SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
March 2003 - Volume 10, No. 3
Stan Harris and Clara McClure will share their bounty of wild flower knowledge in a program for SIAS on March 28th, starting at 7:30 p.m. Stan and Clara will begin their program by showing common wild flowers in the order of their spring appearance. The duo will describe the various habitats occupied by different types of wild flowers. They will also discuss the relationships between wild flowers and the seven natural divisions of southern Illinois.
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 wild flower hike has been scheduled for April 13 to coincide with
this program. Check the "Outings" section of this newsletter for
details.
April 25th - Potluck and Program. Speaker: Dan Woolard, District Wildlife Biologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, on Canada Geese on Hudson Bay.
May 23rd - Speaker: Marilyn Campbell, Executive Director of Illinois Audubon Society (IAS), on the IAS Sanctuaries and Land Preservation/Restoration Projects.
June 7th - SIAS Annual Picnic. Location tentatively set for Trail of Tears State Forest. More details to follow.
July - No meeting or newsletter.
August 22nd - Speaker: Jody Shimp, Regional Natural Heritage Administrator for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), on IDNR Strategies to Assess the Management of Chinese Yam and Kudzu.
September 26 - Speakers Lucinda and Richard LaSalle on The Continuing Adventures of Lucy and Ricky in Western Scotland and the Island of Islay.
A large, inquisitive crowd of SIAS members and friends came to the February meeting, curious to learn more about pterosaurs, close relatives to the dinosaurs. Dr. John Utgaard, Professor Emeritus in Geology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, provided those in attendance with a wealth of information on these ancient flying reptiles. As Dr. Utgaard spoke about these 200 million year old creatures, their geological fossils, bone structures, appearance, life styles, and eventual extinction, it was quite apparent that he was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his subject.
Dr. Utgaard started his program by outlining the 4 major groups of animals that developed flight: the first insects, the pterosaurs, the birds and the bats.
Dr. Utgaard stated that there were two major types of pterosaurs in existence, the Pterodactyloidea, or short-tailed pterosaurs, and the Rhamphorhynchoidea, or long-tailed pterosaurs. Rhamphorhynchus were mostly fish eaters with big teeth and flaps on their tails. Pterodactylus had long crests, or other extra parts to their heads and faces, considered sexual display structures. Pterodactylus also had big nostrils and fewer, smaller teeth for eating insects or for filter feeding.
Pterosaur bodies were covered in a membrane like that of bats (no feathers.) They varied in size from a scale that of a sparrow to giant sized creatures with 6 foot long beaks and 40 foot long wing spans. Pterosaurs had extremely light skeletons with hollow but strong bones. It is believed that they launched themselves into flight, walked to some degree, and hopped. Pterosaurs were originally illustrated in colors of green and gray like reptiles but now, based on new findings, scientists have started depicting them in more colorful ways, like birds. The pterosaurs became extinct by the end of the Cretaceous period, 65 millions years ago.
SIAS would like to thank Dr. Utgaard for sharing his slides and knowledge of pterosaurs with the Society. If you're looking to find out more about pterosaurs check The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Pterosaurs by Dr. Peter Wellnhofer. It's a great book! -Rhonda R.
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.
Trevor Hinckley and Joe Merkelbach have made arrangements with the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources (IDNR) to view prairie chickens at the Prairie Ridge State Natural Area Prairie Chicken Sanctuary in Marion County, south of Kinmundy. Bob Gillespie, with IDNR, will meet our group at the site to provide instructions.
There is a booming ground close to the road that is easily seen. We must be on location by 5:30 a.m. as the best viewing is around sunrise. Parking will be along the road near but not at the viewing area. Once parked, we will walk along the road to the viewing spot. Meet under the Murdale Shopping Center Sign, West Main St., Carbondale at 3:30 a.m. for carpooling. We will be standing roadside so dress appropriately. Bring spotting scopes, binoculars, liquid refreshments, (and snacks.)
There is a wetland east of Kinmundy that offers some bird watching which we could visit after viewing the prairie chickens. Our thanks to Scott Simpson, with the IDNR, for providing the arrangements for this trip.
