TH TENNES E WARBLER Newsletter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society April, 2004 Editor, Theresa Graham PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Twelve hardy TOS members attended the Winter Meeting at Pickwick Landing State Park. Although cold, some very exciting birds, including Thayer’s Gull, and a Sprague’s Pipit, were seen by some members of the group. Considering the general lack of interest, perhaps the society should consider giving up this meeting. (It will be a discussion item on the agenda in May.) Please note the list of the members who have received the TOS Distinguished Service Award published in this issue of the Warbler. It was culled from the minutes of the Society since the inception of the awards in 1990. If any recipient’s name was omitted, please be assured it was not done intentionally. Let me know of any omissions so the list can be corrected. All members who have been given the award should be recognized. Looking over the list reminded me of the many dedicated members who have been honored It also brought back many pleasant memories. We truly do belong to great organization. Ron Hoff was the guiding force behind instituting the awards. Thank you Ron for giving the society a meaningful way to thank those members who have contributed so much over the years. Another matter for discussion at the Spring Meeting is the Endowment Fund for the publication of the Migrant. The Financial Statement presented at the Fall Meeting did not indicate that the Society has any restricted funds in its treasury. A search was made of the Minutes of the Society in order to clarify this issue. The Minutes from an Annual Meeting held in 1980 state that there is such a fund. Certainly this is a long time ago and the money in the fund at that time totaled only $8000.00. The society needs to re-examine this matter and decide, as a body, if it wishes to continue having a Migrant Fund, if so, how big it should be and if it should continue to be funded by Life Memberships. Please mull this matter over and be prepared to share your thoughts at the Spring meeting. During a recent trip to Maryland, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting of Allegany Chapter of MOS. The program was given by Eric Savage, who is the organizer of a BioBlitz at New Germany State Park for the last two years. The concept might be of interest to some of our members. In addition to conducting a census of the birds, an effort is made to list all the flora and fauna in a designated area. Eric shared an organizational guide with me which I will be happy to pass on. The concept was developed by the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and BioBlitzes have been held successfully in the North East. Eric has included his email address in case anyone would like to contact him for further information. In January, TOS was asked by Dr. David A. Buehler of the Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries at the University of Tennessee to support an initiative to develop a Chair of Excellence. This professorship would be focused on the restoration and management of grassland ecosystems in Tennessee, primarily for avian wild life. The Executive Committee voted to endorse the proposal. Please plan to attend the Annual Meeting in May. The Chattanooga Chapter has put together an outstanding meeting. Hope to see many of you there. Virginia Reynolds treynold@midsouth.rr.com The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 2 2004 ANNUAL MEETING IN CHATTANOOGA The Chattanooga Chapter invites you to help us celebrate our 50 th anniversary by attending the TOS Spring State Meeting here in the Scenic City! The meeting will be held April 30-May 2 2004, which is the peak of spring migration here. The registration fee for the meeting is $5. This year’s banquet will be held on Saturday, May 1 on the Southern Belle Riverboat. For information on the riverboat, go to http://www.chattanoogariverboat.com/www. The banquet will be held from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm, and the cost will be $20 per person, and is all inclusive; cruise, meal, tax, and tip. Reservations for the cruise MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN APRIL 9! This deadline is imposed by the riverboat company and is non-negotiable. A reservation form is attached with this newsletter. You may also download a registration form from the TOS website (http://www.tnbirds.org/Springmtg2004.htm). The speaker for the spring state meeting will be Mr. Scott Weidensaul. Scott is a natural history author and writes for the Philadelphia Inquirer. He has written books on such topics as the natural history of the Appalachian Mountains, rare and endangered species, and bird migration. For lodging, we are recommending the EconoLodge at the intersection of Interstate 24 and Brown’s Ferry Rd. They are reserving a block of 25 rooms for us at $58.00 + tax. Reservations need to be made by March 30. Call 423-821-9000 and mention you are making reservations for the TOS meeting. This motel is conveniently located to the riverboat as well as many of the field trips. As a bonus, the