Dayton Audubon Society, 1375 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton,
OH 45414-5398
Photo by Jim Simpson
Calendar
Saturday, February 28, 12:30 p.m.
Field Trip: Shawnee Prairie Preserve.
The Darke County Birders invite the Dayton Audubon Society on a Winter Owl Prowl; they have successfully found Long-eared Owls on two previous Prowls. Join Steve Miller (937-547-3340) and the Darke County Birders at the Shawnee Prairie Preserve nature center, 4267 St Rte 502, 1/4 mile west of Greenville.
Wednesdays, March 11 and 18 and Thursdays, March 12 and 19, 6:30 p.m.
Woodcock Walks at Aullwood.
It's time to start looking for spring birds, starting with Woodcocks at Aullwood with Tom Hissong (890-7360). Since their evening flights are somewhat weather-dependent, Tom has scheduled four of these walks to give everyone a chance to beat the weather and attend. Join Tom at the Aullwood Audubon Center near Englewood: Take US 40 west from I-75; turn south at the east end of the Englewood dam (between the Dayton International Airport and Englewood), and go 1/2 mile to the nature center on the left.
Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 p.m.
DAS Board of Directors Meeting.
Harrigan Auto Center Reserve, 475 Congress Park Dr.
Saturday, March 14, 9:00 a.m.
Young Birders Field Trip: Spring Valley Wildlife Area.
See article below.
Wednesday, March 19, 7:00 p.m.
Dayton Audubon Society Meeting.
"Birding Heaven" with John McKean. See article below.
For an up-to-date list of all of the scheduled field trips this spring, check the Rare Bird Alert Hotline, 937-640-2473, or Field Trip Schedule
Win 50% Off Birding Trip
to Ecuador or Panama in 2010
The Dayton Audubon Society will be sponsoring a birding trip to either Ecuador or Panama in early 2010, and DAS is pleased to announce that one lucky DAS member will receive 50% off the land cost for this trip.
While details of the trip have not been finalized, the land cost is expected to be under $2,000 for a birding trip of 10 to12 days. The lucky DAS member will pay under $1,000 for the land cost of this trip.
To be eligible for this award, you must be a DAS member and must participate in at least one of the following DAS activities:
* Attend any DAS meeting between March 1, 2009 and October 31, 2009
* Participate in any DAS field trip between March 1, 2009 and October 31, 2009
* Participate in the 2009 DAS Birdathon.
* Participate in a DAS volunteer activity between March 1, 2009 and October 31, 2009
Each time you participate in one of the approved DAS activities, you automatically receive one entry into the drawing, which will be held at the November 2009 DAS monthly meeting. There is no limit to the number of entries you can receive.
You can earn additional entries for the following:
* For each $25 you raise for the 2009 DAS Birdathon, you will receive one entry
* For each $25 you donate to the 2009 DAS Birdathon, you will receive one entry
* For each $250 you load on a DAS-sponsored Kroger Gift Card (see article below) between March 1, 2009 and October 31, 2009, you will receive one entry
The drawing details and conditions have not been finalized, but this award will have no cash value, and there is a possibility the trip could be cancelled if registrations do not meet the minimum number to justify the trip.
Start your participation as early as possible to increase your chances of being selected!
Dayton Audubon Society Fundraiser
DAS is asking members to support our organization by using a reloadable Gift Card when shopping at Kroger. This costs you nothing but a few seconds of your time, and all proceeds will go directly to worthwhile projects such as environmental education and scholarships.
Participation is easy!
1. Send the form below with $5.00 (checks payable to Dayton Audubon Society) to:
Cindy Beckman
3061 Clear Springs Road
Spring Valley, OH 45370
The card is FREE because it comes preloaded with $5.00.
You may also acquire a card at any Dayton Audubon Society meeting.
2. When you receive your card, add value to it by "reloading" it at any Kroger store. This can be done at the service desk, or as a separate transaction at the check-out lane, and you may use cash, check, or credit/debit card. You should do this BEFORE the cashier scans your items, and then use the card to pay for your purchases. The balance on your card will show at the bottom of your receipt.
