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Public Meeting – Tales of Central New York Nature

7:00pm, June 13, 2012 Onondaga Free Library (Onondaga Hill)

Our June meeting will feature popular outdoor writer Dave Figura from the Post Standard. He will tell stories about the nature world of central New York. Dave is an entertaining speaker. Join us for what should be a fun evening. Note this is the last public program until they resume in September.
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Garter Snake Header Photo

Julie Covey, our talented newsletter editor graciously gave us permission to use her  terrific photo of the family’s back yard garter snake. Would we all be so lucky to have such a handsome creature pose for us.

Derby Hill is not just hawks.

Monitoring of night migrating birds over the Derby Hill Bird Observatory started the Spring of 2012. You can learn more about this project on the Night Migration page.

Kite to Kite

Contributed by Gerry Smith

On May 5^th 2012 when Bill Purcell yelled “Swallow-tailed Kite”, I looked up from the south lookout parking lot to experience a Derby Hill Déjà vu moment. As this kite lofted at the top of a Broad-winged Hawk boil my mind flashed back thirty six years to the first of its species that graced Derby Hill on 16 April 1976. In 1976 16 April was Good Friday and the day began with a heavy fog blanketing the north lookout. In those days there was no daily hawk count and many days lacked any observer coverage. On the 16^th gradually a few observers arrived including Dave and Janet Muir and Bill and Larry Holland.  Thick fog is unusual along Lake Ontario in spring and it seemed reluctant to lift. Glenn and Betty Perrigo from Rochester arrived then departed for a cup of coffee. As we waited patiently, patience being a great Derby Hill virtue, hoping for an early Broad-winged flight, the fog began to stir with a stiffening but still light southerly wind. A couple of Sharp-shinned Hawk appeared low through the haze giving hope of a flight. In those dark days of the DDT era, with unnaturally low raptor populations, any migration was a treat.

All present were hoping for an eagle, any eagle, as one-two eagles in a day made a successful Derby visit. Little did we suspect the rarity of the day would be far more unusual than any eagle.  Soon after the haze had lifted and the wood line to the west became visible a couple more hawks appeared. I remember looking at the first Broad-wing of the day when I heard Bill Holland, age 16 at that point, utter” What kind of swallow is this?”. Bill was a good young birder who undoubtedly knew it was not a swallow but was reluctant, with 4 adult birders present, to identify the bird. As I swung my binoculars to the southwest they filled with the image of a Swallow-tailed Kite coming directly at us slightly above eye level gradually gaining altitude. Outside of screaming SWALLOW-TAILED KITE I do not recall what else was said and probably from the standpoint of decorum that is a good thing. The bird lofted and moved slowly to the east over a period of four to five minutes giving us all great looks. It is interesting to note that the 2012 bird also was in view for several minutes.  Even though only 2 individuals of this species have passed over DHBO a total of 10-15 minutes of observation time has been possible. The Perrigos missed the bird by three minutes making their coffee extremely costly. For the rest of us Derby’s first Swallow-tailed Kite is a great birding memory. Of the five observers present on 16 April 1976 Larry Holland is no longer with us, but I am sure the other four all remember that first bird fondly. My only current concern is the realization, that if the time interval between Swallow-tailed Kites at DHBO remains 36 years/3 weeks, it may be a real challenge for me to be present for the next one!

American Kestrel Conservation Project
Audubon New York was the recipient of a Toyota Together Green grant for a state wide American Kestrel conservation project in 2010 and 2011. This projects aim was reverse the decline of American Kestrels in New York State by addressing the main threat to their population, lack of suitable nest sites within appropriate habitat. This project engaged hundreds of individuals across New York State in a coordinated effort to build, erect, and monitor nest boxes for American Kestrels; to teach people about the plight of kestrels and other grassland birds; and to spur action by citizens in support of habitat stewardship and government policies that will eventually result in protection of kestrel habitat. Audubon New York, including four Audubon centers from Jamestown to Long Island, and 16 local Audubon chapters (including Onondaga Audubon), from Long Island to Buffalo to the St. Lawrence Valley partnered with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT) in an effort to restore American Kestrels across New York State. Breeding pairs of kestrels in New York have declined significantly in the past 20 years, partly due to both habitat loss and competition for nest cavities. Chapters and centers engaged local individuals and groups to build, erect, and monitor kestrel boxes in suitable habitats in their chapter territories.  This included working with NYS DOT to put up and monitor boxes.  In addition to the nest box component, this project increased public awareness about kestrels and other grassland bird through educational and outreach programs conducted by chapters and centers. Onondaga Audubon built and monitored 8 nest boxes, gave presentations to school and civic groups as well as created and installed an interpretive panel on the ecology of the American Kestrel on the bluff at Derby Hill Bird Observatory. Kestrels have declined across North America since Breeding Bird Surveys began in 1966, with some of the steepest declines (1.9%/year) in the northeastern U.S.  A 1.9% decline per year over the 41-year period of the survey translates into a total population decline of nearly 55%!  Since 1980, kestrels have declined by 3.2%/yr in New York State.  The recent completion of the second Breeding Bird Atlas in New York State confirms that over this same time period, the kestrel distribution declined from 65% of the Atlas blocks in the state to only 56% of the Atlas blocks, which corresponds to a 14% decline in distribution.  In The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in New York State (2008), Peter Nye, New York State Endangered Species Unit Leader wrote, “A key to a secure future for the species may be in a concerted effort to place nest boxes in remaining suitable habitats.” While this project is no longer funded by the Together Green grant Onondaga Audubon has volunteers monitoring Kestrel nest boxes. Recently, the NYS DOT installed a Kestrel Ecology interpretive kiosk at the I-81North Preble rest stop, where a kestrel nest box monitored by Niles Brown is also located.

