December 2008

Volume XXXIV, Issue 11 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY

UPCOMING SPEAKER SERIES with Ted Reissing I N S I D E

Saving the World’s Critically Endangered Birds President’s Perch...............2
From the Exec Dir..............3
3 PM, Sunday, January 11, 2009 AAS Legacy Club................3
Island Ford Unit of Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area Space Coast Festival .........3
Of the world’s approximately 10,000 bird species, a little over 12% are Field Notes.........................4
considered threatened with extinction and are in danger of being lost in the
Field Trips...........................5
next 50 years. At least 75 species have fewer than 50 individuals remaining
alive. There are four categories of threatened species—Critically Endangered, Christmas Bird Count ........5
Endangered, Vulnerable, and Extinct in the Wild. The 189 species considered Spotlight Jim Wilson .........6
Critically Endangered are at extremely high risk of extinction in the wild, and
their future is grim unless special measures are taken to preserve them. Time Well Spent ................6
Once each year Birdlife International (BI), in conjunction with two other A Million Thanks................6
Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti)
of Colombia British conservation organizations, hosts the British Birdwatching Fair, a three- Home Schooling LAB.........7
Photography: Pro Aves-Colombia day event that is better known as Birdfair. Virtually everything imaginable
Birding Conference............7
connected with bird watching is represented. This event generates about $500,000 annually for avian
conservation work. During the 2007 Birdfair, BI announced it would use the proceeds generated that year and in Bird Artistry........................8
2008 to fund programs dealing with the 189 Critically Endangered bird species. It is estimated that the total cost Legacy Club .......................8
for this work will exceed $40 million over the next five years.
McCreary Book Review .....9
One of our AAS members, Ted Reissing, and his wife Kay attended the 2007 fair. In conjunction with Birdlife
International, Ted has developed a program that highlights the plans for preserving the Critically Endangered Geltner Wildlife Sanctuary..9
birds. His presentation at the Speaker Series will deal with the management of conservation activities and Classifieds.......................10
shows the status of some of the early work. A list of the 189 Critically Endangered bird species will be available
Ga’s Declining Birds ........11
for handout. In addition, a few details concerning the annual Birdfair will be provided for anyone contemplating
a future visit to England for this highly worthwhile event. To succeed, this work needs the immediate help of all Membership....................11
of us who are serious about our avian friends. So please come to learn the details of the program and how you Merritt Island Trip ............12
too might participate.
Directions: From the I-285/GA 400 interchange, go north on GA 400 to Exit 6 (Northridge Rd.). Coming off
the exit, turn west (right) and stay in the right line, crossing over GA 400. Turn north (right) onto Dunwoody Pl.
ATLANTA
Go 0.5 mi. to Roberts Dr. Turn east (right) and proceed 0.7 mi. to Island Ford Pkwy. on the right. Continue until
you see the Visitors Center. From GA 400 S, take Exit 6 (Northridge Rd.) and continue straight ahead at the AUDUBON SOCIETY
traffic light onto Dunwoody Pl. and follow the directions above. Parking will be on the left before you reach the
Visitors Center. There is a $3 user fee.
Box 29189
Atlanta, GA 30359
Jekyll Island Visitor Center Platform www.atlantaaudubon.org

Jekyll Island
Wildlife Viewing Platform
AAS OFFICE
The Jekyll Island Authority would like to thank the
following for their assistance with this project: and Information Line
Atlanta Audubon Society
Coastal Georgia Audubon Society
Georgia Department of Natural Resources,
770.913.0511
Wildlife Resources Division
Georgia Ornithological Society
Shearouse Lumber Company GOS RARE BIRD ALERT
770.493.8862
 President’s Perchby Ellen Miller
Board of Directors
2008
Executive Director Catharine Kuchar
770.993.9579
[email protected]
The Way We View the World
Officers
President Ellen Miller I recently had my most exotic birding and business trip to date—in India. I went on a business trip in late
404.355.8892 September and added three days to see the Taj Mahal and go birding. I visited two locations for birding: the
[email protected]
Chambal River and vicinity, and the Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur. Both locations are about
President-elect Vacant
two hours out of Agra where the Taj Mahal is located. It is possible and convenient to visit one location
Treasurer Deanna Helie
770.457.4403 and then visit the Taj Mahal on the way to the other.
[email protected]
Recording Secy Mark Jernigan
The birding was fabulous, and the birds were relatively unafraid and easy to see. One of the highlights for
404.298.8825 me was seeing Painted Storks on nests with babies. They are spectacular birds. I had a driver, who spoke
[email protected] little English, take me from place to place. With me not speaking Hindi, we did not do much talking so I
Corresponding Secy Barbara Tarpley
404.687.0079 had lots of time to observe and ponder. One of the things that struck me was the abundance of birds and
[email protected] other wildlife (not to mention the cows). Considering the huge population and poverty of India, it is a
wonder there is any open land or wildlife left at all. From talking with others and from what I’ve read, I
Directors believe much of the reason for this can be attributed to the way the Indians view the world. Basically, they
Conservation Kelly Hopkins see all living things as having an equal right to exist and do not see humans as being at the pinnacle. This is
404.622.1888
[email protected] in contrast to the traditional western view of the world where humans are more often seen as the ultimate
Education Marge Igyarto life form with birds and other animals being “lesser” in some way.
678.398.0569
[email protected] Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a great example of the contrast. The park was originally a private hunting
Field Trips Dave Butler reserve built when the British ruled India. It is wonderful habitat for waterfowl and other water birds. The
404.580.3917 park also attracts large numbers of both resident and migratory birds. In its heyday as a hunting preserve
[email protected]
during the 1920s and 1930s, large hunts were held and records were kept of the numbers of ducks taken in
Membership Darlene Moore
404.633.9361 a day. The “most impressive” of these records were memorialized on a stone monument, which the Indians
[email protected] have left in place. The monument is about 20 feet long and 6 feet high. The entries are carved into the
Communications stone and show the name of the head of the hunting party, the date, the number of guns, and the number of
Barbara Tarpley
404.687.0079 ducks taken on that day. The numbers are astounding! The highest is over 4,000 ducks taken in a single
[email protected] day. After India’s independence, this location was made into a national park and the hunting stopped. We
Publicity Vacant have similar examples here in the U.S., such as Hawk Mountain where for years people gathered during
Volunteers Nancy Hamilton migration to see how many raptors they could shoot in a day. We must make a more conscious and
404.874.2338
[email protected] deliberate effort to recognize that all creatures have a place and a right to exist. As a result of the recent
At Large election, I believe we have a new opportunity to take that conscious effort and make a real difference. Let’s
Jay Davis
take advantage of it!
404.624.4973
[email protected]
Thanks for all you do and good birding!
Victor Williams
Earthshare Representative It’s that time again…
770.423.1012
[email protected]
---
Website
Jim Flynn
Atlanta Audubon Society
[email protected]
Wingbars Editor
Mary Ann Hindes 770.497.0664
2009 Annual Photography Contest
[email protected]
Design & Layout Don’t miss out on entering the 2009 contest. We’ll have great prizes—including a special Grand Prize—
Copy Preparation 770.939.2002 and we’ll be introducing a new bird category.
[email protected]
Proofreading Categories for 2009 include:
Steven Phenicie
770.849.0391 First Prize—Birds in Motion
[email protected] First Prize—Stationery Birds/Bird Portrait
Newsletter deadline is the first of
the month for material to be First Prize—Habitat
published the following month. First Prize—Animals
Please submit articles as MS-Word to
[email protected]. Judge’s Choice
E-mail attachments, if possible.
Grand Prize
Wingbars is the official newsletter of Atlanta
Audubon Society and is published 11 times a *Entries must have been photographed since January 1, 2008 and must be received by our deadline which will be in February 2009.
year. We feature news, upcoming events, Look for more information in the January issue of Wingbars.
meetings, field trips and projects. We hope you
will join us. Opinions expressed are those of the
authors and do not necessarily reflect policies
of the Atlanta Audubon Society. Mission Statement:
To promote the enjoyment and understanding of birds and to
conserve and restore the ecosystems that support them.

