The Leaflet, November / December 2002
- Off the Beaten Path by Bob Kissel
- Another Christmas Bird Count Looms Large: Sign Up Now! by Don Whitehead
- Thanks to SAS Audubon Adventures Sponsors
- SAS Calendar for November / December 2002
- Christmas Bird Counts Calendar
- Fall Feeder Cleaning Helps Birds and SAS
Off the Beaten Path
In early September, I received an e-mail missive from National Audubon requesting SAS' involvement in supporting roadless areas in remote sections of national forests. It struck me as puzzling both then and now that National has not addressed the quickly deepening rumblings of the Administration's intent to wage war on Iraq. Such an attack would have devastating environmental consequences in the Middle East and quite possibly in North America. As one Iraqi citizen said recently "A war can destroy everything in Iraq...everywhere."
There is little doubt that Iraq's Saddam Hussein is the least desirable of neighbors. His history of waging war both inside and outside of Iraq is well-known. Despite his 1992 Gulf War defeat and subsequent monitoring by United Nations inspectors until 1998, he most likely has biological and chemical weapons and a medium-range delivery system. It is less clear that he has nuclear capability despite efforts to assemble such a heinous weapon. It also seems undemonstrated, at least in the public forum, that he had a direct hand in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Yet despite his apparent weapons capability and public hatred for enemies near (Israel) and far (USA), Mr. Hussein has not used such weapons in the ten years since Iraq's Gulf War surrender. The UN's policy of containment and economic sanctions has held his ambitions in check within the borders of Iraq. Unlike religious terrorists, Hussein is a state-sponsored terrorist who has everything to lose - his country - if he were to attack another sovereign country without provocation.
In the words of Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), what has changed that now compels the Bush administration to seek unilateral, unprovoked war on another sovereign, albeit rogue, country? And as importantly, what will change if the U.S. does initiate such an attack without UN sanction? Saddam Hussein certainly understands, especially given his warlord heritage, that any aggressive excursion by Iraq will precipitate the all-out assault he certainly would not survive. So now that the U.S. is proposing exactly what we seek to prevent, what will change? And what of the constitution relative to our signed UN treaty? And what of our 225-year history of not initiating war without tangible reason? And what are the specific objectives of such an attack?
It is likely that a unilateral U.S. attack will lift any inhibition Hussein may have in using every weapon at his disposal. His first target certainly would be Israel. Israel has made no secret that such an Iraqi attack would result in a furious retaliation, including the possibility of nuclear weapons. And what sides would be drawn in the Middle East, Europe and around the world? And wouldn't such a U.S. attack throw "gas on the fire" for every religious or jihad terrorist in every corner of the world?
The environmental aftermath in Iraq, Israel and potentially most of the Middle East would be devastating. There would be high human casualties, large "dead-zone" areas for anything living and the long-term reality of increasing sickness, cancer and biological winter. Terrorist attacks in the U.S. might become a part of our everyday life and no doubt would target sites that will carry near and far-ranging effects on our economy, lifestyle, and certainly our environment.
In the year since September 11, I have taken advantage of the opportunity to travel to Texas, Utah, Alaska and most recently Ireland, precisely because of my uncertainty of being able to visit such places in the future. There are so many more intriguing destinations I would like to take my family to visit, but how much more difficult will that be? I implore you to contact our U.S. and state Senators and Representatives to urge patience, restraint, long-term forethought and close cooperation with the United Nations in rectifying the Iraqi situation.
Another Christmas Bird Count Looms Large: Sign Up Now!
Sassafras Audubon Society's annual Lake Monroe Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2002. This will be the 27th consecutive year for this prestigious CBC. As always, the success of the bird count depends on the number of eyes, ears, minds and bodies in the field on that day. The more observers we have, the more completely we can cover the designated count circle. We need all of you! Give me a ring (812.339.1782) or an e-mail (whitehea@indiana.edu) and sign up now.
As most of you know, the Christmas Bird Count is part of a long-term monitoring program established by National Audubon to provide basic data on the status (and trends) of wintering populations of birds in North America and elsewhere. The program has been in existence for over a century and now involves over 1800 counts. Last year 52,471 observers participated in 1823 CBC's! Each year there are 35-40 CBC's run in Indiana.