Kestrel Kiosk at Preble Rest Stop

Kestrel Nest Box at Preble Rest Stop

Bob and Ellie Long Honored
In March, Bob and Ellie Long received the Norman I. Stotz Award from the Audubon Council of New York State for extraordinary volunteer service on behalf of the Audubon Society and the environment. With over 40 years of active participation in the chapter Bob and Ellie have been recognized for their exemplary leadership and dedication. Bob served four terms as Vice-president and three terms as President of Onondaga Audubon. In addition he served as editor of The Kestrel newsletter for eight years. His leadership was instrumental in establishing the first Walk-a-thon for Save the County in 1972; the establishment of a board of managers for Derby Hill Bird Observatory in 1981; and the organization of a management committee for Noyes Sanctuary in 1994. Ellie served as President of the chapter from 1987 to 1989. As editor of The Kestrel Bob initiated a series of birding hot spot articles and conservation issue editorials that ranged from local waste management challenges to the need for protection of the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. Both Bob and Ellie served on the board of directors for years and were always willing to take on any number of tasks running a chapter required. Bob and Ellie continue to provide guidance and inspiration to the chapter. We applaud them for this honor, it is well deserved.

Reflection About an Unfair Future
Chip Ward is a regular contributor to TomDispatch, a blog whose purpose is to introduce the reader to voices and perspectives that are, for the most part, left out by the mainstream media. On March 20, 2012, he published a powerful piece of writing titled: “We Screwed Up, A Letter of Apology to My Granddaughter.” In it, he apologizes for the world that has been left to future generations. He speaks harshly and sadly about the way natural resources (coal, oil, gas, fertile soil, timber, water)have been plundered or polluted (oceans, our own bodies) or removed forever (many wondrous creatures). He closes the piece by urging us to be resilient and to do better for “our beloved, beautiful children and grandchildren, whose future we make today”. Authored by Maryanne Adams

Baltimore Woods & Onondaga Audubon Birding Series taught by Jason Mauro
April 25 Birding Series: Getting Started
7-8:30pm Baltimore Woods and the Onondaga Audubon team up to help get you started wit a hobby that promises a lifetime of joy. This first program focuses on species ID tips and tricks, binocular selection, and bird feeding essentials. There will be a corresponding field trip on Saturday the 28th. $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Lecture & April 28th Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers. April 28 Birding Field Trip: Getting Started 8-11am Here’s a chance to put into practice the basic birding skills learned from the workshop on the 25th. We will visit some key birding hotspots within Baltimore Woods. $15 members; $20 nonmembers. April 25th lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers May 2 Birding Series: Kick It Up a Notch -Behavior and Calls 7-8:30pm This program in our birding series will introduce you to more advanced topics, including identifying birds by sound and using behavior as an ID tool. $10 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Lecture & May 5th Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers. May 5 Birding Field Trip: Local Hot Spots 8-11am CNY is blessed with excellent birding opportunities. Join Baltimore Woods and Onondaga Audubon on this day trip to explore some great local hot spots. This trip will reinforce bird calls and behavior. Meet at Baltimore Woods. $15 members; $20 nonmembers. May 2nd lecture & Field Trip Package: $20 members; $30 nonmembers. Call 673-1350 to register.

Virginia: The Secret of the Red Knots Dr. Jonathan Cohen SUNY-ESF Professor Wednesday, March 7, 7:00PMFayetteville Free Library 300 Orchard Street, Fayetteville, New York Dr. Cohen has been involved in research on the effects of human disturbance on the behavior and reproductive success of Snowy Plovers in Florida and Alabama. His past work has included population and habitat studies of birds of conservation concern, including Piping Plovers, Red Knots, and Greater Scaup. Professor Cohen has earned the following degrees: Ph.D. Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, VA Tech University, May 2005 M.S. Renewable Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, May 1998 B.S. Natural Resources, Cornell University, May 1994

Great Backyard Bird Count

February 17 – 20 Anywhere, anyone and it’s free – great for kids and families. Click here for more information.

Snowy Owl © Ian Davies

Onondaga Audubon in the news: Click here to read a nice article in the February 3rd Post Standard about winter birding featuring an interview with chapter president Gene Huggins.

