| MURIE AUDUBON SOCIETY CASPER, WYOMING |
| VOLUME 39 - ISSUE 1 MONTHLY PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 2005 |
CALENDAR
Feb. 5 - Banquet at Parkway Plaza (no Gen. Mtg. this month)
Feb. 8 - Bd. Mtg. - 7:00, ARLC Bldg.
Feb. 11 - newsletter deadline for March PNP
Feb. 12 - 1-4 pm - Strategic Planning Mtg. - ARLC Bldg.
Feb. 16 - 7-9 pm - Strategic Planning Mtg. - ARLC Bldg.
Feb. 18-21 - Great Backyard Bird Count
Feb. 19 - Birding class field trip
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR FEBRUARY 5TH - MURIE’S 19TH ANNUAL BANQUET - CALL BRUCE WALGREN FOR TICKETS - 234-7455 - BY FEB. 1ST. $25.00 EACH OR A TABLE OF 8 FOR $175.00. CALL PEG CULLEN 234-5692 TO DONATE A RAFFLE OR SILENT AUCTION ITEM. SEE YA THERE!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Click on title to go directly to article. Click on Sage-Grouse at end of article to come back
HERE)
CONSERVATION ALERT-Smarter Environmental Choices
WYOMING MOURNS LOSS OF WILDLIFE VETERINARIANS
NOTES FROM JANUARY BOARD MEETING
8TH ANNUAL GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
National Audubon Society 100th Year
WYOMING COUNTY BIRD LIFE LISTS
PRINTER INK CARTRIDGES AND BIRD CARDS
MURIE OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We are proud to present Lynne Swanson as she portrays Mardy Murie at our annual banquet on Saturday, Feb. 5th. Lynne will explore the still-controversial value of wilderness conservation by portraying Margaret Murie, a woman who devoted her life to its defense. Mardy and her husband Olaus lived in the Yukon before moving to Wyoming, studying wildlife and working to establish wildlife refuges. Mardy was a strong voice for the value of wild nature and its connection to the human spirit. With the Murie family’s permission, we adopted their name for our chapter in 1970.
Lynne Swanson, long-time member of the Wyoming Council for the Humanities Speakers Bureau, has a deep interest in researching and portraying women who have contributed to the cultural development of the Rocky Mountain West. She holds a B.A. in English from Washington State University and attended library school at the University of Washington. Lynne is retired from her job at the information desk at the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne.
The evening will begin with a social hour at the Parkway Plaza Hotel at 5:30 PM followed by dinner and the presentation by Lynne Swanson. Raffles and a silent auction will also be held during the evening; the proceeds going to benefit our conservation education projects and to the Bird Hospital / Rehabilitation Center. This program promises to be of interest to conservationists and historians alike, so be sure to get your tickets by February 1. For tickets and further information, please contact Bruce or Donna Walgren at 234-7455.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, BIRDERS!
We ended 2004 with the Casper Bird Count and started 2005 with the Bates Hole count - results from both are in this newsletter.
Now we are looking forward to a new year with the 19th Annual Banquet, birding classes, field trips, environmental issues, conservation opportunities and planning sessions charting the course of MAS. Please plan to attend the strategic planning sessions (one or both) on Feb. 12th from 1-4 and Feb 16th from 7-9 at the ARLC. Dennis Sun will be leading these sessions and YOUR INPUT IS VITAL!!!!!!
Audubon Wyoming and MAS are again partnering to plan and hold bird ID classes with a follow-up field trip. Our first class will be on Feb. 17th focusing on how to ID a bird by their field marks followed by a field trip on Feb. 19th in and around Audubon Center at Garden Creek. If you haven’t been on the new “Bird Trail”, this would be a perfect opportunity to see the trail, the birds and help beginning birders.
March 17th class will focus on ID’ing likely birds in the Alcova/Grey Reef area with a follow-up field trip on March 19th to that area. Please bring your scopes to share.
April 9th will be a field trip to the Hat Six Lek to see the Greater Sage-grouse. April 21st class will highlight the birds seen at this time of spring migration at Soda Lake (Amoco Puddle, Yant’s Pond - all the same!) with an April 23rd field trip to Soda Lake. Again, scopes are needed so all can see the birds.