Spend the morning bird watching at this coal strip mine turned Illinois State Park. Joe Merkelbach will lead this outing to the State’s recently acquired“Arklands”, Arch Mineral mine property, now a part of Pyramid State Park. Joe has conducted several bird surveys at Arklands as part of a project headed by Jeff Hoover, Avian Ecologist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. Among the 30+ species Joe observed on a 03/06 trip to Arklands were redhead ducks, a rough-legged hawk, 24 northern harriers and 3 loggerhead shrikes.
Meet under the Murdale Shopping Center Sign, West Main St., Carbondale at 7:45 a.m. for carpooling or on site at Panda Bear Road, just north of Pyatt blacktop, at 8:00 a.m. Bring binoculars, spotting scopes and waterproof boots or knee-high waders. The outing will include a combination of driving and walking to some of the park’s many lakes and grasslands habitats and end at noon. For those interested, it might continue into the afternoon. Anyone wanting to stay into the afternoon should bring a sack lunch and water. For more details, contact Joe at jemerk@netwitz.net. In case of rain, the trip will be postponed until the next day, 04/06.
The Crab Orchard NWR wild flower programs begin this weekend! Rocky Bluff trail holds some of the most beautiful wild flower communities is southern IL. Reservations Required. For more details or to make reservations, call the Refuge Visitor's Center at 997.3344.
Join the site interpreter at Giant City State Park for a rugged 2-hour / 2-mile woodland trail discovery hike. Most hikes are held on Trillium Trail, best known for its wild flower diversity. A park wild flower checklist will be provided. Plenty of time is allowed for snapping photos. New flowers species are in bloom each week. Meet at the Giant City State Park Visitor's Center, 235 Giant City Rd., at 10 a.m. For more info phone 457.4836.
Stan Harris and Clara McClure will lead this afternoon walk to view the wonderful wild flowers found along LaRue Swamp road. Beautiful bluebells, red and white trillium, perky swamp buttercup, and celendine poppies can all be found around the swamp.
Following the LaRue walk, attendees will travel on to Fountain Bluff, another habitat teaming with spring wild flowers. Meet under the Murdale Shopping Center Sign, West Main St., Carbondale at 1:00 p.m. to carpool. Bring field guides, liquid refreshments and bug repellent.
Join in for a tour of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. The 42 mile abandoned railroad line provides bicycling and hiking opportunities through a varying landscape. Contact the Tunnel Hill State Trail Office at 658.2168 for a tour schedule.
Experience spring in the Cache River Wetlands. John Schwegman will lead a guided wild flower 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.
You'd think there'd be something going on, but not that I could find! If you know of anything, contact Rhonda at 684.6605 or woodthrusheola8@netscape.net .
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.
The Southernmost Illinois Birding Fest will be a weekend of fun to celebrate the diversity of birds and habitat in southern Illinois. For most, the high point of the event will be the Birding Blitz--a friendly competition to see which team can identify the most species, by sight or sound, within a 24 hour period. Other activities will take place out of the newly constructed Cache River Wetlands Center.
This 6,500 square-foot interpretive center is located south of Whitehill on IL Rt. 37, and is named for Henry N. Barkhausen, an industrialist and avid outdoors man, who served as director of the Illinois Dept. of Conservation from 1970-73. He also served as a board member on a local citizens' committee to promote restoration and protection of the Cache River area.
Scheduled outings will focus on birds, but will also explore the geology, botany, and history of the area. All events except the Birding Blitz are free. Outings are on designated trails; however, it is important to wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Consider bringing water, food, binoculars, field guides, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and anything else that might make your outdoor experience more enjoyable.
Preregistration is recommended for all outings. In many cases, space is limited. Call the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge at 618.634.2231 to register. Visit the website at http://www.birdingblitz.org
Teams participating in the Birding Blitz will search throughout southernmost Illinois, north to Illinois Route 13, for as many bird species as they can identify in 24 hours. No bird species seen or heard outside the competition boundary can be counted. Last year, the top winning team identified 154 different species. Birding teams can seek sponsors to pledge an amount of money for each species recorded. The more species recorded, the more money raised for bird conservation in the Cache River Wetlands or the environmental organization of choice. The Birding Blitz will conclude Sunday with an award ceremony and brunch at the Cache River Wetlands Center. Every participant will receive a T-shirt.
There are a number of entry categories: open, muscle-powered (no motorized vehicles), senior, collegiate, youth, and selected site. Preregistration is necessary and there is a fee for this event. See the Birding Blitz website at www.birdingblitz.org for all the details and to register.