3. Use your card every time you shop or fill your gas tank at Kroger.
4. When the balance on your card gets low, just reload it again! Your card remains active permanently, unless you allow it to drop to $0 and don't add value to it for 90 days.
The more you use your card, the more DAS earns! Please ask your friends and family to support the mission of the Audubon Society by acquiring and using a DAS Kroger Neighborhood Rewards Gift Card.
Thank you for helping DAS to further our goal to support environmental education in our area.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Name______________________________________________
Address____________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Number of cards ___ X $5.00 = total enclosed $_______
Christmas Bird Count Results
The 84th annual Dayton Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count, held December 28, 2008, was more successful than expected given the weather conditions, particularly the wind. Our participants recorded 73 species, including a new record of Canada Geese (5,264, easily surpassing last year's previous record of 4,103) and a record number of Northern Pintail Ducks (17). Other unusual species recorded were five Greater White-fronted Geese, two Snow Geese, a Red-headed Woodpecker, and four Brewer's Blackbirds. However, we recorded a disappointingly low number of Northern Cardinals (190).
We thank the Dayton Daily News for their usual excellent coverage of the DAS Christmas Count, and thanks also go out to this year's participants, especially Count Compiler Sue Tackett.
Christmas Count Totals
Great Blue Heron.............29
Greater White-fronted Goose...5
Snow Goose....................2
Canada Goose..............4,103
Gadwall.......................1
American Wigeon...............2
American Black Duck...........8
Mallard.....................782
Northern Shoveler.............2
Northern Pintail.............17
Ring-necked Duck..............7
Lesser Scaup.................12
Bufflehead....................2
Common Goldeneye..............8
Hooded Merganser.............61
Common Merganser..............7
Ruddy Duck....................6
Bald Eagle....................1
Northern Harrier..............2
Sharp-shinned Hawk............3
Cooper's Hawk................14
Red-tailed Hawk..............36
American Kestrel..............9
American Coot................11
Killdeer......................1
Ring-billed Gull............383
Herring Gull..................3
Rock Pigeon.................248
Mourning Dove...............566
Eastern Screech Owl...........2
Great Horned Owl..............1
Barred Owl....................2
Belted Kingfisher.............6
Red-headed Woodpecker.........1
Red-bellied Woodpecker.......73
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.....13
Downy Woodpecker.............72
Hairy Woodpecker..........10
Northern Flicker..........23
Pileated Woodpecker.......12
Blue Jay..................31
American Crow............141
Horned Lark................9
Carolina Chickadee.......317
Tufted Titmouse...........73
White-breasted Nuthatch...81
Brown Creeper.............18
Carolina Wren.............37
Golden-crowned Kinglet....24
Ruby-crowned Kinglet.......5
Eastern Bluebird..........39
Hermit Thrush..............2
American Robin.........1,604
Northern Mockingbird.......3
European Starling......5,619
Cedar Waxwing.............45
Yellow-rumped Warbler.....18
Eastern Towhee.............8
American Tree Sparrow.....41
Field Sparrow..............4
Fox Sparrow................1
Song Sparrow..............60
Swamp Sparrow..............1
White-throated Sparrow...195
Dark-eyed Junco..........171
Northern Cardinal........190
Red-winged Blackbird.......4
Brewer's Blackbird.........4
Common Grackle............10
Brown-headed Cowbird.......1
House Finch...............90
American Goldfinch.......138
House Sparrow............214
Birdathon Coming Soon!
A springtime tradition and one of our most popular annual events!! Put it on your calendar NOW: Dayton Audubon's annual Birdathon will take place from 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 24, until 5:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Teams of DAS birders will be counting bird species in a 24-hour period, all to raise funds for important local environmental work. Again this year, the money we collect will be divided between Aullwood and the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association. Both organizations are dedicated to the education of children and the preservation of natural habitat right here in the greater Dayton area.
