TH TENNES E WARBLER Newsletter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society December, 2003 Editor, Theresa Graham ?2li:SIT>£JVTS MZSSJlgZ The Nashville Chapter hosted an outstanding 2003 Fall Meeting. Everything went so smoothly, it would be easy to overlook the amount of work that went into putting the meeting together. The facilities at Warner Park were great - not to mention the wonderful weather and birds. I cannot remember a better paper session. Thank you Nashville Chapter and Chuck Nicholson. An important item was discussed at the meeting and I was asked to restate it for the entire membership. We are all justly proud of the outstanding reputation the Tennessee Ornithological Society has throughout our state and beyond. We should all do our best to maintain our good name. Of course, a member or chapter may communicate to any one on any subject. Being affiliated with TOS does not or should not limit freedom of expression. But, any member, officer, member or chair of a TOS committee who speaks as a representative of our organization must take special precautions. The criteria to be followed are: •The subject matter of any communication should pertain to Tennessee or should address a national issue which will impact on Tennessee. •The subject matter is non-controversial. •The subject matter falls within the purposes of TOS and presents a position adopted by the Board of Directors. If for any reason a communication does not meet all of these criteria, it should be referred to and approved by the Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee. For future reference, copies of all statements should be on file in the president’s records. The Board of Directors voted to join theAllianceforthe Cumberlands, a consortium committed to protecting the Cumberlands in partnership with public and private groups. Dev Joslin and Nell Moore have agreed to be the Contact Persons from TOS to the Alliance. The Board also voted to take over the ownership of TN-Bird Net. Wallace Coffey has agreed to remain as the moderator. Members are still needed to serve on the Finance Committee. If you are interested in serving on this important committee or know of someone who might be willing to serve, please contact me. Plans are being made to have a Foray in East Tennessee and the Executive Committee has voted to go forward with planning a joint Fall Meeting with Kentucky. Further information on the last two events will be printed in future Warblers and on the TOS web site ( www.tnbirds.org ) and on T n-bird. Hope to see many of you at the Winter Meeting at Pickwick on January 9-1 0. In the meantime have a Great Holiday Season and don’t forget to participate in Christmas Bird Counts. Virginia Reynolds treynold@midsouth.rr.com The Tennessee Warbler December, 2003 Page 2 Tfeetto Date: January 9-10, 2004 Place: Pickwick Landing State Park Rooms at the Park are $78.00 a night plus tax Deadline for the 10 rooms being held at the park is December 9, 2003. The toll free number is (800) 250-8615 There is a Hampton Inn with rooms at approximately $64.00 plus tax a night. The Hampton Inn is Located at Highway 57 and Old South Road. Directions from 1-40: Take the Lexington Exit (St. Route 22) south through Shiloh National Park. Then Rt. 142 South to Rt. 57 East which will take you to the Park. This meeting is usually just a birding opportunity with a “Planning Session” on Saturday night. Dear TOS Members: 2004 SPRING STATE MEETING The Chattanooga Chapter invites everyone to join us for the 2004 Spring State Meeting, to be held here April 30-May 2. Our chapter will be celebrating its 50 th anniversary, which will make for an even more festive occasion. The timing of the meeting coincides with the peak of spring migration in this area, and there will be some good field trips, such as the Craven’s House (the best site for songbird migration), and Brainerd Levee (the best local shorebirding spot). We are still finalizing some of the details (e.g. speaker, central lodging location), but we are pleased to report that the banquet will be held on board the Southern Belle Riverboat. The banquet cruise will be from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm on Saturday May 1 . The cost will be $20.00/ person, which includes the meal, cruise, taxes, and tip. There is one catch, however. YOUR MONEY MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN APRIL 9! This deadline is imposed by the riverboat company and is non-negotiable. Reservations received after April 9 will be returned. For your convenience, a reservation form can be found on page 11 in this newsletter. We will update you as we finalize more details. We look forward to seeing everyone in Chattanooga this spring! David Aborn President, Chattanooga Chapter 12 th ANNUAL CHEROKEE INDIAN HERITAGE & ANDHILL CRANES