. by

MMcS. There were 12 separate reports of SANDHILLCRANES migrating south.Their numbers were difficultto estimate, but it appeared that at least 5,000 birdspassed over Atlanta during the month. The peaknumbers moved through the area on 21 Dec. AFORSTERS TERN was quite a surprise in Gwinnett Co.on 21 Dec. (JSe).

VIREOS THROUGH SISKINS A WHITE-EYED VIREOwas a good find on the Peachtree City CBC on 20Dec. (PB, HG, TMi). After such a huge invasion lastwinter, it was not surprising that there were just a fewreports of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES in Dec.Single birds were seen in Gwinnett Co. on 21 Dec.

(JH) and in NW Atlanta on 25 Dec. (LH). A DICKCISSELwas a rare find at the Chattahoochee River NationalRecreation Area (CRNRA) on 5 Dec. (DH). A femaleBALTIMORE ORIOLE was seen in DeKalb Co. late inthe month by MK. Large numbers of PINE SISKIN werereported by most observers during the month as oneof the largest invasions of this species continued.

GEORGIA AREA

GEESE There were a lot more sightings of the rarerspecies of geese this month. GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were reported from five locationswith six in Lumpkin Co. on 20 Dec. (GM), two on theDalton CBC on 21 Dec. (JSp), one in Gordon Co. on 25Dec. (JSp), one at Chickamauga on 25 Dec. (fide JSe),and five in Sumter Co. on 30 and 31 Dec. (CR).ROSSS GEESE were also well reported with one atWest Point Dam (WPD) on 3 Dec. (WC), a hybridROSSS and SNOW GOOSE in Seminole Co. on 7 Dec.(JF, EH), another hybrid at Richmond Hill on 16 Dec.(SF), and then pure ROSSS GEESE in Fannin Co. from16 through 18 Dec. (BG et al.) plus another one inUpson Co. on 20 Dec. (EB). Last, but even rarer were4 to 6 CACKLING GEESE found in Walker Co. on 6Dec. by DJ, and they continued there off and on forthe remainder of the month.

DUCKS THROUGH GREBES A good number of therarer ducks were also well reported this month. Someof the best records are the following: 1,000CANVASBACKS at Lake Seminole on 7 Dec. (JF, EH),50 REDHEADS at Glenville on 5 Dec. (GW), twoCOMMON GOLDENEYES in Murray Co. on 5 Dec.(JSp), one COMMON GOLDENEYE on 6 Dec. atSkidaway Island for the 8th consecutive year (RW),three COMMON GOLDENEYES at Harris Neck NWR on8 Dec. (N&JC), a HARLEQUIN DUCK on the Harris NeckNWR CBC on 19 Dec. (WH et al.), and a LONG-TAILEDDUCK on Lake Oliver in the Columbus area on 9 Dec.(WC). Other interesting records were a RED-THROATED LOON at Clarks Hill Lake on 3 Dec. (EB), aRED-NECKED GREBE at Andrews Island on 30 Dec.(GK) and two EARED GREBES at Andrews Island on 23Dec. (L&DG).

PELICANS THROUGH GULLS AMERICAN WHITEPELICANS were well reported with 30 at Walter F.George Dam (WFGD) on 7 Dec. (fide KB), eight at theWoodruff Dam on 7 Dec. (JF, EH), seven at LakeSeminole on 12 Dec. (MMcS), and five at Harris NeckNWR on 27 Dec. (K&LT). The GREAT CORMORANTpreviously reported from the WFGD was seen throughthe end of the month (m.ob.). Rare for the wintertimewas a ROSEATE SPOONBILL at Jekyll Island on 18Dec. (LT). There were at least ten reports of SANDHILLCRANES totaling about 1,500 birds. Sightings werescattered throughout the entire month. FourWHOOPING CRANES made an unexpected visit toLowndes Co. on 10 Dec. (JSw). An AMERICANGOLDEN-PLOVER was spotted at the Harris Neck NWRon 6 Dec. (DC). SF had a good count of 15 PURPLESANDPIPERS on Tybee Island on 14 Dec. A first winterFRANKLINS GULL was seen at Lake Seminole on 1Dec. (fide JF).

DOVES THROUGH NUTHATCHES An excellentsighting from St. Catherines Island was that of aWHITE-WINGED DOVE on 14 Dec. (GA RBA). Good reports included a BARN OWL in Dawson Co. on 2Dec. (YB), two SHORT-EARED OWLS in the Columbarea on 2 Dec. (WC), two other SHORT-EARED OWat the Cobb owl fields in Sumter Co. on 18 Dec. (P

and a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL banded in LamCo. on 3 Dec. (CM). A BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGwas briefly seen on Skidaway Island on 16 Dec. (R

A WESTERN KINGBIRD was spotted at the AltamahWaterfowl Management Area near Darien on 18 D(BS). Two rare swallows, a CAVE SWALLOW and aNORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, were seethe Merry Brothers Brickyard Ponds in Augusta onDec. (EB). There were four reports of single RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES scattered across thenorthern part of the state (m.ob.) during the mont

WARBLERS THROUGH CROSSBILLS Two PRAIRIEWARBLERS were seen at the Sprewell Bluff State on 21 Dec. (PD), and another was seen at Tybee

