The Leaflet, March/April 2006
-
-
-
-
-
- note location change for April program - in library auditorium
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dust off the binoculars and spruce up the spotting scopes for the Midwest Spring Birding Symposium hosted by the Fourwinds Resort and Marina on Lake Monroe. This year’s event, co-sponsored by the Sassafras Audubon Society, will be held March 23-26. The symposium will feature a strong theme of avian conservation and education with such notable leaders and speakers as Lee Sterrenburg (Indiana University), James Cole (Audubon’s IBA program), Don Gorney (IBRC), Steve Bailey (Illinois CTAP), Ross Brittain (Indiana University), Cathy Meyer (Monroe Co. Parks), Dan Leach (President, Indiana Audubon Society), and others.
Programs will generally follow one of three formats: Field trips, with all transportation furnished by the Fourwinds, will go to such places as Flatwoods Park, Lake Monroe, and Indiana’s new Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area. Indoor programs will focus on current-day conservation and research activities such as the work of the Indiana Bird Records Committee, the Critical Trends Assessment Program at the University of Illinois, and the management of critical habitats and their species on a landscape scale in Indiana. Other programs will take in-depth looks at the conservation status and research needs of various groups of birds, such as owls and woodpeckers, among others.
An awards banquet will be held on Saturday evening where the Conservationist of the Year and Avian Educator of the Year Awards will be announced. This will be followed by a moderated panel discussion with experts in various fields of avian conservation and education such as James Cole, Steve Bailey, Don Gorney, and others.
While there is definitely a serious aspect to this event, fun and relaxing bird walks have not been left out. Four birdwatching strolls will wander around the Fourwinds complex that includes wooded habitats, as well as feeders, fields, and the lake itself where numerous waterfowl, shorebirds, and even eagles can be spotted. Thursday evening will feature a first-of-its-kind owl hooting contest and Friday evening will be highlighted by a checkered-table-cloth dinner with a game that will test the field mark spotting abilities of even the most experienced birders.
Registration is $40 for the basic symposium presentations with a $15 discount for online pre-registration. Numerous packages are available from the Fourwinds that include the dinner and banquet programs, field trips, the symposium registration fee, and overnight accommodations for those traveling from other areas. Log on to
www.fourwindsresort.com to register, or call the Fourwinds at 812-824-BOAT (2628) or toll-free at 800-824-BOAT (2628). For a complete listing and schedule of symposium activities, log on to either
www.eaglesatlakemonroe.com or
www.BirdCountry.US.
RETURN TO THE TOP
The SAS Board has arranged with the Bloomington WildBirds Unlimited store and Bloomington Hardware to offer discounts to SAS members starting March 1. WildBirds Unlimited will give a 10% discount on most items (excluding books and optical equipment). Bloomington Hardware will give a 10% discount on all items in their bird department. To receive your discount show your copy of the Leaflet with the discount coupon on page 7 and your address label on page 8. If you wish you may cut out the portion of the page that includes your address label and the coupon and retain it for future purchases. We appreciate the cooperation of David Daniels of WildBirds Unlimited and Vicki Davidson of Bloomington Hardware for allowing us to start this program. The discount program will continue in effect until further notice.
RETURN TO THE TOP
As part of the new funding process for chapters of the National Audubon Society, all chapters within a state are given the opportunity to apply for grants for special projects within their chapter service area. Sassafras Audubon submitted three grants to National, and one was approved. The approved grant was for a forest restoration project on property owned by the Sycamore Land Trust (SLT) on Brighton Road, fronting on Bean Blossom Creek, called the Powell Preserve. The $592 grant covers the cost of the trees to be planted and some site preparation expenses.
We encourage SAS members to help plant these trees. A joint work day is planned with SLT on March 18. We will meet at the north side Marsh (in front of the Subway) on North Kinser Pike at 9 a.m. and carpool to the site. There are less than 1000 trees to plant so we hope to finish in one day. This is a chance to visit this new preserve and help to make it a little better at the same time.
RETURN TO THE TOP
Are you an environmental activist? What mental image do you have when you hear the term “environmental activist”? Do you see a person marching with a picket sign or yelling obscenities at a public meeting? Do you see a wild-eyed unkempt person chaining his or herself to a tree to stop loggers? Or do you see a perfectly normal person like you or me? If you care about the environment you can be an activist without going to the extremes indicated above. One of the functions of our organization is to serve as a voice for those wishing to preserve the environment for ourselves and future generations. Jess Gwinn, our conservation chair, spends many hours working with other groups in contacting governmental officials and planning strategies to prevent desecration of the environment. He and our organization also take the lead in positive actions to restore and preserve the environment. SAS was one of the partner organizations that helped with purchasing the Goose Pond/Beehunter Marsh area. This spring we will be helping the Sycamore Land Trust plant trees to return some of their property to its natural state.
