About Stockbridge Field Trips Newsletters Links National Audubon Check List of N. Indiana Birds (pdf)

Birding and bird watching from the Stockbridge Audubon Society in Fort Wayne, Indiana   Stockbridge Audubon Society P.O. Box 13131 Fort Wayne, IN 46864

a website to check out: http://ourdems.org

The Stockbridge Audubon Society is a non-profit organization that promotes the awareness, understanding, enjoyment and stewardship of the environment and natural resources of Northeastern Indiana. Birds were our beginnings, and we remain dedicated to birding as the basis for our mission to conserve and restore our natural ecosystems, focusing on birds and other wildlife for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity.

. . . . Enter with us into a world filled with birds and wildlife, fellowship, beauty, growth and service! 

Links & News of Interest Stockbridge Audubon News & Lists August, 2008 Newsletter (pdf) May Day Bird Count - May 10, 08 (doc) Spring Field Trip Sightings - 08 The Fall Field Trips Schedule is done. Go to the Fall Field Trips AEP provided money for a much better falcon-viewing camera. The pictures are awesome! It's now online. The Falcon Cam Photos from the past few days Julie thought you might be interested in this website with many crane pictures. The Christy Yuncker Photo Journal Did you know that young cranes are called "colts"? HATCHING & GROWTH OF A HUMMINGBIRD Interesting pictures on someone's web site. Be sure to click on "NEXT PAGE" at the bottom of each page; there are 5 pages in all. Someone found a hummingbird nest and got pictures all the way from the egg to leaving the nest. Took 24 days from birth to flight. Go to http://community-2.webtv.net/Velpics/HUM/ Roger & Rachel have a bird list to share from Grand Cayman. Click Here to see their list and some pictures. Endangered condor dies of lead poisoning (more) Stories Sought: What You Are Doing to Help Fight Global Warming - The National Audubon Society is looking for stories from the Audubon family. Tell us what steps are you taking - both individual actions and chapter or other group initiatives. We will share your experiences through Newswire and on the Audubon website - inspiring others to join Audubon in making a difference. Please send your story to : kconnors@audubon.org - with photos showcasing what you are doing, if you have them! We would like to announce the release of Dr. Ken Brock's CD, "Brock's Birds of Indiana".  The Amos Butler Audubon chapter has underwritten this project to keep the cost down so as to increase its availability to birders.  Information about the CD is available by clicking on the image below. We been privileged to reproduce a story, Bird watchers on the lookout, from the Reports from China supplement to the Washington Post National Weekly Edition. We thought our members would appreciate the story but we could not find it on the web. Click here for the story and the story behind how we got the story for our web site. Listen to possible ivory-bill recordings . The Cornell Lab of Ornithology recently released sound recordings from the Big Woods. Researchers say they may be those of the ivory-billed woodpecker. (It helps to have broadband to listen - when you find them.) Male swallows must constantly impress mates because females will dump lighter-breasted partners. Read the article Conservation groups take to the sky to keep whooping cranes from becoming extinct. A most interesting story from Birds and Blooms. Read the article. Eagles at Lake Monroe, the largest man-made impoundment in Indiana,, was the site of the state's bald eagle reintroduction program from 1985 - 1989. More rare hummingbirds spotted in Texas - Fort Wayne News Sentinel, July 26 A new organization to support politicians who support birds. BirdPAC I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.  -- John Burroughs   Click here for old items Recent Postings from Indiana Birding   2008 Spring Field Trip Sightings The 2005 Christmas Counts (pdf) May Day Bird Count - May 14, 2005 (pdf) The 2004 Christmas Count results (pdf)