owners said they would be willing to provide continental breakfast starting at 5:00 AM to accommodate our needs. If you choose to stay elsewhere, there are many other motels in the area, with rates varying between $42.00 and $89.00 per night. Field trip destinations include Craven’s House (songbirds), Brainerd Levee (shorebirds, wading birds), Standifer Gap Marsh (shorebirds, wading birds, rails), and Baylor School (songbirds). All these field trips will be run both Saturday and Sunday (May 1st and May 2nd). There may also be a trip to see the Peregrine Falcons that nest in town. A reception/registration will be held Friday, April 30 th at the Reflection Riding Arboretum and Botanical Garden, starting at 7:00 pm. The board meeting will be at 1:00 pm, Saturday May 1st. The board will meet at the University Center on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Directions: To get to Reflection Riding from the EconoLodge: Take Browns Ferry Rd. south to Highway 1 1 . Turn left onto Hwy 11 and drive approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Old Wauhatchie Pike and drive 0.1 miles. Turn right onto Garden Rd, which leads to Reflection Riding. To get to UTC: Take 1-24 East and get off on Highway 27 North (about 4 miles). Stay on Hwy 27 for about 3 miles and get off at the 4th St. exit. Go straight on 4th St. until you come to the UTC campus, recognizable by round coliseum on the right (Mabel St.). Turn right onto Mabel St. and the University Center will be the large building on the right, across from the Confederate Cemetery. Parking is available along the street, student parking lots, and a parking garage. We are looking forward to seeing everyone this spring! David Aborn President, Chattanooga Chapter The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 3 TOS BIRD FORAY SATURDAY-MONDAY, MAY 29-31 POLK COUNTY, TENNESSEE It’s been a few years since we’ve done a bird foray in Tennessee so we thought it was time for another. ATOS bird foray is run to get birders into an area, usually a county that is not birded very much. This gives us a chance to find out more about what birds are present in our state at a given time of year. Maybe someone will find a nesting record of something unusual! Polk County in extreme southeastern Tennessee is an area that has seen many changes over recent years. This was a very important copper mining region and not too long ago a big portion of the county was in really bad shape due to those mines. With a lot of work, those areas noware mostly becoming forested again. It would be interesting to do another survey there in a few years to see how things change over time, as the land heals further. This is also the site of the 1996 Olympic canoe and kayak slalom competition. The schedule for the weekend is as follows: Saturday, May 29 Meet at Cherokee Inn at 5:00 p.m. See the web site for directions. This late start should give more people a chance to get there from farther away. At that time we will review plans for Sunday’s count, and then do some birding. Sunday, May 30 Groups and individuals will spend as much of the day as possible doing bird counts in assigned territories. Begin as early as possible. For those arriving late, meet at the Cherokee Inn at 8:00 a.m. to join in the birding. A late afternoon or early evening meeting time may be announced later - teams can get together to review what was seen. Monday, (Memorial Day), May 31 An early morning meeting time and place will be discussed later. We will cover areas not counted the day before or head to other places for general birding. Lodging and headquarters: Cherokee Inn (http://www.cherokee-inn.com/) in Reliance will serve as the meeting area for this Foray. Call 1-800-301-2732 to reserve your room. Be sure to mention “TOS” when calling to make hotel reservations in order to get these rates. Rates are $55 for 2 people ($60.09 with tax) $65 for 4 people ($71.01 with tax) This includes a continental breakfast. If you are going to come with a larger group, consider renting one of their cabins. See the web page for photographs. This would be a nice place to bring a non-birding spouse or the entire family. See http://www.ocoeetn.org/index.html for more about Polk County, (and for other lodging options if rooms at Cherokee Inn fill up. Alternative lodging can be found in Cleveland, TN) Please contact David Trently at dtrently@utk.edu; 865-974-8664 (w); 865-531-1473 (h) if you plan to attend. I would like to make many of the territory assignments prior to the Foray. The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 4 Kenn Kaufman to Speak at Warner Park Nature Center, Nashville Birds and the Undiscovered World with Kenn Kaufman Friday, April 23 7-8:30 p.m. Adults Registration opens April 9 Naturalist, author, birder and conservationist Kenn Kaufman has pursued birds in remote regions, but he contends that the natural unknown that they inhabit begins right outside our doors. Learn about the power of personal observation that connects people with mystery and adventure and helps them comprehend the importance of preserving the natural world. Sponsored by Friends of Warner