2 Atlanta Audubon Society

 From the Executive Director
by Catharine Brockman Kuchar

Putting our New Membership Plan into Effect

As the holidays approach, we are busily working to put our new membership plan into effect in 2009,
and I wanted to explain what we are doing and why we are doing it.
As another important way to keep our administrative costs to a minimum, we have implemented a new Atlanta
annualized membership plan. In the past, memberships expired at various times throughout the Audubon
calendar year. This meant that each month we had to mail renewal notices to those whose
memberships were expiring. We also had to send out thank you notes to those who renewed the
Society
previous month, as well as letters to those who didn’t renew, and so on. Now all memberships will
expire at the end of the calendar year, and we will send out renewal letters annually instead of dealing
with monthly renewal notices.
Legacy
As you know, the work of AAS could not be managed without the hard work of our volunteers and the
hundreds of hours they dedicate to our organization every month. Our staff consists of me, as a “part-
time” employee, and our administrative coordinator, Sally Davis, who works approximately 10 hours a
week (and does a fantastic job I might add!). In this limited amount of time we do a lot to keep things
Club
going throughout the year in every imaginable area. In the past year we have also worked hard to Join us as a charter member
streamline our work by putting into place systems that will make our work more effective and efficient. of the AAS Legacy Club by
Last year we received a grant to implement technologies that allowed us to create a new database to including Atlanta Audubon
manage information about our members and volunteers, and to allow our members to join online and in your bequests.
pay via credit card. Our goal is to keep administrative costs to a minimum so we can focus on the heart
and soul of AAS—our education and conservation work. Your gift to Atlanta Audubon
Those of you who need to renew your membership for 2009 will soon receive a reminder in the mail, so Society ensures our long-term
be on the lookout. We hope that you will rejoin as a Friend of Atlanta Audubon in 2009 and continue to ability to manage the
enjoy Wingbars and the many programs and opportunities that we offer. Your support is so important resources necessary to
to us and makes what we do possible. I can tell you personally that we never take your generosity for preserve and protect metro
granted. You are important to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2009. Atlanta’s birds and the
ecosystems that support them.
Finding Fresh Fun in Florida While cash donations are the
most popular form of support,
Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival a variety of options exist,
from charitable gift annuities
“While Belted Kingfishers are relatively common along coastal and more.
Florida, they are difficult to digiscope because they are shy and
Question: If I leave a
constantly on the move. During the 2008 Festival I was bequest in my Last Will
digiscoping at Viera Wetlands. I heard the kingfisher’s and Testament, do I have
distinctive “rattle” and spotted her as she landed on top of a the latitude to change
palm snag nearby. She gave me just enough time to focus my my mind if the goals of
scope, get the camera in place and snap the image. my charitable giving
My digiscoping set up consists of a Swarovski 80mm ATS HD change?
angled scope and a Pentax K100D DSLR camera with a
Answer: Absolutely!
Belted Kingfisher 40mm/f2.8 lens. I’ve been digiscoping for two years and find it Bequests and most other
Photographer: Bob Wells, to be a perfect way to combine my long held love of photography
Winner of Eagle Optics/Swarovski Optic
long-range gift plans are
and my relatively new passion for birding.” revocable. You have the
2008 Digiscoping Challenge
freedom to change your
The lures of warm ocean beaches, Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center are not the only plan at any time.
reasons people flock to Florida in mid-winter. Birding festivals all across the Sunshine State
For more information
attract hundreds of families from North America and several foreign countries—all wanting to contact Art Hurt at
enjoy a side of Florida life that is both wild and scenic. [email protected].
Chief among Florida’s “wild and scenic” attractions is the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival
in Brevard County. The festival location is near the Atlantic Ocean, the world-famous Merritt
Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Kennedy Space Center. In 2009 – from January 21 through
January 26 – the festival is headquartered in historic Titusville. Featured are activities for every
family member, expert-guided field trips to birding hotspots in and near Brevard County, seminars
and workshops on a wide variety of natural history topics, keynote addresses by nationally
renowned birdwatchers and authors, all for reasonable fees.
The Space Coast Festival’s attendance and recognition have grown over its 12-year existence, now
ranking as #1 among all of the competing birding festivals across America.
Details are available on the festival’s website, www.nbbd.com, or by contacting Neta Harris at
[email protected].
December 2008 3
 September Field Notes by Terry Moorez

