Professional Documents
Culture Documents
This is an ongoing, orderly beauty. And if I will just sit, listen and watch, I can experience a moment of refuge
and peace. I’ve tapped into the wonder of a natural order that never ceases to amaze me. Oriole
Those of us who care about the well-being of birds – indeed, all wildlife – and their habitats should take the Back Issues
opportunity to tune in to such beauty and peace, even as we do whatever is in our power, individually and Needed
collectively, to ensure the continued healthy existence of birds. We should enjoy them and find a moment of
respite in their orderly processes, but never take them for granted or assume someone else will step forward on The Important Bird Areas
their behalf. (IBA) collection of the
I also take this opportunity to offer a hearty thanks to Emily Toriani-Moura, and to wish her Georgia Ornithological
well as she embarks on an exciting new chapter in her life. Last year Emily was selected as Society (GOS) journal,
the Education Coordinator by Executive Director Catharine Kuchar. Emily brought The Oriole, continues to
enthusiasm, skill and knowledge to this new position. She developed and updated children’s grow. IBA has all issues
educational materials, including Learning About Birds, which will continue to be relevant. dating back to June 1981
She taught children about birds in schools and in such programs as the Beltline Education and most of those back
Partnership. Emily also worked on AAS adult education programs, including the Speaker to March 1976. IBA
Emily Toriani-Moura Series, and created new presentations for community outreach. would love to obtain
older copies. Thanks to
But now Emily leaves with her husband to return to his home country, Brazil, where he will establish a new the generosity of donors,
office for his Atlanta-based employer. Emily plans to continue her work in education and on behalf of birds. We IBA has multiple copies
wish them both well. of many issues and has
sent several to GOS to
fill gaps in its collections.
IBA would also like to
AAS to Establish Birding Trails make issues available to
The Atlanta Audubon Society is developing birding trails for the Atlanta metropolitan area. The Greater Atlanta the various Georgia
Birding Trail Adventures will provide local residents and visitors with many exciting options to see resident and Audubon Societies and
migrant birds while also experiencing many of the interesting and beautiful attractions of the metro area. other ornithology-related
Birding trails were first developed in Texas along the Gulf Coast and have been replicated in many other states groups in the state.
across the nation. Weaving together good birding sites with historic sites, national and state parks, local public Contact Charlie Muise at
spaces, coastlines and lakes, the trails offer a diversity of cultural and natural experiences for all ages and cmmbirds@yahoo.com if
birding abilities. you have any back
issues to donate.
Board members Joy Carter, Stan Chapman, David Kuechenmeister, and Dave Butler are identifying appropriate
sites for the project. The main trail will encompass the entire metro area and may include such well-known
birding sites as Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield, Panola State Park, Newman Wetlands Center and
Cochran Shoals. Each county in the area will have its own birding trail. For example, DeKalb County’s trail could
Question:
include Stone Mountain, Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, Constitution Lakes, Fernbank Forest, Henderson Park
and Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, among others. The counties’ visitors bureaus and parks departments, the
Do any
Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Division of DNR will all be invited
birds truly
to join AAS in promoting the trails in brochures and on web sites.
hibernate?
We will be developing maps, signage, information about each site, and photos to provide trail users with the best
experience possible. Our hope is not only to expand birding opportunities in the Atlanta area, but also to
promote the conservation of the natural spaces that provide habitat, nesting sites and food for resident and
migrant birds.
If you know of sites that you think should be included in our trail system, please let us know. Contact Dave Butler
See page 6 for answer
at dabutler700@comcast.net or call the AAS office.
July-August 2010 3
April Field Notes by Terry Moorez
good find at the ELHLAF on 18 April (JSe, CL). were seen in Clarke Co. on 20 April (ET) and in Glynn
Co. on 24 April (PMcL, RM). WC had a good count of
By far the best bird of the month WARBLERS – For most of the month warblers were at
30+ RED-EYED VIREOS at Pine Mt. on 27 April. BBr
was the Red-faced Warbler best average in numbers and diversity. That changed
reported two HORNED LARKS in Bulloch Co. on 29
on 24 April with the passage of a significant front
found by Walt Chambers at April. Four BANK SWALLOWS were seen in Gordon Co.
