Dayton Audubon Society, 1375 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton,
OH 45414-5398
Photo by Jim Simpson
2007 BIRDATHON
It's April: Spring is really taking off, the baseball season is beginning, and Dayton Audubon is geared up for our annual Birdathon. One of our most popular and important events, Birdathon raises thousands of dollars annually for local environmental programs and projects, including Aullwood Audubon Center and the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association. The greatest benefit, of course, is the fun for Birdathon participants. Join us this month as we spend 24 hours counting as many different bird species as we can see or hear; at this time of year, you might spot up to 100 different species just in this area! Donations are raised through pledges gathered by the participants - typically a per-species amount, but fixed amounts are also welcome.
This year's Birdathon will be held from 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 27th to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, April 28th. ALL chapter members are welcome to support this important effort! You can participate in several ways:
Collect pledges and/or donations, and join us April 23rd at Books and Co.
at The Greene, 7:00 p.m. for Dayton Audubon's Birdathon Kick- off. Aullwood's Tom Hissong will provide a Birding Experience to acquaint us with some of the birds we should see and hear.
If you can't make the kick-off, you can send your pledges/donations to the Birdathon chairperson, Judy Whitaker, c/o Dayton Audubon Society, 1375 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton Ohio, 45414-5398. Make checks payable to Dayton Audubon Society. You can also pledge to one of the teams listed below.
Participate in the count: Create your own team or join one of the existing teams.You are welcome to join us for 24 hours of FUN!
Bring your pledges and/or donations to Patty's Shelter at Englewood MetroPark at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, April 28th for refreshments and the big tally! Hear about those great sightings!
Again this year, non-Audubon members who contribute $20 or more will receive a membership to the National Audubon Society and Dayton Audubon. For details on this program, how to enter your own team (it's very easy), or other Birdathon questions, call Judy Whitaker at 293-1914.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, I will support DAS Birdathon. I pledge _____________ per species to the team(s) checked below.
_____Old Birders: Charlotte Mathena, Sue Tackett, Jim Hill, John Howard
_____Aristoquacks: Barbara Keegan, Jennifer Monahan
_____Philanthropic Phalaropes: Jim Simpson, Mike Zimmerman
_____Solitary Sandpipers: Mike Coogan, Mark Dillon
_____Wright State Rails: Wright State University and Beaver Creek Wetlands
_____Wild Berrys: Betty Berry and Betty Leve
_____Tenacious Towhees: Xenia Central Middle School students
Instead of a per species pledge, I will donate $________________ to Dayton Audubon's Birdathon.
Name___________________________________________Phone___________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________________
City, State,Zip____________________________________________________________________
Calendar
April and May are the busiest months of the year for bird watching, and we have a lot of Field Trips and other events for you to choose from, including Earth Day and Mother's Day weekends! This is the peak of migration in our area, and a great time to get out and discover some of our avian residents and migrants. Be sure to bring your Mother or significant other!
Saturday, April 7, 8:00 a.m.
Field Trip: Sugarcreek MetroPark.
A large area of upland woods, fields, and riparian habitat, Sugarcreek is often full of returning nesters and migrants by the middle of April. From I-675, south on Wilmington Pike (cross SR725), continue to Conference Road. Meet leader Jennifer Monahan (435-0707) in the parking lot on Conference Road.
Tuesday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.
DAS Board of Directors Meeting.
Harrigan Auto Center Reserve, 475 Congress Park Dr.
Saturday, April 14, 8:00 a.m.
Field Trip: Spring Valley Wildlife Area.
SVWA is an outstanding Miami Valley birding locale, and late March/early April is very good for waterfowl headed north. Go south of the town of Spring Valley on US 42 along the Little Miami River. Turn left (east) on Roxanna-New Burlington Rd. Follow to Pence Jones Rd and take all the way to the end (past the trailer park) to meet leader Charlotte Mathena (433-2167) in the lower parking lot. Please bring your scope if you have one.
Sunday, April 15, 8:30 a.m.
Field Trip: Sycamore State Park.
Saturday, April 15, 8:30 a.m.
Sycamore State Park is close to home, just Northwest of Dayton in the city of Trotwood, and offers trails through meadows, woodlands, ponds, and creeks that provide great habitat for nesters and migrants. The huge sycamores lining the banks of Wolf Creek give the park its name. Take US35 west from Dayton about 6 miles to Snyder Road, then right (north) 3-1/2 miles to Wolf Creek Pike, turn left and meet leader Todd Jergens (837-4302) in the parking lot a short distance down the road on the right side.
Saturday, April 21, 8:30 a.m.
Field Trip: Twin Creek MetroPark.
One of our more wild and beautiful MetroParks, Twin Creek offers an abundance of birds and plants. More than 70 species of nesting birds have been found here, including some rare grassland birds such as Henslow's Sparrow. Celebrate Earth Day weekend exploring the well-marked trails at Twin Creek. From Dayton, take SR4 south past Germantown and the junction of SR123 to Eby Road. Turn left on Eby, then left on Chamberlain Road, and meet leaders Jim and Annette Arnold (299-5070) in the parking lot on the left.