nice count of 200-300 CHIMNEY SWIFTS at the pelagic trip, 25 RED-NECKED PHALAROPES were
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area counted (BL, et al.). Inland LAUGHING GULLS included
September was a rather average (CRNRA) on 1 Sept. There were seven reports of the single birds at Strom Thurmond Dam on 2 Sept. (JF)
month as we saw almost all the rare YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER from 7 Sept. and another bird the same day at West Point Dam
through 28 Sept. (m.ob.). Most of the sightings were (WC). An inland adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL
warblers that we normally see,
along the CRNRA, but one bird was seen at was found at Lake Hartwell Dam by JF on 2 Sept. DC
but not in any large numbers. Henderson Park in DeKalb Co. on 22 and 24 Sept. had a good count of six LESSER BLACK-BACKED
However, we had a good number of There were 15 separate reports of the uncommon to GULLS at Tybee Island on 27 Sept. On the 14 Sept.
reports of some of the rarer rare PHILADELPHIA VIREO. Dates ranged from 14 pelagic trip, BL, et al. reported four BROWN NODDIES,
Sept. through 30 Sept. with the peak from 26 Sept. 35 SOOTY TERNS, four BRIDLED TERNS, one LONG-
migrants (Yellow-bellied Flycatcher,
through 28 Sept. This species has a very narrow TAILED JAEGER, and one possible ROSEATE TERN. JF
Philadelphia Vireo and Wilson’s Warbler). migration time frame, but it is generally in the period spotted an adult and immature SOOTY TERN at the
Probably the biggest news was the success of from about 23 Sept. through 28 Sept. The peak count Strom Thurmond Dam on 2 Sept., WC had one SOOTY
a pelagic trip on 14 Sept., which netted a was five at the CRNRA on 28 Sept. (KB, et al.). An TERN at West Point Dam (WPD) on 2 Sept., and GK
amazingly consistent migrant! had three SOOTY TERNS on Jekyll Island on 6 Sept.
number of very rare species.
Two CASPIAN TERNS were reported from Carter’s
WRENS THROUGH WARBLERS – A number of Lake on 1 Sept. (JSp), and one was at WPD on 2 Sept.
The Atlanta area came in with 155 species observers reported SEDGE and MARSH WRENS from (WC). There were scattered reports of BLACK TERNS
(average = 161.7) to bring the year-to-date the “sparrow fields” at the CRNRA during the month. with the peak count of 50+ coming from WPD on 2
total to 244 (average = 235.9). The Georgia These sightings were generally of single birds flushed Sept. (WC).
from the dense grass habitat. Decent numbers of
area totaled 223 species (average = 220.1) to
warblers were reported from Kennesaw Mtn. (KMT), CUCKOOS THROUGH VIREOS – SPar reported single
bring that year-to-date list to 331 (average = Henderson Park (HP) and the Chattahoochee River BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS from the Milledgeville area
323.2). National Recreation Area (CRNRA). It wasn’t a on 16 and 28 Sept. The best count of COMMON
spectacular migration, but at least it was a decent NIGHTHAWKS was 261 over Cumberland Island on 1
one with almost all the regular warblers being seen in Sept. (D&PL). JF had a very rare ALDER FLYCATCHER
the Atlanta area. A good count of 30 TENNESSEE in Habersham Co. on 7 Sept. and a LEAST
ATLANTA AREA WARBLERS was seen at HP on 28 Sept. (L&HG). There FLYCATCHER in Stephens Co. on 2 Sept. There were
DUCKS THROUGH EAGLES – GS, TH and YB had an were seven reports of NASHVILLE WARBLERS from 26 ten separate reports of PHILADELPHIA VIREOS from 13
early GADWALL in Bartow Co. on 1 Sept. Also in Sept. through 30 Sept. (m.ob.), and most of the Sept. through 28 Sept. (m.ob.). The high count was six
Bartow Co., KB had a good count of 42 BLUE-WINGED sightings came from the CRNRA and HP. A couple of at Carter’s Lake on 27 Sept. (RW, TJ).
TEAL on 2 Sept. Rather rare for the Atlanta area was decent counts were the 12 CHESTNUT-SIDED
WARBLERS at the CRNRA on 28 Sept. (KB, et al.) and WARBLERS THROUGH GRACKLES – AS had some
an ANHINGA in the Stockbridge area (Reeves good counts of warblers in the Dalton area with 10+
Wetlands) on 1 Sept. (PR). WOOD STORKS staged a the 19 MAGNOLIA WARBLERS at HP on 28 Sept.
(L&HG). There were seven reports of WILSON’S TENNESSEE WARBLERS, 10+ MAGNOLIA WARBLERS
major invasion of the Atlanta area with a report of and 10+ AMERICAN REDSTARTS on 16 Sept. Single
from six to twelve at the Reeves Wetlands from 1 WARBLERS from 19 Sept. through 27 Sept. (m.ob.),
sightings coming from KMT, CRNRA, Cherokee Co., NASHVILLE WARBLERS were reported from Whitfield
Sept. through at least 26 Sept. (PR), one bird in Co. on 25 Sept. (AS) and from Screven Co. on 26
Bartow Co. on 5 Sept. (SPan), one to two birds at Lake and Cobb Co.
Sept. (JF, EH). Two PALM WARBLERS were early in
Acworth from 9 Sept. through 19 Sept. (CS, et al.), GEORGIA AREA Gordon Co. on 11 Sept. (JSp). TT had a good count of
and one bird in the Conyers area on 21 Sept. (MF). 30+ AMERICAN REDSTARTS at Fort Benning on 16
Rare for the Atlanta area was a first year BALD EAGLE SHEARWATERS THROUGH FALCONS – A group of Sept. A female WILSON’S WARBLER was seen at
over NE Atlanta on 1 Sept. (SB). birders had a spectacular pelagic trip out of the Carter’s Lake on 27 Sept. (RW, TJ). Several BOAT-
Savannah area on 14 Sept. (BL,et al.). Some of their TAILED GRACKLES were seen in Fitzgerald on 3 Sept.
SHOREBIRDS – From one to four AMERICAN GOLDEN- counts were CORY’S SHEARWATER (lots), GREATER
PLOVERS were seen in Bartow Co. from 1 Sept. (DF). This is fairly far inland for this species.
SHEARWATER – 2, AUDUBON’S SHEARWATER – 6,
through at least 24 Sept. (m.ob.). A possible SNOWY MASKED BOOBY – 2, and BROWN BOOBY - 14. See CONTRIBUTORS –Steve Barlow, Giff Beaton, Michael
PLOVER was reported from the Cumming Protein other sections of this report for other good species Bender, Brandon Best, Ken Blankenship, Yvonne
Plant by BB on 1 Sept. Unfortunately the bird did not seen on this trip. A couple of good reports were those Bombardier, James Brooks, Walt Chambers, Stan
remain in the area and was not seen by other of an AMERICAN BITTERN at the Phinizy Swamp near Chapman, Diana Churchill, Vickie DeLoach, Nathan
observers who flocked to the location. This would be Augusta on 21 Sept. (TR, DMe) and two REDDISH Farnau, Jared Fisher, Jim Flynn, Dot Freeman, Mark
the third record for GA if accepted by the Checklist EGRETS at Gould’s Inlet on 8 Sept. (NF). As with the Freeman, Hugh and Liz Garrett, Theresa Hartz, David
Committee. Two DUNLINS were a good find at Lake Atlanta area, WOOD STORKS wandered far into GA, Hedeen, Steve Holzman, Dan Furbish, Earl Horn, Pierre
Acworth on 19 Sept. (CS, MB). Bartow Co. had several with reports coming from Watkinsville and Lincoln Co. Howard, Terry Johns, Cheryl Kanes, Gene Keferl, Carol
good shorebird sightings with a WHITE-RUMPED (m.ob.). MISSISSIPPI KITES also dispersed into Lambert, Doris and Pat Leary, Bill Lotz, Carole Ludwig,
SANDPIPER being seen on 5 Sept. (KB, NF) and again northern GA with counts of 28 in Gordon Co. on 4 Grant McCreary, Mark McShane, Gordon McWilliams,
on 14 Sept. (KB, et al.), a STILT SANDPIPER on 1 Sept. Sept. (JSp) and one in Habersham Co. on 7 Sept. (JF). Max Medley, DeeAnn Meliopoulos, Terry and Peggy
(GS, TH, YB) and again on 20 Sept. (JN, et al.), and a A MERLIN was early in Habersham Co. on 7 Sept. (JF). Moore, James Neves, Sandy Pangle, Steve Parrish,
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER on 1 Sept. (GS, TH, YB) Paul Raney, Tim Rose, Chuck Saleeby, Georgann
through at least 20 Sept. (JN et al.). Another BUFF- SHOREBIRDS THROUGH TERNS – Two WHITE-RUMPED Schmalz, Steve Slayton, Adam Smith, Joshua Spence,
BREASTED SANDPIPER was seen in Forsyth Co. on 21 SANDPIPERS were reported from Cumberland Island Ted Theus, Rick Waldrop, and Bob and Deb Zaremba.
Sept. (JF). on 1 Sept. (D&PL), and one was seen at Andrews
Island on 6 Sept. (GK). A BAIRD’S SANDPIPER was
TERNS THROUGH VIREOS – Three CASPIAN TERNS seen on St. Simons Island on 8 Sept. by NF. Five
were a good find at Lake Acworth on 10 Sept. (BZ, BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were seen in Peach Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Court, Roswell, GA
CS, PH, JF). Another good find was a BLACK-BILLED Co. on 13 Sept. (KB et al.) and two were seen at 30075 [email protected]
CUCKOO in Decatur on 6 Sept. (GM). KB, et al., had a Bostwick Sod on 18 Sept. (MMcS). On the 14 Sept.