which brought in a good number of migrants and
Pine Mountain. This is obviously the on 28 April (JSp) and three RED-BREASTED
yielded counts of 24 species of warblers over the next
NUTHATCHES were found in Whitfield Co. on 12 April
first record of this species for GA few days. The following counts came from KMT unless
(AS). In the Valdosta area BBer reported between 50 to
and as far as I know, the first for otherwise stated: four BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS were
100 THRUSHES flying overhead on the night of 25 April.
the East Coast. Although it was seen only for seen on 26 April (BZ), single NASHVILLE WARBLERS
were seen between 11 April and 26 April (m.ob.), 22 WARBLERS – There were a total of three reports of
about 30 minutes, photos were taken of this
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS were seen on 29 NASHVILLE WARBLERS from the northern part of the
very colorful male. Congrats Walt! April (NF), 25 PALM WARBLERS were counted on 24 state between 21 and 26 April (m.ob.). Good counts of
The Atlanta area came in with 179 species April (GB), 24 BLACKPOLL WARBLERS were reported on migrant warblers included 11 NORTHERN PARULAS on
28 April (BZ), four CERULEAN WARBLERS were seen on 28 April in the Athens area (JMcN) and 19 CAPE MAY
(average = 176.5) to bring the year-to-date
21 April (GB), and 32 HOODED WARBLERS were WARBLERS in the Athens area on 28 April (JMcN), A
total to 210 (average = 201.2). The Georgia reported on 28 April (BZ). rare AUDUBON’S WARBLER was seen in Whitfield Co.
area recorded 243 species (average = 248.0) on 28 April (JSp, AS). WC counted 30 BLACKPOLL
TANAGERS THROUGH BLACKBIRDS – The peak count of
to bring that year-to-date total to 296 (average WARBLERS at Pine Mt. on 27 April. Back at Athens
SCARLET TANAGERS was 23 on both 25 and 27 April at
= 290.3). JMcN had 16 AMERICAN REDSTARTS on 28 April. SP
KMT (GB, BZ). A male WESTERN TANAGER was a rare
had a nice count of six SWAINSON’S WARBLERS in the
find in Atlanta on 1 April (CH). A small flock of WHITE-
Milledgeville area on 14 April. The first ever RED-FACED
CROWNED SPARROWS was a nice sighting in Bartow
WARBLER to be found along the East Coast was
ATLANTA AREA Co, on 9 April (PMcL). The peak count of 42 ROSE-
spotted and photographed by WC at Pine Mt. on 27
BREASTED GROSBEAKS came from KMT on 25 April
DUCKS THROUGH PELICANS – Interesting duck April. Unfortunately the bird was not relocated for other
(GB). Five DICKCISSELS were reported from Rockdale
sightings included two REDHEADS at Lake Varner on 9 observers to enjoy.
Co. on 30 April by NF. As many as seven BREWER’S
April (JSe, BL, HG), a summering RING-NECKED DUCK
BLACKBIRDS were seen in Bartow Co. on 2 April (MB). TANAGERS THROUGH SISKINS – WC had 25 SCARLET
at the E.L. Huie Land Application Facility (ELHLAF) in
TANAGERS at Pine Mt. on 27 April and a male
Clayton Co. at least through 24 April (fide RT), and a GEORGIA AREA
WESTERN TANAGER was reported from the Athens area
female HOODED MERGANSER at the Chattahoochee
DUCKS THROUGH EAGLES – SW had a couple good on 3 April (AM, MN). A LINCOLN’S SPARROW was a
River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) with six young
counts at the Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area good find in Clarke Co. on 29 and 30 April (RH). Twenty
on 16 April (DL). COMMON LOONS were noted with a
(AWMA) on 24 April with 34 BLACK-BELLIED INDIGO BUNTINGS was a good count from Pine Mt. on
flyover at Henderson Park in DeKalb Co. on 6 April
WHISTLING-DUCKS and 12 MOTTLED DUCKS. A 27 April (WC). There were three reports of DICKCISSELS
(JSe), a single bird at Lake Horton on 13 April (SM) and
CACKLING GOOSE was a good find in Murray Co. on 27 with one in Gordon Co. on 28 April (JSp), two in Clarke
13 on Lake Lanier on 26 April (JF). JSe and CL noted a
and 28 April (JSp). Rather late was a REDHEAD in Co. on 29 April (JN), and two in Oconee Co. on 30 April
nesting PIED-BILLED GREBE at the ELHLAF on 18 April.