Parks and the Nashville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society Leader: Kenn Kaufman, Field Editor to Audubon Magazine A Bird Hike with Kenn Kaufman Saturday, April 24 7:30-10:30 a.m. Adults Registration opens April 9 Here’s a rare chance to take a hike with birder, naturalist and author Kenn Kaufman. Space is very limited so call early. Sponsored by Friends of Warner Parks and the Nashville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Leader: Kenn Kaufman, Field Editor to Audubon Magazine A Birder Looks at Butterflies Saturday, April 24 1:30-2:30 p.m. Registration opens April 9 After writing afield guide to birds, Kenn Kaufman has just finished a butterfly field guide in exactly the same format, giving him plenty of opportunity to think about how the two groups compare. In this talk he shares secrets about why these creatures are utterly different from birds, how they experience their miniature world, and what the butterflies are REALLY thinking about. Sponsored by Friends of Warner Parks and the Nashville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Leader: Kenn Kaufman, Field Editor to Audubon Magazine The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 5 NEW STATE ORNITHOLOGIST HIRED Michael Roedel has returned to Tennessee as the new State Ornithologist with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Mike is known to many in TOS as a fine birder and past TOS Board member. He has worked for the past decade as a wildlife biologist with a primary emphasis on the conservation and management of birds and biodiversity. From 1995 - 1998 he worked with the Tennessee Conservation League (under contract with TWRA) collecting and synthesizing information about neotropical migrant birds in TN and provided that information to land managers. He was very active in the early formation of Partners in Flight in the state and helped train TWRA biologists and wildlife officers in the field methodology for PIF point counts. In 1 998 he took a position with The Nature Conservancy and moved out of state (but remained a TOS member). There he gained experience with GIS and worked with a range of partners to plan and carry out projects, share scientific information, and to prepare ecoregional, regional, state and site management plans. His knowledge of the birds of Tennessee is extensive and he brings to the position experience that will be a great asset to the conservation and management of birds in the state. Melinda Welton was invited to represent the birdwatching and conservation community in the interview process. Mike started his new position on March 1st and his contact information is: Michael Roedel, State Ornithologist Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency PO. Box 40747 Nashville, TN 37204 (615) 781-6653 michael.roedel@state.tn.us J.B. OWEN MEMORIAL AWARD The purpose of the J.B. Owen Memorial Endowment is to honor the memory of J.B. Owen, longtime Tennessee Ornithological Society (TOS) member known to thousands in East Tennessee through his columns in Knoxville newspapers. J.B. Owen was an active member of the Knoxville Chapter of TOS (KTOS)from 1947 until his death in 2001 . He was awarded the TOS Distinguished Service Award in 1 990 (Nicholson, C.P 2001 . “In Memoriam: J.B. Owen (1915-2001),” The Migrant, 72(1): 34-35, Knoxville, TN, March). The Endowment provides funds for the annual J.B. Owen Award, with expected value of $250 to $500 per year. The J.B. Owen Award is open to anyone with a project that promotes the welfare and conservation of birds in Tennessee. Applicants should submit the following information: • Cover letter with short project description and applicant contact information • Resume • Project proposal, of up to three pages, showing topic of the project, problem to be addressed, objectives, expected results and significance, deliverables (for example, written report, journal article, presentation), project location, and project schedule. Each year, applications are due by May 1 and should be sent (preferably) by e-mail to marieoakes@msn.com or mailed to Jerry Hadder, 18 Rockingham Lane, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831. The J.B. Owen Endowment Com- mittee of KTOS will evaluate applications and will typically announce the J.B. Owen Award winner the following September. The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 6 Mountain Top Mining Threatens Cerulean Warblers A draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the impacts of mountain top removal/valley fill coal mining in the region of West Virginia to Tennessee was released for comment late in 2003. The EIS suggests there will be a massive and permanent impact on entire suite of mature forest birds of high conservation concern, including the Cerulean Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Worm-eating Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Wood Thrush, Yellow-throated Vireo, and Acadian Flycatcher. The core of the Cerulean Warbler breeding range coincides very closely with the area proposed for coal mining, and studies show that habitat for as many as 137,000 breeding Cerulean Warblers