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GABO-L for Monday, April 21, 2008
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Subject: Re: Carter's Reregulation Lake 4/19/08
From: Joshua Spence <spencejoshua(AT)BELLSOUTH.NET>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 1:10am
I spent about three hours birding around the Carter's Reregulation Lake on
Saturday morning. I had some of the same things that Max Medley reported. I
walked the Hidden Pond Trail, Resevoir Rd, and the Powerhouse fields. 7
First-of-the-season(FOTS), 12 spp. of warblers. 82 species in all.
Blue-winged Teal - 8
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead - 9
Pied-billed Grebe - 2-3
Horned Grebe - 7
Double-crested Cormorant - 4
Osprey
American Coot - 28
Bonaparte's Gull
Hairy Woodpecker
Great-crested Flycatcher - 3
Red-eyed Vireo - ~8
Fish Crow - 2
Tree Swallow - 9
Northern Rough-winged Swallow - 3
Cliff Swallow ~ 25
House Wren
Wood Thrush - FOTS
Gray Catbird - FOTS
Blue-winged Warbler - 2
Yellow Warbler - 3, FOTS
Prairie Warbler - 4
Yellow-breasted Chat - FOTS
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 2, FOTS
Blue Grosbeak - FOTS
Indigo Bunting
Orchard Oriole - FOTS
Other bird species observed, for those interested:
Canada Goose
Mallard - 2
Great Blue Heron
Black Vulture - 2
Turkey Vulture - ~60
Red-tailed Hawk
Killdeer
Rock Dove
Mourning Dove - 4
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 3
Downy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe - 2
Eastern Kingbird - 2
White-eyed Vireo - 3
Yellow-throated Vireo
Barn Swallow - 4
Blue Jay - ~10
American Crow - 8
Tufted Titmouse - 4
Carolina Chickadee - 3
White-breasted Nuthatch
Brown-headed Nuthatch - 2
Carolina Wren - 3
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - ~12
Eastern Bluebird = 4
Northern Mockingbird
Brown Thrasher - 2
Cedar Waxwing
European Starling - 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler - ~20
Black-throated Green Warbler - 2
Yellow-throated Warbler - 3
Pine Warbler - 4
Palm Warbler - 2
Black-and-white Warbler - 4
Common Yellowthroat - ~8
Hooded Warbler - 2
Summer Tanager
Eastern Towhee - 2
Field Sparrow - 4
Savannah Sparrow - 6
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow - 4
White-throated Sparrow - ~10
Northern Cardinal - ~10
Eastern Meadowlark - 2
Red-winged Blackbird - ~10
Brown-headed Cowbird - ~10
Common Grackle - 4
American Goldfinch - ~8
Also,I found a Southern Flying Squirrel in the Screech Owl box on the
Hidden Pond Trail.
I had my FOTS Blue-winged Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, and Indigo Bunting
Friday on Cagle Rd(Coosawattee WMA).
Joshua Spence,
Murray County
**********
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Subject: general report Marion - Lamar Counties
From: Charlie <cmmbirds(AT)YAHOO.COM>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 9:13am
Hi folks,
On Sunday Tracey, Allan and I scouted one of my BBS routes, which
goes from Marion into Talbot County
.
Without ever taking out binoculars and hardly getting out of the car
(we were just making sure I could find all my stops and that there
were no roadblocks or anything) we happened upon a lot of species.
Notably our first Rose-breasted Grosbeak landed in a tree as we
stopped for Allan to take a potty break. Good timing, little guy!
Indigo Buntings and Eastern Meadowlarks were everywhere. There was a
smattering of Blue Grosbeaks. I saw my first Cliff Swallows at 2
sites (one was prior to scouting the BBS route, in Bibb County)
Closer to home, in Lamar County: We were eating dinner out on the
deck last night when we heard a dull thud. I looked around the
corner in time to see a BIG mostly gray Cooper's Hawk carry off a
small bird. This accipiter was big enough that if it were winter, or
if I were up north, I would have given chase to see if it wasn't a
gos.
