May 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society

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

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ATLANTAAUDUBON SOCIE

P. O. Box 29189Atlanta, GA 3035

www.atlantaaudubon.o

AAS OFFICEand Information Li

678.973.2437

GOS RARE BIRD ALE

770.493.8862

May 2009

Volume XXXV, Issue 5 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY

I N S I D EWinning Photos...............

2009 Annual Report........

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

Scholarship Winner.........

Beltline Arboretum..........

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

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

State of Birds..................

Spotlight Williams/WatsonVolunteers......................

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

Young Times....................

Learning About Birds ......

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

Birds in Decline.................

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

Southern Birding Trails......

On Sunday, March 22, Atlanta Audubon members and guests enjoyed a very special program celebrating the 30thannual photo contest winners. This year we had 754 individual entries, up from 505 last year. Ribbons and prizes wereawarded to the winners during a reception at Vino Libro, a new wine bar and bistro in Glenwood Park, East Atlantasnewest neighborhood.

Once again our judge was Larry Winslett, a well-known professional photographer. The judging was blind; Larry did notknow the names of the entrants until after the rankings were completed. This year we introduced two new categories:Birds in Motion and Birds in Portrait (splitting our previously labeled Birds category). For the second year, our photocontest was all-digital, and ever-faithful Michael Clifford was the techno-wizard behind the online registration andcomputer applications that made the photo contest appealing to the participants. We were also able to efficiently acceptpayments through Paypal.

The winners of the 30th Annual AAS Photography Contest are, in order, by category:

30th Annual Photography Contest Winners

Grand Prize: Winner (based on total points) (Jo Ginn, Woodstock, GA)Jo won Adobes Creative Suites 4 Design Premium, whichincludes design tools such as inDesign, Photoshop Extended,Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Flash, etc., plus the opportunity tohave her photograph printed on the AAS official 2009postcard.

Animals: Honorable Mention(Linda May, Covington, GA) Honorable Mention(William Reeves, Atlanta, GA) Third Place ( Jo Ginn, Woodstock, GA) Second Place ( Ron Holt, Lithonia, GA) First Place ( Alexandra Boldyreva, Atlanta, GA)

Alexandra won a Florida Space Coast Outdoor AdventurePackage for two including:

All-inclusive guided kayak nature tour from Space CoastKayaking

Complimentary registrations for the 2010 Space CoastBirding and Wildlife Festival

Discount coupons to Ron Jons Surf Shop in CocoaBeach, compliments of the Brevard Nature Alliance

Gift certificates to Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant Wildside Tours Cocoa Beach Manatee Watch, a naturalhistory river cruise.

Habitat: Honorable Mention (Linda Martinson, Atlanta, GA) Honorable Mention (Jo Ginn, Woodstock, GA)

Third Place Winner (Tom Wilson, Woodstock, GA) Second Place Winner (Michael Bartell, Dunwoody, GA) First Place Winner (Jo Ginn, Woodstock, GA)Jo won a life-size pair of cranes rendered in steel with hand-hammered detail sponsored by Smith & Hawken.

Birds in Portrait: Honorable Mention (Richard Dowling, Prattville, AL) Honorable Mention (Charles McRae, Marion, SC) Third Place Winner (Michael Bartell, Dunwoody, GA) Second Place Winner (Mim Eisenberg, Roswell, GA) First Place Winner (Marvin Price, Marietta, GA)Marvin won a pair of 8x42 Raptor Binoculars sponsored byEagle Optics.

Birds in Motion: Honorable Mention (Trevor Hodgson, Fredon, NJ) Honorable Mention (Chris Willis, Atlanta, GA) Third Place Winner (Michael Jones, Rockmart, GA) Second Place Winner (Lesley Hodgson, Fredon, NJ) First Place Winner (David Hodgson, Atlanta, GA)David won Adobes Photoshop Creative Suites 4.

Georgia Youth: Winner (Luke Theodorou, Lawrenceville, GA)Luke won a birdJam Maker East edition and the Stokes FieldGuide to Bird Songs CDs, East Region Edition sponsored bybirdJam.

Judges Choice: Winner ( Jack Rogers, Oviedo, FL)Jack won a $250 cash prize.

, . , .

. ..

Prizes subject to change if availability issues arise.Adobe prizes cannot be upgraded to later editions in the future.

See Photos on Page 2


2/12

Q: What speciesrecently dethronedthe Arctic Tern as

the bird with thelongest migration?

See page ___ for the answerSee last page for answer

Thanks to everyone for entering and congratulations to our winners. Many thanks, as well, to Michael Clifford, Larry WinsletJoy Carter, Vino Libro and this years wonderful sponsors: birdJam, Eagle Optics, Smith & Hawken and the Space CoastFestival.Board of Directors

2009

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

Which is theonly shearwaterfound regularlyon both the eastand west coasts?

Winner: First Place AnimalsPhotographer: Alexandra Boldyreva

Winner: Georgia YouthPhotographer: Luke Theodorou

Winner: First Place Birds in MotionPhotographer: David Hodgson

Winner: Judges ChoicePhotographer: Jack Rogers

Reminder: Dont MissAAS Open House Celebration on May 9

Rain Date: May 17

Location: 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta(across the street from Pike Family Nurseries)

On Saturday, May 9 from 1 PM to 5 PM, come visit our new office and education center at theBlue Heron Nature Preserve and help us celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. ThePreserve, AAS and other local groups have planned a celebration filled with many wonderfulactivities and events. You can also explore the beautiful grounds of this amazing property.

