April 2010

Volume XXXVI, Issue 4 ATLANTA AUDUBON SOCIETY

AAS Goes to Colombia I N S I D E

By Ted Reissing GOS Guided Tour ..................2
Now that the narco-terrorists have been brought under control, birders are flocking back to Colombia. First Time Birders ................2
With almost 10% of the world’s bird species (more than twice as many as can be found in the entire
U.S.) and about 75 endemics, this country is a natural target for listers. In addition, the top bird Annual Report ......................3
conservation group in the country, ProAves, has developed a series of 15 preserves to protect specific
birds and created lodging facilities to house visitors. Because of all these developments, AAS put Field Notes - January ..........4
together a trip to do some serious birding in Colombia and the results of this outing are highlighted
Field Trips.............................5
here.
Delta flies directly from Atlanta to Bogotá daily and the four-hour A Million Thanks..................6
flight arrives just after 9 PM (there is no time change when we are
on standard time). If you do start in Colombia’s capital city, an Volunteer Opportunities.......6
early morning visit to a local park can reveal eight to 10 good lifers
Conservation Days...............6
including the endemic Bogotá Rail. From there it is usually about
an eight-hour motor trip to one of the major preserves. For this tour Merritt Island.......................7
we chose El Paujil, the prime site for the critically endangered
Blue-billed Curassow. Very few outsiders have seen this bird in the Bird Journal ........................7
Blue-billed Curassow wild, but after a couple of days of climbing steep trails in 95°F and
Photographer: ProAves 90% humidity, we were fortunate to see two birds that flew directly Sculpting Birds....................8
over our heads. These had been flushed by one of our guides. This Great Workshops.................8
large bird (the size of a turkey) has been hunted extensively for food and as a result is super wary of
humans. Other great birds we picked up in this area included Black-fronted Wood-Quail, White-tailed Trust for Public Land ...........9
Trogon, Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Beautiful Woodpecker and Black-throated Mango.
Another long drive through Medellín (the former drug cartel city) Classifieds..........................10
brought us to the Loro Orejiamarillo Preserve that was established to Membership........................11
save the Yellow-eared Parrot. This bird is also on the world’s critically
endangered list because the fronds of its favorite nesting and feeding Book for Georgia Birders ...12
trees are used for Palm Sunday celebrations. A campaign begun a few
years ago to save these trees (by substituting other types of fronds)
has been totally successful and the birds are now readily seen in the
preserve. The nearby city of El Jardin actually holds a festival in
honor of this parrot. A few of the other species seen here included
Cock-of-the-Rock
ATLANTA
Tourmaline Sunangel, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Spillman’s
Tapaculo, White-capped Tanager and Gold-fronted Whitestart. And
Photographer: ProAves
AUDUBON SOCIETY
just five minutes outside the city is one of the best leks (male display areas, sort of like the basketball
court at your local YMCA) in the world for spotting the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. We saw six males 4055 Roswell Road
displaying.
We then went back to Medellín to fly to Santa Marta on the north Caribbean coast. Air travel within
Atlanta, GA 30342
Colombia on Avianca is very good and the airports are quite modern. One lifer, the Bicolored Wren, was
actually gained at lunch in the Santa Marta airport. From the city we traveled up the “worst road” in
Colombia to the El Dorado Preserve. There is an excellent lodge at this site with a view of the highest
mountains in the country, some of which are part of the preserve. There are about 20 endemics in the 678.973.2437
area and in a couple of days of birding we picked up 14 of them including Santa Marta Screech Owl,
White-lored Warbler and Rusty-headed Spinetail. In addition Band-tailed Guan, White-tipped Quetzal, www.atlantaaudubon.org
Masked Trogon and Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush were added to our sighting list.
We flew back to Bogotá from Santa Marta and then home to Atlanta. During our eight days of birding we
saw over 200 species. The greater part of three days was spent targeting the endangered birds
mentioned, and we were not attempting to build numbers during these times. However, there are still
GOS RARE BIRD ALERT
many sites in Colombia waiting for Atlanta birders, and we will be returning. If you have an interest in
another group going to this special birding country, please let the AAS office know.
770.493.8862
 Board of Directors SPEAKER SERIES
2010
OFFICERS
THE FLIGHT PATH OF THE GEORGIA
President Carol Hassell
770.945.3111
chassell@mindspring.com
ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY
President-elect Vacant April 15 7:30 PM to 9 PM
Co-Treasurers
Ellen Miller
404.847.5260
Location: AAS Education Center at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve
ellen.miller@eclipsys.com
Tom Painter 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta Across from Pike Nurseries
404.524.8833
tompainter2007@yahoo.com Join us for our Speaker Series on April 15 for a guided tour through the workings
Recording Secy Mark Jernigan
404.298.8825 of the Georgia Ornithological Society (GOS). Dr. Bob Sargent, wildlife biologist,
markajernigan@bellsouth.net biology teacher and current president of GOS, will speak about the mission,
DIRECTORS operations, successes and evolution of the society. Bob notes that since the 75th
Conservation Dave Butler
404.580.3917 anniversary of the founding of GOS is fast approaching, it seems only fitting that
dabutler700@comcast.net
Education Vacant
we should take a moment to look back at the road the society has traveled, to
Field Trips Stanley Chapman recall what the detours taught us and to hazard a hypothesis as to where this
stancha@aol.com current road will lead us.
Communications Vacant
Public Relations Beth Giddens It wasn’t so long ago when the verb “birding” didn’t exist, when bird study was the
770.792.3712 domain of ornithologists and the professionally well-to-do. Little was known about
beth.giddens@att.net
JoAnn Jordan the natural history of common bird species in those days, the Breeding Bird Survey
678.488.8022 did not exist, and listing had not yet become all the rage. As past president of
jordan.joann@gmail.com
Volunteers Vacant Oconee Rivers and Ocmulgee Audubon Societies, Bob has been afforded the
Dr. Bob Sargent unique opportunity to study in depth how the function of birding and ornithological
AT LARGE
GOS President
Joy Carter societies differs and yet can be quite similar and has spent considerable time
404.622.0605 thinking about how the two entities can come together to accomplish what are generally mutual goals.
joy.carter@mindspring.com
Jay Davis
His presentation will recall the founding of GOS, will describe how the society evolved under the
404.624.4973 influence of both ornithology and birding, and will explore how the mission of the organization remains
webtoad@earthlink.net
Pam Higginbotham
relevant and vital in rapidly-urbanizing modern Georgia.
770.939.3592
phigginb@comcast.net
Harriette Hoyt
770.650.8501
hrhoyt@bellsouth.net
First-time Birders
David Kuechenmeister
404.822.8089 By Cynthia Bohannon-Brown
David.Kuechenmeister@tpl.org
On an unusually warm February morning, fourth-grade students at R. T. Smith Elementary School in Clayton
Victor Williams
Earthshare Representative County were introduced to the perils of migrating birds through Flute’s Journey by Lynne Cherry. This
770.423.1012
72064.1017@compuserve.com enchanting book took the students through the struggles and triumphs of a little wood thrush named Flute as
STAFF he traveled from his birthplace in Maryland to the rainforest of Costa Rica and back home again. Flute’s
Executive Director Catharine Kuchar
678.973.2437 Journey inspired these students to don binoculars for the first time as they actively watched native birds near
Catharine.kuchar@atlantaaudubon.org
their own schoolyard. As the students observed the birds up close, they needed little prompting to use their
Education Coordinator Emily Toriani-Moura
678.973.2437 field guides to identify their high-flying neighbors. Though no migratory birds were seen that day, many
AtlantaaudubonED@gmail.com
Administrative Coordinator Sally Davis
Bluebirds and American Crows were counted and their every movement was carefully observed by these novice
678.973.2437
atlantaaudubon@comcast.net
bird-watchers.
Website As the students eagerly shared their experiences, they were obviously thankful for the resources that made it
Jim Flynn
webmaster@atlantaaudubon.org all possible. A copy of Flute’s Journey, individual binoculars, field guides and numerous other items were
Wingbars Manager assembled and made available to educators by the Friends of Feathered Flyers, the Department of Natural
Diane Hawkins-Cox
404.909.9095 Resources (DNR) and Melvin L. Newman Wetlands Center. Carol Lambert of Newman Wetlands hopes that
hawkinscox@gmail.com
Wingbars Editor more teachers learn about these kits and borrow them to use in their own classrooms. Similar Friends of
Susan Milne Feathered Flyers Bird Activity Boxes are available throughout our state at various sites
404.502.5496
symilne@gmail.com (http://www.georgiawildlife.com/education/educator-resources).
Proofreading
Steven Phenicie As children become more caring of the Earth and its animals, eco-friendly educational resources can serve as
770.849.0391
swlphenicie@bellsouth.net catalysts for introducing them to the diverse habitat of birds.
Design & Layout
Copy Preparation 770.939.2002
incoming@copyprep.com
Newsletter deadline is the first of the month
for material to be published
the following month.
Please submit articles as MS-Word to
hawkinscox@gmail.com.
Email attachments, if possible.
Wingbars is the official newsletter of Atlanta Photographer: Cynthia Bohannon-Brown
Audubon Society and is published 11 times a
year. We feature news, upcoming events,
meetings, field trips and projects. We hope you Mission Statement:
will join us. Opinions expressed are those of the
authors and do not necessarily reflect policies
of the Atlanta Audubon Society.
Protecting Georgia’s birds and the habitats that sustain them
through education, conservation and advocacy.
2 Atlanta Audubon Society
 From the Executive Director
by Catharine Brockman Kuchar