VIEWING DAYS (WHOOPING CRANES TOO!?) FEBRUARY 7 & 8, 2004 BIRCHWOOD, TENNESSEE For general information about local attractions, accommodations, or other questions, call Meigs County Tourism at (423) 334-5850. For specific program information, call Ken Dubke at (423) 499-3584. The Tennessee Warbler December, 2003 Page 3 News Release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region Birding in the United States A new federal economic report found that 46 million birdwatchers across America spent $32 billion in 2001 pursuing one of the Nation’s most popular outdoor activities according to a report from the Interior Department’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The report, Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis, is the first of its kind analyzing data from the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. “Nearly one in five Americans is a bird watcher,” said Service Director Steve Williams. “This report recognizes what we always thought to be true. Birdwatching is very popular and contributes greatly to our economy, so it is important that we continue to work with our partners to restore and protect habitat to ensure healthy bird populations.” Montana, Vermont and Wisconsin led the Nation in birding participation rates as a percent of total State population. California, New York and Pennsylvania had the most birders. Birders spent $32 billion on gear such as binoculars, travel, food and big ticket items such as canoes, cabins and off-road vehicles. This spending generated $85 billion in overall economic output and $13 billion in federal and state income taxes, and supported more than 863,000 jobs. To be considered a birdwatcher, an individual must take a trip a mile or more from home for the primary purpose of observing birds or must closely observe or try to identify birds around the home. Those who notice birds while mowing the lawn or picnicking at the beach were not counted as birders. Trips to zoos and observing captive birds also did not count as birdwatching. Watching birds around the home is the most common form of bird-watching. Taking trips away from home counted for 40 percent (18 million) of birders. The full report is available on-line at < http://federalaid.fws.gov . For those of you who find that your bird feeders and bird baths have become an inviting ‘Cat Cafeteria,’ there may be a solution. In the past several months, we have purchased and installed four ultrasonic devices. Three of them operate on one 9-volt battery each and one operates by plugging it into an electrical outlet. They do seem to work. We now have virtually no dogs in our yard and only one neighbor cat that must have a very poor sense of hearing. It does no harm to the animal, but discourages it by causing it to have that offensive ‘ringing in the ear’ when it is in front of the device. The battery operated ones are activated by motion so the cat learns to travel somewhere other than where the sound is directed. They can be found in several catalogs that you are likely to receive in the mail, such as Jerry Baker’s Garden Catalog, Picket Fences, Improvements, etc. The battery operated ones need to have the battery replaced about every three months but can be placed anywhere. The electrical one needs no battery replacement and it is on at all times. However, it costs more at the time of purchase and must be installed near the electrical outlet. A website for one of the Ultrasonic Yard Protectors is: www.weitech.com . Maybe this will help some others who have trouble with neighbor cats, or even their own friendly feline. JoAnne Routledge The Tennessee Warbler December, 2003 Page 4 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 1990 (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 Committee of KTOS will evaluate applications and will typically announce the J.B. Owen Award winner the following September. J.B. OWEN AWARD FOR AMERICAN KESTREL RESEARCH The Knoxville Bird Club has selected Jennifer Powers, a graduate student at East Tennessee State University, to receive a J.B. Owen Award of $500 to support research on the reproductive success and natal dispersal of American Kestrels. The backbone for Jennifer’s project is the American Kestrel nestbox trail along Interstate 181 in Sullivan, Washington, and Unicoi Counties. The trail has been active for six nesting seasons but never evaluated for nesting and fledgling success. Jennifer will determine how successful the trail is and how it compares with other trails across the country. Fledglings from the previous season were banded, and she will be watching to see if they return to the area in which they were raised. In its review of Jennifer’s proposal, the J.B. Owen Endowment Committee concluded that Jennifer’s project provides an outstanding opportunity for use of