Activism does not always have to be confrontational. In the best examples people who care about the environment work with businesses or other potentially antagonistic groups to the benefit of both. Establishment of the Cane Ridge Wildlife Management area near the Cinergy Power Plant in Gibson County is an excellent example of business and environmental activists working together (see the July/August Leaflet). Groups with different but complementary objectives such as the Audubon Society and Ducks Unlimited have worked together to preserve and restore areas such as Goose Pond/Beehunter Marsh.
As a member of SAS you are an activist simply by lending your support to its objectives. But we hope that you will be a more “active” activist by corresponding with our elected representatives at the local, state, and national level to let them know that you care about the environment. We probably all sometimes wonder if our activism really does any good when pitted against economic interests of influential groups in government. As an example of the impact we can have, note that drilling is still banned in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge although the area continues under attack. Only through pressure from people like you and me and from organizations such as the Audubon Society has that area been preserved. Closer to home we see examples such as the establishment of the Goose Pond/Beehunter Marsh State Fish and Wildlife area and the Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area as monuments to activism.
You can also be an activist by supporting our conservation-related programs such as the Adopt-an-owl program, helping with tree planting, helping with our feeder cleaning program, and contributing to our soon-to-be-announced endowment program. And we hope that you will also be an activist by letting those in power know that you care about preserving the environment for our and future generations.
RETURN TO THE TOP
All outings and programs are free and open to non-members
Watch our web site http://www.bloomington.in.us/~audubon/ and the Bloomington Birds e-mail list for announcements about other upcoming outings and activities.
Monday, March 6, 6:30 p.m.: SAS Board Meeting
The monthly meeting of the SAS Board of Directors takes place in room 1A of the Monroe County Public Library. All SAS members are welcome to attend.
Saturday, March 18, 7:30 a.m.: Waterfowl Migration
Join us on an outing to one of our local wetlands to look for migrating waterfowl and any other early spring migrants that we might be able to find. We'll meet at 7:30 a.m. in the northeast corner of the K-Mart parking lot on East Third Street in Bloomington. From there we will caravan to our destination and we will return by midday. We hope you can join us! For more information, contact Mike Clarke at miclarke@bloomington.in.us.
Saturday, March 18, 9:00 a.m.: Tree Planting Project with Sycamore Land Trust
See article in this Leaflet for details.
Thursday, March 23 – Sunday, March 26: Midwest Spring Birding Symposium
This four-day program will be held at the Fourwinds Resort and Marina. See the article elsewhere in this Leaflet for details.
Wednesday, March 29, 7:00 p.m.: Animals of the Galapagos Islands
Nancy Martin, local science teacher and photography enthusiast, is sharing her pictures of the animals of the Galapagos Islands. Learn about finches, Boobies, frigates, penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas and much more. Come share a trip of a lifetime to the land of Darwinian adventures. The program will be held at 7:00 p.m. in room 1B of the Monroe County Public Library. The program is free to all. Refreshments will be served.
Monday, April 3, 6:30 p.m.: SAS Board Meeting
The monthly meeting of the SAS Board of Directors takes place in room 1A of the Monroe County Public Library. All SAS members are welcome to attend.
Saturday, April 8, 9:00 am – 4:00 p.m.: Spring Bird Feeder Cleaning
Bring your bird feeders to Bloomington Hardware on South College Mall Road for a thorough spring cleaning after the hard use they have received during the winter feeding season. Volunteers to help with the cleaning are needed. See note elsewhere in this Leaflet for details.
Saturday, April 15, 7:00 a.m.: Spring Bird Outing To Goose Pond
We will take an early spring look at the area and see what we can find! This is a tough time of year to say for sure what we will see, but that makes it all the more exciting when we find something. We will look for spring migrants, such as American Golden Plover or Lapland Longspurs. We will see if any of the bitterns or soras are back. Maybe we will even find an early butterfly species or two!! Come join us for a fun morning+ of birding out in this developing birding hotspot. We will meet in the Wal-Mart parking lot (northeast corner) at 7:00 a.m. – we will carpool and plan to be back by noon or 1:00 p.m. depending on the groups' interest. Bring warm layers and a snack is always a good idea. Contact Jim and Susan Hengeveld if you have any questions at 988-1671 or shengeve@indiana.edu.
