July/August 2009

Volume XXXV, Issue 7 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY

UPCOMING SPEAKER SERIES with Victoria Gagieva I N S I D E

Birds of Moscow
Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, Decatur
3 PM, Sunday, July 12
Moscow Region. She has also
participated in bird banding in
Moscow’s parks and
countryside, locating breeding
cranes using the pelengation
For a fascinating presentation
method in the wildlife reserve,
concerning the birds of Moscow
Crane Motherland, and winter
and its environs, come to the
expeditions to the south of
next Speaker Series at DeKalb
Russia. Since 2005, her main
County’s new performing arts
scientific research has been in
center. Victoria Gagieva, who
population ecology of open-
received her undergraduate
nesting passerines in National
degree from the Moscow
Park Russky Sever (Russian
Pedagogical State University,
North) in the Kirillov District,
Department of Biology and
Vologda Oblast. Victoria will
Chemistry, will be our featured
speak to us about the birds of
speaker. She specializes in
Moscow and the surrounding
ornithology and has conducted
area, share with us some facts
scientific research in this field.
about the avifauna of the
Victoria has taken part in
Moscow region, methods of
numerous projects such as the
observation, the focus of
Birds of Moscow and Moscow
fieldwork at different research
Region programme that
stations and the peculiar
collected data for the Atlas:
features of seasonal work.
Birds of Moscow City and
Directions: DeKalb County’s
new Porter Sanford III
Performing Arts Center is
located at 3181 Rainbow Drive,
Decatur. Traveling on I-20 East,
take the Candler Road exit and
turn right. Pass Ember Drive on
the left and turn left onto
Rainbow Drive. The center is
approximately 1,200 yards on
the right. Traveling on I-20 West,
take the Candler Road exit and
turn left. Travel over the
interstate and follow the
directions above.
Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)
Photographer: Krilova Anastacia
Backyard Sanctuary Tour.....2
From the Exec Dir ................3
Legacy Club .........................3
Field Notes...........................4
Field Trips.............................5
Colombia Birding Trip...........5
May Excitement ...................5
Spotlight Carl Tyler...............6
Volunteer Opportunities.......6
A Million Thanks..................6
Shorebird Workshop ............7
Dragonflies...........................7
Freedom Park Garden..........8
Memorial Gift .......................8
Book Review ........................9
Sustainability Task Force.....9
Classifieds..........................10
Trap, Neuter, Release .........10
Birds in Decline....................11
Membership........................11
Southern Birding Trails.........12
ATLANTA

Not an Early Bird? Perfect!

