Spring and songbird migration seasonare a great time for outdoor adventures,and the Grange Insurance Audubon Centerhas a great new experience that combinesoutdoor walks with a fun and educationalevent – the 2011 Wine and Warblers.

You are invited to join us for this specialevening of Wine and Warblers to be held atthe Grange Insurance Audubon Center.

This fun, new, and casual event com-bines a variety of interests and has some-thing for everyone! Whether you, yourfamily members and friends (over age 21)

n Are an experienced bird lover ornovice

n Are a wine connoisseur or newbien Enjoy a party atmosphere with lots of

people or the quietness of a parkn Like inside the GIAC or the Center’s

outside observation decks

n Like silent auctions or bird-bandingdemonstrations

You’ll want to join in the festivities andraise funds to support the GIAC and itseducation, conservation, nature, and

research programs!Your event ticket includes:n Valet parking n Heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts

from some of the wonderful GIAC-approved caterers

n Wine tastings of 12 to 18 offeringsfrom countries and areas that reflect themigratory path of warblers will be high-lighted. For example, enjoy tasting theLlai Llai Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fromthe Bio Bio Valley in Chile – a potentialdestination of the Blackpoll warbler.

n Guests will be able to explore, enjoythe food, and taste wines at their leisureand enjoy the event on the GIAC decksand overlook.

n Bird-Banding Demonstration led by

GIAC/CA activities... Page 2 • Outdoor Adventure... Page 3 • Birdathon... Page 5 • OYBC... Page 8

Columbus Audubon mem-bers and their guests had a spe-cial time at the annual potluck atthe Grange Insurance AudubonCenter March 22.

Members shared theirfavorite recipes, enjoyed eachother’s company, and celebratedthose who have contributed somuch to our organization. Thenew slate of trustees were intro-duced and voted in, and theevening was capped off with athoroughly entertaining andeducational program by theColumbus Zoo staff, which fea-tured some very special animalguests.

Attendees enjoyed a wonder-ful spread featuring delicioushomemade dishes. The desserttable alone was worth the trip,but the best was yet to come.

Event host and CA boardpresident Julie Davis along withvice president Bill Heck, loos-ened up the crowd throughoutthe evening by drawing tickets

for door prizes. Three very deserving folksreceived this year’s SongSparrow awards. Sarah Daltonwas awarded a ColumbusAudubon Song Sparrow awardfor her years of education, con-servation, and contributions tothe community and nature.Clyde Gosnell and Louise

Warner were honored with aColumbus Audubon SongSparrow award for their yearsof unwavering commitment toconservation and their generousdonations of time, energy, andresources to CA and many otherorganizations.

Last awarded in 2008, theJames Chase Hambleton Award

recognizes outstanding contri-butions promoting ColumbusAudubon’s mission, particularlyin the areas of conservation andeducation. This year’s awardwinner is Ralph Ramey. Aretired chief of the Division ofNatural Areas and Preserves,Ralph has a lifetime of contri-butions and achievements as anaturalist, conservationist, andcommunity servant.

Also, certificates of thankswere presented to SherryHolcombe and Dylan George.

A non-profit organization isonly as good as its volunteers,and CA is fortunate to havemany who are outstanding.

The Ohio Young Birder’sClub Youth Advisory Boardmembers Jacob Stinnett andDoug Whitman relayed to thosein attendance the accomplish-ments the group has achievedsince the chapter’s formation a

IN THIS ISSUE

Song Sparrow

Annual Columbus Audubon potluck a real crowd pleaser

May-June 2011 A joint newsletter of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center and Columbus Audubon

See annual, page 15

Celebrate migration at GIAC’s ‘Wine and Warblers’ on May 18

Wednesday, May 18

5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Ticket information

Cost: $40 each, $75 for a pair in advanceand $50 each at the door. (GIAC/CA mem-bers can receive $5 off at the door). Where to buy: To purchase tickets inadvance online, go to www.www.GIAC-Audubon.org and click on “Tickets” until11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11. Also,purchase tickets in advance at the GIACNature Store during Center hours with acheck or credit card until Friday, May 13.

Event & ticket information

See celebration, page 15

By Tom SheleyEveryone digs in at the potluck on March 22.

2

Columbus Audubon Founded 1913614-545-5475www.columbusaudubon.orgTwitter: @ColumbusAudubonFacebook: Columbus-Audubon

Officers: President: Julie Davis, 523-2180Vice President: Bill Heck, 895-1940Newsletter/Web Editor: Stefanie Hauck, (740) 972-1680 Treasurer: Warren GrodyRecording Secretary: Suzan Jervey

Trustees: Julie Davis, Mike Flynn, Joe Meara, HeatherRaymond, Katryn Renard, Barbara Revard, Andrea Cook,Tom Sheley, Darlene Sillick, Suzan Jervey, Gerry Brevoort,Warren Grody, Bill Heck and Jackie Bain.

Additional chapter leaders: Conservation: Dave Horn, 262-0312Service in the Preserves: Katryn Renard, 261-7171Education: Susan Setterlin, 457-8130 Programs: Mike Flynn, mflynn.wildandfree@gmail.comField Trips: Earl Harrison, eharrison@ehe.osu.eduCA Web site: Bill Heck, bill.heck@gmail.com Ohio Young Birders: Gerry Brevoort,jbrevoor@columbus.rr.comEco Weekend: Roz Horn, 262-0312; Lois Day, (740) 549-0333Membership: Joe Meara, 430-9127IBA Committee: Heather Raymond, 785-0342Birdathon: Julie Davis, 523-2180 orKatryn Renard, 261-7171Avid Birders: www.columbusaudubon.org/avids/avids.html

Grange Insurance Audubon Centerwww.grangeinsuranceauduboncenter.orgStaff: Center Director: VacantAssistant Center Director: Doreen WhitleyDirector of Development: Jeff RedfieldFacilities Operations Manager: Josh CherubiniFinance and Office Manager: Kristen ClarkEducators: Allison Roush, Tori Strickland, Joe JenningsProgram Coordinator: Amy BoydNature Store Manager: Patty HechtVolunteer Coordinator: Nancy HartmanOffice Phone: 614-545-5475Center Hours: Summer Hours – Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 9-3, Sunday 11-5pm

Directions to the GIACFrom High Street (going south) turn right on Whittier(which runs along south end of German Village andBrewery District). From Front Street (going north) turn leftonto Whittier. Follow Whittier, making no turns, across thebridge spanning the tracks, past the other side streetsuntil you drive into the parking lot in front of the center.

GIAC Stewardship Board:

Chester JourdanTom KatzenmeyerDr. Bernie MasterMark RealJan RodenfelsEllen TrippJeff Chaddock

Sandra Nessing (Chair)Greg Cunningham (Vice Chair)Alan McKnightJohn O’MearaChristie VargoBeth CraneJulie DavisBarry Hunlock

Song SparrowMay-June 2011

Vol. 43 No. 5GIAC programs

Audubon AfternoonsWhat are Audubon Afternoons?

Audubon Afternoons are educationprograms conducted by Audubon nat-uralists. They deliver short presenta-tions on a featured topic followed byan “Audubon Challenge.”