Wednesday, April 26, 7:00 p.m.: Conserve, Restore, and Manage Wetlands and Associated Habitats for North American Waterfowl
Marc Sovik, Regional Director, Indiana Ducks Unlimited, will speak about Ducks Unlimited’s mission to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. Marc has a BA in Wildlife Biology and an AAS in Natural Resources and has been with Ducks Unlimited since June 2004. Ducks Unlimited was a key player in restoring the Beehunter Marsh/Goose Pond wetland and helping to purchase the property as a State Fish and Wildlife Area. More info concerning Indiana Ducks Unlimited can be found at www.in.ducks.org. Bill Stumpner, the local Ducks Unlimited president, was instrumental in arranging this program and is pleased to be working with SAS. We have many goals in common, (such as the Goose Pond/Beehunter Marsh project). The meeting will be in the auditorium of the Monroe County Public Library. The program is free to all. Refreshments will be served.
Friday and Saturday, April 28-29: Brown County Wildflower Foray
This event includes hikes and interpretive programs focusing on the flora and fauna (including birds) of spring in our area. Check the media and the web for more details.
Saturday, April 29, 7:00 a.m.: Warblers and Other Spring Migrants
Join SAS president John Lawrence on this outing to look and listen for some of our returning migrant warblers. This is a great chance to meet our president and enjoy some spring sights and sounds at the same time. We will meet at 7:00 a.m. in the northeast corner of the K-Mart parking lot on East Third Street in Bloomington. From there we will caravan to some local warbler hotspots and return by midday. For more information contact John Lawrence at j.w.lawrence@hotmail.com.
Saturday, May 6, 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: Monroe County Birdathon
See article elsewhere in this
Leaflet. Contact Cathy Meyer by e-mail (cmeyer@co.monroe.in.us) or phone (349-2805) for more information.
RETURN TO THE TOP
The Adopt-an-Owl Program sponsored by SAS raised $845 this year. That follows the $1110 raised for the owl program last year. We would like to acknowledge the following people for their support of the program: Ingrid Beery, Fred Churchill, Bob and Joann Dodd, Sarah Lamrecht, Nancy Martin, and Kristi and David Simonette.
RETURN TO THE TOP
Eagle Watch Weekend Soars Again by Jeff Riegel, Eagle Watch Weekend Event Coordinator
What a difference a day makes! We started off in our shirt sleeves and ended up wearing so many layers that many of us held more of a resemblance to the Michelin Tire Boy than a group of birders out chasing eagles. But, what can you expect in early February in southern Indiana? The weather didn’t have much effect on the crowd, some 450 strong, that joined the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Sassafras Audubon Society, and a host of other volunteers at Eagle Watch Weekend, hosted for the sixth straight year at the Fourwinds Resort and Marina on Lake Monroe.
Although the event didn’t officially start until Friday morning, there were enough people at the resort Thursday night for me to do an impromptu program on identifying field marks. I “borrowed” that program from Don Stokes after seeing his and Lillian’s presentation last year at the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island in Florida. From that point on, the weekend (as well as the eagles) soared.
Mike Clarke, assisted by SAS members Susan Hengeveld, Jim Mitchell, Ann Maxwell and Bob Dodd, led 38 folks on the 2nd Annual Eagle Watch Weekend Bird Count. We tied last year’s 38 species (we seem to be stuck on 38 here) with stops at the Fairfax Beach, Paynetown Marina, and Stillwater Marsh. The eagles were especially cooperative at Paynetown where we had looks at five or six (one of the immatures may have been a duplicate sighting only five or so minutes apart) eagles fishing, eating, cruising, and just sitting. We also had great looks at a very cooperative Basic III eagle at the Paynetown Ramp. Sparrows were the highlight at Fairfax, and Stillwater Marsh held a good number of waterfowl species.
Jim and Susan Hengeveld started the last half of the day with a presentation on Indiana’s raptors. Friday evening Tammy Davis and Zach Walker from the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Rehab Center at Hardy Lake showed off their captive owls and Ross Brittain managed to get two eastern screech owls to respond to his calling before everyone headed back inside for some music with Jim Eagleman (Brown County State Park) and some of his cohorts. By that time all we needed to be outside was a light jacket, if that.