On May 5th and 12th, the class will be about the birds arriving at Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park with field trips to EKW on May 7th and 14th.
In June, Casper Mountain/Muddy Mountain birds are the class focus on June 9th, with a field trip to the mountains on June 11th.
We will have a class on bats in July (date TBA) with a “bat outing” following the class.
All classes with be held at Audubon Center at Garden Creek. The classes are instructional showing pictures of that class’s focus with attention to field marks, habitat, and songs. Audubon members can attend all classes/field trips for $5.00, non-members can attend all classes/field trips for $25.00.
Although the classes will be geared to beginning birders, it is hoped that veterans will attend to hone their skills as well as mentor the new birders during the field trips.
We received a $500 donation from Wagonhound Land and Livestock in Douglas for raptor rehabilitation . This donation was funded by Art & Catherine Nicholas. Thank you very much!!!
Rose-Mary King, President
An irruption is an irregular movement of large numbers of birds into areas beyond their normal range, generally triggered by inadequate food supply. (“Irregular migration” may be a better term, but “irruption” seems to be preferred.) One of these irruptive species is the Bohemian Waxwing, and there have been many reports in the region of large numbers of Bohemians – Glen Olsen in Lovell reported very large numbers of these birds all through December. Other irruptive species sometimes noted in our area are Common Redpolls, Red and White-winged Crossbills, Pine Siskins, and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Besides the Rough-legged Hawks and Northern Shrikes that usually make appearances in Wyoming in the winter, a Gyrfalcon has been seen, and a few Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspurs have been reported.
Yard Birds – Wayne and I received 201 yard bird selections from 24 states and the Yukon for the month of December. Sharp-shinned Hawks have been prevalent in the neighborhoods (no doubt checking out the bird feeder buffets), because the Sharpie was the high pick for the month. As mentioned previously, there has been an irruption of Bohemian Waxwings, so its no surprise that the Bohemian was in second place, though this species shared that position with the Mountain Chickadee. Woodpeckers continue to frequent neighborhoods – in third place was the No. Flicker.
Casper: Lois Layton – Harris’s Sparrow, Pat Classen – Black-capped Chickadee, Cecil Foote – American Goldfinch, Chris Michelson – Sharp-shinned Hawk, Jim Herold – Black-capped Chickadee, Jim/Gloria Lawrence – No. Saw-whet Owl, Rose-Mary King – Townsend’s Solitaire, Stacey Scott – No. Shrike, Frank Odasz – House Sparrow, Bart Rea – Belted Kingfisher, Bruce Walgren – Bohemian Waxwing, Donna Walgren – Sharp-shinned Hawk; Cheyenne: Barb Gorges – Mountain Chickadee; Douglas: Billie Snell – Purple Finch; Dubois: Anna Moscicki – Steller’s Jay; Evanston: Patti/Tim Gorman – House Sparrow; Lovell: Glen Olsen – Bohemian Waxwing (3000+); Riverton: Suzanne Hargis – Steller’s Jay, Bob Hargis – Varied Thrush; Story: Bob South – Merlin.
Thanks to all who helped with the Yard Bird Project last month!! To take part, pick the species you most enjoyed seeing in, over, or from your yard during the month of January, and send your choice to Donna Walgren (ph. 234-7455), 4311 S. Center St., Casper 82601, or email to bwalgren_AT_coffeyDOTcom.
-- Donna Walgren
To find out what birds have been seen, call Murie Audubon’s Bird Hotline: in Casper, 265-BIRD, outside of Casper, 1-888-265-BIRD.
Casper CBC for
Dec. 18, 2004.
