SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
April 2003 - Volume 10, No. 4
Dan Woolard, District Wildlife Biologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will give a program about Canada Geese populations on Hudson Bay for SIAS on April 25th, starting at 7:30 p.m. In June 2002, Mr. Woolard was one of the members of an international team of biologists, wildlife managers and pilots participating in the annual spring population survey of the Mississippi Valley population of Canada geese nesting along remote western shores and wetlands of Hudson Bay in Ontario Canada. This ongoing survey helps provide population data necessary for management of the North American Canada goose population.
The program will be held in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church, 214 W. Main St., Carbondale. The public is invited to attend. A parking lot is located on the west side of the church and can be accessed from University Avenue or Main street. Enter from the right of the west side.
The meeting will start with a potluck at 6:30 p.m. Bring a main course, side dish or a desert to share and dinnerware (preferably not disposable.) Coffee and tea will be provided. The program follows the potluck.
Executive Director of Illinois Audubon Society (IAS), on the IAS Sanctuaries and Land Preservation/Restoration Projects.
from 1:00-4:00 p.m. with dinning at 1:30 p.m. Location tentatively set for Trail of Tears State Forest. More details to follow next month.
July - No meeting or newsletter.
Regional Natural Heritage Administrator for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), on IDNR Strategies to Assess the Management of Chinese Yam and Kudzu.
on The Continuing Adventures of Lucy and Ricky in Western Scotland and the Island of Islay.
SIAS had another great turnout for our monthly program. More than 40 members and guests attended. Announcements were made, including a few words on up-coming SIAS outings and a description, by Professor Nelda Hinckley of her newly planned Costa Rica Trip.
The evening's speakers were Stan Harris and Clara McClure on Southern Illinois Wildflowers. Stan did most of the talking while Clara ran the slide projector. Stan stated that when he retired from teaching geology, he began pursuing other nature interests. He and Max Hutcheson would go out one day a week and challenge each other with nature related questions.
Stan started his program by describing some of the natural divisions of southern Illinois and explaining how the spring season benefits from ground water that results from winter's precipitation. He stated that plants like hen bit and bitter crest seem to have multiplied greatly in recent years.
Stan said that the first wildflower of spring is Harbinger of Spring. Stan went on to described many other wildflowers, showing slides of the wildflowers, slides taken in the areas of southern Illinois where he and Clara go to see them. Some of the best areas to see wildflowers, as per Stan and Clara, are Rocky Bluff Trail (part of Crab Orchard NWR), Trillium Trail at Giant City State Park, Winter's Pond at the base of Pine Hills, Fountain Bluff along the Mississippi, the lowlands of Little Grand Canyon, and Cache River's Heron Pond.
Over 50 wildflowers and flowering shrubs were described including shooting star, yellow lady-slippers, bloodroot, trillium, bluebells, blue-eyed Mary, wild ginger, papaws, service berry, Jack-in-the-Pulpit and many, many more. Stan and Clara added that they would be leading a wildflower walk on Sunday, April 13. Stan and Clara's program left everyone with the urge to get out and view the area's beauty.
Many thanks to Stan and Clara for sharing their wealth of knowledge on wildflowers. Special thanks go to Betty Arnold for providing the yummy refreshments for the evening. Belated thanks go to Lew Hendrix who providing the great cookies at the February meeting.
If you have an idea for a program speaker, a program that you would like to share, or would be willing to provide refreshments for an upcoming meeting, please contact any of the SIAS board members. Board member names and phone numbers are list at the end of this newsletter.
On Thursdays from 12 noon till l p.m., birders meet informally to eat lunch, watch birds, and chat at Carbondale water treatment plant off McLafferty Road.
Experience spring in the Cache River Wetlands. John Schwegman will lead a guided wildflower hike through Limekiln Slough. Meet at the Limekiln Slough parking lot off Cache Chapel Road at 10 a.m. For more details phone Cypress Creek NWR at 634.2231.
Spend the morning collecting trash around the Refuge. It's a good thing! A picnic lunch with musical entertainment is usually a part of this annual event. Call the Refuge Visitor's Center at 997.3344 for more details.