could be lost within the EIS study area in the next decade due to the mountain top removal process. Unfortunately, the alternatives presented in the draft EIS only pertained to expediting the permitting process for mountain top mining. The Environmental Protection Agency, Army Corps of Engineers and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) were the agency responsible for drafting the document but apparently the concerns of the FWS were overruled. In an inter- agency memo from September 2002 they warning that publication of the draft EIS, “will further damage the credibility of the agencies involved” and that the proposed actions offer “only meager environmental benefits.” They criticizes the draft EIS because it does not consider any options that would actually limit the mountain top area mined and the streams buried by the valley fills. The draft EIS also does not take into consideration the anticipated increase in future demand for Appalachian coal in Tennessee due to the planned construction of flue gas desulphurization units (scrubbers) at existing coal-fired generating power plants owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority. This increase in mining activity has already begun. The draft EIS projects that Tennessee will issue permits causing the loss of 9, 1 54 acres of forest between 2003 and 2012 based on permits issued between 1992 and 2002. However, between December 2002 and October 2003, over 5,000 acres of surface mining permits have already been approved. Conservancy to prepare a formal comment letter on the draft EIS (available for viewing at www.abcbirds.org/policy/mtm_letter.htm) documenting the devastating impacts of this practice to priority bird species. The letter, signed by 50 conservation and bird groups, was sent to the President, Secretary of Interior, EPA Administrator, and Head of the Army Corps of Engineers. The groups demanded that such coal mining practices cease until environmental concerns have been addressed and a revised EIS has been re-issued for public comment, a request that was denied by the Corps. Litigation is pending. Tennessee Ornithological Society signed on to the ABC letter and the Conservation Committee drafted an additional letter with additional Tennessee concerns. Contact: Melinda Welton, weltonmj@earthlink.net American Bird Conservancy Policy Council TOS has been a member of the American Bird Conservancy Policy Council since 2000. President Virginia Reynolds and Conservation Chair Melinda Welton currently serve as representatives. Both Virginia and Melinda were able to attend the November 2003 meeting of the Council in Washington D.C. Some of the topics on the agenda included: wind energy and the bird mortality potential of wind turbines; mountain top mining impacts on Cerulean Warblers and other forest birds, the Boreal Songbird Initiative and the critical importance of Canadian boreal forest to migratory birds, and avian mortality at window glass and possible solutions. The Policy Council is proposing a name change to the Bird Conservation Alliance in order to create a much broader network. Its purpose will be to engage more organizations and individuals nationwide in efforts for improving communications, information sharing, and bird conservation. Visit the ABC website www.abcbirds.org for more information about the Council or for a copy of Bird Calls ; a regular newsletter with information on current and emerging bird conservation issues. Melinda Welton worked with the American Bird The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 7 CBC COUNT DATA DUE If any of the compilers out there have not sent me your 2003/2004 CBC data, it is long overdue and I need it immediately. Please remember to include your effort data. Please send it to the address given below. For all future counts, including the traditional counts (both spring and fall) and the North American Migration Counts (both spring and fall), I have decided that if the count is to be published in The Migrant, there needs to be at least 5 hours of field work. This would reflect at least a minimum dedicated effort to census the count area. I will accept ALL count data and will keep it in my archives, but only count areas that receive 5 or more hours of field work will get published in The Migrant. I hope this represents a common sense approach to publishing count data and not publishing some random data along with true count statistics. I would welcome any comments and/or criticisms about this decision. As always, have fun participating in our state bird counts and above all, be safe. Thanks for all the efforts by all the observers. It is much appreciated. Ron Hoff, 282 Hackworth Ln., Clinton, TN. 37716. dollyron@esper.com TOS state count compiler TOS Distinguished Service Awards 1990 Sue Bell, Nashville Mary Davant, Memphis Ken Dubke, Chattanooga Lil Dubke, Chattanooga Katherine Goodpasture, Nashville Lois Herndon, Lee R. Herndon J.B. Owen, Knoxville Arlo Smith, Memphis Noreen Smith, Memphis James T. Tanner, Knoxville 1991 Ben Coffey, Memphis Lula Coffey, Memphis Helen Dinkelspiel, Memphis George Mayfield, Columbia Robbie Hassler, At-Large 