I checked the bluebird box. Still too young to band. But they have
been very busy at our feeders. During the day we had the other 3
blue colored birds, to: a couple Indigo Buntings, several Blue Jays
(Allan still thinks they sound neat) and one female Blue Grossbeak at
the feeders.
The Pine Warblers have gotten quiet suddenly. I only hear 1-2 at a
time, now. The Goldfinches have leveled off at about 15 -20 at a
time, and I imagine these ones are here for the season. White-eyed
Vireos seem a lot more crowded and vocal than last year - I hear 4-5
at a time.
Still no Chuck-will's Widows, but yesterday I heard a Thrasher do a
fairly passable impression of one.
Driving to school today we were quite surprised to see a hen Wild
Turkey fly across Thomaston Street and down Holmes in Barnesville!
This is a pretty populated area. I can only imagine that she somehow
finds enough room to live at the postage-stamp wooded area on Gordon
College.
The Solitary Sandpiper that inhabited Howard Bottoms for about 5 days
has not been there for 3 or 4 now. The Prairie Warbler is still
singing from the same place, so I imagine he has found a mate and has
set up housekeeping. The waterfowl are all gone, save a handful of
geese who have forgotton to move north. I hope the Great Horned Owls
are feeling feisty.
Have a great day!
Charlie Muise
Lamar County
____________________________________________________________________________________
Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Mercer wetlands, DeKalb Co., 4/20/08
From: Carol Lambert & Jeff Sewell <lambertsewell(AT)MINDSPRING.COM>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 9:29am
We spent a couple hours yesterday morning wandering along the buffer of =
this wonderful site. The number of warblers was not staggering, but =
there was a good variety of species. It was also good to be almost =
entirely alone with the birds on a Sunday morning behind an office park =
and college campus. We had 60 species 9-11am and a few were first of the =
season for us. Following are migrants and highlights.
Carol Lambert & Jeff Sewell
Tucker, DeKalb Co., GA
Green Heron
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Broad-winged Hawk
Barred Owl-a young one on top of a snag, watching traffic on Flowers Rd. =
S.
Chimney Swift
Great Crested Flycatcher
White-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Tree Swallow
N. Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Wood Thrush
Cedar Waxwing
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Pine Warbler
Palm Warbler=20
Ovenbird
Common Yellowthroat
Hooded Warbler
White-throated Sparrow
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Tennessee Warbler and Eastern Kingbird were observed by other birders =
there.
lambertsewell(AT)mindspring.com
**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Chuck-will's-widow in Canton FOS
From: Johnnie Greene <johnniegreene(AT)ADELPHIA.NET>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 10:11am
As I was leaving for work this morning at 5:30 I heard 2 CWWI's calling back and
forth down near the retention pond next to our subdivision. This is the first
time I have heard them calling this year.
--
Johnnie Greene
Canton, Cherokee County, GA
**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: American Bittern at Arrowhead
From: Dan Roper <ropersfive(AT)AOL.COM>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 10:22am
Ladies and Gents,
Birded Arrowhead (Northern Floyd County) early this a.m. Had 46
species total (fairly low for this date) but the number included fots
American bittern standing quietly in open, shallow water near the
western side of Pond #13. This is the fifth year in a row I've seen
this species at Arrowhead - one per season usually spends a few days
here in late April or early May.
Pond #9 included a female merganser and seven chicks, sitting on a
small earth mound. A solitary sandpiper was nearby.
Pond #8 included a mix of wood ducks, a mallard duck, and a blue-winged
teal.
FOTS included yellow-breated chat and ruby-throated hummingbirds.
White-throated sparrows and ruby-crowned kinglets were singing
repeatedly.
I was surprised not to have any migrant warblers passing through
(summer resident warblers, in addition to the chat, included common
yellowthroat, prairie warbler, and yellow-throated warbler). I figured
this might be a good day for something like chesnut-sided, magnolia,
hooded, American redstarts, or one of the waterthrush species to be
passing through, but the woods were much more mundane than I had
expected.