Join us for “Birds and Buffalo Wings”
AUDUBON SOCIETY
P. O. Box 29189
Evening Walks
Atlanta, GA 30359
6:30 PM, Wednesday, July 15 and Thursday, August 20
www.atlantaaudubon.org
Join us for one or both events. We plan to meet for the evening walks in the parking lot at
Buffalo Wild Wings (2375 Mansell Road in Alpharetta off GA 400). From there, we’ll pick up the
path to the awesome Big Creek Wetlands Park trail. Come and enjoy an evening of bird AAS OFFICE
watching, wildlife viewing and a relaxing casual walk. Afterwards, when we return to Buffalo
Wild Wings we’ll head inside for some wings and fun with fellow birding friends. and Information Line
These events are free (except the food) and open to everyone who hates to get up early in the
morning—but early birds are welcome. In case of rain, the walks will be canceled. 678.973.2437
Directions: Traveling north on GA 400, take the Mansell Road exit and turn right. Go through
the traffic light at North Point Parkway and past the Benihana restaurant, turn right into the GOS RARE BIRD ALERT
parking lot. Traveling south on GA 400, take the Mansell Road exit and turn left. Go under the
GA 400 bridge and follow the directions above. 770.493.8862
 Board of Directors
2009 Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
2009
Executive Director Catharine Kuchar
A Wonderful Experience just Southeast of the City
770.993.9579
Catharine.kuchar@atlantaaudubon.org 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday, September 12
Come and see five very distinct backyard wildlife sanctuaries this fall on our popular Backyard
Officers
President Stacy E. Zarpentine Wildlife Sanctuary Tour south of Atlanta, with all of the sites located in and around
404.219.5869
nuthatch3@aol.com Fayetteville/Peachtree City. This tour of these private sanctuaries is a great way for you to get
President-elect Carol N. Hassell some ideas for your own garden and help our birds and wildlife.
770.945.3111
chassell@mindspring.com Once you’ve made it south, you’ll definitely have time to soak up these fabulous sanctuaries to
Treasurer
Vacant your heart’s content since there isn’t more than 12 minutes driving between each. Directions will
Recording Secy Mark Jernigan be available at our Website starting August 1. The experience for this year’s tour includes:
404.298.8825
markajernigan@bellsouth.net 214 Smokerise Trace, Peachtree City, 30269
Corresponding Secy Barbara Tarpley 233 Smokerise Trace, Peachtree City, 30269
404.687.0079
atlpiaf@aol.com 355 Beauregard Blvd, Fayetteville, 30082
Two Doves Farm, Fayetteville, 30215
Directors Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary, Old Senoia Road, 30215
Conservation Dave Butler
404.580.3917 You will appreciate the diversity of these sanctuaries. Two of the properties in Peachtree City are
dabutler700@comcast.net
within walking distance of one another. The numerous native trees, shrubs and perennials at 214
Education Marge Igyarto
678.398.0569 Smokerise Trace gratify our Georgia birds and wildlife and will definitely delight you. This
igyar@earthlink.net sanctuary has been a work in progress for 15 years and is certainly appreciated by the over 125
Field Trips Stanley Chapman
stancha@aol.com species of birds that have been recorded there. At 233 Smokerise Trace there are waterfalls and
Membership Darlene Moore meandering creeks as well as a huge array of plants established in a whimsical garden. Take the
404.633.9361
djmoore67@bellsouth.net time to walk along the natural stone pathways and enjoy the huge hardwoods abundant on this
Communications hilltop sanctuary, which by virtue of its geographic height attracts migrants and resident birds
Barbara Tarpley
404.687.0079 alike. The special water features at each of these sanctuaries are a joy, one fed by natural springs
atlpiaf@aol.com and the other with beautifully constructed waterfalls. The incredible 30-plus-acre natural
Publicity Beth Giddens
770.792.3712
woodland garden at 355 Beauregard Boulevard in Fayetteville is part of one of the oldest gardens
beth.giddens@att.net in the county. Hemlocks, rhododendrons, mountain laurels, native azaleas and more abound at this
Volunteers Nancy Hamilton sanctuary, where you could easily spend the entire day learning and being surprised by the
404.874.2338
nlhamilton@bellsouth.net diversity of plants created over the 55 years that these dedicated owners have worked on this
At Large private garden.
Jay Davis
404.624.4973 For the very enthusiastic birders among you the Sams Lake Bird Sanctuary opens at daybreak, so
webtoad@earthlink.net you can get a head start on your big day out and enjoy an early morning walk. Stop by and
JoAnn Jordan
678.488.8022
possibly see the resident flock of wild turkeys as well as herons, egrets, hawks and even a
jordan.joann@gmail.com muskrat. This 56-acre site, which was certified as a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary in 2008, is a
Victor Williams drained lakebed reverting to a natural meadow. There are four shallow pond areas with small
Earthshare Representative
770.423.1012 islands to provide habitat for nesting birds. Amble around the easy half-mile mulched trail along
72064.1017@compuserve.com
--- the borders of the wetlands and linger awhile on the three observation decks. At Two Doves Farm
Website you can see firsthand how natural resources and the environment can be preserved while the
Jim Flynn fruits and vegetables are being grown and the livestock being raised. The bees take care of
webmaster@atlantaaudubon.org
Wingbars Editor pollination, and the chickens lend a hand fertilizing the garden while also aiding in pest control by
Mary Ann Hindes 770.497.0664 eating the bugs and grubs that might otherwise eat the plants. You may want to end your day here
mhindes@bellsouth.net
Proofreading
and even purchase honey and home grown produce to eat on your way back to the city.
Steven Phenicie
770.849.0391 Tickets are $12 in advance and for FOAA members and $15 the day of the tour. Buy advance
swlphenicie@bellsouth.net tickets starting July 1 by calling 678.973.2437. You can pay for your tickets using your credit
Design & Layout
Copy Preparation 770.939.2002 card, and we will e-mail or mail you a ticket to bring with you the day of the tour. On the day of
incoming@copyprep.com the tour, tickets will be available only at our primary ticket sites—214 Smokerise Trace and 355
Newsletter deadline is the first of
the month for material to be Beauregard Boulevard. NOTE: TICKET PURCHASES ARE LIMITED to these two sites or in
published the following month. advance. If you have any questions regarding the tour, please contact Jacqueline McRae at
Please submit articles as MS-Word to
mhindes@bellsouth.net. jacqueline.mcrae@comcast.net. If you are interested in volunteering for the tour, please call
E-mail attachments, if possible.
678.973.2437.
Wingbars is the official newsletter of Atlanta
Audubon Society and is published 11 times a
year. We feature news, upcoming events,
meetings, field trips and projects. We hope you
will join us. Opinions expressed are those of the
Mission Statement:
authors and do not necessarily reflect policies To promote the enjoyment and understanding of birds and to
of the Atlanta Audubon Society.
conserve and restore the ecosystems that support them.
2 Atlanta Audubon Society
 From the Executive Director Atlanta
by Catharine Brockman Kuchar
Audubon
Society
An Important Step in AAS Educational Efforts
Education is absolutely paramount to Atlanta Audubon Society’s mission. Everything else flows out
Legacy
of that. Without continuing efforts to teach individuals—both young and old—about bird basics,
why birds matter, the state of birds (common and rare) and the environment, it won’t be possible
to instill in them a passion and a desire to conserve our feathered friends. As you know, our most
dedicated bird conservationists are individuals who have great knowledge, appreciation and love
Club
for birds and their habitats. Therefore, we are in the process of creating an Education Coordinator Join us as a charter member
position and are currently interviewing some amazing candidates. Our goal is to extensively expand of the AAS Legacy Club by
our education efforts for both adults and young people, and we wanted to share some thoughts including Atlanta Audubon
about a few of the things we hope to make possible in achieving our goals. in your bequests.