Latest News  The Fall Field Trips Schedule is done. Go to the Fall Field Trips August Newsletter (pdf) & May Day Bird Count results (Word Doc) are on the web site. The Ellison Road overpass is now open, linking Fox Island to Village at Coventry, Wendy's and US 24. If you select the winning bird, you will be placed in competition for the prize drawing to win a copy of the Rare Birds Yearbook 2008. To enter click here to subscribe.   Good luck!  News From The National Audubon Society We hope you find this edition of "Audubon In the News" interesting and informative. Please note: you may have to register with individual news sites to view some stories; if you are unable to link directly to articles of interest, we suggest that you try copying and pasting the URL into your browser. August 1, 2008 AUDUBON POLICY  The Journal of Commerce featured a report as Maine Audubon announced support for Kibby Wind Power plan www.journalofcommerce.com/article/id29270 From the Audubon web site: A plan being considered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to open up millions of acres of private land into agricultural production was abandoned in a decision last week in Washington, D.C. The Conservation Reserve Program, or CRP, has been a vital resource for farmers, wildlife, consumers, and American taxpayers. Audubon advocated in favor of the program, which means more grasslands for birds.  www.audubon.org/campaign/farmBill.html Audubon joined other conservation groups? yesterday urging the Bush administration to withdraw its proposed procedures for complying with the National Environmental Policy Act when managing ocean fish and to craft a new rule that will protect valuable natural resources while allowing for greater public participation in the environmental review process. Dr. Steve Kress stressed harmful impacts for seabirds. www.audubon.org/news/NEPA.html AUDUBON STATE PROGRAMS Maryland Audubon's Director of Bird Conservation, David Curson, was featured in an Urbanite magazine article focused on urban wildlife. http://www.urbanitebaltimore.com/sub.cfm?issueID=62&sectionID=4&articleID=981 Audubon North Carolina took a small group of reporters to one of 20 sanctuary islands that the organization protects along the coast.   Click on links below to view news reports from this tour.  Bird Island   Birds are flocking to Bird Island off of the Fort Fisher coast USA Today quotes Graham Chisholm of Audubon California on Tejon Ranch agreement www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/2008-07-29-ecoside_N.htm Audubon Florida raised concerns that persistent algae blooms in Florida Bay by the Keys could threaten the state's largest lobster nursery and the economy it supports.  www.bradenton.com/breakingsports/story/771639.html   AUDUBON CHAPTERS     Greater Long Beach Chapter of the Audubon Society contend cricket team will monopolize a "passive" recreation area, endangering the ecosystem of the area's wildlife. www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_10027777 EDUCATION AND AUDUBON CENTERS AND SANCTUARIES Both NYC Audubon and Prospect Park Audubon Center were mentioned in a New York Times report on birding in the City www.nytimes.com/2008/07/18/arts/18bird.html?ex=1217044800&en=7abf332 Mississippi Strawberry Plains Audubon Center described as "an outdoor lover's paradise" in Tupelo Daily Journal. Madge Lindsay, executive director of Audubon Mississippi, said "We demonstrate how to attract wildlife into the backyard and how landowners can maximize their landscape." www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID=276719&pub=1&div=News Illinois Audubon Society hosts annual hummingbird festival www.thetelegraph.com/entertainment/society_16714___article.html/hummingbird_audubon.html Fond du Lac County Audubon Society in Wisconsin recruits volunteers to remove invasive plants. "Definitely the bird numbers in this area have dwindled with the loss of habitat and the growth of urban areas," said local Audubon President Diana Beck. http://www.fdlreporter.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080730/FON0101/807300436/1985/FONopinion Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center featured in San Diego travel article with photos http://sandiegocoastlife.wordpress.com/2008/07/30/buena-vista-audubon-nature-center/ Anton Leenders is the new conservation biologist for the Connecticut Audubon Society in Fairfield www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_9944152 IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS South Carolina Wildlife Magazine described the conservation leadership of Audubon South Carolina and partners on how new management goals on coastal bird nesting and resting islands have helped balance birds' needs with traditional recreation.  Three islands in the article are Important Bird Areas, and IBA recognition is cited as spurring regulatory changes that are improving the conservation status of the birds and their habitats. www.scwildlife.com/pubs/mayjune2008/forthebirds.html Blogs: The selection of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) has been a particularly effective way of identifying conservation priorities. To be recognized as an IBA, the site has to meet internationally agreed and scientifically-defensible criteria. 10000 Birds - http://10000birds.com One of Arkansas's most Important Bird Areas, the Little River Bottoms in Hempstead County, is under fire from the proposed construction of a coal-burning power plant. http://carboncapstaskforce.blogspot.com/2008/07/audubon-arkansas-recounts-coal-fired.html Wetlands story is a complex one, but Lansford is certainly one of its heroes. It should be noted that Los Angeles Audubon was also very much involved in the preservation efforts at Ballona Wetlands, an Audubon Important Bird Area. Audublog - http://www.audublog.org BIRDS AND BIRDING Coastal Georgia Audubon Helps Children Go Birding http://coastalgeorgiabirding-lydia.blogspot.com/2008/07/coastal-georgia-audubon-helps-children.html AUDUBON MAGAZINE A 2007 "Incite" column by Ted Williams is credited for creating thoughtful debate about the damage feral horses and burros do to habitats out West. The article by Felicity Barringer in the New York Times was picked by several other major newspapers, including the International Herald Tribune. www.nytimes.com/2008/07/20/us/20mustangs.html?hp EVENTS   Audubon will participate in The Outdoor Retailer annual show in Salt Lake City, August 8-11.  Led by the National Conservation Program Development team, Audubon's presence represents a collaborative effort between several national departments: marketing, communications, advertising, licensing, policy, science, education, and the Wyoming state office and chapters.  John Flicker is a featured panelist to speak on "Creating the Next Stewards of the Environment" August 9.  The Audubon Booth will feature brochures, policy alerts and membership opportunities. Over a thousand copies of Audubon magazine will be distributed. Audubon is hosting a BBQ with co-sponsors Swarovski and Filson, and Rob Fergus will escort invited guests on birding excursions in the region. "This is a terrific opportunity for Audubon to have a wide-reaching presence in this key market", said Susan Ketterlinus, Director of National Cultivation Events.  "Membership in the Outdoor Industry Association deepens relationships and opportunities for us." For more information on the show, contact Susan Ketterlinus at sketterlinus@audubon.