AAS 2009 Annual Report

It was another exciting year for Atlanta Audubon Society. Our biggest undertaking
included settling into our new home at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Buckhead. Our
location gives us critically-needed office space, a classroom, education center and outdoor
areas for bird walks, observations and on-the-ground conservation projects. We also hired
our first Education Coordinator, Emily Toriani-Moura, and she has been a fabulous
addition to our team. We produced a beautiful publication on Georgia’s common birds in
decline, along with seven educational pieces on different neighborhoods along the BeltLine
Arboretum. We also began work to grow our educational programming including more
workshops and speaker series events. We created a new Facebook page, annualized our
membership to cut down administrative costs, developed our Strategic Plan for 2010-2012,
updated our mission statement, and revamped our by-laws. It certainly was a big year to
“get educated and get involved.” In the report you will read highlights of our accomplish-
ments in the following areas:
x Conservation initiatives
x Educational opportunities
x Community outreach
x Building community through volunteerism
x Summary of financials

We also believe in maintaining integrity and transparency in our financial practices and
being wise and good stewards of the contributions and support that we receive. We strive
to use our funds in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible, a commitment
illustrated by the fact that 88 percent of our operating expenses went directly to our public
outreach and education efforts. We expended less than one percent on fundraising efforts
that drive our operations and 12 percent on management and general operations for such
things as rent, insurance, etc.

2009 Revenue 2009 Expenses

Total = $202,764
Contributions/Memberships/Grants = $145,277
Investment Income = $25,721
Program Income = $29,997
Merchandise Sales, Advertising & Misc. = $1,769
(2007 total: $139,814; 2008 total: $162,373)
Total = $199,709
Conservation/Education/Outreach = $174,240
Member Dev./Fundraising = $973
Management/ Gen. Expenses = $24,495
(2007 total: $102,152; 2008 total: $121,513)

We are proud of our many accomplishments and are gratified in knowing that everything
we did was possible because of our supporters, volunteers and Friends of Atlanta Audubon
Society. Thank you for another great year!

We invite all of our members and supporters to view the complete 2009 Annual
Report by visiting Atlanta Audubon Society’s Web site and downloading
the complete, five-page, detailed report.

