Issue 1, February 2018
Stockbridge
Audubon
www.stockbridgeaudubon.org
Representing Northeast Indiana
President’s Words
By Cynthia Powers
Next time you’re at Fox Island to watch the feeders,
notice the collection of bird books that were donated
by the late Rodger Rang and his wife Nanette. The
park naturalists acquired wooden bookcases for them.
You are welcome to study them in the building. If
it’s locked, just ask at the desk. We thank the Rangs
for their generosity.
The Christmas Bird Counts are now history, and I
heard the first cardinal sing just before Valentine’s
Day. We are keeping the feeders full and hoping for
spring. You will be glad to hear that the Field Trip
Committee met in January and has come up with
quite a few spring trips, some at old familiar
locations, and a couple new ones.
We are trying another overnight trip to Goose Pond
Fish and Wildlife Area, near Linton IN. Many rarities
have turned up here, such as a Hooded Crane a few
years back. Black-necked Stilts nest there, as do
endangered Least Terns. Sometimes Whooping
Cranes land there on their way north. Goose Pond
also has a new visitor center that we will want to
check out. Details are in the field trip schedule.
Another new trip is the Saturday before Memorial
Day. We are calling it the “Stockbridge Challenge.”
Can we beat the 1938 record of 44 species that
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P.O. Box 13131, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46867
Charles Stockbridge and his group found? They were
pointing out that Foster Park should be developed as
good bird habitat. Details in the schedule.
We welcome new birders on any of our field trips.
Call any of us if you have questions.
Don’t forget to vote for this year’s board members
(and let us know if you’d like to serve.)
Upcoming Programs
Weekend of May 5th: road trip to Goose Pond (the
Serengeti of South-Central Indiana!). More
information about this fun opportunity can be found
in the field trip schedule on page 4.
June 3-9: ACRES Land Trust Bird Blitz. More
information in the next newsletter, or check the
ACRES website: www.acreslandtrust.org.
Reminder: Stockbridge Audubon is accepting
applications for their annual mini grant (maximum
grant is $250). Applications must be submitted
electronically to
StockbridgeAudubonofIndiana@gmail.com and
received no later than April 1. These grants are
intended to fund projects that promote our mission.
They may be given to individuals or to groups. For
example, projects could be educational (so as to
disseminate knowledge about birds and the habitat
that sustains their survival), they could be aimed at
furthering the preservation and stewardship of the
natural resources of Northeast Indiana, or they could
involve research directed toward furthering our
understanding of bird behavior. Conference or
workshop attendance may also be supported. Further
information is available on the Stockbridge Audubon
website.
Stockbridge Audubon Society’s
Beginnings
By Terri Gorney
The Stockbridge Audubon Society has a long history
in Northeastern Indiana. The society was formed the
year after the Indiana Audubon Society was
established. Research has shown our chapter was
organized on April 12 1899 at a 3:00 pm meeting in
room 8 of the City Hall (now the History Center) in
Fort Wayne. There were twenty members and five
junior members.
Stockbridge is the oldest continuous Audubon chapter
in the state. The Indianapolis Audubon Society (later it
became the Amos Butler Audubon Society) was
formed eight months after Stockbridge.
Our chapter was originally known as the Allen County
Audubon Society. The name was changed to the
Stockbridge Audubon Society to honor Charles
Stockbridge after his death in 1934.
In March 1898, the Indiana Academy of Science began
the initiative for the formation of the Indiana Audubon
Society. Fanny Wright Taylor was at the meeting in
Indianapolis. She was elected one of the Vice
Presidents of Indiana Audubon Society at the
formation meeting on April 26 1898. She was also a
key participant in the founding of our society. It was
she, Nellie Brown Cooper and Alexander Johnson that
spearheaded the organization of the Allen County
Audubon Society.
At the first meeting in April 1899, the following
officers were elected: Alexander Johnson, President;
Nellie Brown Cooper, Vice President; Fanny Wright
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Taylor, Secretary and Treasurer, and Rabbi Frederick
Cohn, Hannah Hall Ellison, Lucian Powers Stapleford,
the Executive Committee. They were all residents of
Fort Wayne.
Alexander Johnson was a local business man,
superintendent of the state school for a number of years
and on the board of Indiana Charities. Nellie Brown
Cooper was a graduate of the New York Art School
and before her marriage in 1887 to William P. Cooper,
she was the head of the society department of the Fort
Wayne Gazette. Fanny Wright Taylor married Judge
Robert Stewart Taylor in 1858 and was active in the
community. Rabbi Frederick Cohn, Ph.D. served
Temple Achduth Vesholom. He was a popular lecturer
and founded a literary society called the Jewish
Chautauqua. Hannah Hall Ellison was married to
Thomas Ellison a prominent attorney and state senator.
In 1906 they founded the Ellison Realty Company and
she was a director on the board. Their home at 601 W.
Wayne still looks as it did when they lived there.
Lucian Stapleford was a prominent business man and
auctioneer.
Cheers to our founders! In 2019, we will celebrate the
120th anniversary of our founding. That is a milestone
in any organization.
Southwest Allen County CBC
Held Jan. 1, 2018
Compiler: Cynthia Powers
Total species found: 47
Individual birds: 3773
15 observers in 5 parties
8 feeder observers
Participants: Stephanie Wagner, Tre Miller, Eric and
Mary Helfrich, Todd Gerardot, Robert Susland, Margit
Codispoti, Andrew Wolfe, Louise Larsen, Cynthia and
Ed Powers, Doug and Judy Diebel, Julie Henricks,
Sandy Schacht, Carol and Dan Shank, Robin Stark,
Victoria Sprague, Dan Baker, Kevin Boner, Donna and Nuthatches, Pine Siskins, or Purple Finches.
Bob Streeter. Journal Gazette photographer Rachel Von took
pictures at the Fox Island feeders, including one of
Despite temperatures below zero, with dangerous Mary Helfrich that was in the next morning's paper.
wind chills, 15 field observers and 8 feeder-only
watchers contributed a grand total of 47 Many thanks to Fox Island County Park for
species. While this did not set a record for species hosting us, and to our wonderful chili cooks, Brett
seen (previous official counts were 50 and 52) it Fisher and his wife Lori Healey. They made three
certainly set one for effort! Almost all the birding kinds! (Stockbridge Audubon reimbursed them for
was done by car, over 336 miles, but only 3 on the ingredients.)
foot. That's probably why none of us got frostbite.
And many thanks to all of you for participating.
The most noteworthy sighting was the Snowy Owl Cynthia Powers, compiler
refound by Stephanie and her grandson Tre, and seen
by many others after the word spread at
lunchtime. An outstanding start to our 2018 annual
SANJO CBC
lists! And a lifer for some. Also of interest were 6
Held Jan. 1, 2018
Lapland Longspurs, a Fox Sparrow, a Golden-
Compiler: Terri Gorney
Crowned Kinglet, one immature Red-Headed
Total species found: 48
Woodpecker, 3 Sandhill Cranes, 2 Northern Harriers,
Individual birds: 2171
and 2 Bald Eagles.
27 observers
Over 100 individuals were seen of each of these
Terri noted that all areas of the circle were counted this
species: Canada Goose, Mallard, American Crow,
year, and that she was happy with the totals since the
Horned Lark, European Starling, Tree Sparrow, and
temperatures were -4º F to -9º F when most counters
House Sparrow.
were out!
3773 individual birds were seen.