The count is carried out in a designated circle with a radius of 7.5 miles. The count day covers all of the area (and habitats) within the circle as thoroughly as possible and to record both species and the number of individuals of each species. Our circle is centered on the intersection of Route 446 and Tower Ridge Road south of Lake Monroe. As a result, the circle includes all of the lake and its associated wetlands and refuges, a large area of Hoosier National Forest, and much agricultural land south of the lake. In short, our circle has wonderful habitat diversity and thus has the potential for recording a very large number of species.
Over the years we have built this count into one of the best in the state - almost every year the Lake Monroe count tallies the highest species count of any Indiana CBC. In fact, we have surpassed 100 species a number of times in recent years - the only Indiana CBC to do so. Over the 25 years of the count we have recorded 141 species!
The Christmas Bird Count is great fun - a time to spend an entire day in the field in interesting habitats trying to determine what is around - and trying to see how many interesting and unusual birds can be found. We usually have between 50-70 observers in the field every year working in 10-12 different teams. There is always a sense of friendly competition between teams, trying to see who will record the greatest number of species and the most unusual bird. This competition then extends to a larger arena, with our count trying to outdo the other counts in the state.
Most teams have two meeting times - one before first light for those wishing to work on owls, and one at sunrise for those more interested in day birds. Individuals can work all day or a portion of the day, depending on preferences and time available.
The important thing is that we have the best counts when we have the greatest number of teams and observers in the field. The count is for beginners as well as more advanced birders. In short, we need everyone we can get - more people beating the bush or watching the sky or the lake generate more birds. Anyone interested should call or e-mail me to be assigned to a team or to obtain more information (see first paragraph).
The CBC always ends with a wonderful pot-luck dinner hosted by Henry Wahl in the party room of Woodcrest Court (2602 E 2nd Street). The food is always great, and the final tally for the count is lots of fun. Bragging rights for the year are established there.
Hope to see you all for out 27th Christmas Bird Count.
Thanks to SAS Audubon Adventures Sponsors
Seventy-five elementary teachers in our region have received their Audubon Adventures kits, and their students are now benefiting from participation in this valuable environmental education program. SAS extends a special thank you to our individual SAS members who have sponsored classrooms this year.
Our SAS sponsors are:
Ethan D. Alyea, Jr.
David and Ingrid Beery
Kim Dobosenski
Andrew R. Durkin
Cathy and Richard Hiatt
Alice Lorenz
M. Visser
SAS Calendar for November / December 2002
All outings and programs are free and open to non-members.
Saturday, October 26, 2002 "Northwest Indiana Trip"
Don Whitehead will lead an all-day trip to northwest Indiana to visit a variety of prime birding locations. Possible destinations include Kankakee Sands, Willow Slough, the shore of Lake Michigan and Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area where several thousand Sandhill Cranes stop annually on their migration southward. To make a reservation or for more information, contact Don at 339-1782.
Wednesday, October 30, 2002, 7:00 p.m. October Program: "Pribiloffs Adventure"
The Pribiloff Islands in the Bering Sea were first visited in 1786 by Gavril Pribylov, a Russian sea captain, who discovered their fur seal rookeries. Control of the islands was transferred from Russia to the United States with the purchase of Alaska (1867). More recent visitors include local ornithologist, Jim Hengeveld, who will share highlights of his recent birding trip to these remote outposts of biodiversity. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. Refreshments will be served. The program will be in Room 1-C of the Monroe County Public Library.
Saturday, November 2, 2002 "Bird Feeding Workshop"
Monroe County Parks and Recreation will sponsor a bird feeding workshop at Karst Park on November 2 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Build a bird feeder, make suet cakes, learn what birds like to eat, and take a walk to observe birds. Sandy Belth will present a slide show on Cornell's Project Feeder Watch and explain how to join this program and submit your sightings. Bring binoculars if you have them. There will be a limited number available to borrow. The workshop fee of $5 covers all materials. Pre-register by October 29 at the office at 119 W. 7th Street. Call Cathy Meyer for details at 339-8184 or e-mail cmeyer@co.monroe.in.us.
Saturday, November 16, 2002 "Avian Winter Visitors and Late Fall Migrants"
This half-day trip will focus on several locations in Monroe County to see what fall migration has brought to our area. We'll search for winter sparrows, waterfowl, raptors and Bald Eagles. With luck, we may even find a Sandhill Crane or two passing through the area. This is a great time of year to bird as the fall crowds around Lake Monroe have dissipated, but the serious winter cold has yet to arrive. Join us! We'll meet in the parking lot of Bloomingfoods grocery on East Third Street at 7:30 a.m. For more information contact Mike Clarke at 332-8886 or e-mail miclarke@bloomington.in.us.