4 Atlanta Audubon Society

 Field Trips Compiled by Dave Butler
What is the
preferred nesting
habitat
seiceof ps the
Field trips are open to the public and free (unless otherwise

Steller’s Jay:
d yltnAlpine
noted). We welcome everyone from beginners to advanced tahW :Q

tundra,
sa nrerocky
T citcrcliffs,
birders! Please check the Atlanta Audubon website denorhte ecer

conifer
eht forests
htiw dribor
(www.atlantaaudubon.org) for December field trips A eht

open fields?
Sketch by Anne McCallum that may be scheduled. eht
? n o i targ im ts eg nol
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7 Directions: From the I-285/GA 400 interchange,
Georgann Schmalz drive approximately 35 miles to Dawson Forest Rd.
Dawson Forest WMA, Atlanta Tract and turn west (left). From intersection of GA 400 and rSee
ewsnpage
a eht r10
of _for
__ eanswer
gap eeS
(Dawson County) Dawson Forest Rd., drive 4 miles, crossing over GA
Hwy. 9 and continuing two miles to the Dawson Forest
Meet at 8 AM inside the gate at the wetlands
WMA.
Birding focus: Winter species

ytooS :rewsnA
retawraehS
The 109th Christmas Bird Count COUNT CIRCLE COMPILER(S)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2008

By Darlene Moore Atlanta (Marietta)

Chattahoochee N.F.Songbird
Bob & Deb Zaremba 770-422-5830
[email protected]
Johnny Parks 706-937-7163
Mgmt. Area [email protected]
While many people are making Amazon wish my first Brants floating en masse in the bay. The St. Catherines Island Emil Urban: by invitation
lists, planning lavish menus for holiday parties highlight was a Snowy Owl swooping through the MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2008
Piedmont NWR-Rum Creek WMA Terry Johnson 478-994-1438
and making travel arrangements to visit relatives, forest at us, a respite to our windswept faces and [email protected]
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2008
tens of thousands of other folks are planning on cold feet, that wintry day. It was all the more Harris Neck NWR Contact: Dot Bambach 912-598-3764
taking part in an adventure that has lasted over special since it happened to be the only sighting [email protected]
Compiler: Steve Calver 912-927-6726
100 years, the Christmas Bird Count. of the species for the day. [email protected]
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2008
Ornithologist Frank Chapman proposed this idea There are many reasons why I enjoy participating Amicalola Falls Georgann Schmalz 404-245-7273
as an alternative to the traditional holiday “side [email protected]
in the Christmas Bird Counts, for the love of Theresa Hartz 678-936-0785
hunt” in which hunters would choose sides and birds, the fellowship with other birders, and the [email protected]
Athens Mary Case 706-548-3848
try to amass the largest pile of feathers. On knowledge that my efforts make a difference for [email protected]
Christmas Day 1900, 27 birders participated in Eugenia Thompson 706-227-9328
science and bird conservation….won’t you join [email protected]
the first-ever Christmas Bird Census and tallied a me? The count is held every year from December Augusta Anne Waters 706-793-2788
[email protected]
total of 90 species. Today, the CBC is the longest 14 until January 4, and I encourage each of you Cumberland Island Sheila Willis: by invitation
running citizen science project, which represents Dalton Phil Riner 706-226-0956
to go out and participate. Birders of all skill [email protected]
over a century of unbroken data on bird levels are welcomed, beginner birders are paired Macon Marie Amerson 478-746-5697
[email protected]
populations. This data has given insights into bird with more experienced ones. At the end of the Peachtree City Brock Hutchins 770-486-3715
population trends, which have impact on [email protected]
day, you are encouraged to attend the SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2008
conservation issues. “countdown,” which usually coincides with a Lake Oconee Steve Holzman 706-613-9493 ext 229
[email protected]
As a child, I distinctly remember my father potluck dinner. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2008
Carters Lake Josh Spence 706-629-4325
leaving the warm house on each day after Listed at the right are the dates and contact [email protected]
Okefenokee NWR Sheila Willis 912-285-0419
Christmas, dressed as if headed to the Arctic. My information for the counts in Georgia. Even if [email protected]
sisters and I would ask where he was going in you are not going to be in the Atlanta area,
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2008
Floyd County Owen Kinney 706-234-6248
such cold, horrible weather, and my mother consider signing up for one in the area you are [email protected]
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008
would disdainfully comment “to count ducks.” It visiting over the holidays. Who knows, maybe Dublin Bob Sargent 478-397-7962
all came full circle when I participated in my first you will have the area that finds the Hoary
[email protected]
SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2009
ever Christmas Bird Count in December 2004. Redpoll, Evening Grosbeak or White-winged Albany Alan Ashley 229-439-8232
[email protected]
Dad had a great territory, and I got great looks at Crossbill… Blue Ridge Robert Kimsey 706-492-5667
[email protected]
Nedra Sekera 706-258-3928
[email protected]
Callaway Gardens Cory Croft 706-663-6745
[email protected]
Glynn County Mike Chapman 912-262-6370
[email protected]
Savannah Contact: Dot Bambach 912-598-3764
[email protected]
Compiler: Steve Calver 912-927-6726
[email protected]