Teams are being formed now; if you would like to participate, to make a pledge, or to help raise pledges from your friends, neighbors, and coworkers, call Judy Whitaker at 293-1914 for more information. Again this year, a $20 or more pledge to Birdathon will earn the donor a one-year membership to National Audubon/ Dayton Audubon.
Help DAS in our biggest fundraiser of the year. Call today! (More details about Birdathon will be in your next Yellow Warbler.)
Nature Walks for Young Birders
If you're between the ages of 9 and 19, you are invited to join Cindy and Jim Beckman to explore one of the best birding sites in Southwest Ohio, the marsh, woodlands, and meadows at Spring Valley Wildlife Area. The Beckmans will help you find and identify some of the many species of birds that make their way through Ohio on their way to breeding grounds in Canada. As migration winds down in June, we will look for nesting birds as well as some of the many reptiles, amphibians, and insects that live at SVWA.
Saturday, March 14, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Waterfowl should be returning, so we might see Coots, Buffleheads, Grebes, and a variety of ducks, as well as some shorebirds. A Barred Owl is often seen near the lake, Red-shouldered Hawks should be nesting, and woodpeckers of all kinds inhabit the woods.
Saturday, May 9, 8:30 a.m. - Noon. International Migratory Bird Day! Come see what the excitement is about! This could be a great day for seeing many species of warblers and vireos, including the brightly-colored Prothonotary Warbler that nests near the bike path. Baltimore Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, and many many more of nature's brightest will make their presence known as they establish territories, attract mates, or just fill up on insects on their way north. We should see Barn, Tree, and Northern Rough-winged Swallows swooping over the lake as Herons, Kingfishers, and maybe even an Osprey search for aquatic prey.
Saturday, June 13, 8:00 a.m. - Noon. As the northern migrants leave the area, we will search for nesting birds. At this time last year, in just 100 yards of habitat along the bike path, we found nesting Cedar Waxwings, Eastern Pewees, Prothonotary Warblers, Baltimore Orioles, House Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Orchard Orioles, Northern Flickers, and Downy, Red-headed, Red-bellied, and Pileated Woodpeckers. Who knows what we'll find this year!
Please bring binoculars if you have them; a limited number of loaner binoculars will be available. Dress for the weather - we will be outside the whole time. Bring a water bottle, maybe a snack for the longer outings, but do not bring more than you can carry in addition to your binoculars. Young birders may be accompanied by adults, but it is not required. Adults who cannot bring a youngster are welcome. Bring a friend and join us!
For all outings, meet at the designated time at the lower parking lot at SVWA. Take Rt 42 south from Spring Valley. Turn east (left) on Roxanna-New Burlington Road. Go about one mile, then turn right onto Pence-Jones Road and follow it until it dead-ends at Collett (no sign). Turn right and follow the road to the lower parking lot. Note: No restrooms are available.
For more information, contact Cindy or Jim Beckman at 937-862-4505 or oz1221@sbcglobal.net.
Birding Heaven
At our next DAS program, March 18, Professional photographer, best-selling author, and top-ranked international speaker John McKean will completely enchant you for an evening of "Birding Heaven"! Join John as he takes you away on a whirlwind trek around the world with his breathtaking avian imagery. From such places as Fiji, the Galapagos, and Costa Rica, John's ornithology images have graced everything from VIREO (Academy of Natural Sciences' Visual Resources for Ornithology) to Birds & Blooms Magazine credit cards. You will not want to miss this one-and-only opportunity to virtually visit the world's exotic birding hotspots, while learning John's top seven secrets on capturing the exquisite beauty of birds.
The program will take place at Wegerzyn Garden Center, 1301 East Siebenthaler Avenue, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Our meetings are held in the main auditorium; you can enter through the front doors and take the elevator or stairs. Everyone is encouraged to attend and bring their friends. Refreshments will be served, and parking is free. Please join us! Hang this article on your 'fridge so you won't forget!
Get Involved!