J.B. Owen Funds to promote the welfare and conservation of birds in Tennessee. KNOXVILLE BIRD CLUB SUPPORTS GIRL SCOUT FEATHERS & NESTS PROGRAM At its September meeting, the Knoxville Bird Club voted to provide financial support for the Feathers & Nests patch program of the Girl Scouts of Tanasi. This project - to help girls learn more about birds that live in our area - has exceptional potential to promote the welfare and conservation of birds in Tennessee. By the end of the patch program, girls will be able to identify ways to feed birds, including the use of native plants; will build and place bird houses appropriate to our area; and will be able to identify 10 birds that live in our area. The $500 award is provided from funds of the Bird Club treasury, including a significant contribution in memory of Louise Fuller, a past president of the Knoxville Bird Club. The Tennessee Warbler December, 2003 Page 5 Birds of Change Melissa Turrentine Every birder probably has “seasonal” birds; you know, the ones that indicate a change of a season is definitely on the way. I am sure my seasonal birds are not too varied from others around middle Tennessee. I am indebted to the birds for they are the reason why I anticipate the next change with excitement. Each season is announced in some fashion by one or several species of birds. This time of year it is the White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows. The little gentle “tseet” of the White-throated in our brush pile makes me smile as I go into the garden shed now. I have heard and seen their clandestine movements several times, although they are shy at revealing their presence just yet. Last week while walking into school, I thought I heard the White-crowned ... but it only called the one time and was so distant. So, I dismissed it. I also had convinced myself the supposed song I heard, which I proudly & finally learned this spring, will not be like the spring song. Today, the White-crowned was here. That call... . the one that always causes me to pause and say, stammering... ”th thth White-crown...” The White-crowned was finally here. The song wasn’t as loud as the spring song, but it was the White-crowned! I looked over in the hedgerow and there they were - a male and a female. So, I know autumn is officially here. Although I already have seen the Junco flit in front of my car in one area it frequents long before my Juncos come to my feeder and I have seen several Harriers flying low over the fields, I now await the next arrivals. I yearn to see my Brown Creeper that visits after Thanksgiving on the first cold day... the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker coming to guard my suet log... and the mergansers on a nearby pond. These are the reasons why I embrace each season... the birds and other “goodies” nature offers to us. The birds always cause me to stop, listen, watch, and savor... whether it is either a change in the season their presence hints to us or it is a sign that they’re here to stay. As you already do, enjoy your bird(s) of change, be it bringing a cold blustery day or a day filled with sun and a slight nip in the air. f. Occasional Publications Sponsored by the Georgia Ornithological Society Annotated Checklist of Georgia Birds Occasional Publication No. 14 This new edition of the ACOGB was painstakingly and thoroughly researched by the Checklist and Records Commit- tee incorporating information in the species accounts from many sources including the Breeding Bird Atlas project, Christmas Bird and Breeding Bird Census, The Oriole (67 years) and the records of the Checklist Committee itself. Virtually every species is now tied to a museum specimen, photo or other definitive record. The manuscript was brought to completion by Gift Beaton with Paul Sykes and Dr. John Parrish. It provides comprehen- sive detail of range, status and dates of occurence for 446 species of which 407 are now accepted on the Regular Species List. The ACOGB is 1 56 pages in length, 7 by 1 0 inches in size and is spiral bound. GOS will be offering the ACOGB for resale by your club or for bulk orders for use in your school or organization. Contact the Business Manager by email information@gos.org for pricing information. The Tennessee Warbler December, 2003 Page 6 Conservation Committee Report Sundquist WMA Draft Management Plan In June, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency completed a draft of the management plan for the newly acquired 75,000-acre Sundquist Wildlife Management Area. TOS submitted comments on the draft that included: suggesting that the adjacent Royal Blue WMA be included in the plan as the overall management objectives for the two areas are similar; recommending that more specific habitat requirements and management goals for the 3 priority species (Elk, Cerulean