For Updates to list, go to http://www.gos.org/cbc/109schedule.html

Jan 2008 Christmas Bird Count, Carter’s Lake

Photographer: Darlene Moore
December 2008 5
 Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer
Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer
Spotlighting... Jim Wilson
TIME By Wendy Weathers
Jim Wilson began volunteering with AAS in 1990 He maintains “It helps promote conservation of
Well Spent after taking an Evening at Emory course with our birds by allowing novices to learn the
Joe Greenberg. He then became the AAS names and some background on Atlanta’s
Compiled by Pam Higginbotham
Conservation Director for four years. He joined common bird species.”
Aug-Sep-Oct
Name Hours Task/Event with Linda Jones to start AAS’s Armchair Jim’s favorite bird is the Carolina Wren. He
Anonymous 29 Misc. AAS Activities
Barb Bataillon 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanctuary Tour Activist program, which had over 300 people on explained, “They are inquisitive, boisterous,
Giff Beaton 16 Field Trip its roster at one time. He became AAS President
Joyce Bentley 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanctuary Tour industrious and have such a variety of
Jane Blaisdell 8 Bkyd Wildlife Sanc. Tour, P&S around 1996 and helped bring about the vocalizations.” His best birding experience was
Tom Blaisdell 8 Bkyd Wildlife Sanc. Tour, P&S
Sharon Brekke 18 Bkyd Wildlife Sanc.Tour/Prog donation and Conservation Easement of the a two-week backpacking trip into the jungles of
Susan Bruenig 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour Geltner property in Douglasville. After retiring southern Belize. The small group he was with
Dave Butler 23.5 Bd.Mtgs,FieldTrips,
BlueHeron Proj. from Emory as a professor of neuroscience in was studying the Mayan ruins and native
Joy Butler 4 Field Trip 2000, he became the Georgia Important Bird
Joy Carter 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Prog. monkeys while he enjoyed the birds. His
Dave Chamberlain 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour Areas (IBA) Coordinator until 2007 when Mary favorite place to bird in Georgia is the coast and
Anita Chilcut 11 Bkyd Wildlife Sanc. Tour, P&S
Cary Cochran 9 Geltner Cleanup & Planning Elfner agreed to fill the position he was any of its islands and marshlands. He enjoyed
Jeff Colbath 2.5 Bd. Meeting vacating. He still helps the current coordinator,
Kim Cole 3 Geltner Property Cleanup coordinating the annual survey of shorebirds for
Leslie Curran 8 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Prog. Charlie Muise, whenever he can. Jim also the Department of Natural Resources from
Dorothy Dabbs 2 Hemlock Proj.
Sally Davis 16 BkydWildlife Tour, Hemlock Proj coordinated the Wingbars mailings for a couple 2004-2007 because it allowed him to see some
Dave Decker 1.5 P&S Wingbars of years, led field trips, gave presentations on
Martha Decker 1.5 P&S Wingbars places on the coast he had never seen before.
Julie DeJong 3 Geltner Property Cleanup birds to dozens of groups, participated in He added, “The variety of bird species and
Mark DeJong 3 Geltner Property Cleanup
Nanette Dooley 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanctuary Tour Birdathons with Liz Horsey and Christmas Bird wildlife environments along the coast is really
Mim Eisenberg 5 Proof Wingbars Counts with David Glass, and set up a couple of
Georgie Ferraro 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanctuary Tour wonderful, and we need to
Jared Fisher 8 Map for IBA Program state Audubon Council meetings. continue to be watchful
Jim Flynn 43 AAS Website
Kathryn Fouts 1.5 P&S Wingbars Jim said, “Being out in the woods on Saturday guardians of it.”
Denise Gibson 2 P&S Wingbars
Beth Giddens 10 Hemlock Proj. mornings, learning about our birds and seeing Jim currently works part-
Barb Gieblhaus 3 Scholarships the wildlife and forests immediately hit a chord
Jonathan Gray 16 IBA Display,ColonialCoast time as a veterinarian
B&N Festival with me, and the Audubon Society was clearly assistant, and lives in
Nancy Hamilton 50 Vol Mgt,Bd.Mtgs,Event,Auction
Marilyn Harris 2 GA Virtual Education Day (LAB) the organization to join to promote those Conyers on eight acres
Carol Hassell 8 Bkyd Sanc. Prog,MB Newsltr. interests.” Later, Jim became intrigued with with woods, a wildlife
Eddie Hatchett 13 Bkyd Sanc.. Prog,GA IBA Prog
Deanna Helie 37.5 Bd. Meeting taking bird photographs and with Anselm pond, a beautiful field and
Pam Higginbotham 8 Volunteer Mgmt., Admin. Atkins used the pictures in bird books for
MaryAnn Hindes 44 Edit Wingbars Honey Creek flowing right
Sally Hodges 8 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour novice birders and backyard bird watchers. next to it. He and his wife Jim Wilson with Man’s best
Suzanne Holland 3 Geltner Property Cleanup
Renee Hopf 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc.. Tour Common Birds of Atlanta is still available in Kay built a cedar house to friends Molly (L), Cricket (C)
Kelly Hopkins 77 Event&Planning- bird and book stores and sells well and Kacha (R)
Oakland,Geltner Day fit into the environment. Photographer: Kay Wilson
Conservation -GA IBA,Sapelo 10 years after its first printing.
GrantBdMtgs, Admin, Comm.
Birds
Alison Huff 15 GA IBA Prog.
Art Hurt 27 Fieldtrip,MB Course,Mbrshp