Canada Goose 1,141 , Cackling Goose 6, Gadwall 2, Mallard 979, Northern
Pintail 3, Green-winged Teal 54, Redhead 2, Ring-necked Duck cw Greater
Scaup 4, Lesser Scaup 10, Bufflehead cw, Common Goldeneye 296, Hooded
Merganser 2, Common Merganser 53, Blue Grouse 2, Wild Turkey 22, Pied-bill
Grebe 1, Great Blue Heron 1, Bald Eagle - Imm. 13, Adult 20, Sharp-shinned
Hawk 4, Cooper's Hawk cw, Northern Goshawk 1, Red-tailed Hawk 4,
Rough-legged Hawk 5, Golden Eagle - Imm. 8, Adult 19, Merlin 2, Gyrfalcon
cw, Peregrine Falcon 2, Prairie Falcon cw, Wilson's Snipe 1, Ring-billed
Gull 74, California Gull 2, Herring Gull 3, Rock Pigeon 623, Great Horned
Owl 7, Belted Kingfisher 1, Downy Woodpecker 7, Hairy Woodpecker 11, N.
Flicker - Red-shafted 77, Yellow-shafted 5, N. Shrike 2, Steller's Jay 16,
Blue Jay 25, Clark's Nutcracker 16, Black-billed Magpie 142, A. Crow 21,
Common Raven 2, Horned Lark cw, Black-capped Chickadee 116, Mtn. Chickadee
97, Bushtit 4, Red-breasted Nuthatch 21, White-breasted Nuthatch 20, Brown
Creeper 3, Townsend's Solitaire 37, A. Robin 78, European Starling 1419,
Bohemian Waxwing 274, Cedar Waxwing 23, A. Tree Sparrow 15, Song Sparrow 5,
Harris's Sparrow 1, Dark-eyed Junco - slate colored 4, unknown 24, Red-winged
Blackbird 3, Common Grackle 2, Gray-crowned Rosy Finch 40, Pine Grosbeak cw,
Cassin's Finch 1, House Finch 336, Pine Siskin 3, A. Goldfinch 45, Evening
Grosbeak 40, House Sparrow 3680.
Total species 65 + 7 cw
Total individuals 9967
(Chris Michelson - Compiler )
Bates Hole CBC
for 2004 January 1, 2005.
Pied-billed Grebe 1, Great Blue Heron 3, Trumpeter Swan 1, Canada Goose 1,044, Cackling Goose 50, Gadwall 5, Mallard 77, Common Goldeneye 57, Bufflehead 1, Common Merganser 2, Cooper’s Hawk 1, N. Harrier 2, Red-tailed Hawk 4, Rough-legged Hawk 7, Bald Eagle - Adult 1, Golden Eagle 18 (adults 14, imm. 4), Prairie Falcon 1, Kestrel 1, Gray Partridge 42, Greater Sage-Grouse 80, Turkey 105, Ring-billed Gull 1, Rock Pigeon 14, Great Horned Owl 8, Belted Kingfisher 1, Downy Woodpecker 1, Hairy Woodpecker 3, N. Flicker (RS) 8, Horned Lark 21, Pinyon Jay 72, Black-billed Magpie 244, A. Crow 3, Common Raven 27, Black-capped Chickadee 10, Mtn. Chickadee 4, White-breasted Nuthatch 1, A. Dipper 3, Townsend’s Solitaire 1, European Starling 163, A. Tree Sparrow 31, Song Sparrow 8, Dark-eyed Junco 9 (slate-colored 1, Oregon 8), Red-winged Blackbird 8, W. Meadowlark 1, Gray-crowned Rosy Finch 126, House Finch 17, Pine Siskin 1, A. Goldfinch 4, House Sparrow 118. Total Species - 49; Total Individuals - 2,410
Analysis - While the total number of birds seen was actually up, this reflected a special circumstance with the goose count. Humans (hunters?) frightened a large flock of geese that are normally upstream outside the count area and they flew into the count area. Excluding the geese, the total number of birds seen was down 36% lower than a year ago and 28% lower than two years ago. A diminished food supply due to the drought is believed to be responsible.