Saturday started with simultaneous programs on the basics of birding with Jim Eagleman presenting inside (where it was sunny and 75 degrees) and Jeff Cummings (Spring Mill State Park) presenting outside (cloudy, snowing, and breezy). Conditions were especially brutal that afternoon as bus after bus brought folks to the Fairfax beach, the new boat ramp, and the south point of the area where SAS folks were lined up with spotting scopes faithfully searching the skies for any sign of an eagle. It would have been easier had it not been for the fact that it was still snowing, still blowing, and downright cold. Nonetheless, SAS members Jim and Susan Hengeveld (who organized the troops – thank you!), Sandy Belth, Jim Brown, Jim Mitchell, Nancy Martin, Bob Kissel, Greg Hess, Milt DuCharme, Jerry Downs, and SAS President John Lawrence, braved brutal conditions and, despite lousy visibility, managed to find eagles for about two-thirds of the folks that stopped by the three stations. The highlight was watching two immatures in courtship flights across from the beach.
During this time and on through the evening, Laura Edmunds of Return to the Wild and Maria Abel-Crecelius from Patoka Lake wooed the crowd with their education birds including two bald eagles, C-52 (an Eagle Watch institution) and Ben (who, by the way, has been found to be a female). They also had with them a peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawk, barred owls, and an American kestrel.
Sunday morning, John Schaust, Chief Naturalist with Wild Birds Unlimited, gave a bird banding demonstration with two American Goldfinches as well as a pair of Dark-eyed Juncos – four of some 20-25 birds that Jeff Hammond and I caught for him in mist nets, a feeder trap, and a ground trap. Jeff Hammond finished the day with some tips and tricks of nature photography. Not only did he show folks some amazing photographs from his massive collection, but he demonstrated how others can go out and do the same thing. In Jeff’s own words, “I got this shot mainly because I wasn’t sitting at home on the couch.”
And neither was anyone else who traveled to the Fourwinds (attendees came from Illinois, Ohio, and, of course, Indiana) for yet another great Eagle Watch Weekend. Mark your calendars: next year’s event will be held February 2-4. Planning for this largest-of-its-kind event in the state begins in April. Let me know what you want to see – email me with your ideas at jkriegel@att.net. Until next year …
RETURN TO THE TOP
Now that the spring gardening season is coming again, you have the chance to spruce up your yard and attract butterflies, birds, and wildlife at the same time. Just one plant is all it takes; one day last summer, I was surprised to find over twenty monarch caterpillars all on a single swamp milkweed I had planted in the spring. Soon after, I found eight chrysalises scattered throughout the yard. I checked on them every day, and as a result I got to see four monarch butterflies take their first flights- all because of that one swamp milkweed. That's a great return from an $8 plant from a local nursery and a little labor!
I also saw ruby-throated hummingbirds at my American columbines, hummers and butterflies at my bee balms, and even more butterflies at the other native perennials I’d planted in the spring. All those butterflies and hummingbirds came to my yard because of just a few native plants, all of which I was able to purchase from nurseries here in Bloomington. Whether you add just one plant or a whole garden, it’s not hard to add valuable resources for wildlife in your own yard while beautifying your property.
But what plants do you want to use? Natives, of course. Exotic plants may escape from cultivation and become a nuisance or even a threat to native flora; garlic mustard and purple loosestrife are two of the worst examples of invasive exotics, but there are many more. Native plants are also the most beneficial to wildlife, since native plants and animals have evolved together. And because natives have evolved in our local climate, they are hardy and easy to grow. Why plant anything else?
It’s likely that people don’t use more native plants in their gardens and landscaping because most greenhouses' stock leans heavily towards the exotics. But with a little looking and reading, I was able to find native flowers, shrubs, and trees (or at least cultivated varieties of native species) at all of the nurseries I visited in the Bloomington area last year. Some natives are clearly marked, while some may not be. To be a smart shopper, you need to be prepared and know what to look for. A little research will also help you decide which specific plants you want to use.
A great reference to get you started is the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society's "Landscaping with Plants Native to Indiana" pamphlet, available online at http://www.inpaws.org/2005LandscapeBrochureWEB.pdf. For a shorter link, just go to the INPAWS website at http://www.inpaws.org and explore their site. The pamphlet lists native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that are good for landscaping. Take the pamphlet with you when you go shopping, and you can look through a nursery's stock and see what they have that's on the list.
For more in-depth information, I've found Landscaping for Wildlife by Carrol L. Henderson to be extremely valuable. Produced by the Minnesota DNR, Landscaping for Wildlife is full of information and rates many native flowers, shrubs, and trees for their food and cover value for wildlife along with their landscape uses. This book has been used in SPEA's Wildlife and Fisheries Management lab class, so you may be able to find it at TIS or the IU Bookstore. If not, it's available for just $10.95 plus shipping online through Minnesota's Bookstore at http://www.comm.media.state.mn.us/bookstore/. It's a great book, and I highly recommend it. Additional books are listed on the INPAWS website.