Lisa Hurt
Admin
24 Fieldtrip, MB Course, AAS
Admin.
Marge Igyarto 67.5 Bkyd Sanctuary Tour,Plans,Prog.
A Million Thanks!
AAS Events&Silent Auction Atlanta Audubon Society is an amazing organization because of its
Bd.Mtgs.,P&S WB, Educ.
Mark Jernigan 13 Bd. Meeting & Minutes volunteers. As always, we extend our gratitude to ALL of our
Frank Karycinski 7 Geltner Cleanup & Planning volunteers, but would like to send a special thank you to the following
Mary Kelly 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
Tim Keyes 45 MB Course, CommonBirds individuals this month.
Brochure
Nathalie Kinkade 8 Bkyd SanctuaryTour, Many, many thanks to our Master Birder instructors who make this
Comm.Bds.
Marcia Klenbort 2 GA Virtual Educ.Day (LAB) incredible program possible. This fall’s class was another great success. Thank
Sarah Kohl 16 IBA Display,Colonial Coast B&N
Festival you to Lisa Hurt, Tim Keyes, Diane LaCole, and Georgann Schmalz.
Janelle Kovner 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
Diane LaCole 15 Master Birder Course Atlanta Audubon Society is lucky to have such an amazing volunteer as Kelly Hopkins. Kelly
Vanessa Lane 3 IBA Tour-Whitehall
Forest/St.Botan Gdn heads up our conservation work, and among her many endeavors was the recent Gelter Wildlife
Amy Leventhal 10 Hemlock Proj./Photos to Culin Sanctuary cleanup. She organized and conducted two cleanup days at the Geltner property in
Varda Lobanov 10 Create MB website
Bill Lotz 12 Field Trip Douglas County. This daunting task entailed a great deal of organizing and then required tough
Graham McDonald 8 Bkyd Wildlife Sanc. Tour/Prog.
Page McDonald 8 Bkyd Wildlife Sanc. Tour/Prog. work the day of the event.
Patty McLean 4 Field Trip
Jacqueline McRae92 Bkyd Wildlife Sanc. Adm&Tour Pulling together our big holiday banquet is a lot of work. This year we are incredibly grateful to
Russ Mikan 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour
Ellen Miller 50 Bd. Mtgs. & AAS Exec.Admin. Joy Carter who stepped up to organize the event, and she has done a terrific job. Many thanks
Jackie Miller 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour
Kathy Miller 4 Field Trip also go out to Marge Igyarto and Nancy Hamilton for heading up the Silent Auction, which will
Sandy Miller 10 Hemlock Proj. be held in conjunction with the event. Marge and Nancy worked extremely hard to collect some
Simon Miller 8 Hemlock Proj.
(continued on page 9) amazing items, and the proceeds will be used for education and conservation efforts.
6 Atlanta Audubon Society
 HOME SCHOOLING LAB
By Marcia Klenbort
It was the first cold day in Piedmont Park on September 17, but 400 kids and their parents and
teachers spent three hours outside doing activities at a Field Day especially for home school families.
The LEARNING ABOUT BIRDS team was invited to bring some activities. Marilyn Harris, Kit Robey
and Marcia Klenbort took turns sitting in the two chairs provided, and children from ages 4 through 13
gathered around two large tables while their parents watched them get to know Atlanta’s birds by
participating in five activities:
Now that Election
• Memory/Find the Pairs of Atlanta’s common birds; name them.
• Food Web story game. (Thread a ribbon to 14 different holes in response to a lively story where a Day is Past
Red-tailed Hawk swoops down on a mouse, a squirrel hides nuts, and a pine tree grows in an
With the election a thing of
unlikely place.)
the past and the finale of the
• Make an origami bird (thanks to Nancy Hamilton for supplies and savvy)
brisk fall weather and its
• Assemble a cardboard bird
• Listen to Kit Robey read a bird story she wrote, while sitting on a blanket in the grass beautiful foliage, think about
the following comments,
The AAS volunteers introduced our AAS website to parents and encouraged them to come out for our which were made by a class
bird walks and other activities.
of 8-year-olds about their
grandparents. “When they
Upcoming Bird Conference take us for walks, they slow
The Council for Environmental Education (CEE), Flying WILD, and the Bird Education Network down past things like pretty
(BEN) will soon be hosting Bird Conservation through Education: A National Gathering on Jekyll leaves and caterpillars.”
Island, Georgia. You’re invited. “They show us and talk to us
This weeklong bird-education and conservation conference will be held from February 22 through 26, about the colors of the
2009, at the Jekyll Island Club. By bringing together leaders from government agencies, conservation flowers.”
organizations, zoos, aquariums, nature centers, Audubon centers, businesses, universities, K-12 Why not devote some quality
schools, non-government organizations, non-profit groups and others, this event provides a unique time with a special child by
opportunity for educators and bird professionals to network and exchange ideas about best practices reading them Hare and the
for educating the public about bird conservation. BEN (Bird Education Network) is the newest Big Green Lawn by Kit Robey,
initiative of the Council for Environmental Education and it seeks to connect and support the AAS member and devoted
community of bird education professionals. Through the BEN-supported Bird Education Listserv, over
LAB volunteer. Hare and the
500 individuals representing 300 organizations are connected to advance bird education.
Big Green Lawn is illustrated
The BEN Committee is working hard to plan an incredible agenda for the National Gathering. Bird by Larry MacDougall and
education practitioners, bird education provider groups, managers and government personnel will all published by Rising
find sessions of interest. Field sessions will hit popular birding hot spots while modeling best Moon/Northland Publishing.
educational practices. The National Bird Education Strategy will be a priority for discussion.
Kit recently sold a second
Jekyll Island is home to a staggering number of bird species year round. The island is part of the picture book manuscript
Colonial Coast Birding Trail and is a designated Georgia Important Bird Area (IBA). It’s a birder’s about birdsong to
paradise and the perfect location for a winter conference. Join us for an exciting week of bird Charlesbridge Publishing.
education. For more information visit www.birdeducation.org/jekyllisland.htm or contact the Council
for Environmental Education at 713.520.1936. Kit also recommends an owl
story, Tiger of the Air from the
Just in time for the holiday, gift-giving season... anthology, The South Atlantic
Each set of beautifully
illustrated cards by artist Coast and Piedmont: Stories
and Atlanta Audubon A Special Fundraiser to from Where We Live, edited
member Anne McCallum
includes 12 different Support Georgia’s Common Birds by Sara St. Antoine and
designs. They feature some That Are in Decline published by Milkweed
of our most common birds
in Georgia that are Atlanta Audubon Society proudly presents Editions, and two other
experiencing significant
declines. In each package The Atlanta Audubon stories, Fireworks! and Great
you will get one of each of
the 12 birds, plus envelopes,
Collection Northern Pike, published in
all elegantly wrapped,
Notecards by Anne McCallum
another anthology of the
perfect for gift giving this
holiday season or for your Price per set: $10.00
same series: The Great Lakes:
own use! Each set comes on Stories from Where We Live.
the highest quality paper. Set of 12 cards, featuring 12 different designs. Envelopes are included. Produced in
Proceeds from this special limited quantities, so order yours today! Card size is 5 1/2” x 4 1/2” (blank inside).
fundraising event will go Call 770.913.0511 to place your order (credit cards accepted).
to Atlanta Audubon’s
conservation efforts to
protect these special birds.