Come celebrate the diversity of birds and habitat in southern Illinois at the Southernmost Illinois Birding Fest. Several activities will take place out of the newly constructed Cache River Wetlands Center, located south of Whitehill on IL Rt. 37, and named for Henry N. Barkhausen who served as director of the Illinois Dept. of Conservation from 1970-73 and also served as a board member on a local citizens' committee to promote restoration and protection of the Cache River area.
A list of scheduled outings follows. Events are free. Wear study shoes and dress for the weather. It is suggested to bring water, food, binoculars, field guides, hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Phone Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge at 634.2231 to register.
April 26, 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. (Leaders: Genevieve Houghton & Carmen Arendt)
April 26, 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m. (Leader: Erin Cain)
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Cache River State Natural Area, and the many other state and federal public lands in southernmost Illinois are home to a wonderful array of bird species and offer many great opportunities for bird watching. This walk will introduce fledgling birdwatchers to the fun of identifying birds. Learn tips on distinguishing birds by appearance, song, and behavior. These two 2-hour outings will depart from the Cache River Wetland Center and utilize the trail system and overlooks associated with the Wetland Center. Dress appropriately for a hike outdoors; we suggest a hat and comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.
April 26, 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.
Max Hutchison, ecologist and area historian, will lead participants on a walk to learn about this unique and special place within the Cache River Wetlands. Meet at the Heron Pond trail head. An easy, 1.25 mile hike.
April 26, 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. & April 26, 1:00p.m. - 3:00p.m.
Curt Carter, educator and singer/songwriter, will lead you through Buttonland Swamp - a National Natural Landmark. The state champion cypress tree grows here, as well as tupelo and other species that favor this habitat. The trip will take you along a 6 mile canoe trail that meanders through backwater sloughs to the state champion bald cypress and Eagle pond. Canoes and related equipment will be provided. Meet at the Lower Cache River Access. An easy, 2 hour tour.
April 26, 9:00a.m. -11:00p.m.
Mark Guetersloh, Natural Heritage Biologist, will lead participants on a hike to search out spring beauties such as trillium, hepatica, anemone, and bloodroot. The tour will depart from the Cache River Wetlands Center to a designated site within Little Black Slough or the Limekiln Springs Access. Meet at the Cache River Wetland Center. An easy, 2 hour hike.
April 26, 9:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. (all day)
Join John Utgaard, Professor Emeritus from the Southern Illinois University Geology Department, on an outing to explore two scenic areas: Ferne Clyffe State Park and Giant City State Park. Meet at the Cache River Wetlands Center at 9:00 a.m. with the first stop being Ferne Clyffe to examine sandstone cliffs and joint blocks, shelter bluffs, waterfalls, and a diversity of plants. Later in the morning, drive about 25 miles to Giant City State Park to explore the equally remarkable geology of that location. Participants may bring their lunch or take part in a meal at the Giant City Lodge.
After lunch, visit the new Visitors Center and hike the Giant City and Devils Standtable trails. Return to the Cache River Visitors Center at your leisure. There are other trails to hike, and there should be some late spring wildflowers in both parks. There are also interesting shops in near by Makanda. Bring hiking boots and out-door clothing, and, if you wish, a camera and binoculars.
April 26, midnight to midnight
For all the details, check the Birding Blitz website:
http://www.birdingblitz.org
April 27, 10:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.
An Award Ceremony is scheduled to recognize the top birding teams in each competition category. All participants are asked to RSVP by calling 634.2231.
Join Trevor Hinckley for a walk along Cave Creek Valley trail in search of warblers. The Cave Creek Valley trail, located north of Pomona, is an abandoned railroad bed and has gained fame in recent years as one of the best places to see and hear both migrating and nesting songbirds including wood thrush, rose-breasted grosbeak, scarlet tanager, American redstart, as well as Cerulean and worm-eating warblers to name a few.
Meet under the sign at Murdale Shopping Ctr. in Carbondale at 6:30 a.m. for carpooling or on site at Cave Creek Valley at 7:00 a.m. This outing will last till noon. Phone Trevor Hinckley at 549.5588 for more info.