30th Annual Photography

Contest Winners


3/12May 2009

Information on

the 2008 Annual ReportAs we look back on 2008, it was another milestone year for Atlanta Audubon Society. Ou

accomplishments were many, yet we focused attention on our future and how we might

better serve our community. Once again, we were incredibly fortunate to have the mostwonderful volunteers that any organization could imagine. Our accomplishments were

possible only because of their commitment and dedication. We expanded our endeavors i

education, conservation and community outreach and engaged individuals in unique way

to directly impact the conservation of birds. It was a year to get educated and get

involved.

Once again we have prepared a full-length annual report for Atlanta

Audubon Society. In the report you will read highlights of our

accomplishments in the following areas:

N Conservation initiatives

N Educational opportunitiesN Community outreach

N Reaching out to the next generation

N Building community through volunteerism

N Summary of financials

N List of our supporters

We invite all of

our members

and supporters

to view the

complete 2008

Annual Report

by visiting

Atlanta

Audubon

Societys Web

site and

downloading

the complete,

eight-page,

detailed report.

As we work through the remainder of 2009, we will explore even more ways of how we

might best create, promote and preserve bird-friendly habitat. We will ask important que

tions regarding our role in conservation and how we might become the leader in education

on birds and wildlife in the metro-Atlanta area.

We hope you will take a moment to read about our successes in the full-length version

available on-line at www.atlantaaudubon.org, We are proud of our many accomplishmen

and are gratified in knowing that everything we did was possible because of our supporter

volunteers and Friends of Atlanta Audubon Society. Thank you for another great year!

Great Blue Heron by Cathy Ha

White-throated Sparrow by Trevor Hodgson

Visitors Enjoy the Sanctuary Tour by Cathy Harman


4/124 Atlanta Audubon Soci

ATLANTA AREA

DUCKS THROUGH RAILS CL had an excellent

winter count of 30 BLUE-WINGED TEAL at the

E.L. Huie Land Application Facility (ELHLAF) in

Clayton Co. on 4 Feb. Also at the ELHLAF were

66 AMERICAN BLACK DUCKS on 4 Feb. (JS, CL)

and 14 NORTHERN PINTAILS on 3 Feb. (CL). A

single EARED GREBE was reported from the

Buford Dam area on 1 Feb. (LH) and again on 7

Feb. (M&DMcS).

SANDHILL CRANE There were about 25 reports

of SANDHILL CRANES moving through the

Atlanta area between 7 Feb. and 28 Feb. Thetotal number of birds reported was about 3,000

or so with the peaks coming on 7 8 Feb. and

18-19 Feb.

SANDPIPERS THROUGH ORIOLES The

SPOTTED SANDPIPER which spent the winter at

the Chattahoochee River National Recreation

Area (CRNRA) was again seen there on 1 Feb.

(SB). The previously reported ICELAND GULL at

Buford Dam was last seen there on 1 Feb.

(K&LT). B&CL reported a large flock of 200 FISH

CROWS in the Buckhead area on 8 Feb. Very

rare for the wintertime was a SUMMER

TANAGER reported from the Roswell area on 22

Feb. (fide GM). A male WESTERN TANAGER was

seen in the Suwanee area on 3 Feb. until at

least 20 Feb. (RT). A LINCOLNS SPARROW was

banded at Panola Mtn. on 7 Feb. by CM.A

possible LAZULI BUNTING was reported from

DeKalb Co. on 10 Feb. (PS). Unfortunately the

bird was not photographed and was not

relocated. This would be the first record of this

species in Georgia if adequate documentation

could be had. A male YELLOW-HEADED

BLACKBIRD was seen in the Loganville area on 1

and 2 Feb. (TW). In the same area two

BALTIMORE ORIOLES were seen on 2 Feb. (SH,

TW) and another BALTIMORE ORIOLE was seen

in NE Cobb Co. on 14 Feb. (fide KB).

GEORGIA AREA

WHISTLING-DUCKS THROUGH PUDDLE DUCKS

Several observers reported BLACK-BELLIED

WHISTLING-DUCKS from the Altamaha Waterfowl

Management Area (AWMA) near Darien. The

peak counts were in the low 40s (m.ob.). A

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was seen in

the Augusta area on 7 Feb. (PMcL, RM). As many

as two CINNAMON TEALS were seen at the

AWMA on 24 Feb. (VL fide JSe). This is a very

rare species for Georgia, but it appears that the

AWMA is an excellent spot to look for this visitor.

An excellent count of 27 NORTHERN PINTAILSwas recorded at the Bear Creek Reservoir near

Athens on 25 Feb. (JN).

DIVING DUCKS CANVASBACKS were widely

reported with the peak count of 20 coming from

Walton Co. on 4 Feb. (BB). The Merry Brothers

Brickyard Ponds in the Augusta area played host

to a number of rare ducks such as a LONG-

TAILED DUCK, two WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS and

12 CANVASBACKS, all on 7 Feb. (LS). At

Cumberland Island SP reported three SURF

SCOTERS, two BLACK SCOTERS and 11 WHITE-

WINGED SCOTERS on 10 Feb. Two LONG-TAILEDDUCKS were seen at the MBBYP on 1Feb., and

one was seen at the Phinizy Swamp the same

day (NF). COMMON GOLDENEYES were widely

reported with the peak count of four coming

from Floyd Co. on 18 Feb. (MD).

GREBES THROUGH CRANES A rather amazing

count of 131+ HORNED GREBES was reported

from West Point Lake on 15 Feb. (MMcS, BC).

JSe and CL had 27 AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS

in Camden Co. on 22 Feb.The GREAT

CORMORANT previously reported from the

Walter F. George Dam remained there for the

entire month (m.ob.). Single AMERICAN

BITTERNS were seen at the AWMA on 13 Feb.

(CM) and at the Eufaula NWR on 16 Feb. (AL).

There were at least 19 separate reports of

SANDHILL CRANES scattered throughout for the

entire month. Approximately 5,200 individual

birds were noted with the peak counts being

1,000 at Grand Bay on 2 Feb. (PMcL) and 1,500

in Gordon Co. on 21 Feb. (SC).

