TH TENNES E WARBLER Newsletter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society August, 2008 Editor, Theresa Graham PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Summer Greetings, The annual TOS membership meeting was held in Memphis in late April. Thanks to Memphis chapter for their hospitality with special thanks to chapter president Dick Preston, to field trip leaders, and to all who helped make the weekend a success. And congratulations to Dick Preston on being voted new TOS president! Dick will serve as president-elect for a year and take over as president in the spring of 2009. Speaking of Spring 09, this meeting will be held in Nashville, close to the center of the state for ease of travel, to help with these high gas prices, and hopefully will assure a good turnout. The fall meeting has also been set; it will be hosted by Chattanooga TOS and held in the Chattanooga area. See announcements inside with details about both future events. Notes on a few items that were covered at the spring business meeting: The future possibility of hunting Sandhill Cranes was discussed with representatives form TWRA making a presentation to the Board of Directors. The Conservation Policy committee came up with a position statement opposing hunting as the situation now stands. See article inside. The subject of e-newsletter came up again. There will still be a paper newsletter for anyone who wishes to have one, but if you wish to save paper and receive it electronically only, that will soon be an option. Look for notice about it this winter. You send in with your dues, to TOS Treasurer, a request to opt out of a paper copy of the newsletter. The most recent Warbler is always available on the TOS web site, thanks to web master Chuck Nicholson. And again, thanks to Theresa Graham for her continued service as The Tennessee Warbler newsletter’s editor. But she is willing to give it up as soon as we find the next newsletter editor, so if you feel a calling to do this important job please let us know. At the board meeting I made a suggestion to re-establish a Constitution By-Laws Comm ittee to look at ways to improve the organization of TOS, to look at all aspects of TOS as it appears on paper. Re-defining and clarifying the duties of officers and committees will help with transitions and continuity. Smooth continuity is the key to continued success of the organization. After presentation of details by Finance Committee chair Ron Hoff and Treasurer Mac McWhirter, the board voted to purchase what we can call “liability” insurance for the Club. That insurance is now in effect. At the banquet three TOS members were awarded the Distinguished Service Award. See inside for a note on these folks with photos. This fine organization is spread out across a wide state. On the internet TNBird helps draw us closer together. If you have access to a computer, you don’t have to burn any gasoline or pay for postage; just log on and catch up with what birds are being seen and when the next club meetings are being held. Thanks to Wallace Coffey for continuing to moderate this great service. It is our entity now, and all should feel free to tune in and contribute on occasion. . . or often. This also helps alert us to “local issues” such as Bell’s Bend development that we are now dealing with in Nashville (see note on this under Nashville report). This state-wide group can often have an impact when it comes to local issues. Keep us informed; we may be able to help each other protect Tennessee birds. Richard Connors, Nashville The Tennessee Warbler August, 2008 Page 2 TOSFall Meeting Chattanooga, Tennessee November 7 - 9, 2008 The Chattanooga Chapter extends an invitation to all TOS members across the state to attend the TOS Fall Meeting, to be held November 7 - 9, 2008. The registration fee for the weekend event will be $1 0.00. Lodging: A block of 1 2 rooms at the Econo Lodge Lookout Mountain, 1 50 Brown’s Ferry Rd, has been reserved for TOS. Call 423-821-9000 for reservations. Be sure to ask for the TOS meeting rates, which are $54.99 per night ($5 - $1 5 off standard rate). We encourage people to reserve hotel room soon. For more information, pictures and directions visit the Econo Lodge website: http://www.econolodge.com/ and use the locator for Chattanooga, Tennessee (Lookout Mountain). Note: This was the same hotel used for the 2004 spring meeting in Chattanooga. It is NOT up on Lookout