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.
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.
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.
Illinois is known as the prairie state, the southernmost tip, however, is far from being a flat plain. Here, the Cache River basin is bordered to the north by a a series of ridges and valleys (the Shawnee Hills) eroded in the Paleozoic bedrock that extends from the Ohio River on the east to the Mississippi River on the west. The highest ridges form an escarpment in the Pennsylvanian sandstones and erosion of them has resulted in many rugged sites with cliffs and waterfalls.
Join John Utgaard, Professor Emeritus from the Southern Illinois University Geology Department, on an outing to explore two of these 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 Giant City 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 wild flowers in both parks. There are also interesting shops in near by Makanda. Bring hiking boots and outdoor clothing, and, if you wish, a camera and binoculars. Late April weather in southern Illinois should bring added pleasure to the outing.
Whether it's a casual diversion or a passionate pursuit, bird watching is a healthy activity suitable for everyone in the family! 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 variety of bird species and offer many opportunities for bird watching. Birding for the Beginner will introduce fledgling bird watchers to the fun of locating and identifying birds. Learn tips on attracting and feeding birds and distinguishing birds by songs and behaviors. These 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.
An Award Ceremony is scheduled to recognize the top birding teams in each competition category. Brunch will follow the awards. All participants are asked to RSVP by calling Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge at 634.2231.
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. The $1894 cost per person includes airfare, lodging, all meals, and field trips lead by expert local guides. 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.
Details to follow in April's newsletter.
More than 30 people have signed up for "Birding in Southern
Illinois," a five-week course being taught by Laraine Wright through
the Southern Illinois Learning in Retirement (SILIR) program. The
course begins March 20th and costs $10, plus
the $25 SILIR annual membership.
Laraine will cover the basics of learning to locate, identify, attract, and feed resident and migrant birds. Three two-hour sessions will be held indoors at the Newman Center in Carbondale (Thursdays beginning at 9:30 a.m.) and two will be field trips. "I'm really grateful to Barbara Kupiec for agreeing to give us a tour of the Kupiecs' seven-acre property, which is certified as an Urban Wildlife Sanctuary," Laraine says. "I'm also grateful that the SIAS board has allowed me the use of our slides during the course."
If you are interested in joining SILIR, which offers a wide variety of classes in the spring and fall, call SIUC's Division of Continuing Education at 536-7751 or sign up in person at Washington Square, Building C, just north of the Newman Center in Carbondale. Classes are open only to SILIR members.
The subject for this month can best be put in the form of a question: Why is it important to most of us to name a bird when we see it? Why aren't we satisfied to say simply, "That's a lovely bird, isn't it?" or "That bird sings beautifully, doesn't it?"--and leave it at that? If we are at all serious about birds, it is also, of course, important to name birds correctly, adhering to the common names listed by the American Ornithologist's Union. I have a friend who lives near Makanda who was in the habit of calling the large birds that roost above the town chicken hawks. He expressed only mild interest when I told him their "correct" name is turkey vulture.
Several obvious reasons might be given for wanting to name the birds we see. If we keep personal lists, naming is essential, and when we talk or write to other bird people, we need an accepted set of names in order to communicate efficiently. If we are doing bird counts or surveys of a scientific nature, it's important to name the birds correctly.
Beyond these obvious reasons there is, I think, another deeper and emotionally more satisfying reason: naming a bird makes it ours, giving us a kind of control over it. When several are birding together, special credit goes too the person who first sees and names a particular bird, especially a rare one. It becomes his or her bird.
This notion that naming gives the namer a kind of power is an ancient one. In the fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin, the queen, formerly a poor miller's daughter, is threatened with the loss of her first-born child if she cannot name the little man who has helped her. Learning the name gives her the power to save her child.
In Homer's Odyssey, when Ulysses escapes from the cave of the giant Polyphemus, after putting out his single eye, the giants roars, "What is your name?" The crafty Ulysses, knowing that Polyphemus would gain the power to pursue and punish him if he answers truthfully, replies "No Man." Even the Bible contains an illustration of the principle. When Moses is chosen by God to lead the Israelites, he asks Him what he should tell the people when they say, "What is his name?" --the one who has sent me? God says, "I AM THAT I AM," and tells Moses to reply, "I AM has sent me unto you." This non-revealing name is similar to Ulysses' "No Man" and appears calculated to maintain the mystery and power that surrounds Him.