Species of special interest: Golden Eagle numbers are up slightly. We believe the rabbit population is starting to recover from its recent cyclical low. Rabbits are the main prey of the Golden Eagles. Only one Bald Eagle was seen, compared with 7 last year and 14 the year before. Ducks, on which the Bald Eagles prey, were less common which may account for the decline in Bald Eagles. The drought is suspected in the decline of the duck population. Sage-Grouse numbers were up from the last two years but below previous highs and less than the spring and summer sightings would suggest. It may be that some of the sage-grouse have moved for the winter to nearby areas less affected by the drought than Bates Hole. Magpie numbers continue to be normal, indicating that this species has not been seriously hurt by West Nile virus to which it is vulnerable. Raven numbers set an all time high, evidence of the continuing expansion of this species. No robins were seen which is unusual and the numbers of virtually all the small land birds were down. Again, reduced food supply due to the drought is the likely cause.
A number of birds that normally migrate further south before January were seen including the grebe, the herons, the gull and the meadowlark. This is clearly caused by the relatively mild fall and winter and may be a symptom of the global warming trend.
The Bates Hole census is taken in a 15-mile diameter circle in Bates Hole southwest of Casper. Points near the boundary of the circle include the highways 220/487 junction, the flank of Muddy Mountain above the Bates Hole Cemetery, the crossing of highway 487 and Lawn Creek, the Lusby public fishing area and the North Platte River a half mile downstream from Government Bridge. The count was taken by the following Murie Audubon Society of Casper members and volunteers: Jessica and Andy Anderson, Cameron and Larry Bogue, Jim, Kathy and Gloria Lawrence, Chris Michelson, Dan Neal, Frank Odasz, Charles Scott, Dan, Stacey, Joe, and George Scott.
(Charles Scott - compiler)
We have 69 classrooms requesting Audubon Adventures, of which 55 classrooms have been sponsored. We are accepting sponsorships for this year through the month of February.
Sue Gloriod, Donna and Bruce Walgren, Keith James and Peg Cullen have sponsored one classroom. Lois and Frank Layton, Bart Rea, and Bert and Jack Kerns have sponsored more than one classroom.
Thanks once again to all of you who have contributed to the Audubon Adventures program.
Ann Hines, Education Chairman
Do you request paper or plastic bags at the supermarket? Does the choice of cloth vs. disposable diapers really make a difference? Would you buy a gas-guzzler car or one that gets over 35 mpg? The answer to the first two questions is not that much. The answer to the third is considerable. I believe most people want to be good environmental citizens but focusing on what really makes a difference will enable all of us to be better contributors to a healthier planet. The decisions that really matter can be grouped in 3 main categories.
Transportation - Cars and trucks
together account for 90% of all the toxic air pollution created by the average
U.S. household. All other forms of intercity passenger travel produce less than
.2 of 1%. The message is obvious – drive as little and as short a distance as
possible. Equally important is to plan on buying a fuel efficient/low emissions
vehicle for your next car purchase. According to the US EPA, the Ford Explorer
gets an average of 16 mpg whereas the rated fuel economy of the
Toyota
Prius is more than 4 ½ times higher. The difference is just as great for the
Greenhouse Gas Score for these two cars. On a scale of 10, the Prius scores a
10 and the Explorer is rated at 2. Most of us are conscientious recyclers,
which is good, but your transportation decisions mean far more for a better
environment.
Food - 860 million acres or over 40% of U.S. land area is used for grazing and growing grain for feeding livestock. Meat and poultry consumption are responsible for about a quarter of the threats to wildlife and natural ecosystems, and account for 20% of common water pollution. By contrast, fruits, vegetables, and grains account for 3.5%, with organic produce far less. Eating less meat and buying certified organic produce have far greater environmental consequences than the care we take, for example, on our purchases of certain lawn care products.
Household Operations - In running a washer or dryer, heating or air conditioning a home, using water, toilets, etc, consumers can greatly reduce what can otherwise be significant environmental impact. For example, doing 6 loads of laundry a week can save about 6,000 gallons of water a year by switching to a front-loading washing machine instead of a top-loader, which wastes lots of water and leaves clothes relatively wet, requiring more drying time. The average refrigerator manufactured in 2001 was 146% more energy efficient than a similar unit produced in 1980. Buying new household appliances, especially those with the EPA’s Energy Star symbol consume far less energy (and, in some cases, water). Although energy-efficient appliances are usually more expensive the ultimate energy savings will usually offset the extra initial cost. Also, Energy Star rebates may be available.