Island on 29 Dec. (BBr). A YELLOW-BREASTED CHwas a good find in the Athens area on 12 Dec.(JMcN). The bird remained there well into the monInteresting sparrows included a BACHMANSSPARROW in Colquitt Co. on 17 Dec. (TK et al.), aGRASSHOPPER SPARROW at Carters Lake on 28 (JSp), a NELSONS SHARP-TAILED SPARROW atCarters Lake on 30 Dec. (JSp), a LINCOLNSSPARROW on the Floyd Co. CBC on 28 Dec. (OK),another LINCOLNS SPARROW in Colquitt Co. on 1Dec. (TK et al.). Rare wintering birds were a first male ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK on SkidawayIsland on 23 Dec. (RW) and a male PAINTED BUNTin the Glenville area on 2 Dec. (GW). Two BALTIMOORIOLES were reported from Skidaway Island on 7

Dec. (RW), a single bird was seen in Monroe on 23Dec. (BC) and a final bird was in Culloden on 25 D(NK). Nine RED CROSSBILLS were a good find in WCo. on 13 Dec. (JMcC).

CONTRIBUTORS Joan Ana-Leo, Amy Barbe, LiaBerez, Betty Belanger, Eric Beohm, Brandon Best,Blankenship, Yvonne Bombardier, Brenda BrannenPatrick Brisse, Joy Carter, Walt Chambers, DianaChurchill, Bobby Cox, Nancy and John Crosby, PhiDelestrez,Vicki and Harry DeLoach, Steve Ehly, MEisenberg, Erin Feichtner, Jim Flynn, Steve Fox, DaFurbish, Leon and Diana Galis, Hugh Garrett, BillGroce, Phil Hardy, Warren Harrington, Joel Hitt, DaHodgson, Earl Horn, Liz Horsey, Dan Jacobson, GeKeferl, Tim Keyes, Nathan Klaus, Mary Kimberly, OKinney, Carol Lambert, Hal Massie, John McClatchGrant McCreary, Trey Mccuen, Patty McLean, JohnMcMahan, Joel McNeal, Mark McShane, Terry MilPeggy and Terry Moore, Charlie Muise, Johnny PaClive Rainey, Beth Roth, Chuck Saleeby, Bill SchmNedra Sekera, Jeff Sewell, Bruce Smart, JoshuaSpence, Tom Striker, John Swiderski, Luke TheodoKaren Theodorou, Lydia Thompson, Russ Wigh, GeWilkinson and Vicki Williams.

Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Court, Roswell, GA

30075 [email protected]

December Field Notes by Terry Moorez

December was quite a good

month for birding in Georgia.

Waterfowl numbers were much

higher than normal especially for

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED andROSSS GEESE, CANVASBACKS and

COMMON GOLDENEYES. Add to that the birds

that stayed over from the previous month, and

we had a good time!

The Atlanta area reported 111 species

(average = 115.2) to bring the year-to-date list

to 252 (average = 245.5). The GA area came

in with 201 species (average = 208.5) to bring

that year-to-date list to 352 (average = 335.1).


5/12March 2009

Saturday, February 28 & March 28, 8 AMChattahoochee Nature Center (CNC)135 Willeo Rd., Roswell, GA

Stacy Zarpentine, master birder,cell phone 404.219.5869)

Meet at the CNC store.Birding Focus: Birds of the river and surroundingwoodland, including waterfowl, sparrows andhawksDirections:From Roswell Rd./U.S. 19 headingnorth from Atlanta or I-285:At the first trafficight after crossing the Chattahoochee River, turneft onto Azalea Dr. At the second traffic light, turneft onto Willeo Rd. CNC is located 1/2 mi. on theight.From GA 400 Northbound, take Exit/Northridge Rd. and bear to the right, going back

over the freeway. Immediately after crossing overGA 400, turn right onto Dunwoody Pl. Follow for.2 mi. to Roswell Rd., turn right and follow the

directions above.From GA 400 Southbound, takeExit 6/Northridge Rd. At the end of the ramp,ravel straight through the traffic light onto

Dunwoody Pl. Follow Dunwoody Pl. for 1.2 mi. toRoswell Rd. Turn right and follow the directionsabove.

Saturday, March 7, 8 AMPiedmont Park (City of Atlanta). Sponsoredby the Piedmont Park Conservancy and AASMarilyn Harris and Matt WardMeet at Piedmont Park Conservancy CommunityRoom located at Piedmont Ave. and 12th St.This walk is particularly good for beginners andhildren. Extra binoculars are available for those

who do not have their own.Birding Focus: This trip will look for winteringwoodland birds of the Atlanta Piedmont region.Directions:From south of Atlanta, take I-75/85onnector north to Exit 249B/Pine St. Go straight

on Pine, crossing Peachtree St. Turn left onPiedmont Ave. Travel about 1 mi. to 12th St.Fromnorthwest of Atlanta, take I-75 S. to Exit 250/16thSt. Go straight, crossing 14th St. Follow the signso 10th St. Turn left on 10th. Travel 1/2 mi. to

Piedmont. Turn left on Piedmont to 12th St. Due totreet closings, including the 10th and 14th St.

Exits from I-75 S., consider exiting at Northside Dr.From northeast of downtown, take I-85 S to Exit4/17th St. Continue straight, crossing 14th St.