December 2008 7
ions, Inc.
Bird Artistry

010
Hand Crafts Bird Feeders and Nest Boxes
By Beth Giddens
“We’re not ornithologists, but we like to The two sizes of bat houses are approved are finished with mitered corners and fine
think of ourselves as ornithological by Bat Conservation International and sanding. The results are attractive,
engineers,” jokes Robert May, co-owner constructed to be watertight. They also handmade feeders and boxes at
and co-founder of Workshop Creations, a have mesh linings to help bats hold on as affordable prices.
Norcross, Georgia, business that makes they sleep. Two styles of suet feeders Workshop Creations boxes and
more than 30 styles of feeders and nest offer perches in addition to the standard feeders are available online at
boxes for birds, bats and butterflies. cage for a suet cake. Baker says the perch www.workshopcreations.com as well
“These boxes are made to last with helps more species use the feeder as in some local bird specialty shops.
durable, but untreated western red cedar. because some birds don’t like to cling to a May and Baker also have booths at metro
The pieces are glued together and cage. He’s seen all kinds of birds at his Atlanta arts and crafts shows throughout
mechanically fastened with zinc or suet feeder. the year.
stainless steel fasteners that won’t rust,” May and Baker started Workshop
explains Lee Baker, May’s friend and Creations in 2003 as a business to enliven
business partner. Similarly, their fly- their retirement. But they brought the skill
through platform feeders have perforated and care of many years of experience in
aluminum bases to keep the seed dry and manufacturing and marketing to their
prevent rot. venture. As they develop new items, they
Functionality is important to the longtime ask experts and vendors to critique
woodworkers. For example, the bluebird prototypes, and they respond to
box is approved by the North American customers’ comments as they make
Bluebird Society and features a predator ongoing refinements to existing products.
block on the 11⁄2 inch entry as well as Current designs are meticulously tested
vents, drains, a chick ladder to help and standardized; even though May and
nestlings reach the entry, and a hinged Baker work in their individual home
(L to R) Robert May and Bob Baker
side clean-out panel with a Plexiglas shops, they follow precise patterns and Workshop Creations Co-founders and Co-owners
window to allow you to monitor a nest. use jigs to ensure uniformity. All products Photographer: Beth Giddens

Fast Forward By Art Hurt

What is “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about connected to the future, to remember the birds,
?
Your Legacy the future.” So said Yogi Berra and, you know, it’s and to know that your gifts will be administered
hard to argue with that statement. Who can and applied locally.
fo r
A P ra c t i c
a l G u id e
la n n in g
predict what challenges lie ahead for birds and Planned giving through a testamentary gift (a
L e ga c y P
G ift a n d
their habitat in the next 10, 20 or 30 years and for Will) is a simple and thoughtful way to share
organizations like ours that support their your dedication to our birds with future
feathered friends? Who would venture to generations, and we can assist interested
anticipate the conservation battles to be waged, members with the details. Additionally, there are
the public education information to be created provisions for planned giving involving tax-
and distributed, the workshops and seminars to deferred instruments, whereby tax benefits
be presented, and the educational programs to accrue to the benefactor. Some plans include
be taught—all to help the public learn about the naming AAS as beneficiary or contingent
importance of our natural world in general and beneficiary to life insurance policies. And there
of birds in particular?
Atlanta are a variety of other ways we can explore with
w w

We are asking our forward-looking members who you. Through our planning advisors, we are
Audubon have a deep personal commitment to Atlanta prepared to provide you with advice and
Society Audubon Society to look decades ahead, to assistance in determining what gift arrangements

Legacy consider how they may help increase our growth

and strengthen the influence of AAS, and project
our commitment into the future. There are many
meet your circumstances and best satisfy your
personal goals.
Protect the birds you love long into the future by
ways to leave a gift to protect our flying

Club treasures through participation in our new

Atlanta Audubon Society Legacy Club. Whatever
your situation, there are ways to remain
contacting me, Art Hurt, 770.934.7660,
[email protected], or our Executive
Director, Catharine Kuchar, [email protected],
for additional information.
8 Atlanta Audubon Society
 4
Book Review by Grant McCreary
Check Out
This Website
Birder’s Conservation Handbook
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers has
by Jeffrey V. Wells a list of birds of concern,
According to the Birder’s especially for migrants). The text summarizes the state by state.
Conservation Handbook, status and distribution, ecology, threats, http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/tessp/list.cf
among the 100 most conservation action already taken, and current m?Code=Type&Step=2&Type=Birds
threatened birds in North conservation needs. An exhaustive list of
America are the California references closes out the account.

TIME
Condor, Whooping Crane, There is also an extensive introduction that
Brown-headed Nuthatch and discusses the state of North American birds in
Kirtland’s Warbler… Wait;
did that say Brown-headed
general and outlines major conservation issues.
And just in case this book inspires readers to
Well Spent
Nuthatch? Sure, it has a help (and it should), the author also lists some Aug-Sep-Oct
fairly limited range and is things that everyone can do. Invaluable to Name Hours Task/Event
Tracie Muise 1 GA IBA Prog. Admin.
dependent upon southern pine forests (and we conservation groups and a unique resource for Leona Munch 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour
know how well that’s worked out for the Red- Trecia Neal 5 Field Trip
bird-lovers, this handbook is a critical Suzanne Norman 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour
cockaded Woodpecker), but they can be seen all contribution in the struggle to protect birds. Steve Phenecie 12 Proof WB. Geltner Cleanups
Kathy Phillips 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour
over the Atlanta area. However, readers of this Allyson Read 2.5 Bd. Meeting
book will find that this endearing little bird is Grant McCreary by his own admission is a bird Judy Renault 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour
bookaholic who has read many, many bird Robin Roberts 7 Hemlock Proj./
indeed in trouble. From 1966 to 2005, it has Photos to Culin+family
declined approximately 46% range wide, mostly books and is constantly getting more. But he Kit Robey 2 GA Virtual Education Day (LAB)
Janet Sage 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour
due to loss of habitat. noticed that sometimes it is very hard to find Cecilia Scarbrough 7 Geltner Property Cleanup
information on a book. While there are some Don Scarbrough Jr. 7 Fieldtrip,Geltner Cleanup, Plan
This is what makes this guide so valuable. There Don Scarbrough Sr. 3 Geltner Property Cleanup
very good resources available online, they don’t Georgann Schmalz74 Field Trip
is no other single resource that identifies this always have what he’s looking for, so he created Murat Senyuz 8 Geltner Cleanup & Planning
Chris Showalter 14 Field Trip
continent’s most-threatened birds, as well as the a website, The Birders Library, to rectify the Rachel T.McMurray10 Legacy Club Brochure
reasons they are endangered. Each of the 100 Penny Stanley 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour
situation. The good news is he lives right here Barbara Tarpley 195 Bd.& Mtgs,CommBds,
species accounts starts with a small black-and- in the metro Atlanta area, and his website is WB Planning,etc.
Martha T. Justice 2 Freedom Park Garden
white drawing of the bird and a map that shows www.birderslibrary.com. Terry Valentine 8 Grant admin.
the species’ entire range (a very nice feature, Carol Vanderschaaf17 Bkyd.Sanc./FreedomPk.Gdn.
Wendy Weathers 6 Spotlighting Column Wingbars
Gary Wehner 20 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour
Donna Wensink 26 P&S WB, Grant admin.,
Comm. Bds.

Progress Continues at the Patricia Williams 4 Backyd. Wildlife Sanc. Tour

Victor Williams 17 BdMtgs,BkydSanc.Tour,Events
Judy Yuknavech 4 GA IBA Prog.
Total Hours 1,486 Aug-Sep-Oct 2008
Geltner Wildlife Sanctuary P&S Wingbars= Peel and Stick
It is important your volunteer hours are reported to
phigginb@comcast, as these are used for grant
By Kelly Hopkins applications, etc.