So whether it's one plant or many, I encourage you to add a native touch to your yard or garden this year. Despite what you may have thought, native plants aren't hard to find at our local greenhouses. They're beautiful and easy to grow, and attract wildlife by providing valuable food and cover. Planting natives is a great way to make a positive environmental impact in your own yard!
RETURN TO THE TOP
2006 Bird-a-Thon by Cathy Meyer
Don’t be surprised to see birdwatchers on the roads of Monroe County on May 6. The annual Bird-a-Thon will be held that Saturday from midnight to midnight. Teams of 3-6 birders will compete for prizes by finding as many species as possible within the county and earn money for their favorite charity by soliciting pledges before the event. There are prizes for the most species found and the best rookie team. Teams may find as many as 175 species during the 24-hour challenge. Teams must register by April 15 at Monroe County Parks and Recreation, 290 W. 7th. The $15 per person fee includes a t-shirt, information, and awards. There is a potluck dinner hosted by Sassafras Audubon Society the following day to turn in tallies. Pick up applications at Monroe County Parks and Recreation or Wild Birds Unlimited, sponsors of the event. For further information call 349-2805 or e-mail cmeyer@co.monroe.in.us.
RETURN TO THE TOP
The SAS Board has approved production of a booklet that will list and describe our local birding hotspots. We will have brief discussions of birds you might expect to find at these localities and maps to help locate them and also a checklist of local birds with their relative abundance during the four seasons. We will also include a listing of the Important Birding Areas in Indiana for those who would like to venture a bit beyond the local area. As a benefit of membership we will give copies to SAS members who request them. We will also sell copies to non-members (or extras to members) as a fundraiser.
A task force to assemble the booklet includes John Lawrence, Mike Clarke, Tom Platt, Jeff Riegel, David Daniels, and Bob Dodd. Please contact the editor (dodd@indiana.edu) or any of the committee members with any suggestions about what to include in the booklet.
RETURN TO THE TOP
What is your Favorite Local Birding Spot?
If you could only go to one birding spot in the local area, where would it be? Although the task force preparing our birding guide knows most of the best birding spots, you may have one that we have overlooked, and we would also be interested in knowing which of our birding areas are your favorites. We are top heavy with spots in Monroe County, but would like to include a few more spots in adjoining counties so we would particularly like to hear from our Brown, Lawrence, Green, Owen, and Morgan County members.
Several of our present and past SAS Board members told us their favorite birding spots. Tops on Bob Kissel’s list is Upper Woodall Road and the pond behind the Bayview shelter at Fairfax on Lake Monroe. Jeff Riegel especially enjoys Stillwater and Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge. Nancy Martin picks Lake Griffy. She says you can see Northern Orioles, Great Blue Herons, Scarlet Tanagers, Cedar Waxwings, and Eastern Phoebes without even leaving the parking lot. Mike Clarke likes the North Fork of the Salt Creek area along McGowan and Friendship roads. He says that on a perfect day in the spring you can see almost as many species of birds in this area as you can in any area of similar size in southern Indiana. Bob Dodd also likes the Stillwater-North Fork area. He thinks Stillwater is the best place for ducks and other water birds in the area during spring and fall and the dikes around Stillwater make for great birding in the summer. Although none of the respondents mentioned it, Beehunter Marsh/Goose Pond must be the favorite spot of some of our local experts. Do you suppose the Hengevelds would pick their own back deck?
Please contact the editor (dodd@indiana.edu) to let us know your favorite birding hotspot.
RETURN TO THE TOP
Spring Bird Feeder Cleaning at Bloomington Hardware on April 8
The SAS spring bird feeder cleaning is scheduled for April 8 at Bloomington Hardware on South College Mall Road. Drop off your feeder between 9:00 a.m. and 2 p.m. You can pick up your feeder between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. The suggested donation is $4 for small feeders and $6 for large feeders.
Give your backyard birds a sanitary place to dine by having your feeders thoroughly steam cleaned! Cleaning your feeders will help prevent the spread of avian diseases such as salmonella and conjunctivitis. Keep in mind that steam cleaning will remove the build-up that has accumulated, but it will not make your feeders look brand new. We regretfully cannot accept hummingbird or other delicate feeders or suet feeders.
Bring your friend's or neighbor's feeders when you bring yours. If you cannot drop off or pick up on Saturday, alternate arrangements can be made. The proceeds go toward the education and conservation activities of SAS. To request more information, please contact David Daniels at 333-2121 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. or by e-mail at traveldave61@aol.com.