American consumers clearly need more and better information about the impact of their various activities on the environment so we can choose wisely, recognizing that we’re not going to abandon the comfortable lives to which we have grown accustomed. Among good sources for this important information are The Consumer’s Guide to Effective Environmental Choices, by M. Brower and W. Leon, and various websites including World Watch Institute and Mother Earth News.
(This Newsletter may be excerpted, reproduced or circulated without limitation. Donald R. Dann - Volume 9 Number 1 January 2005 )
On a stormy December night, southeast of Laramie, we lost two of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Beth Williams and her husband, Tom Thorne, were returning from Denver to their home in Albany County; they were killed when a semi-trailer truck jackknifed on the icy road into their vehicle’s path.
I met them both at one of Murie Audubon’s early banquets, and I soon found that when we needed information on wildlife problems (especially concerning reports on specimens sent into the laboratory for diagnosis), I could call Beth, and even if she had not been the one who checked the specimen, she would find the results and give me a full report on what was found, plus explaining what care and treatment would be needed. She was never too busy to talk to me and tell me what I needed to know.
Their research is respected both nationally and internationally, and they were often invited to lecture on diseases at various professional wildlife meetings. To quote one of her former students, Beth was considered by many to be the “most important scientist in the wildlife disease field.”
Their knowledge and concern for our wildlife and its problems have been of great value to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and to all of us who care about our state’s wildlife. Beth and Tom have been an inspiration to all who have worked with them or listened to their lectures.
These two people always had time for a friendly smile and a moment or two of friendly comments no matter how busy they were. They were friends as well as very knowledgeable sources of information. They will be greatly missed by all who knew them.
--Lois Layton
Laurie Longtine spoke to the Board concerning possible drainage problems from the proposed Westside WalMart location. Site plans indicate two drainage areas: a) north into Murie Audubon’s Sanctuary (the Piggery), and b) southwest into a tributary drainage into Wolf Creek. Runoff from the new WalMart location could possibly include sediment, oil and grease, and other chemical pollutants from the parking areas and rooftops. Ms. Longtine could not find that any plans or permits had been filed concerning the mitigation of the runoff in either of these two areas. There was concern as to whether the Piggery’s wetland area had been properly declared as a wetland. Agencies that would have oversight on this include the US Army Corp of Engineers and Wyo. Dept. of Environmental Quality. It was decided that the Conservation Committee and anyone else interested in the possible pollution and damage concerns resulting from the WalMart project should contact these agencies.
The Board briefly discussed the Wyoming Game & Fish funding bills to be introduced in the legislative session. It was noted that everyone interested in our state’s wildlife and natural resources will need to keep as current as possible on the status of these bills.
Banquet chair Peg Cullen noted that we are still looking for donations for the raffle and the silent auction. We also need volunteers to help sell raffle tickets and bird boxes. Anyone who can help with either of these two things can contact Peg.
Bob Yonts apprised the Board that the current focus of the Casper Watershed Project is the proposed restoration/reclamation efforts on the stretch of Garden Creek flowing through Nancy English Park.
There are four things of immediate concern to Murie members and anyone interested in wildlife, habitats, and resource conservation. Of tremendous importance statewide: 1) the Wildlife Trust Fund and 2) Wyoming Game & Fish Dept. Funding. Of particular concern in the Casper area: 1) Garden Creek/Nancy English Park Restoration and 2) the Westside WalMart location storm sewer drainage plans.
Wildlife Trust Fund – Gov. Dave Freudenthal has introduced a proposal for a wildlife habitat trust fund. This proposal would set aside $75 million in a permanent trust account; this isn’t direct funding for the Game & Fish Dept., but would utilize the interest from the trust account to maintain and improve wildlife habitat in the state. A seven-member board (appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate) would receive, evaluate, and choose proposals from various agencies and organizations, such as 1) improving/maintaining terrestrial and aquatic habitats, 2) acquiring critical habitat (but on a “willing seller only” basis), 3) mitigation of impacts of development, 4) working on water storage projects for wildlife or instream flow.