ADULTS Your gift to Atlanta Audubon

Look for many more educational opportunities to expand your learning: Society ensures our long-term
• Increase the number of Speaker Series events to once a month (except December) from the six ability to manage the
per year schedule we have followed. resources necessary to
preserve and protect metro
• Expand and diversify the number of workshops, classes and seminars for advanced and
Atlanta’s birds and the
beginning learners with the goal of scheduling at least one class per month. ecosystems that support them.
• Develop an “Art of Birding” program including classes on journaling, drawing, photography and While cash donations are the
digiscoping. most popular form of support,
• Offer an international birding trip on a yearly basis (our first trip will be to Colombia in early a variety of options exist,
2010). Later we would increase the trips to twice per year (one trip for the super-serious birders from charitable gift annuities
and the other a more relaxed birding trip). and more.
• Continue with the ever-popular Master Birder course.
• Boost our community outreach efforts for groups, clubs and organizations. This will include Question: What forms of
bequest can I make in
developing new materials such as handouts and slide presentations to assist volunteer speakers my Last Will and
in presenting programs. Testament to benefit the
YOUNG PEOPLE future of Atlanta
Audubon Society?
Opportunities to work with young people concerning birds, the environment and conservation will
be the number one priority for our Education Coordinator position: Answer: There is plenty
• Expand the already very popular Learning About Birds (LAB) program in schools and nature of flexibility. You may
centers. leave a particular asset
• Increase support and participation in the Youth Birding Competition. (cash, stock, personal
• Provide workshops, classes and seminars for young birders throughout the year. property, real estate or
other investment), or
• Build upon and expand our scholarship programs.
you may name AAS as
• Develop a young bird-writers guild. beneficiary or contingent
• Create a new and exciting program for junior birders (Jr. Birder Club, Jr. Master Birders, etc.). beneficiary to an
• Develop new curriculum for classroom use at a variety of levels (meeting Georgia’s insurance policy. (A
Performance Standards). contingent beneficiary is
an individual who is
These are just a few of the many ideas we have for expanding our educational efforts and, of entitled to receive the
course, we like to hear your ideas. As always, we pledge to be wise stewards of your financial gifts, benefits of an insurance
making the most impact (both short and long term) for the birds that we love. policy if the primary
beneficiary dies.) You
may also leave specific
Blue Heron Nature Preserve Open House amounts or a percentage
of your estate (or
Is a Big Success residual estate) to AAS.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered
For more information
and attended the Blue Heron Nature contact Art Hurt at
Preserve Open House in May. The event artlisahurt@bellsouth.net.
was a big success. The weather was
beautiful, and we had the opportunity to
AAS shares in the fun meet many of our new neighbors around
Photographer: Cynthia Bohannon-Brown
the preserve.
Shade-Grown Coffee
Education, too
July/August 2009 3
 April Field Notes
By far the most interesting, if not
most amazing, was the sighting
of a Cuban Black Hawk at
Callaway Gardens. Unfortunately
the bird remained in the area for
only one day. Read on for the
details of this incredible report.
For the month the Atlanta area reported 181
species (average = 175.0) to bring the year-
to-date list to 204 (average = 199.9). The
Georgia area did well with 254 species
(average = 245.5) to bring that year-to-date
list to 289 (average = 289.1).
ATLANTA AREA
GEESE THROUGH HERONS – A SNOW GOOSE first
reported from Cobb Co. in Dec. 2008 was still there
on 12 April (JSh). Three WILD TURKEYS were quite an
unusual sighting near Henderson Park in DeKalb Co.
on 22 April (fide JSe). A breeding plumage EARED
GREBE was seen on Lake Varner in Newton Co. on 1
April (MMcS). HG and PB found two AMERICAN
BITTERNS in Walton Co. on 5 April. At the Mercer
Wetlands in NE Atlanta, JW found two AMERICAN
BITTERNS on 15 April, and they remained there at
least until 25 April (JSe). At the E.L.Huie Land
Application Facility (ELHLAF) in Clayton Co., CLa had
one AMERICAN BITTERN and two LEAST BITTERNS on
19 April. Rather early sightings of GREAT EGRETS
were four in the Sandy Springs area on 6 April (SZ)
and seven at the Chattahoochee River National
Recreation area (CRNRA) on 11 April (CB). A BLACK-
CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was seen at the CRNRA on
25 April (AM, et al.) and an early YELLOW-CROWNED
NIGHT-HERON was seen at the Mercer Wetlands on 1
April (PMc). Probably the same YELLOW-CROWNED
NIGHT-HERON was seen at the Mercer Wetlands on
16 April by JW.
OSPREY THROUGH SANDPIPERS – Two OSPREY nests
were reported from Blalock Lake, part of the ELHLAF,
on 2 April (CLa). A single SWALLOW-TAILED KITE was
reported from Walton Co. on 26 April (VL) for a very
rare report for the Atlanta area. A MERLIN was
reported from the CRNRA starting on 8 April (NF) and
remaining there at least until 17 April (KB, RC). The
interesting thing about this sighting was that on at
least one occasion the bird was seen attempting to
catch a fish from the river. Generally MERLINS are
completely after avian prey. CLa had a good count of
16 COMMON MOORHENS at the ELHLAF on 2 April. In
Walton Co. HG and PB reported a LESSER GOLDEN-
PLOVER and an UPLAND SANDPIPER on 5 April. At the
ELHLAF, CLa and JSe, et al., had a STILT SANDPIPER
on 19 April and it was seen again the next day by NF.
OWLS THROUGH SWALLOWS – A dead BARN OWL
was found in Forsyth Co. on 15 April by JF. HG, et al.,
4 Atlanta Audubon Society
by Terry Moorez
had an excellent count of 20 WHITE-EYED VIREOS at
the CRNRA on 15 April. There were a couple good
counts of NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS
with 100 at Lake Acworth on 2 April (BZ) and 119 at
the CRNRA on 15 April (HG, et al.). On 2 April CLa had
the following at the ELHLAF – 40 PURPLE MARTINS,
85 TREE SWALLOWS, 25 NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED
SWALLOWS and 25 BARN SWALLOWS.
WRENS THROUGH SISKINS – Two SEDGE WRENS
were a good find at the CRNRA on 17 April (KB, RC).
HG, et al., had a good count of 43 BLUE-GRAY
GNATCATCHERS at the CRNRA on 14 April. The
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Cobb
Co. played host to good numbers of migrant warblers
during the month. Some examples were a
BREWSTER’S WARBLER on 27 April (AM, et al.), a
NASHVILLE WARBLER on 22 April (CS), three
NASHVILLE WARBLERS on 24 April (GB, et al.), 22
BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLERS on 24 April (GB,
et al.), 19 BLACKBURNIAN WARBLERS on 24 April (GB,
et al.), eight CERULEAN WARBLERS on 24 April (GB, et
al.), and two separate MOURNING WARBLERS on 26
April (MM). There was an additional NASHVILLE
WARBLER seen in south Fulton Co. on 24 April (CM).
Although the number of PINE SISKINS started to drop
during the month, there were still a good number
around.
GEORGIA AREA
WHISTLING-DUCKS THROUGH GREBES – At the
Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area (AWMA) near
Darien, BZ had 18 BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-
DUCKS and 10 MOTTLED DUCKS on 11 April. A
GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was reported from
Gordon Co. on 11 April (JSp). DR saw a female
HOODED MERGANSER along with six chicks in
northern Floyd Co. on 18 and 19 April. A female
COMMON MERGANSER was a rare sighting in
Jackson Co. on 9 April (MMcS). A RED-THROATED
LOON was seen at the Bear Creek Reservoir in
Jackson Co. on 1 April (BB) and 3 April (JN). Two
PACIFIC LOONS were discovered on Lake Richard B.
Russell on 19 April by JF. The birds remained there
until at least 27 April (MMcS). An EARED GREBE was a
good find in the Columbus area on 14 April (WC).
PELICANS THROUGH HERONS – BZ had a count of 20
AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS along the Andrews Island
Causeway at Brunswick on 11 April. At the AWMA on
11 April, BZ spotted one AMERICAN BITTERN and
three LEAST BITTERNS. Two CATTLE EGRETS were a
very good find in Gordon Co. on 14 April (JSp).
Another sighting out of its normal range was a
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON in Murray Co. on 24
April (JSp).
KITES THROUGH HAWKS – PR got a brief look at what
he felt was a SNAIL KITE near Bainbridge on 23 April.
Unfortunately it was a very brief look and no photos
were obtained. There was a previous report of one or
two birds seen in April 1971 near Ludowici. There
were a few reports of SWALLOW-TAILED KITES with a
single bird at Callaway Gardens on 11 April (MMcS)
and two birds along the Jekyll Island Causeway on 11
April (BZ). The CUBAN BLACK HAWK was discovered
at Callaway Gardens on the morning of 10 April, but
was last seen at about 11:30 AM that same day
despite intensive searching (CC fide JSe).While there
seems little doubt as to the correctness of the
identification (excellent photos were taken), the origin
of such a rare bird has to be questioned. It is a very
sedentary species where it is found in Cuba. It is not a
species that would be kept by falconers as it
generally sits low in coastal wetlands looking mostly
for crabs. Keep posted as more information may
come along.
GALLINULES THROUGH TERNS – A PURPLE
GALLINULE was a good find in the Columbus area on
20 April (JMcM). Two SANDHILL CRANES were
unusual for Sapelo Island on 21 April (GK). Another
unusual sighting was that of a BLACK-NECKED STILT
at the Phinizy Swamp in the Augusta area on 19 April
(GZ). Single UPLAND SANDPIPERS were seen at
Sapelo Island on 3 April (fide DC) and at the AWMA on
18 April (HG, PB). SWi had a good count of 500+
WHIMBRELS at Gould’s Inlet on 25 April. PMc and RM
reported a FRANKLIN’S GULL at Brunswick late in the
month and HG and PB had two adult FRANKLIN’S
GULLS at Gould’s Inlet on 18 April. A single CASPIAN
TERN was seen at Carter’s Lake on 7 and 29 April
(MM). Rare for an inland site was a LEAST TERN in
Laurens Co. on 25 April (JG, et al.).
DOVES THROUGH SISKINS – Single WHITE-WINGED
DOVES were reported from Jekyll Island on 5 April
(MC), Savannah on 11 April (SWa), and the AWMA on
27 April (DM, KT, DZ). A rare BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO
was seen on Jekyll Island on 24 April (SWi). BZ had a
monster count of TREE SWALLOWS at the AWMA on
11 April with 50,000 to 100,000 birds being present.
JMcN had a good count of BLUE-GRAY
GNATCATCHERS at the State Botanical Garden of
Georgia in Athens on 15 April. Other good counts were
14 CERULEAN WARBLERS on Pine Mtn. on 21 April
(WC), 18 SUMMER TANAGERS and 25 SCARLET
TANAGERS on Pine Mtn. on 24 April (WC), 25 BLUE
GROSBEAKS at Harris Neck NWR on 25 April (SF).
Three DICKCISSELS were seen near Bostwick on 25
April (fide JSe), one was seen in the Columbus area
on 25 April (BL), and two were seen in Morgan Co. on
29 April (JN). PINE SISKIN numbers were declining,
but some birds stayed around for the entire month.
CONTRIBUTORS – Giff Beaton, Brandon Best, Ken
Blankenship, Charlie Bostwick, Patrick Brisse, Rachel
Cass, Walt Chambers, Marjorie Clark, Doris Cohrs,
Cory Croft, Nathan Farnau, Jim Flynn, Steve Fox, Mark
Freeman, Hugh Garrett, Jim Gilreath, Gene Keferl,
Carol Lambert, Vanessa Lane, Bill Lotz, Carole Ludwig,
Ruth Marley, Patty McLean, John McMahan, Joel
McNeal, Mark McShane, Max Medley, Al Mercer,
Darlene Moore, Peggy and Terry Moore, Charlie Muise,
James Neves, Paul Raney, Dan Roper, Chuck Saleeby,
Jeff Sewell, James Shand, Joshua Spence, Karen
Theodorou, Jim Urban, Steve Wagner, Joe Weissman,
Sheila Willis, Bob and Deb Zaremba, Stacy Zarpentine
and Gene Zielinski.
Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Ct., Roswell, GA 30075
– tsmoore@bellsouth.net
 Field Trips Compiled by Stan Chapman