RETURN TO THE TOP
Volunteers Needed for Feeder Cleaning
We will have three-hour shifts available or whatever times you can help. Dry tasks include taking in feeders and money and overseeing drying and pickup. Damp tasks include pre-soaking and cleaning the feeders and steaming the clean feeders. Waterproof footwear and gloves are helpful, and we can provide rubber gloves. You will be doing a good service for the birds, helping a worthy cause, (SAS), and working with like-minded, fun people!
To volunteer or request more information, please contact David Daniels at 333-2121 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. or by e-mail at traveldave61@aol.com.
RETURN TO THE TOP
Activist’s Corner by Jess Gwinn, Conservation Chair
By the time you read this some horrendous legislation will have passed through the Indiana legislature and been signed into law by the monarch, I mean governor. First on the list is SB (Senate Bill) 354. This seemingly innocuous piece of legislation implements parts of the proposed IDNR forest plan. You remember it? “Leave no tree behind” The worst part of this bill is a very small section that to the unknowing seems unimportant, exempting the IDNR Division of Forestry from a part of the Indiana code. The exemption is the Indiana Environmental Policy Act. This is the state equivalent to the National Environmental Policy Act, the law requiring federal agencies to perform Environmental Impact Statements, i.e. essentially “look before you leap” and determine what the environmental consequences are of any proposed state action. To be fair, the state has never followed this law in the past so why should we care if they exempt themselves from following it in the future? One reason is that the state has been involved in a lawsuit for several years to force them to comply with IEPA. Evidently the simple solution is to just exempt themselves from that section of code. How blatantly sleazy can they be? The second reason is the aforementioned proposed state forest plan. If ever there was a proposed action by the state with far-reaching environmental consequences, it is a forest plan that advocates quintupling the amount of timber harvest from state forests and removing up to 70% of the annual growth.
The second gem of depravity to come out of this short session of the legislature is the “Major Moves” initiative, HB (House Bill) 1008. This is the legislation that will lease for 75 years to a conglomerate of foreign corporations and banks the Indiana Toll Road (Interstate 80/90) that traverses east to west across northern Indiana. Think back 75 years and how different transportation was and now try to look forward 75 years. Can’t be done. Time was when folks here in the United States raided third world countries and plundered their assets because they were too poor or corrupt to manage them on their own. It looks like Indiana has now become a third world country (or state). Instead of making difficult decisions on the governance of Indiana, let’s just sell the state on the open market. From state forests to state roads and probably everything in between, it’s all for sale. Don’t kid yourself into thinking these assets will be the end. What is the greatest thing about this fire sale? The governor and his cronies in the legislature will be gone from office when the chickens come home to roost on these fiascoes. Polls show 80 to 90% opposition to Major Moves but they admit that they think the public will forget about it in a few years. Nice to know our elected officials think so highly of us.
Thank goodness this wasn’t a regular session of the legislature. I don’t think there would be anything left to sell. Elections have consequences and we will suffer from this past one for ages.
RETURN TO THE TOP
Sugar Creek Valley IBA, Passerine Paradise by Bob Dodd
The Sugar Creek Valley Important Bird Area is one of the largest in the state, extending from Davis Bridge in Montgomery County on the east to Union Bridge in Parke County, some 16 miles to the west-southwest. However the width of the forested area along the creek is seldom more than two or three miles. Most of this area of Indiana is rolling glacial till plain that makes prime agricultural land. Sugar Creek and its tributaries have eroded up to 150 feet below the general level of the land, making a steep-sided gorge through the plain. For this reason it is not suitable for farming and has been left in its original wooded state (although it was logged several decades ago). Turkey Run and Shades State Parks and the Pine Hills Nature Preserve constitute a large portion of the IBA, hopefully ensuring its long-term preservation. A major threat to its preservation is the presence of tracts of unprotected land in this scenic area. This land is attractive to developers for private home construction.
Because the area is one of the most extensive forested regions in Indiana, it has become an ornithologic magnet for passerines on their spring and fall migrations. It is also a breeding site for many species requiring an extensive forested area. These species include populations of Wood Thrush, Cerulean Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, and Kentucky Warbler, all WatchList species, i.e. species with declining numbers due to habitat destruction. The western end of the area also attracts many Bald Eagles in the winter, some 75 individuals last year. Contiguous forests in the Sugar Creek Valley attract many warblers, thrushes, vireos, and tanagers during migration season. The area is renowned for its relic stands of eastern hemlock, white pine, and Canada yew that are far south of their normal range. Some usually more northerly warbler species may breed in these forests.