The title of this legislative bill is SF 41, Wildlife and Natural Resource Funding Act, and it is sponsored by the Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Interim Committee.
SF 37, Wyoming Game & Fish Dept. Funding – this bill would appropriate $6.1 million from the state’s General Fund (for one year) to 1) manage terrestrial and aquatic sensitive species, 2) expand terrestrial and aquatic habitat management, 3) provide habitat extension services, 4) deal with wildlife human conflict problems, 5) improve public outreach. Much of the info about these two bills came from the January, 2005 issue of Wyoming Wildlife, in an article written by Walt Gasson – “Two Bills to Pay the Bills.” If you have not had an opportunity to read it yet, please do so. Mr. Gasson notes that the Game & Fish Commission was created (nearly 75 years ago) by Wyoming Statute 23-1-103, which reads, “It is the purpose of this act and the policy of the state to provide an adequate and flexible system for the control, propagation, management, protection and regulation of all Wyoming wildlife.” He says, “It’s worth noting that this statute says all Wyoming wildlife. It doesn’t say ‘all Wyoming wildlife for which we hunt or fish.” It doesn’t say ‘all species that bring in more license dollars than they cost to manage.’ It says all Wyoming wildlife. The people of Wyoming have entrusted the Commission to be the steward of over 800 species of wildlife, from mountain lions to mollusks.” However, the problem is: while making the Commission directly responsible for the conservation of all Wyoming wildlife, their efforts are funded only by some of Wyoming’s wildlife (those that are hunted or fished). It should be noted that both of these bills are based on an ecosystem approach, working to maintain, improve, and restore habitat.
All of us interested in the value and conservation of our wildlife and natural resources need to follow the progress of these bills, and let our legislators know our thoughts and feelings on them. You can keep track of the status of these and other bills by going to the Legislature’s web site; for some “how-to” info, you can then click on General Information, and then go to Citizen’s Guide to the Wyoming Legislature. You can also call the Voter Hot Line – toll-free in Wyoming (866) 996-VOTE; or contact a lawmaker – Senate (307) 777-7711, House (307) 777-7852, or check the Bill Status Hot Line – toll-free in Wyoming (800) 342-9570; there is also a Hearing-impaired service (800) 877-9965.
Westside WalMart Drainage Plans – the Murie Audubon Sanctuary (alias the Piggery) is a wetland, and as such, a valuable habitat within the city limits. The major concern here is the drainage mitigation plans (or what may be the lack of any plans). These problems and concerns are outlined in the Notes From the January Board Meeting; please refer to this item, and do not hesitate to make your own inquiries; the more pressure we can put on the various agencies, the better.
Garden Creek/Nancy English Park Restoration Project – This focuses on the section of Garden Creek that flows through Nancy English Park (part of the Casper Watershed Project). Many of you remember a healthier Garden Creek riparian area; this project hopes to restore the creek to its earlier condition – reclaiming the eroded banks, restoring the vegetation, and improving the water quality. There has already been an organizational meeting of interested parties, and neighborhood residents voiced approval. A similar project was undertaken in Lander with great success. The city has estimated a $550,000 price tag for the project, and Margaret Teevens, the city’s infrastructure maintenance coordinator, said that money for the project would come from a combination of grant funds from Wyoming DEQ, the city of Casper, and private parties. Obviously, a healthier Nancy English Park would not only be enjoyed by those living in the neighborhood, but by everyone in Casper who visits the park. Be sure to let the city know that you applaud, appreciate, and support their efforts in this project.
Conservation Committee - Donna Walgren reporting.
8TH
ANNUAL GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
During the weekend of February 18 through 21, people across the North American continent are urged to look at the birds in their backyards and report them over the Internet as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count, one of the world’s largest volunteer efforts of its kind. This count allows people to celebrate their birds, and whether counters are novices or experts, their participation is vital in helping North America’s birds.
Birders are encouraged to enjoy the birds around them by going out into the “Great Backyard” during any or all of the count days and noting down of the highest numbers of each bird species they see. People then report their sightings over the Internet at Birdsource.