Mountain. Field trips Trips will be held Saturday and Sunday morning. The destinations are not yet finalized but are likely to include: The Flonors Course - (golf course - will be able to get around in golf carts but number will be limited), Standifer Gap Marsh, Chattanooga Nature Center, Brainerd Levy, Nickajack Lake, Chester Frost Park & possibly somewhere in Georgia. Schedule Friday, November 7 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Chattanooga Nature Center - Registration & refreshments; announcements; sign-up for field trips Saturday, November 8 7:00 am - 11 :30 pm 12:00 pm -1 :00 pm 1:00 pm -4:00 pm 4:00 pm - 6:00 Field trips-depart from Econo Lodge Lunch break Paper session - Chattanooga Nature Center Board of Directors meeting - Chattanooga Nature Center Sunday, November 9 7:00 am-12:00 pm Field trips-depart from Econo Lodge For questions, directions or additional information, contact: David Stone - 423-238-4234 (work), 423-413-7033 (cell); Danny Gaddy - 423-31 6-5647 (cell): Cathy Lockwitz - 423-653-1 640 Directions to Chattanooga Nature Center (from Nashville) http://maps.qooqle.com/ maps?saddr=,+nashville,+tn&daddr=400+Garden+Rd.,+Chattanooqa,+TN&hl=en&ie=UTF8&z=8 Directions to Chattanooga Nature Center (from Knoxville) http://maps.qooqle.com/ maps?saddr=,+knoxville,+tn&daddr=400+Garden+Rd.,+Chattanooqa,+TN&hl=en&ie=UTF8&z=8 We look forward to seeing everyone this fall! David Stone, President, Chattanooga Chapter The Tennessee Warbler August, 2008 Page 3 NASHVILLE TO HOST SPRING MEETING We are pleased to announce that the Nashville Chapter of TOS will be hosting the Spring Meeting, scheduled for May 1-3, 2009. Further details regarding registration, accommodations, etc. will be posted on the web site and in The Warbler closer to the time. I i NAMC & Spring Count Data Due Data for spring counts are now due. Please send any data from this spring’s bird counts (either NAMC or traditional counts) to me as soon as you can if you have not already done so. All Tennessee Bird Counts should have the following data included with the bird statistics: 1 - miles and hours by foot, car, and other modes (canoe, horse, etc.) for each party. 2 - miles and hours for each nightbirding (owling) party are kept separately. 3 - Feederwatching hours are also kept separately; include names of feederwatchers. 4 - All count day weather data: temps; wind; precipitation; clouds, storms/fronts. 5 - Please include the starting and ending times of the count. 6 - Please include the number of observers, number of field parties, and names of all observers. For example, one person in a car is one observer in one party; 4 people in another car are 4 observers in one party; this example results in 5 observers in 2 parties. 7 - Please send the data to Ron Hoff, 282 Hackworth Lane, Clinton, TN 37716. E-mail is acceptable at aves7000@bellsouth.net . I would like to have the data sometime in the first month after the count. This allows timely reporting to The Migrant editor. These statistics help future researchers make better use of the data. It greatly helps any count compiler to follow the latest AOU checklist order when turning in data. This is the checklist that the compiler follows and it is usually updated every year. The checklist can be found at http://www.aou.org . If you do not have access to a computer, the species order on the most recently printed green TOS field card is correct. It is also important that you keep a copy of the records you turn in to your compiler. This way, if anything gets lost, there is a backup. I hope everyone had a great time. Can’t wait for the next one! Great birding, Ron Hoff , Tennessee Bird Count Compiler - Tennessee Ornithological Society 282 Hackworth Lane, Clinton, TN 37716 (865) 435-4547 aves7000@bellsouth.net The Tennessee Warbler August, 2008 Page 4 GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT Guidelines for Tennessee Ornithological Society 2008 Conservation and Research Grants The Tennessee Ornithological Society invites applications for Conservation and Research Grants to support projects that will directly or indirectly help to protect the birds of Tennessee, increase scientific knowledge, or educate others about the importance of Tennessee’s birds. A total of $3000 is available to be awarded for the grants, which may be divided among multiple recipients. Anyone with a bird-related project, including students, professionals, and