April 2010 3
 January Field Notes
What a month for birding in GA!
Not only did we score well in
the total species seen in both
the Atlanta and GA areas but we
also had well-documented reports
of three mega-rarities. Read the
following details for Ivory Gull, Buff-bellied
Hummingbird and Virginia’s Warbler.
The Atlanta area came in with 122 species
(average = 110.4) and the GA area came in
with 212 species (average = 203.7). Both
were outstanding efforts by Georgia birders.
ATLANTA AREA
WATERFOWL - PMcL and KM reported six GREATER
WHITE-FRONTED GEESE in Bartow Co. starting on 3
Jan and continuing at least until 23 Jan. A SNOW
GOOSE was also seen in the same area on 3 Jan.
(PMcL, KM). A ROSS’S GOOSE was a rare find along
the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
(CRNRA) on 9 Jan. (CB). At the E.L. Huie Land
Application Facility (ELHLAF) in Clayton Co., JSe
reported at least two NORTHERN PINTAILS starting
on 20 Jan. plus CL had 200 GREEN-WINGED TEAL
on 12 Jan. also at the ELHLAF (CL). Rather rare for
the Atlanta area were three CANVASBACKS at Lake
Acworth on 9 Jan. (CS) and two CANVASBACKS in
the same area on 28 Jan. (CS). Other interesting
sightings from Lake Acworth were 225 HOODED
MERGANSERS on 9 Jan. (CS) and a COMMON
MERGANSER on 12 Jan. (SP). JSe had a rather
remarkable count of 360 RUDDY DUCKS at Lake
Varner on 14 Jan.
FALCONS THROUGH SHOREBIRDS – A PEREGRINE
FALCON was a great find in Bartow Co. on 16 Jan.
(JN, RH, VL). There were six reports of SANDHILL
CRANES, mostly heading south although some of the
later birds were already heading north. A total of
approximately 390 birds were reported. A SPOTTED
SANDPIPER was seen at the CRNRA on 9 Jan. (CB).
HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH SISKINS – A RUFOUS
HUMMINGBIRD was seen in the Buckhead area on 3
Jan. (BL). In Bartow Co. JSp had at least 40 HORNED
LARKS on 13 Jan. JSe reported a RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCH in his Tucker yard on 1 and 16 Jan.
PMcL had a BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER at Lake
Horton on 1 Jan. Interesting sparrows from Henry
Co. included three LE CONTE’S SPARROWS on 20
Jan. (JSe, HG) and single birds on 23 and 25 Jan.
(JSe). Also seen in Henry Co. were single LINCOLN’S
SPARROWS on 20 Jan. (JSe, HG) and 25 Jan. (JSe,
BL). Five WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were a good
4 Atlanta Audubon Society
by Terry Moorez
find in Bartow Co. on 23 Jan. (B&DZ). Small
numbers of LAPLAND LONGSPURS were seen in
Bartow Co. at least until 23 Jan. (B&DZ). PMcL and
KM had a good count of 100+ BREWER’S
BLACKBIRDS in Bartow Co. on 3 Jan. EB reported a
BALTIMORE ORIOLE in DeKalb Co. on 9 Jan. and BL
had a PINE SISKIN in the Buckhead area on 4 Jan.
GEORGIA AREA
WATERFOWL – The Altamaha Waterfowl
Management Area near Darien continues to be the
hotspot for BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING DUCKS as
evidenced by the 52 seen there on 9 Jan. (B&DZ,
LG). A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE was
reported from Floyd Co. on 25 Jan. by JSp. A
TUNDRA SWAN was found in Floyd Co. on 13 Jan.
and remained there at least until 25 Jan. (JD). The
previously reported flock of COMMON EIDERS at Sea
Island continued there at least until 9 Jan. (three
birds by JF and EH). A female COMMON
MERGANSER frequented Carter’s Lake from 4 Jan.
at least through 12 Jan. (MM et al.).
GREBES THROUGH SHOREBIRDS – Three EARED
GREBES were reported from the Rum Creek WMA on
2 Jan. (TMcc) and three others were seen at the
West Point Dam (WPD) on 26 Jan. (JF). One
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN was on St. Simons
Island on 1 Jan. (JSp) and 15-20 were on Sapelo
Island on 13 Jan. (DC). PF had a couple rare winter
records from Jekyll Island with a REDDISH EGRET on
13 Jan. and a ROSEATE SPOONBILL on 11 Jan. A
GOLDEN EAGLE was seen in Floyd Co. on 23 Jan.
(DR) and a PEREGRINE FALCON was seen at WPD on
26 Jan. (JF). Only a couple reports of decent
numbers of SANDHILL CRANES were received with
150 in Berrien Co. on 1 Jan. (WS) and 100 in Pike
Co. on 5 Jan. (LR). On a 15 Jan. pelagic trip out from
Tybee Island a group of birders counted 72 RED
PHALAROPES (DM et al.).
GULLS THROUGH RAZORBILLS – A THAYER’S GULL
was reported from WPD on 26 Jan. (fide JSe). This is
a very rare sighting but pales in comparison to what
comes later. An immature GLAUCOUS GULL was an
excellent sighting at Tybee Island on 18 Jan. (EM).
On the 15 Jan. pelagic trip out from Tybee Island
four RAZORBILLS were seen (DM et al.). But the bird
that truly rocked the birding world was an adult
IVORY GULL which was found at WPD on 15 Jan. by
WC. Luckily the bird remained in the area for a few
days before it unfortunately fell ill and died on 29
Jan. (fide JSe). Not only is this the first record for GA
but is most likely the southernmost record for this
species ever. Another thing that ist interesting about
this bird is that it was an adult whereas most IVORY
GULLS that venture into the US are immature birds.
HUMMINGBIRDS THROUGH THRUSHES – A female
BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD made a surprise visit
to a feeder on St. Simons Island on 5 Jan. (fide RT).
The bird remained there until 28 Jan. and was seen
by many observers. This is the second record for the
species in GA with the first one being a one day
wonder. Three PURPLE MARTINS were seen at Reed
Bingham State Park on 30 Jan. (WS). There were
several reports of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES in
northern GA with the peak count of three found in
Fannin Co. on 5 Jan. (RB). The SWAINSON’S THRUSH
previously reported from St. Simons Island was seen
again on 2 Jan. in the same location (MC).
WARBLERS THROUGH SISKINS – A VIRGINIA’S
WARBLER (GA’s second record) appeared at a
Valdosta feeder on 15 Jan. and remained there
through the end of the month (JSw). Needless to say
many observers saw the bird thanks to the
hospitality of the Swiderski’s. An OVENBIRD was a
good find in Brantley Co. on 10 Jan. (TH). A rare find
was a SUMMER TANAGER in the Dublin area on 23
Jan. (LJ). JSp had a good count of 35 VESPER
SPARROWS in Gordon Co. on 7 Jan. SB found a
GRASSHOPPER SPARROW and a HENSLOW’S
SPARROW in Evans Co. on 19 Jan. Another
HENSLOW’S SPARROW was found in Paulk’s Pasture
on 1 Jan. by JSp. Two different PAINTED BUNTINGS
were reported from the Glenville area on 9 Jan. by
GW. A young male DICKCISSEL was seen at Sapelo
Island on 27 Jan. (DC). There were several reports of
BALTIMORE ORIOLES around the state with the peak
count being four in the Glenville area on 19 Jan. (GW
et al.). A few PURPLE FINCHES were reported with
the peak count of 40 coming from Washington Co.
on 23 Jan. (LS). PINE SISKINS were also reported in
low numbers with the peak count of four coming
from Fannin Co. on 19 Jan. (TS).
CONTRIBUTORS – Michael Barrett, Sandy Beasley,
Eric Bowles, Charlie Bostwick, Roy Brown, Walt
Chambers, Mike Chapman, Doris Cohrs, Jeff Dixon,
Priscilla Fleshman, Jim Flynn, Hugh Garrett, Lex
Glover, Johnnie Greene, Richard Hall, David Hollie,
Ted Holloway, Earl Horn, Liz Horsey, Lance Jones,
Eugene Keferl, Carol Lambert, Vanessa Lane, Bill
Lotz, Ed Maioriello, Trey Mccuen, Patty McLean,
Mark McShane, Max Medley, Kathy Miller, Darlene
Moore, Peggy and Terry Moore, James Neves, Bill
O’Grady, Sandy Pangle, Dan Roper, Larry Ross,
Chuck Saleeby, Robert Sattlemeyer, Wayne
Schaffner, Lynn Schlup, Jeff Sewell, Adam Smith,
Joshua Spence, Tom Striker, John and Kate
Swiderski, Lydia Thompson, Rusty Trump, Gene
Wilkinson, and Bob and Deb Zaremba.
Terry Moore, 13000 Bucksport Ct., Roswell, GA
30075 – tsmoore@bellsouth.net
 Field Trips Compiled by Stan Chapman

Field trips are open to the public and free (unless otherwise noted). We welcome
everyone from beginners to advanced birders! Please check the Atlanta Audubon
Website (www.atlantaaudubon.org) for April field trips
Sketch by Anne McCallum
that may be scheduled.