Regards,
Dan Roper
Armuchee (Floyd County), GA
**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Almost a Georgia Yellow Headed Blackbird!!
From: SPANGLE <SPANGLE(AT)AMERICOMFG.COM>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 11:33am
While on a bike ride Sunday I observed a female Yellow Headed Blackbird =
about 1.7 miles north of the Tennessee/Georgia line on Red Clay Park =
Road. This is just west (1-1/4 mi) of HWY 60 and .6 miles south of HWY =
317. I know this is for Georgia birds but this one is close enough I =
thought it might make a nice year/life bird for the guy and girls up in =
the Dalton area. It also seems odd that several of these birds have now =
shown up in the area. I wonder if it is climate related?
=20
Sandy Pangle
Whitfield County
=20
=20
=20
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG.=20
Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 269.23.2/1389 - Release Date: =
4/21/2008 8:34 AM
=20
**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: dragonfly & damselfly program with Giff Beaton
From: Amy Bram <camp(AT)CHATTNATURECENTER.COM>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 1:47pm
Great program coming to the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, GA
Dragonfly & Damselfly Talk & Walk with field Guide Author Giff Beaton
Sunday, April 27, 2 - 4 PM and
$15 non-members/$10 members
Photographer and field guide author Giff Beaton will be giving a talk
about dragonfly and damselfly life history and identification followed
by a walk through our gardens focused on finding and identifying these
beautiful invertebrates. To learn more about Giff Beaton, visit
www.giffbeaton.com <http://www.giffbeaton.com/> . Ages 16 & up,
Pre-registration recommended:
adultprograms(AT)chattnaturecenter.com or (770) 992-2055 x222
Amy Bram
Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell, GA
=20
Amy Bram
Camp Kingfisher & Adult Programs
Chattahoochee Nature Center
9135 Willeo Road
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 992-2055 x232
camp(AT)chattnaturecenter.com
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail
We have launched a new division at CNC - programs for grown-ups!! If
you'd like your voice to be heard, click on the link below to take our
survey. Thanks.
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=3DWEB2276BND2YUY
=20
**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
From: Paul Cartwright <paul(AT)pcartwright.com>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 2:43pm
Yes, I am sure this time, I have my FOTS Rose-Breasted Grosbeak Male at my
feeder!!
still not any resident Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. though I have had a few
stop by.
Paul Cartwright
Madison County ( Athens)
--
Paul Cartwright
**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
From: B Herren <bkherren(AT)COMCAST.NET>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 3:02pm
I also had a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak at my feeder this weekend and have two
male Ruby Throats who visit a few times daily since I first saw them, on 9
April.
http://www.birdbackyard.com/BirdsandCritters/rosebreastedgrosbeak.html.
Berlene Herren
South Fulton
Fulton County, Georgia
USA
-----Original Message-----
From: Georgia Birders Online [mailto:GABO-L(AT)LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf Of
Paul Cartwright
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2008 14:43
To: GABO-L(AT)LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject: [GABO-L] Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
Yes, I am sure this time, I have my FOTS Rose-Breasted Grosbeak Male at my
feeder!!
still not any resident Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. though I have had a few
stop by.
Paul Cartwright
Madison County ( Athens)
--
Paul Cartwright
**********
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**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Georgia BACS
From: Jim Cox <Jim(AT)TTRS.ORG>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 3:44pm
GABO subscribers might be interested in an article on Bachman's Sparrow tha=
t will appear in the next issue of Birding Magazine. The article is based =
on work done in SW Georgia, and a PDF version can be found on the homepage =
of Tall Timbers Research Station (www.talltimbers.org<http://www.talltimber=
s.org/>)
Happy reading,
Jim Cox
Tallahassee, FL
**********
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Subject: Re: Birding Problems
From: "Sargent, Bob A Civ USAF AFMC 78 CEG/CEVP" <bob.sargent(AT)ROBINS.AF.MIL>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 4:39pm
Todd,
This is not the forum for lengthy discussions, which is what we're bound
to get into with respect to this important and complicated issue. I can
only speak for GOS, which is a science-oriented organization per our
charter, in saying that our activities are only held on weekends. We've
been discussing various strategies for bringing more teenagers to
birding, have implemented a few and are trying to figure out how to
implement others, and are a supporter of DNR's terrific YBC (a weekend
event with over 120 kids registered this year).