Are you fond of birding-related activities? Are you interested in the environment? Do you wish the Dayton Audubon Society offered more for YOU? Well, we can use you!
DAS is always seeking new Officer and Director candidates. If you or someone you know is interested in helping to develop and lead your DAS, please contact President Mike Coogan, or any of the officers or Board members listed on the Organization web page. A simple commitment of time, with a wealth of satisfaction!
DAS Scholarships Available
The Dayton Audubon Society is deeply committed to education
and,in part, shows that commitment by offering scholarships annually to
individuals who can make a difference in our community. Perhaps you know
someone who might benefit from the DAS mission. Read on and, if you can,
help us find deserving scholars.
Charlie Breish Memorial Camp Scholarships
Dayton Audubon offers financial assistance for teachers and other adults to attend National Audubon's summer ecology workshops in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming, the woodland community of Connecticut, and the coast of Maine.
While the camps and workshops are open to everyone these days, they are still especially popular with teachers. If you know of a dynamic elementary or secondary teacher, let us know about them!
National Audubon also offers a summer camp in Maine to youngsters ages 10 through 14.
The Dively Scholarship
Since 1982, DAS has offered tuition help to college students
through the Dively Scholarship Program, originally endowed in memory of
DAS member Dick Dively. Though we cannot offer a lot of money, the Dively
Scholarship has helped both undergraduate and graduate students reach academic
goals in fields that further the cause of environmentalism and conservation.
Dively scholarship recipients are not restricted to scientific fields;
other connections, such as environmental law, are possible.
The Shawen Grant
The Bob Shawen Memorial Youth Ornithology Grant was established in
memory of long-time DAS activist Bob Shawen. The goal of the program is
to provide funds, materials, and/or speakers for elementary classrooms,
youth groups, or field experience settings to promote knowledge of birds,
their habits, and their habitats.
What can you do?
Help us find scholarship candidates. Talk to interested people or people you think ought to be interested. Spread the word!
To recommend candidates, apply for scholarships, or receive further information, please call or e-mail DAS Projects/Memorials Chair Cindy and Jim Beckman at
You can also write to Dayton Audubon Society, 1375 East Siebenthaler Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45414-5398 or e-mail us at audubon@dayton.net
Environmental Legacy
A bequest of any size to Dayton Audubon can have a lasting effecton on
ecological concerns and environmental education in the Dayton area. We ask that you consider leaving a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate after other bequests, to
the Dayton Audubon Society.
For more specifics on this, or other information about gift planning, please phone Tom Schaefer, 937-276-2162, or write to Dayton Audubon Society, 1375 E. Siebenthaler Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45414-5398.
Time and Talents
Dayton Audubon is an organization of volunteers committed to education, the natural sciences, and an environmental ethic. Help and new ideas from the ranks of the membership are needed in order for the organization to reach its goals. If you would like to help in any of the following capacities, please let us know. Your involvement will be welcome.
I would like to help with:
__ Birdathon
__ Conservation Committee
__ Education Committee
__ Field Trips
__ Membership Comittee
__ Publicity
__ Yellow Warbler
__ Other:
________________________
Send with your name and phone number to Dayton Audubon Society,
1375 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45414-5398. You can also
call DAS President Jennifer Monahan at 937-654-3301, or e-mail us at
audubon@dayton.net.
As a member of the National Audubon Society, you are also a member
of the Dayton area chapter. There are no local dues, and you receive your
newsletter automatically. To find out more about the Dayton Audubon Society,
contact one of the officers whose numbers are listed in the Dayton Audubon
Society Organization webpage. Better yet, come to
a meeting or join us on a field trip!
The DAS meets at 7:00 p.m. at the Wegerzyn Center, 1301
East Siebenthaler Avenue, on the third Wednesday of every month from September
to June. See you there!
Southwest Ohio Rare Bird Alert
937-640-BIRD (2473)
Includes updated information on DAS activities.
To report unusual sightings, call Betty Berry at 937-836-3022, or
Ralph Dennler at 937-294-5086
