Sep 2007 CAWS Newsletter Madison Audubon Society

8/9/2019 Sep 2007 CAWS Newsletter Madison Audubon Society

1/8Madison Audubon is a chapter of the National Audubon Society

222 S. Hamilton St. / Madison, WI 53703 / 255-2473/ www.madisonaudubon.org September 2007

Inside This IssueLive in a Sanctuary ................................... 1MAS Program ........................................... 1Bird Mentor Program .............................. 2MAS Wish List .......................................... 2Advocacy Corner ..................................... 3MAS Winter Trips..................................... 3

LIP Grant for MAS ................................... 4Meet the MAS VP ..................................... 4Goose Pond News .................................... 4Notes from Faville Grove ....................... 5Fun, Field Trips ......................................... 6Vol. Award Winners ................................. 7Big Birding Day Success ......................... 8

Madison

AudubonSocietyServing Columbia,Dane, Dodge, Iowa,

Jefferson, Richlandand Sauk Counties

LIVE IN ASANCTUARYRecent MAS land purchases have created two once-in-a-lifetime

opportunities to live in a Madison Audubon sanctuary!

Goose PondSanctuary:house for rentNearly 40 years ago,MAS acquired aparcel that becamethe core of the GoosePond Sanctuary.This parcel includeda house which, for

many years, has been home to the sanctuarys resident manag-ers. Now, due to the recent purchase of a farm that will become

the foundation for MAS restoration and education activities, thisresidence is available to rent.The home, which is surrounded by sanctuary land, was built in

the late 1930s, with an addition added in the 1950s. It includes alarge outbuilding and features three bedrooms, a fenced-in yardand a view of Goose Pond. Rent is $1150 per month, utilitiesnot included. Washer and dryer are available. No cats, please. Ifyou, or someone you know, are interested in renting this home,please contact Mark or Sue Martin at (608) 635-4160 after 6:30p.m. or on weekends

Faville Grove Sanctuary: house for saleMAS recently acquired an 80-acre parcel that includes a 3-bed-

room house and outbuilding. Tucked into a hillside on a three-acre lot, the house looks out on three sides over sanctuary landswith wonderful prairie/savanna views. It is located just 3 milesnorth of LakeMills with easyaccess fromInterstate-94.Price: $249,000.If interested,please contactDavid Musolfat (608) 265-4562, week-

days. coninued on page 2

BoliviaFrom Amazonia

to the High Andes

In March 2007, BillVolkert, a wildlifeeducator and naturalistfor Wisconsin DNR,and his wife, Connie,spent a month travelingacross Bolivia. Bill willbe our guest at the MASpublic program on Sept.18 to discuss the manyenvironments, richwildlife and interestingpeople they encountered.

Bill and Connies travels took them from the lowlandsof Santa Cruz, at the edge of the chaco scrublands andrainforests of Amazonia, to the High Andes of La Paz andLake Titicaca. They visited the cloud forests of AmboroNational Park, the semi-desert region of Samaipata andSucre, the highlands above Cochabamba and the lowlandjungle of Villa Tunari. As they continued west, they reachedthe altiplano region of Lake Uru Uru at 13,000 feet andfollowed the highlands on to La Paz and the south shore ofLake Titicaca, attaining altitudes of nearly 16,000 feet.

Bill and Connie concentrated their birding on highlandAndean specialists, sighting 297 species, including several

Free Public ProgramWhat: Bill Volkert talks aboutBoliviaWhen: Tuesday, Sept. 18, 20077:00 p.m. (one-half hour earlierthan usual)Where: Madison Public Library(new location this meeting only)201 W. Mifflin St., second floorParking: Overture Center Ramp,318 W. Mifflin St.

Nestled into a hill overlooking Faville Grove

Sanctuary, this house is available for purchase.

BoliviaFrom Amazoniato the High Andes


2/8September 20072The Audubon CAWS

THE AUDUBON CAWS is publishedSeptember through June by:

Madison Audubon Society,

222 S. Hamilton St., Madison, WI 53703,

(608) 255-2473.

Birding hotline, 255-2476.

www.madisonaudubon.org

[email protected] services donated by Berbee

The mission of the Madison Audubon

Society is to educate our members and

the public about the natural world and the

threats that natural systems are facing,to engage in advocacy to preserve and

protect these systems, and to develop and

maintain sanctuaries to save and restore

natural habitat.