GOS, like some of the other "bird societies," has an education
committee, and we would welcome your active participation in that forum.
I will speak on behalf of the various state conservation groups, many of
which are run solely by volunteers (as is GOS), in saying that the
direct involvement of more participants is always embraced.
Bob Sargent
Warner Robins
Houston County
-----Original Message-----
From: Georgia Birders Online [mailto:GABO-L(AT)LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf
Of Todd Womack
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 3:52 PM
To: GABO-L(AT)LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject: [GABO-L] Birding Problems
I have discovered what I feel is a problem with what the stated goals of
GOS, BEN, and other bird/conservation groups and what sometimes happens
in
carrying them out. One of the major birding initiatives, in not only
Georgia, but nationally is to increase the number of younger birders.
No one can deny that MOST birders are middle aged or far older. Yes,
there
are a few younger binocular-toters out there, but most of them are in
training to be professional scientists, not amateur or avocational bird
watchers (i.e. those who actually drive and sustain the hobby).
Now my problem is that I see that many, if not most, birding workshops,
seminars, events, lectures, etc. are held at times that most young
people
are in school or at work, i.e. during the week. Just look at the next
month
or so of scheduled bird events around Georgia and you will see this
clearly
illustrated. Also, this impacts many adult birders who are not retirees
with free time or the independently wealthy who can take off whenever.
As a birder who happens to be a high school teacher, I know from real
life
that the main focus of most youth birding programs, that of elementary
age
children should not be the only focus group. By the time these students
get
to 11th or 12th grade it has been 6 years or more, if ever, since they
covered any part ornithology. The birding organizations need to shift
some
of their attention to secondary education students and one of the ways
they
can do this is to make sure, in this age of No Child Left Behind, that
ornithology, avian biology, or simply bird conservation are included and
not dropped from the state mandated curriculum as MANY subfields are. If
they do not appear on the state standardized test, the students will
NEVER
be taught or exposed to it. Also, make sure materials are not just for
science classes, but many can be used in a cross-curricular manner. For
example, bird migration, bird extinction, and conservation issues are
also
subjects that can be discussed in geography, World or US history classes
as
well.
Please excuse me if this was not the appropriate forum for this.
Todd Womack
Social Studies Department Chair
Coffee High School
159 Trojan Way
Douglas, Georgia
**********
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**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Fannin County Cattle Egret and Blue Grosbeaks
From: Nedra Sekera <njs1500(AT)TDS.NET>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 8:44pm
On Sunday, April 20th, Robert Kimsey found and photographed
a cattle egret in McCaysville. Although cattle egrets have been
observed in Fannin County prior to this I do not think they regularly
occur here. =20
Tonight my neighbor, Mary Gage, reported a pair of blue grosbeaks
on her feeder. Not only were they FOTS, but also a first for her
yard list.
Nedra Sekera
Epworth GA
Fannin County - top of GA
**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: Birding Problems
From: Tim Keyes <tim_keyes(AT)DNR.STATE.GA.US>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 9:08pm
Tom,
To start, there is obviously a huge amount that needs to be done to encourage
and nurture young birders. This task could and should draw on the collective
creativity, time and resources of birders and bird conservationists.