Instructions for participating can be found at Birdsource. There’s no fee and no registration is required. Those who would like to participate but who aren’t online can try their local library, and many Wild Birds Unlimited store owners who are online will be accepting observations made by their customers. Libraries, businesses, nature clubs, Scout troops, and other community organizations interested in promoting the GBBC or getting involved can contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at 800/ 843-2473 (outside the U.S., call 607/254-2473), 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York 14850, or email the National Audubon Society or call (215) 355-9588, Ext. 20, Audubon Science Office, 545 Almshouse Road, Ivyland, PA 18974.
For the complete press release visit here.
National
Audubon Society’s Centennial YearAudubon is celebrating its centennial year of protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon will celebrate its centennial throughout the year with events across the country, including both annual activities like the Great Backyard Bird Count (Feb. 18-21, 2005), and new, special centennial events.
“A full century after its foundation, Audubon remains the nation’s leading bird conservation organization,” stated John Flicker, president of National Audubon Society. “From our landmark “State of the Birds” report issued in October 2004, to the recent battle to restore the nest site of legendary Red-tailed Hawk Pale Male, Audubon’s work today is as relevant and critical to bird conservation as it was 100 years ago. We will be here through the next 100 years to give voice to those same founding values and principles.”
For the complete news release visit here.
VICTORY
FOR PALE MALE Representatives of Audubon, New York
City Parks and Recreation, thank Pale Male's supporters as spikes and nest
cradle were installed at 927 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, on Thursday, December
23, 2004. Contractors for 927 Fifth Avenue reinstalled the anti-pigeon spikes
which enabled the Red-tailed Hawk Pale Male to build a nest at the building site
and successfully raise his young over the last decade. A safety guardrail was
also installed on the twelfth-floor window cornice. Pale Male's supporters were
on hand to witness the installation.
"It's the miracle on 74th Street," said New York City Audubon Society Executive
Director E. J. McAdams. "The grassroots support for Pale Male and Lola has
changed the hearts of the building.
People called us from all over the world to help," said National Audubon President John Flicker. "Pale Male inspired and motivated nature lovers everywhere. We are grateful to the owners of 927 Fifth Avenue for working with Audubon to find a positive solution."
For the complete story visit here.
Last year we started a new project for people who bird in Wyoming - keeping
county bird lists (for example, what is your life list total for Laramie
County? For Natrona County? Big Horn or Fremont County? etc. etc.)
This is set up similar to ABA's state totals - and it is time to send in your
county life totals as of December 31, 2004, (this is not a yearly total). For
each county that you have at least 125 species, send that total to us. We will
organize everyone's totals and put them in this newsletter, and also send them
to the other Audubon chapters' newsletters. Many other states already do this;
besides the competition, they have found that it also helps get all parts of the
state covered better and learn more about species distribution. Some of
you already have a life list total of 125-plus species for almost every county,
while some of us will only be able to tally 125 or more for one or two counties
(we just have to work harder!)
Actually, we don't need the annotated list, just the number - you can refer to
your documentation if anyone has questions about species to find in a particular
county. Andrea Cerovski (non-game bird biologist for Wyoming Game & Fish) will
also be very interested in totals and diversity of species across Wyoming, so
watch county lines and keep track of where you found those birds!! And, of
course, reporting your sightings on WYOBirds and sending info to Plains and
Peaks shares the info with everyone!!!
Send your tallies to Bruce and Donna Walgren, 4311 S. Center St., Casper, WY 82601, ph. 234-7455, or email bwalgren_AT_coffeyDOTcom in the next couple weeks. Contact us if you have any questions about this project.
Remember to bring your used printer ink cartridges to the March General Meeting on the 4th. I sent in 43 cartridges in December and will let you know the amount of the rebate when we get the check from US Recycling.
Also, I will be starting another batch of “bird boxes” for next year’s banquet. If you have any greeting cards with birds on the front (I need the backs, too) or bird calendars, please save them for me and bring them to a meeting or give me a call (577-0568).
Rose-Mary King