The Challenge is a nature or conser-vation investigation and participantsreceive a small prize upon comple-tion. Sometimes the program includesgoing on hikes with the naturalist,sometimes the participants are sent onAudubon Challenges on their own.Audubon Afternoons programs areideal for families with kids.

The programs are held in GIACclassrooms on alternating weekendsin May and June from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

on the following dates: May 14-15,May 28-29, June 11-12 and June 25-26. For more information, call 614-545-5486.

Audubon Adventure Camp Topics and Dates

Amazing Flyers - Session 1: June20-24; Session 6: July 25-29

Eco-Friendly Kids - Session 2:June 27-July 1; Session 5: July 18-22

Animal Trackers - Session 3: July5-8 (no Adventure Camp on July 4);Session 7: August 1-5

Audubon Artists - Session 4: July11-15; Session 8: August 8-12

Conservation Countdown -

Become a member today to receive special discounts on classes, special events and programs

Note: Field trip times, dates andlocations are subject to change due tounforeseen circumstances. Please con-tact the trip leader 24 hours ahead tomake sure the trip has not beenchanged or cancelled. Also, go towww.columbusaudubon.org forlonger descriptions of each trip.

Whetstone Park bird walk

Friday, May 6, 7:30 a.m.Join Donna Siple and Lynn

Wearsch for a morning walk throughWhetstone Park in Clintonville, wherewe’ll explore a variety of bountifulbird habitats including the prairie,Adena Brook area and wooded ravine.Meet at the Park of Roses parkingarea. Contact Lynn Wearsch atlwearsch@sbcglobal.net.

Bird walk at Blendon Woods

Sunday, May 15, 7 a.m.Take a short bird walk at Blendon

Woods Metro Park. Meet at the naturecenter.

OYBC May field trip: warblers, war-

blers and more warblers

Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m - 3 p.m.Join us at the Magee Marsh Wildlife

Area during the Biggest Week inAmerican Birding Festival -- on

International Migratory Bird Day(IMBD). We will meet up with OYBCstudents from around the state andhave a fun day of birding together atMagee Marsh. We will meet near thewarbler deck at the west entrance ofthe boardwalk at 9 a.m. Please contactGerry Brevoort at jbrevoor@colum-bus.rr.com.

Spring migration

along the urban Scioto

Saturday, May 14, 8 a.m.You don't need to go to Lake Erie to

see a big fallout of migrants. We haveour own migrant traps and funnels, thebest-known being the area along theScioto River around the GreenlawnDam, as well as the adjacentGreenlawn cemetery. Meet at theScioto-Audubon Boat Launch, 395West Whittier Street. Contact RobThorn, 614-551-0643 orrobthorn2@gmail.com.

CA Birdathon field trip

Saturday, May 14, 6 a.m.Have you wanted to do a "Big Day"

or "May Run" (trying to see as manyspecies as possible in a single day) orparticipate in the "Birdathon" (a Big

See CA programs, page 11

Columbus Audubon programs

See GIAC activities, page 11

May-June activities

3

The Scioto Audubon Metro Park is fullof outdoor adventure opportunities includ-ing rock climbing, sand volleyball, boat-ing, fishing, and more.

Outdoor Climbing WallThe Metro Park contains the largest no-

cost outdoor climbing wall in the countrytowering at 35 feet high. Climbers mustprovide their own ropes and equipment toenjoy this activity and a liability waivermust be signed and turned in onsite. Theclimbing wall is open from 9 a.m. until onehour before the park closes. On the secondFriday of each month from March throughNovember, the wall stays open until mid-night to offer more climbing opportunities.

For less adventurous folks, take in thepark from above by climbing up to thewater tower observation decks. This easywalk up four flights of stairs provides abeautiful view of the park, GIAC facility,wetlands, and downtown skyline.

Sand VolleyballA popular activity during the warmer

months is a game of sand volleyball withfriends. The park offers three competition-sized courts located in the central activitiesarea near the climbing wall.

The courts are first come, first served butit’s recommended that you bring your ownball. The courts are well-maintained by theMetro Parks staff and provide a free oppor-tunity to have some fun and enjoy thebeautiful spring and summer weather ofcentral Ohio.

Boat Ramp and FishingThe fun of Scioto Audubon Metro Park

is not limited only to the comforts of beingon the land. The Metro Park provides aboat ramp and elevated dock for fishingopportunities on the Scioto River. Theriver is accessible for small boats bylaunching from the boat ramp and headingup river.

This is a great place to bring your canoeand a packed lunch to enjoy a day on thewater. Boaters should be aware that there isa low-head dam located down stream ofthe boat launch that can be very dangerous,especially during high water events.

It is recommended that all boaters andpeople fishing stay clear of the dam andnot attempt to approach it. The SciotoRiver provides great fishing opportunitiesclose to the downtown area. Many species

of fish can be caught in the area of the parkand include bass, catfish, and more.

Dog ParkWhile there are many opportunities for

outdoor adventures at Scioto Audubon forhumans, consider bringing man’s bestfriend along with you to enjoy some out-door adventures too.

The two acre dog park has separate areasfor large and small dogs. Each area is verysafe for your dog and both have their ownagility course so your dog can get someexercise and shake off those winter blues(and fur).

395 W. Whittier Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Directions: From I-71, takethe Greenlawn Avenue exiteast one-third of a mile andturn left on South FrontStreet. Go one-quarter of amile and turn left on WestWhittier Street. Entrance isone-third of a mile on left.

Photo by Kinzelman Kline GossmanThe wetlands are surrounded by boardwalks with thewater tower observation area, playground and rockwall in the background.

4

Do you have what it takes to be a Columbus GreenSpot?Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman founded the

GreenSpot program for citizens who were looking foranswers to important questions such as: Whatexactly does green mean? How can I get green?How does being green impact our city?

The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is aCity of Columbus GreenSpot and is committedto meeting the criteria for the program: conserv-ing energy, conserving water, and reducing,recycling, and reusing waste.

Here are a few green tips to help you get startedbuilding a greener home and community:

Conserve Energy: Drive fewer than 10 miles per week. Conserve Water: Run your dishwasher and washing machine

only when they’re full.Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Carry reusable bags when you shop.

To become a GreenSpot, all it takes is a commitment tothose three criteria.

Within each, you decide which lifestyle changesfit you and your home best.

With just a few small changes you can help theenvironment and create a more environmentally-friendly home.

When you go shopping think about buyingmore energy-efficient and eco-friendly products

for your home. You can learn more about the GreenSpot program

by visiting www.columbusgreenspot.org. You can alsojoin us every Wednesday at 10 a.m. for the director’s tour of

your GIAC GreenSpot!

-Doreen Whitley

Get ready for Audubon Adventure Camp

Do you remember the lazy days ofsummer as a kid when you wentout of the house in the morning

and didn’t come back home until suppertime? Those were the days when childrenwere free to play outside for hours on end,not worrying about much of anythingexcept not being late for dinner.Unfortunately, those lazy days of wild andfree, unstructured play are a thing of thepast for most kids today. Now our childrenare scheduled for programs in the summer,mostly out of necessity due to workingparents.

As we worked to develop our educationprograms here at the Grange InsuranceAudubon Center, we were all too aware ofthe lack of free “nature play” that childrenget today. So we have created AudubonAdventure Camp, an awesome summerday camp. Children going into grades 1-8can look forward to getting back to thewild while they are here at camp this sum-mer. We will offer nine weeks of day campfrom June 20 through August 19.