Saturday, April 21, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Aullwood Native Plant Sale.
At the Aullwood Farm, 9101 Frederick Pike. Call 890-7360 for details.
Saturday, April 21, 7:30 p.m.
Aullwood 50th Anniversary Lecture Series: "Birds and the Undiscovered World". with Kenn Kaufman.
In the Marie S. Aull Education Center, 1000 Aullwood Road.
Mr. Kaufman will draw on the adventures of his own life to talk about the unknown realms of nature, the potential for discovery, and the power of personal observation to rekindle our sense of wonder. Tickets are $7 for Friends of Aullwood members and $9 for non-members. Call 890-7360 for details.
Earth Day.
Sunday, April 22, 7:30 a.m.
Bird Watching and Brunch with Kenn Kaufman.
Participants will gain tips on identification of warblers by sight and song. After birding in Aullwood's sanctuary, enjoy a delicious brunch in the Marie S. Aull Education Center. What a perfect way to celebrate Earth Day and learn from one of the greatest birders in the country. The fee for both the walk and the brunch is $30 for Friends of Aullwood members and $40 for non-members. For registration call Aullwood at 890-7360.
Monday, April 23, 7:00 p.m.
DAS Birdathon Kick-off.
Books & Co. at The Greene, with Tom Hissong. Please see above for details.
Friday-Saturday, April 27-28.
DAS Birdathon.
Please see above for details.
Sunday, May 6, 8:00 a.m.
Field Trip: Twin Creek MetroPark.
A second trip to Twin Creek this spring will explore another area south of the previous field trip. This area was formerly a Boy Scout Camp, and has a large stand of pine trees that attracts bith nesters and migrants. Follow directions as on April 21 (above) but after turning left on Chamberlain Road, go approximately 1 mile, then turn right on Morningstar Road.Meet Dave Dister (855-3013) in the small parking lot on the right (there is another small parking lot by the pond).
Tuesday, May 8, 7:30 p.m.
DAS Board of Directors Meeting.
Harrigan Auto Center Reserve, 475 Congress Park Dr.
Saturday, May 12, 8:00 a.m.
Field Trip: Englewood MetroPark.
The most passerine migrants usually pass through the Dayton area during the first and second weeks of May, and Englewood MetroPark is always an outstanding place to look for them! Plan now to join Judy Espedal (274-7134) to search for migrant wood warblers. Take US 40 west from I-75 (north of Dayton). Meet in the parking lot at the east end of Englewood dam on US 40 (between the Dayton International Airport and the city of Englewood). Please wear shoes or boots suitable for muddy terrain.
Sunday, May 13, 8:00 a.m.
Mother's Day Field Trip: Caesar Creek Gorge.
Just below the dam at the southern end of Caesar Creek Lake, Caesar Creek Gorge State Nature Preserve features a 180-foot deep gorge with trails leading from the base of the dam to the Little Miami River two miles away. A great outing for Mom on Mother's Day! Take I-75 south to SR 73. East through Waynesville. After crossing US 42, go about 1 mile, then right on Clarksville Road. Follow 2-3 miles to park road on the right. Go down the hill into the Gorge to meet leader Dick Balk (886-0092) in the parking lot below the dam.
Audubon In The Classroom
As students are heading back to school, the National Audubon Society is preparing its 22nd season of Audubon Adventures, an acclaimed environmental education publication for 4th, 5th, or 6th grade elementary classrooms. Audubon Adventures helps teachers make learning about science and nature part of students' everyday lives, integrating reading with science and other core disciplines.
More educators than ever are using Audubon Adventures to bring environmental education into their classrooms, and research shows that incorporating the environment into the curriculum supports improved learning, test scores and community service.
According to a 2000 report issued by the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, in which they reviewed schools that adopted environmental education as the central focus of their academic programs, the results of including environmental education in the classroom were striking - reading and mathematics scores improved, students performed better in science and social studies, they developed the ability to transfer their knowledge from familiar to unfamiliar contexts, they learned to "do science" rather than just "learn about science," and classroom discipline problems declined.
This year, Audubon Adventures is focusing on four compelling topics: Home is Where the Nest Is, The Buzz about Native Bees, Bats: Mammals on the Wing, and Wild About Birds, featuring The Legacy of John James Audubon. Audubon invites elementary school teachers around the country to engage students' curiosity about the natural world by bringing science to life in the classroom with Audubon Adventures. Each issue is full of facts, activities, and action tips that connect nature with science, reading, and art, and also inspire and empower kids to care for nature in their daily lives.
DAS annually sponsors Audubon Adventures for a number of area schools. If you know of a classroom that would like us to sponsor Audubon Adventures for them, or you would like to sponsor a class yourself, please contact Dick Balk at 886-0092. The cost for Audubon Adventures is $35 per classroom, and the packets are designed for a class of up to 30 students.
The kids need you! We can make a difference!
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 DAS Projects/Memorials Chair Tom Schaefer at 937-276-2162, or e-mail him at tom@earthspeaks.org. 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
__ Education
__ Field Trips
__ Membership
__ Programs
__ 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 Mike Coogan at 937-438-5688, 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