The Tunnel Hill Spring Bicycle Ride will begin in Harrisburg and end at the Cache River Wetlands Center near Karnak, 45 miles of scenic southern Illinois. Refreshments will be offered at seven rest stops along the way, return transportation will be provided if necessary, and participants will receive a tee-shirt. There's a $15
preregistration fee if you sign up before the ride or
$20 fee the day of the ride. Contact Cache River State Natural
Area at 634.9678 for more info or to register.
Challenge your senses as you explore the sights, sounds, and smells of twilight at Heron Pond. Take this hike along the Trail in hopes of encountering creatures that are not afraid of the dark. Meet at Heron Pond parking lot at 7:00 p.m. For more info phone 634.9678.
Spend International Migratory Bird Day counting all the birds you can find. For Williamson County / Crab Orchard NWR, contact Tracy Evans at 985.6048 or meet at the CONWR Visitors Center at 6:00 a.m. Those interested in Jackson County should meet at the Hardees Restaurant on the east side of Murphysboro at 6:00 p.m. on 5/9 or contact Rhonda Rothrock at 684.6605. For Massac County call Frank Bennett at 524.7370. For Union County call Vern Kleen at 217.787.3515.
Crab Orchard NWR has several events planned for International Migratory Bird Day including a bird walk, an owl program and an owl prowl. For more info call the Visitor's Center at 997-3344.
The Carbondale Park District is reviewing the Master Plan for the William Marberry Arboretum on East Pleasant Hill Road, Carbondale. A new Draft Plan will be available for review by the public at the Carbondale Civic Center from 5:00-7:00 p.m. For details phone 529.4147.
Add a new twist to your birdwatching, go birding by bicycle! View the diversity of birds and other natural wonders along the new Tunnel Hill Trail, an old railroad bed converted into a nature trail. Trevor Hinckley will lead this combination birding/ biking trip starting from Vienna going south to Karnak and back, approx. 23 miles round trip. Come for the whole trip or just cycle a few miles and return OR come walk part of the trail.
Meet under the sign at Murdale Shopping Ctr. in Carbondale at 8 a.m. for carpooling or on site at the new the Cache Visitors Center off IL Rt. 146 in Vienna at 9 a.m. and return home late-afternoon. Bring water, a sack lunch or lunch at Karnak, and don't forget your bicycle. Phone Trevor Hinckley at 549.5588 for more details.
Sign up now for the 15th Annual Tropical Adventure to Trinidad and Tobago! This is the trip for persons interested in seeing a breathtaking tropical evergreen rain forest, coral reefs, mangroves and exquisite tropical birds. For details contact Nelda Hinckley, Professor of Biology, John A. Logan College, 700 Logan College Road, Carterville, IL 62988 or phone Nelda at 549.5588 or 457.7676 ext. 8323.
On her 03/18 morning drive to SIU, Cathie Hutcheson saw about 100
wild turkeys along Rt. 51 about 1.5 miles south of Arnold's market. She
remarked that the gathering of turkeys had the appearance of a lek, with
about 80 or so females in a crescent surrounding several males in a tight
bunch displaying, spreading their tails, strutting, and stretching their
wings to the ground. It was quite a show, she said, and a few cars
actually stopped along the road to watch. Cathie added that she has
counted as many as 280 or so turkeys in a flock near her bluebird trail on
Crab Orchard NWR, and has 10-15 wild turkeys living near her home.
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Fish crows were active at Evergreen Lake, Carbondale, on 3/20,
entertaining the lunching birders.
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On 03/24 Vicki Lang heard her first whip-poor-will of spring near
her home south of Carbondale.
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The Prairie Chickens at Prairie Ridge State Natural Area in Marion
County were quite entertaining on 3/26. The field chosen by the male
prairie chickens as their lek site was actually private property and had
been cropped in corn. Corn stubble obstructed the view of the lek site but
the male prairie chickens were stalwart in their efforts. They would pop
up and perch on the stubble tops and were easily seen when they did. Their
captivating "booming" vocalization continued from sunrise to about 8 a.m.,
and was magically magnified, making 12 chickens sound like 200.