Warblers and Golden-winged Warblers) be included; more information on the complex relationship among the partners that jointly own Sundquist WMA and other specific recommendations. For a copy of the draft plan and/or a copy of the comments submitted by TOS please contact Melinda Welton weltonmj@earthlink.net . Actions on TVA Reservoir Operation Study The Conservation Committee submitted a letter that was subsequently signed by Virginia Reynolds expressing concerns relating to the TVA Lake Level Operations Study pertaining to potential loss of bird habitat that would result from many of the water level management scenarios proposed. This letter encouraged TVA to consider the adverse affects of high lake levels on shorebirds and waterfowl as well as other bird species listed on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services List of Birds of Conservation Concern. It was suggested that if bird habitat was lost due to implementation of new lake level policies, mitigation areas should be established to compensate for these losses. Objections were raised regarding the apparent lack of consideration regarding the importance of wildlife based recreation in the dependent recreation impact analyses. American Bird Conservancy Policy Council membership and link to website By Executive Committee vote in January 2000, TOS joined an alliance of over 80 other organizations sharing a common interest in the conservation and study of birds and became a member of the American Bird Conservancy Policy Council. The Council has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative network that has led to horseshoe crab and shorebird conservation, protection of Swainson’s Hawks from deadly pesticides, better measures for protecting albatrosses and other seabirds from long line hooks, greater focus on bird deaths at communication towers and more funding for bird conservation. The Council publishes a regular newsletter Bird Calls with information on current and emerging bird conservation issues. You can download current and back issues from the website as well as learn more about the Policy Council and Council priorities at: www.abcbirds.org Surface Coal-Mining and Impact to Forest Birds Melinda Welton has been invited to give a presentation to the American Bird Conservancy Policy Council on November 13 th on the impacts of surface coal mining on forest birds. She is also drafting comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Mountaintop Mining /Valley Fill. A copy of the Draft can be downloaded at http://www.epa.gov/region3/mtntop/eis.htm . For more information on this issue, contact Melinda Welton weltonmj@earthlink.net . The Tennessee Warbler December, 2003 Page 7 Conservation Committee Report- Continued Cats in Doors In the fall of 1999 TOS passed a Resolution endorsing the American Bird Conservancy’s Cats Indoors! Campaign. This Campaign seeks to educate cat owners and the general public that the nation’s estimated 100 million free- roaming cats kill hundreds of millions of birds each year in the U.S. Outdoor cats often suffer and die prematurely, and can transmit diseases and parasites to people, such as cat-scratch fever, toxoplasmosis, and rabies. The TOS Conservation Committee sent two letters in the past 6 months in support of actions to control the release of feral cats by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Memphis TOS has been involved with this campaign by purchasing brochures produced by the American Bird Conservancy and distributing them through Veterinarian offices in the Memphis region. Any other chapters interested in becoming involved in this excellent campaign contact Dick Preston (901) 837-3360 or donaldpreston@att.net for advice or find information on the American Bird Conservancy website www.abcbirds.org Cats Indoors! Melinda Welton, TOS Conservation Committee Chair TOS Assumes Ownership of TN-Birds Effective Saturday, Oct. 4, 2003, the ownership of theTN-Birds mailing list network was assumed by the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Action to accept the list as a function of TOS was approved by a majority vote of the TOS Board of Directors during the Fall Meeting and Symposium held at Nashville. The Board of Directors also voted that I continue to manage the list and I agreed to be the moderator. Dave Worley, President of the Bristol Bird Club, is a silent moderator who is able to moderate and manage the list in my absence. The change of ownership will have no immediate effect on subscribers or the operation of the net. For me, it means that the list has a more permanent ownership and is assured continuity as provided by TOS. As owners of the TN-Birds Net, the Tennessee Ornithological Society will now have whatever final administrative and policy management for the list as the Board of Directors