We have a variety of topics planned thatwill engage the children directly in ourconservation work here at the center, allwhile having a blast! The natural environ-ment and the animals that it supports needour children’s help to protect and defend itfor future generations. Campers willunderstand the human impact on the envi-ronment and be empowered to take action.They’ll be encouraged to get involved inthe work that Audubon is doing to helpprotect our natural world.

GIAC is still in the process of reclaiming

what was once a wasteland into a beautifulgreen oasis in the heart of Columbus.Campers will pull invasive species andreplace them with native plants. They’lllearn how our everyday actions impactriver pollution and how our Scioto River isconnected to the Mississippi River basin.

So when planning your child’s summer,please consider Audubon AdventureCamp. We want your child to have that

feeling of fun in the outdoors. Our staffwill be ready to explore the wild with yourcamper and create a summer that won’tsoon be forgotten.

Register on line now atgrange.audubon.org (click SummerPrograms on the Nature Education tab).Call program coordinator Amy Boyd withquestions at 614-545-5486 or emailaboyd@audubon.org.

Fun at summer camp in 2010.

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

5

Birdathon!TM is a peculiar event -the bird watching equivalent of awalkathon. Somehow people who

love birding are able to convince birdersand non-birders alike to pledge money forevery type of bird seen on a particular day.Even more peculiar is that this happensacross the entire nation every May.National Audubon sponsors this birdingcompetition every year, and ColumbusAudubon is just one of many participatinglocal chapters across the United States.

What will our Columbus AudubonBirdathon (BAT) teams see this year?Blue-winged Warbler, Upland Sandpiper,Yellow-headed Blackbird or our own mas-cot, the Song Sparrow? Our teams arealready hard at work planningtheir trips and recruiting spon-sors. We are all looking for-ward to this great spring tra-dition. It is all of you, ourmembers, who help makethe Birdathon such a hugesuccess. Your support iswhat makes this an excitingand fun event every year forour birding teams.

Our sponsors are as impor-tant to our success as ourbirders. If you would liketo become a sponsor, sim-ply pick one of the teams,fill out the sponsorshipform in this newsletter, and send it in. Or,you can sponsor a team and fulfill yourpledge with PayPal on the CA website.

The proceeds from the BAT this yearwill go to two very worthy causes. Twenty-five percent will go to GIAC to supporttheir educational programs. Seventy-fivepercent will go to the newly created JohnWilson Memorial Education Fund. Thisfund was created by the CA board to honorour longtime dedicated volunteer andfriend, John Wilson, who passed away lastDecember. This fund will be used to pro-vide scholarships and assistance for envi-ronmental education programs atColumbus Audubon, the GIAC, and otherlocations.

If you have not formed a team yet,there’s still time! Just start with a couple ofbirding buddies, choose a team name andcall Katryn Renard (614) 261-7171 to reg-

ister. Ask friends and co-workers tosponsor you and then go birding!Count all the species that youcan identify in either five, 10or 24 hours any day betweenApril 30 and May 16.

Remember, you don’thave to stay in Ohio to doyour birding, so be creative.The teams that have already reg-istered are listed below. Call nowand add your team to the list.

Birdathon Celebration All of our teams and sponsors are invit-

ed to celebrate their Birdathon success atour annual BAT celebration. Our celebra-

tion will take place on Tuesday,

May 24, during our regularmonthly program at the

Grange Insurance AudubonCenter. There will be a birdwalk at 6 p.m., followed byour speaker, Tom Hissong,

education coordinator and nat-uralist at the AullwoodAudubon Center and Farmnear Dayton, Ohio. We will

enjoy snacks and draw for ourtwo grand prizes.

Again this year, wehave two great prizes topresent at our annual BATcelebration.

Eagle Optics has once again generously

donated binoculars. The Ranger SRT8x32 (list price $360) are especially

favored for their superior edge-to-edge sharpness, light-

weight, durable body, andaffordable price.

The soft rubber, multi-position eyecups guarantee

comfortable viewing duringextended use. Customers value theRanger’s rich color details, 393-foot

field of view, three foot close focus,and Platinum Protection unlimited, uncon-

ditional lifetime warranty. See for yourself why our customers love

taking the Ranger SRT on a short hike oraround the world at www.eagleoptics.com.

As is Columbus Audubon custom, wehave two grand prizes to offer in a drawingto birders who turn their donations in byMay 24.

The lovely Zinck’s Carriage Househttp://zincksinn.com/category/the-carlisle-house in the heart of Amish country hasdonated a free night’s stay to the winner ofthe first drawing.

The Amish are know for their birdingskills and what better place to go than theirhome territory?

Located at the edge of Berlin, Zinck’sCarriage House has easy access to thebirds of the countryside as well as theactivities of town.

-Julie Davis

Bird 5, 10, 24 hours a day April 30 - May 16 locally or out of state

Gathering room at Zinck’s Carriage House.

6

Columbus Audubon

Sponsorship form

Team Name

My Name

Street, City, State, Zip Code

Mail to: “Birdathon,” c/o Columbus Audubon, P.O. Box 141350, Columbus, Ohio 43214

Pledge

Phone#

Sign me up! I would like to sponsor one of the teams above by pledging a specified amount of money foreach species they see during the Birdathon. (For example, 100 species at 15 cents per bird would add upto a donation of $15.) The money will be paid in cash or check to Columbus Audubon when I aminformed of the results of my team’s foray.

2011 Birdathon teamsDeck Birds - 1Cheri BrownPat BarronBev MayPete Precario

Marsh Madness - 100Bill and Deb Marsh

Metro Parks Stellar Jays - 100Jim DavidsonJoe MearaJohn O’MearaJohn Watts

Mudflats Herons - 160Julie and Ken DavisJackie and Tom Bain

Neat Nests – 40Fred LanciaJordan Parrott and grandchildren

Ohio Young Birders -TBD

Gerry BrevoortSusan SetterlinYoung birders TBD

Pelicans - TBDLauren & Mark Richardstheir dog

Quick Three Beards –170.5Dave HornGreg Miller Troy Shively Bill Whan

Red-Eyed Weary-os - 100Earl Harrison Alyn HarrisonJoe EickholtAndrea Cook

Slate (Run) Colored Juncos - 100Linda BennerAndrea HaslageLori Patterson

Randy Rogers

Swans and Coots - 70Alan CohenClyde GosnellPaul KnoopKatryn RenardMarlene Woo LunLouise Warner

Two Footed Boobies - 90Marcia BrehmerMarion FarberMelanie ShuterMary Kay Wood

Two in a Bush - 62Patty DeMariaElaine FujimoraBiani Moran

Wild Birds Unlimited Riverside - 170Michael FlynnBill HeckSteve LandesTom Sheley

To fill a 2 year termApril Robinson is a 12 year veteran who

has worked in the field of alcohol and sub-stance abuse. She holds an Ohio CertifiedPrevention Specialist I credential from theOhio Professional Credentialing Board. Hereducation background is in accounting andbusiness administration. Ten years of hercareer were spent working for a drug andalcohol facility in Mansfield, Ohio as theprevention director of youth services. Aprilcollaborated with Malabar Farm, Gorman-Rupp Nature Center, Kingwood Center, andSnow Trails of Richland County. She pro-vided outings that allowed the youth toexperience nature first hand. She is current-ly the coordinator of the Drug-FreeDelaware Coalition of Delaware County.