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 July & August field trips
Sketch by Anne McCallum
that may be scheduled.
Note: We encourage carpooling to and from out-of-town field trips. If you are coming from the Atlanta area and
are willing to take riders or if you wish to carpool (and share expenses), please e-mail Stan Chapman at
stancha@aol.com and include your name, location, phone number by 8 PM on the Wednesday preceding the trip at
which time he will send a master list of participants for everyone to make their own arrangements.

If you have some expertise in birding and leadership and are interested in leading a bird walk, please e-mail the field
trip coordinator, Stan Chapman at stancha@aol.com. Leaders are needed for August and September.
Piedmont Park (City of Atlanta) Birding focus: The birding focus will be McCrackin St. and travel 0.3 mi to the cafe.
Saturday, July 4 on nesting birds found in this refuge, We encourage carpooling to and from the
NOTE: The usual first Saturday Piedmont including Red-cockaded Woodpecker, meeting place. If you are coming from the
Park field trip will not be held this month Bachman’s Sparrow, Orchard Oriole, Atlanta area and are willing to take riders
because of the annual Peachtree Road Summer Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, or if you wish to ride with someone (and
race. Kentucky Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, share expenses), please e-mail Stan
Blue Grosbeak and Acadian Flycatcher, Chapman at stancha@aol.com and include
Saturday, July 11, 7:30 AM among others. Note that these birds your name, location and phone number by
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, (including a close-up view of a perched 8 PM Wednesday, July 18, at which time
near Juliette Mississippi Kite) were seen or heard on Stan will send a master list of drivers and
Lloyd “Pappy” Snyder Pappy’s trip in May to this location. riders so everyone can make their own
(cell 678.296.4463) arrangements.
Meet at the Whistle Stop Cafe, 443 Directions: From Atlanta, take I-75 South
McCrackin St., downtown Juliette, to to Exit 186 (Tift College Drive/Juliette Rd.). NOTE: If you plan to go, e-mail Stan
carpool to refuge. Turn left at the end of the ramp and follow Chapman at stancha@aol.com, because the
the road (which becomes Juliette Rd.) for field trip will be led only if people wish to
9.5 mi. At Juliette, make a sharp left onto attend.