SHOREBIRDS THROUGH CROSSBILLS JS an

CL had a huge assemblage of shorebirds at

Goulds Inlet on 26 Feb. with at least 2,000

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS and 3,500

SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS. SP had 14 AMERI

AVOCETS, six WHIMBRELS and two MARBLEDGODWITS at the Jekyll Island Visitors Center

13 Feb. A first winter GREAT BLACK-BACKED

GULL was a good find at Lake Lanier (Hall Co

on 24 Feb. (JF). A SHORT-EARED OWL was s

in Stewart Co. on 14 Feb. (WC).The RUFOUS

HUMMINGBIRD that frequented GSs feeder in

Dawson Co. was last seen on 7 Feb. Early

swallow reports included a PURPLE MARTIN

Americus on 6 Feb. (PHa), a TREE SWALLOW

along Pine Chapel Road on 14 Feb. (KB), and

BARN SWALLOWS in Wilkes Co. on 22 Feb. (J

Rare sparrows included a HENSLOWS

SPARROW at Harris Neck NWR on 8 Feb. (N&a LE CONTES SPARROW at the Eufaula NWR

14 Feb. (WC) and a LINCOLNS SPARROW ne

Darien on 28 Feb. (DC). Two other good sight

were a BALTIMORE ORIOLE at the Ocmulgee

National Monument on 14 Feb. (AA et al.) and

two RED CROSSBILLS in White Co. also on 14

Feb. (JM).

CONTRIBUTORS Anne Armstrong, Steve

Barlow,Annette Bittaker, Brandon Best, Ken

Blankenship, Yvonne Bombardier, Charlie

Bostwick, Patrick Brisse, Walt Chambers, Sta

Chapman, Bob Cheek, Doris Cohrs, Nancy anJohn Crosby, Marion Dobbs, Mim Eisenberg,

Nathan Farnau, Jim Flynn, Mark Freeman, Da

Furbish, Hugh Garrett, Jim Gilreath, Phil Hard

Carol Hassell, Steve Holzman, Liz Horsey, Pie

Howard, Jodi Jones, Gus Kaufman, Carol

Lambert, Fred Land, Vernon Laux, Annie Lind

Bill and Condit Lotz, Jeff Madsen, Ruth Marle

Hal Massie, John McClatchey, Patty McClean

Steve McConnell, Trey Mccuen, Grant McCrea

Mark and Delia McShane, Mary Meyer, Darle

Moore, Pam Moore, Peggy and Terry Moore,

Charlie Muise, James Neves, Steve Parrish,

Parrie Pinyan, Dan Roper, Michael Saunders,Georgann Schmalz, Bill Schmid, Jeff Sewell,

Chris Shelton, Lois Stacey, Pat Sully, Karen an

Luke Theodorou, Eugenia Thompson, Rusty

Trump, Jim Urban, Matt Ward, Thad Weed, M

Weems, Sheila Willis, and Stacy Zarpentine.

Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Ct., Roswell, GA

30075 [email protected]

February Field Notes by Terry Moorez

February was a rather average

month for Georgia with most of

the good birds carry-overs

from the previous month.

Waterfowl, especially the rarerspecies, were well reported during

the month. One species quite rare for the state

were the two Cinnamon Teals seen in the

Darien area.The Atlanta area came in with

111 species (average = 101.5) to bring that

year-to-date list to 120 (average = 117.1). The

Georgia area came in with 196 species

(average = 190.0) to bring that year-to-date

list to 201 (average = 214.9).


5/12May 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 the

resources necessary topreserve 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: What isplanned giving and hcan it help me and th

Atlanta Audubon

Society?

Answer: Planned givinis the use of tax laws,trusts and life insuranto give you, your heirand your favoritecharities the most reton your donated asseIt can be of particularbenefit to retirees whhave assets, but needmore income. AAS carefer you to professioadvisors for moreinformation.

For more informationcontact Art Hurt [email protected]

Young Birders ConferenceScholarship Winner Announced

By Barbara Giebelhaus

Atlanta Audubon Society and the Georgia Ornithological Society are proud to announce that Jordan

Budnik from Decatur, Georgia, is the winner of their scholarship to attend the American Birding

Associations Young Birders Conference in San Diego, California, June 21 to 27.

The purpose of this scholarship is to help young people learn about the fascinating and enjoyablehobby of bird watching (birding). We offered one scholarship to an interested young person (ages 13 to

8). This is an extraordinary opportunity for Jordan to learn the many aspects of birding from some of

he best birders in the country. She will write an article for a future edition ofWingbars to discuss her

experiences at the conference. Congratulations, Jordan!

Update on TogetherGreen Grant and

Hands-on Work Days on the BeltLine ArboretumWe continue to make progress on our project, Atlanta BeltLine:

Adding a New Dimension to Restore and Reduce the Threat to

Bird-friendly Habitat, which is funded by the TogetherGreen grant

from National Audubon Society and Toyota.

We are in the middle of our field assessment work; we are

analyzing what wildlife and birds can be found in seven of the

natural neighborhoods along the BeltLine Arboretum. In

addition, we took our first steps in putting together the seven

educational pieces that will be developed around each of the

natural neighborhoods. Content for these pieces will be based on

the findings from our field assessment.

Another dimension of our grant includes special on-the-ground conservation projects. So far, Trees

Atlanta and Atlanta Audubon Society have held four special volunteer conservation projects on the

BeltLine. Below is a brief recap.

February 14: Volunteers met at Rose Circle Park on White Street near Brown Middle School for a

pecial tree-planting event. Despite bad weather, 27 volunteers planted over 40 preferred-by-wildlife

rees and removed invasive species (also preferred by wildlife) in the Warehouse Row Natural

Neighborhood. We planted sumac and trees including Virginia magnolia, red cedar, tupelo, pine

loblolly and longleaf) and crab apple.