Bob Gillespie, IDNR's representative, proved to be an enthusiastic
and knowledgeable guide and graciously provided answers for the birders'
many questions. Bob stated that the prairie chicken population seemed
stable, consisting of about 12 males and 12 females. Bob also described
some of the other bird species that inhabit or visit the state property at
the site. Bob's efforts were greatly appreciated and add to the enjoyment
of the day.
Several dozen American golden plover, Wilson's snipe and pectoral
sandpipers flew in and about the farm fields to the south of the prairie
chicken lek. Northern harriers harassed the prairie chickens, and searched
the state grounds and private fields for food.
SIASer's endured strong brisk winds when they stopped at Rend Lake
on their way home to view a long-tailed duck (old-squaw) there. The birders
got close views of the long-tailed duck also locating a common loon, many
coots, numerous purple martins and tree swallows, and ducks - ducks -
ducks.
Joe Merkelbach visited Stephen Forbes park/lake on his way home and
reported a large flock (20 or more) of Wilson's (common) snipe along a back
road.
On the Forbes lake itself folks from Kaskaskia Valley Audubon had
spotting scopes on two common and one red-throat loon (still in winter
plumage with white bottom and throat) and a group of four ruddy ducks.
While viewing the waterfowl, an osprey flew over.
As Joe was driving between Salem and Centralia a wild turkey flew
across the road in front of him and he saw a couple of others off to the
side of the road.
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Frank Bennett reported that Mermet Lake Conservation Area (MLCA)
was host to several spring migrants on 03/30. A northern parula was heard
and seen on the trail behind the maintenance buildings. Frank stated that
this area , although birded little, is excellent in spring for warblers,
vireos, thrushes, and flycatchers. That day, Mermet Lake was full of
purple martins, and tree, barn and rough-winged swallows.
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Also on 03/30 pine warblers were singing in the pine stands on the
Schoolhouse trail west of Crab Orchard NWR headquarters. Along Indian
Creek trail at Giant City State Park, not far from the trail entrance, a
pair of waterthrush were easily visible and verbal along the creek bed as
reported by Laraine Wright.
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Laraine Wright and Ben Gelman spent about five hours on 03/31
birding along IL Rt. 3 from Oakwood Bottoms to Union County Refuge.
Highlights were an osprey at the Refuge and about 100 American
golden-plover in a farm field by Otter Slough Road. They also found ten
red-headed woodpeckers, a winter wren, and seven sparrow species including
swamp, American tree, field, fox, song, savanna and white-throated.
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On a 03/31 visit to Pyramid State Park Arklands, Joe Merkelbach
tallied Canada and snow geese, ring-neck duck, lesser scaup, bufflehead,
northern shoveler, blue-wing and green-wing teal, gadwall, American wigeon,
mallards, American coots and pied-billed grebe. Also 6 northern harriers,
7 American kestrel, a loggerhead shrike and several species of songbirds.
While birding in Massac County on 04/01, Frank Bennett located an
osprey, 6 Eurasian collared-doves, a palm warbler and a yellow-throated
warbler.
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On the afternoon of 04/04, Myra and Frank Bennett were dinning
across from Ft. Massac State Park. From their window booth they could see
two dead trees in the park that are utilized by Mississippi Kites sometimes
through the spring and summer months. Not 10 minutes after discussing the
trees, a Mississippi Kite flew into the trees. Frank added that 04/04 was
his earliest date for this species by weeks.
* * * * * *
Northern birder Cindy McKee located a cinnamon teal in a small pond
along Wolf Creek Road in Crab Orchard NWR the morning of 04/06. Laraine
Wright, Vicki Lang, Tracy Evans and other were all able to relocate the
handsome teal.
Brian Spears reported seeing cinnamon teal in the refuge pond off
148 near the viewing blind at CONWR.
* * * * * *
Predawn on 04/09, Carmen Arendt saw a barred owl on a telephone
line out on Grammer Road, southwest of Carbondale, less than 3 miles from
where one was seen on Country Club Road sitting on a telephone line.