individual workers, may compete for a grant. The project may already be in progress at the time of application. Applicants should submit a project proposal using the form that is available on the TOS Website ( www.TNBIRDS.org ). The information needed includes: name, address, telephone, E-mail address (if any) of applicant, topic, problem to be addressed, objectives, expected results and significance, project location, beginning and ending dates, estimated field time, estimated total cost of project, itemized budget, funds available from other sources, how grant is to be used, experience of applicant in the project area, willingness of applicant to share results at a statewide TOS meeting, and if the work is under the guidance of a mentor or is independent. A letter of recommendation from a mentor or a knowledgeable associate is strongly encouraged. Up to $50 of a grant may be applied toward the costs of attending an appropriate scientific meeting to present results of the project. Criteria forjudging applications will include: — Significance of problem addressed, — Clarity of proposal, — Adequacy of project design, — Adequacy of experience/training, — Adequacy of professional guidance, — Financial need, — Chance for achieving objectives, — Potential benefit to the species/resource, — Potential for advancing career/studies, and — Potential for sharing results at a future statewide TOS meeting. The application and letter of recommendation should be emailed (preferably) or mailed to David Pitts, Biology Dept. UTM, Martin, TN 38238; dpitts@utm.edu : (731 ) 881 -71 71 The deadline for receipt of applications is October 15, 2008. Applicants will be notified of the Committee’s decisions immediately following the Fall TOS meeting in early November. A check for 60 percent (60%) of the amount awarded will be mailed to the grantee(s) upon approval of the award(s). The balance of each award will be paid after the project leader sends a satisfactory progress report with itemized costs and receipts to the Committee Chair, David Pitts. All grant awards will be announced in The Tennessee Warbler. Tennessee Ornithological Society Conservation and Research Funding Committee Chair, David Pitts The Tennessee Warbler August, 2008 Page 5 TOS Conservation Policy Committee Melinda Welton and Bob Hatcher, TOS Conservation Policy Committee Co-chairs ACT FOR SONGBIRDS: ACTION ALERT TOS has become a member of a coalition of Bird Conservation Alliance member organizations working for the early reauthorization of the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA). We are asking all TOS members to write individual letters asking your Representative to become a co-sponsor of the reauthorization bill. It’s easy and IMPORTANT!!!!! To send a letter to their Representative simply go to www.actforsongbirds.org. You fill in your name and address and click send and the pre-written letter will be sent to your Representative. For more impact, personalize the letter yourself and click send. Background: U.S. Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI) and Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) have introduced bipartisan legislation for early reauthorization of Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA). The bill, H.R. 5756, would significantly increase funding for this highly successful program. NMBCA is the only federal U.S. grants program specifically dedicated to the conservation of our migrant birds that is available Americas-wide. It has a proven track-record of success, having supported 225 projects in 44 U.S. states/territories and 34 other countries since its inception in 2002. More than $21 million in NMBCA grants have leveraged over $97 million in required matching partner contributions. Advances in conservation for many species, such as work by the American Bird Conservancy and its partners to protect the declining Cerulean Warbler, during migration and on the wintering grounds owe much to the NMBCA. The reauthorization bill proposes a significant increase in maximum funding from $6 million to $20 million. Currently, many more grant applications are received than can be funded, and so many worthwhile projects go unsupported. This increase in the NMBCA is therefore crucial in helping achieve international bird conservation goals. To send a letter to your representative asking him or her to become a co-sponsor, go to http:// www.actforsonabirds.org . The system is fully automated. Simply filling in your full address, click send, and your message will be sent directly to your Congressperson. Please add your personal comments to increase the impact of your email. REMINDER: BUY YOUR DUCK STAMP The new Migratory Bird Stamp, better known as the Duck Stamp, was released just late last month. The Stamp costs $1 5 and is available at Post Offices and NWRs across the country. Ninety-eight percent of the cost of the Stamp goes directly to secure wetland and grassland habitat for National Wildlife Refuges. Over the seven decades since its creation, the Federal Duck Stamp has raised more than $670 million for the acquisition of more than 5.2 million acres of wetland habitat for the Refuge System. Every birder is encouraged to buy a Stamp and display it when in the field. It’s about as simple as that. The Tennessee Warbler August, 2008 Page 6 TOS Statement on Hunting Sandhill Cranes Earlier this year the Tennessee Wildlife Federation (formerly Tennessee Conservation League), an independent organization representing hunters, requested Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) move to implement hunting of Sandhill Cranes. There had been rumors before, but the public TWRA Commissioners’ meeting this winter brought it to light in the press. TWRA is to begin a detailed study of Sandhill Cranes which may take years to complete. Here is excerpt from TOS Conservation Policy Committee co-chair Melinda Welton’s research this spring: “What will first be needed is a management plan that TWRA hopes to complete by March 2009. The plan will need to include an intensive monitoring program...” and this “could be very expensive. Currently there are no states in either the Atlantic or Mississippi Flyways with SACR hunting seasons. After TWRA completes the management plan they will bring it to both of these flyways for their approval. The plan will then be submitted to the USFWS who will work with the two flyways to make a decision. They expect the process to take 3 to 5 years.” One problem is endangered Whooping Crane associating with Sandhill Cranes. No amount of hunter training will assure that no Whooping Cranes would be shot. In the Eastern flyway Whooping Cranes are still being introduced. Problem of feeding: cranes are eating crops, some of which is meant for waterfowl. TWRA has been spending resources feeding and managing cranes. Hiwassee Refuge and Tennessee in general, was originally thought to be stop-over territory only. As you know, many stay through the winter if there is food to eat (if you feed them they will stay). Some crop damage has been documented and a few farmers have gotten permits, which allow them to “remove” up to 25 birds on their property. None have actually been shot by farmers yet, as the “problem” birds moved on before any action could be taken. Hunting and shooting as means of scaring them off, forcing the flock to move on, is the management technique TWRA has come up with. The Sandhill Crane population is increasing, but hunting may not be the answer to population control. One result of all this is that TWRA will no longer sponsor the Crane Days at Hiwassee Refuge and will no longer feed cranes there. It is unfortunate that they are turning their backs on what was previously deemed “watchable wildlife”. We recommend TWRA simply stop feeding cranes specifically and see if this takes care of the problem. In our view, Sandhill Crane and Whooping Crane viewing is more valuable than all other considerations combined. Tennessee Ornithological Society does not support hunting of Sandhill Cranes in Tennessee. Below is statement drafted by TOS Conservation Policy Committee and approved by the TOS Board of Directors at the spring 2008 meeting: “The Tennessee Ornithological Society does not at this time endorse a hunting season on Sandhill Cranes. While crop depredation may be a problem, we believe other management techniques to reduce depredation and slow the crane population growth should be fully implemented prior to the opening of crane hunting. These include active efforts to reduce the short-stopping and concentrating of cranes. We also support research on the economic impact of both crop depredation and crane- watching.” Richard Connors The Tennessee Warbler August, 2008 Page 7 Obituary for Stephen Satterfield The Tennessee Ornithological Society lost a friend and long-time supporter on Monday, May 26, 