All this may seem a long way from our desires to name birds, but I think there is a connection. -David Kvernes
In awe of all the snow geese returning north.
Hear their sweet harmonious honking as they fly.
Hear them in the distance, they'll soon be overhead.
Hear dozens more in the distance; see hundreds overhead.
Amazing, the order in the chaos.
Moving, chasing, pitching, flowing; many too one.
This writhing mass, a living wonder.
Sun sets. Spirited, they go steadily on through the night. -Rhonda R.
* * * * * * In early February Frank and Myra Bennett had a red-headed woodpecker frequenting the suet feeders in their backyard, the first one in the 18 years they've lived at their Grantburg home. * * * * * * Vicki Lang has heard American woodcocks peenting and displaying near her rural home since 02/12. * * * * * * Kevin Curty reported seeing (and hearing) a very vocal flock of snow geese flying south the night of 02/12, adding that he guessed they couldn't make up their mind where to go. * * * * * * At noon on 02/13 at Evergreen Lake south of Carbondale, the Thursday lunch birders were entertained by a very vocal red-shouldered hawk that was also doing an aerial dance. The group saw 3 black vultures, a very stately great blue heron, 2 small flocks of Canada geese and 2 large flocks of snow geese. * * * * * * On 02/14 CONWR Biologist Mike Brown reported that the refuge had increasing numbers of ring-necked ducks and northern pintails. The day before, he saw his first green-winged teal and American widgeon for the year. Mike added that pairs of red-tailed hawks and bald eagles have become active: soaring, hunting, and perching together. * * * * * * Vicki Lang passed on the word that the Union County Refuge manager reported seeing 2 golden eagles recently on the refuge. * * * * * * Joe Merkelbach reported seeing about thirty wild turkeys on the morning of 02/14 about 1/2 mile west of Radom. Also lots of snow geese in the air too. * * * * * * On 02/15 Frank and Myra Bennett, while out for a day of bird watching, stopped at Union County Refuge where they observed 3 bald eagles and one immature golden eagle, the latter perched/hunting in a tall partially dead tree over a field of mixed geese and ducks. * * * * * * Despite being pelted with rain and snow all day, Keith McMullen, Dan Kassebaum, and Frank Bennett did a little birding in Southern Illinois on 02/22. The trio located over 65 species including 33 wild turkeys, 100+ lapland longspurs (one flock), 15 species of ducks, and a variety of others. Among the birds they saw were short-eared owls and American woodcocks on The Nature Conservancy property in Johnson County. * * * * * * While returning from an early March trip to St. Louis, David Kvernes saw 12 wild turkeys along IL Rt. 127 north of Pinckneyville. He'd just seen a similar sized flock near St. Louis in a fairly developed area. * * * * * * On 03/03 John and Martha Schwegman reported that between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. two flocks of sandhill cranes flew over their house, located between Joppa and Metropolis along the Ohio River. The flock was headed more or less north flying quite high. John stated that other crane sightings at their house in the last 6 years were 02/24/97 and 03/02/99. He added that the cranes probably fly over every late winter but are not noticed if they are not outside to hear them. * * * * * * Frank Bennett observed 6 tree swallows and a long male purple martin on 03/06. The seven were all feeding together over a small area of the lake. He did not observe any more martins or swallows on the drive around the lake. A tundra swan was present and seven waterfowl species were also observed, all were in the impoundment areas surrounding the lake proper. * * * * * * On 03/14, Frank Bennett led an outing to Rend Lake. Frank, Don Mullison, Dennis Hale and others located over 60 species of birds including 2 long-eared owls, 3 long-tailed ducks, lesser black-backed gull and 30-40 sandhill cranes that they heard flying overhead. * * * * * * During a weekend trip to Springfield on 03/10, Laraine Wright observed thousands of snow geese flying over her motel, which was very near Lake Springfield. She said, "Against the clear, black sky and lighted from below, they were incredibly beautiful: as though each were lit from within." It was reported by David Bohlen that some 65,000 snow were at Lake Springfield at the time, the most he'd ever seen at one spot in Illinois. Laraine took a walk through Adams Sanctuary in Springfield, counting five brown creepers at one locale with probably at least one more calling close by. She'd never seen more than two at once. * * * * * * While bicycling north of Murphysboro near the water treatment plant in early March, Don Mullison spotted a loggerhead shrike. * * * * * * On 03/12 Rhonda and Rob Rothrock observed an American woodcock peenting and performing its mating display at sunset just behind there home. A woodcock, they assume the same bird, was still sounding off and displaying at 10:30 p.m. that night.