Walton Co. on 29 April (JSe). As many as 50 AMERICAN (MF, CLu). MF and CLu reported 500 BOBOLINKS in
AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS were reported from Lake
WHITE PELICANS were reported from Jekyll Island on Oconee Co. on 30 April. MH had 12+ BALTIMORE
Lanier with 11 birds on 11 April (JP fide JSe) and 40
16 April (DS). Good counts of MISSISSIPPI KITES were ORIOLES in the Valdosta area on 2 April. Two RED
birds at Sweetwater Creek State Park on 16 April (fide
35 in the Valdosta area on 28 April (LM), 34 in Bulloch CROSSBILLS were noted in Pickens Co. on 7 April (fide
PD).
Co. on 29 April (BBr) and 27 west of Forsyth also on 29 GS) and one was in Murray Co. on 18 April (JSp). Three
BITTERNS THROUGH PHALAROPES – At the ELHLAF April (PR). A GOLDEN EAGLE was a good find in Floyd PINE SISKINS were seen in Harris Co. on 3 April (VW)
one AMERICAN BITTERN was noted on 24 April (fide RT) Co. on 1 April (DR). and one was in Lamar Co. on 5 April (CM).
and three LEAST BITTERNS on 18 April (JSe, CL). A
BITTERNS THROUGH TERNS – There were three reports CONTRIBUTORS – John Barrett, Michael Barrett, Giff
good count of eight CATTLE EGRETS was reported from
of inland AMERICAN BITTERNS with single birds at Beaton, Brad Bergstrom, Brandon Best, Brenda
Bartow Co. on 25 April (NF). Another good report from
Robins Air Force Base on 10 April (BS et al.), one in the Brannen, Walt Chambers, Phil Delestrez, Nathan
Bartow Co. was a PEREGRINE FALCON on 25 April (NF).
Athens area on 11 and 12 April (B&KO), and one in Farnau, Jim Flynn, Mark Freeman, Dan Furbish, Larry
JSe and CL had a couple good counts of 15 SORAS
Murray Co. on 20 April (JSp). A CATTLE EGRET was a Gardella, Hugh Garrett, Richard Hall, Margaret Harper,
and 31 COMMON MOORHENS at the ELHLAF on 18
rather rare sighting in Gordon Co. on 16 April (JSp). Charles Haynes, David Hollie, Dennis Lacoss, Carol
April. Other excellent sightings from Bartow Co. were
High counts from the AWMA included 230 WHITE IBIS Lambert, Bill Lotz, Carole Ludwig, Ruth Marley, Angie
single AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS on 2 April (JSe)
on 10 April (CM) and 100 GLOSSY IBIS on 9 April (CM Maxted, Steve Mitchell, Peggy and Terry Moore, Patty
and 25 April (MF), an extremely rare BLACK-NECKED
et al.). A very rare WHITE-FACED IBIS was discovered McLean, Joel McNeal, Linda Most, Charlie Muise,
STILT on 11 April (fide JSe), and two WILSON’S
on Little St. Simons Island on 26 April (DS). LT counted James Neves, Mark Nipper, Bill and Karla O’Grady,
PHALAROPES on 25 April (HG, PB).
14 ROSEATE SPOONBILLS on JI on 8 April and some of Steve Parrish, Tom Patterson, Jean Pugh, Paul Raney,
CUCKOOS THROUGH WRENS – A BLACK-BILLED the birds were engaging in mating behavior on 14 April. Dan Roper, Larry Russell, Bob Sargent, Georgann
CUCKOO was a rare sighting at Henderson Park in Five UPLAND SANDPIPERS were seen in Laurens Co. on Schmalz, Jeff Sewell, Diane Shearer, David Sibley,
DeKalb Co. on 27 April (fide LR). A WILLOW 20 April (GB, TP). A very unusual sighting was that of a Adam Smith, Joshua Spence, Eugenia Thompson, Lydia
FLYCATCHER was heard calling in Fulton Co. on 12 April WHIMBREL in a small tree at West Point Dam on 24 Thompson, Rusty Trump, Vicki Williams, Sheila Willis,
by DF. The peak count of 26 RED-EYED VIREOS came April (JB). Two CASPIAN TERNS were a good report and Bob and Deb Zaremba.
from the Kennesaw Mt. National Battlefield in Cobb from Carter’s Lake on 14 April (JSp).
Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Ct., Roswell, GA 30075
County (KMT) on 29 April (NF). A MARSH WREN was a
OWLS THROUGH THRUSHES – Single BARN OWLS tsmoore@bellsouth.net
Field trips are open to the public and free (unless otherwise noted). We welcome
everyone from beginners to advanced birders! Please check the Atlanta Audubon
Website (www.atlantaaudubon.org) for additional July-August field trips
Sketch by Anne McCallum
that may be scheduled.
If you would like to lead a field trip, volunteer to help with the Field Trip Committee, contribute ideas for places to go, or give feedback about
leaders or trips, please e-mail Stan Chapman, Field Trips Coordinator, at stancha@aol.com.
Note: For up-to-date information about field trips, go to atlantaaudubon.org. It is wise to check this website to make sure no changes have
occurred in the schedule of trips. Trips are commonly added following publication of this newsletter. All trips are open to the public. No
reservations are necessary. Membership in Atlanta Audubon Society is encouraged but is not required to attend these field trips. The only fees
that apply are those charged for entrance to any venue.
Insect repellent, sunscreen, and waterproof footwear are recommended for these summer field trips.
Saturday, July 3 and Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 25 and
Saturday, August 7, 8:00 AM Saturday, August 7, 7:30 AM Sunday, August 15, 8:00 AM
Piedmont Park, Midtown Atlanta Reynolds Nature Preserve, 5665 Reynolds Cochran Shoals Unit of Chattahoochee
Rob McDonough (cell phone 404.754.8159) Road, Morrow, GA 30260 National Recreation Area, Cobb County
Meet at the Piedmont Park Conservancy Building, Anne McCallum and Will Wagner (ranger) Victor Williams (cell phone 678.640.7307)
corner of Piedmont Avenue and 12th Street. Meet at the parking lot for the preserve. Meet at the kiosk at the north end of the parking
Birding focus: Nesting birds of woodlands and Birding focus: A 146-acre tract in the heart of lot of the Interstate North Parkway entrance to
pond, including Red-headed Woodpeckers. Clayton County, Reynolds Preserve hosts a good Cochran Shoals. The address is 1615 Interstate
Notes: This trip is especially good for beginners, selection of resident birds, including the Acadian North Parkway, Marietta. There is a parking fee of
children and families, who are invited on all AAS Flycatcher, Pileated Woodpecker, and Barred $3 (or annual pass) at this site.
trips. Directions: From south of Atlanta, take I- Owl. A wide, level trail leads into the forest and Birding focus: Cochran Shoals has a diverse
75-85 north to Pine Street (exit 249B). Go straight along three ponds. The preserve has been actively habitat of river, fields and forest that is very
on Pine, cross Peachtree Street and then turn left combating invasive plants for the last five years, attractive to many species of resident birds. It is
onto Piedmont Avenue. Travel about one mile to and it is now one of the few places in the Atlanta one of the best places in Atlanta to see the Great
12th Street. From northwest of Atlanta, take I-75 urban area to see a remarkable sample of the Blue Heron and Red-headed Woodpecker, as well
south to Exit 250 and follow the signs to 10th eastern deciduous climax forest. as several species of raptors. There is also the
Street. Turn left onto 10th and follow it _ mile to Notes: Will Wagner will attend the August 7 trip possibility of Indigo Buntings, Common
Piedmont Avenue. Turn left onto Piedmont, and only. Directions: From Atlanta, take I-75 south Yellowthroats, Orchard Orioles, and Prothonotary
follow it for _ mile to 12th Street. From northeast (about 15 miles south of downtown) to exit 233. Warblers.
of Atlanta, take I-85 south to Exit 84, and follow Turn left at the end of the exit ramp onto Notes: Note that considerable walking is
the signs to 10th Street. Turn left onto 10th, and Highway 54/Jonesboro Road (north). After 0.7 involved, some of which might be on wet grass.