I am not sure if I follow your specific characterizations of the organizations
you mentioned however. A quick glance at the Atlanta Audubon website for
instance shows field trips every saturday and 3 of 4 sundays in April, as well
as some wednesdays. I was field trip coordinator for several years a while back
and the vast majority of trips are and have always been on Saturdays.
http://www.atlantaaudubon.org/aaswww/indexsupport/fieldtrips.htm
BEN, the Bird Education Network lists as its first priority audience students
K-12. They are however primarily a network designed to support and provide
resources for bird educators, and the conferences such as Austin '07 and McAllen
'08 (and Jekyll '09 for that matter) were not geared for kids but for
educators. Their still evolving strategy statement can be found below. (note the
wingspan banner on the front page - made here in Georgia!!)
http://www.birdeducation.org/documents/TowardStrategyVERSION2.1complete-forweb.pdf
Of course a huge amount of wildlife and bird education goes on at nature centers
throughout the state, which clearly are geared towards kids, whether organised
school groups or weekend public programs.
There is a great Middle School bird curriculum available (Project FlyingWild)
and teacher workshops for this have been offered several times a year since it
came out 4 years ago.
http://www.flyingwild.org/
Probably the biggest bird education events annually in Georgia are the two bird
festivals (colonial coast and pine woods) and both offer numerous activities and
walks geared for families and kids.
Bob didn't mention it, but GOS is sending two teen birders to a Young Birders
Conference in South Dakota through the American Birding Association this June.
The Youth Birding Competition, after this year will have included over 220
different kids, and has connected many birders with local teams that they mentor
in preparation.
None of this is to say that there isn't far more to be done, but just to point
out the efforts of many many people, often volunteers, who are finding creative
ways to share their passion for birds with a younger generation.
Tim Keyes
Wildlife Biologist
Nongame Conservation Section
116 Rum Creek Drive
Forsyth, GA 31029
(478) 994-1438
For Nongame E-Newsletter, visit
http://www.georgiawildlife.com/content/displaynavigation.asp?TopCategory=293
>>> "Sargent, Bob A Civ USAF AFMC 78 CEG/CEVP"
<bob.sargent(AT)ROBINS.AF.MIL> 04/21/08 4:39 PM >>>
Todd,
This is not the forum for lengthy discussions, which is what we're bound
to get into with respect to this important and complicated issue. I can
only speak for GOS, which is a science-oriented organization per our
charter, in saying that our activities are only held on weekends. We've
been discussing various strategies for bringing more teenagers to
birding, have implemented a few and are trying to figure out how to
implement others, and are a supporter of DNR's terrific YBC (a weekend
event with over 120 kids registered this year).
GOS, like some of the other "bird societies," has an education
committee, and we would welcome your active participation in that forum.
I will speak on behalf of the various state conservation groups, many of
which are run solely by volunteers (as is GOS), in saying that the
direct involvement of more participants is always embraced.
Bob Sargent
Warner Robins
Houston County
-----Original Message-----
From: Georgia Birders Online [mailto:GABO-L(AT)LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf
Of Todd Womack
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 3:52 PM
To: GABO-L(AT)LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject: [GABO-L] Birding Problems
I have discovered what I feel is a problem with what the stated goals of
GOS, BEN, and other bird/conservation groups and what sometimes happens
in
carrying them out. One of the major birding initiatives, in not only
Georgia, but nationally is to increase the number of younger birders.
No one can deny that MOST birders are middle aged or far older. Yes,
there
are a few younger binocular-toters out there, but most of them are in
training to be professional scientists, not amateur or avocational bird
watchers (i.e. those who actually drive and sustain the hobby).
Now my problem is that I see that many, if not most, birding workshops,
seminars, events, lectures, etc. are held at times that most young
people
are in school or at work, i.e. during the week. Just look at the next
month
or so of scheduled bird events around Georgia and you will see this
clearly
illustrated. Also, this impacts many adult birders who are not retirees
with free time or the independently wealthy who can take off whenever.
