The officers and directors of the Dayton Audubon Society wish everyone a joyful holiday season and a happy and prosperous new year.
Christmas Bird Count
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The Dayton Audubon Christmas Bird Count will take place on Sunday, December 31, 2006. Local participants, in 12 teams, will attempt to identify and count all of the birds in 12 areas (see below) located within a 15-mile diameter area centered at the intersection of Needmore Road and Webster Street.
Everyone is welcome to participate, so check the list of areas below and find the team you would like to join. Feeder watchers can also participate if the feeder is within the count area, and if the results are reported at or before the compilation meeting.
The Christmas Count tradition began in New England on Christmas Day, 1900, when 27 conservationists organized a bird count to protest the traditional, organized hunting competition known as the "holiday side hunt." Instead of shooting birds, they simply observed and counted them. Now, every holiday season, thousands of participants take to the fields and woods to record wintering bird species. The data collected over the years has provided useful and interesting information on early winter distribution patterns of many bird species (as well as occasional fluctuations), and serves as a valid indicator of the overall health of the environment. Our local Christmas Count has been affiliated with the National Audubon Christmas count since 1923.
The results of the count will be tabulated at our Compilation Meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at 7:15 p.m., at Aullwood Audubon Center, 1000 Aullwood Road. Even if you cannot participate in the count itself, you are invited to attend the Compilation Meeting. Light refreshments will be served, and many interesting sightings and amusing tales will be told.
Grab your binoculars, dress warmly, and bring in the new year! We always have a great time no matter what the weather. If you have any questions, please contact Sue Tackett 439-3799.
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Christmas Count Areas and Leaders
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Aullwood
Audubon Center and Farm, Dayton Airport
Ray Corder 833-4177
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Carriage Hill
MetroPark
Mike Coogan 438-5688
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Charleston Falls
Reserve
Sue Tackett 439-3799
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Cricket
Holler
Jim Williams 342-9472
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Downtown Parks,
Leland Center, Boonshoft Museum, Miami River North, Wolf Creek
Dick Balk 886-0092
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Eastwood Lake,
Huffman Reservoir, Mad River
Dave Nolin 432-0266
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Englewood
MetroPark
Judith Espedal 274-7134
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Hill and Dales
Park, Old River, Carillon Park, Calvary Cemetery, Miami River South
Daryl Michael 687-1480
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Taylorsville
MetroPark
Tom Hissong 890-7360
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Woodland
Cemetery
Jim and Annette Arnold 862-4437
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Wright State University,
Hilltop Gravel Pit
Mike Triplett 767-4341
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Wright-Patterson
AFB
Charlotte Mathena 433-2167
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Whitetail Deer - An All Pervasive Ecological Force
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Our January 17, 2007 DAS meeting will feature Tom Rooney, Assistant Professor in Biological Science at Wright State University, a specialist in plant community ecology, ungulate impacts on forest ecosystems, and biodiversity loss. He will fill us in on the impact that exploding white-tailed deer populations are having, and will have, on the ecology and biodiversity of our parks and other areas in Ohio.
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Aullwood Interns
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For many years, Dayton Audubon has helped sponsor the intern program at Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm by annually providing a small stipend to each of the that year's interns, to help off-set living expenses. Environmental Educator Nicole Conrad of Aullwood, who directs the intern program, will give Dayton Audubon members a chance to meet this year's interns at our February 21, 2007 meeting. Nicole and the interns will be on hand to talk about their backgrounds, their plans, and their experiences at Aullwood. Come on out and take part in one of the fine opportunities that Dayton Audubon supports.
Both of the above programs 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 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!
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Calendar
Tuesday, December 12, 7:30 p.m.
DAS Board of Directors Meeting
Harrigan Auto Center Reserve, 475 Congress Park Dr.
Sunday, December 31
83rd DAS Christmas Bird Count
Please see the article above.
Tuesday, January 2, 7:15 p.m.
Christmas Count Compilation Meeting
Aullwood Audubon Center. Please see above.