We also remember Wangari Muta Maathai, the woman who believed that the lives of Kenyans would be made better if “economic and social progress went hand in hand with environmental protection” (www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15060167 -Richard Black, 26 September 2011). Maathai lost her battle with cancer on September 25.  She founded The Green Belt Movement in 1977 to counter the deforestation that had destroyed the pristine landscape she had known as a child. Land had been cleared for cash crops like coffee and tea.  Trees were gone, firewood supplies depleted, and the streams had dried up. The women, who had to gather firewood and fetch water, saw the damage firsthand.  She taught them to plant trees and to make their own tree nurseries. Maathai led thousands of women to take action in a culture where the male is “the sage of the family” (Taking Root-The Vision of Wangari Maathai).  At first, the women were not taken seriously, but in time the ones in the Green Belt Movement were viewed as a threat by the government that was continuing the colonial tradition of land clearing. In spite of harassment, the women persevered and The Green Belt philosophy even spread to other African nations. The forests and the wildlife they maintain have been preserved in conflict areas like the Congo Basin. In Kenya alone, 45 million trees have been planted. Wangari Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.  She was the first African woman to receive such recognition, as well as the first woman in East Africa to earn a PhD. She did all of this in the context of a culture that labeled her a ‘crazy woman’ and felt that she “should behave like a good African woman and do as she was told” (www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment).

I urge anyone who is interested in learning more about this remarkable woman to watch the 2008 film titled “Taking Root-The Vision of Wangari Maathai.” It may be accessed online at www.pbs.org/independentlens/takingroot/index.html.  It is a truly inspirational tribute to a woman who came to devote her life to the principle that, “It is the people who must save the environment” (Taking Root…). The film is startling to those of us who have either forgotten about or never viewed the harsh realities of imperialism and government oppression. Her advice for humanity to stop threatening its life support system resonates with truth today.

2012 is starting out with a terrific (if sometimes cold) trip:

Oswego River and Harbor, Saturday, January 7 led by Bill Purcell

Join Bill on a 4-6 hour trip to look for waterfowl and gulls along the Oswego River to Oswego Harbor. Please contact Bill for details at 315 382-2871 or wpurcell@twcny.rr.com

Look here in January as more field trips are planned for the late winter and spring

Field trips are free and open to the public. Novice birders (and non-birders too!) are welcome. If you are planning to join us on a field trip, you should contact the leader. Typically there is contact information with the trip details on this page. Please call at a reasonable hour as most birders turn in early. Carpooling from the meeting place is good for the environment.. If your schedule allows you to join a carpool, consider offering the driver help with the cost of gas.

We are organizing our first ever Bird Festival at Derby Hill for May 12, 2012 and are looking for people interested in planning and helping at the festival. You can learn more by contacting Jason Mauro at 474-3778 or jmauro@ocs.cnyric.org.

Be a part of this festival from the beginning!

Equipment donations needed

The chapter is always happy to accept dollar donations but sometimes people have equipment and supplies they no longer need but we could really use. Here is our wish list:

• Portable digital projector

• Portable public address system

• Shop Vac

If you have any of these items that you would like to donate, please contact Ken Karwowski at sterna@twcny.rr.com.

Thank you for helping.

 Mike Allen, a retired DEC agent who worked extensively on the recovery of the Bald Eagle in New York State, will share the story of his work.

 Wednesday, December 14, 7:00 PM, Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard Street, Fayetteville, NY

Gerry Smith will lead an Onondaga Audubon sponsored field trip to Northwestern Jefferson County for early winter hawks, open country birds and waterfowl. Short-eared Owl and Snowy Owl are possible with other northern species likely. This trip will be primarily by car and is weather dependent. For anyone interested an extension to dusk to seek Short-eared Owls leaving their daytime roost may be offered. Please contact Gerry at 315 771-6902 for details.

 Saturday, November 19

Gene Huggins will lead his traditional trip to Fair Haven State Park to look for Purple Sandpiper. There is also the possibility of seeing a Red-throated Loon, Snowy Owl, Horned Larks and Snow Buntings. Important: Please dress warmly. Please contact Gene for details 315 696-8065.

Onondaga Audubon board member Margaret Tzen spent several weeks in northwestern India this summer. Come and spend a fascinating hour learning more about the bird life and habitats of this fabulous land.

Wednesday, November 9, 7:00PM

Fayetteville Library

300 Orchard Street

Onondaga Audubon members are active participants in three local Christmas Bird Counts.

If you would like to participate please contact the count compiler directly.

Syracuse Christmas Bird Count

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Kevin McGann – Compiler

pmcgann1@twcny.rr.com

635-7013

Oswego Christmas Bird Count

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Bill Purcell – Compiler

wpurcell@twcny.rr.com

382-2871

Skaneateles Christmas Bird Count

Monday, January 2, 2012

John Cashier – Compiler

fjcash@twcny.rr.com

469-3314

It’s a long ways from upstate New York but owls are fascinating anywhere! Come for an evening learning about SUNY ESF graduate student Chris Standley’s work on the owls of the unique habitats of Washington State.

Wednesday, October 12, 7:00PM

Liverpool Library

310 Tulip Street, Liverpool, New York