* * * * * *
The unexpected drop in temperature did not stop nine SIASers from
enjoying a birding trip to Pyramid State Park's Arklands. Joe Merkelbach
lead the way to some great habitat types including several large lakes,
some wetlands, recovering rolling meadows. Highlights including 2 soras
calling, 21 Wilson's snipes (several of which were giving their winnowing
mating calls), a bald eagle, several northern harrier, and 5 loggerhead
shrikes.
* * * * * *
After hearing that lilacs were in bloom, Rhonda Rothrock put out
her hummingbird feeder the morning of 04/13. That evening, around 6:45
p.m., she caught sight of a male ruby-throated hummingbird as it flew in to
feed. A male hummer visited the feeder again on 04/15.
* * * * * *
Ever vigilant Frank Bennett spent the better part of 04/13 birding
Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties. He located over 94 species including
spring migrants like American bittern, Virginia and yellow rails, solitary
and least sandpipers, greater and lesser yellow-legs, Louisiana and northern
waterthrush, warbling and white-eyed vireo, yellow-throated and
prothonotary warblers, an indigo bunting, ruby-throated hummingbird and a
whip-poor-will.
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Old Pomona has a Hickory Ridge, E - O - E -O - lay
And on Hickory Ridge arrived some warblers,
E - O - E - O - lay
With a chewy chewy chewy cheweee
here
And a wee-ceea wee-ceea wee-ceea
there
Here a bee bzzzz
There a zweet zweet zweet zweet
Everywhere a zee zee zee zee zip
Oh, Hickory Ridge had some warblers on
04-14 & 04-15 '03! -seen by me (RR)
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Although more than 70 species of shrikes exist worldwide, only two exist in North America-the Loggerhead Shrike and the Northern Shrike. Shrikes eat mostly insects, mice, and small birds, but they will also scavenge for food. They capture their prey by either sitting still and attacking whatever appropriate prey item comes along or by actively chasing their quarry. Shrikes-also known as "butcher birds"-stun or kill prey with their heavy bills and then impale it on a thorn, barb wire spike, twig or other sharp object. Loggerhead Shrikes formerly bred throughout most of the contiguous U.S. The species has both migratory and nonmigratory populations, and although the non-migratory population is considered common over much of its range, the migratory populations are listed as endangered or threatened. Data from the Breeding Bird Census show that Loggerhead Shrike populations in the Northeast and Midwest have decreased on average by about 5% each year since 1966. Causes for the birds' decline vary. Modern agricultural practices -reducing the amount of pastureland, removing hedgerows from fields, using pesticides to increase crop yields-have taken their toll on shrike populations. Poor winter survival rates and collisions with motor vehicles have also contributed to these declines.
-From North American Shrikes by Diana L. Tessaglia; BIRDSCOPE: - News and Views from Sapsucker Woods, Winter 1997/Volume 11, Number 1; http://birds.cornell.edu/publications/birdscope/Winter1997/Shrikes97111.html
Most shorebirds fall into the categories of sandpiper or plover, each with a Latin family name. A few, such as oyster catchers, avocets and stilts, stand out-side and have their own family names. But taxonomists --the people who classify and apply names to living creatures-- have trouble deciding where to place the turnstones, phalaropes, and a few others. Turnstones were formerly assigned to the plover family but are now seen as more closely related to the sandpipers. Phalaropes, which are usually classified with sandpipers, are some-times placed in a family of their own--Phalaropodidae.
Generally speaking, sandpipers have long legs and long slender bills and necks, and they tend to feed in or near water. Plovers, by contrast, have short pigeon-like bills, short legs, and plump bodies, and they often feed away from water, typically running for a short distance and then stopping. But some of the sandpipers, such as the woodcock and the upland sandpiper, are not partial too wetlands. Indeed, the latter was once named the upland plover because it "has adopted the haunts and many of the habits of the plovers," according to Ernest Choate, the author of American Bird Names. The sandpiper also includes the godwits and curlews, which seem to be somewhat different in appearance and habitats.