TimeTorenew? MembersCheck your Madison Audubon CAWSaddress label to determine yourrenewal date. To avoid interruptions toyour subscription, please renew twomonths before that date, so you wontfall behind on news and notices ofevents.Tip: Renewing through the MAS

office directs more of your donation

to local activities and conservation

projects.Update: We are now sending a sepa-rate renewal notice once a year and inthe future we plan to offer the option ofrenewing on the Madison Audubonwebsite.

new, renewalandenhancedmembers

To join Madison Audubon Society,

renew or upgrade your membership,

please complete this form:

Name _______________________________

Address _____________________________

City_________________________________

State_______ ZIP___________

Daytime phone (_____)__________________

E-mail (opt.) ________________________

I want to give a gift membership to:

Name _______________________________

Address _____________________________

City_________________________________

State_______ ZIP___________

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[ ] $25 New members, students andseniors

[ ] $60 Family[ ] $40 Renewal[ ] $25 Gift membership (for new mem-

bers only, please)

[ ] $20 CAWSnewsletter only (non-member)

overand abovememberships

[ ] Patron $1,000[ ] Benefactor $500[ ] Partner $250[ ] Contributor $100

Membership Amount $______

Additional contribution $______

TOTAL Enclosed/Charged $______

Please make check payable to

Madison Audubon Society

OR Please charge my

[ ] VISA [ ] Master Card

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Exp. Date _____/_____

Signature _________________________

[ ] I do NOT wish to receive theNational Audubon magazine.

MADISON AUDUBON SOCIETY

President: Stan Druckenmiller

Vice-president: Debra Weitzel

Goose Pond resident managers:

Mark and Sue MartinFaville Grove Sanctuary managers:

David Musolf, Roger Packard

Editor: Michael Becker,

[email protected]

Graphic design: Patrick Ready

[email protected]

CAWS publication: Roemer Printing

Madison Audubon WishlistPlease take a moment to look over our wishlist. We greatly appreciate any

donations, or leads to contributions, for the following items.

Quality binoculars

Digital (LCD) projector

Used or new computer that can run Windows XP

Mule utility vehicle

species that are restricted to only asingle mountain valley or small regionin the western portion of the country.

You are invited to join our speakers,MAS board members and friends atthe pre-program dinner at Paisans

Restaurant (131 W. Wilson St.)beginning at 5 p.m. Please call theofce at (608) 255-2473 if you havequestions.

Next meeting: Noel Cutright October16, 2007

The Next Generation ofNaturalists Needs Your HelpVolunteer needed to coordinate BirdMentor ProgramMadison Audubons education team

is currently organizing their new BirdMentor Program, and they need yourhelp. The program sends mentors,equipped with binoculars and field

guides, to classrooms and youth groupsto share birding knowledge with an audi-ence of fledgling naturalists. We are seek-ing a volunteer to coordinate this excitingprogram. Monthly responsibilities wouldlikely include managing requests andscheduling mentors, recruiting new men-tors, publicizing the program and attend-ing MAS Education Committee meetingsThe likely time commitment is about tenhours per month, and the position is alsoavailable as an internship. Please contact

Karen with your interest or questionsat [email protected] or (608) 255-2473.

Bolivia . . .conitnued from page 1

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3/83 September 2007The Audubon CAWS

Fighting Global Warming in WisconsinWhile politicians may be divided, scientists agree that global

warming is a reality. Human activity especially withinthe United States is changing global climate patterns ina way that will be devastating to our planet. A coalition ofconservation, faith and political groups, as well as legislators, isaddressing that issue in Wisconsin.

Representative Spencer Black and Senator Mark Millerhave authored a major legislative initiative to combat globalwarming. The Wisconsin Safe Climate Act (introduced as SenateBill 81 and Assembly Bill 157) is similar to last Novemberslandmark California greenhouse gas reduction law, whichestablished the rst comprehensive greenhouse gas reductionprogram in the United States.

The goals of SB81/AB157 would allow Wisconsin to helpreduce global temperatures:

Carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced to 1990levels by the year 2020. Since 1990, Wisconsin emissionsof carbon dioxide the primary cause of globalwarming have increased by 25%, signicantly morethan the increase of emissions in the nation as a whole.

A mandatory reporting system would track andmonitor greenhouse gas emissions in the state. A capand trade market system and a broad requirementallowing for exibility in implementing reductionprograms would allow Wisconsin to reduce emissionsat the least possible cost.

The Wisconsin Safe Climate Act aims to protect resources forWisconsins future generations. Continuing climate changewould be detrimental to myriad native plants and animals inWisconsin, causing major problems for agriculture and forestry.Also at stake in Wisconsin is a stable, sustainable economy.