then follow the directions above. From MARTA, miles, turn left at the light onto Reynolds Road Directions: From Atlanta: Take I-285 to the
get off at the Arts Center station, walk south to and go 1.2 miles. The preserve parking lot is on Northside-New Northside-Powers Ferry Road exit
14th Street, turn left (east) and walk two blocks the left—almost immediately after a curve to the (exit 22). Going west on I-285, turn right at the
to Piedmont Avenue, and then turn right and walk left. first light onto Interstate North Parkway. Get in
two blocks to 12th Street. the middle lane and stay on this road as it curves
Sunday, July 18 and west through an intersection and crosses the
Saturday, July 10, 7:00 AM Saturday, August 14, 8:00 AM river. After crossing, the parking lot is an
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, near Charlie Elliott Wildlife Management Area, immediate right. Going east on I-285, continue
Juliette, GA Mansfield, GA (Jasper and Newton east at the exit to the second light, then turn left
Lloyd “Pappy” Snyder Counties) (north) onto New Northside Drive and stay in the
(cell phone 678.296.4463) Ellen Miller middle lane. Cross the bridge over I-285 and
Meet at the park and boat ramp off Juliette Road Meet at visitors center parking lot on Elliott Trail. continue through the traffic light on the other side
in Juliette. Note that the leader will stay at this Birding focus: Charlie Elliott Management Area onto Interstate North Parkway, then continue
location until 7:30 AM, at which time the group includes fields, ponds and woodlands. At this with instructions above.
will carpool to the refuge. time of the year, raptors, herons, flycatchers,
Birding Focus: Nesting species, including Red- meadowlarks, vireos, Summer Tanagers, Orchard Saturday, July 31 and
cockaded Woodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher, Cliff Orioles, and Blue Grosbeaks all may be seen. If Saturday, August 21, 8:00 AM
Swallow, Kentucky Warbler, Yellow-breasted migrating Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites Sweetwater Creek SP, 1750 Mount Vernon
Chat, Orchard Oriole, and Bachman’s Sparrow, have been located nearby (as was the case in Road, Lithia Springs (Douglas County)
among many others. 2009), these species will also be targeted during Phil Delestrez (work phone 404.772.5871)
Notes: Bring insect repellent and protection the August 14 trip. Meet at the Office/Interpretive Center inside the
against ticks and chiggers and wear waterproof Directions: From Atlanta, take I-20 east to Exit park. There is a parking fee of $5 per vehicle.
footwear. This trip will run well into the 98/GA11, turn right and follow for 9.5 mi. Turn left Birding focus: This state park, which is the most
afternoon hours, so bring water and snacks. onto Marben Farm Road (spelled “Marbin” in visited day-use in Georgia, contains a diversity of
Directions: From Atlanta, go on I-75 south and some locations) and follow the sign to the visitors habitats, including a large lake, hiking trails along
take exit #186 (Juliette Road). Turn left at the end center, which is at the end of Elliott Trail (a right a creek and through the woods, and a grassland
of the exit ramp and follow Juliette Road for 9.2 turn off of Marben Farm Road). area. Both the scheduled walks should allow
miles. About 120 yards after crossing the railroad observation of resident nesting species, while the
tracks in Juliette, turn right into the park and boat August 21 walk might also reveal some early
ramp JUST BEFORE you reach the river bridge. migrants. Target species include Scarlet and
Summer Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak,
and Osprey.
(continued on page 9)
July-August 2010 5
Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer
Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer
A Million Thanks!
Atlanta Audubon Society is an amazing organization because of its
volunteers! As always, we extend our unending gratitude to ALL of our
volunteers, but we would like to send a special thank you to the following
individuals this month.
We’re Almost Half Way There Many thanks go out to Carl Tyler and Jim Wilson for helping to create
on Our Binoculars Fundraiser: AAS’s first bird photography class coming in August. “Introduction to Bird
Photography” is an eight-hour course (August 21, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM and August
Won’t You Join Us?