If you would like to lead a field trip, volunteer to help with the Field Trip Committee, contribute ideas for places to go, or give feedback about leaders or
trips, please email Stan Chapman, Field Trips Coordinator, at stancha@aol.com.
Generally speaking, field trips take place rain or shine. However, particularly in the winter, there is always a possibility of snow and ice
or extreme cold, in which case a field trip may be canceled or changed.
Any changes will be reflected on the Atlanta Audubon Society Facebook page and, if possible, on the website, www.atlantaaudubon.org.
Saturday, April 3, 8 AM
Buford Fish Hatchery, Cumming, Forsyth County
Grant McCreary (cell phone 770-265-8458).
Meet at the parking lot inside the gate to the hatchery.
Birding Focus: Winter residents, spring migrants, and birds of
the river and lake. Some birds that might be found include
Wood Duck, Great Blue Heron, Common Loon, Rough-winged
Swallow, Purple Martin, and some early vireos and warblers.
Notes and Directions: This trip will include birding along a
nature trail leading to the river and hatchery and birding
around Lake Lanier. Directions from Interstate 85/985: Travel
west on GA Highway 20. After you cross the Chattahoochee
River you will turn right onto River Club Dr. (you will be
entering a subdivision - look for the DNR hatchery sign).
Travel approximately 1/2 mile on River Club Dr., turn right
onto Trout Place Road (at the second hatchery sign). The
hatchery is through the gate at the end of the road. Directions
from GA 400: Travel east on GA Highway 20 for approximately
4 1/2 miles, turn left onto River Club Dr. (into the subdivision)
and follow the directions above.
Saturday, April 3, 8 AM
Piedmont Park, midtown Atlanta
George King
Meet at the Piedmont Park Conservancy building, corner of
Piedmont Ave. and 12th St.
Birding Focus: Early migrants and winter and permanent
residents.
Notes and Directions: This trip is especially good for
beginners, children and families, who are invited on all AAS
trips. A few extra pairs of binoculars will be available to
borrow. Directions: From south of Atlanta, take I-75-85 north
to Pine St. (exit 249B). Go straight on Pine, cross Peachtree
St. and then turn left onto Piedmont Ave. Travel about one
mile to 12th St. From northwest of Atlanta, take I-75 south to
Exit 250 and follow the signs to 10th Street. Turn left onto
10th and follow it 1⁄2 mile to Piedmont Ave. Turn left onto
Piedmont, and follow it for 1⁄2 mile to 12th St. From northeast
of Atlanta, take I-85 south to Exit 84, and follow the signs to
10th Street. Turn left onto 10th, and then follow the directions
above. From MARTA, get off at the Arts Center station, walk
south to 14th St., turn left (east) and walk two blocks to
Piedmont Ave., and then turn right and walk two blocks to
12th St.
Saturday, April 3, 8 AM
Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road,
Roswell, GA
Stacy Zarpentine (cell phone 404-219-5869)
Meet at the front of the center.
Birding Focus: Birds of the river and surrounding woodland,
including waterfowl, sparrows, and hawks.
Directions: From Roswell Road (U.S. 19), heading north
from Atlanta or from the Roswell Road exit off of I-285). At
the first traffic light after crossing the Chattahoochee River,
turn left onto Azalea Drive. At the second traffic light, turn
left onto Willeo Road. CNC is located one-half mile on the
right. From GA 400 northbound: Exit on Northridge (exit #6)
and bear to the right, back over the expressway. Immediately
after crossing over 400, turn right onto Dunwoody Place.
Follow Dunwoody Place until it intersects with Roswell Road toward Decatur. After approx. 3 miles, you will see North
(1.2 miles). Turn right onto Roswell Road. At the first traffic DeKalb Mall on your right. At that point, turn right on to
light after crossing the Chattahoochee River, turn left onto Lawrenceville Highway, which is also Highway 29. After 0.6
Azalea Drive. At the second traffic light, turn left onto Willeo miles, right past the QT station, turn right on to Harrington
Road. CNC is located one-half mile on the right. From GA 400 Road and follow directions as above.
southbound: Exit Northridge Road (exit #6). At the top of the
ramp is a traffic light. Travel straight through the traffic light Saturday, April 10, 8 AM
onto Dunwoody Place. Follow Dunwoody Place until it Williams Mill Greenspace Park, Hall County
intersects with Roswell Road (1.2 miles) and follow the Peter Gordon
directions above. Meet at entrance parking lot of Williams Mill Greenspace
Park, 6166 Black Jack Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21, and 28, 8 AM Birding Focus: Spring migrants and residents of woodlands
(weekly Wednesday walks to continue through May 12) and grasslands.
Cochran Shoals Unit of Chattahoochee River NRA Notes and Directions: This trip is jointly sponsored with
Hugh Garrett Elachee Nature Center, where Peter Gordon is Education
Meet at the kiosk at the north end of the parking lot of the Director, and with Hall County Parks and Leisure Services. If
Interstate North Parkway entrance to Cochran Shoals. There you intend to come, please register no later than April 3 by
is a parking fee of $3 (or annual pass) at this site. calling 770-965-7140. Directions: From Atlanta, take I-85
Birding focus: Cochran Shoals has a diverse habitat of river, north and bear left at Exit 113 to get on I-985 toward
fields and forest that is very attractive to many species of Gainesville. Follow for 8 miles and take the Friendship Road
resident and migrant birds, the number of which should exit (#8) and turn right onto Friendship Road. Follow for 1.9
continue to increase until the end of April. It is one of the best miles, and then turn left onto Swansey Road. After 0.8 miles,
places in Atlanta to see the Red-headed Woodpecker, as well turn right onto Blackjack Road. Go approximately .75 miles.
as several species of raptors and swallows. Philadelphia Vireo Turn right into the entrance/parking lot of Williams Mill
is found annually, and the Prothonotary Warbler usually nests Greenspace Park.
here. Many other species of warbler, several vireo and
flycatcher species, as well as Summer and Scarlet Tanagers, Saturday, April 10, 7:45 AM
often can be found. Cochran Shoals Unit of Chattahoochee WMA
Notes and Directions: Note that considerable walking is Herb Wollner
involved, some of which might be on wet grass. Directions See note of April 7 for birding focus, park fee, and directions.
from Atlanta: Take I-285 to the Northside-Powers Ferry Rd. Note that this walk begins at 7:45 AM, while the Wednesday
exit (exit 22). Going west on I-285, turn right at the first light walks at the same site begin at 8 AM.
onto Interstate North Parkway. Stay on this road as it curves
west, through an intersection and crosses the river. After Sunday, April 11, 7:30 AM
crossing, the parking lot is an immediate right. Going east on Newman Wetlands Center and E.L. Huie Ponds,
I-285, continue east at the exit to the second light, then turn Clayton County
left (north) and cross the bridge over I-285 and continue Malcolm Hodges
through the traffic light on the other side onto Interstate Meet at Newman Wetlands Center parking lot, 2755 Freeman
North Parkway, then continue with instructions above. Road, Hampton, GA.
Birding Focus: Early songbird migrants, resident forest birds,
Thursday, April 8 and Thursday, April 22, 8 AM spring waterfowl migrants and shorebirds.
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, DeKalb County Directions: From Atlanta, take I-75 south beyond
Lisa Hurt I-285 to US 19/41 (Tara Blvd., exit 235); drive south for 8.2
Meet at the entrance to the preserve at the corner of Pine miles to Freeman Road and turn left. The Newman Wetlands
Bluff and Wood Trail in Decatur. Center is 2.2 miles down Freeman Road on the right.
Birding Focus: Clyde Shepherd has a boardwalk over a pond
and wetland, and woodland trails. Spring migrants, including Saturday, April 17, 8 AM
warblers, vireos, and tanagers may be seen. Fernbank Forest at Fernbank Science Center,
Notes and Directions: Bring waterproof footwear, as trails DeKalb County
can be wet. Directions: From I-285 N or S on the east side of Chris Showalter
Atlanta: Take Highway 78, Stone Mtn. Freeway exit, west Meet at the parking lot area of Fernbank Science Center
toward Decatur. Highway 78 merges with Lawrenceville (which is different from Fernbank Museum), Heaton Park
Highway (also called U.S. 29) and passes North DeKalb Mall, Drive, Atlanta, GA.
after which it changes name to Scott Blvd. Shortly, you will Birding Focus: Fernbank has an extensive forest in an in-
pass the QT station on your right. Just past this station, turn town location and paved paths through the woods. It is
right at the next street, Harrington Road. Follow it for 0.6 excellent for woodland birds, including warblers and vireos,
miles and turn right on to Wood Trail Lane. Follow Wood Trail and is one of the best locations in the area to see thrushes
a short distance until it makes a 90 degree turn to the left and and Pileated Woodpeckers. For the first two hours of all the
becomes Pine Bluff. The entrance to the refuge, where the Audubon Society walks, the forest will be closed to all except
group will meet, is at this corner. From I-75-I-85 N or S: From those who meet for the Audubon walk.
I-85 north or south, take North Druid Hills Road exit, east Directions: From I-285 on the east side of Atlanta, take the
Continued on page 10

April 2010 5
4
Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer
Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer Corner • Volunteer

olunteer Volunteer Conservation Days

The Georgia Important Bird Area Program is organizing two different volunteer
Opportunities events in which YOU can help birds and other native wildlife.