2008, when Stephen Satterfield of Plainview, Tennessee, died during heart surgery. Stephen was born on May 6, 1952, in Plainview, Tennessee, just northeast of Knoxville. After high school, Stephen went to work for the Knoxville Utility Board where he worked for 25 years. He had also worked a couple of jobs after a short retirement from the utility company. Stephen had a keen interest in birds and birding from the early 1 960’s and became a TOS member in 1 983. Over the years he and his wife Rebecca became known for being very good and credible birders, always being careful with their sightings and data and observing nearly 330 species in Tennessee. Just this spring they had one of the few sightings of Townsend’s Solitaire ever in Tennessee in their side yard. Afew years ago they also had a Harris’s Sparrow on their property. In addition to birding, Stephen’s other main hobby was listening to and appreciating music in all its forms. During his lifetime he had amassed a music library of over 2000 albums/CD’s, along with a self-built sound room to listen to it in. He was also an exacting craftsman, often building his own version of whatever it was he needed, and he usually built it better. He was the go-to guy where home maintenance was concerned. Stephen’s family was his true passion. He and Rebecca live right across a county highway from Stephen’s mother and father. His father had been battling cancer for 1 0 years and was facing the worst when Stephen went into the hospital. Stephen’s father, Roy, passed away the day after Stephen went into the hospital and he was unable to attend the funeral. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca, his mother, Betty, and his brother, Kelly. I’ve known Stephen since he and Rebecca joined the Knoxville Chapter of TOS. We have been on several trips together to find birds around the state of Tennessee and one time in Cheyenne Bottoms, Kansas. Many times on Sharpe’s Ridge in the spring I would find Stephen’s 6’4" frame (known to most of us as “the big guy”) showing anyone who was interested a migrant warbler or something. Everybody I know liked Stephen and I never heard a bad word about him. He was well liked by most who knew him and his time on this earth was cut far too short. He will be dearly missed. Ron Hoff 2008/09 Duck Stamps on Sale Now Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, commonly known as “Duck Stamps,” are pictorial stamps produced by the U.S. Postal Service for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They are not valid for postage. Originally created in 1 934 as the federal licenses required for hunting migratory waterfowl, Federal Duck Stamps have a much larger purpose today. Federal Duck Stamps are a vital tool for wetland conservation. Ninety-eight cents of every dollar generated by the sale of these stamps goes directly to purchase or lease wetland habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Since the Stamp’s inception, more than $700 million has been raised to acquire more than 5.2 million acres in hundreds of refuges across the Nation to conserve America’s birds, other wildlife and their habitats. The stamp also serves as an entrance pass for refuges with admission fees. The 2008/09 stamp, featuring a pair of Northern Pintails, went on sale June 27th. Understandably, the Federal Duck Stamp Program has been called one of the most successful conservation programs ever initiated and is a highly effective way to conserve America’s natural resources. The Stamp costs $1 5 (legislation is pending to raise it to $25 next year) and every birder should have one. Available at most Post Offices, Wal-Marts and sporting goods/ outdoor stores, like Bass Pro Shops. For more info: http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/ or http://wwwrefuaenet.org/new-general-info/DuckStamp.html (this site has a link to a chart displaying the % of each NWR purchased through Stamp revenue). The Tennessee Warbler August, 2008 Page 8 CHAPTER NEWS The BRISTOL BIRD CLUB had an exciting spring with field trips every weekend during March, April and May. Our field trip co-coordinator, John Moyle, did a great job of not only planning them but leading many of them. Other months we do two trips. Officers for 2008-2009 were elected at the May meeting. President-Dave Worley, Rosedale, Va. V. President-John Moyle, Kingsport, Tn. V. President-John Hay, Kingsport, Tn. Secretary-Diana