22, 8:00 AM-noon). Carl and Jim have been working hard to make this special
We have raised almost half of what
class possible.
we need to purchase 20 pairs of
child-friendly binoculars (6.5 x 32 We can’t thank Stan Chapman enough for everything he has done over the past spring to organize so
Eagle Optics Ravens) for our many AAS field trips. Stan is doing an amazing job and we are extremely grateful to him. Thanks, Stan!
educational programs at the Blue Thank you to Stacy Zarpentine for helping to run the “Peeps and Pancakes” walk in May and to Marge
Heron and off-site at schools and Igyarto for conducting a special “Gardening for Birds and Other Wildlife” talk at the Chattahoochee
with community groups. For every Nature Center. Both events were part of AAS’s participation in the City of Roswell’s “Wild in Roswell”
pair we purchase, Eagle Optics will celebration.
donate a pair. We would like to raise
a total of $1,190 for this effort. If Backyard Sanctuary Tour (continued from page 1)
you would like to contribute, please
send a check to Atlanta Audubon joined forces to help restore the land to its original state, natural beauty of their 25-acre property, an astonishing
Society, 4055 Roswell Road, removing invasive plants and replacing them with natives. size for a single parcel within the City of Atlanta. Special
Atlanta, GA 30342 and write in the Recently, the City of Atlanta purchased two large parcels features include a high canopy of mature trees, dense
memo line: “Binoculars Fundraiser.” nearby that will remain public green space. One is a nine- undergrowth and a wealth of native plants.
We will send you a thank you letter acre wetland off Emma Lane and Lakemoore Drive; the Visitors will enjoy a stream, pond, nature trail and a
and acknowledgement for your tax- second is the five-acre former sewer tunnel construction woodland garden known as the Glen. Birdbaths, bluebird
deductible donation. site on Roswell Road. In 2007, the five-acre “architect’s boxes and many plantings are all designed to attract birds
site” at 4055 Roswell Road was purchased by the City, and encourage nesting and migration.
bringing Blue Heron’s holdings to 25 acres.
Holiday Banquet Led by an active Sustainability Committee, Trinity
Home of Lisa Frank, 4108 Haverhill Drive, members are committed to acting as wise stewards of
Host Committee North Buckhead creation. Several green initiatives are ongoing. These
Needed The transformation of this property began in the early include offering classes on environmental issues,
It is that time of year again to 1990s from a typical ranch house lot surrounded by open improving energy efficiency in their buildings, supporting
plan the yearly AAS Holiday lawn, to an atypical diverse garden landscape, now
Banquet and Silent Auction in several environmental groups and continuing to enhance
beginning to mature. Created by horticulturist Terry May – their property with wildlife preservation in mind.
December. We need a former superintendent of grounds at the Atlanta Botanical
chairperson, or co-chairs (this Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the tour
could be a couple), to help host Garden – this is truly a plant collector’s garden featuring
(children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an
our event. In addition, we need unusual trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcovers.
other committee members who adult). Advance tickets are available July 1 by calling the
Always planned as drought-tolerant and wildlife friendly, AAS office at 678-973-2437. Tickets can be paid for by
can help with planning, event the garden is not watered and no pesticides are used.
execution, securing silent phone with a credit card and will be mailed or emailed.
auction items, decorations, etc. Evergreens provide ample nesting sites while a variety of Advance tickets are available until Wednesday, September
Please help us make our holiday berries and nectar provide food. Pine tree snags attract six 1 at noon. Day-of-tour tickets will be available at sites #1
banquet a reality. We would like species of woodpeckers, and brush piles are used as and #5. We encourage you to purchase tickets in advance
to secure at least 7-8 committee shelter. The layered effect of trees, shrubs and so you can plan the tour in the order that suits you best.
members and 1-2 chairs to help groundcovers provides a beneficial environment for birds
host this event. Specific directions to each site can be found at
and other wildlife, further supported by the adjacent www.atlantaaudubon.org, or use MapQuest. Large text
We will not be able to hold mature woodland and nearby Nancy Creek. directions will be available on the AAS site beginning
the event this year without
a committee in place. Plants of particular benefit to birds are a large mass of August 1.
Salvia gauranitica for hummingbirds; berry-producing The Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Tour is one of Atlanta
If you are interested, please species such as Cornus alternifolia, Cotoneaster lacteus
contact us at Audubon Society’s most important fundraisers.
aas.info@atlantaaudubon.org and several hollies including Ilex latifolia, Ilex glabra and
Ilex ‘Mary Nell’. Special thanks to our property owners for opening their
or call the office at private sanctuaries to the public, and to volunteer tour
678-973-2437. An art gallery in the basement will be open to AAS chair Jacqueline McRae. Questions? Contact Jacqueline at
Answer:
visitors, showcasing the art of Frank’s late mother Shirlee jacqueline.mcrae@comcast.net.