1992 Martha Waldron, Memphis Ruth McMillan, John Sellers Charles Nicholson, Knoxville 1993 Virginia Price, Nashville 1994 David Pitts At-Large 1995 George Payne, Memphis 1996 Carolyn Bullock, Memphis Jim Campbell, Knoxville 1997 AnnTarbell, Nashville 1999 Robert T. Hatcher, Nashville 2001 Susan McWhirter, Memphis Fred Alsop III, Lee Herndon 2002 Jim Ferguson, Memphis Ruth Luckado, Highland Rim Also in 1 996 George Woodring received a special award And Allen R. Phillips was made an Honorary Member in 1995 The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 8 CHAPTER. NEWS GREENEVILLE CHAPTER - Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officer James McAfee addressed the Greeneville Chapter on January 1 7 on the topic of Lick Creek Bottoms Wildlife Management Area in western Greene County. TWRA has been working for over a decade to acquire holdings along Lick Creek to create a WMA and wildlife refuge. Despite budgetary setbacks, the agency continues to work to secure land necessary to completing its plans. The news for birds and birders is good: to date, four large properties comprising a few thousand acres have been acquired. Greeneville birders (and others) have been surveying and monitoring these areas since the mid-90’s and have recorded good numbers of species and high numbers of individuals of certain uncommon species. A few rarities have also been found, including Short-eared Owl, Willow Flycatcher, and Henslow’s Sparrow. Winter birding in Greene County this year produced several noteworthy observations: Snow Goose (18- 19, January 18 and 25, both white phase and blue phase), Ross’s Goose (3, December 18-19), Sandhill Crane (December 27), dark-morph Red-tailed Hawk (February 14), Rufous Hummingbird (throughout the winter), Gray Catbird (December 27), and Purple Finch (observed regularly by several members throughout the winter). Don Miller The MEMPHIS CHAPTER’S Christmas Count on December 14 reached 104 species, a record high total. Two species, Common Ground-Dove and Blue- winged Warbler, were firsts for the count. Other notable birds found include Mute Swan, Long-tailed Duck, Peregrine Falcon, and Forster’s Tern. While several common species were notably low in number, high counts were tallied for Greater White-fronted Goose (55), Blue-winged Teal (16), Greater Scaup (27) and Eurasian Collared-Dove (161). Next year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Memphis Chapter. The TOS state meeting is being planned for April 29, 30, and May 1 2005. MTOS is seeking a high turnout to help celebrate this event, so mark your calendars. Well-known birder and author Paul Baicich has agreed to speak at the banquet. Further details for next year’s spring meeting are forthcoming. The JOHN SELLARS TOS Chapter had a wonderful meeting at the Brinkhurst’s home in Lebanon, TN this past February. Highlights included regular yard bird visitors, such as Goldfinches & Nuthatches, and most of the club members were able to join us! Reports of feeders included Purple Finches, Brown Creepers, White-throated Sparrows. We still missed a few members & look forward to their presence when they can join us. Other sightings included Red-headed Woodpeckers, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Cedar Waxwings (near Birchwood) and White-crowned Sparrows. All commented on the unusual numbers of Robins this winter. Our chapter is excited for a spring filled with birds! We plan to visit Radnor Lake in April for a birding trip. Several members were able to travel to Birchwood TN to see the Sandhill Cranes this past February. In March, we’ll meet at the Presbyterian church & see a Sandhill Crane video. During April’s meeting, we will meet in conjunction with Cedars of Lebanon State Park’s annual Wildflower Pilgrimage. Melissa Turrentine The NASHVILLE CHAPTER conducted two winter bird counts, the traditional Christmas Count circle west of town on Dec. 20th and on Jan. 1st the “Lakes Count” covering parts of Percy Priest and Old Hickory lakes on the east side. A species total of 86 tied the high count for the last 10 years for the Nashville Count. Short-eared Owls at Shelby Bottoms was a highlight of the Lakes Count. Winter programs were Michael Birely’s presentation in December on sparrow identification “The Misun- derstood LBJs” and in January Jan Shaw and Rich- ard Connors presented a slide/video program on birding Ecuador with an emphasis on hummingbirds. Field trips included: Wheeler Refuge in Alabama for water birds and target species like Lapland Longspurs; Big Sandy Refuge for the great variety of water birds and land birds there; and a woodcock watch at Warner Parks was followed by a potluck supper at the Nature Center. The Warner Parks and NTOS will host a Kenn Kaufman weekend in April. See article elsewhere in this newsletter for details. Rob Peeples Richard Connors The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 9 CHAPTER. NEWS KNOXVILLE CHAPTER- Congratulations to Chris- tine and Roger Tankersly on the birth of their son Calvin in December. Congratulations, also, to Don Vowell, and his wife Mary Alice, whose adoption of Jose, a one year old from