Follow directions above. Using MARTA, get off athe Arts Center Station, walk south .2 mi. to 14th

St., turn left (east) and walk two blocks toPiedmont Ave., then turn right and walk south twoblocks to 12th St. (The walk to the field tripdeparture point is less than a mile from the ArtsCenter MARTA Station.)

Sunday, March 8, 8 AMChattahoochee National Recreation Area,Cochran Shoals UnitMark McShane (cell phone 404.229.3313)Meet at the entrance to Cochran Shoals from theparking lot off of Interstate North Pkwy.A parking fee ($3) or annual pass is required.Birding Focus: Cochran Shoals provides a diversehabitat for birds with the river, fields and woods. Its excellent for hawks and sparrows and one of the

best spots in the area for seeing Rusty Blackbirds,Red-headed Woodpeckers, Great Blue Herons,Cedar Waxwings, Wood Ducks and both species ofkinglet. Other waterfowl are seen along the river,and Spotted Sandpipers are sometimes present.Directions: Going west on I-285, take I-285 toExit 22/Northside Dr-Powers Ferry Rd. Turn rightat the first traffic light onto Interstate North Pkwy.Stay on this road as it curves west through anintersection and crosses the river. After crossingthe river, the parking lot is an immediate right.Going east on I-285, take Exit 22/Northside Dr-Powers Ferry Rd. Continue east to the secondtraffic light, turn left (north), cross over I-285, andcontinue through the traffic light to the other sideof the freeway onto Interstate North Pkwy., then

continue with the directions above.

Saturday, March 21, 8 AMNewman Wetlands Center and E.L. Huie Land

Application Facility (ELHLAF)2755 Freeman Rd., HamptonCarol Lambert and Jeff SewellMeet in the parking lot of the Wetlands CenterBirding Focus: This walk takes you to wetlandsand surrounding forest and one of the premiersites in the Atlanta area for seeing waterfowl. Birdsthat may be seen include Winter Wren, AmericanPipit, Eastern Meadowlark, a variety of sparrows,woodpeckers and hawks, many lingering ducksand geese, and some early migrants and summerresidents including Tree Swallows and PurpleMartins. There is a possibility of seeing shorebirdsas well.Directions:From Atlanta, take I-75 S. beyond I-285 to Exit 235/US 19/41/Tara Blvd. Drive south for8.2 mi. and turn left onto Freeman Rd. The centeris 2.5 mi. on the right.

Saturday, March 21, 8 AMSawnee Mountain Preserve, Cumming(Forsyth County)Georgann Schmalz (cell phone 404.245.7273)Meet at the south parking area on Bettis Tribble Rd.Birding Focus: This walk takes you along abeautiful mountain trail from which you can seetypical mountain birds present in winter.Directions:From Atlanta, take GA 400 north toExit 15/Bald Ridge Marina Rd./Cumming. Turnleft. At the third traffic light, take a right ontoBettis Tribble Gap Rd. (the City of Cumming clock

tower will be on your right). The preserve entranceis three miles on the right.

Sunday, March 22, 8 AMDawson Forest Wildlife Management Area,

Atlanta Tract, Dawsonville (Dawson County)Georgann Schmalz (cell phone 404.245.7273)Meet at the wetland inside the gate.Birding Focus: Dawson Forest includes wetlands,fields and forest and is an excellent winter locationfor many sparrows, woodpeckers, hawks, andsome waterfowl.Directions: From I-285, take GA 400 N. 36.6 mi.Turn left onto Dawson Forest Rd. at the NorthGeorgia Premium Outlet, which is 6.6 mi. pastHwy. 369 (the first traffic light along GA 400).

Drive 3.9 mi. along Dawson Forest Rd. to GA 9continue straight for another 1.5 mi. to the gateinto Dawson Forest.

Saturday, March 22, 8 AMClyde Shepherd Nature PreserveLisa HurtMeet at preserve entrance.Birding focus: Winter birdsDirections:From I-285 N/S, take Exit 39A/Hw78 West, right on N. Decatur Rd., right on Medto school at dead-end, right on Wood Trail Lanthrough stop sign, then 200 yds. to preserve.

Sunday, March 29, 8:30 AMConstitution Lakes (DeKalb County)

Jay DavisBirding Focus: Winter birds, and perhaps anearly migrant of wetlands and forest. Birdsexpected may include herons, ducks, hawks,geese, and kingfisher. There is a boardwalk anobservation deck built around the lakes.Meet at the parking lot for Constitution LakesDirections:From Atlanta, take I-20 to Exit60A/Moreland Ave. south approximately five mTurn left at the traffic light at South RiverIndustrial Boulevard (Nalley Truck Parts sign ocorner). Turn at first right into gravel entranceConstitution Lakes (no sign at entrance), go toend of drive to the gravel parking lot.From soside I-285, take Exit 53/Moreland Ave. Head non Moreland Ave. for 1.2 mi. Turn right on SouRiver Industrial Blvd. and follow directions ab

Oconee Rivers Audubon Field Trips (AtheAAS is coordinating with the Oconee RiversAudubon Society so that our members know oeach others field trips. Oconee Rivers is havintwo March field trips.Directions:From I-85, travel 42.5 mi. on GA East and follow additional directions below.More details will be available on their Websitehttp://www.oconeeriversaudubon.org.