Only 4 Kestrels were seen, and no Red-breasted

STOCKBRIDGE AUDUBON SOCIETY 2018 SPRING FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are open to all; we welcome beginners. Keep in mind:

--bring a picnic lunch for all trips lasting until after noon; picnic lunch is optional for half–day trips
--arrive a few minutes early; we leave on time
--we car pool for out-of-town trips; sharing gas expenses is appreciated; have enough gas if you can drive
--we can meet people at our destination or on the way if arranged in advance
--return times are estimates, and are not guaranteed; you can return early if you drive yourself
--dress for the weather. Waterproof shoes or boots are often needed
--for further information, contact the relevant trip leader or Ed Powers, (260)638-4291, zzedpowers@aol.com

Sat Mar 10 Kankakee Fish & Wildlife Area; meet at 8:00 AM EST at north end of Meijer parking lot on
Lima Rd just north of I-69; return around 5 PM. Leaders: Ed Powers, Stephanie Wagner.

Sat Mar 17 Pigeon River FWA; meet at 8:00 AM EDT at north end of Meijer parking lot on Lima Rd just
north of I-69; return around 5:00 PM. Leaders: Sam Plew, Margit Codispoti.

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Sun Mar 18 Hurshtown Reservoir; meet at the reservoir on Roth Rd. 1 mi. south of IN 1 (1.5 mi north of
Grabill Rd.) at 3 PM, finish by 5:00 PM. Leader: Ed Powers.

Sat Mar 24 Pisgah Marsh and Tri-County FWA; meet at 8:00 AM at north end of Meijer parking lot on Lima
Rd. just north of I-69; return around 4-4:30 PM. Leaders: John Winebrenner, Eric Helfrich.

Sat Mar 31 Eagle Marsh; meet at Boy Scout Building, at end of frontage road on east side of I-69 at 8:00
AM; finish by noon. Leaders: Ed Powers, Margit Codispoti.

Sat Apr 7 Salamonie Lake; meet at 7:30 AM from northeast corner of Rural King parking lot, Village at
Coventry, US 24 just west of I-69, or meet us at 8:00 AM at Forks of the Wabash, southwest
corner of US 24 and IN 9, Huntington; return around 5:00 PM. Leaders: Sandy Schacht,
Stephanie Wagner.