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can check the hummingbird migration map to monitor the northbound trek as spring continues. The Fall Field Trips are now on the web site. Forget Everything You Thought You Knew About Cats & Birds Click here to see the unusual story of a cat and a crow. For a shorter version. Learn about BirdSleuth to help build scientific literacy and excitement by engaging students in the scientific process! click here AUDUBON PUBLIC POLICY Bush Sees First Veto Override in Water Bill (April Gromnicki, director of ecosystem restoration for Audubon, is quoted in a story about Congress overriding President Bush's veto of the Water Resources Development Act) Learn more Is the Latest Climate Change Bill Getting Warmer? (Betsy Loyless, Audubon's senior vice president for public policy, is quoted in a story about the latest global warming legislation on Capitol Hill) Learn more ==================================== Audubon to host Chapter workshop - Audubon's Rowe Sanctuary will host a Chapter Workshop titled Taking Action for Birds in a Changing Climate. The upcoming Chapter Workshop is in conjunction with the 2008 Audubon Rivers and Wildlife Celebration in Kearney, Nebraska on March 14, 2008. Please find a press release and graphics, which are downloadable, on the Audubon Web site at http://www.audubon.org/local/index.html. For video from the News-Sentinel about Eagle Marsh - go here. ============ Backyard Bird Feeding With the traditional backyard bird feeding season upon us, here are some tips and “to dos” that will keep your feeding station healthy, active and more enjoyable: *Clean those feeders!  Use a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts hot water and scrub those feeders ‘til they sparkle! Dirty bird feeders can harbor and transmit bacteria and disease to your visiting birds, so a good cleaning not only makes the feeders more attractive, it eliminates a health risk for you and the birds. After cleaning (you may need to let your feeders soak in the solution for a while), thoroughly rinse them with clean water and let them dry completely, before refilling with fresh seed. *Repair broken feeders. While cleaning your feeders, take a good look at them to see if there are any broken pieces, sharp edges, protruding nails/screws or any other conditions that need attention. Exposure to the elements, abuse from squirrels and raccoons and heavy use by the birds year after year, can really take a toll on feeders. A quick check and easy repair, will put your feeders back in shape for another feeding season. *Buy a new type of feeder.  With so many different types of feeders readily available, it is easy to add a new model to your feeding station. To make it even more fun, buy a feeder that is intended to dispense a type of food you haven’t used before—such as whole or shelled peanuts, suet, suet plugs, seed cakes, or thistle seed. By doing so, you will likely attract new species of birds to your yard! *Don’t take down your birdbath - put a heater in it!  Birds need water during the cold months just as much as they do during spring and summer. Without access to open water, they are forced to eat snow for moisture, which can quickly lower their internal body temperature. Bird bath heaters can be found at very reasonable prices at farm supply stores and even some home-improvement stores. They don’t use any more electricity than a light bulb, and will keep your bird bath from freezing even during very cold weather. For best results, don’t go for the cheap, foil-covered heaters. Get the heavy-duty heaters that will really do the job. *Create a “lean-to” ground feeding station. Many birds prefer to feed on the ground, but this becomes very difficult when there is a blanket of snow and ice. By using a piece of plywood or even evergreen boughs, you can create a lean-to, under which you can spread birdseed. For best results, the open side of the lean-to should face southeast, since most of the winter winds blow from the northwest. This shelter will keep the seed dry and exposed, while providing the birds a bit of shelter - and predator protection - while they feed on the ground. *Clean out your nest boxes.  Many birds will seek refuge in nest boxes during cold, blustery nights. Groups of Chickadees are known to “hole-up” in nest boxes, where their collective body heat warms the air inside the box. To increase the comfort factor, you can put straw, dryer lint or even dog hair in the bottom of the box and plug any ventilation slots at the top of the box. *Become a “citizen scientist” by participating in Project Feeder Watch.  This program is administered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and collects data from “Feeder Watchers” all across the country and in Canada, from November to April each year. This data is compiled, analyzed and summarized by the lab to identify bird population trends, irruptions, late migrations, early migrations, prevalence of disease and other meaningful and valuable data that would otherwise go unknown.  Participants monitor their feeders twice a month and report their counts either on-line or via paper forms. “Feeder-Watchers” can dedicate as much or as little time as they want to the project, but it does give you a good excuse to watch and enjoy the birds at your feeders! For more information, check-out the web-site for Project Feeder Watch at:  www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/. The lab always welcomes new participants and it is not too late to sign-up for the 2007/08 feeder-watch season. Indiana Breeding Bird Atlas The Indiana Department of Natural Resources conducted its first Breeding Bird Atlas in 1985-1990, to get data to produce accurate, up-to-date distribution maps for every species breeding in Indiana.  Now the DNR is repeating the survey to document changes in the distribution of Indiana's breeding birds. In Allen County there are 12 designated blocks, each about 9.5 miles square, to be surveyed.  An atlaser will be assigned to each block.  The atlaser should make several visits to the block during breeding season to collect evidence of breeding birds.  Criteria for evidence are spelled out in the atlas instructions. If you would like to help with this important project, or would like more information, contact the Allen County coordinator, Ed Powers, at (260)638-4291, or e-mail zzedpowers (at) aol.com Great fun, watch and listen to this Talking Star Grey Parrot (helps to have fast Internet connection) Download our four page updated Check List of Northern Indiana Birds. (pdf) We suggest you click HERE to learn about the Regional Election Nominations to the Board of Directors. The downloads at that location are in Word format. ========================================= Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Rediscovered in Arkansas The rare bird, declared extinct, is alive in a nature reserve. The first confirmed sighting in six decades was kept secret for 14 months, partly to give conservation groups time to protect the woodpecker's habitat. Seven people have now seen the bird along the White River. At left, an illustration. Eagle Marsh Project in the works (Journal Gazette, Saturday, April 23, 2005). Buckner park proposal stresses natural features (Journal Gazette, Friday, April 22, 2005).