deems necessary. Likewise the moderator(s) will serve at the pleasure of the Board and is accountable to the Board. This is a progressive and valuable step by the Tennessee Ornithological Society in continuing outstanding services and products to its membership and to the ornithological and birding interests of the state. Thanks to the Board for making this important action. Wallace Coffey Moderator TN-Birds Net Bristol, TN The Tennessee Warbler December, 2003 Page 8 CHAPTER NEWS The Greeneville Chapter - Fall migration seemed sluggish this year in Greene County, although quite a few impressive species were recorded. By the end of October, members had reported the following: Great Egret (1-10 on many dates from Aug. 2-Oct. 19), Yellow-crowned Night Heron (juvenile on Aug. 19), Northern Pintail (4-14 on Oct. 4 and 19), Bald Eagle (adult on Sep. 7), Peregrine Falcon (Aug. 29), Greater Yellowlegs (Oct. 19), Black Tern (juvenile on Sep. 21- 22), Sedge Wren (Sep. 24 and Oct. 10), Nashville Warbler (Sep. 30 and Oct. 7), Northern Waterthrush (Oct. 10 and 12), Connecticut Warbler (Oct. 8), Wilson’s Warbler (Oct. 8), Dickcissel (Aug. 2 and 4), and Lincoln’s Sparrow (Oct. 8 and 18). Greeneville birders were deeply saddened by the death of long-time member Roy Northrop on Sep. 16. He will be much missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. The chapter’s Christmas count is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 27. For information, please contact President Don Miller ( raincrow@xtn.net ; 423-639- 4100) or Statistician Jim Holt (jimbouh@adelphia.net ; 423-639-0525). Don Miller The John Sellars TOS Chapter has had several members take trips lately... to Italy, out west, Okrakoke, and a few other places. Last month’s meeting attendees were treated to a presentation of slides from Ralph Brinkhurst’s Scientific Studies, “From Diaper Dip-nets to Submersibles” and was enjoyed by all! The Fall Bird Count was better than we anticipated, faring over 65 species. (We honestly thought we were going to be lucky to exceed over 45!). We look forward to fall and winter, with a few trips planned. Melissa Turrentine The last 3 months have brought the Knoxville Chapter some great birds, nice friendship, new adventures and one sad loss. As I write this, I have just heard of the passing of a very long time TOS member. Holly Overton, age 96, was well known by all members of our chapter, and by many other folks around the state. In recent years she was known as the lady with the big smile on her face who supplied the snacks for every club meeting in recent years. Those who knew her longer than I, tell wonderful stories of a world traveler with a great sense of humor. We will all miss her. Please look in the next edition of The Warbler for a more appropriate goodbye to a special lady. A number of Knoxville members made the trek to Nashville last month to participate in a very well-run fall meeting. Thanks to the folks at Warner Park and the Nashville Chapter. In recent weeks we’ve had some great birds come through. A Henslow’s Sparrow, first spotted by David Trently, was seen by about 18 people on one trip! That trip to Kyker Bottoms in Blount County included observations of twelve sparrow species. Other good sparrows seen in our neck of the woods in recent weeks include LeConte’s and Clay-colored. Just 2 days ago I was lucky to be among the folks who saw a beautiful adult male Calliope Hummingbird at the home of Jo and Scott McMillan in northwest Blount County. Harold Howell, our field trip coordinator, got some great pictures, one of which was detailed enough to show the bird has been banded! Please see articles elsewhere about the recent JB Owen grant to Jennifer Powers (a grad student under Dr. Fred Alsop) and another grant we made in memory of Louise Fuller to the Camp Tenasi Council of Girl Scouts. Several of us, under David Trently’s friendly, organized prodding have started a nature club. I was privileged to lead our first outing on October 26. Our primary focus was salamanders, so we went to the best salamander place in the world - Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We found 12 species, The Tennessee Warbler December, 2003 Page 9 CHAPTER NEWS including the endemic Jordan’s Salamander. We also found 14 Marbled Salamanders, most of whom were females brooding eggs. Other notable sightings were a black bear and 6 Wild Turkeys. David Trently is planning a birding weekend trip to coastal Georgia for January 16-19. AUTOS members will be invited. More information on that will be made available on the TN-Bird listserv once the itinerary is worked out. Last month we had a presentation by Michael Sledjeski and Leslie Gibbens about the work they have done raising awareness of Rankin Bottoms in Cocke County. This month we look forward to Kris Johnson