Sun Apr 8 Hurshtown Reservoir; meet at the reservoir on Roth Rd. 1 mi. south of SR 1 (1.5 mi north of
Grabill Rd.) at 3 PM, finish by 5:00 PM. Leader: Ed Powers.

Sat Apr 14 Franke Park; meet at BMX lot at Franke Park at 8:00 AM, finish by noon. Leaders: Phil Wixom,
Ed Powers.

Sat Apr 21 Fox Island County Park; meet at the Vera Dulin Building parking lot at Fox Island, 7324 Yohne
Rd., at 8:00 AM; finish by noon. Leaders: Eric Helfrich, Sandy Schacht. We will be joined mid-
way by members of the Indiana Master Naturalist class. Park entrance fee of $2 payable at self-
serve post just inside gate or at the Nature Center.

Sat Apr 28 Chain O’ Lakes State Park; meet at 7:30 AM at north end of Meijer lot on Lima Rd. just N of I-
69, or at the Youth Campground at Chain O’ Lakes at 8:30; return by 4. Leaders Eric Helfrich,
John Winebrenner.

Sat May 5 Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area - We will be traveling to this 7,200-acre birding hot spot by
carpooling or individually on Friday, May 4th, staying at Park Inn in the Southwestern Central
Indiana town of Linton. The Park Inn (812) 847-8631, has reasonably priced, simple rooms.
Please make your own reservations. We will spend Saturday birding the wetlands and prairies of
Goose Pond, and the woodlands in the area. Some may choose to stay over to Sunday. Please call
Eric Helfrich (260-693-3246) to sign up and we will arrange our transportation from Fort
Wayne.

Sat May 12 Big May Day Bird Count; details later.

Sat May 19 Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ohio; meet at 6:30 AM from the southeast side of the Meijer lot on
Maysville Rd. just W of I-469 at IN 37; return around 6-7 PM. Leaders: John Winebrenner,
Margit Codispoti.

Sat May 26 Foster Park; meet in the parking lot of the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 5310 Old Mill
Road at 8:00 AM; finish by noon. We’re calling this the “Stockbridge Challenge.” Details
elsewhere in the newsletter. Leaders: Greg Majewski, Ed Powers.

Sat Jun 2 Willow Slough FWA/Kankakee Sands; leave at 6:30 AM from Kroger’s, northwest side of jct.
IN 14 west and Scott Rd.; return about 6:30-7 PM. Leaders: John Winebrenner, Ed Powers.
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Ballot for Stockbridge Audubon: spring 2018, to take office May 2018

Cynthia Powers, president

Eric Helfrich, vice president
Margit Codispoti, secretary
Dave Reichlinger, treasurer
Terri Gorney, director and program chair
Julie Henricks, director and newsletter editor
Greg Majewski, director
Sandy Schacht, director
Stephanie Wagner, director
John Winebrenner, director

Please print off your ballot, mark it, and mail it to Julie Henricks, 16608 Branstrator Road, Ossian, IN 46777.

Are you interested in being on the board? We’d love to hear from you. Just add your name and contact
information here.

If you recently joined National Audubon Society, you’re receiving this complimentary newsletter because
you are automatically granted membership in the local Stockbridge chapter when you join National. If
you would like to continue receiving the letter, which is produced four times a year, please call Ed Powers
at 260-638-4291 or email him at zzedpowers@aol.com and let him know whether you would prefer a
paper or emailed version.

If you don’t wish to continue receiving this newsletter, don’t do anything and no further issues will be
sent to you.

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P.O. Box 13131, Fort Wayne, IN 46867

Return Service Requested

|Stockbridge Directors and Officers|

Inside this issue:
Cynthia Powers, President 638-4291
President’s Words Eric Helfrich, Vice President 260-693-3246
Margit Codispoti, Secretary 456-1996
Dave Reichlinger, Treasurer 432-9431
New Feature: Stockbridge Sandy Schacht, Director 260-356-3681
History Julie Henricks, Newsletter Editor 638-4375
Ed Powers, Membership 638-4291
CBC Results Terri Gorney, Program Chair 490-6725
John Winebrenner, Director 260-414-4866
Stephanie Wagner, Director sewsings328@gmail.com
Spring field trips Phil Wixom, Webmaster_________________a28n28@yahoo.com

We welcome new members using the form below (or apply online). To speed your service and save us postage, mail renewals
directly to National Audubon, using the form that they provide. Any questions relating to membership? Ed Powers, Membership
Chair, will be glad to help!

Online new membership requests: https://action.audubon.org/donate/chapter-membership?chapter=H09

Or mail the following form:

National Audubon Society/Stockbridge Audubon Chapter Membership Application H09

I want to join Audubon! Enclosed is my check payable to the National Audubon Society.

Name YEARLY MEMBERSHIP:

Individual/$20 Family/$20
Address ________________________________

City/State/Zip________________________________

Mail to: Stockbridge Audubon Society, P. O. Box 13131, Fort Wayne, IN 46867