Saturday, March 21, 8 AMGeorgia State Botanical GardenMeet at the Day Chapel parking lot.Directions:See above and go right onto GA R10/Loop/S. Athens Perimeter Hwy., take the seexit onto Milledge Ave., turn right. The gardenon the right after 1/2 mi. Once on the premises

keep bearing left until you find the parking lot

Saturday, March 28, 8 AMSandy Creek Park, AthensMeet at the parking lotDirections:See above and go right onto GA R10/Loop/S. Athens Perimeter Hwy. headingwest/north, take the Rte. U.S. 441 exit and turnonto 441. After five miles, look for the Sandy CPark sign on the right and turn right onto BobHolman Rd. The park will be on your right aftemi. Take a left around the loop, go over the damand continue on the road until it ends at the

parking lot.

Field Trips Compiled by Stan Chapman

Field trips are open to the public and free (unless otherwise noted). We welcomeeveryone from beginners to advanced birders! Please check the Atlanta Audubon

Website (www.atlantaaudubon.org) for March field tripsthat may be scheduled.

Sketch by Anne McCallum

Note: If you have any feedback about field trips, are interested in leading a trip, want to help publicize field trips

and/or have places or leaders you wish to have involved in field trips,

please e-mail Field Trip Director, Stan Chapman, at [email protected].


6/126 Atlanta Audubon Socie

A Million Thanks!Atlanta Audubon Society is an amazing organization

because of its volunteers. As always, we extend our

gratitude to ALL of our volunteers, but would like to

send a special thank you to the following individuals

this month.

Atlanta Audubon is grateful to Judy Renault for putting ongreat presentations all around Atlanta. She is always there todo talks for various groups including garden groups and even

the folks at Smith & Hawken. Thanks, Judy!

Thanks to Stan Chapman, our new Field Trip Director and AAS boardmember, for organizing his committee and getting the 2009 field trips off to a wonderful start.Field trips, which are at the core of the AAS mission, are being planned for both beginning andadvanced birders. We are extremely grateful for the new life he is infusing into this program.

Our workshops are amazing and so are the leaders who run them. We are so thankful forGeorgann Schmalz, Brad Winn and Lydia Thompson for running the Shorebird Workshop andto Giff Beaton, Leslie Curran and Theresa Hartz for running the Warbler Weekend Workshop.

Longtime AAS friend, volunteer and avid birder, JackieHeyda, is in our volunteer spotlight for this edition ofWingbars. Jackie has been birding for the past 25 yearsand recalls seeing flocks of Evening Grosbeaks while ona trip to Maine with her husband Bob. That experience

made a lasting impression and, luckily for the birdingcommunity, she was hooked and has been actively birdingand volunteering ever since. Jackie and Bob have been onmany wonderful birding trips over the years, including

visits to exotic locations such as the Galapagos, Peru,Machu Picchu, the Amazon basin, Mexico, Canada,Panama, Trinidad and Tobago. We have enjoyed every tripthat weve taken, exclaimed Jackie, and I would always

prepare for each trip by learning what birds I was likely tosee that I wanted to add to my life list. When asked abouta favorite car, someone once said the one Im driving. Soit goes with Jackie when asked about her favorite bird.Her response, I guess its the one Im looking at, althoughshe admitted having an affinity for male ducks in theirbreeding plumage. Jackie continued with one of herfavorite birding experiences. My husband, two friendsand I were traveling in California several years ago. One ofmy target birds was the MacGillivrays Warbler. I needed it

for my American Birding Association life list. I hadmemorized the birds call, and we did hear it calling inquite a few places but missed seeing it. I cant count a lifebird without laying eyes on it, so the bird earned thenickname that darn warbler. Finally, a week later, on amountain road in California, near some water, I heard thebird from the car. We came to a screeching halt, jumpedout of the car, and there were two alongside the roadhappily flying from bush to bush. It was somewhat of aletdown because I had to find another bird to pursue forthe life list. Well, we all can relate to the excitement ofthe chase.

Many AAS members have gotten to know Jackie throughher role as the Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS)Coordinator for AAS, a position she held, along with beingon the AAS board around the time Georgann Schmalz wasserving as AAS president. Jackies passion for gardening,

coupled with her growing passion for birds, was a

perfect fit for AASs evolving BWSprogram so certifying local gardens was

not only fun, but became the source of

inspiration for others and forged many great friendshipCurrent BWS Coordinator Jacqueline McRae recalls, Bin 2000 when I applied to have my garden certified as aBackyard Wildlife Sanctuary through Atlanta Audubon,was Jackie Heyda who came to visit. Being the

hardworking and knowledgeable volunteer that she isimmediately got me excited about finding new plants tohost caterpillars and feed the birds in my yard. Herattitude was so inspirational that years later I am followin her footsteps and continuing her work with this same

program. Jackies dear friend, fellow birder and oft tracompanion, Leslie Curran, exclaimed, Jackie and I memany years ago through our mutual friend Pat Sully. Jawas always on the go, but we managed to convince her

join our team for the first All Womens Birding Bust in2001. We were known as The Rascals. We soondiscovered that we had a lot in common, especially whit came to birding and planning. We had such a good timdoing all the detail work preparing for our birdingactivities. I learned how much Jackie loved to garden, ado, so we ended up working together to certify gardensthe AAS Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary program.