Carbon emitting, old technology coal-red power plants are setup for economic crisis when faced with emission standards andsustainable technology. Consumers will save by addressing thisproblem now.

Please plan to attend the rst public hearing on the WisconsinSafe Climate Act tentatively scheduled for September 25 beforethe Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.Please also contact your state legislators in support of thisimportant bill. For more information on global warming,see our web site at: http://madisonaudubon.org/audubon/globalwarming/

Reminder:MAS Offers Travel in 2008To Costa RicaOur Costa Rica trip is filling, but we have a few places

left for anyone interested. Travel dates are Jan. 19-28, 2008 an excellent time to take a break from the northernwinter.Costa Rica is a small but tremendously diverse country

by virtue of its location and geography. Well be experi-encing the scenic beauty and natural history of the high-lands and lowlands, east and west, under the tutelage ofexcellent local guides. The country has a long tradition ofecotourism, yet is still not crowded by tourists, giving usa fine sense of adventure as we explore. Join MAS on thispopular Latin American excursion!

And to Belize! Many have not yet heard about this trip, which origi-nated when a group of Costa Rica alums decided thattheir next trip with MAS would be to Belize. There will bespace for a few more on this safari, which is scheduled for

Feb. 2-10, 2008.Belize is a tiny country on the Caribbean coast, just southof Mexico and east of Guatemala. Famous for the worldssecond longest barrier reef and its extensive Mayan ruins,Belize is home to a friendly mix of people, from severalraces and cultures, eager to share their hospitality.Belize is also home to

a great variety of plantsand animals. Manateesand crocodiles roamin and near the man-groves that surroundthe hundreds of small

islands along the coast.Five species of wild catsroam here, including thegreat jaguar, as do crea-tures like tamanduas and kinkajous, spider and howlermonkeys, tapirs and many kinds of bats. During our trav-els in Belize, well make a stop in the Cockscomb BasinWildlife Sanctuary, the worlds only reserve dedicated to

jaguars. And its a haven for birds, too, with more than560 species recorded.Belize is only the size of Massachusetts, but with a popu-

lation of about 300,000 people, it has one of the lowestpopulation densities of any country in the world. About

60% of the country remains forested, and, with an eyetoward conservation and ecotourism, the governmenthas given some form of protection to more than 30% ofBelizes land area.

Sound intriguing? For more information abouttravel to Costa Rica or Belize with MAS in 2008,and to download detailed itineraries, visit the MASwebsite at www.madisonaudubon.org. You may alsocall Dietrich Schaaf, MAS Development Director,at (608) 327-0129, or Debbie Sturdivant, HolbrookTravel, toll free at (866) 748-6146. Well be happy toassist!

Join MAS for a trip to Belize (Feb. 2-10,2008) to see the Keel-billed Toucan and

countless other beautiful sights.

Osprey in Southern WI.Stoughton nest = 3 fledgedFranklin nest = 3 fledged

Madison nest = 2 fledged

Big Muskego Lake = 0 (No nest)

Baraboo wetlands = 2 fledged.

Portage (Wis. R.) = 2 fledged

Beaver Dam = 2 fledged

Lk Koshkonong = 2 fledged (1st time nest)

Lake Delton/cell tower - ? (1st time nest)

Fox Lake-new nest built - next year?

All in all osprey seem to be doing well in southern Wis. - Pat Ready

AdvocAcycorner


4/84 September 2007The Audubon Caws

MAS Receives LIP Grantto Restore PrairieBy Heisley Lewison, Senior InternThis is my third summer as an intern at Goose Pond

Sanctuary. I graduated in May from UW-LaCrossewith a degree in biology. In June, MAS hired me for sixmonths to assist with restoration efforts, especially atGoose Pond.

One of my tasks was to write and submit a LandownerIncentive Program grant. I had never applied for a largegrant before and was excited to learn on July 16thatMAS will be receiving $9,000 to help restore 60 acres ofprairie at Goose Pond Sanctuary. Planting will begin thisfall and will include at least 50 species.The Landowner Incentive Program was formed to help

private landowners, including conservation organiza-tions, create, protect and manage habitat to benefit spe-cies that are rare or at-risk by providing technical andfinancial assistance. LIP grants are funded by the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service and are administered by theWisconsin Department of Natural Resources.The LIP grant for Goose Pond will not only provide

habitat for research and educational purposes, butwill also provide prairie habitat for species of concern.Goose Pond Sanctuary is located within the approvedNorthern Empire Prairie Wetlands Important BirdArea. Original pre-settlement data of Columbia Countyfrom 1830 shows that 3.1 million acres of land, or ninepercent of the total land cover, was in tall grass prairie.Now tall grass prairies are a threatened community inthe Midwest as well as around the world. The Empire(Arlington) Prairie was one of the five largest mesicprairies in Wisconsin, and MAS is taking the lead

to restore part of the Empire Prairie at Goose PondSanctuary.At-risk wildlife species that will be helped by the