Yes, the Common
Frank.
Volunteers are needed to assist visitors at each site. Please
Poorwill sleeps in a Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3003 Howell Mill Road,
torpid condition for
call AAS to become a tour volunteer on September 11.
Buckhead
up to three months. Members of Trinity Presbyterian have long valued the
July-August 2010 7
Shorebird Extravaganza on the Georgia Coast
By John Yow
The AAS Shorebird Workshop of May 15 and 16 done than a Roseate Spoonbill cruised low
actually got underway a couple of months earlier, overhead, an hors d’oeuvre for the smorgasbord
with a two-hour presentation—”Shorebirds Made that awaited us.
Easy”—by noted ornithologist and past AAS
president Georgann Schmalz. Georgann’s cram
session and the thick sheaf of hand-outs she
thoughtfully provided had most of us convinced
that—yes!—we would be able to tell a Willet from
a Dowitcher.
Those who arrived early enough Friday evening
had the benefit of a second preparatory session by
DNR Program Manager and shorebird expert Brad Off St. Catherines Island, Dunlin have a feast
Winn, who would be our leader on Saturday. Photographer: Art Hurt Black Skimmers at South Beach on Jekyll Island
Among other gems, we learned from Brad that the Photographer: Art Hurt
crabs had done their work, and the promised
Ruddy Turnstone is the only bird that will dig
frenzy was on in earnest. The little island and the
horseshoe crab eggs out of dry sand; that the Our leader was local conservation activist, birder
water’s edge were covered with furiously feeding
Long-billed Curlew is alone in its ability to pluck and bird artist Lydia Thompson, who hoped to find
Dunlin, Willet, and Dowitchers by the hundreds;
out the ghost shrimp hidden deep in their one of the three pairs of beach-nesting Wilson’s
Oystercatchers, Forster’s Terns, Peeps and a
burrows; and that the Whimbrels we would see Plovers she’s been keeping track of—down from
handful of Marbled Godwits for good measure.
were in the process of doubling their body weight seven, she told us. Those birds failed to make an
before they resumed their northward migration. Of We proceeded to St. Catherines Island Bar, a long appearance, but literally thousands of others
special relevance to our expedition, Brad told us crescent of beach littered with horseshoe crabs showed up instead. Amidst a vast flock of Red
that the horseshoe crabs had been busy laying that hadn’t made it back into the water. What Knots, Lydia was delighted to see one wearing an
their eggs, and that, with any luck, we would get to more could we see? Well, not hundreds, but orange band, indicating that it was indeed headed
witness a “feeding frenzy.” thousands of birds (Brad estimated five- or six- north from Tierra del Fuego. And here were
thousand)—including the renowned Red Knots, hundreds of Black Skimmers, many of which had
From our scattered encampments along coastal
those champions of migration who leave the flattened themselves on the sand, “trying to stay
Highway 17, we convened at 8:00 AM Saturday and
southern tip of South America and make their way cool,” Lydia said. Also part of the congregation
caravanned to the boat ramp. The sun-baked
to the high Arctic. Seeing these birds rise and turn were countless Royal Terns, a few of which were
locals fishing off the pier must have wondered as
in the morning sun, their movements miraculously engaged in . . . harrumph, harrumph . . .
14 binoculared oddballs in cargo pants and big-
choreographed, was a sight to behold. “copulatory behavior.”
brimmed hats clambered aboard DNR speedboats,
wrestled into life jackets, and flew off into St. From the observation deck of the Champney
Catherines Sound. Island Marsh Project, we scoped out Black-necked
Stilts, Mottled Ducks, and Moorhens—not to
mention the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks,
notable less for their black bellies than for the
beautiful white pattern visible on the tops of their
wings as they soared over the marsh. The marsh
overlook on Butler Island offered one more chance
to spot the elusive Least Bittern. Some said they
got it; others were skeptical. The day’s last light
found us on the beach, at Gould’s Inlet, where we Wood Storks nest near the Jekyll Island Amphitheater
watched yet more hundreds of birds—Red Knots, Photographer: Art Hurt
Black Skimmers, Royal Terns, Willet, Turnstones,
The group enjoys the sights in St. Catherines Sound Whimbrels, Laughing and Ring-billed Gulls, Black- Next stop on Lydia’s tour was “the amphitheater.”