After 39 years in the Atlanta area, Jackie, a retired spec

education teacher, and Bob are moving this spring toMonument, Colorado, to be closer to their twograndchildren. Jackies surname makes for an apropossend off.

In 16th century England, Hey!or Heyda! was a commoninterjection, a cry of joy orexcitement. Later on, heydacame to mean a time ofcelebration, and the da wasgradually replaced in English byday, giving us heyday. So,

Jackie, all your friends at AASthank you and celebrate yourmany contributions to thisorganization, and we wish youthe best on your move to

Colorado. Its probably safe tosay that, if you dont end up with aRocky Mountain high, you will atleast have many a heyday!

Spotlighting... Jackie HeydaBy David Kuechenmeister

Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Volunte

Corner Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Volunte

Jackie HeydaPhotographer: Bob Heyda

olunteerOpportunities

Compiled by Carol HassellDo you have accountingexperience to help withAASs Form 990?We are looking for someone tohelp us fill out our 990 non-profittax form for 2008. This year (for2008), we are able to fill out the990EZ form,which should be a lotmore manageable. This is animportant job,and we needsomeone who has experience tohelp us. If interested, [email protected].

Keep track of Birds seen on

Field TripsWe need birders to submit thenames of the birds seen on fieldtrips to e-birds and to StanChapman to post on the GeorgiaBirders Online (GABO) listserv. Thefield trip leaders are busyeducating and identifying birdsand need help keeping track of allthe birds sighted. Passing outchecklists and membershipinformation on field trips wouldalso be helpful. Contact Field TripDirector, Stan Chapman, [email protected].

Armchair ActivistsCoordinatorArmchair Activists are a criticalcomponent of our grassrootsprogram. We need an ArmchairActivists Coordinator to researchcritical issues that affect birds andsend a summary to the ArmchairActivists listserv on what action totake, e.g., sending letters tocongressmen, calling senators,etc. Expect to dedicate about fivehours a month. Interested?Contact Dave Butler [email protected].

AUDUBON ADVENTURESCoordinatorA coordinator is needed to contactmetro area teachers to elicitrequests for National AudubonSociety-created quarterlynewsletters designed for use inelementary classrooms, thenfollow up on how the materialshave been used. All supplies andinstructions are provided. [email protected].


7/12March 2009

Georgia Water IssuesBy Dave Butler

We are approaching the sustainable limit of our small watershed. This is a reality that

demands a fundamental reassessment of the water challenges we face and the actions we must

take. Twenty years in court and conflict have not resolved the issue.

(Atlanta Journal-Constitution January 2, 2009)

The so-called Water

Wars have beenwaged for over 20

years with Georgia,

Alabama and Florida

battling over the rights

to the Chattahoochee

and the Coosa river

basins. The wars

became front-page

news during the

drought of 2007. The

Georgia response

involved implementingminimal conservation

measures and fast

tracking the permitting process for new

reservoirs. At first glance, reservoirs sound

like a good solution. However, the downsides

to reservoirs far outweigh the benefits in the

eyes of most regulators, scientists and

citizens. Water conservation should be our

primary tool in managing our limited water

resources in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Other major cities throughout the U.S. have

been successful in reducing water use while

their populations have increased:

Bostonan aggressive program of

leak detection and repair, new

meters, audits and plumbing retrofits

beginning in the mid-1980s means

Boston now uses less water than in

1911.

San Diegoa 20 gallon challenge

asking citizens to pledge to conserve

is saving 500,000 gallons per day.

Seattlea 20-year focus onefficiency has Seattle using less water

than in 1950, avoiding $100 million in

costs and serving twice as many

people.

It is estimated that in Georgia we have more

than 5,400 impoundments on our rivers and

streamsindeed, almost all Georgia lakes are

artificial. While many of them are vital to

neighboring communities, some have come at

a high price. While reservoirs can provide a

safety net when

supplies are low,they result in a net

loss of water from

the entire river

system, in part by

increasing the rate of

evaporation.

Evaporation rates

from a reservoirs

open water surface

are greater than the

loss of water from a

flowing river and thesurrounding land prior

to inundation. Another

problem with relying on reservoirs for water

supply is that they become silted in over time,

and storage capacity is lost. This limits the

functional life of the reservoir or requires

additional investment for dredging. Looking

at the overall river system, reservoirs are

almost guaranteed to be detrimental to a

rivers health. Rivers are self-purifying

systemsnot so for reservoirs. They can

decrease a river systems capacity to

assimilate waste, creating water quality

problems downstream. Dams create

conditions that most native fish cannot

tolerate. The impoundment of so many of

Georgias waterways has endangered or

threatened the existence of 50 of our native

species of freshwater fish and mussels.

Altered stream flows can also cause

property damage downstream. (Upper

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Summer

2008)Our river systems, developed over

hundreds of thousands of years, will

continue to support our forests, wildlife

and people, if used sustainably. Please

urge your legislators to consider water

conservation first. For more information

about water resource issues, please visit

http://www.ucriverkeeper.org or

http://www.rivercenter.uga.edu

Johns Homestead (a DeKalb County Park), TuckerPhotographer: Christopher Bell

A little birdie told us tFriends of Atlanta

Audubon members wselected to receive thBarataria-Terrebonn

National Estuary Prog2009 annual bird calen

titledBreeding WooWarblers. We hope thyou are enjoying this that ConocoPhillips m

possible through thegrant to the estuary

program. For more ingo to www.btnep.or

Remember that

AAS honors your priv

and it will not be

compromised.