Guatemala, is at last finalized. Presenters have included: Harold Howell: “Western Wildlife Odyssey”; Kris Johnson “Wetland and Meadow Restoration in Cades Cove”; Dr. Sandy Echternact: “Midway Atoll: Its Birds and a Lot More” and our annual “Club Members Share Slides Night”. Harold Howell, ourever-active field trip chair, planned a myriad of trips, including ones to Hiwassee Refuge, the North Boundary Trail at Oak Ridge, Kyker Bot- toms, Chota WMA, Hall Bend/Tellico Dam, and sev- eral to Seven Islands Refuge. David Trently planned a great long-weekend of birding in coastal Georgia and South Carolina for several club members (and a couple Chattanoogans) in January. A Gull-billed Tern in Georgia was one of the highlights among the 130 or so species we saw. On the way back we stopped to see the Yellow-billed Loon that has been seen on a small lake outside Atlanta for a number of weeks. Knoxville area residents have been treated to a small, but high-quality and interesting, exhibit of bird art at the McClung Museum. Artists include John White, the first artist to do work on flora and fauna of North America, and Jacques le Moyne, whose depiction of Wild Turkeys in Port Royal, South Carolina was the first illustration of North American birds. The main feature of this exhibit is the work of Mark Catesby, for whom the Bullfrog (Rana catesbiana) is named. Catesby, known as the Colonial Audubon, worked in the southeasten US in the early 1700s and published “Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands. This exhibit will be at the McClung Museum until May 16. I would strongly encourage anyone vis- iting the Knoxville area to check this out. Mark Campen, who works with the Isaac Walton League, began leading our 5-member Conservation Committee this winter. The committee is strong, fea- turing plant pathologist David Trently, terrestrial ecolo- gistAllan Trently, engineer Harold Howell and ornitholo- gist Jim Giocomo. So far they have scheduled meet- ings with TVA and other local agencies, so that the welfare of birds and bird watching will be acknowl- edged in major decisions. Mark also moved a Purple Martin box the club put up several years ago in UT, but which has not been used. It’s new home is Seven Islands Refuge, a couple exits east of Knoxville on I- 40. KTOS members and Seven Islands Refuge manager Wayne Schacher have been working as a team for the benefit of birds and bird watchers. Wayne has encouraged KTOS input on decisions made at the refuge, where positive management actions have in- cluded burning out fescue and replacing it with native grasses. Wayne has participated in several of our birding trips, which have included sightings of Barn Owl, Loggerhead Shrike, Peregrine Falcon, large flocks of American Pipits and hundreds of Swamp Sparrows. Club member and UT PhD candidate Jim Giocomo has been banding sparrows there, and has attempted to band owls. David Trently is leading the effort to compile a list of birds seen at the refuge. Local Christmas Bird Counts in Norris, Great Smoky Mountains — centered in Gatlinburg (64 species), Cades Cove (61 species) and Knoxville (85 species + 5 during count week), all had good participant turn- out this year. Notable birds have included a Sage Thrasher for the last 3 months, several Rufous Hummingbirds, banded or otherwise confirmed by Chris Sloan of Nashville. One adult male Calliope Hummingbird graced us with his presence for 3 days; Harold Howell got some good pictures. An Executive Committee unanimously passed a club vote at our February meeting. These ten active club members will meet monthly to plan events such as club trips, any meetings we host in the future, and other club business. The committee is also working on a set of club bylaws. Meetings are open to all KTOS members. We are soliciting proposals for JB Owen grants for projects that directly benefit birds in East Tennessee. Please see the Knoxville Chapter’s section of the TOS website for details. Charlie Muise The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 10 HOLLY OVERTON, BELOVED KTOS MEMBER, PASSES AWAY by Barbara Finney Harriet (Holly) Brown Overton, 96, died October 29, 2003, after being an active member of the Knoxville Chapter ofTOS for over 55 years. Holly joined after she and her husband, E. E. Overton, moved to Knoxville about 1947. J. B. Owen’s chapter history “Our First 70 Years” records Holly as serving as secretary/treasurer in 1949 and later as vice president, president and had served as refreshment chairman since 1990. She always said she didn’t want to be a director and have to attend business meetings at state gatherings because she wanted to go on the afternoon field trips. Holly loved to travel to new birding spots and with tour groups visited over 50 countries and amassed a list of over 5,000 species worldwide. KTOS was the beneficiary of some of those trips when she used the slides made on these trips for programs. Once I was at the airport to meet my husband’s flight when Holly arrived with a couple of other TOSers from South America. She was hurrying to get home to repack for a trip to Outer Mongolia. Owen’s book relates