To fill a 3 year termJackie Bain is a health educator with the

Delaware General Health District. She isformerly the education coordinator and anaturalist for Preservation Parks ofDelaware County. She serves on ColumbusAudubon’s conservation and program com-mittees and has been a consultant for EcoWeekend. Bain is a former chair and co-founder of the Simon Kenton Boy ScoutCouncil’s conservation committee whereshe has been involved in coordinating envi-

ronmental education and service projectswith Ohio youth for over ten years. Shealso served on the conservation staff for the2005 National Boy Scout Jamboree. In2007 Bain was awarded the Boy Scouts ofAmerica's national William T. HornadayConservation Gold Badge in recognition ofher efforts with youth and environmentaleducation.

Andrea Cook is a current board memberand is running for her second full term. Sheserves on Columbus Audubon’s member-ship committee. With a MA inAnthropology, she has spent the last 14years doing fundraising and managementwork for environmental and educationalnon-profits.

Tim Daniel has been with ODNRDivision of Wildlife for 16 years, where heis a public information officer, photogra-pher, and event planner. He has a degree inbusiness administration from FranklinUniversity and has been on the board ofdirectors of the Ohio Wildlife Center inColumbus, a raptor education program inLogan County, and the Outdoor Writers ofOhio.

William (Bill) Heck currently serves asvice president and webmaster for ColumbusAudubon. He is also a member of theColumbus Audubon Avid Birders coordi-

nating committee and is treasurer of theBlack Swamp Bird Observatory. He previ-ously served on the Audubon Ohio boardand the nominating committee of the OhioOrnithological Society. A former residentof southwestern Ohio, Bill has been presi-dent of Audubon Miami Valley, theAudubon chapter serving Butler and Preblecounties; served as treasurer of the ThreeValley Conservation Trust, and was treasur-er of the Environmental Mobile Unit inOxford.

He retired in 2007 after a career in infor-mation technology management in both theprivate and public sectors. He holds BA,MA, and MBA degrees.

Dave Horn has been a member ofColumbus Audubon since 1973 (and otherchapters before that). He is currently con-servation chair and coordinates ourEntertainment Book fundraiser, besidesleading field trips and Eco Weekend pro-grams. He has been on the Board before(1996-2002) and served as president 1998-2000 and again 2004-05. Dave and his wifeRoz were awarded the Great Egret awardlast year, the highest volunteer award fromNational Audubon. He is professor emeritusof entomology at Ohio State (sort of retired)and executive director of the OhioBiological Survey.

Welcome new Columbus Audubon trustees

7

Columbus Audubon

Butterfly gardens are for beauty and thebirds. In my last article, I discussed hownative caterpillars are important food fornative birds. Using plants that attract but-terflies often support other insects too,which are all high-protein bird food.

I choose the plants on which native but-terflies lay their eggs. For a time-savingstart on plant selection, see “AttractButterflies to your Ohio Yard” atwww.backyardhabitat.info on the “How DoI Do This” tab for more information.

How to start: Locate a small space shel-tered from wind with 6+ hours of sunlight (Iput it where I can see and enjoy it)

Plant purple, yellow, white, or blue flat-topped, different-sized flowers that bloomat different times throughout the seasons asdifferent butterflies are adults in spring,summer, and fall

Plant similar colors together (a largebatch of yellow, instead of mixing yellowand blue plants, should catch their com-pound eyes)

Wait to rake leaves until early summer

after all butterflies are out of their wintercover and flying

Keep your lawn and garden chemical free(I use organic lawn care and manually con-trol garden pests since chemicals kill butter-flies) Native butterfly caterpillars rely onnative plants for their very survival. Eachkind of caterpillar usually eats the leaf ofonly one family of plant, called a host plant.Host plants, which include trees, providecover and food to eat, so holes in theirleaves are a good thing!

I select nectar, sap, and host plants nativeto my area. Some butterflies eat sap fromtrees rather than nectar. Remove invasiveplants that choke out required plants. Whenplanting herbs and things for me to eat, Iplant extra for the caterpillars.

Only a few butterflies migrate. Building aButterfly Log Cabin will help keep themwarm. Others hide under bark and in leaflitter so provide native trees (like Cherryand Hackberry) and keep some leaves inyour garden. Leave native grasses (likeLittle Bluestem, Schizachyrium scoparium)

and other bunch-type plants standing overwinter for the caterpillars and chrysalis tostay warm. Then cut them high (not all theway to the ground).

For butterflies to drink water, I put asmall dish filled with rocks near cover andplant Cup Plants (Silphium perfoliatum)that hold dew and rainwater. I also wetsome dirt so they can suck nutrients. Ienjoyed a beautiful, orange Eastern Commawho drank regularly from a small indenta-tion in a stepping-stone every day when Ifill my birdbath.

Over a three-year period, I went fromhaving three different kinds of native but-terflies in my yard to 35 kinds, including allfive major families. Different types becomeadults to fly at different times of the season.The little white ones you see throughout theseason are European Cabbage White butter-flies.

Seventy-eight percent of the speciesobserved had chemical-free, caterpillar hostplants near nectar plants in my yard. Formore go to at www.backyardhabitat.info.

Backyards for Wildlife: Creating a butterfly garden in your yard

8

This year’s annual meeting of Columbus Audubon was a timeto celebrate the future. Members of the central Ohio chapter ofthe Ohio Young Birders Club (OYBC) delivered a presentation tothe gathering and were, in turn, recognized for their conservationefforts.

Introducing members of the chapter’s Youth Advisory Board(YAB), CA President Julie Davis noted that, “John JamesAudubon himself would have been very pleased to see these ener-getic, creative, passionate young people with us heretonight. Surely Mr. Audubon recognized the essential connection,from generation to generation, in the work of conservation whenhe said: ‘A true conservationist is a man who knows that theworld is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children.’(These students are) our link to the future — the Ohio YoungBirders.”

YAB members Jacob Stinnett and Doug Whitman provided anoverview of the OYBC chapter’s activities of the last nine months,as well as their plans for the future. Included in the accomplish-ments of this group were two community service projects. LastOctober the OYBC students designed, built, and installed a bird-feeding station as part of an outdoor education center at aColumbus City School. And in March these young birders builtnest boxes and installed a grid of 16 boxes at Glacier Ridge MetroPark. Both projects reflect the club’s mission to celebrate nature,work for conservation, and share their interest in birds with oth-ers.

ColumbusAudubon recognized the dedication of theseOYBC students with Certificates of Appreciation “in recognitionof outstanding public service as a member of OYBC Central OhioChapter.” Receiving certificates were: Aaron Tayal, JacobStinnett, Doug Whitman, Nick Baltutis, Ada Cleary, ClareJusdanis, Georgia Lockwood, Emily LeMaster, Daniel Hauck,and Sarah Seeley.

-Gerry Brevoort, OYBC advisor

OYBC completes nestbox projectat Glacier Ridge Metro Park

TheOhio Young Birders Club

(OYBC) Central Ohio Chapter started aservice project in March to build and set upnest boxes at Glacier Ridge Metro Park.