Abundant across much of North America and found in an amazing variety of habitats, the adaptable Tree Swallow is a familiar avian denizen of wet woodlands, fields, farms, and suburbia. Tree Swallows are among the first migrants to head north in spring and the last to leave in the fall, and they winter in tremendous concentrations in southern North America and northern Central America. A cavity-nesting species, Tree Swallows have become dependent upon human-supplied nest boxes in some areas. -The National Audubon Society
For many years, a shallow, wooden box on my front porch has become one of my most popular feeding stations in winter. Carolina wrens, titmice, and mockingbirds visit the box for their daily fare: live mealworms. From mid-December through early March this winter, the birds ate 18,000 mealworms, which I'll continue to provide through March.
I place the box where I can easily view it through a large picture window. Nearby is a flowering quince bush where the wrens and mockingbirds gather to take turns trying to dominate the box. If the mockingbirds become too contentious, I set up a separate feeding station for the wrens on my side porch.
I buy the worms in bulk through Timberline Fisheries near Marion. I call in the morning and pick up my order in the afternoon. A ventilated box of 5,000 large standard mealworms costs about $18. I keep the box inside my house and periodically drop in slices of potatoes for food and moisture.
Each morning, I shake mealworms into the outside feeder box and keep an eye on how fast they are being eaten. The most activity is early morning and late afternoon. The wrens stay close to this food source. They roost on a shelf I nailed to the inside of the porch eaves, protected from the wind. For many years, the wrens have also used this roost shelf as a nesting site.
To order mealworms, call Timberline at 800-423-2248. For pick up, take Market Street south of the Marion town square. Go several miles until you see the large Timberline sign on the left. -Laraine Wright
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working closely with the California Department of Fish and Game, is investigating the senseless shooting and killing of Adult Condor 8 (AC-8), one of the last California condors taken into captivity in the 1980s and a matriarch of the captive-breeding program. AC-8 was found dead on 02/13/03 and a subsequent necropsy determined that the bird died of a gunshot wound.
One of only a few dozen endangered California condors in the wild, AC-8 was the last female condor captured in 1986 in a last-ditch effort to save the species from extinction. AC-8 was believed to be more than 30 years old. She spent 14 years in captivity in the captive-breeding program, produced 12 offspring in captivity, and was the first of the original wild birds to be released in April 2000.
No arrests have been made. A reward is being offered and a hotline has been set up at 916.414.6664.
There are only 79 California condors in the wild in California and Arizona and 118 in captivity at the San Diego Wild Animal Park and the Los Angeles Zoo.
The Shawnee National Forest (SNF) has conducted a series of public workshops to develop comprehensive alternatives to the changes proposed to the Forest Land and Resource Management Plan during the current revision. The draft alternatives that resulted from these workshops are posted on the SNF website: www.fs.fed.us/r9/shawnee under the subject heading, "Forest Planning". The information presented at the workshops by the Staff is posted at the same location as "Planning Workshops Powerpoint Presentations," "Land Ownership Adjustment," and "Wild and Scenic River Identification and Designation."
The public is invited to review the draft alternatives to determine if individual concerns have been addressed. Any additional proposal(s) for the alternatives, should be submitted by one of the following three methods: by mail to SNF, Attn: Alternatives, 50 Hwy 145 South, Harrisburg, IL 62946; through the "Comment" link on the "Forest Planning" page; or by email to shupe@fs.fed.us. Include name and telephone number. Deadline for proposals is March 25, 2003.
Jim Shofstall, SIAS website master, has started a list server for SIAS (and SIAS friends). He has provided the following instructions for signing onto the listserver:
If you have any questions, please email Jim at: selsyn@midwest.net or FrStr@flashchat.net . A big "thanks" to those of you who have already signed onto the listserver. Another big "thanks" to Jim for donating his time and efforts to the list server and SIAS website. Speaking of the website http://www.siaudubon.org , Jim is in the process of updating it. If you have an idea or artwork to share, contact Jim at one of the above email addresses. -Rhonda R.