Holly’s adventures on a Hiwassee trip, “The exact year is not remembered, but on one early trip to Hiwassee Island the barge was halfway back to the parked cars when the passengers discover that Holly Overton was not on board. The barge turned around, and in due time Holly was found, happily looking for birds and in no way showing the alarm that the other members felt.” She was a graduate of Beloit College, active in the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, UT Faculty Women’s Club, Martha Washington Garden Club, Knoxville Symphony Merit Board, Second Presbyterian Church and volunteered at UT Hospital. Surviving are her daughter Nancy Overton Weigel and son Roger Brown Overton and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. We shall all miss her determination and spirit. Holly was a worker and an asset to all the activities she entered. Pictured Above: At the March 2003 meeting of KTOS, then Chapter President David Trently (right) presented Holly Overton with a plaque recognizing her outstanding service as Refreshment Chairman for Chapter meetings. The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 11 J.B. Owen Overlook Dedicated on Sharps Ridge by Stephen Lyn Bales In the spring it’s the place to be; that bony finger of Cambrian sandstone we call Sharps Ridge. It seems an anomaly, located in the center of urban Knoxville. The busy city, a chaotic whirling dervish, sprawls around and below the formation. Yet, up there, you’re somehow above it all. Its location offers remarkable views. Looking toward the southeast, you can see for miles, as cityscape gives way to ridge and valley all the way to the aged Appalachians. On a good day you can see the entire Smokies’ crest and its famous peaks: LeConte, Collins, Mingus, Buckley, Thunderhead, Clingmans Dome. And then there’s the glorious month of April, when wave after wave of migrating warbler and vireo and oriole pause on Sharps Ridge to take refuge and refuel. During the spring it’s a gathering spot for local birders. Walking along the park’s narrow road and pausing at the overlook, spring literally explodes all around you. It’s a tonic that revitalizes the citified heart and mind still waking from winter’s cabin fever. Former Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe with Frances Owen at J.B. Owen Overlook’s dedication on December 16, 2003. Francis Owen & Mayor Victor Ashe unveiling the memorial plaque. You’d often find the late J.B. Owen there. “It became his favorite place to bird in Knoxville,” said Frances Owen, his widow. “This was his spot.” Now the lofty perch bears his name. On December 16, 2003, outgoing Knoxville Mayor Victor Ashe dedicated the site with a plaque in his honor. For now and forevermore the location will be known as the J.B. Owen Overlook at Sharps Ridge Park. “I know J.B. is up there, looking down on us smiling,” said Mayor Ashe to the gathered covey. Also in attendance that sunny but cool day were Vice Mayor Jack Sharp, Parks and Recreation Director Sam Anderson, councilmen Larry Cox and Steve Hall, plus, as you would expect, a large contingent from KTOS including Frances Owen. J.B. served as president of KTOS in 1952-53. Like Sharps Ridge, J.B. Owen was a treasure. His newspaper column “For the Birds” began in the old Knoxville Journal on March 10, 1960 and ran three times a week. On January 7, 1973, it moved to the Knoxville News Sentinel and appeared weekly as “Nature Scrapbook” until his death. He passed away February 4, 2001 the same day his last column-about mute swans-appeared. If you do the math, that’s over 3,400 newspaper columns, a remarkable feat. Naming the lofty location for him was the right thing to do. His dedication to the birds and people of East Tennessee was heartfelt. As long-time KTOS member Jim Campbell is quoted as saying, it “couldn’t have been more appropriate.” We’re sure we all agree because we know his spirit will always be found there. The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 12 Tennessee Ornithological Society Balance Sheet (below) as of 12/3 1/03 & Statement of Activities (right) Fiscal Year 2003 r Dec 31, 03 ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings 99999 ■ Cash 101000 - Operating checking 455.40 107000 ■ Savings account 3 , 703.70 Total 99999 ■ Cash 4 , 159.10 Total Checking/Savings 4 , 159.10 Other Current Assets 139999 ■ Investments 148000 ■ Investments 212 , 328.13 Total 139999 ■ Investments 212 , 328.13 1 212 , 328.13 Total Current Assets 216 , 487.23 TOTAL ASSETS 216,487.23 LIABILITIES & EQUITY Equity 3000 ■ Opening Bal Equity 211 , 050.73 3900 ■ Net Assets Net Income Total Equity 216 , 487.23 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 216,487.23 These records are subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors at the Spring Meeting. Jan - Dec 03 Income 409999 ■ Corporate & foundation grants 422000 ■ Foundation & trust grants 2,000.00 Total 409999 ■ Corporate & foundation grants 2,000.00 I 0 1 509999 ■ Collateral Materials 515000 ■ Patches & Decals 74.50 Total 509999 ■ Collateral Materials 74.50 l D 1 529999 ■ Dues & membership fees 512000 ■ Institutional Memberships 570.00 531000 ■ Individual Memberships 8,788.00 Total 529999 ■ Dues & membership fees 9,358.00 l 1 1 539999 - Investment income 541000 ■ Int. on savings & temp, invest. 