Friday, April 2 Saturday, April 10

Help us to remove Chinese privet at Joe Kurz Help to re-establish a trail around the Ansley-
WMA in Meriwether County. Last year we Hodges Impoundment at Altamaha Waterfowl
killed a lot of this nasty invasive plant, and we Management Area in Glynn County. The trail
can already see positive results! The privet- will be used by birders, hunters and anglers, as
killing party starts as soon as bird banding well as the management staff. We hope to have
ends, at about 2 PM. Feel free to arrive early to members of each of these groups join in. We
see some bird banding. will work from 9 AM until 3 PM. Some of us
GOT will arrive at dawn to do a bit of bird watching
SEED? and see the beautiful sunrise.
At each event we’ll provide light snacks and a big cooler of water, along with some tools.
The birds at
It would help if some volunteers could also bring a tool or two, as well as gloves. Dress
the Blue Heron for whatever weather we have that day and bring a bottle or thermos for water.
Nature Please contact Important Bird Areas Coordinator Charlie Muise: cmmbirds@yahoo.com
Preserve need http://www.atlantaaudubon.org/iba/
your help! We
These programs are made possible by grants from Toyota, TogetherGreen, Georgia
are looking for Ornithological Society, the Southern Company and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
volunteers to
“adopt a
month” for
A Million Thanks!
Atlanta Audubon Society is an amazing organization because of its volunteers! As
filling the always, we extend our unending gratitude to ALL of our volunteers, but we
feeders around would like to send a special thank you to the following individuals this
our building. month.
One 20-40 lb. We would like to send out a message to all of the amazing volunteer
photographers who contribute so much to our organization. As many of
bag is all that you have seen, we have been fortunate to create many beautiful publications
would be recently, including “Birds Matter,” “Georgia’s Vanishing Treasures,” our latest
necessary. membership brochure, and the seven educational pieces on Atlanta’s BeltLine
Arboretum for our TogetherGreen grant. These publications would not be
Please call possible without the generosity and talent of these amazing bird and wildlife
678-973-2437 photographers. Not only do they help us keep our design costs down by offering their amazing work to us,
to adopt a but they are also the heart and soul of the publications, bringing our pieces to life. These photographers
make an important contribution to our organization and we ask you to join us in thanking them for
month. everything they do: Cynthia Bohannan-Brown, Cathy Harman, Darlene Moore, Steve Sanchez,
Todd Schneider, Dan Vickers, Jim Wilson, Tom Wilson and the Department of Natural Resources.

Question:
Don’t Forget about our Binoculars Fundraiser
Which
North
We are conducting a small fundraiser to purchase 20 pairs of child-friendly binoculars (6.5 x 32
American Eagle Optics Ravens) for our educational programs at the Blue Heron and off-site at schools and
bird is the
most
with community groups. We would like to be able to purchase binoculars that will be easier

specialized
for young people to use and enjoy. For every pair we purchase, Eagle Optics will donate a pair.
feeder, and on what
We would like to raise $1,190 for this effort. If you would like to contribute, please send a
does it feed?
check to Atlanta Audubon Society, 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 and write in the memo
line: “Binoculars Fundraiser.” We will send you a thank you letter and acknowledgement for your
tax-deductible donation.
See page 7 for answer