60-acre Browne Prairie Restoration include badger,Blue-winged Teal, Bobolink, Brown Thrasher, Dickcissel,Eastern Meadowlark, Grasshopper Sparrow, NorthernHarrier, Short-eared Owl, and Willow Flycatcher.Badger holes have recently been spotted on this siteon top of a knoll where prairie seed will be planted.Several of these bird species nest at Goose Pond, and theincreased acreage will provide more nesting cover and,hopefully, result in more young being raisedAt-risk plant species that will be planted are pale-

purple coneflower, prairie bush clover (federally threat-ened), wild quinine and yellow gentian. Prairie bushclover seed will be collected from two Arlington Prairieremnants and will be maintained at Goose Pond as a liv-ing seed bank.Middleton High School students and MAS interns

have collected seed from several species this summer forthe restoration project, and the grant money will helpMAS obtain seed that cannot be collected with volun-teer assistance. Volunteer help in seed collection will beneeded to help MAS reach the 25% match requirementsof the grant (see seed collection schedule on page 5).

Meet the MAS Board:Debra Weitzel, Vice PresidentDeb is a full-time teacher of environmental studies at Middleton High

School. She says that volunteering with MAS is a wonderful fit withher interests and the interests of herstudents. As of July 1, 2007, she beganher fourth term as MAS vice president

and is a member of the Populationand Habitat Committee, as well. Debhas also chaired the Prairies Jubilee!Committee.During the summer of 2006, four ofDebs students completed a summerindependent study at Goose PondSanctuary under the direction of seniorintern Heisley Lewison. The students

learned about different aspects of ecological restoration. Two more ofDebs students studied at Goose Pond during the summer of 2007.Deb says, MAS is a great organization committed to habitat preserva-

tion and restoration and educating the public about the importance of

the natural world, and I am proud to serve MAS wherever needed.

Goose Pond VegetationBy Mark and Sue Foote-MartinVisitors to Goose Pond in July have commented on the east pond

being dry. The pond actually holds one or two feet of water but is cov-ered with emergent vegetation (arrowheads and river bulrush), makingthe open water hard to see. A few years ago this pond was primarilyopen water.One explanation for the increase in vegetation on the east pond is that

the prairie restorations, including that on the Rollie and Lynn Manthe

farm, have made a difference. By converting land from corn and soy-beans to prairie, the impacts of herbicide runoff have been reduced,and the plants can thrive. These plants provide excellent brood-coverfor ducklings.The arrowhead vegetation over the water will disappear shortly after

a hard frost. With one to two feet of water, the swans, ducks and geeseshould find an abundant crop of duck potato (arrowhead tubers) onwhich to feed.However, the water level is below normal in Goose Pond. Without

rainfall, we are losing about one inch of water per week. The only rainin July was less than two inches in the first part of the month and aboutfour-tenths of an inch on July 24. If the drought continues throughAugust, water levels could be extremely low this fall.

Beginning July 23, we noticed hundreds of juvenile tiger salamanderson the roads and roadsides around Goose Pond. This is the earliest thatBob Hay, Bureau of Endangered Resources Herpetologist, has heardof them emerging. It appears they had a very successful hatch andprobably fed heavily on invertebrates in the pond, including mosquitolarva. The young will migrate to the prairie where they hunt for insectsand spend much time underground in ground squirrel holes. They willspend the winter in these holes and migrate back to the pond in thespring. The warm moist conditions and anticipated August rains will

benefit the salamanders and prairie plants.We invite you to visit Goose Pond this fall to enjoy the waterfowl

migration.

Deb Weitzel recently began her fourth

term as MAS vice-president


5/85The Audubon Caws September 2007

Notes from Faville GroveOf badgers and weedsAfter years of seeing what appeared to be evidence of badgers

in the sanctuary, finally this summer two young badgers withreally impressive claws made a hissing, growling appearance.What could be more rewarding than knowing that MadisonAudubons restoration efforts are making the Badger State more

badger-friendly (even if these elusive prairie natives arent par-ticularly friendly themselves)?

