| MURIE AUDUBON SOCIETY CASPER, WYOMING |
| VOLUME 42 - ISSUE 2 MONTHLY PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 2008 |
CALENDAR
Feb. 5 - Bd. Mtg. - 7PM - ACGC
Feb. 9 - Annual Banquet - 5:30 - Casper Petroleum Club
Feb. 15-18 - Great Backyard Bird Count
Feb. 16 - Seed Sale - ACGC - 9:30AM - 2:00PM
Thursdays - 12 Noon - ACGC - Brown Bag Birding
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Click on title to go directly to article. Click on "Manakin" pic at end of article to come back HERE)
21ST
ANNUAL BANQUET - February 9, 2008Young-boy networks: How Costa Rican Manakins Work Their Way to a Unique Dual-male Leapfrog Dance
Dr. Dave McDonald, Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming, will be the guest speaker at our annual banquet. His presentation will concentrate on the Long-tailed Manakins of Costa Rica and their courtships and displays.
The manakin is a colorful Central American bird with an unusual courtship pattern. Like Wyoming’s Greater Sage-grouse, groups of male manakins display in leks to attract females. Unlike the sage grouse, however, the Long-tailed Manakins also court in groups. Each group consists of at least two individuals, an alpha male and a beta male, and sometimes as many as 11 younger individuals. Male Long-tailed Manakins attract females to the arena with synchronous “toledo” calls. Courtship consists of leapfrogging movements and butterfly flights by the alpha and beta males, and small “popcorn” jumps made by any other males in the group. This courtship is very energetic, and typically, only the alpha male will mate, not just with any given display, but over the entire breeding season! This cooperative courtship requires that some individuals forego their own reproduction to further the reproductive efforts of others. McDonald and Potts (1993) observed large numbers of Long-tailed Manakins leks over a period of more than ten years to try to understand the unusual mating habits of this species.
Dave McDonald was born in Trinidad and Tobago. (He notes that being born in two places at once may partly explain his personality traits). He grew up in Venezuela, Brazil, England and Mexico.
After college, he #1) became fascinated by birds, and #2) moved to Alaska to build a log cabin. He decided to pursue his interest in birds academically, and completed a Ph.D. at the University of Arizona in Tucson. For nearly 20 years he studied the behavioral ecology of Long-tailed Manakins in Monteverde, Costa Rica. He has been a professor in the Department of Zoology & Physiology at the University of Wyoming since 1996. His other research interests include social network models, evolutionary demography, and phylogeography of montane and alpine animals.
The Casper Petroleum Club will once again be the setting for the banquet. The tickets are $25 each or you can reserve a table of eight for $175; contact Rose-Mary King (577-0568) or (262-4861) for tickets. The Petroleum Club will seat around 120 people, so get your tickets early so that you won’t be left out. As usual, we with begin the evening with a social hour at 5:30 PM. Dinner will be at 6:30 PM, so you should have time to visit and check out the raffle and silent auction items. Proceeds from the event will be used to support Murie Audubon’s education programs and the bird hospital. Bruce and Donna Walgren
2008 is here and we are having real winter this year! It seems to me that is has been a few years since we’ve had this much cold weather where there is still snow on the ground. We certainly could use more snow here in central Wyoming.
We’ve started on our yearly checklist of birds, however, our list isn’t very long yet. 2007 was a year where I finally got to see one of my nemesis bird species – the Eastern Screech Owl. The day we did the Christmas Bird Count in Crawford, Nebraska, a fellow birder found one of these “hard to find” birds, and I got to see it also. This particular bird was the “red” phase of the species and he (or she) was using a Wood Duck box for his house.
For those of you who didn’t get to see Kent Sundell’s program in January, you missed a treat. But, you will be able to see part two of Kent’s presentation probably at March or April’s program. I need to finish up the schedule of speakers and Kent is flexible about when he can come. Tentatively for May, we will have Jim Lovvorn from UW here to talk about the status of the Spectacled Eider.
Don’t forget the Annual Banquet, it’s always a fun event and a good time to catch up with old friends.
Bruce Walgren
Howdy,
January 25th, 2008 was my last official day with Audubon Wyoming, although I know there will be numerous more “unofficial” days still to come. Audubon provided me with some wonderful opportunities, and I look forward to applying all of this knowledge on down the line.
I plan on attending the annual Murie Audubon Society Banquet on February 9th. Bart has already offered to buy my first delicious adult beverage, however I am still accepting applications for beverage donors 2 – 18.
Seriously though, I just wanted to take
a minute to thank all of the Murie Audubon Society folks for everything these
last couple of years. I have genuinely enjoyed my time at the Audubon Center at
Garden Creek, and that is in large part because of all of you. Together we’ve
been able to do some great things in 2006 and 2007, and I know you all will
continue to assist Uncle Larry as Audubon transitions with a new Central Wyoming
Community Naturalist.