As a birder who happens to be a high school teacher, I know from real
life
that the main focus of most youth birding programs, that of elementary
age
children should not be the only focus group. By the time these students
get
to 11th or 12th grade it has been 6 years or more, if ever, since they
covered any part ornithology. The birding organizations need to shift
some
of their attention to secondary education students and one of the ways
they
can do this is to make sure, in this age of No Child Left Behind, that
ornithology, avian biology, or simply bird conservation are included and
not dropped from the state mandated curriculum as MANY subfields are. If
they do not appear on the state standardized test, the students will
NEVER
be taught or exposed to it. Also, make sure materials are not just for
science classes, but many can be used in a cross-curricular manner. For
example, bird migration, bird extinction, and conservation issues are
also
subjects that can be discussed in geography, World or US history classes
as
well.
Please excuse me if this was not the appropriate forum for this.
Todd Womack
Social Studies Department Chair
Coffee High School
159 Trojan Way
Douglas, Georgia
**********
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**********
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**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Busy families at Cochran Shoals 4/21/08
From: Ken Blankenship <kenhblankenship(AT)COMCAST.NET>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 9:15pm
I didn't keep a tight list today since I was visiting with my little Sis,
but she had a really neat time doing her first birdwatching.
One highlight for both of us was the GREAT BLUE HERON rookery which is now
in full swing. There are several pines - one living and two dead - with
active nests on the east side of the river along the northern third of the
Philly Vireo Trail. The little ones are testing out those wings,
stretching and flapping and looking too cute and awkward. The adults stay
busy on the river fishing and lounging on the nests. Also, today was the
first time I (and she) verified that the young have hatched at the RED-
SHOULDERED HAWK nest. The male was ripping up a rat and calling, then he
flew up and delivered it to the female. She got up and stretched out, then
began pulling it apart and eating. Soon we were able to barely discern a
tiny little fuzzball of a head bobbing up above the rim of the nest, and
she began to feed her brood! Very cool. E-mail me off list if you'd like
to know where it is, less traffic in this already busy area is best.
We saw a RED-HEADED WOODPECKER poking himself into and out of his little
home... wonder if there are young in there, too? BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS
have their tiny lichen-covered cup nests built and are seen on the nest at
times. Two BLUE-JAYS are busy at their concealed nest along the boardwalk.
Other birds seen/heard today were regulars like PALM WARBLERS, YELLOW-
RUMPED WARBLERS, WHITE-EYED, YELLOW-THROATED, and RED-EYED VIREOS, not
many swallows and almost all are NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED with a couple BARN
mixed in.
Ken Blankenship
Marietta, GA (Cobb County)
http://www.wingsoverga.com
**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Re: Birding Problems
From: Tim Keyes <tim_keyes(AT)DNR.STATE.GA.US>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 9:39pm
My apologies Todd..... I guess it is getting late... not sure who Tom is.
Tim Keyes
Wildlife Biologist
Nongame Conservation Section
116 Rum Creek Drive
Forsyth, GA 31029
(478) 994-1438
For Nongame E-Newsletter, visit
http://www.georgiawildlife.com/content/displaynavigation.asp?TopCategory=293
>>> Tim Keyes <tim_keyes(AT)DNR.STATE.GA.US> 04/21/08 9:07 PM >>>
Tom,
To start, there is obviously a huge amount that needs to be done to encourage
and nurture young birders. This task could and should draw on the collective
creativity, time and resources of birders and bird conservationists.
I am not sure if I follow your specific characterizations of the organizations
you mentioned however. A quick glance at the Atlanta Audubon website for
instance shows field trips every saturday and 3 of 4 sundays in April, as well
as some wednesdays. I was field trip coordinator for several years a while back
and the vast majority of trips are and have always been on Saturdays.
http://www.atlantaaudubon.org/aaswww/indexsupport/fieldtrips.htm
BEN, the Bird Education Network lists as its first priority audience students
K-12. They are however primarily a network designed to support and provide
resources for bird educators, and the conferences such as Austin '07 and McAllen
'08 (and Jekyll '09 for that matter) were not geared for kids but for
educators. Their still evolving strategy statement can be found below. (note the
wingspan banner on the front page - made here in Georgia!!)
http://www.birdeducation.org/documents/TowardStrategyVERSION2.1complete-forweb.pdf
Of course a huge amount of wildlife and bird education goes on at nature centers
throughout the state, which clearly are geared towards kids, whether organised
school groups or weekend public programs.