After several summers with one Henslows Sparrow in resi-dence in the sanctuary, this summer we had three males singingon territories. Its great fun to watch them in the spotting scopethrow their little heads way back and belt out their thin, barely-audible, tsi-lick. While Breeding Bird Survey data indicate arange-wide decline of more than 80% for this grassland special-ist since 1966, it is tremendously gratifying to see that MAS ishelping to turn the tide for this and other grassland birds.Its been another dry summer, but for the most part, the estab-

lished restorations look great. When conditions are dry, itsalways interesting to visit the driest, sandiest, most gravelly sitesin the sanctuary (taking care not to step in the badger dens!). Inthese locations, the plants of the tallgrass prairie wither, giving

way to the most drought tolerant species of the short-grass prai-rie. This selective pressure permits butterfly milkweed, purpleprairie-clover, lead-plant, cream Baptisia, side-oats gramma,little bluestem and others to thrive without being shaded out bytheir taller prairie compatriots.Our wettest site, the spring-fed Brandt restoration of 2003, also

was spectacular, putting on a tremendous display of Liatris,or prairie gay-feather, this year. The prairie dock and compassplant (members of the genus Sylphium) in this restorationalready appear to be host to the state endangered Silphium borermoth. These notoriously weak fliers seem to have wasted notime traveling more than one-half mile from our nearest restora-tion to take advantage of the new habitat.

Lest we paint too rosy a picture of the sanctuary, we will pointout that two participants on the July field trip to Faville Grove,themselves experienced restorationists, expressed relief thatthere are actually weeds in the sanctuary. They wondered, fromreading the newsletter, whether the prairie restorations justweeded themselves or something.Yes, we have weeds! We have enough invasive weeds and

woody invasives to keep five energetic college student internsplus two crew leaders, who share a sixth position, busy for 12weeks during the summer; to spend on the order of $20,000annually on contract weed and brush removal; and to keep ahost of volunteers hopping, including two sanctuary managers,one dedicated Illinoisan who volunteers at least twice a week,and many others who help out, regularly or irregularly, witheverything from brush-cutting to controlled burns.The sanctuary is an enormous undertaking, but its producing

some stellar results. Come on out! Theres no better time thanfall to enjoy the prairies, and no better way than by helping tocollect seed.

Fall Seed Collecting Work Parties Support Madison Audubon Societys habitat restoration activi-ties by volunteering to collect seeds at Faville Grove and/orGoose Pond sanctuaries. Many hands are needed throughoutthe fall to gather the variety and quantity of seed necessary toensure successful plantings. This is a wonderful opportunity to

bask in the tranquility of the prairie or enjoy the prairie cama-raderie while helping the environment. Long pants and insectrepellant are recommended. Bring work gloves and clippers ifyou have them. Bring a friend, too! Faville Grove Sanctuary We plan to restore the upper 34acres of the 80-acre Deppe tract this fall. We will collect seed onSaturdays, Sept. 8 through Oct. 27, 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30p.m. to 4. We also will try to schedule a weekday collecting

party, so let us know if a weekday works better for you. FromMadison, take I-94 east toward Milwaukee. Takethe Lake Mills/Waterloo exit (Highway 89), gonorth approximately 1.75 miles and turn rightonto County G. After approximately 1.5 miles,turn right onto Prairie Lane and drive approxi-mately 1.5 miles and meet along the road. Contactsanctuary manager David Musolf at [email protected] or (608) 265-4562 with questions.

Goose Pond Sanctuary Seed will becollected at Goose Pond Sanctuary everySaturday from Sept. 8 though Nov. 3 from 9:30a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4. Meet at the

new residence (W7503 Kampen Rd) whichis the farm buildings northwest of the westpond. We are trying to line up a day duringthe week for seed collecting and also tryingto line up service organizations and othergroups such as Scouts to assist with seedcollecting. This is an excellent team buildingouting. Contact Heisley Lewison at (608) 347-2452 or [email protected] for moreinformation on seed collecting at Goose Pond.

U.S. Representative Tammy Baldwin recently visited Faville Grove Sanctuary where she saw first-

hand how Madison Audubon Society has brought together federal, state and private partners to

achieve impressive conservation results that would not be possible for any one entity acting alone.

Volunteer sanctuary managers Roger Packard (left) and David Musolf (right) and others discussed

with Rep. Baldwin the need to protect and strengthen the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill

recently before the House, particularly the Wetlands Reserve Program, which was weakened last

year.