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April Bird of the Month

Gater Duck - southeast U.S.
Do NOT hand feed this duck

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May Bird of the Month

BunnyOwl - expanding range

An invasive species believed from a spell
gone wrong by students at Hogwarts.
Said to have been introduced by Harry Potter
& Ron Weasley as a practical joke.
Reproduction has been explosive.

If you see any white furry eggs,
please collect them for scientific study.

August Bird of the Month

Barking Blue Bird

First bird species discovered to have teeth.
Those who have seen the bird, insist it's bark is worse than it's bite.
Lives mostly in blue bird houses that have fallen and are on or close to the ground.
These birds have a tendency to follow or chase cars, bicycles and cats.
This bird is seldom stalked by cats.

September Bird of the Month

Lizard Parrot

First feathered lizard ever discovered has scientists confused as to how to properly identify the creature. Most believe birds are descended from dinosaurs. Other experts suggest birds and dinosaurs are separately descended from a common reptilian ancestor. This just might be the proof that validates both theories. Or maybe it will just continue to confuse them even more.

Those who have seen this bird in flight, insist the lack of tail feathers makes for unique flight patterns, resulting in frequent crashes into trees, windows and other birds.

Lives mostly under boulders that have fallen and are lodged in tree branches.

This bird often seems to be very confused.

 

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November Bird of the Month

The Dog Eagle

This bird dog has evolved as patriotic Americans have taken both dogs and birds into their homes as companions. As "man's best friend" the dog eagle has won a place in the hearts of the many humans who have adopted them. The eagle, as the symbol of our country, has also gained great respect as a symbol of protection in our country. The two are now one and we can have a best friend and feel patriotic about it .
God Bless America.

This is the real bird dog.

Previous BOM at the bottom of the page.