AAS Plans Exciting Trip to Colombia, South America

Now that Colombia is safe for travel, birders are flocking back to the country that has
more species of birds than any other. With almost 1,800 separate birds, a variety of
habitats and many endemics, Colombia offers a super place to build on a life list. We are
consulting with a British tour company that offers excellent rates and guides to a variety
of places in the country. A recent traveler to this country felt that the Colombians were
among the friendliest folks ever encountered in South America. If you are interested keep
mid-January open on your 2010 calendar and let Sally Davis know at
www.atlantaaudubon.org.
Additional details will follow in subsequent Wingbars issues.

Month of May Excitement

Did you happen to keep up with the minute-by-minute postings on GABO by all of the
birders who headed to Jacksonville, Florida, to see the Greater Sand Plover at Huguenot
State Park? It is a bird that normally inhabits the sandy steppes of Asia, and it is only the
second sighting that the American Birding Association (ABA) has reported according to Ken
Blankenship. Carl Tyler lamented that he could not find it in Parrish, Beaton & Kennedy’s
Birds of Georgia, Kaufman’s Birds of North America or The Sibley Field Guide to Birds, but
said that it was in The Shorebird Guide by O’Brien, Crossley & Karlson. Charlie Muise
added that it is in A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines by Kennedy, et al., Birds in Japan
by Yamashina, Shorebirds, an Identification Guide by Hayman, et al., as well as another Greater Sand Plover
Photographer: Jim Flynn
Japanese field guide with little English that he also has. But Jim Flynn’s contribution to
Wingbars is outstanding—a photo of the Greater Sand Plover.