The name sandpiper is easy to explain--it is a bird that pipes or chirps in the sand, or at least spends time in the sand on shorelines. The name plover is more interesting. It is derived from the Latin pluvarius, "rainy" from pluva, "rain." Choate quotes MacLeod, who "lists several authorities with their explanations of the asso-association of the bird's name with rain: 'caught more easily in rainy weather, haunt rainy places, arrive in flocks in the rainy season, have markings on their upper plumage like raindrops and foretell rain by their restlessness.'" Choate wittily concludes, "None of these holds water."
We can enjoy shorebirds without knowing all this about their names and families, but it's fun to know. -David Kvernes
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) destroy plants, invite erosion, disturb wildlife, and pollute. Two proposed laws would allow ATVs into Illinois State Parks and lands and would cut enforcement of "off-limit" areas.
ATVs are noisy, polluting and intimidating; negatively impacting nearly all other users of state lands (hikers, family picnics, wildlife watching, etc.) Our State lands are and should continue to be havens from the noise and pollution found in town and cities. ATVs on our State lands would destroy these values. Our State lands are vitally important places for wildlife. ATVs would damage these wildlife habitats. And ATVs already have dedicated riding areas - paid for by the Off-Highway Vehicle Trust Fund (OHV Fund), an IDNR administered fund solely dedicated to building ATV riding facilities around the state.
Please call or write to oppose SB 1521 & 1804 and HB 2816 & 2273, to keep our State Parks, Natural Areas, Conservation Areas, and Forests safe and secure.
Use the website address,
http://illinoisactionproject.org to send a fax to the Governor and
your State Senator and Representative and ask them to oppose Senate
Bills 1521 & 1804 and House Bills 2816 &2273.
Deadline for responding:
Please take action by Wednesday, April 30, 2003.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! -Rhonda R.
In March, the Senate voted down oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), a victory for ANWR! Still, the House of Representatives continues to push for opening ANWR to oil drilling and has included drilling language in its version of the federal energy bill. Help protect ANWR, visit: http://www.savearcticrefuge.org/ or http://www.nrdc.org/land/wilderness/arctic.asp
"What right do we have as human beings and what sense does it make as a nation to open a pristine area to drilling when we are not willing to take basic steps toward conservation?" -Representative Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), April 10, 2003 during House debate.
...They took all the trees
Put 'em in a tree museum
And they charged the people a dollar and a half
just to see 'em.
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got Till it's gone.
They paved paradise And put up a parking lot...
-from BIG YELLOW TAXI by Joni Mitchell
Spring in southern Illinois is truly a wonder. Many new lives come into the world in Spring. Sadly, a number of these new lives end up injured or abandoned. It's lucky for these creatures that the folks at Free Again Wildlife Rehab can come to their rescue. But Free Again could use a little help too. Below is a list of items that Free Again could really use to help them meet the needs of all the spring wonders that end up at the rehab center.
Free Again Wildlife Rehab could really use:
| heating pads | paper towels | aquariums |
| baby toys/balls | cleaning chemicals | food bowls |
| blankets/sheets/towels | can openers | water bottles |
| knives | chain link pens | fencing |
| cordless phone | trash bags/liners | hoses |
| wood chips | straw and hay | sand |
| wheel barrow | hardware | lumber |
| mops/brooms/dust pans | landscape timbers | |
| fresh fish | Dog Food | Cat Food |
| monetary donations | * V O L U N T E E R S * | |
Take or mail donations to: "Free Again" Wildlife Rehabilitation, 4031 Big Muddy Road, Carterville, IL 62918-3063. Or phone 988.1067.
Harrisburg, PA -- Fire investigators in Harrisburg have come across a very unusual arson suspect. They said a fire at a home was started by a bird. Apparently, the bird picked up a lit cigarette and carried it to the balcony to make a nest. The cigarette sparked the fire.
No one was hurt, not even the bird
The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society have launched "eBird" a continental database of bird sightings with important utility for bird monitoring in North America and the added bonus of managing and maintaining one's personal birding lists.
Take a look at eBird and consider entering your sightings from birding outings; it only takes a minute to register, and entering a morning's list from a birding site only takes a couple of minutes. Even if you don't wish to enter your sightings, there is a wealth of information that can be found at the site. -- http://www.ebird.org --
Thanks go to Cathie Hutcheson for forwarding this great idea.
