Issue 1, February 2019
Stockbridge
Audubon
www.stockbridgeaudubon.org
Representing Northeast Indiana
President’s Words
By Cynthia Powers
We wound up 2018 with six nearby
Christmas Bird Counts: Fort Wayne,
Pokagon, SW Allen, SANJO (south
Adams, northern Jay and Oubache State
Park), Noble County/Pigeon River, and
Rome City area. You might think we were
“birded out” but that didn’t last long, as it
was time to plan the spring field trips. The
field trip schedule is later in this
newsletter.
Several organizations that share our
concern for birds and the environment are
sponsoring activities that you may want to
participate in. Indiana Audubon has
cooked up a contest they are calling “the
Amazing Bird Race.” Read all about it on
their website, www.indianaaudubon.org.
Prizes are given out to those participants
who win a drawing, and Stockbridge is
sponsoring one of the prizes (a State Park
pass!)
ACRES Land Trust is again running a
“Bird Blitz” the first full week of June,
encouraging teams or individuals to bird in
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P.O. Box 13131, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46867
any of the ACRES properties and turn in
their list. More information will be
coming from ACRES; meanwhile Ed and I
have agreed to lead a hike at Fogwell
Forest starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday,
June 6. We’ll be done by noon, so bring
the kids and any new birders you know!
And Sassafras Audubon chapter from the
Bloomington area would like to start a
chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby
within the 3rd congressional district. More
information from
Kristina.lindborg@gmail.com. She points
out that David Yarnold, president of
National Audubon, supports their
(hopefully) bipartisan efforts to minimize
climate change.
Our own Greg Majewski has attended a
meeting of the Riverfront Development
Commission. We hope the riverfront
development will be bird friendly.
Lots to do this spring, so keep looking up!
Upcoming Program
Sunday, March 3, 2:00 p.m.: our own
Terri Gorney will present “Stockbridge
Audubon Society – Celebrating 120th
Anniversary” as part of the George R.
Mather Sunday Lecture Series at the
History Center, 302 East Berry Street.
Riverfront Fort Wayne Report
By Greg Majewski
On January 10, 2019 approximately 300
people filled one of the halls in the Grand
Wayne Center to participate in a public
meeting for Riverfront Fort Wayne to learn
about and comment on its redevelopment
activities. Opening remarks by Mayor Tom
Henry focused on the city's change in
perspective over the last several years to
see the rivers as an asset instead of a
liability and provided a timeline of the
planning process for riverfront
development, including an announcement
of the June 21, 2019 opening of
Promenade Park, an event which will mark
the completion of phase one of
redevelopment.
Next, David Rubin of the Philadelphia-
based David Rubin Land Collective spoke
as the project consultant in more detail
about the city's redevelopment goals. Four
phases of redevelopment will include
approximately 5.3 miles of waterfront
within the target area, bounded roughly by
the Van Buren Street bridge on the west to
the confluence of the three rivers east of
downtown. Mr. Rubin explained that a
primary goal in redevelopment is to create
"great spaces in which human beings speak
to one another" and to provide "equality of
experience" for all citizens.
Understandably, a large variety of interests
were represented at this meeting, ranging
from historic railroad preservationists to
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cyclists to restauranteurs and most
everyone in between.
Six interactive activities allowed attendees
to provide comments for the next phases of
redevelopment, which included phase two,
the area roughly between Ewing and
Clinton Streets south of the river, and
phase three, Sherman to Ewing south of
the river. A variety of comment cards,
mapping exercises, and ranked voting on
priorities allowed attendees to weigh in on
their desires for these next areas of focus.
It was positive to see that several attendees
emphasized their wish for conservation
and the creation of natural areas as part of
the plan. Stockbridge Audubon Society
provided comments to preserve and
enhance natural areas and to promote eco-
tourism.
By spring of 2019, a working draft of the
phase two and three plans will be
presented for further public comment with
more public meetings held. Stockbridge
Audubon Society will continue to be
involved in planning efforts that affect our
natural resources, and if you would like to
participate, please consider joining the
Conservation and Environmental Impact
Committee. Contact Greg Majewski for
more information:
gamajewski@gmail.com
Photo courtesy of Terri Gorney
GSP Christmas Kiskadee! Wayne Pope, Debby Vincent and Dave
By Dave W. Fox, Gene Stratton-Porter Fox. While Mike Bourdon from South
State Historic Site Manager Bend wasn’t on the GSP CBC, this was an
amazing milestone bird for him – It was
The Gene Stratton-Porter Christmas Bird his 300th birds species sighted in Indiana.
Count had a most unusual species that I’m Congratulations, Mike!
sure would have made Gene smile! An
Albion resident reported a Great Kiskadee,
a member of the Tyrant Flycatcher family,
feeding on crabapples in her yard on
December 16, 2018. Fortunately, The GSP
CBC followed the next day and notable
birder, John Kendall, was able to hear and
later photograph the bird. Not only is this
the first (unconfirmed) state record, but the
likelihood of this species being listed on an
Indiana CBC again is astronomical.
This is an extremely unusual “accidental” Courtesy John Kendall