Photographer: Art Hurt bellied Plovers—try to hold their sandbars against (Who knew there was an abandoned, dilapidated
the rising tide. amphitheater on Jekyll?) Our destination was a
Minutes later our three boats (piloted by Brad,
Tim Keyes and Adam MacKinnon, of the Georgia Then, suddenly, it was dark, and Lisa told Art to small pond in the woods beyond the old structure,
DNR) stopped a few yards off of a long spit of grass turn on his car’s headlights so we could complete which turned out to be the nest site of Wood
and sand. First to catch our eye was a lone our checklists. Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Great Egrets, and
Whimbrel, standing in lordly fashion at the top of other waders. Crowded at the very top of a single
Sunday’s destination was Jekyll Island, so we dead pine tree were a half-dozen active Wood
the sandy rise, his long decurved bill a thing of convened at the Visitors Center on the
wonder. Further along the shore we came upon a Stork nests, with the big parent birds flying in and
causeway—behind which, as it happens, is an out and, in some cases, quarrelling over which
gathering of literally hundreds of Ruddy observation tower overlooking a stretch of the
Turnstones and Dunlin, all in rich breeding nesting materials belonged to which bird. In all at
island’s beautiful marsh. While we scoured the least 40 Wood Storks occupied the premises, along
plumage and waiting patiently for the tide to grass with our scopes, hoping for a glimpse of rail
recede and expose the banquet below. with perhaps a dozen of the magnificent
or Sora, a pair of Willet put on a lovely aerial Spoonbills. On a dead limb just above the water, a
At our next stop, a tiny grass island in the middle display, showing off their striking black-and-white fine-looking male Anhinga stretched his wings to
of the sound, the wait was over. The horseshoe wing pattern to full effect. No sooner were they
(continued on next page)
July-August 2010 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 email, preferably in .pdf format. Call 678.973.2437 if you have questions.
Send payment to Wingbars Ads, Atlanta Audubon Society, 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342.
Send ads via email to Catharine Kuchar at Catharine.Kuchar@atlantaaudubon.org.
Bird Brainers
P.O. Box 921455, Norcross, GA 30010
o Supporting Membership...............................$100
_______________________________ _________
Card Number Expiration Date (July/August and
o Renewal o New Membership
o Donor Membership ......................................$250 Jan/Dec combined)
Name _____________________________________ of Wingbars
o Patron Membership......................................$500 Newsletter
4 Friends discounts
Address ___________________________________ Receive an official Atlanta Audubon T-shirt
City____________________ State ___ Zip ______ o Benefactor Membership............................$1,000 on classes, trips
email _____________________________________ Receive above plus autographed copy
and special events
4 Use of the AAS
Birds of Atlanta
Phone_____________________________________ o Interested in volunteering with AAS
o Please send me information on planned giving opportunities through Atlanta Audubon Society’s Legacy Club library
o Do not acknowledge my gift in Wingbars
4A great tax
It is Atlanta Audubon Society’s policy not to share or sell our mailing list. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us.
deduction!
July-August 2010 11
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED U.S. POSTAGE
Atlanta Audubon Society PAID
4055 Roswell Road • Atlanta, GA 30342
Atlanta Audubon Society is an independent, non-profit
Atlanta, GA
501(c)(3) organization. Your donations are tax deductible to Permit #917
the fullest extent allowed by law.
Join Giff Beaton, author of Dragonflies & Damselflies of Georgia and the Southeast, for a morning walk through the Newman
Wetlands Center trail in Clayton County. We’ll learn identification techniques for the many species of these beautiful insects that play a
crucial pest management role in our environment. The walk is free, but group size is limited & reservations are absolutely
required. Space in this program is limited and all participants must have a reservation. Quiet, attentive children 10 years+ are
welcome. Program participants from 2009 who wish to come again this year will be put on a wait list until July 20, when any available
spaces will be offered. Reservations: 770-603-5606 or email: clambert@ccwa.us