In the last issue we described the Gibson Lake/Cane Ridge IBA as not particularly birder friendly. Sugar Creek Valley is very birder friendly with much of the area being public land in the state parks and nature preserve. The area is criss-crossed by an extensive system of trails and roads giving access at several points. The nature center at Turkey Run State Park has well-designed interpretive displays and a fascinating viewing room with a one-way window with several feeders and a fountain beyond. Scenery in the area is spectacular by mid-western standards with high bluffs overlooking the winding creek below. The narrow “devil’s backbones” in Pine Creek Nature Preserve are especially interesting. These narrow ridges between entrenched valleys are 50+ feet high and in some cases only about six feet wide at the top. They can be reached only by hiking trails through beautiful wooded countryside. Even if you do not see a single bird (highly unlikely) the area is well worth a visit for its scenic wonder alone.
We last visited Sugar Creek Valley area in January to gather information for this article, not the prime time for a birding visit. However the winter scenery was beautiful and hiking among the bare trees (plus the hemlocks, pines, and yews) was enjoyable. The variety of birds was limited but we were treated with more Red-headed Woodpeckers than we had ever seen at one time. We saw 30 or more woodpeckers and heard probably twice as many. The Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers were the more unusual species during our visit. The Lodge at Turkey Run makes a good base for exploring the area. Several trails and spectacular views of the creek can be accessed with a short walk from the lodge. Accommodations at the lodge are comfortable but not elaborate and the “down-home” food in the dining room is excellent and remarkably inexpensive. Additional housing and restaurants are available in nearby Rockville and Crawfordsville. The area is close enough to Bloomington that you could make a visit in one day with an early start. While you are visiting the area you may wish to see some of the many covered bridges for which Parke County is famous. We highly recommend a visit any time during the year, but you will probably find the most productive birding in April-May or September-October.
RETURN TO THE TOP
The 30th Lake Monroe Christmas Bird Count by Don Whitehead
This past year’s Lake Monroe Christmas Bird Count was held on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005. the 30th count in its history. It turned out to be a memorable day, as we tallied 103 species and 18,174 individual birds and found two species that were new to the count. These wonderful results were a function of 50 people working in 13 teams to cover the whole count circle.
Our species tally, 103, was the fourth highest in count history and represents the sixth time that we have reached the 100 level. Our CBC is the only Indiana count that has ever recorded 100 species. In all probability we had the top species tally in the state once again this year. The species new to the count were Cackling Goose (3 individuals were seen with a group of Canadas in the late afternoon by Jeff Riegel’s team and my team) and Baird’s Sandpiper. The latter, a truly great find, was discovered by Jiri Dadok and Carolyn Begley at Fairfax Beach. It may well be the first winter record for the species in the state.
The highlights of the count included Double-crested Cormorant (1), Black Vulture (8), Cackling Goose (3), Canvasback (9), Redhead (1), Bald Eagle (31), Rough-legged Hawk (2), Golden Eagle (2), Merlin (1), Northern Bobwhite (2), Sandhill Crane (28), Baird’s Sandpiper (1), Northern Saw-whet Owl (9), Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (17), Eastern Phoebe (11), Red-breasted Nuthatch (56), Winter Wren (2), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1), Hermit Thrush (47), Gray Catbird (1), Brown Thrasher (1), American Pipit (5), Yellow-rumped Warbler (73), Chipping Sparrow (1), Lapland Longspur (13), and Rusty Blackbird (145).
We achieved all-time highs for an amazing number of species including Black Vulture (8), Hooded Merganser (422), Red-shouldered Hawk (10), Northern Flicker (81), Eastern Phoebe (11), White-breasted Nuthatch (262), Brown Creeper (25), Eastern Bluebird (418), Hermit Thrush (47), American Robin (2621), and Eastern Towhee (106). We thought that our count of 73 Yellow-rumped Warblers would also be a new high, but a check of our database showed that we tallied 193 in 2003.
Jim and Susan Hengeveld scored a remarkable “grand slam” by recording all three mimic thrushes (Catbird, Brown Thrasher, and Mockingbird) in their territory. This had never been accomplished before!
All in all, it was a wonderfully satisfying day. Nice weather, although frozen water in the refuges knocked the waterfowl count down. Lack of wind made birding on the lake and in the fields bearable, but kept raptors from soaring.
As always, the day ended with the heart and stomach warming potluck hosted by Henry Wahl. Not only was this the 30th Lake Monroe count, but also it represented the 30th consecutive year that Henry has hosted the potluck. There are some constants in the universe!
Thanks to everyone for making the count and the potluck such a success. Hope to entice everyone to participate next year.