6 Atlanta Audubon Society

 Flight of Fancy:
A Trip to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
By Mary Ann Hindes
Can one’s imagination
match reality? What if
one’s expectations
come true? How many
lifers can a fairly
novice birder
accumulate in two
days? Why do birders
flock to Merritt Island
The Roseate Spoonbill is one of many
National Wildlife
Refuge, and why does
Merritt Island marvels Atlanta Audubon offer
Photographer: Jim Flynn
a trip to this area
each year? Let me
explain why a visit to Merritt Island might be even better
than you imagine.
Merritt Island is on the eastern coast of Florida, south of
New Smyrna Beach and about 50 miles east of Orlando.
During the nineteenth century, citrus growers and a trickle
of homesteaders gained a foothold in the area. In the
twentieth century the burgeoning space program, which
started on the barrier island just to the east of Merritt
Island, was becoming too large and needed additional area
for expansion. So in 1963 the federal government completed
the purchase of nearly 220 square miles of land, dune, water
and marsh, and the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) began building what is now the
John F. Kennedy Space Center. Only a small expanse of land
was actually needed for launch pads and other facilities; the
rest was set aside as a buffer zone. The entire tract was
designated the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, with
public access to about half the area. A large portion of land
is also shared with Canaveral National Seashore.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over
140,000 acres of beaches and dunes, estuarine waters,
forested and non-forested wetlands, impounded wetlands,
and upland shrublands and forests. The refuge supports
over 1,000 plant species and over 500 wildlife species,
including a variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and neotropical
migratory birds. The most productive birding spots are the
refuge impoundments. The refuge manages more than 70
impoundments, and the perimeter dike road is open and
maintained around many of them. These dike roads provide
an excellent place to view wildlife. The seven-mile Black
Point Wildlife Drive through restored salt marsh is an
amazing place to bird.
I’ve told you the facts, but now I want to tell you about the
experience—why birding there is so extraordinary, a flight
of fancy. What wonders might one encounter while visiting
this remarkable wildlife refuge? In mid-January, our group
totaled 102 species for the two-day trip. We saw Little Blue
Heron, Tricolored Heron, Great Egret, Reddish Egret, Snowy
Egret, a huge flyover of Roseate Spoonbill, White and Glossy
Ibis, and the lovely Black-crowned Night-Heron. We saw
April 2010
My Favorite Birds:
My Favorite Places to See Birds: My Bird
Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, even Eurasian Wigeon. A Journal
nesting Bald Eagle and eaglets and a nesting Great Horned
Name: ___________________________
Owl, with tufts of feathers wafting in the wind, were also
breathtaking treats. We got a very close and long look at a
This journal is a publication of Atlanta Audubon Society, inspired by our friends
at Birmingham Audubon Society in Alabama.
Sora and a Clapper Rail—both hiding in the vegetation on
one of the trails. Then there were the Willet, Marbled
Godwit, four species of gull, and the elegant American
Avocet swinging its long upturned bill through the shallow
water to catch a well-earned meal. There is an outstanding
“My Bird
visitor information center off State Route 402, and a short
orientation trail is located behind the visitor center; we Journal”
viewed nesting Osprey at the very start of this trail. Included in this month’s
Not all birds use marshes so a series of trails is routed Wingbars is a special
through the major habitats of the refuge. Two trails (Scrub journal insert for kids.
Ridge and Pine Flatwoods) provide the best place to see
Simply pull the insert out
Florida Scrub-Jays, a species found only in Florida. The of Wingbars, make as
Florida Scrub-Jay was classified as threatened under the
many copies as needed,
U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1987. This imperiled bird is
considered a good indicator of scrub quality, and high
fold where indicated
densities indicate well-managed scrub habitat. An inside, and enjoy! It can
estimated 2,500 Florida Scrub-Jays can be found on the be used by kids
refuge, according to government sources. Our group was interested in learning
fortunate to get long looks at several of these fine-looking about birds on their own
jays. They were all banded and Art Hurt cleverly or by teachers in their
commented, “Floridians love their Scrub-Jays so much that classrooms and is
they give them all bracelets.”
especially useful for kids
We also visited a wetland area south of Merritt Island. The
who are participating in
Viera Wetlands is part of Brevard County’s wastewater reuse this year’s Georgia Youth
system. Here we got up-close views of a pair of Mottled
Birding Competition. “My
Ducks and a lengthy look at a Limpkin. Black-crowned
Night-Herons were basking quite close to alligators, and
Bird Journal” is also
cormorant were “hanging out to dry” nearby. We also had available as a pdf file for
great views of Crested Caracara, which is the national bird free download on our
of our neighbor to the south, Mexico. Unfortunately, the education page on the
Masked Duck that had been sighted earlier in the week website at
failed to appear for our group on Sunday. We certainly tried www.atlantaaudubon.org.
to find that masked stranger—but to no avail. However on a Let’s share the joy of
last-minute return to the wetlands, three of our group did
birds with our young
spot the elusive duck on Monday.
people. They are our
It was certainly no “flight of fancy” that many of our group future conservationists
had so many “lifers” in just two days of birding. We were
and leaders.
delighted to view so many fanciful birds taking flight in an
area where space shuttle flights are often the center of
attraction.
Answer:
Most likely,
If you want to experience a birding trip to the Merritt Island
the
National Wildlife Refuge with other AAS members, sign up
endangered
for next year’s trip. Remember to watch for workshop
Florida
opportunities for shorebirds, warblers, and sparrows.
Everglade
Thanks to Lisa Hurt and Theresa Hartz, who led the 2010
Snail Kite,
depending
trip and planned the afternoon class. Hopefully, these
almost exclusively on
expert birders will lead the trip again in early 2011—a
the apple snail.
great time to plan an escape to the warmth of central
Florida.
7
 Sculpting Birds from Concept to Finish
Saturday, June 19 — 10 AM to 2 PM
Would you like to learn more about the travels of the great naturalist and explorer,
William Bartram?
Would you like to learn how to sculpt a bird out of clay? Then this workshop is for you!
Chris Wilson, a wildlife sculptor, will not only talk about his meditations on and inspiration from his
ancestor, William Bartram, he will also lead you through the process of creating your own original
piece of art. Chris has won over 100 First Place awards and 82 Best in Show awards for his
sculptures. He has taught art classes at Kennesaw State University (KSU), created over 100
sculptures in public and private collections, and recently finished a commission for “Midnight
Watch,” a monumental size bronze owl statue on the KSU campus. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind
opportunity to sculpt a clay bird with such a talented instructor!
Charge: $85 Friends of AAS/$105 Non members
Location: AAS Education Office at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve
4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 William Bartram and
“Midnight Watch”
Space is limited and registration is required. Photographer: Unknown
Please contact Emily Toriani-Moura at (678) 973-2437 or AtlantaAudubonEd@gmail.com to register.