In early April the group of 15 whooping cranes, trained to migrate in 2002, started winging their way north on their own from their winter home in Florida. As of this writing they had made it to Indiana. The birds are being tracked by way of radio telemetry.
Three of the five 2001 flock of whoopers, which were the first to be taught to migrate, have made it to Wisconsin. One crane was still in Indiana. The fifth bird was unaccounted for as of this writing.
This year's theme for International Migratory Bird day (IMBD), "Birds: Catalysts for Conservation" explores how birds have been the inspiration for many of the most significant conservation actions in the Americas. Thanks to birds, people have been motivated to improve conditions for all wildlife...and ourselves!
The IMBD 2003 art by Gerald Sneed (below) portrays a variety of species that catalyzed conservation action, literally "poster birds" for environmental improvement!
The extinction of the Passenger Pigeon -- the last wild individual of one of the most numerous bird species on Earth was killed in 1900 -- helped ignite the conservation movement, waking society up to the permanent damage caused by unregulated harvest. Many other species such as the Snowy Egret were slaughtered for fashion -- bird plumes and skins were used to adorn ladies' hats -- in the late 1800s. In response to this over consumption, bird lovers called for the formation of bird sanctuaries, including the first U.S. National Wildlife Refuge in 1903: Pelican Island, home to colonies of Brown Pelicans. A hundred years later, there are now over 500 National Wildlife Refuges, many founded for birds and all of which set aside land purely for the needs of wildlife.
Responsible sportsmen also recognized the need for regulated hunting of migratory waterfowl, such as the Green-winged Teal, other ducks, geese, and swans. Hunting licenses for waterfowl have funded the acquisition and management of millions of acres of wetlands, providing benefits to non-game wetland birds, such as the Yellow-headed Blackbird, many kinds of wildlife, and humans, as well as waterfowl.
Our recognition of the long-distance migrations of birds such as the American Golden Plover resulted in powerful, lasting protective treaties between countries of North America and Asia; the treaties signed by Canada, U.S., Mexico, Japan and Russia legally protect almost all migratory birds from harm and set the stage for international cooperation for all migratory wildlife.
The need for international cooperation has come up again and again, particularly because of the Thick-billed Parrot and other parrots drawing attention to the issue of harmful wildlife trade, and because of the Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, and other neotropical migrants drawing attention to habitat loss and degradation in the tropics.
When populations of Osprey, Brown Pelican, and other top-of-the-food-chain birds crashed in the 1960s, society realized the far-reaching effects of environmental contaminants and reassessed our controls on pesticides and other toxins. Thanks to these 'canaries in a coal mine,' our environment is cleaner for wildlife and people alike.
-from the IMBD website: http://birds.fws.gov/imbd/
For more info on this and other news releases visit their website at: http://news.fws.gov OR phone 202.208.5634.
Jim Shofstall, SIAS website master, has started a list server for
SIAS and SIAS friends. To sign onto the list server:
1) Send an email
message to sias-request@flashchat.net.
2) Write "subscribe", no
quotation marks in the body.
3) The subject line should be left blank.
4)You will get a message with confirmation instructions. Instructions
can be found in the newsletter section at: : SIAS homepage:
http://www.siaudubon.org
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New Members:
We welcome new members Willadene Brown , Cecelia Norris , and Jane Towle, all of Carbondale.
Contributions to the newsletter are always welcome! Contact Rhonda
Rothrock, 7398 Hickory Ridge Road, Pomona, IL 62975 E-mail:
woodthrusheola8@netscape.net
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What do you call an eye doctor who thinks he saw an ivory-billed woodpecker on an island in the Bering Sea?
-An Optical Aleutian
What birds come from Portugal?
-Port-u-geese!
Southern Illinois Audubon Society P.O. Box 222, Carbondale, IL 62903-0222
Affiliate of the Illinois Environmental Council and the Illinois Audubon Society
(Written on a contantly reused computer! Are you using recycled paper?)
:-)