Worley, Rosedale, Va. Treasurer-Janice Martin, Bristol, Tn. Our “Rainforest Adventure Committee” set up a trip to Ecuador for July. VP John Moyle will lead the trip. On July 26th, we will have our annual picnic, where we will celebrate with Wallace Coffey his 50th anniversary of birding. Wallace and wife Carolyn are still very active in the club. The picnic will be at Steele Creek Park. Members of the club and others from the area are assisting Rick Knight in publishing his new Birds of Northeast Tennessee. If no problems develop, we hope to have it available in August. It will be a full color edition and a must have item. We are currently planning for our annual banquet to be held September 1 9th. September is a big month for our club as we sponsor the Hawkwatch at Mendota Fire Tower in Southwest Virginia. Ron Harrington, with the help of many others, will co-ordinate the watch. On September 20th, Larry McDaniel will lead many members of the club and the public for a great day of Hawking and fellowship. We have many very active birders that work hard to make our club a success. I wish I had space to name them all. My thanks go out to all of them. It is amazing what can be accomplished when we work together and do not care who gets credit. Dave Worley The GREENEVILLE CHAPTER - Spring and summer brought an impressive variety of birds to Greene County. Among the bounty were the following species, reported from early March to late June: Ross’s Goose (8 March), American Bittern (3 May), Cattle Egret (1 June), Bald Eagle (an astonishing 4 at one site on 1 9 April), Virginia Rail (1 -3, on 1 5 and 29 March), White- rumped Sandpiper (2, on 24 May), Short-billed Dowitcher (2, on 5 July), Eurasian Collared-Dove (a July report confirms the 49 th consecutive month at a site in the western portion of the county), Willow Flycatcher (at two sites, 8 and 22 June), Warbling Vireo (1 4 June), Common Raven (3 at a low-elevation quarry on 1 5 June; nesting judged to be likely), Marsh Wren (12 April), Blue-winged Warbler (on four dates from 20 April to 1 May), Orange-crowned Warbler (16 April), Swainson’s Warbler (on 1 June; probably nesting), Vesper Sparrow (1 -3, on four dates in March), Lincoln’s Sparrow (19 April), Lapland Longspur (29 March), Dickcissel (observed for 11 th consecutive summer at a site in the western end of the county), Bobolink (5, on 3 May), Red Crossbill (28 June). The chapter’s Fall Bird Count will take place on Saturday, 13 September. Birders from outside the chapter are cordially invited to participate. Please contact Don Miller (423-639-4100; pandion@embargmail.com ) forfurther information. Don Miller The LEE AND LOIS HERNDON CHAPTER of Tennessee Ornithological Society held its 65th consecutive Spring Bird Count on Saturday, April 26. The count included five Northeast Tennessee counties: Carter, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington. Atotal of 1 51 species was reported. On average, the spring count has produced about 145 species. The all-time high count produced 161 species. The European Starling ranked as the most common bird with 686 individuals counted. In a close second was the American Robin with 599 individuals. Other common species includedAmerican Goldfinch (593), Common Grackle (455) and Red-winged Blackbird (384). The Tennessee Warbler August, 2008 Page 9 CHAPTER NEWS Continued from page 8 The count found 26 species of warblers, including Golden-winged Warbler and Blackpoll Warbler. Other good finds included a Virginia Rail, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Grasshopper Sparrow, Western Sandpiper and American Woodcock. The chapter held its 15th annual Carter County Summer Bird Count on Saturday, June 7. Atotal of 21 observers looked for birds throughout the county, including such locations as Elizabethton, Roan Mountain, Watauga Lake, Wilbur Lake and the Watauga River. The participants in this year’s count found 1 1 6 species as well as one hybrid and one color morph. Those counting included Fred and JoAnn Alsop, Jim and DarlaAnderson, Gil Derouen, Dianne Draper, Don Holt, Reece Jamerson, Rick Knight, Roy Knispel, Larry McDaniel, Joe McGuiness, Scotty Myers, Kathy and Eric Noblet, Brookie Potter, Bryan Stevens, Kim Stroud, David Thometz, Lisa Tyler and Mary Anna Wheat. Two exceptional sightings took place during the count. First, Pied-billed Grebes were spotted on the Watauga River. These Pied-billed Grebes included young birds. In