Thanks,
February 16 is the date of our winter sunflower seed sale. To help celebrate and encourage participation in this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count, we will distribute seeds at the Audubon Center at Garden Creek. For more about the Great Backyard Bird Count see a related article in this issue.
Those of you who need seed can purchase them from 9:30 AM until 2 PM, then spend some time watching birds at the Center’s birdfeeders. Unfortunately there has been another price increase in our cost of the seeds, therefore we will be charging $22 for 50# bags. If you cannot come to the sale, but need seeds, please contact Bruce Walgren at 234-7455 or bruce_walgren_AT_bresnanDOTnet and we can make arrangements to get seeds to you. Bruce Walgren
Last fall’s seed sale
(click on picture to larger version
GREAT
BACKYARD BIRD COUNT FEBRUARY 15 – 18 The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes. Count birds at as many places and on as many days as you like—just keep a separate list of counts for each day and/or location. Count the greatest number of individuals of each species that you see together at any one time, and write it down. To report your counts, fill out an online checklist at the Great Backyard Bird Count Web Site. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.
As the count progresses, anyone with Internet access can explore what is being reported from their own towns or anywhere in the United States and Canada. They can also see how this year's numbers compare with those from previous years. Participants may also send in photographs of the birds they see. A selection of images is posted in the online photo gallery.
In 2007, participants reported a record-breaking 11 million birds of 616 species. They submitted more than 80,000 checklists, an all-time record for the ten years of the count.
Nation-wide last year 613 species were reported on 81,003 checklists representing over 11 million birds. In Wyoming, 80 species were recorded, Casper took the lead with 33 species, Lander came in second with 28 species. Casper also lead the state in participation with 34 checklists submitted, so let’s get out there again this year. Bruce Walgren
There have been reports of sightings of some unusual bird species in our area – always exciting news to bird enthusiasts. A recent article in the Omaha World Herold reported that ornithologists with the Boreal Songbird Initiative and Cornell Lab note that shortages of some seeds, nuts and berries in Canadian forests and along stretches of the Rocky Mountains are moving northern and mountain birds southward and out into the Great Plains. These unusual movements or shifts in a bird’s territory (called irruptions) always create excitement in the birding community. In early December, unusual numbers of purple finches, pine grosbeaks, crossbills and redpolls were being seen in northern U.S. from Minnesota to Maine. And more recently, Iowa and Nebraska have seen these species showing up at feeders. Nebraska Game & Parks biologists T.J. Walker and Joel Jorgensen note that red-breasted nuthatches and purple finches are being seen in above normal numbers. In addition, frequent sightings of mountain chickadees are being reported in western Nebraska. Here in Wyoming, we have had reports of pine grosbeaks at Vayo’s feeder on Casper Mountain, purple finches on the Sundance Christmas Bird Count, and a purple finch at Chris Michelson’s feeder in east Casper.
The effect of scant forage is felt throughout the food web – fewer seed and berry eaters (sparrows, finches, rodents, rabbits, etc.) means a reduced prey base for hawks, eagles, owls, coyotes, etc. Lack of natural food can push birds and other animals into areas of human habitation and activity. So watch your yard and feeder for unusual visitors; take a good look at the house finches and Cassin’s finches – there might be a purple finch mixed in with them, or a redpoll or crossbill, or maybe even a pine grosbeak!
December Yard Birds – For the month of December, Wayne and I received 172 yard bird selections from 17 states plus Yukon Territory, with 72 different species reported. There was a three-way tie for first place between some past “Number Ones” – Mountain Chickadee, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and American Goldfinch. Bald Eagle came in second. Third place was another three-way tie – Brown Creeper, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Downy Woodpecker. Four species tied for fourth place – Townsend’s Solitaire, Red Crossbill, Northern Flicker, and Bohemian Waxwing. All of these eleven species are very typical of birds seen in neighborhoods at this time of year.
Casper: Jim Herold – Merlin, Rose-Mary King – Mountain Chickadee, Chris Michelson – Sharp-shinned Hawk, Casper College Greenhouse – Dark-eyed Junco, Barb Yonts – Sharp-shinned Hawk, Bob Yonts – Northern Flicker (red-sh.), Tammy Brown – Blue Jay, Garden Creek Audubon Center – Spotted Towhee/Green-tailed Towhee hybrid, Bruce Walgren- House Finch, Donna Walgren – Sharp-shinned Hawk; Evanston: Patti Gorman – Cassin’s Finch, Tim Gorman – House Sparrow; Lovell: Glen Olsen – Red-breasted Nuthatch; Riverton: Suzanne Hargis – Mountain Bluebird, Bob Hargis – Northern Goshawk.