for the area since they normally inhabit

thorn-scrub areas in southern Texas and Southwest Christmas Bird Count
are widespread through Mexico and South Results
America. What is even more unusual is the
fact that this is the second reported Great With all the reports in, we found a total of
Kiskadee in the region; the other was 49 species! The "birdiest" territory was #1
sighted in Rondeau Provincial Park, which included the Arrowhead properties
Ontario, Canada on September 7, 2018. of Little River Wetlands, with 40 species.
This bird has fared amazingly well due to
Several species were found by only one
warmer than average winter temperatures
team: mute swan, northern shoveler,
which have made flying insects available
sharp-shinned hawk, red-shouldered hawk,
and various tree fruits, like the crabapple
rough-legged hawk, great horned owl,
seen in many of the photos, have provided
peregrine falcon, horned lark, brown
food for this amazing creature. Sightings
creeper, yellow-rumped warbler, white-
have continued to the time of this article
crowned sparrow, and purple finch.
(1/5/19) and may go well beyond.
So you can see that each of you was
GSP CBC totals were 52 total species,
important. (At lunch we were wondering
2,397 total individuals with another
"where are all the horned larks?" But
highlight being a Northern Shrike.
finally, one group found some.)
Participants included: Matt Beatty,
No snowy owls this year, although several
Marilyn Benedict, Bob Guth, Ervin Hall,
white trash bags were noted. Red-breasted
Conrad Harstein, Gary Keister, John
nuthatches, purple finches, and pine
Kendall, John Lipasek, Tiffany Parker,
siskins were the irruptive species expected
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this winter.
As before, the high point of the day was
the amazing chili lunch (3 kinds!) prepared
by Brett Fisher and Lori Healey. We thank
them (and Stockbridge Audubon for the
ingredients). And many thanks to Fox
Island County Park for hosting us.
If you're keeping track, the highest count
was 52 on 1-2-2017.
Cynthia Powers, compiler
Notes from Louise
By Louise Larsen
The Crane Trust in Nebraska has a
webcam on the Platte River for Sandhill
viewing. Cornell Lab also for their site
feeding stations, etc. Easy winter birding
from one’s favorite chair.
A Canadian author and birder has a series
of murder mysteries replete with bird
chatter. Author name: Steve Burrows
Series titles include A Siege of Bitterns, A
Pitying of Doves, A Cast of Falcons.
His references to birds may have you
scurrying to your bookshelves for your
views of European and Canadian birds he
describes. Another way to bird while the
blizzards howl.
From the editor: Cynthia Powers notes
that there are five of these novels, with
another coming out in June. They are
available at our local library (some of them
as e-books only).
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Ballot for Stockbridge Audubon: spring
2019, to take office May 2019
___ Cynthia Powers, president
___ Julie Henricks, vice president
___ Terri Gorney, secretary
___ Eric Helfrich, treasurer
___ Margit Codispoti, director
___ Greg Majewski, director
___ Dave Reichlinger, director
___ Sandy Schacht, director
___ Stephanie Wagner, director
Please print off your ballot, mark it, and mail it to
Julie Henricks, 16608 Branstrator Road, Ossian,
IN 46777; or email ossianbirder@gmail.com.
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.
 STOCKBRIDGE AUDUBON SOCIETY 2019 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 9 Kankakee FWA; meet at 8:00 AM EST at north end of Meijer parking lot, 6309 Lima Rd (north of I-69).
Waterfowl, some at eastern extreme of their range; songbirds. Travel mostly by car. Return around 5 PM. Leaders:
Dave Reichlinger, John Winebrenner.