March 12: Over 200 Brown Middle School students participated in a special planting project. The

tudents enjoyed an educational program on trees and wildlife, which was presented by the Trees

Atlanta staff before going outside to plant, plant, plant! The event was a big success.

March 14: Another planting project was held in the Warehouse Row Natural Neighborhood on

his pleasant Saturday morning. Over 20 volunteers contributed 80 hours of time to plant trees for

wildlife in this special natural neighborhood.

April 18: Invasive plant removal in the BeltLine Arboretum West Connection Natural

Neighborhood at Gordon White Park (see the update in future Wingbars)

Thanks to everyone who made these events a success and for helping us move forward in this

worthwhile event.

Young Volunteers Arboretum Hands-on WorkdayPhotographer: Robby Astrove, Trees Atlanta


6/126 Atlanta Audubon Socie

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 May field tripsthat may be scheduled.

Sketch by Anne McCallum

Note: We encourage carpooling to and from out-of-town field trips. If you are coming from the Atlanta area and

are willing to take riders or if you wish to carpool (and share expenses), please e-mail Stan Chapman at

[email protected] and include your name, location, phone number(s) by 8 PM on the Wednesday preceding the tripat which time he will send a master list of participants for everyone to make their own arrangements.

Saturday, May 2, 8 AMPiedmont Park (City of Atlanta) Sponsored by thePiedmont Park Conservancy and AASGeorge KingMeet at Piedmont Park Conservancy Community Roomocated at Piedmont Ave. and 12th St.

Children accompanied by a parent are invited.Birding Focus: This trip is an excellent way forbeginners to learn about spring birds found in theforest and adjacent pond.Directions: From south of Atlanta, take I-75/85connector north to Exit 249B/Pine St. Go straight on

Pine, crossing Peachtree St. Turn left on PiedmontAve. Travel about 1 mi. to 12th St. From northwest ofAtlanta, take I-75 S. to Exit 250/16th St. Go straight,crossing 14th St. Follow the signs to 10th St. Turn lefton 10th. Travel 0.5 mi. to Piedmont Ave. Go left andtravel about 1 mi. to 12th St. Due to street closings,ncluding the 10th and 14th St. Exits from I-75 S.,

consider exiting at Northside Dr. From northeast ofdowntown, take I-85 S to Exit 84/17th St. Continuestraight, crossing 14th St. Follow directions above.From MARTA Arts Center station, walk south 1.5 mi. to14th St., turn left (east) and walk two blocks toPiedmont Ave., then turn right and walk south twoblocks to 12th St.

Saturday, May 2 and May 9, 8 AMFernbank Forest,Fernbank Science Center, (DeKalb County)Chris Showalter (5/2) Tricia Neal (5/9)

Meet at the parking lot near the observatory dome onthe north side of the Science Center. FernbankScience Center is not at the same location asFernbank Museum on Clifton Rd. The forest is closedto the public except for those on the Atlanta Audubonfield trip for the first two hours of the walk.Birding Focus: Fernbank has an extensive forest in ann-town location and paved paths through the woods.

It is excellent for woodland birds, including warblersand vireos and is one of the best locations in the areato see thrushes and Pileated Woodpeckers.

Directions: From I-285 N or S on the east side ofAtlanta, take Exit 39A/Highway 78/Stone Mtn.Freeway, west toward Decatur, which merges withLawrenceville Highway/US 29) and passes NorthDeKalb Mall, after which it changes to Scott Blvd.After about 4 mi., go through the major intersectionwith Clairemont Ave., and then take a right at the thirdSt. onto Coventry Rd. From Coventry, turn left at thefirst traffic light onto Heaton Park Dr, where you willsee the Science Center 0.1 mi. ahead. From downtownAtlanta/Peachtree St,, take Ponce de Leon Ave easttoward Decatur for 4.2 mi., turn left onto Artwood Rd.,and go 0.2 mi. and turn right onto Heaton Park Drive.The Science Center is 0.1 mi. ahead.

Tuesday, May 5, 12, 19, 8 AM to noonCochran Shoals Unit ofChattahoochee River NRA

Hugh GarrettMeet at the kiosk at the north end of the parking lot ofthe Interstate North Pkwy. entrance to CochranShoals. There is a $3 parking fee (or annual pass) atthis site.There is considerable walking involved, some of whichmight be on wet grass. Beginners are very welcome.Birding Focus: Cochran Shoals has a diverse habitat ofriver, fields and forest that is very attractive to many

species of resident and migrant birds. It is one of thebest places in Atlanta to see the Red-headedWoodpecker, as well as several species of raptors andswallows. The Philadelphia Vireo is found annually andthe Prothonotary Warbler usually nests here.Directions: Take I-285 to Exit 22/Northside-PowersFerry Rd. Going west on I-285, turn right at the firsttraffic light onto Interstate North Pkwy. Stay on thisroad as it curves west through an intersection andcrosses the river. After crossing, the parking lot is animmediate right. Going east on I-285, continue east atthe exit to the second traffic light, then turn left(north) and cross the bridge over I-285 and continuethrough the traffic light on the other side ontoInterstate North Pkwy., then follow the directions

above.