Attention Avid Learners: Mark your Calendar for these Great Workshops!
March 20 and April 10— April 6 & 10—Wetland Plant May 27—Tree Identification
Exploring Nature through Art Management Workshop Workshop
Drawing Workshops How well do you know your trees? Tree ID
Chattahoochee
with Atlanta Artist, Nature Center skills will aid you not only with finding birds
Carol Sutherland wetland in their natural habitat, but also with
Photographer: describing birds’ locations to others you are
Henning Von guiding. Understanding the relationship
The first workshop Schmeling
of this three-class between a bird species and its preferred
series was a true tree (e.g., Cedar Waxwing and berry-
delight! Students Wetlands play many different roles in our producing trees or Nuthatches and pine
learned the basic environment, from filtering pollutants and trees) helps us to understand their
concepts of line controlling floods to providing nursery grounds behaviors and habitats more intimately,
and value as they and stopover locations for many valuable plant giving us a greater sense of appreciation.
created value and animal species. Our wetlands are
scales, traced disappearing steadily over time, with negative Join us on Thursday, May 27 from 6 PM to
hawk illustrations, impacts from habitat loss and invasive species. 8:30 PM as Chris Showalter teaches about
and drew ivy This fun and educational workshop will prepare identifying trees by leaf, bark, shape and
leaves. The you to become involved in wetland conservation habitat, as well as bird/plant associations.
atmosphere was and restoration efforts! Cost: $35 Friends of AAS/$45 non-
Detail from “Ti Leaves” by uplifting and the Section 1: Plant ID 101 at the Chattahoochee members.
Carol Sutherland
instructor was Nature Center (CNC) with Henning Von Schmeling
inspiring. Even if you missed the first class, you Section 2: Plant Propagation 101 with Henning
may still join us for the next two classes of this Von Schmeling and Lisa Cole
drawing series. We will learn depth of field, Section 3: Field Trip and Hands-on Removal
charcoal and still life drawings next. See our Training at Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve with
website for a complete class description. Dave Butler and Walter Bland
The line-up of instructors for this workshop is
Time: 10 AM to 3 PM unbeatable. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn
Cost: $85 Friends of AAS/$90 practical ways to make a difference in the
non-members and a discount for natural areas of your community.
signing up for both classes.
Location: Blue Heron Nature Center, Time: April 6, 10 AM to 4 PM;
4055 Roswell Rd., April 10, 9 AM to 1 PM
Atlanta, GA 30342 Cost: $100 CNC & AAS members
$125 non-members
Location: Sections 1 & 2 at Chris Showalter
Chattahoochee Nature Center, Photographer: Tony Madden,
Roswell, GA Fernbank Science Center
Section 3 at Clyde Shepherd
Nature Preserve, Decatur, GA
8 Atlanta Audubon Society
 Spotlighting ... The Trust for Public Land
This month Wingbars is
spotlighting an
organization whose efforts
have had far-reaching
impacts on the birding
community and have
contributed to the
conservation of many
thousands of acres of wildlife habitat in Georgia
and elsewhere. Meet The Trust for Public Land,
an organization that is not as well known as one
might expect, yet whose mission and activities
have meshed well with that of AAS and the
greater birding community.
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national
501(c)(3) not-for-profit land conservation
organization whose stated mission is to
conserve land for people to enjoy as parks,
community gardens, rural lands and other
natural places, ensuring livable communities
for generations to come. For more than 37 years
TPL has been conserving land and protecting
important natural and cultural resources
throughout the United States, including sites in
Alaska, Hawaii and the Caribbean. During that
timeframe, TPL has worked with willing
landowners, community groups, and other non-
profits, plus national, state, and local agencies.
Together, they have completed nearly 4,000 land
conservation projects in 47 states plus the
Virgin Islands, covering more than 2.8 million
acres of land. This includes conservation
projects that have enhanced or added to over
50 national parks in today’s 84 million-plus acre
system. The land conserved has helped protect
important wildlife habitat, water resources,
environmentally sensitive landscapes and
notable cultural resources while affording
recreational and educational opportunities to
the general public.
Sawnee Mountain Preserve in Forsyth County
Photographer: David Swann
Much of the land conserved by TPL becomes
parkland or protected natural areas ranging in
size from less than one acre to many thousands
of acres. Most of this protected land includes
wildlife habitat important to many different
species of birds and includes a number of
April 2010
By David Kuechenmeister
birding “hotspots.”
TPL is not classified as a “land trust,” per sé,
since its mission isn’t to “hold” land or
conservation easements in perpetuity. Rather,
TPL’s mission is to help conserve land in
perpetuity for public benefit by helping to make
land transactions happen and to ensure that
the most appropriate long-term steward ends
up with the land or easement. TPL conveys
conservation land and easements to many
different long-term stewards including land
trusts, federal agencies, state agencies, cities
and counties.
So what does
TPL actually do,
you ask? TPL’s
goal is to enable
public agencies
to acquire
important lands
at a fair value.
TPL works
closely with the
agencies’
standards and
processes for
establishing an
independent fair
Dog River Park in Douglas County
Photographer: David Swann
market value for
targeted
properties. TPL acquires land in its own name,
assuming all the risks of ownership as well as
the costs associated with buying, holding, and
selling land. TPL does not operate as a broker
or an agent of governmental agencies, but
rather as a principal and risk-taker, supporting
the agencies’ independent decision-making
process. The bulk of TPL’s federal work has
been with the National Park Service, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service.
TPL also has a long history working with state
agencies to help create new state parks and
expand existing ones.
TPL works only with willing sellers, including
individuals, families, corporations and
developers. For owners of conservation lands,
TPL can make commitments timed to
landowners’ needs, negotiate in confidence, and
often provide substantial tax benefits. TPL is
able to act swiftly when government agencies
often cannot. TPL’s government affairs and
fundraising staff often can help assemble
funding to make a conservation transaction
work. Since 1994, TPL has helped states and
communities craft and pass over 330 ballot
measures, generating almost $25 billion in new
conservation-related funding.
Although TPL does not generally intend to own
and manage land over the long-term like The
Nature Conservancy or the many land trusts
TPL partners with, TPL pulls all the pieces
together, structures the acquisition and
conveyance transactions and ensures that the
land will be conserved for its intended purpose
in perpetuity. TPL’s role has been invaluable to
federal and state agencies as well as cities and
counties anxious to protect rapidly diminishing
natural resources, including critical wildlife
habitat. In many cases TPL has helped acquire
lands that connect already-protected areas
within parks, preserve iconic views, or maintain
recreational access to some of our most
treasured parklands. Sometimes TPL will split
out the interests in land it acquires and convey
the conservation easement interest to a land
trust and the restricted fee interest to a county
or city for a passive recreation park. Many of
the projects TPL has taken on were brought to
TPL’s attention by concerned citizens who
became aware of “at risk” or high resource
value properties that needed to be conserved.
Among the more than 21,000 acres TPL has
helped conserve in Georgia since 1990 are
habitats important to resident bird populations
as well as migrants. Some notable examples
that birders regularly frequent include:
Cumberland Island National Seashore
(Camden County) - 2,195 acres
Cloudland Canyon State Park (Walker
and Dade) - 2,000-acre assemblage
Bond Swamp (Bibb County) - 959-acre
assemblage
Chattahoochee National Forest (Rabun,
Stephens, Jasper and White) - 2,299-acre
assemblage
Constitution Lakes (DeKalb County) - 51
acres
Sawnee Mountain Preserve (Forsyth
County) - 643-acre assemblage
Dog River Park (Douglas County adjacent
to Dog River Reservoir) - 801 acres
Kennesaw Mountain NBP (Cobb County)
- 35-acre addition near summit (+16 acres
pending)
Little Mulberry Park (Gwinnett County) -
485-acre assemblage
Chattahoochee River NRA - 23 projects
totaling 817 acres to date with additional
projects pending
TPL was an early endorser of the Atlanta
Continued on page 11
9
 CLASSIFIEDS
Rates for 2.5” x 2.5” ads are $20/month or $45/quarter. Ads must be consistent with the conservation and birding mission
of Atlanta Audubon Society. Ads may be accepted via email, preferably in .pdf format. Call 678.973.2437 if you have questions.
Send payment to Wingbars Ads, Atlanta Audubon Society, 4055 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342.
Send ads via email to Catharine Kuchar at Catharine.Kuchar@atlantaaudubon.org.

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Field Trips Continued from page 5