RETURN TO THE TOP
McCormick’s Creek CBC Nets 64 Species by Sandy and Jeff Belth
The 19th Annual McCormick’s Creek Christmas Bird Count was held on Saturday, December 31, 2005. We had 22 participants in six teams in the field. Conditions were damp with sharp 8 -10 mph winds from the west in the afternoon making birding a bit difficult. . Overall count numbers were down however all time record highs were recorded for the following species: Northern Shafted Flicker, Blue Jay, White-breasted Nutchatch, Robins, Towhees and Cedar Waxwings. A great big thank you goes to all our participants and group leaders: Jess Gwinn, Maureen Forest, Donald Hall, Anjali Gupta, Mike Clark, Adam Phelps, Melissa Phelps, Robert Eisman, Nancy Martin, Bill Holladay, Luanne Holladay, Judy Ochs, Milt Ducharme, Pat Newforth, Maryann Dunfee, Tim Dunfee, and Bob Kissel. Your continued support and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated.
The following are species seen for the day: Great Blue Heron - 7, Canada Goose -350, Wood Duck - 6, American Black Duck - 6, Mallard - 50, Bald Eagle - 3 (2 adults and 1 basic 1), Northern Harrier -6, Sharp-shinned Hawk - 2, Coopers Hawk - 3, Red-shouldered Hawk - 9, Red-tailed Hawk - 25, Rough-legged Hawk -2, American Kestrel -25, Wild Turkey - 16, American Coot - 1, Sandhill Crane - 46, Rock Pigeon - 385, Mourning Dove - 203, Eastern Screech Owl- 3, Great Horned Owl - 2, Belted Kingfisher - 6, Red-headed Woodpecker - 24, Red-bellied Woodpecker - 130, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker - 6, Downy Woodpecker - 56, Hairy Woodpecker - 10, Northern Flicker - 67, Pileated Woodpecker - 24, Blue Jay - 258, American Crow - 376, Horned Lark - 10, Carolina Chickadee - 234, Tufted Titmouse - 168, Red-breasted Nuthatch - 12, White-breasted Nuthatch - 124, Brown Creeper - 8, Carolina Wren - 33, Golden-crowned Kinglet - 20, Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 1, Eastern Bluebird - 166, Hermit Thrush - 1, American Robin - 333, Northern Mockingbird - 6, European Starling - 3,461, Cedar Waxwing - 358, Yellow-rumped Warbler - 23, Eastern Towhee - 42, American Tree Sparrow - 64, Field Sparrow - 23, Fox Sparrow - 1, Song Sparrow - 95, Swamp Sparrow - 5, White-throated Sparrow - 30, White-crowned Sparrow - 17, Dark-eyed Junco - 252, Lapland Longspur - 8, Northern Cardinal - 223, Red-winged Blackbird - 22, Eastern Meadowlark - 6, Rusty Blackbird - 8, Common Grackle - 1, House Finch - 104, American Goldfinch - 112, House Sparrow - 55. Totals: 64 species and 8,133 individuals.
Come join us next year for the 20th McCormick’s Creek Count.
RETURN TO THE TOP
Sassafras Audubon Board of Directors
The following is a list of the current members of the SAS Board of Directors and the names of committee chairs. The committees welcome help from volunteers.
Board of Directors -
John Lawrence, President
Vice President vacant
John Byers, Treasurer
David Daniels
Bob Dodd
Nancy Martin
Jeff Riegel
Tom Platt
Kelly Rockhill, Secretary
Mike Clarke
Kris D’Atri
Jess Gwinn
Committee Chairs -
Conservation Coordinator: Jess Gwinn
Database Manager: Jeff Riegel
Education Coordinator: Tom Platt
Field Trip Coordinator: Mike Clarke
Fund-raising Committee: Bob Kissel
Membership Coordinator: Kris D’Atri
Program Coordinator: Nancy Martin
Publicity Coordinator: Vacant
The Board of Directors meets on the first Monday of each month. All SAS members are welcome to attend. Please call the president or another board member to learn more details or send an e-mail to contactsas@yahoo.com.
RETURN TO THE TOP
SAS Web Site
http://www.bloomington.in.us/~audubon/
Susan Hengeveld / Webmaster (shengeve@indiana.edu)
Leaflet Staff
Bob Dodd / Editor
Bob Kissel / Contributing Editor
Joann Dodd / Editorial Assistant
Maureen Forrest / Mailing
Fine Print / Layout & Printing Services
Please direct address changes and requests for single issues to:
Jeff Riegel, Database Coordinator
P.O. Box 85
Bloomington, IN 47402
The SAS Leaflet is printed by Fine Print on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
The Leaflet invites readers to submit material for consideration for publication. Anyone wishing to do so should contact the Editor at dodd@indiana.edu or 339-2976.
RETURN TO THE TOP