Tuesday, January 9, 7:30 p.m.
DAS Board of Directors Meeting
Harrigan Auto Center Reserve, 475 Congress Park Dr.
Wednesday, January 17, 7:00 p.m.
DAS Program: Whitetail Deer
Wegerzyn Garden Center, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. Please see the article above.
Tuesday, February 13, 7:30 p.m.
DAS Board of Directors Meeting
Harrigan Auto Center Reserve, 475 Congress Park Dr.
Wednesday, February 21, 7:00 p.m.
DAS Program: Aullwood Interns
Wegerzyn Garden Center, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. Please see the article above.
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Voice of America IBA in Butler County Faces Possible Destruction -
Your Assistance Needed
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One of Southwest Ohio's premier grassland sites, the Voice of America Important Bird Area, faces possible conversion to a gigantic recreational soccer facility that would eliminate virtually all the habitat used by migratory birds there.
The Voice of America IBA centers on the former site of the Voice of America transmission facilities in southern Butler County. The 330-acre site contains prime habitat for grassland bird species, many of which are under intense pressure due to elimination of habitat elsewhere. As is the case with many IBA's, it is a natural island in a sea of urbanization.
Audubon Ohio has been working with local activists to develop a conservation plan for the facility. The plan would preserve and enhance habitat for grassland birds. All of that planning would be rendered moot, however, if the current owner of the site, West Chester Township, proceeds with plans to transfer the property to the Butler County Metro Parks for development as a soccer facility.
Draft plans call for the creation of 14 to 18 new soccer fields, with related facilities for parking and spectators. While Audubon Ohio does not oppose organized sports for children, it advocates development of the site in a balanced fashion that allows for both active recreation areas and other areas left in a natural state.
The Township and the Metro Parks will hold a joint hearing on the proposed transfer on Tuesday, December 5 at 6:00 pm at the Township hall, 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in West Chester. Public statements will be taken at 7:00 pm. Only residents of Butler County can speak, but anyone can attend to show support for Audubon's position.
Audubon Ohio will be recruiting members in the area to attend this meeting, and will be recruiting residents to speak. If you are interested in helping us preserve the Voice of America IBA, please contact John Ritzenthaler at 614-224-3303 or at jritzenthaler@audubon.org.
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10th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count
Count for the Birds in America's Great Backyard, Feb 16-19, 2007
* No fee or registration required
* All ages and skill levels welcome
* Track results in real time online
* Count in your backyard, balcony, schoolyard, park, wildlife refuge
* Be a part of the network
Sponsored by National Audubon Society and Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Join with thousand of others to find out how many birds are being seen in your area and across the continent this winter. By participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, you help document where birds are, and track changes in their numbers compared to previous years, helping scientists paint a picture of the state of birds this winter.
For more information, or to get started, go to http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/
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Audubon Urges People to Think Green This Holiday Season
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This year, Audubon At Home is asking people to add birds and other wildlife to their gift lists by keeping the holidays "green."
From smart party planning, to conscientious decorating decisions, to wise wrapping and greeting card choices, to environmentally friendly gift giving, there are many things that each of us can do to make a difference.
To learn how to share the holiday spirit with birds and other wildlife please visit http://www.audubon.org/ bird/at_home/Holiday_Greening/index.html.
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Audubon In The Classroom
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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!
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Get Involved!
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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!
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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.
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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 tschaefer@ameritech.net. You can also write to
Dayton Audubon Society
1375 East Siebenthaler Avenue
Dayton, Ohio 45414-5398
or e-mail us at
audubon@dayton.net
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Environmental Legacy
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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.
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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.
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| 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!
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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
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Previous Yellow Warblers
[Top Page] [The
Yellow Warbler] [Schedule of Events] [Field Trips] [Rare Bird Alert]
[Hotlines] [Favorite
Birding Sites] [Organization] [Dayton Bird List] [Scholarships
and Grants] [Audubon Adventures] [Links] [Join Audubon] [The Butterfly Page]
E-Mail Dayton Audubon(audubon@dayton.net)
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