fact, this represents the first breeding record for Pied-billed Grebe in Northeast Tennessee since at least 1950. Dianne Draper, Don Holt and Larry McDaniel spotted an adult Pied-billed Grebe with two young on the Watauga River. Their other remarkable find was a Great White Heron they located at the TWRA access area onto the river. This is only the sixth record for Great White Heron in Northeast Tennessee. The hybrid bird observed on the count was a Brewster’s Warbler. Not surprisingly, the European Starling with 530 individuals ranked as the most common bird on the count. Other birds found in high numbers included American Robin (292), Song Sparrow (201) and Canada Goose (180). A total of 19 species of warblers, plus the hybrid Brewster’s Warbler, was found. The Hooded Warbler, with 1 03 individuals found, was the most abundant of the warblers. Some other good finds included Northern Bobwhite, Common Loon, Osprey, Red-shouldered Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Summer Tanager and Grasshopper Sparrow. The much-anticipated second edition of Rick Knight’s book, The Birds of Northeast Tennessee, will be published this summer by the Bristol Bird Club. Knight is a long-time member of both the Herndon chapter and the BBC. Knight is also the compiler of the chapter’s seasonal bird counts and keeps records of notable sightings by the chapter’s members. Bryan Stevens _/ MEMPHIS CHAPTER News - At our May meeting, the membership elected the following Officers: President - (returning) Dick Preston; Vice-President - Ginger llardi; Treasurer - Barbara Priddy; Corresponding Secretary and Newsletter editor - Jay Walko; Recording Secretary - (returning) Knox Martin; Curator - Dick Preston. New Local Directors, Allen Sparks and Al Sampson and State Directors, Virginia Reynolds and Van Harris (returning) were also elected. On May 3rd, 1 5 chapter members, lead by organizers Kathie Holder and Jay Walko, held a one day Bird Study Merit Badge event for the local Boy Scout District. 93 scouts, along with dozens of their leaders and parents participated. The program introduced the scouts to a wide variety of birding topics and skills. The event was deemed a huge success by Scout officials. Others participants: Fred Carney (our chapter’s senior member and Eagle Scout), Dick Preston (Eagle Scout), Ken Joerger (Scoutmaster), Carolyn Bullock, Lisa Jorgensen, Gregg Elliot, Camille Voncil, Debbie Bruce (WildBirds Unlimited), Jerry McKenna, Susan Davis, Theresa Graham, Margaret Jefferson, Beth Joerger and Sheila Bentley. This was a great way to introduce a lot of youngsters to birding, and something your chapter might consider. Twenty -two observers scoured Shelby County on May 10th for the International Migratory Bird Day count. A very respectable 141 species were recorded. Highlights included 26 species of warblers, an Anhinga, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Western Kingbirds and nesting Scarlet Tanagers. The Tennessee Warbler August, 2008 Page 10 CHAPTER NEWS Continued from page 9 Brenda and Rick Bostick and their work as songbird rehabilitators were featured in a front page article in the Commercial Appeal. The chapter recently made a donation to assist Brenda and Rick with the cost of food for the injured and orphaned songbirds. The chapter was pleased to host the TOS Spring Meeting. 75 attendees heard feature speaker David Ziolkowski Jr. present a program on the history of the Breeding Bird Survey. Focusing on the Tennessee effort, it gave everyone a new respect for all those who faithfully run “their” route year after year. Special kudos to State Coordinator Chuck Nicholson and Stephen Stedman for their long service to the BBS. We were especially pleased that chapter members Knox Martin and Virginia Reynolds were recognized by TOS with the Distinguished Service Award, presented at the Saturday night dinner. On a lighter note, a total of 1 55 species were recorded over the weekend. Dick Preston _/ _/ _/^ NASHVILLE CHAPTER TOS has had an excellent year. We have had many exciting programs at our monthly meetings. Topics include member’s reports on far-ranging travels to places such as New Mexico, Panama, Southern California, and Australia. We have also had presentations from TWRA as well as a program by John Noel on the preservation of Bon Aqua Woods Natural Area. In addition long time member Bob Hatcher gave a presentation on Challenger and the American Eagle