of Great Smoky Mountains National Park telling us what the park is doing to preserve native plants. We would be delighted if members of other chapters could make it to one of our meetings. I look forward to seeing ya’II at Pickwick in the winter and Chattanooga in May. Start planning your Christmas Bird Counts! Let’s see who does the most this year. Charlie Muise On September 20, the Memphis Chapter participated in the Fall Migratory Bird Day Count. There were 104 species found, including 9 species of raptors, 5 vireo species and 1 5 warblers, including Golden-winged and Wilson’s. Unusual sightings in the Memphis area this fall include a Yellow-headed Blackbird seen at Shelby Farms, which unfortunately could not be relocated later that day. A Mottled Duck, not yet on the official state list, was seen and photographed at the EARTH Complex area in early October. Also at the Ensley area this fall were Lark Sparrow, and large numbers of American White Pelicans and Wood Storks. Rob Peeples The Nashville Chapter was pleased to host theTOS Fall Meeting in early October. 65 members from across the state attended. Everyone seemed to enjoy the field trips, the presentations hosted by Chuck Nicholson, and especially meeting in the new Warner Park Nature Center building. Thank you to everyone who participated in this event. We enjoyed having all of you here and sharing some wonderful birds with you. Special thanks to Sandy Bivens and the Warner Park Nature Center staff for making the facility available. NTOS made a modest donation to Friends of Warner Parks in appreciation. Shelby Park/Bottoms was the scene for NTOS’s annual Fall Flock, on September 1 3. A combined field trip and picnic, this kicks off our birding year and welcomes friends who may have been away for the summer. Our fall count was held on September 27th and we tallied 127 species. This number is about average but individual numbers were low. The most interesting bird sighting of note for this fall has to be the new state record MacGillivray’s Warbler found at Radnor Lake, in Nashville. Jan Shaw found the bird on October 25 and over the next couple of weeks birders from all over Tennessee and several other states have gotten a look at this visitor from the west. Richard Connors / N FEBRUARY 28 th DEADLINE The deadline date for the April issue of The Tennessee Warbler is February 28 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 ' The Tennessee Warbler December, 2003 Page 10 Distinguished Service Award Committee Nominations for the Distinguished Service Award can be sent to the President who will forward them on to the Committee. Two distinguished past recipients, Chuck Nicholson and Jim Ferguson have agreed to serve on the committee which will review the nominees. A third past honoree from Middle Tennessee has been asked to serve, but there has been no response at this time. Fall Count Data is Needed If anyone has any fall count data, either NAMC or tra- ditional, please send it to me as soon as possible. Please include the usual effort data required: hours and miles by foot, car, other means, and owling; weather data; names of the participants; and feeder hours. As always, thanks for your efforts collecting these data. Ron Hoff, 282 Hackworth Lane, Clinton, TN. 37716 or dollyron@esper.com . TN Bird Records Committee Nominations Current members of the committee: • Rick Knight - term expires Fall 2004 • Mike Todd - term expires Fall 2005 • Jay Desgrosellier - term expires Fall 2005 • John Henderson - term expires Fall 2006 • Chris Sloan - term expires Fall 2006 • Rob Peeples - term expires Fall 2006 • Alternate - Nell Moore Mark Greene Octo6er 10, 2003 Dr. Qeorge iMayfieCd 999 Sunnyside Drive Co Cumbria, 79V 38401 It is my great personaC pCeasure to inform you that at the F aCC Meeting of The Tennessee OrnithoCogicaC Society heCd on Octo6er4, 2003 , the (Board of Directors voted unanimousCy to eCect you an Honorary Mem6er in recognition of your unstinting service over many years to the organization. J4s further achnowCedgement of your dedication to The Tennessee OrnithoCogicaC Society and its mission , a contribution to the (Friends of South Cum6erCand has 6een made in your name. CongratuCa tions ! ft In Memory Ruth V. McMillan, longtime member of TOS, passed away August 17. She was a member of the Murfreesboro Chapter, and later, the John Sellars Chapter of TOS in Lebanon. Roy Northrop, husband of Greeneville TOS member Linda Northrop and himself a member of the chapter, died September 16th. Holly Overton, age 96, a member of the Knoxville TOS Chapter, passed away October 29th. The Tennessee Warbler December, 2003 Page 11 BANQUET RESERVATION FORM FOR THE SPRING TOS MEETING 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 Abom 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-REFUND ABLE.