Thanks to all who helped with the Yard Bird Project in December!! I hope 2008 is now bringing interesting birds into your yard and neighborhood. January could be an interesting month; let us know what birds are you are seeing. Send your bird notes to Donna Walgren, 4311 S. Center St., Casper, WY 82601, or email to Piranga_AT_bresnanDOTnet, or phone 234-7455. Donna Walgren
I bought a bird feeder. I hung it on my back porch and
filled it with seed. Within a week we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of
the continuous flow of free and easily accessible food. But then the birds
started building nests in the boards of the patio, above the table, and next to
the barbecue.
Then came the poop. It was everywhere: on the patio tile, the chairs, the table...everywhere. Then some of the birds turned mean. They would dive bomb me and try to peck me even though I had fed them out of my own pocket.
And others birds were boisterous and loud. They sat on the feeder and squawked and screamed at all hours of the day and night and demanded that I fill it when it got low on food.
After a while, I couldn't even sit on my own back porch anymore. I took down the bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone. I cleaned up their mess and took down the many nests they had built all over the patio. Soon, the back yard was like it used to be...quiet, serene and no one demanding their rights to a free meal.
Now lets see...our government gives out free food, subsidized housing, free medical care, free education and allows anyone born here to be an automatic citizen.
Then the illegals came by the tens of thousands. Suddenly our taxes went up to pay for free services; small apartments are housing 5 families; you have to wait 6 hours to be seen by an emergency room doctor; your child's 2nd grade class is behind other schools because over half the class doesn't speak English; Corn Flakes now come in a bilingual box. I have to press '1' to hear my bank talk to me in English, and people waving flags other than 'Old Glory' are squawking and screaming in the streets, demanding more rights and free liberties.
Maybe it's time for the government to take down the bird feeder. (Author Unknown - Editor)
There has been quite a bit of discussion about Richard Louv’s book, Last Child in the Woods: Savings Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. The Murie Audubon Society and the Audubon Center at Garden Creek is now providing an opportunity for you to check out this eye-opening read for yourself. (Note: 2 copies are available at the Natrona County Public Library, 2 at Audubon Center at Garden Creek and 1 at the Goodstein Library.)
“I like to play indoors better ‘cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are,” a fourth-grader told Louv. But the author believes that “it’s not only computer, television, and video games that are keeping kids inside. It’s also their parents’ fears of traffic, strangers, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus; their schools’ emphasis on more and more homework; their structured schedules; and their lack of access to natural areas.”
Louv continues: “As children’s connection to nature diminishes and the implications become apparent, new research shows that nature can be powerful therapy for such maladies as depression, obesity and attention deficit disorder.” Louv believes a relationship with nature is essential to a child's development. This book is a powerful plea for people to take the healing power of nature seriously – for kids, and also adults as well.
Some educators believe we should first focus a child's attention on the joy and wonder of local natural history, studying squirrels and milkweed before jaguars and macaws found in the world’s rain forests. Louv advises parents to slow down and enjoy nature with their children, perhaps by simply taking a walk in the neighborhood or gardening. Or, by visiting your local Audubon Center. And while you’re here, check out this book on loan. Then perhaps discuss it with your spouse, your friends, or your child’s classroom teacher.
This review was written by: Hazel Scharosch, K-6 Classroom Teacher, Red Creek School, NCSD#1, 307-473-1224.
Writer/Child Advocate Recognized for Sparking National Back-to-Nature Movement
New York, NY, January 24, 2008 – The National Audubon Society named author Richard Louv as the 50th recipient of the prestigious Audubon Medal for sounding the alarm about the health and societal costs of children’s isolation from the natural world—and for sparking a growing movement to remedy the problem.
A former columnist for the San Diego Union-Tribune and
author of seven books, Louv gained wide attention through his acclaimed book,
Last Child in the Woods. The book reveals a direct connection between the
absence of nature in the lives of today’s wired youth and its negative health
and societal impacts, a phenomenon Louv terms “Nature-Deficit Disorder.”
Louv lists the human costs of alienation from nature as including attention disorders, depression and obesity. He reveals that environmental education and direct experiences in nature have dramatic positive affects on the physical and emotional health of children, significantly improving test scores and grade point averages, and boosting skills in problem solving, critical thinking and decision making. He also shows that contact with nature can be a powerful therapy to reduce the symptoms of ADHD, negative stresses and depression. It is also well known to be an important inspiration for environmental stewardship.
Last Child in the Woods struck a chord with parents, educators and consumers alike. Louv has used this visibility to spark the development of a nationwide movement of regional grassroots campaigns in more than 40 regions. In concert with a national coalition of conservation, education and health organizations, he is also helping lead the drive for legislation in several states to support more outdoor experiences, as well as the federal No Child Left Inside Act -- that would create incentives for schools and states to establish or expand nature education programs. Louv is also the co-founder of the non-profit Children & Nature Network.