Wednesday, November 20, 2002, 7:00 p.m. November Program: "Forget the Birds, What About the Bees?", an overview of Hobby Beekeeping
Jess Gwinn's interest in beekeeping began as a child in his grandparent's yard where two beehives were kept. He has kept bees as a hobby since 1988 after taking a beginning beekeeping course in New Hampshire. During this time he has seen the advent of several devastating pests that have radically changed the art and science of beekeeping. Currently he has five bee hives on his property in Greene County which keep him busy enough. This program will be held in Room 1-C of the Monroe County Public Library at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to everyone. For more information please contact Steve Cotter at 349-3736.
Saturday, December 7, 2002 "Winter Grassland Birds"
Join Lee Sterrenburg on a birding trip to Sullivan and Greene Counties in western Indiana. Target birds will include wintering LeConte's Sparrows and Rough-legged Hawks. Other possibilities include Northern Harriers, Short-eared Owls, waterfowl and other winter sparrows. Last December, a trip to this area turned up a Greater White-fronted Goose. This is your chance to take advantage of Lee's experience and knowledge of the area. Meet at 7:00 a.m. in the Bloomingfoods parking lot on East Third Street. We'll return to the Bloomington area by 1:00 p.m. or so. For more information, e-mail Lee Sterrenburg (sterren@indiana.edu) or call 333-6368.
Saturday, December 14, 2002 "27th Annual Lake Monroe Christmas Bird Count"
Join other birders in the field for a fun-filled day of surveying the 7.5-mile count circle near Lake Monroe. The more participants, the better - novices and experts are equally welcome. See story on Page 1 for more details. To be placed on a team, call Don Whitehead at 812.339.1782 or e-mail whitehea@indiana.edu. The count will be relived in detail at the potluck hosted by Henry Wahl at the Woodcrest Court party room.
Saturday, January 4, 2003 "16th Annual McCormick's Creek Christmas Bird Count"
Start off the New Year with a great day of birding. All eyes are needed. Come join us on Saturday, January 4th for the 16th Annual McCormick's Creek Christmas Bird Count. The count circle includes McCormick's Creek State Park, the Restle unit of the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, Green Bluffs Nature Preserve, and a section of the White River. Our highest count was in 2000 with 70 species tallied. Last year we came close to our record with 68 species. Come join us and help make this another great year for the Count. Please call Jeff or Sandy Belth to be placed on a team, 825-8353 or e-mail Belthbirds@aol.com. The day is topped off by a potluck dinner and tally at the Belths' home.
Christmas Bird Counts Calendar
There are a lot of opportunities this holiday season to participate in an Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Here is a list of Christmas Counts in south-central Indiana. Find one that fits into your schedule and get out there. The birds are waiting.
| Date | CBC | Contact |
| Dec. 14 | Lake Monroe | Don Whitehead (812) 339-1782 |
| Dec. 15 | Johnson County | Jack McNutt (317) 933-3544 |
| Dec. 20 | Patoka Lake | John Castrale (812) 849-4586 |
| Dec. 22 | Spring Mill State Park | John Castrale (812) 849-4586 |
| Jan. 1 | Muscatatuck NWR | Donna Stanley (812) 522-4352 |
| Jan. 4 | McCormick's Creek | Sandy Belth (812) 825-8353 |
For a more comprehensive list of Audubon CBCs in Indiana check Don Gorney's web page.
Fall Feeder Cleaning Helps Birds and SAS
A BIG THANK YOU to the 77 people who brought 207 bird feeders of all shapes and sizes to be cleaned at our Fall Feeder Cleaning. Thank you to the 12 SAS members, two children and the four IU Fencing Club members who rubbed and scrubbed and blasted clean all those feeders. SAS netted $717 for our education and conservation projects!
SAS thanks INDIANA CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING (333-1870), Chris Freeman and PJ Pulliam, who provided use of their pressure washer van and hours of scrubbing bubbles.
And last but certainly not least, thank you to Bill and Marilyn Gaines at WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED for providing the space and utilities for this worthwhile project.
We hope you all have healthier birds at your feeders this winter. Hope to see you in the spring at SAS' next Feeder Cleaning.