6/8The Audubon Caws 6 September 2007

Fun, Fall Field TripsSaturday, Sept. 1: Fall Birding at Picnic PointJoin trip leaders Roma Lenehan and MartyEvanson for a pleasant morning of birdingon Picnic Point, one of Madisons birdinghot spots. On the lake we will look forwaterfowl, gulls and terns; in the marsheswe will be looking for blackbirds, wrensand rails; in the woodland we will look forwoodpeckers, thrushes and migrating fall

warblers. This trip is co-sponsored by theFriends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve.Meet at 8 a.m. at the 1918 Marsh parking

lot across University Bay Drive from thebase of Picnic Point, north of UW Lot 60and north of the UW Hospital. The trip willlast two to three hours. Bring binoculars,

bird books and dress for the weather, whichmay be cool by the lake in the morning. CallRoma at (608) 238-5406 with questions.

Monday, Sept. 3: Pleasant ValleyConservancy This is a joint trip with The PrairieEnthusiasts. Kathie and Tom Brock willlead an afternoon trip at Pleasant ValleyConservancy on Labor Day. The site isin the Town of Vermont, south of BlackEarth, in the driftless area of southwesternWisconsin. The property contains prairieremnants and extensive oak savanna andhas been under intensive management forthe past six years. Hiking will be partlyacross steep bluffs, and long pants andgood hiking shoes are recommended.Meet at the property at 1 p.m. The trip will

last three hours. Parking is on the southside of Pleasant Valley Rd., by the drivewayat Fire Number 4609. If you have anyquestions about the trip call Kathie or Tomat (608) 238-5050.

Saturday, Sept. 8: Bird Banding atPicnic Point Meet at the Biocore Prairie Bird Observatoryto observe how birds are netted and banded.Visitors can accompany us to the nets towatch us remove birds then band and mea-sure them at the mobile station. You may

bring food and drink with you, but not whilehandling birds. You are free to sty as long asyou wish, to wander the restored prairie or to

bird Picnic Point.

From the Frautschi Point parking lot,walk south on the trail through the woodsto Biocore Prairie. Take the path to yourright, up and around the prairie to the top.We will be banding from about 8 a.m. tonoon. This is a joint trip with the Friendsof the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. If youhave questions, contact Mara McDonald at(608) 274-2534, evenings before 8:30 p.m., [email protected].

Saturday, Sept. 8: Fall Birding atLake Farm Co. ParkJoin Pat Ready from 8 to 11 a.m. for a look

at fall songbirds, raptors and waterfowl as

they migrate through southern Wisconsin.Meet at the #1 picnic shelter parking loton Libby Rd. Well stroll along the trailssearching sky, trees, water and elds.Take South Town Rd south from the

Beltline to Moorland Rd. and turn left.Continue to Libby Rd. and turn left again.The shelter lot is a few blocks up on yourleft. Call Pat at (608) 873-1703 for more info.

Saturday, Sept: 15: Arboretum Fall BirdingThis fall birding trip will focus on the

Ho-Nee-Hum and Nakoma Duck Pond areas

of the Arboretum. Participants might see avariety of flycatchers, vireos, thrushes andother passerine migrants.Meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot near

Ho-Nee-Hum, at the corner of Arbor Dr. andMonroe St. The trip will last two to threehours. Contact Aaron Stutz at (608) 294-9618or [email protected]

Saturday, Sept. 22: Tour of Zeloski MarshZeloski Marsh has become a major stop-

over for shorebirds 23 species were seenhere during spring migration and is alsofrequented by waterfowl and wading birds.This tour, scheduled during fall migration,

will include about 1.5 miles of walking to getgood views of these birds. For a description ofZeloski Marsh, check out the sanctuaries pageon the MAS website.Meet at the DNR parking lot at the end of

Alley Rd. at 9 a.m. Alley Rd. is off Hwy. S,west of Lake Mills, south of Hwy. B and northof Hwy. A. Bring lunch and a scope if youhave one. Contact Nolan Kollath at (920) 648-3842 or [email protected] with questions.

Saturday, Sept. 29: Fall at NecedahNational Wildlife RefugeJoin Richard King and Nolan Pope in theobservation tower at the Necedah WildlifeRefuge to watch Whooping Crane chicks

being trained to fly behind ultralites. If pos-sible, well talk with the ultralite pilots after-wards. Then, well have a tour inside the ref-uge with a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service wild-life biologist. We should see adult WhoopingCranes, large numbers of Red-HeadedWoodpeckers, and possibly signs of coyotes orgray wolves.If weather conditions are bad (raining or

too windy), the ultralites and cranes maynot y. That decision often isnt made untilshortly before they start. Regardless, wewill tour inside the refuge. Later, those

wishing can continue with us for a tour ofthe open wildlife refuge areas.Wear sturdy footwear; bring binoculars,

scopes, water and food; and dressappropriately for the weather. We will meein the parking lot of the Anchor Bank atthe intersection of Allen Blvd. and CenturyAve. in Middleton and depart promptly at5:15 a.m., as we need to be at the top of theobservation tower by 7:00 a.m. For moreinformation, contact Nolan at (608) 692-014or [email protected].

Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007: Mushrooms andLichens of Hemlock DrawJoin trip leaders Marie Trest, Dan Lindner,

Tom Volk and Diane Derouen in an explo-ration of the mushrooms and lichens ofHemlock Draw in the Baraboo Hills. Bringa hand lens, if you have one, and all thosemushroom and lichen questions that have

been puzzling you. If fungi are abundant, wemay continue into the afternoon, so you mighlike to bring a lunch.Meet at 9:45 a.m. at the small park on the

south side of the pond in the village ofLeland, Sauk Co. From Madison: take Hwy12 northwest, turn left (west) on Hwy C, gopast Natural Bridge State Park to Leland. Or,meet at 10 a.m. at the Nature Conservancygate to the south entrance to Hemlock Draw.From Leland: turn left (north) on Hemlock Rdand go two miles to Reich Dr. Travel straight(north) on Reich for half a mile to reach thepreserve gate. Please park on the shouldersouth of the mailbox; do not block Reich Dr.Field trip is sponsored jointly with the

Wisconsin Mycological Society-MadisonInterest Group. If you have questions, contact

Diane at (608) 258-9140 [email protected].

Saturday, Oct. 6: Migrant Songbirds ofPheasant Branch Conservancy

The main focusof this field tripwill be sparrowspecies, includinWhite-throated,Lincolns andmany others.We will also belooking for latewarblers, fly-

catchers, thrusheand other fallmigrants.

Meet at theDane County Unit of Pheasant BranchConservancy, which is about a mile-and-a-half north of Century Ave. in Middleton onPheasant Branch Rd. This is the third parkinglot for the conservancy on the right as youdrive north out of Middleton. The field tripwill begin at 7:15 a.m. Bring warm clothes forcool early morning fall weather. If you havequestions, please call trip leader

Mike McDowell at (608) 850-4122.

Scarlet Tanager by Pat Ready

Scoper by Pat Ready


7/87The Audubon Caws September 2007

Donations made in May,June, and JulyACRE MAKERIn Honor of Brenna, Brian, Elliot, Katy,Kevin, Kyle, and Stephen the hardwork-ing 2007 Faville Grove intern crew Roger Packard and David Musolf

HALF-ACRE MAKERIn Memory of our parents, John and OlgaLund Tom and Kris Kesselhon

QUARTER-ACRE MAKER Martha Christensen

MY OWN VISION Anonymous William and Joan Brock

Arthur J. Donald Family FoundationBrian DoverspikeWilliam and Gretchen DresenHazel HiemstraKathy Koenig

Ed Mason

GIFTS IN MEMORY OF A PERSONIn Memory of Debbie Allness Kay BongersIn Memory of James Cartter

Dianne ReynoldsIn Memory of Richard Feldt Dick Dommerhauser

Vikki and Tim EnrightEdmund and Patricia EricksonThomas and Barbara Finger

John and Diana Haverberg

Joanne HerfelBill and Linda HoppeRose JohnsonKaren and Roger LathamPat and Carl MoeDonovan NagelVirginia Newberry NelsonKathy OKeefeGary and Maryanne OlsonNancy PatersonCarl and Leona StapelGeorge Steinmetz, Jr.

In Memory of Emily LapinskiPeter and Marsha CannonLionel and Marilyn CrowleyGenevieve GersbachColleen GrayDorothy HainesJoanne HerfelPaula Hirschboeck and

Susan Margaret RustickJoseph and Geraldine HoffmanMary HughesMark Martin and Sue Foote-MartinNancy Mathews

Jill MitchellDietrich and Cherine SchaafRachel Thorson-SchmiedRon WindingstadHarold and Charlotte Woolf

GIFTS IN HONOR OF A PERSONTo Honor the marriage of Hugh Iltis andSharyn Wisniewski Sharon and Warren GaskillIn Honor of Ken Wood Beatrice Kabler

Special GiftSI wish to help make MadisonAudubons vision a reality. Here is mycontribution to the Wildlife SanctuariesCampaign:

[ ] Acre-Maker, $2,500 or more to pur-chase and restore one acre of land

[ ] Half-Acre-Maker, $1,250-$2,499[ ] Quarter-Acre-Maker, $625-$1,249[ ] Adopt-an-Acre, $100 a year for three

years ($300 total). Here is my firstinstallment.