This is a very important time of year for Free Again Wildlife Rehabilitation. Spring is fast approaching and will bring with it a flood of orphaned babies birds and animals. A few owl chicks have already arrived. It's time for Free Again to stock supplies and medications to sustain the hundreds of young and injured animals that come with spring.
Become a member of Free Again, Inc. Your yearly membership dollars
will be used to help return sick and injured wildlife back to a life in
the wild. Individual membership is $20; Family
$35; Patron $100.
Mail your payment along with your name, address, and phone number to:
Free Again, c/o Bev Shofstall, 4031 Big Muddy Rd., Carterville, IL
62918.
Free Again IS an incredibly busy place and in need of devoted volunteers and a variety of supplies. Also, they are trying to build a new songbird habitat and are seeking building materials, construction labor, and monetary donations. For more details on Free Again, their needs, and how you can help, phone 988.1067.
Interested in learning more about butterflies and gardening to attract them? The following website offers a color PDF version of the Butterfly Garden newsletter: http://www.tomterrific.com/butterfly/bgnewslatest.pdf
Shawnee, a semi-domesticated brown bear, escaped from his owner while being exercised on his owner's Pope County property in early March. The local sheriff stated that although he had on played with the bear on more than one occasion and knew it as tame, residents should keep their distance, restrain their house pets, and secure their trash cans. After several days out on the lam, Shawnee returned home on 03/13. The State of Illinois is investigating the incident.
Jeff Hoover, Avian Ecologist at the Illinois Natural History Survey, is still interested in receiving reports about any Eurasian collared-doves seen in Illinois. Any records of sighting should include: The date of the sighting (dd/mm/yy), general location (county, nearest town, cross streets or road), specific location (e.g., bird feeder, grain elevator, power line), and the number of individuals seen. Any other information (behavior, interactions with other species, etc.) about the doves is also appreciated. If you have information you are willing to share, please send it to Jeff at: jhoover@inhs.uiuc.edu or phone 217-265-0950.
There are several stories about when the first Earth Day was celebrated, most credit seems to go to former Senator Gaylord Nelson for coming up with the notion of a nationwide teach-in on the environment. His idea came to fruition on April 22, 1970.
In 1975 President Gerald Ford proclaimed March 21st as Earth Day. President Ford's dedication included these words: "The earth will continue to regenerate its life sources only as long as we and all the peoples of the world do our part to conserve its natural resources. It is a responsibility which every human being shares. Through voluntary action, each of us can join in building a productive land in harmony with nature."
Thursday March 20th, the vernal equinox, is considered International Earth Day by many; "Natures Day" all over the world. On that day the Peace Bell at the United Nations in New York will ring at 8:00 p.m. EST - the beginning of Spring. Those that celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, usually celebrate with events the weekend before, the week of, and the weekend after.
Seems like the best idea, as some do say, would be to celebrate Earth Day every day. -Rhonda R.
To Join The Society:
Contact Vicki Devenport, Membership Chair.
| Officers | ||
|---|---|---|
| President | Richard LaSalle | 687.3023 |
| Vice-President | Rhonda Rothrock | 684.6605 |
| Secretary | John Utgaard | 549.3412 |
| Treasurer | OPEN | |
| Committee Chairs | ||
| Education-Conservation | Vicki Lang | 549.8390 |
| Finance | Laraine Wright | 457.8769 |
| Hospitality | Lew Hendrix | 529.2022 |
| Membership | Vicki Devenport | 549.5625 |
| Outings | Trevor Hinckley | 549.5588 |
| Newsletter Editor | Rhonda Rothrock | 684.6605 |
Contributions to the newsletter are always welcome! Contact Rhonda
Rothrock, 7398 Hickory Ridge Road, Pomona, IL 62975 E-mail:
woodthrusheola8@netscape.net
-< -< -< -< -< -< -< -< -< -< -< -<
-What kind of bird is in the news? A tern of events.
-Why do well behaved terns always fly in pairs? Because one good tern deserves another.
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 constantly reused computer! Are you using recycled paper?)
:-)