Sat Mar 16 Pigeon River FWA; meet at 8:00 AM EDT at north end of Meijer parking lot, 6309 Lima Rd (north of I-69).
Waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, songbirds, maybe owls. Return around 5:00 PM. Leaders: Sam Plew, Eric Helfrich.

Sun Mar 17 Hurshtown Reservoir. Meet at the reservoir, 16000 Roth Rd, 1 mi S of hwy 1 (1.5 mi N of Grabill Rd) at 3 PM.
Loons, grebes, ducks, gulls, maybe Snow Buntings. We circle the reservoir by car, stopping occasionally to get out
and scope the water. Finish by 5:00 PM. Leader: Ed Powers

Sat Mar 23 Pisgah Marsh and Tri-County FWA; meet at 8:00 AM at north end of Meijer parking lot, 6309 Lima Rd (north of I-
69). Waterfowl, herons, songbirds. Return around 4-4:30 PM. Leaders: John Winebrenner, Margit Codispoti.

Sun Mar 31 Hurshtown Reservoir. Details same as Mar 17.

Sat Apr 6 Eagle Marsh. Meet at 7:30 AM at the BSA Scout parking lot at the end of Olde Canal Place (opposite Lutheran
Hospital campus). Shorebirds, herons, swallows, etc. Up to two miles on flat trails; boots recommended. Finish by
noon. Leaders: Ed Powers, Phil Wixom.

Sat Apr 20 Fox Island County Park; meet at the Vera Dulin Building parking lot at Fox Island, 7324 Yohne Rd., at 8:00 AM;
Woodpeckers, woodland songbirds, including migrant warblers. Three or four miles on easy trails; may be some
wet spots. 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 27 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.
Waterfowl, woodpeckers, songbirds. Largely birding by car, but up to three miles on foot; some hills, may be muddy
spots. Return around 5:00 PM. Leaders: Sandy Schacht, Andrew Wolfe.

Sat May 4 Chain O’ Lakes State Park; meet at 7:30 AM at north end of Meijer parking lot, 6309 Lima Rd (north of I-69), or at
the Youth Campground at Chain O’ Lakes at 8:15. Hawks, woodpeckers, migrant songbirds. Up to five miles on
mostly flat trails; may be some wet spots. Return about 4:00 PM. Leaders: Margit Codispoti, John Winebrenner.

Sat May 11 Big May Day Bird Count; details later.

Sat May 18 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. Waterfowl, herons, shorebirds, warblers and other songbirds. Return around 6-7 PM.
Leaders: John Winebrenner, Margit Codispoti.

Sat May 25 Foster Park; meet in the parking lot of the Unitarian Universalist Meeting House, 5310 Old Mill Road at 8:00 AM.
Songbirds. Finish by noon. A repeat of the “Stockbridge Challenge” in which we attempt to surpass Charles
Stockbridge’s group’s count of 44 species found during a Foster Park outing in 1938. Leader: Stephanie Wagner.

Sat Jun 1 Willow Slough FWA/Kankakee Sands; leave at 6:30 AM from Kroger’s, northwest side of jct. IN 14 west and Scott
Rd. Grassland birds and others, some at eastern extreme of their ranges. Return about 7 PM. Leaders: Stephanie
Wagner, Ed Powers.

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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
Riverfront Fort Wayne
Dave Reichlinger, Treasurer 432-9431
Sandy Schacht, Director 260-356-3681
Christmas Bird Count
Julie Henricks, Newsletter Editor 638-4375
Results Ed Powers, Membership 638-4291
Terri Gorney, Program Chair 490-6725
2019 Board Ballot John Winebrenner, Director 260-414-4866
Stephanie Wagner, Director sewsings328@gmail.com
Spring Field Trip Schedule Greg Majewski, Director_________________gamajewski@gmail.com
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
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