[ ] Nest Egg, $50 a year for three years($150 total). Here is my first install-ment.

[ ] My Own Vision, a donation of $_____

Please direct my gift to:[ ] Where it will help the most[ ] Endowment fund to restore and main

tain the sanctuaries

[ ] Land acquisition at Faville Grove,Jefferson County[ ] Land acquisition at Goose Pond

Columbia CountyOR here is my contribution for MAS

education and newsletter support

[ ] My Gift to Learning, $ __________

My name ________________________________

Address _________________________________

City_____________________________________

State_____ ZIP___________

I want my gift to recognize another:[ ] In memory of ______________________[ ] In honor of ________________________

Please send notification of this gift to:

Name __________________________________

_Address ________________________________

City _____________________________________

State__________ ZIP____________

Contributions will be acknowledged near theInformation Board at Goose Pond Sanctuary:$1,250 or more, name to appear on perma-

nent plaque; $250-$1,249, name to appear onengraved paving brick.

[ ] Please do not acknowledge my gift inMadison AudubonCAWS

Please make checks payable to:Madison Audubon SocietyMail to: Madison Audubon Society, 222 S.Hamilton Street, Suite 1, Madison, WI 53703

Gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.Madison Audubon Societys financial statement isavailable upon request.

Congratulations to 2007 Volunteer Award winners!Madison Audubon Society honored seven exceptional volunteers and a departing staff member at the July

28 picnic held at Goose Pond. The honorees, standing left to right, are: Barb Unger, Mary Knechtges, Ann

Freiwald, Margaret Peterson, Aaron Stutz, Joanne Herfel, John Minnich and Dave Drapac (front, center).


8/8

MAS Calendar

at a Glance

907

Madison Audubon Society, Inc.Stan Druckenmiller, President222 S. Hamilton St. Suite #1Madison, WI 53703

Non-profit organizationU.S. Postage PaidPermit No. 1831

Madison, Wisconsin

Is it time to renew your membership?

See form on page 2 and help MAS.

Return Service Requested

BoliviaFrom Amazoniato the High Andes

see page 1

Big Birding Day 2007A Big Successby Delia Unson and Chuck HeikkinenThe weather was ideal for Big Birding

Day on May 12, as seven teams of bird-

ers began their quest to spot as manybird species as possible in one of threecounties in the MAS service areaDane,Iowa or Jefferson. The winning team,captained by Curt Caslavka, was able tofind 114 species in Dane County. By theend of the day, the entire group had listed171 species, including a few unusual orhard-to-find species such as NorthernMockingbird, Bells Vireo, Carolina Wrenand Hooded Warbler.Through participation fees and pledges,

this years teams collected over $3,000 forMAS! We acknowledge Caleb Pourchotfor collecting the most pledges. He wasroyally rewarded with a coveted gift certificate to LEtoile Restaurant. Our thanks to LEtoilefor their generous contribution, Dietrich Schaaf for prize coordination and Melissa Barmore fordesigning this years T-shirt, the Hooded Warbler. The group voted for a pair of Sandhill Cranesas their favorite sighting this year, so they will be featured in next years design. T-shirts areavailable for purchase through the MAS office.We encourage more people to join us in 2008! Our goal is to have teams in every one of the

seven counties in our service area. Not everyone started at 4 a.m., and participants ranged in agefrom early 20s to over 70. One team even utilized eco-friendly transportation, riding their bicy-cles as they searched for birds they ended up with 89 species and collected the most pledges!

Join us next year and enjoy nature at its most glorious while supporting MAS.

By the end of Big Birding Day 2007, team Sustain Crane (l-r, Dave

Drapac, Matt Krueger, Paul Noeldner, Caleb Pourchot) has seen

one too many birds

Saturday, Sept. 1: Fall Birding at

Picnic PointMonday, Sept. 3: Pleasant Valley

Conservancy

Saturday, Sept. 8: Bird Banding at

Picnic Point

Saturday, Sept. 8: Fall Birding at

Lake Farm Co. Park

Saturday, Sept: 15: Arboretum Fall

Birding

Saturday, Sept. 22: Tour of Zeloski

Marsh

Saturday, Sept. 29: Fall at Necedah

National Wildlife Refuge

Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007: Mushrooms

and Lichens of Hemlock Draw

Saturday, Oct. 6: Migrant Songbirds

of Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Documents

Sep 2007 CAWS Newsletter Madison Audubon Society