Stone Mountain Expressway (U.S. 78) exit west toward
Decatur. At North DeKalb Mall, it merges with and
becomes U.S. 29, also called Scott Blvd. After about four
miles, go straight through a major intersection with
Clairemont Avenue, and then take the third right on to
Coventry Road. From Coventry, turn left at the first light
onto Heaton Park Drive, and you will see the Science
Center 0.1 miles ahead. From downtown Atlanta, take
Ponce de Leon Ave east toward Decatur. 4.2 miles east of
Peachtree Street, turn left from Ponce de Leon on to
Artwood Road. Go for 0.2 miles and turn left on to Heaton
Park Drive. The Science Center is 0.1 miles ahead.
Saturday, April 17, Wednesday, April 21, Saturday,
April 24 and Wednesday, April 28, 7:30 AM
Kennesaw Mountain
Giff Beaton and/or Chuck Saleeby
Meet at the entrance to the mountain road adjacent to the
parking lot.
Birding Focus: Kennesaw Mountain is one of the premier
spots for finding migrating birds anywhere along the east
coast. There have been as many as 20 species of warblers
seen on the best days, and the mountain is excellent for
vireos, flycatchers, tanagers, the Baltimore Oriole, and
many other birds.
Note and Directions: The group plans to walk up the road
to the top of the mountain. The gate to the parking lot may
not open until 7:30 AM. Parking has been available on the
side along Old Route 41. Directions from Atlanta: Take I-
75 to exit 269, Barrett Parkway. Go west on Barrett
Parkway approximately two miles to Old Route 41 and
take a left. (Look for a little brown sign on the right at
that intersection pointing left to the Battlefield.) Go 1.3
miles and turn right on Stilesboro Road, then a quick left
into the visitor center parking lot.
Sunday, April 18, 7:30 AM
Dawson Forest WMA Atlanta Tract and north Georgia
mountains
Georgann Schmalz (cell phone 404-245-7273)
Meet at the wetland just inside the gate of Dawson Forest.
Birding Focus: The group will first bird Dawson Forest at
the wetland, including the power line, fields and forest,
which are excellent locations for lingering winter sparrows
and incoming neotropical migrants and summer residents,
along with herons, woodpeckers and hawks. At 8:30, we
will carpool from Dawson Forest to Sosebee Cove and
along Ivy Log Gap Road near Blairsville. Both of these
higher elevation locations are excellent nesting sites for
many species of flycatchers, warblers, as well as vireos,
Scarlet Tanagers, and other songbirds.
Directions: From Atlanta, go on GA 400 north 36.6 miles
from I-285. Turn left on to Dawson Forest Road at the
North Georgia Premium Outlet, which is 6.6 miles past
Highway 369. (Highway 369 is at the first stop light along
400.) Drive 3.9 miles along Dawson Forest Road to GA 9 to
the stop sign, and continue straight for another 1.5 miles
to the gate into Dawson Forest. The wetlands are just
inside the gate.
Tuesday, April 27, 7:30 AM
(or join the group at the observation deck overlooking
the pond as late as 8 AM)
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, DeKalb County
Stan Chapman and Pam Higginbotham
See entry for Clyde Shepherd for April 8 for birding focus
and directions.
Thursday, April 29, 8 AM
Henderson Park, Tucker, DeKalb County
Jeff Sewell
Meet at the second parking lot from the entrance, which is
on the right just past the soccer field and adjacent to the
tennis courts. (The first parking lot is on the left.)
Birding Focus: Spring migrants, including warblers, vireos
and thrushes. The park has a lake, some marshy areas,
and good woodland habitat.
Notes and Directions: Bring waterproof and sturdy
footwear for walking on muddy, wet, and/or hilly terrain.
Directions: From downtown Atlanta, take I-75/85 north
to I-85 north and follow I-85 just past I-285 to exit 96,
Northcrest/Pleasantdale Road. After traveling straight a
short distance on the access road, turn right onto
Pleasantdale Road, which becomes Tucker Norcross Road
and then Chamblee Tucker Road (CTR), heading south.
Keep going straight on CTR south and do not make a right
turn onto CTR going west. Also, do not turn onto Livsey
Drive, but rather turn right onto Livsey Road, which is 2.9
miles from the intersection of I-85 access and
Pleasantdale. (You will see a small brown sign for
Henderson Park at the turn). Follow Livsey Road until it
ends and turn left into the park. The parking lot on the
right where we meet is 0.3 miles from the park entrance.
Bird Songs of Georgia
CD now available.
Email Georgann Schmalz at
georgannschmalz@windstream.net
or visit www.birdingadventuresinc.com
Field Trips Sponsored by
Oconee Rivers Audubon Society
Atlanta Audubon Society has a cooperative relationship
with Oconee Rivers Audubon Society centered in Athens.
As a service to our members, both publicize the walks of
the other so as to increase the opportunities for all. Please
see the Oconee Rivers Audubon website,
http://www.oconeeriversaudubon.org and click on
“upcoming” for their scheduled walks. Directions are
available from the “Hotspots” tab on their website. Their
April schedule is as follows:
April 3: Sandy Creek Park
8 AM-11 AM: meet at the last parking lot on Campsite
Drive across the dam; the gates open at 8am.
April 10: Whitehall Forest
8 AM-11 AM: meet in the driveway at the end of South
Milledge Road (go through T-junction with Whitehall Road
into Whitehall Forest).
April 17: Sandy Creek Nature Center
8 AM-11 AM: meet at the Allen House parking lot (the first
lot on the left)
April 24: Charlie Elliott
7 AM-1 PM: meet at the Shops of South Athens parking lot
by the Waffle House on South Milledge near the bypass.

10 Atlanta Audubon Society

The Trust for Public Land Continued from page 9

BeltLine, commissioning the critical 2004
Garvin study, The BeltLine Emerald Necklace:
Atlanta’s New Public Realm. Even before the
City of Atlanta had identified funds to purchase
land, TPL began acquiring sites for parks along
the mostly abandoned 22-mile loop of historic
railroad that encircles downtown and midtown
Atlanta. After four years of work, TPL’s
partnership with the city and Atlanta BeltLine,
Inc. has resulted in 33 transactions
representing 82 acres of new urban parks at a
cost of over $44 million. TPL’s front-end work to
help integrate greenspace, trails and transit
connecting 47 historic neighborhoods has
helped pave the way for follow-up opportunities
and efforts. Of particular interest is the Atlanta
BeltLine Arboretum being spearheaded by Trees
Atlanta in partnership with AAS to establish
bird friendly projects, environmental education
and community outreach.
The Georgia office of TPL, along with its many
conservation partners, has been involved in a
signature initiative referred to as The
Chattahoochee River Land Protection Campaign
since the initiative’s inception in the mid-1990s.
The goals of the campaign were to protect water
quality and to ensure continued recreation
along the river by establishing a “green”
corridor from the north Georgia mountains to
Columbus. TPL and its partners raised over
$160 million for the campaign and together
have protected over 150 miles of riverfront land
-- more than 16,000 acres -- for parks and trails.
More than 20 public agencies, including 11
counties, have committed to long-term
stewardship and management of the lands
preserved through this initiative, which will
help ensure the protection of critical wildlife
habitat and support long-term opportunities for
the birding community. TPL acknowledges and
applauds the efforts of its conservation partners
that contributed to the overwhelming success of
The Chattahoochee River Land Protection
Campaign, including the Chattahoochee Nature
Center, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation
Fund, Georgia Conservancy and Upper
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.
The next time you visit one of Georgia’s birding
hotspots or protected natural areas, remember
that the odds are good that TPL or another
conservation organization had a hand in its
protection.
For more information about TPL go to
www.tpl.org. For more information about this
article or to pass along thoughts you have
regarding threatened land that should be
conserved for public benefit, please contact
David Kuechenmeister at 404-873-7306 ext. 275.

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A Useful Book for Georgia Birders

By Grant McCreary
The Breeding Bird Atlas of Georgia
Edited by Todd M. Schneider, Giff Beaton, Timothy S. Keyes, and Nathan A. Klaus
From 1994 to 2001, over a thousand birders scoured the state of Georgia looking for breeding birds. It took the better
part of 10 years, but now the data they collected has been analyzed and distilled into The Breeding Bird Atlas of
Georgia. It was worth the wait.
The Atlas contains an account for each bird found breeding in Georgia during this period, 182 species in all. A full
two-page spread is allocated to each account, with the text and a color photograph on the left-hand side, along with a map and graphs
on the right. The text covers habitat, life history, distribution, status and conservation information in general, but particularly as it applies to the
bird in this state.
This state-specific information is especially interesting. For instance, it’s intriguing that the Cerulean Warblers breeding in the Ivylog-Gumlog
area use habitat that is unusually open compared with the preferred habitat elsewhere in their range. Besides the obvious management
implications, that’s a nice puzzle for some enterprising researcher to tackle. I was also pleased to see that subspecies information is included
where appropriate.
The large, color maps plot the breeding occurrences in great detail, with symbols denoting possible, probable, and confirmed records. You can
learn much just by browsing through the maps – I hadn’t realized that Worm-eating Warblers bred south to the Fall Line, and possibly even
below it! For most species, there is also a table of sampling information and a population trend graph using data from the Breeding Bird Survey.
As if this weren’t enough, an extensive introduction covers the survey methodology, Georgia’s ecoregions and habitats, changes in bird
distribution, and conservation.
It should be noted that, though the photos are excellent and fairly large, this is not intended for use as a field guide. Besides, with its large
dimensions and hefty weight, you’d have to hire a porter to carry this into the field for you!
A wealth of information that’s a pleasure to immerse yourself in, the Atlas will be an indispensable tool for any Georgia birder.