Saturday, May 9, 7:30 AMCochran Shoals Unit CRNRA

Joel Hitt (cell phone) 404.784.6346Directions: See May 2 trip

Saturday, May 9, 8 AMDawson Forest Wildlife Management Area, AtlantaTract, Dawsonville (Dawson County)Theresa Hartz (cell phone 678.936.0785)

Meet at 8 AM at the wetland just inside the gate.Birding Focus: Dawson Forest includes wetlands, fieldsand forest and is an excellent place to see wetlandbirds, summer residents and migrants. It is one of the

best locations in north Georgia for vireos, tanagers,woodpeckers, flycatchers and several species ofwarblers, including the Blue-winged Warbler, KentuckyWarbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Northern Parula andCommon Yellowthroat.Directions: From I-285, take GA 400 N. 36.6 mi. Turnleft onto Dawson Forest Rd. at the North GeorgiaPremium Outlet, which is 6.6 mi. past Hwy. 369 (thefirst traffic light along GA 400). Drive 3.9 mi. alongDawson Forest Rd. to GA 9 and continue straight foranother 1.5 mi. to the gate into Dawson Forest.

Sunday, May 10, 8 AMCarters Lake Area, near Ellijay(Murray County)

Max MedleyMeet at 8:00 AM in the parking lot of the recreatioarea by Reregulation Dam.Birding focus: Vireos and warblers should benumerous, and this area is excellent for Veery andPhiladelphia Vireo. Max Medley is a long-time birand PhD biologist who leads trips for botanical gras well as birders. His expertise is birds, butterflidragonflies and plants, and he plans to search out

identify these life forms on this trip.Directions: From I-285, take I-75 North to Exit 29and follow US 411 north for approximately 27 mi tintersection with GA 136 where there is a gas statand Ralstons Corner store in Ranger. Turn right(east) onto GA 136, go 0.5 mi to old US411, turn l(north) and go 0.7 mi, turn right into the recreatiarea by the dam.

Thursday, May 14 and Sunday, May 24, 8 AMClyde Shepherd Nature Preserve(DeKalb County)

Lisa Hurt

Meet at the entrance of the preserve at the cornePine Bluff Drive and Wood Trail Lane. CSNP has

boardwalks over the wetlands with an observationdeck and wooded paths along the creek, butsometimes the trails are wet, so it is advisable to

waterproof footwear.Birding Focus: It can be excellent for migrants anhawks and may have herons and Wood Ducks ifenough water is present.Directions: From I-285 N or S on the east side of

Atlanta, take Exit 39A/Highway 78/Stone Mtn.Freeway, west toward Decatur, which merges withLawrenceville Highway/US 29 and passes NorthDeKalb Mall, after which it changes to Scott Blvd

After you pass the QT station on your right, turn rat the next street, Harrington Rd. Follow it for 0.6and turn right onto Wood Trail Lane for a short

distance until it makes a 90 degree turn to the lefbecomes Pine Bluff. The entrance to the refuge isthis corner. From I-85 N or S., take Exit 89/NorthDruid Hills Rd. east toward Decatur. After approxmi., North DeKalb Mall will be on your right. At thnext intersection, turn right onto LawrencevilleHwy/US Hwy 29. After passing the QT station, folldirections above.

Saturday, May 16, 8 AMChattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Rd.,Roswell (Fulton County)

Stacy Zarpentine (cell 404.219.5869)

Meet at the store of the Chattahoochee Nature CeBirding Focus: Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, swifts and


7/12May 2009

wallows over the river and nesting ospreys are somef the common birds sighted here.

Directions: From Roswell Rd../U.S. 19 heading northrom Atlanta or I-285: At the first traffic light afterrossing the Chattahoochee River, turn left onto

Azalea Dr. At the second traffic light, turn left ontoWilleo Rd. CNC is located 0.5 mi. on the right. FromGA 400 Northbound, take Exit 6/Northridge Rd. andbear to the right, going back over the freeway.mmediately after crossing over GA 400, turn rightnto Dunwoody Pl. Follow for 1.2 mi. to Roswell Rd.,urn right and follow the directions above. From GA00 Southbound, take Exit 6/Northridge Rd. At thend of the ramp, travel straight through the trafficight onto Dunwoody Pl. Follow Dunwoody Pl. for 1.2

mi. to Roswell Rd. Turn right and follow the directionsabove.

Sunday, May 17, 7:30 AMPiedmont National Wildlife Refuge, near JulietteLloyd "Pappy" Snyder (cell 678.296.4463)

Meet at the Whistle Stop Caf, 443 McCrackin St.,downtown Juliette, to carpool to refuge.

Birding focus: The birding focus will be on nestingbirds, including Red-cockaded Woodpecker,Bachmans Sparrow, Orchard Oriole, SummerTanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Kentucky Warbler,Louisiana Waterthrush, Blue Grosbeak and Acadianlycatcher.

Directions: From Atlanta, take I-75 South to Exit 186Tift College Drive/Juliette Rd.). Turn left at the endf the ramp and follow the road (which becomesuliette Rd.) for 9.5 mi. At Juliette, make a sharp leftnto McCrackin St. and travel 0.3 mi to the Caf.

Sunday, May 17, 8 AMBlue Heron Nature Preserve, 4055 Roswell Rd.,

Atlanta (Fulton County)Jason Baumgartner (cell phone 770.314.7303)Meet at parking lot adjacent to the new AASEducational Center.Birding focus: A few migrants and some residentnesting species are likely to be seen.There has never been an AAS walk at this preserve,

which includes woodland trails, a pond and wetlandsformed by Nancy Creek.Directions: From downtown Atlanta, take Piedmont

Ave. north until it intersects with Roswell Rd. Turnright on to Roswell Rd. and travel 0.8 mi to thepreserve entrance on your right. From the north sideof I-285, take Exit 25/Roswell Rd. and travel south(inside the perimeter) 3.3 mi from the exit. Theentrance to the preserve will be on your left justbefore Pikes Nurseries.

