SAS Calendar - January / February
All SAS-sponsored outings and programs are free and open to non-members.For more information about any of the following events please send an email to: contact Don Allan at
donandchar2ATgmail.com
(replace the AT with an @ symbol)
Watch our web site http://www.sassafrasaudubon.org and the Bloomington Birds e-mail list for announcements about other upcoming outings and activities.
January/February Outings
Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 a.m.: Eagle Watch Weekend Preview
Meet at the northeast corner of Kmart East near Bloomingfoods and carpool with us. We will return in the early afternoon. Jeff Riegel will lead us in search of local bird residents and eagles as we prepare for the upcoming Eagle Watch Weekend. To learn more, contact Jeff Riegel at jkriegel@BirdCountry.US.
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m. Program at Monroe County Library Auditorium
Our speaker will be Dustin Reichard of the IU Department of Biology. He has studied Dark-Eyed Junco bird song extensively.
"Whispers, Deception, and Promiscuity: Decoding the hidden vocal repertoire of the Dark-eyed Junco"
Songbirds are often lauded for their loud, melodious songs that herald the return of spring and a readiness to find a mate and defend a territory. In addition to those conspicuous, long-range songs many songbirds also sing a separate repertoire of songs at a very low volume, similar to a whisper. These whispers, or short-range songs are difficult to observe, but they can be extraordinarily complex and paired with intense bouts of aggression or courtship behavior. In this talk, I'll introduce the audience to these hidden vocalizations in a common backyard bird, the Dark-eyed junco, using videos and recordings collected in the field. Additionally, I'll present some of my dissertation research aimed at answering the question, why sing softly?
Friday-Sunday, Jan. 27-29: Eagle Watch Weekend
To learn more, see the Eagle Watch article on page one or go to www.BirdCountry.US.
Friday-Monday, Feb. 17-20: Great Backyard Bird Count
Join birders all across the nation for a bit of citizen science. Count on just one day or as many as four days. For information how you can participate, please see the article on page four or visit the Great Backyard Bird Count website at www.birdsource.org/gbbc.
Saturday, Feb. 18, 4:30 a.m.: Migrating Geese of Southwest Indiana
Meet at the Super Walmart on Bloomfield Road and carpool with us. We will arrive at Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area before sunrise for the morning flight of Snow Geese from Gibson Lake. Last year’s high count was 300,000 geese. Then we will bird the Gibson Lake area and return with possible stops at the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. Bring food, water, and adequate clothing. Pre-registration by Feb. 13 is required and there will be a charge of $25.00 per person to reimburse the drivers for gas. For more information contact Don Allen at donandchar2@gmail.com.
Friday-Sunday, Mar. 2-4: Marsh Madness, Linton, IN
To learn more about this event featuring Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area and the Linton, IN area, see the March Madness article in this issue or visit the March Madness website at www.marshmadness.info.
Saturday, Mar. 10, 8 a.m.: Local Hot Spots and Early Migrants
Meet at the northeast corner of Kmart East near Bloomingfoods and carpool with us. We will return in the early afternoon. Don Whitehead will lead us in search of local bird residents and early migrants. To learn more, contact Don Whitehead at whitehea@indiana.edu.