July/August 2009 5
 Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner
4
Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer
olunteer
Opportunities
Compiled by Carol Hassell
Library Organizer
We need someone to come to our
office at the Blue Heron Nature
Preserve during the week to help
us unpack, organize and set up
the library shelves in our new
education room. The organizer will
help us figure out the best way to
arrange the books and catalogue
them. The task should be no more
than 10 hours. If interested,
contact Catharine Kuchar at
Catharine.Kuchar@atlantaaudubon.org.
Strategic Planning Developer
Do you have experience
developing a strategic plan? We
would like to update our strategic
plan starting in August and need a
volunteer who could help us
organize a strategic planning
session and advise us on ways to
manage this process. If interested,
contact Catharine Kuchar at
Catharine.Kuchar@atlantaaudubon.org.
Volunteer Recognition
Coordinator
We need someone to manage the
new Volunteer of the Month
program. The Coordinator will
manage the selection of the
volunteer, send a letter of
recognition/gift from AAS to the
person selected, and then write a
brief notice for inclusion in
Wingbars. AAS appreciates our
volunteers, and we want to find
better ways to thank them. Can
you help? If so, contact Catharine
Kuchar at
Catharine.Kuchar@atlantaaudubon.org.
Speakers Needed
Be part of the AAS Speakers
Bureau—a group of volunteers
who enjoy speaking about
backyard birding, feeders and
birdbaths, native plants that attract
the birds and how to identify birds
and their songs. Many garden
clubs, nature organizations and
nurseries request speakers from
AAS, which provides us with a
great opportunity for outreach in
the community. Contact Nancy
Hamilton at
nlhamilton@bellsouth.net.
6 Atlanta Audubon Society
• Volunteer
Spotlighting... Carl Tyler
By Lynn Waldvogel
As a teenage Boy lives near Lakeside High School from which his
Scout, Carl Tyler four children graduated. Among his favorite
became interested in spots to go birding are the ponds of E. L. Huie
birding. But college, Land Application Facility and the Newman
medical school, family Wetlands Center. Carl has participated in many
and career put that AAS trips, and he shared a story about an
interest largely on hold annual shorebird workshop to Merritt Island in
until retirement. “I Titusville, Florida. “One year I went birding
never dropped out with Jerry Pevey, Theresa Hartz, and Lisa and
entirely because my Art Hurt. The trip took us to what is now
family and I often took known as the Ritch Grissom Memorial
Carl Tyler camping vacations. I Wetlands at Viera in Melbourne. Lisa promised
Photographer: Roger Rochat
became more active we would see the Crested Caracara.
after 1997, going on Unfortunately, the birds did not appear. Since I
Atlanta Audubon Society bird walks, joining vacation near the area each summer, I went
friends on trips to the Merritt Island National back on my own the following July. After
Wildlife Reserve and finally taking the Fall 2007 driving around the ponds for a few hours, I
Master Birder Course.” headed for the exit. There before me was a pair
Carl worked with Jim Wilson in the early days of the birds we had missed in January! Slowing
of the Georgia Important Bird Areas Program, my car to a stop, they posed for me. This
Audubon’s primary conservation initiative allowed me to take several pictures of them
even while I changed lenses on my camera
providing essential habitats for birds.
Additionally, he has served on the board as several times. One shot I included with my
director for volunteers and has been a annual Christmas mailing in 2007.”
contributor to Wingbars. Most recently, he Carl’s interest in birding has taken him to more
served as chair of the AAS Sustainability Task exotic locations as well. “My best bird is one
Force with fellow board members Nancy that I saw in Costa Rica on a birding trip this
Hamilton, Jay Davis and Allyson Read and past February. Georgann Schmalz, three-time
member volunteers, Beth Giddens and Pam past president of AAS, who now has her own
Higgenbotham. business, Birding Adventures, led a group for a
A physician and public health professional, week of adventure. As I recall, we identified
Carl spent most of his 33-year career with 312 different species of birds in that time. My
the Centers for Disease Control. A favorite sighting was a pair of Lavender-browed
resident of DeKalb County, Carl Motmots.”
A Million Thanks!
Atlanta Audubon Society is an amazing organization because of its volunteers.
As always, we extend our gratitude to ALL of our volunteers, but would like to
send a special thank you to the following individuals this month.
Many thanks go to all the volunteers who helped with our big Open House event at
the Blue Heron Nature Preserve. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks to
Cynthia Bohannon-Brown, Dave Butler, Anita Chilcutt, Denise Gibson, Nancy
Hamilton, Carol Hassell, Mary Kelly, Janelle Kovner, Colleen Stapleton, Barbara Tarpley,
Donna Wensink and Victor Williams.
A big thank you to David Kuechenmeister and Lynn Waldvogel for writing our “spotlight” articles.
We enjoyed David’s great article last month about Tim Keyes, and this month Lynn is spotlighting Carl
Tyler to whom we owe so much. We are so grateful to everyone who makes Wingbars such a special
publication through their dedication and work in submitting articles for our members to enjoy. Thanks!
Georgann Schmalz, Lydia Thompson and Brad Winn made this year’s shorebird workshop another
big success. Many thanks to Georgann for conducting the classroom session and to Lydia and Brad for
conducting the field activities on the coast.
Many thanks to Lolly Lederberg for donating back issues of Wingbars dating back to 1993. The
editions have been bound and will be placed in our new education office.
 Shorebird Workshop
By Anne Lawson-Beerman
Marbled Godwits, Willets, Short-billed Dowitchers, Dunlin
Photographer: Art Hurt
Do you have a bucket list? You know, an
itemization of the life experiences you hope to
enjoy before you kick the bucket? For most of us,
whether it’s written on paper or circulating freely
in our minds, there exists a list of the things we
want to see and do before we depart this earthly
paradise.
If you’re a birder, the Atlanta Audubon’s
Shorebird Workshop should be on that list. This
remarkable, close-to-home trip will show you a
world-traveling array of shorebirds right on the
Georgia coast. The annual trip has been
developed and fine-tuned by Lisa and Art Hurt
over the past eight years. Timed to coincide with
the laying of horseshoe crab eggs—a major food
source for migrating shorebirds—the workshop
occurs on a new or full moon weekend in spring.
The 2009 trip took place on May 8 and 9. Expertly
guided on Saturday by Brad Winn and associates
from Georgia’s DNR, followed on Sunday by
naturalist Lydia Thompson who revealed the
secrets of Jekyll Island, our group of 15 enjoyed a
stellar array of migratory and resident shorebirds,
waterfowl and songbirds. Our species count
totaled 101 for the weekend. See AAS Website for
complete tally.
Bobolink, blackbird, bittern and bunting. Ibis,
oriole, Osprey and oystercatcher. Spoonbill,
skimmer, sandpiper, shrike. Whimbrel and Willet.
Don’t forget whistling-duck. The names alone
arouse poetic bird lust. But the birds not only
appeared, they cooperated beyond all
expectation. For example: A hidden lake on
Jekyll Island is home to a Wood Stork colony. We
counted ten nests and oohed and aahed over the
downy chick being fed in one. Nearby, six
Roseate Spoonbills roosted in a tree. At first, we
had to take it on faith that the pink and red blobs
across the lake were spoonbills. One bird,
apparently sensing our disappointment that his
brethren were dozing with heads turned away
from us and distinctive bills resting on shoulders,
awoke and showed us what being a spoonbill is
all about. He stretched; he preened; he peered at
us solemnly. He showed us his spoonbill in
profile, from the top and extended. He did
everything spoonbill except hop down from his
July/August 2009
perch to fish in his species’ distinctive straining
way. Perhaps he’s saving that for next year.
Our trek continued until Lisa’s arm reached out in
the universal outdoorswoman’s signal to stop and
be silent. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was on the
ground in front of us. Cuckoos are notoriously
difficult to see, as their olive drab color Royal River Cruiser (Macromia taeniolata)
camouflages them well in trees. Views of them Photographer: Giff Beaton
tend to consist mostly of belly. Here was a
cuckoo foraging on a well-trod path, flicking at Dragonflies of
leaf litter, displaying its spotted tail as it rose and the Wetlands
flew. The consensus among even the expert
birders was that it was the best view ever of this with Giff Beaton
uncommon species. Newman Wetlands
One advantage an organized trip offers is access Center,
to sites you might otherwise not know about or 2755 Freeman Road,
would be unable to reach. Three motorboats took
Hampton
us to sandbars and tiny islands in St. Catherines
Sound that were rich with horseshoe crab eggs 8:30 AM,
and feeding shorebirds. In a ritual that is millions Sunday, July 12
of years old, crabs come ashore to lay eggs at
high tide at specific points in the lunar cycle. Join Giff Beaton, author
Migrating shorebirds arrive soon after to fuel up
of Dragonflies &
for their continuing journeys. Thanks to the
expertise of DNR’s biologists we not only Damselflies Of Georgia
witnessed the feeding phenomenon, but we also And The Southeast, for a
observed the mortality that befalls crabs that get morning walk through
overturned by waves during the egg-laying rush. the wetlands. We’ll learn
We also benefited from our biologists’ technical identification techniques
educations. It is now known that many shorebird for the many species of
species that probe in the sand have flexible bill
these beautiful insects
tips and can detect and grasp food that they can’t
see. that play a crucial role in
our environment. The
Brad and Lydia were both familiar with another
local phenomenon. At dusk, Whimbrels flock up walk is free, but group
and depart from the Gould’s Inlet area of St. size is limited and
Simons Island, heading to their night roost. Our reservations are
group convened there on Saturday evening to see absolutely required.
the show. It did not disappoint. Whimbrels arrived Quiet, attentive children
in groups and landed briefly on a sandbar before 10 years+ are welcome.
heading out in even larger flocks. And to our
Contact: Carol Lambert
delight, two Red Knots, sporting leg bands that
identified them as having come from Tierra del 770-603-5606 or email:
Fuego at the tip of South America, were among clambert@ccwa.us
the gathering Whimbrels. Two little birds of less Clayton County Water
than five ounces each had flown the globe and Authority —
stopped to dine in Georgia. Environmental Education
Atlanta Audubon’s Shorebird Workshop is almost — www.ccwa.us.
an embarrassment of bird riches. Everyone in the
group was amused to see Black Skimmers resting
their beaks on Jekyll’s south beach. The birds
feed all night, skimming the ocean surface,
scooping up fish and shrimp in their large lower
mandibles. Of course they’re tired the next
morning. So they lie down—some on their bellies,
some on their sides—and prop their long bills on
the sand. It’s a wonderful, unusual sight that adds Giff Beaton with Dragonfly Enthusiasts
to the happy nature of this “bucket list” trip. Photographer: Carol Lambert
7
 Photographs by Carol Vanderschaaf
Blooming Milkweed with
American Painted Lady Butterfly
Larkspur
Spring at Freedom Park Bird
and Butterfly Garden
By Carol Vanderschaaf
Water, water everywhere! It’s been a wonderful spring at the garden. The rains are
pouring; the birds are singing; the butterflies are fluttering; and the buds are blooming.
Big Birds at Garden…A Pileated Woodpecker was reported near the garden by neighbor Jim
Satcher. Yes, Jim saw the crest. The bird was in an oak tree digging for food under some
dead bark. Jim also reports that in late May “a huge hawk landed in one of the white oaks in
the garden and proceeded to eat something, a bird I believe. The mockingbirds and robins
attacked him over and over.” Jim added a bluebird house to his front yard last year and notes
that this year, “the bluebirds have hatched one brood and are in the process of hatching their
second right now in the birdhouse. It is neat because the female basically sits up enough so
that she can just stick her head out any time she wants—like a dog out a car window. I also
had two robin nests this year.”
In addition to the usual suspects, a pair of Chipping Sparrows has been frequenting the
garden. Chipping Sparrows build their cup-shaped nests in trees or vines up to 11 feet off the
ground. They can have two broods a year averaging four eggs per brood. This bird might be
nicknamed the camel bird as it can live on dry seeds without drinking water for up to three
weeks. (The Birder's Handbook, Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, Simon and Schuster, 1988).
Native plants blooming this spring have included thrift, Piedmont azalea, celandine poppy,
crossvine, milkweed, fringed bleeding heart, wine cups and even those green and gold
ground cover plants that we thought would never rise again. In April, Master Gardener Phil
Edwards scattered some larkspur seeds in the butterfly area of the garden, and a burst of
their purple-colored flowers (Delphinium L.) was the result. Larkspur is a herbaceous
perennial native to the eastern United States. They prefer full sun, average soil and medium
humidity. Some species of this plant can be toxic if eaten. They are self-seeding. Larkspur
have some food and cover value for birds. They’re also attractive to butterflies, including the
pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor). Some Delphinium species are used as food plants
by the larvae of some species of Lepidoptera.
Garden Plantings: During the second week of November, students from the Challenge
(gifted) Classes at Mary Lin Elementary School, helped by members of the DeKalb County
Master Gardener Association, put 40 native plants in the garden. Pictures of the students
from that day have been added to the AAS Website. And this spring we added three witch-
hazel, three Florida anise and another winterberry—all donated by Trees Atlanta, thanks to
Greg Levine.
Path of Glory…We’re working on the idea of a pathway through the garden so that there
might be better access to the markers we’ve been putting by the native plants. Thanks to
Matt Wilder, senior associate at Eccos Environmental Design and member of the Freedom
Park Improvement Committee, who came several times to help us develop a plan. Matt also
brought Shawn Case, director of business development at Ed Castro Landscaping, who may
be able to help us with some materials for the path.
So all-in-all.....things are going well. And may the rains continue. If you’d like to be added
to the e-mail list for our quarterly garden update please e-mail me at
cvanderschaaf@bellsouth.net.