Saturday, May 23, 7:30 AM to 8:00 AMIvy Log/Gum Log Gap Roads near Blairsville (AM)and Brasstown Bald (PM)

Sponsored jointly by AAS andOconee Rivers Audubon SocietyDot Freeman and Stan Chapman

Meet at 7:30 AM at Ingles grocery store, 43 Hwy. 515,Blairsville, at the far end of the parking lot, oppositethe front entrance.Birding focus: We will look for the Willow Flycatcherand other birds in the swale adjacent to the Inglesparking lot for about 30 minutes and around 8 AMarrange a car pool to the Ivy Log and Gum Log GapRoads in search of many nesting warblers and vireo

species, including Cerulean Warblers and ScarletTanagers. After lunch, we will go to Brasstown Bald

where we might see or hear Canada Warblers, VeeriWinter Wrens and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.Directions: From Atlanta, take I-75 north to Exit 26to I-575/GA Hwy. 5 north for 72 mi. GA Hwy. 5becomes US-76 east/GA-2 east/GA 515 north. Stay oGA 515 an additional 22.6 mi to the Ingles grocerystore, which is on your left slightly north and east ofthe center of Blairsville. From US 19/US129 north(from I-85 or GA 400), go three-quarters of the wayaround the circle at the old Blairsville Courthouse,staying on US19/129 west. At the next traffic signal,turn right (north) for one block and then right agaiat the next traffic signal onto GA Hwy. 515 headingeast. Follow GA Hwy. 515 for one mi to Ingles on theleft.

OCMULGEE AUDUBON SOCIETY

Saturday, May 16, 8 AMSprewell Bluff State Park, Thomaston

Phil Delestrez, park manager

Meet in parking area. There is a $3 parking fee.Expect to climb some hills on this walk.Birding focus: Breeding birds of central Georgiaforest and river habitat.Directions: From Thomaston, take GA Hwy 74 aboumi west, turn left onto Old Alabama Rd. that leads tthe park. Drive straight through the park where theroad ends at the Flint River.

State of the Birds 2009By Darlene Moore

I had the opportunity to visit the Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area inMarch after successfully relocating and photographing the Tundra Swans in Walker County. Sewell, Bill Lotz and I scouted out the terrain and found an area of native grassland that hadbeen recently burned.

It was here that I had my first up close interaction with a covey of Northern Bobwhites. Thewere so tame, innocently looking up at us just a few feet from the car. The sweet cooing noithey called to each other were something new for Bill and me, but Jeff, a seasoned birder, hapreviously had the pleasure of hearing these endearing sounds. Watching such gentle creatuhad an impact on all of us, and frankly it was the highlight of the day even though we had

successfully photographed pretty rare vagrants to the mountain area.

It breaks my heart to know that in my lifetime I could see the demise of such wonderful birds. I hope that you havehad the opportunity to read the widespread coverage of the comprehensive State of the Birds 2009 report in theUnited States. Although grassland birds do not receive as much attention as forest and wetland birds, these birdshave declined more than other groups. I ask that each of you consider how we can change that. Below are links tohelp you consider ways to accomplish that:

Northern Bobwhite Hen

Photographer: Darlene Moore

Cornell Labs

http://www.stateofthebirds.org/National Audubon Society

Birds and Climate Change:Ecological Disruption in Motion

www.audubon.org

The Nature Conservancy

State of the Birdshttp://my.nature.org/birds/report/

Field Trips Compiled by Stan Chapman



This month we are spotlighting the two people whoare responsible for the design and layout ofWingbars. Judy Watson and Deb Williams have along relationship with each other and with Atlanta

Audubon. Together Judy and Deb make a greatteam, each complimenting the other.

The relationship between Copy Preparation and AASgoes back quite a bit to when Georgann Schmalzwas affiliated with the Fernbank Science Center.

Judy explained: Years ago, Georgann developed abird checklist for Fernbank and subsequently for

Audubon. We also did typesetting for the graphicartists who designed The Fernbank Quarterly.Eventually we talked about the AAS newsletter, andnow it is one of our favorite projects. We learn somuch from the newsletter every month. Deb added,I credit Atlanta Audubon for making it possible forus all to be birders on some level and in our owncorner of the world.

Judy and Deb live in Gwinnett County, and both arebird watchers. Judy lives in Duluth on an old creekbed. She described the location by saying, When wemoved there 25 years ago, we often saw the bigcockaded woodpeckers and their young. We have acouple of hawks and owls that we see from time totime. But my hummingbird feeder hung at thekitchen window gives us the most enjoyment. Wehung a seed feeder, but had lots of trouble keepingthe raccoons and squirrels out of it. Finally we put ahook straight out of the eave, and I think weve hiton something.

Deb lives in an older neighborhoodwhere wildlife is also abundant. She

sharedthe following information,

My husband and I have always tried to make ourchildren aware of all nature and to respect and leaabout it as well. We have always kept field guidesaround to research bugs, plants and, of course,

birds! Of all the birds we track in our area, hummare the most amazing to me. (Our hawks are a closecond, but we just cant get as up close and

personal with them.) Deb credits Georgann for heinterest in birding, I learned from Georgann and

Audubon how to attract hummingbirds and how tproperly take care of their feeders. I try to keep aleast six feeders going and the rewards arewonderful. Some are outside our kitchen windowwhere we are entertained at every meal. I am alwhappy when the first little guys show up after winand a bit sad when they migrate.

While having a conversation with Art Hurt at theWarbler Workshop, he mentioned how much helooked forward to receiving Wingbars and how he

appreciated the photos and graphics. Layout anddesign can certainly enhance a publication, and wfeel very fortunate towork with suchwonderful and talented

people as Judy and Deb.They certainly deservethe spotlight as well asaccolades for theircreative preparation and

presentation of the textand graphics. Thanks,ladies, for your supportand hard work eachmonth.

Spotlighting... Deb Williams and Judy WatsonBy Mary Ann Hindes

Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Volunte

Corner Volunteer Corner Volunteer Corner Volunte

Deb Williams (standing) and J

Watson

Photographer: David Williams

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.