Foundation as well as the new Bald Eagle Commemorative Coin (www.usmint.gov ). Birdwise, the most notable event of the year was the presence of two adult Whooping Cranes which over- wintered in the Bell’s Bend area of Davidson County. Bell’s Bend is one of the last rural areas in Davidson County, and the area is home to two parks, Beamann Park and Bell’s Bend Park. Unfortunately this area is now threatened by a proposed development and bridge. NTOS is working with local community groups to try to preserve the area’s rural character. For further information, or to find out how you can help, please visit www.bellsbend.org . Recent field trips have included Mill Creek Greenway and Percy Priest Lake, Bon Aqua Woods State Natural Area and Natchez Trace Parkway, and Radnor Lake. Our weekly walks at Radnor Lake during fall and spring migration continue to be very popular. Finally we are pleased to announce that NTOS will be hosting the TOS Spring Meeting, scheduled for May 1 -3 2009. Further details regarding registration, accommodations, etc. will be posted on the web site and in The Warbler closer \o the time. Amy Potter The Memphis Chapter expressed its gratitude to long- time TOS member and MTOS Treasurer Carolyn Bullock, who completed her term with the May meeting. We shared a cake decorated with Carolyn’s likeness. Jim and Sue Ferguson composed an ode in her honor: Ode To Carolyn Who welcomes us to every meeting, With friendly smile and cheery greeting? Who introduces guests and friends, Our name tags and the guestbook tends? Why Carolyn, of course! Who’s up for every birding hike, For projects big and small alike? Who knows what bird in forest sings, Knows frogs by croaks, butterflies by wings? Why Carolyn, of course! Who keeps our rosters up to date, Reminds us when our dues are late? Who guards our spending and our money, With nary a hint of anything funny? Why Carolyn, of course! So now we give our thanks to her, For all her work as treasurer. Hip, Hip, Hurray! Hip, Hip, Hurray! Hip, Hip, Hurray! The Tennessee Warbler August, 2008 Page 1 1 TOS Distinguished Service Award Recipients The Spring State Meeting was held April 25 - 27 and hosted by the Memphis Chapter. During the banquet on Saturday evening, three TOS members were awarded the Distinguished Service Award. Virginia Reynolds, Memphis Chapter, is pictured with a well-deserved award for her many years of devoted service in various roles to the organization, including hike leader, Breeding Bird Atlas participant, eagle hacking at Reelfoot Lake, State Director, Vice-President for West Tennessee, Memphis Chapter President, and President of the Society. She is congratulated by Richard Connors, TOS President. Photo by Jay Walko Knox Martin, Memphis Chapter, was recognized for his dedicated service to TOS, which includes leading hikes, giving programs, the recording secretary for the Society and 13 years as chapter recording secretary. But most importantly, he was honored for establishing the Mid- South Raptor Center. He is congratulated by Richard Connors, President & Theresa Graham, Warbler editor. Photo by Jay Walko Robert Neal Frisbie , the “Bluebird Man” of Lawrence County, received the TOS Distinguished Service Award for his work with the Buffalo River Chapter and for his outstanding bluebird project. Neal builds and distributes bluebird boxes, and maintains bluebird trails in the Lawrenceburg area, but the impressive thing is he has done so on a grand scale and all at his own expense. From 1 981 to 2000 he made and gave away 2300 bluebird nesting boxes. Mr Frisbie was unable to attend the Memphis meeting so Buffalo River TOS Chapter presented him with his award. The box in this photo is one of several placed in David Crockett State Park. “THE TENNESSEE WARBLER” Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society P.O. Box 22682 Memphis, TN 38122 PRSRTSTD U.S. Postage Paid Memphis, TN Permit No. 1286 Send Corrections & Change of Address Requests to: The Tennessee Warbler ♦ P.O. Box 22682 Memphis, TN 38122 ♦ treasurer@tnbirds.org OCTOBER 3 1ST DEADLINE The deadline date for the December issue of The Tennessee Warbler is October 31st Please submit all articles, announcements, reports and items of interest by this deadline date. Submit Material To: Theresa Graham, Editor PO Box 366, Oakland TN 38060 (901)465-4263 (home) (901)748-9324 (fax) e-mail: 2graham@bellsouth.net The Tennessee Warbler - August, 2008