There is a great Middle School bird curriculum available (Project FlyingWild)
and teacher workshops for this have been offered several times a year since it
came out 4 years ago.
http://www.flyingwild.org/
Probably the biggest bird education events annually in Georgia are the two bird
festivals (colonial coast and pine woods) and both offer numerous activities and
walks geared for families and kids.
Bob didn't mention it, but GOS is sending two teen birders to a Young Birders
Conference in South Dakota through the American Birding Association this June.
The Youth Birding Competition, after this year will have included over 220
different kids, and has connected many birders with local teams that they mentor
in preparation.
None of this is to say that there isn't far more to be done, but just to point
out the efforts of many many people, often volunteers, who are finding creative
ways to share their passion for birds with a younger generation.
Tim Keyes
Wildlife Biologist
Nongame Conservation Section
116 Rum Creek Drive
Forsyth, GA 31029
(478) 994-1438
For Nongame E-Newsletter, visit
http://www.georgiawildlife.com/content/displaynavigation.asp?TopCategory=293
>>> "Sargent, Bob A Civ USAF AFMC 78 CEG/CEVP"
<bob.sargent(AT)ROBINS.AF.MIL> 04/21/08 4:39 PM >>>
Todd,
This is not the forum for lengthy discussions, which is what we're bound
to get into with respect to this important and complicated issue. I can
only speak for GOS, which is a science-oriented organization per our
charter, in saying that our activities are only held on weekends. We've
been discussing various strategies for bringing more teenagers to
birding, have implemented a few and are trying to figure out how to
implement others, and are a supporter of DNR's terrific YBC (a weekend
event with over 120 kids registered this year).
GOS, like some of the other "bird societies," has an education
committee, and we would welcome your active participation in that forum.
I will speak on behalf of the various state conservation groups, many of
which are run solely by volunteers (as is GOS), in saying that the
direct involvement of more participants is always embraced.
Bob Sargent
Warner Robins
Houston County
-----Original Message-----
From: Georgia Birders Online [mailto:GABO-L(AT)LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf
Of Todd Womack
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 3:52 PM
To: GABO-L(AT)LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject: [GABO-L] Birding Problems
I have discovered what I feel is a problem with what the stated goals of
GOS, BEN, and other bird/conservation groups and what sometimes happens
in
carrying them out. One of the major birding initiatives, in not only
Georgia, but nationally is to increase the number of younger birders.
No one can deny that MOST birders are middle aged or far older. Yes,
there
are a few younger binocular-toters out there, but most of them are in
training to be professional scientists, not amateur or avocational bird
watchers (i.e. those who actually drive and sustain the hobby).
Now my problem is that I see that many, if not most, birding workshops,
seminars, events, lectures, etc. are held at times that most young
people
are in school or at work, i.e. during the week. Just look at the next
month
or so of scheduled bird events around Georgia and you will see this
clearly
illustrated. Also, this impacts many adult birders who are not retirees
with free time or the independently wealthy who can take off whenever.
As a birder who happens to be a high school teacher, I know from real
life
that the main focus of most youth birding programs, that of elementary
age
children should not be the only focus group. By the time these students
get
to 11th or 12th grade it has been 6 years or more, if ever, since they
covered any part ornithology. The birding organizations need to shift
some
of their attention to secondary education students and one of the ways
they
can do this is to make sure, in this age of No Child Left Behind, that
ornithology, avian biology, or simply bird conservation are included and
not dropped from the state mandated curriculum as MANY subfields are. If
they do not appear on the state standardized test, the students will
NEVER
be taught or exposed to it. Also, make sure materials are not just for
science classes, but many can be used in a cross-curricular manner. For
example, bird migration, bird extinction, and conservation issues are
also
subjects that can be discussed in geography, World or US history classes
as
well.