AAS is extremely fortunate to have a competent and committedvolunteer like Nancy Hamilton. She not only serves on our Board of

Directors, but she oversees our volunteer efforts as well. We want to thank

Nancy for everything she is doing, particularly this spring with all of the requests for AAS toparticipate in festivals and provide speakers for varied events. It is a big job organizing all of thevolunteers, and Nancy does a wonderful job.

The beginning of the year is always a busy time for AAS, especially from a financial perspective.Many thanks go to Deanna Helie, AAS treasurer. Deanna not only serves on the Board ofDirectors, but she has worked extremely hard this year finalizing the books for 2008 andpreparing our budget for 2009. Thanks, Deanna, for everything you do.

With this years tax season behind us, we all breathed a big sigh of relief. We are extremelygrateful to former AAS treasurer, Jeannie Wright, who volunteered to complete our 990 taxform. Pulling together all the required information can be an overwhelming ordeal, but Jeanniewas amazing in making it all happen in a very short period of time. Thanks, Jeannie!

olunteerOpportunities

mpiled by Carol Hassell

lunteer Recognitionordinator. We are looking for

meone to manage our new Volunteerhe Month program. The coordinatorhelp manage the selection of the

unteer, send a letter of recognition a gift from AAS to the person

ected, and then write a brief noticeinclusion in Wingbars. AAS

preciates their volunteers, and went to find better ways to thankm. Can you help? If interested,ase contact Catharine [email protected].

blicity for Upcoming Fieldps. We need volunteers to

rdinate with members of the Fieldp Committee to publicize upcomingd trips in newspapers, bird andure stores, bulletin boardswhere people interested in birdks might see the notice. Are you

erested in this fun and vital work?ntact Field Trip Committee member,via Chandler, ([email protected])ou are interested in helpingblicize the trips in settings othern newspapers or Pamginbotham ([email protected])ou are interested in organizingwspaper publicity.

sist on Field Trips. If this is upr alley: a) e-mail Stan at

[email protected] to let him knowch walk youll attend; b) distributembership brochures and checklists;

give a brief 1-2 minute talk toendees about AAS membership; d)p track of the bird species seening the walk and send the list ton; and e) enter the birds seen onrd.

ke to go on bird walks? Wouldlike to lead a bird walk with kids at of the summer day camps in thetro area where AAS is providing

ARNING ABOUT BIRDS (LAB) training materials so children can learn to

ntify Atlanta's summer birds? Noerience necessary. Reply to Marcia

[email protected].

eakers Needed! Many gardenbs and nurseries such as Pikes andith & Hawken, as well as otherure organizations, request speakersm AAS. In June we will offer arkshop for volunteers who wouldto become a part of the AAS

eakers Bureaua group ofunteers who enjoy speaking aboutkyard birding, feeders and birdhs, native plants that attract birds how to identify birds and theirgs. If interested, contact Nancy [email protected].


9/12May 2009

n the coming issues of Wingbars, we will periodically feature a report from the point of view of young people in ourcommunity. If you are a young birder and interested in participating, please contact Barbara at [email protected].

Our first young reporter, Jack Boyette from Glennwood Academy in Decatur, is a student in the very popular LEARNING

ABOUT BIRDS (LAB) program. Marcia Klenbort coordinates the LAB program and is supported by a very capable

committee. Our thanks go to Jack for his wonderful report.

Learning

About

BirdsBy Mary Nevil

Recently I took 12 kidin our Brown Thrashgroup to a senior cento put on a program fthe residents. We allhad a good time talkiabout the common bi

of Georgia and showithe older folks how touse binoculars as youcan see in thephotograph featured.

The Brown Thrasherhad T-shirts made, an

we participated in thYouth BirdingConferenceApril 25

April 26. Our mainfocus was raising mofor the competition

using Audubon'sPennies for the Planeprogram.

ByJackL.Boyette,FifthGrade,GlennwoodAcademy

I first became interested in birds at

summer camp after third grade. A

lady from the Atlanta Audubon

Society came and told us aboutbirds. She gave me a book about

birds and a green T-shirt with lots

of birds and facts about the birds

on it. She also brought a live falcon

(at least I think it was a falcon, I

dont really remember) and some

owl pellets. I remember that after

everyone else was done, I was still

picking away trying to get the

small bones.

Then when I went to fourth grade,

we had a program at my school,

Glennwood Academy, called

Explorations. Explorations is sortof like a club that we go to on

Friday afternoon for one hour. My

mom suggested that I pick the bird

club because I had really liked

dissecting owl pellets. I thought to

myself, If they have owl pellets,

thats got to be really cool! So I

picked it and I have been in it ever

since fourth grade.

The teacher in charge of the bird

club is Mr. Buddy Goodloe (Mr.

Buddy to us students). He was an

Eagle Scout in Troop 175, the same

troop that I am in now. He is agreat teacher and has taught me

most of what I know about birds

through his outstanding teaching

habits. Mr. Buddy is probably one

of the nicest teachers that I have

ever met and is a really good friend

of mine.

In the bird club, we start out with

bird storiesthese are stories we

tell about encounters with birds

that we saw in the past week. Foreach bird story that we tell, we get

a piece of candy. Even if you dont

have a bird story, you still get

candy. Then we move on to flash

cards. There is a picture of a

common bird on each flashcard.

Flash cards are a very good way to

learn because it helps you tell the

difference between very similar

birds such as the Red-bellied

Woodpecker and the Red-headed

Woodpecker. I think the flashcards

have helped me learn to identify a

lot of birds.Then we go behind the school and

take the path down to a creek that

doesnt flow anymore. If you cross

that creek bed, there is sort of an

island. There is a very big tree in

the center of this island and many

trees surrounding it. Many birds

like to roost here. So we have visits

from many birds such as the

Coopers Hawk, the Downy

Woodpecker and the Tufted

Titmouse. Now these are only a few

of the birds we see behind the

schoolthere are many more.Some advice I have for any young

birders, such as myself, is to try to

go bird watching and study about

birds at least once a week. Also you

should get a good pair of

binocularsthey dont have to be

expensive, they just have to work!