Warbler

Calendar

Q: What species

recently dethroned

the Arctic Tern asthe bird with the

longest migration?

See page ___ for the answerSee last page for answe

Which species oowl is most likelyto nest in colonies?

Hint: Anyone attending theFebruary Speaker Seriesshould know!



SHOREBIRDWEEKEND

WORKSHOPExperience a spectacular birding

event timed with the laying of

horseshoe crab eggs during the

full moon in May. The two-part

workshop consists of a class

session taught by Georgann

Schmalz,AASs resident

ornithologist, at the Blue Heron

Nature Preserve from 2 PM to 4

PM,Sunday, March 8, and a

coastal weekend field trip on

May 9 and 10 led by Brad Winn,

a wildlife biologist with the DNR,

and Lydia Thompson, a coastal

naturalist. There will be 1 and 1/2

days of birding and a boat trip to

St. Catherines Sound, the South

Beach on Jekyll Island and

Goulds Inlet on St. Simons

Island.

WARBLERWEEKEND

WORKSHOPJoin us for the 2009 WarblerWeekend where its possible to

find 20+ species of warblers,

many of which will be singing on

their breeding grounds. The two-

part workshop consists of a

comprehensive 2-1/2 hour class

session conducted by our

warbler authority, Giff Beaton, at

the Blue Heron Nature Preserve

from 3 to 5:30 PM, Sunday,April

5, and a weekend field trip onMay 16 and 17 led by expert

birders Leslie Curran and

Theresa Hartz in the north

Georgia mountains.

Memorial GiftsAtlanta Audubon Society humbly accepts two very generous donations from Dr. JosephGreenbergs sons in memory of their father and his loyal support of our organization.

Doug and Russ have both been strong advocates of AAS through the years, and weappreciate their continued interest in the legacy established by their father. During his

lifetime, Joe was very, very generous with AAS, not only financially but in hiscommitment of time and energy.

Doug lives in California and teaches environmental studies at Berkeley, while Russ is inthe Washington, D. C. area and is head of the Smithsonian Center for Migratory Birds.

Through this connection, AAS was on the forefront of the Shade-Grown Coffeemovement. For some very interesting reading about Shade-Grown Coffee, go to

www.nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds

We also continue to be honored with contributions from friends of Robert Sullivan, some

as far away as Texas and others as close as our own backyard. His wife Mary and sonOwen are touched by how many friends Bob made through his work and lifes avocation.

2009 BIRDING WORKSHOPSThe cost (excluding food and lodging) is $135 for Friends of Atlanta Audubon$160 for NAS-assigned members; $185 for non-members. Your paymentconfirms your reservation. To register or get more information, contact LisaHurt, e-mail: [email protected]; phone: 770.934.7660

Our special fundraiser has been a big success. Thanks to everyone who purchased cards in support

of our conservation efforts. Cards are still available for a limited time.Each set of beautifullyillustrated cards by artist

and Atlanta Audubonmember Anne McCallum

includes 12 differentdesigns. They feature someof our most common birds

in Georgia that areexperiencing significant

declines. In each packageyou will get one of each of

the 12 birds, plus envelopes,all elegantly wrapped,

perfect for gift giving or for

your own use!Each set comes on thehighest quality paper.

Proceeds from this specialfundraising event will go

to Atlanta Audubonsconservation efforts to

protect these special birds.

A Special Fundraiser to

Support Georgias Common Birds

That Are in Decline

Atlanta Audubon Society proudly presents

T h e A t l a n t a A u d u b o n

C o l l e c t i o nN o t e c a r d s b y A n n e M c C a l l u m

Price per set: $10.00

Set of 12 cards, featuring 12 different designs. Envelopes are included. Produced inlimited quantities, so order yours today! Card size is 5 1/2 x 4 1/2 (blank inside).

Call 770.913.0511.


9/12March 2009

Atlanta Christmas Bird Count Tallies 89 Species!By Bob Zaremba, Compiler,

Atlanta/Marietta Christmas Bird Count

This seasons 109th National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count for Atlanta/Marietta was held on

December 21, 2008. Twenty-eight area birders participated in the count and covered the count circle.The group traversed on foot a total of 55 miles over hill and dale, field and subdivision and in cars for

over 635 miles, to tally 7,531 individual birds representing 89 species. The morning forecastthreatened rain, and some brave souls, who were out in the wee hours of the morning trying to enticesome of the local owls to respond, were dodging raindrops. By dawn, the morning chorus brought

clearing skies, but the winds whipped up and by the afternoon we were longing for the gentle rain toreturn and replace the gale force winds.

Overall, we experienced a reduction in the total count of birds, down a whopping 50% from the 36-year average. Some of the reduced numbers were due to the poor weather conditions that prevailedmost of the day, but we are still seeing an alarming downward trend due to continued suburban

sprawl and urban development. The total number of species was slightly higher than the average of86, due in part to the increased number of waterfowl on area lakes this season and good coverage of

local marshes.

We had some wonderful highlights during the day. The sight of migrating Sandhill Cranes winging

high in the sky is always inspiring. Throughout the day almost all groups in the field reported seeingflocks of cranes heading south. One of the largest groups consisted of over 200 birds! The total of 414cranes was a good count for this late in the season.