Please excuse me if this was not the appropriate forum for this.
Todd Womack
Social Studies Department Chair
Coffee High School
159 Trojan Way
Douglas, Georgia
**********
To search GABO-L archives or manage your subscription, go to
http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html
To contact a listowner, send message to
GABO-L-request(AT)LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to
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**********
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http://www.listserv.uga.edu/archives/gabo-l.html
To contact a listowner, send message to
GABO-L-request(AT)LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
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**********
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To contact a listowner, send message to
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**********
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To view GABO-L information/guidelines, go to
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Spotted Sandpiper and Louisiana Waterthrush
From: Lisa McNamara <lisa(AT)ALTOM.NET>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 10:07pm
Yesterday I had the coolest visual at our pond in Polk County. My
husband Steve called me to come look at a strange bird bobbing its tail
out on the dock. I expected to see one of our resident Louisiana
Waterthrushes, they are everywhere this time of year although I had
never seen one on the dock, but no! It was a Spotted Sandpiper. Steve
had the radio playing and the bird was dancing and dancing, just bobbing
in time to the music. Then it flew to the mud at the top of the pond
and while I was watching it with binoculars I saw ANOTHER one bobbing
behind it, hidden by a bush. But no again! This second bird really WAS
the Waterthrush! And then another Waterthrush flew down, this was more
like their usual habitat, and all three birds were bobbing away like
mad. Then sandpiper tried to run the waterthrushes off, and after a few
minor skirmishes the smaller birds flew deeper into the woods. The
sandpiper stayed all day, bobbing constantly, working a nice little mud
spit right where I could watch it. I never thought of those two birds
together before, but seeing them dancing toghether like that made my
day.
Lisa McNamara
Polk County, SW of Cedartown
**********
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[ << | >> | ^^ ]
Subject: Standing Boy WMA, 4/21
From: Darlene Moore <djmoore67(AT)BELLSOUTH.NET>
Date: 21 Apr 2008 10:19pm
GABOers,
Dan Vickers and I got a chance to finally bird/butterfly and area which I
had been longing to see for quite some time.
Unlike Walt we heard more warblers than we saw including: Ovenbird, Pine,
Hooded, Black and white, Kentucky, Parula, Yellow-breasted Chat, Common
Yellowthroat, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Palm, GABOers,
Dan Vickers and I got a chance to finally bird/butterfly and area which I
had been longing to see for quite some time.
Unlike Walt we heard more warblers than we saw including: Ovenbird, Pine,
Hooded, Black and white, Kentucky, Parula, Yellow-breasted Chat, Common
Yellowthroat, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Palm, Prairie, Swainson's, and
Louisiana Waterthrush.
We had some nice migrants including: Indigo Bunting, Summer Tanager, Blue
Grosbeak, Eastern Kingbird, Orchid Oriole.
It was a wonderful site with great birds, and with all the helpful links
and Walt's post, navigating the area was quite manageable.
Here are some helpful links to the area
Map
http://havinfun.home.att.net/WMA/Standing_Boy_Creek_Tract.pdf
Area description:
http://www.wingsoverga.com/MuscogeeCoBirdingSites.html
Directions from Atlanta
I85 south to I185S
Exit 19 (Mulberry Lane/GA315)at top of exit turn right and proceed 4.3miles
Turn left onto GA 219 for 3.3 miles
Turn right onto OLD River rd (there will be a fire station on your left)
Rd (a fire station will be across the road and to the
left). Cross River Rd. onto Old River Rd. and go 0.9 miles and see a wooden
sign on the left for the WMA. You can park by the road or up about 150
yards by the gate - If the latter, please don't block the drive.
Good Birding,
Darlene Moore
Decatur, GA
http://www.flickr.com/photos/djmoore1657/
**********
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