On October 18, the first day of deer “This area was the last of the land taken
hunting season, 13 brave Atlanta from the Muscogee (Creek Indians) by
Audubon volunteers wearing bright the state of Georgia,” according to
colors continued the work of removing Audubon member Cary Cochran, who
trash on our 184-acre wildlife sanctuary lives near the Geltner Sanctuary.
in Douglasville. Cary Cochran led the “Annewakee is the Muscogee word for
team of volunteers who removed deer ‘People of the Cows’. Prior to raising
stands that had been erected on the livestock, the Creeks mostly farmed and
northern end of the property over the hunted. Their villages were formed
years. Don Scarbrough, nephew of around a square with each household
Geraldine Geltner, who donated the land having a garden that was fenced to keep
to Atlanta Audubon, led the team of deer out. I have been told that wherever
volunteers working on the southern end you see a fern, an Indian has died. Well
of the property. We dragged mountains of my backyard and the Geltner Sanctuary
Geltner Sanctuary Cleanup Day Volunteers trash, tires and discarded toys from the are covered in ferns, so it must be true.
Photographer: Frank Karycinski creek bed to collection points for You can understand why the Muscogee
disposal. wanted to hold on to their homeland … it
is a very special place.”

December 2008 9
 CLASSIFIEDS
Rates for 2.5” x 2.5” ads are $20/month or $45/quarter. Ads must be consistent with the conservation and birding mission of Atlanta
Audubon Society. Ads may be accepted via e-mail, preferably in .pdf format. Call 770.913.0511 if you have questions. Send payment to
Wingbars Ads, Atlanta Audubon Society, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359.
Send ads via e-mail to Catharine Kuchar at [email protected].

When You Come

To The Mountains -
Ask about the new Birder’s Guide to Fannin County!
We feature Cole’s seed,
squirrel-proof feeders
Bird Songs of Georgia
that truly are, houses,
hummingbird stuff,
CD now available.
great books, Audubon
optics, & hard to find
Email Georgann Schmalz at
hardware. Plus – 100’s
of Ravensburger Puzzles,
[email protected] or
Music of the Spheres
Chimes & a huge
visit
selection of educational
toys and
www.birdingadventuresinc.com
games for kids!

Downtown Blue Ridge & Inside Mercier Orchards

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

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Butterflies
Basic, functional and long-lasting
cedar products

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Order on our website:
Website: www.workshopcreations.com
E-Mail: [email protected]
Tel: 770-448-5363 Fax: 770-448-5363
P.O. Box 921455, Norcross, GA 30010

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Answer: Sooty
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10 Atlanta Audubon Society

 Georgia’s Common Birds in Decline
Field Sparrow
There has been a 69% decline of higher off the ground in shrubs or young trees. This way, the bird gets
the Field Sparrow population in the best protection from predators throughout the breeding season
Georgia in the past 40 years. since the first nest is built before the shrubs have leafed out so the
There has been a 69% decline of the best cover is in the lower grasses. Field Sparrows spend their days
Field Sparrow population in Georgia in foraging in small flocks on grass seeds. As insects become more
the past 40 years. plentiful during the summer (the bird’s breeding season), adult and
larval insects are added to the diet. Like other insect-eating birds, this
The Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla), a sparrow helps control insect outbreaks.
Who’s looking at whom? small brown songbird, is
Photographer: David Cree
distinguished from other sparrows by Georgia has seen a two percent decline per year of this species since
its plain breast, pink bill, light rusty 1966, losing 69% of its population in 40 years. During the time that
cap and notable white eye-ring. Its clear sweet song is often described America was being settled, the Field Sparrow adapted very well. The
as a whistle with a trill—like the accelerating bounce of a ping-pong patchwork of farms and open land provided excellent habitat. But its
ball. In Georgia it is a common breeder north of the Fall Line and a population again became impacted—this time negatively—as fields and
fairly common breeder south of it. farms were later abandoned. Fortunately, this sparrow takes well to
young pine plantations, which are plentiful across much of the state.
The Field Sparrow is found in abandoned fields with scattered shrubs Habitat loss and change are the biggest threats to the Field Sparrow.
and trees, in young pine plantations and along forest edges. The bird
engages in unusual nest building behavior. In the beginning of the Source: Declining common bird findings based on National Audubon
breeding season, the Field Sparrow will build its nest on the ground in Society’s “Common Birds in Decline: A State of the Birds Report,” with
clumps of grass. Later, the next brood will be hatched in nests that are additional figures from the Georgia DNR.

Join Atlanta Audubon Society

Wingbars is mailed only to Friends of Atlanta Audubon. All new National Audubon Society members receive an
introductory copy and can continue to receive this newsletter by becoming a Friends of Atlanta Audubon member.
Enrollment as a Friend of Atlanta Audubon does not include membership in the National Audubon Society. Thus, Now Available!
you will not receive Audubon magazine. You can now renew your
membership online. Just visit
If you are not a Friend of AAS, please take this opportunity to fill out and return the form below. our Web site at
www.atlantaaudubon.org
Atlanta Audubon Society Membership Director, P.O. Box 29189, Atlanta, GA 30359. and go to the membership page to
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You can also join online: www.atlantaaudubon.org. to be able to offer this new
service to you!
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December 2008 11
 Merritt Island Trip Nearly half of the
migratory songbird
Want to see birds like the Anhinga photographed by Cathy Harman? species in America
There’s still time to join Theresa Hartz and Lisa Hurt for the AAS- are declining. Help us
sponsored trip to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, reverse this trend.
January 17 through 19, 2009, for a unique experience in the
ecologically diverse area of Titusville, Florida. Last month’s issue of
Wingbars detailed the particulars about the birds and why the
refuge is unsurpassed for endangered wildlife. Look back to your
March 2008 edition of Wingbars and read Amy Leventhal’s report on
American Anhinga at
Merritt Island her experience if you need further assurance that it is a worthwhile
Photographer: Cathy Harman workshop.
The trip is limited to 12 people and the cost (NOT including food or
lodging) is $175 for Friends of Atlanta Audubon members, $200 for NAS-assigned
members and $225 for non-members. There will be a pre-trip orientation meeting and
short workshop at the Dunwoody Nature Center on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, from 3 PM to 5

VISIT
PM. For reservations or more information contact Lisa Hurt by phone or email:

www.actforsongbirds.org
770.934.7660 or [email protected]. Your payment will confirm your reservation. It’s

and Act for Songbirds

a great opportunity to stay over another few days for the 12th Annual Space Coast
TODAY!!
Birding and Wildlife Festival.

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TO WINGBARS? ATLANTA
Simply “opt out” of receiving your monthly print AUDUBON
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aas.info.atlantaaudubon.org. Then access the OFFICE
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5343 Roberts Drive
www.atlantaaudubon.org. From the home page Dunwoody, GA 30338
choose the link Our Most Recent Newsletter to view
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Wingbars is printed on recycled paper