Even if you have eagle eyes, get a

pair. And when you go bird

watching, try to go to a place thatis uninhabited, such as the woods,

a place with a lot of trees and a

water source.

I would like to say one more thing.

Birds are one of the few creatures

that survived whatever killed all

the dinosaurs. Birds have been on

this planet much longer than we

have. They have adapted to the

world around them and are one of

the more common creatures in the

world. They have also adapted to

flight. Birds are extraordinary

creatures of the wild. They aresimply amazing to watch take off,

fly, glide down, and swoop up to

catch their prey. They are

extraordinary creatures to hear

sing. Bird songs have been on this

earth longer than humans have

walked on the face of the planet,

and they will ever echo through the

valleys, mountains, deserts,

woodlands, rain forests, and all

over the world. Their song is like a

heavy heartbeat that will always be

with the earth, until it is gone. So

let us not hunt the birds or destroytheir habitats.

Brown Thrashers with SeniorsPhotographer: Mary Nevil



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].

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:

Backyard WildlifeSanctuary Program

Would you like to become a certifier

in our Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary

program?

We need people who live outside I-285or who are willing to drive the extra

distance to visit backyard sanctuaries

located in metropolitan Atlanta. A

training class is required, and one will

be held over this summer. To sign up,

please contact

[email protected].

Backyard Birding

Basics at the

Chattahoochee Nature

Center9 AM to 12 PM, Saturday, May 9

Have you ever been sitting on you

deck listening and watching thewoods, wondering What bird is tha

Then this class is for you! Come lea

from an Atlanta Audubon Society

educator all about the birds in you

backyard. Participants will receive

copy of Backyard Birding Basics. C

Amy Bram to sign up, 770.992.205

x232. Fee $45 CNC members/$55

non-members.

800-289-1132www.eagleoptics.com

EAGLE OPTICS RANGER SRT

EAGLE OPTICS

OPTIC OUTFITTERS

YOUR SOURCE FOR A FULL LINE OF

BINOCULARS AND SPOTTING SCOPES

FROM ALL MAJOR MANUFACTURERS


11/12May 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!

In Georgia, the Grasshopper Sparrow hasdeclined 89% over the past 40 years.

The Grasshopper Sparrow, Ammodramussavannarum, is a rather non-descript smallbrown bird with a short tail. It is a secretive

sparrow that hides in the grass. It is rarelydiscovered except in breeding season when

the male will sing its insect-like buzz.

It lives in open grasslands with minimal shrubcover and forages on the ground, looking forits food. In the summer it eats insects, whichmake up the bulk of its diet. In the winter, it

will eat the seeds of panic grass and sedges. In May when breedingseason begins in the South, the Grasshopper Sparrow builds ahighly unusual nest that is difficult for predators to detect. The nests a dome structure with overhanging grasses and an entrance onthe side. Even with the well-disguised nest, the Grasshopper

Sparrow nest often falls victim to predation, including Brown-heaCowbird parasitism. It can also be mowed down before the eggshatch and the chicks fledge by individuals who are clearing apastureland. Because of this, cooperative brooding is relativelycommon. This means that unrelated adult birds, often those wh

own nests were destroyed, will help feed the other birds chicks.The bird may have two sets (or broods) of birds per breedingseason, and there are usually four to five eggs each time.

The Grasshopper Sparrow has seen a steep decline in itspopulation Georgia over the past 40 years. The 89% decline isgenerally believed to be due to habitat loss and degradation. Thegood news is that the species responds well to managementpractices that are geared toward improvement of habitat quality

Source: Declining common bird findings based on National AuduboSocietys Common Birds in Decline: A State of the Birds Report, wadditional figures from the Georgia DNR.

Georgias Common Birds in DeclineGrasshopper Sparrow

Grasshopper Sparrow

Photographer: Dan Vickers


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

678.973.2437

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: Sooty

Shearwater

Answer:Sooty Shearwater

SOUTHERN BIRDING TRAILSBy Kenn Kaufman

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

Louisianas Gulf Coast region forms a generous

jambalaya of all the ways that water and land can

meet: lakes and rivers, cypress swamps, gumand tupelo bayous, flooded rice fields,freshwater marshes, salt marshes, mudflats,and sandy beaches. When locals say this

birding trail crosses Americas wetland, itsno idle boast. But dont take my word for it;

find out for yourself by visiting any of the 115sites along the trails 12 loops. On the outer

coast, Brown Pelicans have recovered from theirpopulation crash of decades past, and passing flockscan be seen constantly. Shallow lakes and swamps support a

wealth of waders, including Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Herons

and Tricolored Herons. Elusive marsh birds are easier to

see here than practically anywhere else, and you may

get your best looks ever at buffy little LeastBitterns, rusty-red King Rails and other skulkers.Easier to spot are the flocks of ducks and geesethat arrive for the winter, including major

populations of Greater White-fronted Geese andSnow Geese. If you can tear yourself away from

the water, the trail also offers concentrations ofwarblers, vireos, thrushes, and other migrating

songbirds during spring and fall. For moreinformation:

www.louisianatravel.com/explore/louisiana_birding_trails.cfm

or call the Louisiana Office of Tourism at 225.342.8100

Americas Wetland Birding Trail, Louisiana

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access the current Wingbars online at our website,

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current newsletter with pictures in full color. Please note that

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Documents

May 2009 Wingbars Newsletter Atlanta Audubon Society