The project received support fromColumbus Metro Parks and from our chap-ter’s grant from North Face.

Building nest boxes was fun. Before westarted the project, Darlene, one of ouradvisors, taught us about the birds we werehelping. The birds we wanted in our nestboxes were Eastern Bluebirds and TreeSwallows. They are called secondary cav-ity nesters. We were helping these birds tofind places to nest. We watched a movie ofwhat happens inside a bluebird nest box.We even got to touch real birds that hadbeen stuffed and were on loan from OhioWesleyan University.

Then we went to the basement to start

building. There were seven kids, a lot ofadults and seven power drills, so in notime we had 19 birdhouses finished. Thenwe crammed them all into Darlene’s car.

On March 19, we installed the nestboxes at Glacier Ridge. There were fiveOYBC members and park volunteers,parents, and OYBC advisors who were

all happy to lend a helping hand. We metDick Tuttle who is an experienced birderand also experienced at putting up nestboxes. Dick’s nickname is “Mr. Bluebird.”

Dick taught us to set up nest boxesaccording to a grid. A grid ensures that theboxes are far enough apart from eachanother so that they are appealing homes tothe desired birds. Installing the boxes in agrid also catches people’s eyes as theymove past it because the nest boxes alignin many ways. We want visitors to the parkto notice the nest boxes, get curious, andmaybe learn a little something about thebirds that live in them.

The first step in putting up the grid wasto set where the first nest box was to be.Then we hammered a tall pole into theground. Next we put on the baffle.Finally, we screwed on one nest box.

Meanwhile, another group was measur-ing out where the other nest boxes wouldgo. We learned the Pythagorean theorem

can help make precise 90 degree angles.We measured 75 feet one way and then 75feet another way, forming a right angle.Then we used the Pythagorean Theorem toget our right angle precise. From our firstright angle we formed a box, and then weadded a box onto that, always stakingwhere nest boxes were to go.

We split into two teams, a measuringteam and an assembly team.

After a while we started to communicatemore and that made the job much easier.

We started to see one big square formingthat was four boxes long and four boxeswide. Soon we were on our last nest box.When we had finished it, we stood back toadmire our work. We had put up 16 nestboxes. Suddenly, in flew two tree swal-lows! Our nest boxes are next to a schoolat Glacier Ridge Metro Park’s northentrance. There is a paved path next towhere we put our boxes, so even peoplewith disabilities can come to see birds.

At the end, I felt good because I knewthat I had helped a lot of birds, as well aspeople with disabilities and kids in schoolwho will come to enjoy the birds.

Aaron Tayal, Student MemberCentral Ohio Chapter - Ohio Young

Birders Club

Ohio Young Birders chapter recognized for conservation work

By Tom Sheley

OYBC members with their certificates at the CA potluck onMarch 22.

By the central Ohio chapter of the OYBC

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Day to raise money for conservation) buthave not? Well, now is your chance! Jointhe Red-eyed Wearios as we bird our wayfrom Columbus to Magee Marsh. We'll car-pool from Worthington Mall. Contact EarlHarrison at harrison.304@osu.edu or (614-505-1123).

Dublin Kiwanis Riverway Park bird walk

Saturday, May 21, 8 a.m.Join us for a walk starting at Kiwanis

Riverway Park to see migrating birds andlearn about point counting with Birding fora Better Columbus. Contact Darlene Sillickat azuretrails@columbus.rr.com.

Birding at Clear Creek Metro Park

Sunday, May 22, 9 a.m.Clear Creek is one of Central Ohio's pre-

mier birding spots. It is possible to see andhear over 80 species of birds, including 20species of warblers, in one outing. ContactTom Sheley at (614) 578-9501.

Birds of the Glacier

Ridge Honda Wetlands

Sunday, May 22, 4 p.m.Come join us for a weekday evening walk

along the boardwalk. We will meet at themain parking lot of the Honda WetlandsEducation Area. Call Mike Flynn at 614-769-1681.

Nature Walk at New Albany Country Club

Monday, May 23, 9 a.m.Join Tom Sheley on a walk around one of

Central Ohio's unique wildlife habitat proj-

ects. We will meet at the bag drop/cart standin the parking area behind the Clubhouse.Contact Tom Sheley at (614) 578-9501.

CA May Program: Travels

of an Ohio Naturalist

Tuesday, May 24, 7 p.m., social time, 7:30 p.m., presentation

The Earth is filled with tremendous natu-ral beauty and wonder. Tom Hissong,Education Coordinator and naturalist at theAullwood Audubon Center and Farm nearDayton, Ohio, has had the opportunity totravel to many exciting destinations aroundthe globe. In this program Tom, will sharesome of his favorite photographs and expe-riences from such destinations as Ohio,South Florida and the Everglades, the northwoods of Michigan, the canyons and mesasof the southwestern United States,Australia, the Peruvian Amazon and Andes,Panama, Kenya, the High Arctic ofNorway, and Mexico. Be sure to join us onthis special trip of beauty and wonder!

Bird hike at Clear Creek Metro Park

Sunday, May 29, 3 p.m.Want to highlight your Memorial Day

weekend by spending some quality timeoutdoors? A spectacular place to do that isthe Clear Creek Metro Park. We will car-pool from the McDonald's on Rt. 33 atCarroll. Call Mike Flynn (614) 769-1681.

Service in the Preserves:

Stages Pond SNP

Saturday, June 4, 7:45 a.m.We most likely will see great blue herons

fly over Stages Pond to their rookery and ifwe're very lucky we may see some quail.That will be part of our compensation forreplacing 400 feet of split rail fence andpainting a bird blind or two. Meet in theparking lot inside the gate house at theOhio Department Natural ResourcesComplex to travel in the ODNR van to thesite. Please call Katryn Renard byWednesday, June 1 at (614) 261-7171 tosign up.

Birding by kayak at Twin Lakes

Saturdays, June 4 and July 16, 8:30 a.m.Join us for a full morning of birding by

kayak! We will be paddling and birding atTwin Lakes in Powell, Ohio, at TheAdaptive Adventure Sports Coalition(TAASC). The cost is $20 per student/pad-dler. We will paddle for 2 to 2.5 hours.Please bring cash or a check payable toTAASC on the day of the event. PleaseRSVP by contacting Darlene Sillick atazuretrails@columbus.rr.com or 614-288-3696.

OYBC June trip: Birding by kayak

Saturday, June 11, 8:30 a.m.Join the Central Ohio Chapter of Ohio

Young Birders Club for a full morning ofbirding by kayak! We will be paddling andbirding at Twin Lakes in Powell, Ohio, atThe Adaptive Adventure Sports Coalition(TAASC). The cost is $20 per student/pad-dler. Please bring cash or a check payable toTAASC on the day of the event. For moreinformation, contact Darlene Sillick atazuretrails@columbus.rr.com.

Session 9: August 15-19.Upcoming special events

Birdfest: come celebrate all things birdand welcome the summer solstice

Sunday, June 12 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. International Migratory Bird Day

(IMBD) and Mother’s Day EventSaturday, June 18 from 9 a.m. – 12 noon

GIAC Scouts and education dates

Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. – 12 noonConservation Cubs (open to Wolves,

Bears and Webelos). Cost is $10 per Scout.Earn your Wildlife Conservation BeltLoop and Pin all in one day at the GIAC!