1.87 542000 - Dividends & int. from securitie 2,380.22 Total 539999 ■ Investment income 2,382.09 I 1 1 549999 ■ Rental & royalty income 553000 ■ Atlas Royalties 25.74 Total 549999 ■ Rental & royalty income 25.74 I El 1 579999 • Realized & unrealized gain(loss 581000 ■ Change in mkt. value of invest. 2,226.97 591000 ■ Proceeds from sale of invest. 2,193.96 579999 - Realized & unrealized gain(loss - Other 1,341.87 Total 579999 ■ Realized & unrealized gain(loss 5,762.80 Total Income 19,603.13 Cost of Goods Sold 940999 ■ Cost of goods sold 941100 ■ Merchandise Purchases 460.33 Total 940999 ■ Cost of goods sold 460.33 Total COGS 460.33 Gross Profit 19,142.80 Expense 2,500.00 700999 ■ Grants & Donations 701000 - Conservation & Research Fund 704000 ■ Organization Memberships 300.00 700999 ■ Grants & Donations - Other 2,500.00 ■ Total 700999 ■ Grants & Donations 5,300.00 a a 769999 ■ General Expenses 1,158.29 789999 ■ Publication Expenses 790001 ■ The Migrant 790100 ■ Printing Costs 5,038.42 790101 ■ Layout Costs 1 ,675.00 NH 790102 ■ Mailing Expenses ■ 790103 ■ Back Issues Total 790001 ■ The Migrant 8,284.66 1 i i 1 790002 ■ The Tennessee Warbler 790200 ■ Printing Costs iKSD ■ 4,008.15 790003 ■ TOS Web Site 364.45 Total 789999 ■ Publication Expenses 12,657.26 Total Expense 19,115.55 Net Income 27.25 The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 13 TENNESSEE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2003 Membership Report Life S usta ining F a m ily A c tive S tude nt T otal Tennessee-At- Large 23 1 3 17 43 B risto 1 3 1 16 18 3 41 B u ffa lo R iv e r 1 ! 1 1 6 3 21 C hattano o ga 24 13 62 89 1 189 C o lumb ia 2 9 9 20 G reene ville 13 1 1 24 Highland Rim 2 13 23 38 John W . S e liars ! 8 7 15 K no x ville 7 2 53 70 132 Lee H erndon 7 14 15 36 M emphis 22 6 ! 56 55 139 N ashville 17 6 ' 43 80 1 147 TO TALS 108 28 301 1 400 8 8 3 0 * 1 Libraries (for 2003 M igrant V olume) 32 * S ome members are members ofmore than one chapter, so this total is not a sum of the individual chapter totals. Reminder to all At-Large members and Chapter Treasurers: 2004 dues are due no later than March 31. From that point forward, anyone not paid for 2004 will be dropped from the publication mailings. NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the selection of Danny Gaddy as nominee forTOS President for the years 2005 to 2007. The committee will propose to the Board of Directors & Membership, at the Spring State meeting in Chattanooga, Danny Gaddy as President-Elect. Bio: Danny came to Chattanooga in 1983 and became serious enough in January of 1988 to participate in his first Christmas count. Since then, he has tried to participate in as many as three Christmas counts a year. Christmas counts and the Spring Migratory count are his favorite types of field birding. He is very dedicated to the conservation and education aspects of birding. As a teacher, he tries not to miss a chance to introduce birding and environmental education to his students. Danny is currently the Vice President of Programs in the Chattanooga Chapter of TOS and has previously served as historian and two terms as President of the local Chapter from 1999 to 2001. Danny & his wife have been state TOS Directors since about 1998. Nominating Committee: Richard Connors, Rick Knight, Theresa Graham The Tennessee Warbler April, 2004 Page 14 A Sandhill Crane’s Ballet Long legs piercing muddy fields Your graceful neck then bows, Raising large gray wings, lowering them Dance over. Vulture’s Flight Silence Gliding over tree-filled sandstone canyons casting my dark shadows on walls I soar. Cinquains Written by Melissa Turrentine John Sellars Chapter REGISTRATION AND BANQUET RESERVATION FORM FOR THE SPRING TOS MEETING The registration fee for the meeting is $5.00. The banquet will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2004 on board the Southern Belle Riverboat in Chattanooga, TN. The cost will be $20.00 per person, which includes the cruise, meal, taxes, and tips. Name: Address: Phone: E-mail: Number of people in your party: Do you want a vegetarian meal? Yes (if so, how many) No Amount enclosed: Please make checks out to the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Return this form with your payment to: David Aborn Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, UTC 615 McCallieAve. Chattanooga, TN 37403-2598 REMEMBER: YOUR RESERVATION MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN APRIL 9, 2004, AND ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. “THE TENNESSEE WARBLER” Published by the Tennessee Ornithological Society P.O. Box 198704 Nashville, TN 37219-8704 PRSRTSTD U.S. Postage Paid Memphis, TN Permit No. 1286 Send Corrections & Change of Address Requests to: The Tennessee Warbler ♦ P.O. Box 198704 Nashville, TN 37219-8704 ♦ treasurer@tnbirds.org / \ JUNE 30 th DEADLINE The deadline date for the August issue of The Tennessee Warbler is June 30 th . 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 V