“Louv’s success in building public awareness and action to address “Nature Deficit Disorder” represents a vital contribution to both the future of our environment and the health of our children,” said Audubon President John Flicker. “It will fall on the shoulders of our next generation to address the huge environmental problems of today and the new challenges that lie ahead; so it is critical that we narrow the divide between young people and the natural world.”
Louv is accepting the award at a showplace of Audubon’s own commitment to linking children with nature, The Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary in Tiburon, California. Richardson Bay is one of dozens of Audubon Centers nationwide designed to allow people from all walks of life to experience, connect with, and learn how to protect the natural world. Rooted in Audubon’s 103-year history of nature engagement and education, Richardson Bay advances a special Audubon commitment to giving urban dwellers the same opportunities to experience and understand nature that are available to suburban and rural counterparts. Similar centers in New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle and other communities coast to coast offer a proven remedy for Nature-Deficit Disorder.
“It is gratifying to receive this honor from an organization like Audubon that has made such a major commitment to connecting future generations to the natural world,” said Louv. “I'm deeply moved by the presentation of the Audubon Medal especially for what it says about the emerging movement and the work that has been done for decades -- long before my book came along -- by countless volunteers, professionals, and organizations, including Audubon itself.”
Established in 1947, the Audubon Medal has been bestowed on a wide array of influential environmentalists in recognition of outstanding achievement in the field of conservation and environmental protection. This distinguished environmental honor recognizes either a single, extraordinary feat or a record of significant contributions. Past recipients include Presidents (Jimmy Carter), Authors (Rachel Carson), Scientists (E.O. Wilson) and Philanthropists (The Rockefeller Family).
Editor’s Note: To learn about local efforts to address Nature Deficit Disorder at Audubon, please visit National Audubon
Audubon Wyoming and Murie Audubon will be offering beginning birder’s bird ID classes at Audubon Center at Garden Creek. Classes will be on Thursday evening, April 24, May 1 & 8 with a field trip each following Saturday. Mark your calendars and information will be updated in March or April newsletter.
SEEKING
OFFICERS FOR 2008-09When Bart Rea or Jim Brown contact you about saying yes to a position on Murie’s Board, please say yes. If you are not contacted but you are interested in a board position, please call Bart at 234-6282 or Jim at 472-0278. Nominations will be presented at April’s meeting and the slate of officers elected at May’s meeting
WHITE
BREASTED NUTHATCH SILENT AUCTION
We will be offering Ray Harm’s White-breasted Nuthatch at our silent auction at the Annual Banquet on Feb. 9th.
Ray Harm is the co-founder of the modern limited edition print industry in America and has been a nationally known wildlife artist over 30 years.
Ray's childhood was imbued with his father’s later work and study as an herbalist and naturalist digging and selling herbs on the pharmaceutical market. The stock market crash in '29 had forced his father off of the concert tour (violinist) and back to West Virginia to an earlier interest in herbal medicine. The young man was strongly tutored in the ways of nature by his woodsman/naturalist father.
He chose Art School in 1948. As he puts it "at least some kinda schooling would make my mom proud." Proud indeed, with only six grades of public school, today he holds Honorary Doctorate degrees from six colleges and Universities where he lectures regularly. Making a living as a wildlife artist in the early 1950's was not easy! This was when limited edition reproduction prints, as we know them today, did not yet exist and selling original fine art paintings, one by one, was a very difficult way to make a living, especially when just out of art school and unrecognized. It was a struggle for some nine years as he drew heavily from his earlier "roustabout" experiences to support his family, training horses, digging ditches on construction jobs and driving truck while trying to establish himself as an artist.
By 1961 Ray had almost given up when he met Wood Hannah, a Louisville businessman and art collector. Hannah became personally interested and together in 1962 they founded a publishing company that was the beginning of the Limited Edition print industry that opened a market for artists everywhere. This market today supports thousands of artists through the medium of Limited Edition prints and Ray is proud of this. The public acceptance of Ray Harm wildlife prints in an ensuing collection, introduced in Kentucky, spread rapidly from coast to coast. He was in demand as a lecturer, wrote a popular weekly nature column and authored two illustrated books, but his paintings of wildlife remained primary. His pictures are appreciated for being from living animals and wildflowers, sketched on location, not copied photographs (which is so commonly done today). All this coupled with his extensive knowledge of the subjects he paints, he feels, is more the essence of fine art as opposed to commercial illustration.
Ray has always been physically close to wildlife, since in his lifetime he has always lived rural. He still lives with his wife Cathy on their H Rafter Ranch, very rural with Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Bighorn Sheep, Javelina and a profusion of the bird life of southern Arizona at his beck and call. His studio is on the ranch and is always open to interested people by appointment where he is happy to show original works, discuss painting, commissions and of course chat about art, wildlife, horses and cattle if the subject suits.
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