Saturday, June 11 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.Outdoor Cubs (open to Tiger Cubs).

Cost is $8 per Scout. Come explore the

great outdoors on the Whittier Peninsulaand you’ll be well on your way to earningthe Cub Scout Outdoor Activity Award!

Saturday, June 11 from 12 noon – 3 p.m. World Conservation Days (Webelos

specific). Cost is $9 per Scout. Come andget a jump-start on earning your Cub ScoutWorld Conservation Award!

Saturday, May 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 1p.m. Journey Between Earth and Sky atthe GIAC (Daisy). Cost is $8 per Scout.Take a journey through the changesbetween Earth and Sky at GIAC, a hiddentreasure in the heart of the city. You’ll beinspired to explore the nature of change atyour home or in your community whenyou leave!

Saturday, May 21 from 8:30 a.m. –10:30 a.m. Explore the Many Wondersof Water at the GIAC (Brownies). Cost is$9 per Scout. Start your Wonders of Waterjourney at the GIAC by learning about

why water is so important, where we findit around center, and why we should con-serve it. You’ll be ready to spring intoaction upon returning home to your owncommunity!

Sunday, May 22 from 12:30 p.m. – 3:30p.m.Get Energized and Take Eco-Actionat the GIAC (Junior). Cost is $10 perScout. Energize yourself for your GetMoving journey and investigate the worldof energy. You’ll be inspired to innovativechange at home and in your community!

GIAC offers Birthday partiesIt’s a great time to get outside and have

some fun! The GIAC offers all-inclusivebirthday parties—from invitations andcake to activities and party favors.

Call Allison Roush at 543-5482 for moreinformation or to book a party. Here are a

11

CA programsContinued from page 2

GIAC activitiesContinued from page 2

See GIAC activities, page 15

12

Meet James Pack, new intern at GIACJames Pack, a senior at The Graham School, has

joined GIAC as an intern throughout this school year.Internships are an integral part of a student’s educationat The Graham School. Students choose internshipsites based on their individual interests and areas ofstudy. James chose the GIAC because he loves natureand views conservation as an important practice inpreserving the natural world.

Since he’s been with us he’s been impressed andencouraged by the number of younger students whocome here to learn. While at the Center, James hasassisted in our educational programming with theseyounger students and has helped with animal care aswell. James greets our students with a warm smile andhis enthusiasm for all things nature is evident in all hehas done at the GIAC.

In his free time, James enjoys camping, hiking,researching and practicing primitive skills, taking part

in Native American culture and ceremonies, rockclimbing and as he says “pretty much anything thatwill ensure that I get muddy and sleep in the woods!”His favorite activity is tracking because he feels it’slike trying to solve a very complex puzzle, from iden-tifying the animal to figuring out when it was there,what it was doing, and where it was headed. “I love themystery of it because essentially you are able to readthe Earth like a book,” James says.

After high school James hopes to travel around,spend some time on reservations in the Southwest andCanada, and explore as many wild places left on thecontinent as possible. Eventually he hopes to work fora primitive survival school like the Tracker School inNew Jersey. The GIAC education team has enjoyedhaving James as an intern this year and he will bemissed when he leaves in late spring.

-By Allison Roush

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

GIAC is excitedto have two newexhibits to beautifyour space: one by alocal sculptor andone by a local pho-tographer.

Michelle StitzleinTwo sculptures from the “Moth Series”

by Michelle Stitzlein are on display atGIAC.

Michelle began working on this series in2003, inspired by “myriad varieties ofbeautiful, exotic moths in my own back-yard.”

Stitzlein’s work turns cast-away junkinto beautifully crafted sculptural pieces.Her pieces are joined together in the mostcreative way from old piano keys, tin cans,license plates and bicycle tires, amongother things. The transformation of foundobjects into beautiful art propels the view-er to reassess that which is often over-looked.

Michelle said, “As an artist and as a per-son, I ask myself to look closer, lest I missthe one exquisite trait in something often-times regarded as distasteful, old, tired,unimpressive or just plain ugly so that Imay see it again with fresh eyes.”

Michelle received a BFA in 1989 fromthe Columbus College of Art and Design

and later founded Art GrangeStudios in Baltimore, Ohio withher husband Nathaniel Stitzlein,who is also an artist. At ArtGrange they share their love ofall art with the public by offer-ing tours of the studios as wellas art workshops for all ages.Check out more of their art andthe story of their studio atwww.artgrange.com.

Mike MaierMike Maier is a Central Ohio nature

photographer. He especially enjoys captur-ing the natural artistry of birds. His pri-mary goal is to showcase our resident birdsalong with the great diversity of speciesthat pass through this area during springand fall migrations. People are always sur-prised learn that most of his photos aretaken within a 20 mile radius of hisWesterville home.

He also photographs when he travels asevidenced by his stunning photos of WoodDucks and Prothonotary Warblers from theCarolinas and Bald Eagles from Michiganand Minnesota.

In 2007, he formed Avian Expressionsby Mike Maier to use his photography as ameans of engaging people to appreciate,protect and preserve nature. Mike’s workhas been displayed in numerous Ohio ven-ues including birding conferences, art fes-tivals and galleries.

Mike generously donates his time andphotographs to help nature-related organi-

zations in their edu-cational, public rela-tions and fund rais-ing efforts. Theseorganizations includeColumbus Audubon,Ohio OrnithologicalSociety, Black Swamp Bird Observatoryand the Ohio Wildlife Center. Check outmore photographs by Maier at http://mike-maierphotos.zenfolio.com.

New art on display at the center

(Above) One of thepieces on displayat the center.(Right) Mike Maier.

n Leaf Blowern Split Firewoodn Chain Sawn Leaf Rakes n Garden Rakesn Full Set ofSilverwaren Crock Potn New 2” or larg-er bindersn Dry EraseMarkers andEraser

GIACWish List

GIAC is excited to welcome Nancy Hartman to our team as the“volunteer” Volunteer Coordinator. Nancy brings a wealth ofexperience with her and we have put her right to work attractingmore volunteers to the Center.

During the first part of Nancy’s career she worked as a volun-teer coordinator for Northwest Ohio Development Center. Thesecond part of her career she worked in the training and develop-ment field for a variety of industries and organizations.

“I was really interested in working at the Audubon Centerbecause of the values of conservation and preservation of the ani-mal kingdom. Just the building itself speaks of the commitment tothe environmental change that is taking place here,” Hartman said.

Nancy has been able to work here through a program sponsored

by the AARP Foundation. This programmatches displaced experienced workerswith a non-profit organization as part oftheir training program. This keeps the indi-vidual involved and in a work environmentwhile they continue to look for full-timeemployment. This program also providesspecialized training for the displacedemployee to help them strengthen their jobskills so that they may become gainfullyemployed faster. If you are interested inlearning more about this program, please

contact www.aarpworksearch.org.