Some of the count area still contains some undisturbed marsh areas that actually contained some

water this year, thanks to the recent rains. The marshes produced several Virginia Rails, a very rareSora, and a good count of American Woodcock displaying in the early morning.

This year was also a very good year for some winter finches. Almost every group recorded Pine

Siskin and several groups also had Purple Finch. This was the second highest count of siskins in thehistory of the count circle, with 143 birdsa very good total considering we span 36 years in the new

area.

Of course, we had our share of missed birds on count day as well. The area lakes produced some

nice waterfowl, but we missed Bufflehead and scaup, two species that we usually find. NorthernBobwhite has not been seen in our area since 2003 and has only been counted twice in the past 11years. Unfortunately it seems the Northern Bobwhite has lost its entire habitat in the count circle.Likewise, the American Kestrel is becoming increasingly difficult to find, and this year we missed it

completely. Probably the most amazing miss for the count day was the absence of any Brown-headedCowbirds. Not a single one was found on count day, but we did have a report for count week. I guess

that is a good news/bad news story. Other missed birds were American Pipit, Double-crestedCormorant and Wilsons Snipe. Some of the more difficult to find species remained difficult to find

(and were not found) like Blue-headed Vireo and Sedge Wren.

If you take in to consideration the poor weather and lack of good habitat, we did a good job on countday. I would personally like to thank all the participants who joined us in the field and invite

everyone to participate in next years count!

Pine WarblerPhotographs by Luke Theodorou

Pine Siskin Eastern Bluebird

Backyard Wildli

Sanctuary TouContact Jacqueline McRjacqueline.mcrae@comcawith sanctuaries you wolike to visit on our ann

2009 tour.

We need recommendat

of interested homeownas well as volunteers to

with the tour.

Georgia MastNaturalist

Certificationhosted by the

Chattahoochee NatCenter

Thursdays,March 19 through Ma

(excluding April 9)9 AM to 4 PM.

The environmental educprogram, a combinatio

lectures and hands-learning, explores hab

and ecosystems in Geothrough field studies

relevant resource mateFor more information,http://warnell.forestry.uga

faculty/html/mengak/gmnp



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 Atlant

Audubon Society. Ads may be accepted via e-mail, preferably in .pdf format. Call 770.913.0511 if you have questions. Send payment WingbarsAds, Atlanta Audubon Society, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359.

Send ads via e-mail to Catharine Kuchar at [email protected].

10 Atlanta Audubon Socie

Bird Songs of GeorgiaCD now available.

Email Georgann Schmalz [email protected] or visit

www.birdingadventuresinc.com

Crossrock Cabin Renta

Phone: 1-877-376-5032E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.cabinsinblueridgega.com

Blue Ridge, Georgia

NorthGeorgiaPremierVacationRentals

Perfect for birding in the mountains...90 minutes from At

W en You Come

To The Mountains -Ask about the new Birders Guide to Fannin County!We feature Coles seed,squirrel-proof feedersthat truly are, houses,hummingbird stuff,great books, Audubonoptics, & hard to findhardware. Plus 100sof Ravensburger Puzzles,Music of the SpheresChimes & a hugeselection of educationaltoys andgames for kids!

Downtown Blue Ridge & Inside Mercier Orchards

611 E. Main St. Blue Ridge, GA 30513(706) 258-BIRD (2473) blueridgebirdseed.com

P.O. Box 921455, Norcross, GA 30010

Website: www.workshopcreations.com

E-Mail: [email protected]: 770-448-5363 Fax: 770-448-5363

Affordable Housing

and Feeders for

Birds, Bats and

Butterflies

Workshop Creations, Inc.

Basic, functional and long-lasting

cedar products

Order on our website:

The Birds and Animals at

Ellijay Wildlife Rehabilitation Sanctuary need our help!Run by Grizzly Craig Cylke, his wife Debbie and a staff of devoted volunteers, the Ellijay Wildlife Rehabilitation

Sanctuary is a federal and state licensed 40-acre facility that has been rehabilitating injured and orphaned animals

(including birds of prey) for more than 30 years. Their ambitious and critical mission is to promote not only the protect

of wildlife and habitat, but also the importance of conservation issues as they relate to the quality of human life.

The sanctuary achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status 14 years ago and began to offer outdoor education, summer campprograms and mobile education programs to serve the people of the community. But the current economy is taking its

toll on these dedicated folks and their important work. Private donations have slowed to a trickle, and they are not sur

how much longer they will be able to take care of the animals they already havenot to mention the constant new

arrivals. Grizzly says: Remember, if our wildlife ceases to exist, so do you and so do I. It is called the Circle of Life.

Please keep the animals in your prayers.

Please visit their Website: www.2wild2tame.com for more information, to make a donation and/or find other ways to

contribute.


11/12March 2009

Wingbars is mailed only to Friends of Atlanta Audubon. All new National Audubon Society members receive an

ntroductory 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,

ou willnot receiveAudubon magazine.

f you are not a Friend of AAS, please take this opportunity to fill out and return the form below.

Atlanta Audubon Society Membership Director, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359.

You can also join online: www.atlantaaudubon.org.