For which bird

Q: did naturalist
John Burroughs
What species
recently dethroned
document 1,088
the Arctic Tern as
Memorial Gift
vocal repetitions
We are grateful to Maxine and Cecil Cornwell for a gift in memory of their friend,
the bird with the
before it paused?
Gwen L. Gazaway of Newnan, Georgia, who passed away in May at 77 years of age.
longest migration? Gwen was a lover of birds and a wonderful artist who painted pictures of birds.
She was a member of the Newnan-Coweta Art Association.
See page
last___ for the
foranswer
See page answer Our condolences to her family, including daughter Alicia and son-in-law Edward.

8 Answer: Sooty Atlanta Audubon Society

Shearwater
 Book Review by Grant McCreary
Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia
by Matt J. Elliott, Whit Gibbons, Carlos D. Camp, and John B. Jensen

Dragonflies & Damselflies Of Georgia And The Southeast

by Giff Beaton
This is obvious to some birders, yet something akin to heresy for others, but there are interesting critters out there
besides birds. If you feel the same way, these two fantastic guides are for you. They will help you identify—and what
may be more important—appreciate the animals that they cover.
Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia is large and heavy, more of a handbook than field guide. But the species accounts
are fairly detailed and typically include multiple photographs. The text touches upon identification, but mostly deals
with other life history details. Perhaps the best feature is the range maps. A large Georgia map shows the range down
to the county level, and a small insert gives the country-wide range.
Dragonflies & Damselflies Of Georgia And The Southeast is a true field guide, but with an incredible amount of
information packed into each account. The text, which mostly deals with identification, is accompanied by multiple
impressive photographs. Each account has a sidebar that includes a small range map (showing the southeast only), the
species’ status in Georgia, a flight season calendar (when it is active) and its size. The latter is given in millimeters,
inches, and visually as a black bar that you can use to make a quick comparison in the field.
Both guides have extensive and helpful introductory material. Our state is blessed to have books such as these. They
are a must for any Georgia naturalist.

Sustainability Plan for Atlanta Audubon Society

By Carl Tyler
Atlanta Audubon Society (AAS) began a new stage in its
evolution last year. After closing its office at Dunwoody
Nature Center, AAS moved into space on the second floor
of the Blue Heron Nature Preserve (BHNP). At their
November 2008 meeting the AAS Board of Directors
concluded that the new partnership with BHNP required a
detailed examination of the organization’s future. They
decided to form a task force on sustainability, and three
board members agreed to serve. They were Jay Davis,
Nancy Hamilton and Allyson Read. With agreement of the
board, Catharine Kuchar, AAS’ s executive director, asked
Carl Tyler to serve as chair of the Sustainability Task Force.
He recruited two volunteers, Beth Giddens and Pam
Higgenbotham, to join the group.
The Sustainability Task Force (STF) met monthly. The first
issue required the group to agree on a definition of the term
“sustainability.” The debate centered around balancing the
emphasis on funding (including fund-raising) and programs.
Finally, the STF concluded that recommendations to the
board should address both topics.
The STF report, presented at the March 2009 board
meeting, reviewed AAS’s current organizational status. One
unanimous recommendation from STF was the hiring of an
education coordinator. The STF submitted a position
description for the education coordinator to the board. This
document states that this new job includes supporting and
strengthening current education programs, as well as
developing new programs. New educational efforts need to
fit AAS’s vision. In addition, they need to be consistent with
the 20-year plan of the Blue Heron Nature Preserve. The
STF further recommended development of a new AAS
mission statement that will be more attractive to
prospective donors. In addition, the STF pointed out that
the current AAS Strategic Plan covers the years 2006-2008,
but not beyond. An update of this plan is advisable. The
STF identified three AAS volunteers willing to facilitate the
board’s efforts.
The most far-reaching recommendation from STF deals
with the idea of a center at our new location, proposing it
might be called “The Atlanta Audubon Discovery Center at
Blue Heron Nature Preserve.” This idea comes from a
graduate school project recently completed by a student of
Beth Giddens at Kennesaw State University, where Beth is a
professor. The student, JoAnn Jordan, who recently
received a master’s in professional writing, met with the
STF to discuss her work. The document for her capstone
project included text, a color brochure for use in discussion
with donors, and abstracts of the annual reports from
foundations whose interests fit those of Atlanta Audubon
Society.
Finally, the presentation encouraged the AAS board to take
on this new venture. The Sustainability Task Force strongly
believes Atlanta Audubon can succeed and look forward to
an exciting future.