Jeff Chaddock, new GIAC Stewardship Board MemberIn January 2011 the GIAC Stewardship Board welcomed new

member, Jeff Chaddock. Jeff and his partner Mark Morrow host-ed the first “Step Up-Step Out” program in June 2010 at theirhome in Miranova Place for residents of Miranova Place andWaterford Tower, their friends and family, and the GIAC Boardand staff. As well as a history of supporting the GIAC, Jeff bringsa variety of skills and talents to the Stewardship Board.

In1988, Jeff joined Ameriprise Financial Services in a financialplanning capacity and is currently a senior financial advisor withAmeriprise Financial Services. Jeff has been ranked nationally inthe top one percent of 18,000 advisors for the past 15 years, withsignificant assets under his management. His dynamic speakingstyle and fresh marketing strategies have made him a favoritekeynote speaker within the financial services industry. To date, hehas spoken to more than 100 marketing groups across the US.

In response to numerous requests for presentations, Jeff formedhis consulting firm in 1994, which he aptly named AchievingWOW. He became a published author with his book, AchievingWOW, now in its second edition. Jeff was named as one of the

country’s top 1,000 financial advisors in2010 by Barron’s magazine.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degreein Communications from Ohio University.Jeff enjoys traveling and working withcharitable organizations such as theColumbus AIDS Task Force and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

He also serves on the board of directorsat Ohio University. He resides in both Ohioand Florida.

When Jeff was asked to share what moti-vated him to join the GIAC Stewardship Board, he replied: “Aftertwo decades of focusing on higher education initiatives, I findmyself becoming equally passionate on environmental educa-tion. The GIAC provides one of the most exciting ‘back drops’for meeting the mission of environmental outreach to the region. Icould not be more pleased to be involved with the GIAC Board,staff, and members.”

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

Jeff Chaddock

13

GIAC benefits from German Village event online ticket salesAlways the last Sunday in June, the

German Village Haus und Garten Tour isan annual event filled with traditions andsurprises, much like the neighborhood itshowcases.

German Village will open its doors andgarden gates for the 52nd Annual Haus und Garten Tour onSunday, June 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Visitors are invited for this day-long event throughoutHistoric German Village, 233 acres on the National Register.

The German Village Haus und Garten Tour is a celebration ofrenowned designs, enchanting gardens, and award-winningrestorations. Guests may meander through the open sites at theirown pace, while stopping to enjoy Marketplatz, the signatureshopping forum.

Support two organizations: You can help the GrangeInsurance Audubon Center and the German Village Societywhen you purchase your German Village Haus und Garten Tourtickets online and enter our special discount code.

Three dollars from each ticket will be donated to the GIAC.

Here’s how:n Visit www.germanvillage.com. n Click on the Calendar link to find

details on the German Village Haus undGarten Tour.

n Click “Buy Tickets” to get toEventbrite, the GVS online ticket purchasing site.

n Enter Audubon in the “Partner Code” box during checkout.

n A confirmation email will be sent to you and voilá! That’sit!

Tickets went on sale April 1. This promotion is valid ONLYfor tickets purchased in advance via the German Village Societywebsite and will end at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 25.

The GIAC is pleased to continue our efforts of communitycollaborations. Efforts such as this are part of our “Step Up –Step Out” in which the GIAC partners with community groupsto link people to the Center and create mutually beneficial pro-grams.

Nancy Hartman joins GIAC team as the ‘volunteer’ coordinator

Nancy Hartman

This time of year, as eloquently reflectedin this issue’s theme of “outdoor adven-ture,” there are a lot of people visitingGIAC and Scioto Audubon Metro Park fortheir own outdoor adventures. There arealso more events, wedding receptions,meetings, and gatherings as part of theCenter’s rental program. GIAC is busythroughout the whole year, but the six-month period from May 1 to October 31 isby far the busiest for special events.

Over 40,000 people have visited GIAC in18 months. A common question we hearfrom Center visitors is,“who are your supporters?”One part of our answer isthat the Center would nothave been possible withoutthe support of businesses,companies, and founda-tions. They are recognizedaccordingly throughout theCenter as most wouldexpect. What’s interestingis that visitors also love tosee the name of individualswho have helped make adifference. There are manynaming rights and recogni-tion options in the Center. In the upcomingmonths we will be finalizing the campaigncontributors recognition wall (including sig-nificant individual gifts and pledges) with anew display in the hallway to the left of thereception desk and Nature Store.

You can display your support or recog-nize family, friends or special occasions

with gifts of $100 and $250. These optionswere part of the initial capital campaign andare still available to you.

Founders WallTo the right of the entrance of the Bird

Viewing/Library room is the Founders Wall(look for the display with the threelarge great egrets). For just $100,an individual, couple, or family canhave their name(s) displayed foryears to come as one of our earliestsupporters! You can also use this

gift to honor or rec-ognize someone else.There are 12columns displayingnames of FoundersWall donors. Thelargest 8 columns are alreadyfull (thank you again to somany of you who supportedus in this manner!), leavingjust the four smallest ones.Another one is almost fulland when these are filled,this option is complete.Contact us for more informa-tion or send your gift noted

“for Founders Wall” and share what youwant posted (space is 15 characters per row,3 row maximum).

PaversAlmost every person who comes into

GIAC walks past the GIAC RecognitionPaver display which is at the front of the

GIAC Entry Court.At 56 rows x 22bricks (or approxi-mately 1232 bricks),this display will besharing the names of

supporters or other recognition for years tocome. The cost of a paver is $250.Currently 137 pavers recognize donors,businesses, Audubon chapters and groups,families, loved ones, tributes in honor or inmemory of someone special, weddinganniversaries, birthdays, and other mes-sages. (For example, friends of AmyStomieroski recognized Amy’s 40th birth-day with a paver last summer!)

In the spring, we will install the paversdonated during the winter. GIAC is alsodesigning a display that lists which bricksare in which location (for easier reference)and will be sharing and recognizing some ofthem over time in the Song Sparrow. Thoseinterested in a paver should contact GIACstaff at (614) 545-5475.

14

Thank you for Support

New MembersJames R. AndrixPaul D. BingleBlack Swamp Bird ObservatoryKathryn CaldwellJoyce CharronNeillynn M. CrawfordMichael DaltonL.J. DayBarbara DurbinJessica Ann FallerJohn and Kay FergusonNoah FoxBarbara A. GabalskiSandra GanzEmerson and Carol D. GilbertWarren GrodyNancy HartmanDC HeimanDorothy L. Howard-FlynnCatherine Hunziker

Judith LynneMary B. MarshAnn Marie MicenmacherSara, Sam and Ben MorrisJulien and Sherri MorrissetteRoberta NovakMaureen O’MalleyCheryl Broomfield OneskyJohn and Lee Anne ReatJeffrey M. RosaJennifer SeedsBarb SetterlinJeffrey L. Shaffer and Amy L. SerreKaren SharpEugene ShifrinSamantha C.SkutnikMary Ann SpicerDeborah TongMark TranovichDavid C. Wible and Mary L. CusickRita J. Ziegler

Louanne Zipfel

DonorsCardinal Health Foundation, Inc.The Columbus FoundationCynthia CooperJohn Davis and Dr. Vivian Witkind DavisMichael B. Denne and Kathryn A. DenneAnn Griffen and Gene LeysJ.F. (Rick) Kroner III and Debbie KronerLynne Lawson and Charles Lawson, Jr.J. Jeffrey McNealeySarah J. MilliganTom and Carrie SchepmanJoan SchoenigerDavid B. Steiner and Nancy R. SteinerDr. and Mrs. Charles D. StieneckerMark TranovichWalter & Haverfield LLPThe Wilds

Share Your Support – Let Others See

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

year ago. Kudos to CA members Gerry

Brevoort, Darlene Sillick, SusanSetterlin, and TimDaniel for contribu-tions as advisors,leaders, and mentorsproviding opportuni-ties to allow theseoutstanding youngpeople to blossom.Gerry Brevoort pre-sented Certificates ofAppreciation toOYBC studentsNick Baltutis, AdaCleary, DanielHauck, ClareJusdanis, Georgia Lockwood,Emily LeMaster, Sarah Seeley,Jacob Stinnett, Aaron Tayal, andDoug Whitman.