Join Atlanta Audubon Society

BENEFITSOF

MEMBERSHIP 11 issues

(July/Augustcombined) of

WingbarsNewsletter

Friends discounton classes, tripsand special even

Use of the AASlibrary

Agreattaxdeduction!

J Make check payable to:Atlanta Audubon SocietyMembership DirectorP.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359

J Please charge my credit card:

JAmexJ Diners Club J Discover J MasterCard JVISA

_______________________________ _________Card Number Expiration Date

J Renewal J New Membership

Name _____________________________________

Address ___________________________________

City____________________ State ___ Zip ______

E-mail ____________________________________

Phone_____________________________________

J Basic Membership

J Individual ...........................................$25

J Family................................................$35

J Student..............................................$15

J Contributing Membership ...............................$50

J Supporting Membership ...............................$100

J Donor Membership ......................................$250

J Patron Membership......................................$500

Receive an official Atlanta Audubon T-shirt

J Benefactor Membership............................$1,000

Receive above plus autographed copy

Birds of Atlanta

J Interested in volunteering with AAS

Friends of Atlanta Audubon Society

J Please send me information on planned giving opportunities through Atlanta Audubon Societys Legacy Club

J Do not acknowledge my gift in Wingbars

It is Atlanta Audubon Societys policy not to share or sell our mailing list. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us.

Now Available!

You can now renew yourmembership online. Just vis

our Web site atwww.atlantaaudubon.org

and go to the membership pag

join via the Web. We are excito be able to offer this new

service to you!

Atlanta Audubon Society is proud to

feature its latest brochure, Georgias

Vanishing Treasures, which was

designed to focus attention on

Georgias Common Birds in Decline.

It is now available and was made

possible through AAS volunteers

and the generous support of the

Georgia Ornithological Society

(GOS), The Environmental

Resources Network (T.E.R.N.) and

the Georgia Department of Natural

Resources Watchable Wildlife.

As with any publication, the

pictures make the difference. Therefore, we would especially like to

thank Dan Vickers, Jim Wilson, Tom Wilson, R. & N. Bowers/VIREO

and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for allowing us

reproduce their photographs.

Many thanks also goes to Anne McCallum for creating the amazin

bird illustrations, Michael Oakley for preparing the range maps, an

graphic designer Laura Woods for bringing the publication to life.Catharine Brockman Kuchar, supported by a dedicated committee

consisting of Kelly Hopkins, Marge Igyarto, Tim Keyes, Nathalie

Kinkade, Ellen Miller, Barbara Tarpley and Donna Wensink, worke

tirelessly in the development of this publication. There were many

others to whom we turned for input and advice, and we thank the

as well.

We hope that this brochure makes a difference. By being better

educated and involved, we can help change this downward spiral

the decline in Georgias beautiful birds.

Georgias Vanishing Treasures

Georgias Vanishing

TreasuresWhy are Some

of Georgias Birds

Disappearing?

get educated and get involved


12/12

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S.POSTAGE

P A I D

Atlanta, GA

Permit #917

Atlanta Audubon SocietyP.O. Box 29189 Atlanta, GA 30359

Wingbarsis printed on recycled paper

ATLANTA

AUDUBON SOCIE

OFFICEat Blue Heron Nature Pres

4055 Roswell Road

Atlanta, GA 30342

770.913.0511

Send all mail for

AAS to:PO Box 29189

Atlanta, GA 3035

285

7585

400

WestPacesFerry

BlueHeronNaturePreserve

Peachtr

ee

Road

Peacht

reeIn

dlBlv

d.

PiedmontRoad

RoswellRoad

EastPacesFerry

Atlanta Audubon Society is an independent, non-profit

501(c)(3) organization. Your donations are tax deductible to

the fullest extent allowed by law.

Answer: SootyShearwater

Answer:Burrowing Owl

SOUTHERN BIRDING TRAILSBy Kenn Kaufman

A complete list of the trails can be found in Audubon Magazine published by National Audubon Society.

You could wander anywhere in Alabama and see rich natural

habitats and beautiful birds, but when the winds shift

in spring or fall its time to head for the coast. TheGulf of Mexico exerts a powerful influence onmigratory birds, and twice a year the tiny

transients swarm by the thousands along itsshores. The Alabama Coastal Birding Trailwill lead you to the best of the migrant

stopover sites, from legendary places likeFort Morgan and Dauphin Island to dozens of

lesser-known gems. On big migration days thetrees are alive with a kaleidoscopic swirl of

brightly hued warblers, tanagers, orioles, buntings,

and other songbirds, resting and refueling for the next leg of

their journeys. Throngs of sandpipers and plovers

march across the mudflats. Ibises and egretspirouette in the shallows. On days when

migration is slow, you can follow loops of the

trail to inland woods, where you might hearthe surprisingly sweet whistles of the elusiveBachmans Sparrow or a Barred Owl belting

out baritone hoots from the deep shadows ofa cypress swamp. For more information:

www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com or call877.226.9089

Alabama Coastal Birding Trail

Join Us for Workdays at Atlanta Audubons

New Home: Blue Heron Nature PreserveEach Saturday, the BHNP will host workdays from

9 AM to 12 PM. We can definitely use your help in

keeping the property in pristine condition. Simply showup and volunteer for various tasks.

For more information, contact Kevin McCauley at

[email protected].

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Documents

March 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society