July/August 2009 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 678.973.2437 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 Catharine.Kuchar@atlantaaudubon.org.

When You Come

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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, georgannschmalz@alltel.net or visit
Music of the Spheres
Chimes & a huge www.birdingadventuresinc.com
selection of educational
toys and
games for kids!

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New Video produced by American Bird Conservancy

Comments by Charlie Muise
In their Bird Wire e-mail newsletter, the American Bird Conservancy has produced a new, short video Trap, Neuter, and
Release: Bad for Cats, Disaster for Birds that is a must see release. If you aren’t already signed up for their newsletter, go
to www.abcbirds.org where you will have access to the video. Additionally, it is available on YouTube.
To quote ABC, “Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) programs catch feral cats, neuter them, and then release them back to
their colonies, which are subsequently maintained by volunteers. In theory, cat colonies managed under TNR will
diminish over time through attrition, and eventually disappear. In practice this is not the case.” The video features
comments by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife and others on this issue. Each year, feral and free-roaming cats kill hundreds of
millions of our nation’s birds, putting additional pressure on the populations of many species that are in decline. With an
estimated 80,000 million pet cats and 120 million feral cats, it is a matter of grave concern.
There is a TNR colony on Jekyll Island, one of the Georgia IBA sites, which has apparently been there for years. The
Jekylll Island Authority formed a compromise that the TNR would only be at the north half of the island. As if the cats
won’t roam? Another problem with TNR colonies is that while the “managers” attempt to sterilize every cat, they cannot
control other people who drop off their cats. The colonies also attract strays.
TNR is illogical from a biological point of view because cats, like most creatures at the top of the food chain, are not
naturally colonial. These unnaturally dense populations are prime for fighting, spread of disease and attraction of
predators. I feel sorry for parents whose kids have a sandbox nearby.

10 Atlanta Audubon Society

 Georgia’s Common Birds in Decline
American Bittern
In Georgia, there has been a 73% decline of
the American Bittern over the past 40
years.
The American Bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus, is
one of Georgia’s most elusive birds. It is a well-
camouflaged heron with brown and tan striped
feathers and a thick neck and beck. Both males
and females look alike, with the male being
American Bittern slightly larger. Standing two-feet tall, it lives in
Photographer:
Dan Vickers freshwater wetlands and has a booming
territorial call, which led to its folk name,
thunderpumper.
It is a solitary bird that forages in tall vegetation in wetlands and
near shorelines. The American Bittern consumes insects,
amphibians, small fish, mammals and crayfish. It enjoys dragonflies,
waterbugs and a variety of fish including catfish, sunfish and
suckers. It relies on its stealth to catch its prey. It grabs its prey by
its bill, biting or shaking it and then swallowing it headfirst. Its long,
vertically-striped legs also help to conceal this species from its prey
as it wades through the water.
TIME
In Georgia, the American Bittern is found primarily along the coast
Well Spent
and in the Okefenokee Swamp. While information about the bird’s
breeding behavior is somewhat limited, it is the female who
apparently gathers material and builds a nest consisting of a
platform of reeds, cattails and fine grasses. The nest is
constructed in dense vegetation over water, and there will usually
be three to five eggs.
The health of our wetlands will directly affect the future of the
American Bittern. In Georgia, there has been a 73% decline in the
bird’s population over the last 40 years. Protecting suitable wetland
breeding habitat will greatly increase the American Bittern’s
chances of survival.
Source: Declining common bird findings based on National Audubon
Society’s “Common Birds in Decline: A State of the Birds Report,” with
additional figures from the Georgia DNR.

Join Atlanta Audubon Society

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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
join via the Web. We are excited
You can also join online: www.atlantaaudubon.org. to be able to offer this new
service to you!
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July/August 2009 11
 SOUTHERN BIRDING TRAILS
By Kenn Kaufman
A complete list of the trails can be found in Audubon Magazine published by National Audubon Society.

Great River Birding Trail

When fully completed in 2009, the Great River Birding
Trail will follow the mighty Mississippi all the way
from the Gulf of Mexico north to its headwaters
in Minnesota. Detailed county-level maps
already connect sites near the river in eastern
Louisiana and Arkansas and in western
Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky. Explore
Q: What
any portion of the vast route and you’ll come species
recently
to understand that the river is a vital corridordethroned
the Arctic
for birds worth enjoying and protecting. In Tern as
shaded backwaters and oxbows near thethebird with the
main
longest
river, flocks of rainbow-colored Wood Ducksmigration?
thrive in
all seasons, joined in winter by great flights of Mallards and
other ducks migrating from farther Seenorth.
page Seemingly
___ for the answer
streams of Ospreys, eagles, sandpipers and plovers
participate in the year-round parade of wings
overhead. Extensive forests on the riverbanks hold
a wide variety of nesting birds, from colorful
Yellow-throated, Hooded and Kentucky Warblers
or big raptors like Red-shouldered Hawks and
Barred Owls. In the maturing bottomland
swamps of Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana,
birders can thrill to frequent sightings of big,
flashy Pileated Woodpeckers, while dreaming of
the possibility that even bigger woodpeckers might
still be lurking among the trees. For more information:
www.greatriverbirding.org/index2.php.
endless

Answer:
Whip-poor-will
Answer: Sooty
Shearwater
285
ATLANTA
AUDUBON SOCIETY

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lvd
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lB
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ac
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Class: 2 PM to 3.30 PM, 75
85
Atlanta, GA 30342

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Ferry 678.973.2437
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