Tom Stalf, senior vice-presi-dent of operations at theColumbus Zoo and Aquariumended the evening with a bangor well a couple of tweets,

growls and barks of the animalambassadors he brought alongwith him. Stalf educated us onthe natural history of eachspecies and conservation efforts

at the zoo and intheir native habitat.

We marveled atthe stealth of theBarn Owl and aChilean Flamingostrutted for thecrowd. An AfricanPenguin eyed uswith curiosity.Everyone got aclose encounterwith the showyS u l f u r - c r e s t e dCockatoo. The

wide-eyed Red-ruffed Lemurwas a first sighting for many.

Barbara Revard modeled afashionable sling pouch com-plete with a young GreyKangaroo. A young Cheetahand its companion dog stole theshow. The evening drew to a

close and we took with us agreater understanding of ournatural world and the role of ourzoo in conservation, and a

greater appreciation for thosewho have supported and contin-ue to support our mission.

-Tom Sheley

Annual Columbus Audubon potluck a real crowd pleaser

GIAC Assistant Director and Director ofConservation, Doreen Whitley at approxi-mately 6:45 p.m. Guests can observe thedemonstration from the GIAC Boardwalk.

n Participate in the Silent Auction andperuse a variety of special and uniqueitems (many of them related to wine orwarblers) at auction throughout theevening. There will also be a way to winother prizes for $10 a selection.

n Warbler Walk “Flights” will enableguests to sign up for a 20-25 minute walksto see and hear warblers in the areas sur-rounding the Center. The first “flight”begins at 5:30 p.m.; the last one leaves at7:30 p.m. Walks will be led by experienced

Audubon birders. n Specialty-led walks will be available

associated with sponsorships and support.n Author Kenn Kaufman, and his wife,

Kimberly, will lead a special bird walk.Guests can pre-order Kenn’s new bookwhich came out in April, The KaufmanField Guide to Advanced Birding.

Those who pre-order the book throughthe GIAC will be among the first to get hisautograph.

Sponsor-a-Warbler: Individuals, groupsand companies can support GIAC throughSponsor-a-Warbler packages.

Sponsorship package features varydepending on the level and amount of sup-port and may include tickets, opportunitiesto sign up for specially-led walks, an

advance book signing and participation inbird-banding.

Sponsorship levels are represented bywarbler names.

Entry-level Sponsor-a-Warbler packagesare the American Redstart level and thehighest sponsorship-level packages are theKirtland’s Warbler (the most rare war-blers). Sponsors and their levels will berecognized in the event program and ondisplays.

For best recognition and inclusion onmaterials, confirmation of sponsorship isrequested by Wednesday, May 11. SomeSponsor-a-Warbler opportunities will beavailable during the event.

For more information on sponsorships,contact Jeff Redfield at (614) 545-5475.

Celebrate migration at GIAC’s ‘Wine and Warblers’ on May 18 Continued from page 1

15

GIAC offers specially themed Birthday parties

few ideas to inspire your next special birth-day gathering:

Happy Bird-Day! Come and learnabout birds from their special beaks andfeet to the ways they communicate, thengrab some binoculars to explore the excit-ing world of bird-watching.

Nature Explorers. Explore nature onthe Whittier Peninsula in any season just

minutes from the heart of downtownColumbus! Investigate what makes upnature, where can you find it, how do youobserve it and how does it change through-out the year.

Flutterby Butterfly (seasonal). You’llgo through many changes as you grow, butcome learn about all the changes a butter-fly goes through before it gets its wings!

Operation Conservation. Think youhave to be all grown up to make a differ-

ence in the world? No way! Join us onOperation Conservation! Come learn aboutconservation and how to live more lightlyon our earth. We’ll explore soil, water, airand wildlife and learn about ways to con-serve it so we can all enjoy the world foryears to come. You’ll be a certified conser-vation hero when you leave.

For more Birthday party descriptions,go to http://grange.audubon.org.

Continued from page 11

Continued from page 1

By Tom Sheley(Above) Darlene Sillick and Fred Steck admire a babywallaby held by Barbara Revard of the Columbus Zoo.(Left) Julie Davis, CA board president with the ChileanFlamingo.

RETURN IN FIVE DAYS TO

Columbus Audubon/GIAC

505 W. Whittier St.

Columbus, OH 43215

DBA - National Audubon Society

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE PAIDCOLUMBUS, OHIOPERMIT 5146

Please return form to: Kristen Clark, Grange Insurance Audubon Center505 W. Whittier Street, Columbus 43215

Or to: Columbus Audubon Membership Chair, P.O. Box 141350, Columbus, Oh 43214Chapter code S57

Apply now for joint membership in Columbus Audubon (CA)and the Grange Insurance Audubon Center (GIAC). We offerthese membership levels:

Basic Individual $30. Includes membership in GIAC and CA,The Song Sparrow newsletter, subscription to Audubon maga-zine, and many other benefits.

Basic Family $45. Includes the benefits above plus dis-counts at the GIAC Nature Store and on GIAC programs foryour entire family.

Chickadee $100. Includes all standard membership bene-

fits plus enrolls you as a Founding Member of GIAC plus anAudubon coffee mug.

Great Blue Heron $250. Includes all of the above plus yourchoice of an Audubon cap or tote bag.

Bald Eagle $500. Includes all of the above plus a copy ofthe world-famous Guide to North American Birds by DavidSibley.

Great Egret $1000. Includes all of the above plus a person-alized birding day in the Columbus area with a guide fromColumbus Audubon.

Name

Phone

Address

City

Email

Zip codeState

Method of payment

Check (made payable to the Grange Insurance Audubon Center)

Master Card Visa Discover

Card expiration:

Name as it appears on card

Columbus Audubon/Grange Insurance Audubon Center joint membership

* Membership in the national Audubon society* Subscription to Audubon magazine* 10% discount at the GIAC nature store* Discount on GIAC program fees* Free CA field trips and programs throughout the year* Volunteer opportunities* Invitations to special events at GIAC

* Building rental opportunities at GIAC* Bi-monthly Song Sparrow newsletter, a joint publication ofColumbus Audubon and the Grange Insurance AudubonCenter (electronic delivery only for basic membership)

* An invitation to attend the CA annual meeting* Discounts at partnering affiliates* Voice in CA/GIAC conservation initiatives

Joint membership benefits are (all levels):

Check the box to receive theSong Sparrow electronically