Vim 4,7) C 3 33 CB© SLETTER for members of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., ornithological society of the Carolinas Volume 44 January/February 1998 Number 1 Spring Meeting - Enjoy Southern Mountain Hospitality Shoney’s Inn near Asheville, NC will be the headquarters for the spring meeting of the Carolina Bird Club from May 1-3, 1998. Registration will begin at 5:00 pm on Thursday in the lobby of the Inn. However, advance registration is strongly recommended. See Spring Meeting ‘98 Registration Form in Newsletter. With the rich diversity in habitat found in Western North Carolina, the field trips to the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway and lowland areas should produce a great number of species. We'll travel the French Broad River Valley and target Kentucky Warbler, Louisiana and Northern Waterthrush, Grasshopper Sparrow and Willow Flycatcher. Jackson Park, a fantastic area in Henderson County, annually produces a rich variety of migrating warblers, including the Connecticut Warbler. Intermediate elevation trips should produce Brown Creeper, Acadian Flycatcher, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler and Peregrine Falcon. At the highest elevations, we try for the Alder and Least Flycatcher, Winter Wren, and Black-capped Chickadee. Advance field trip registration allows for better planning for small groups, but registration will be taken upon arrival. ■ See the Field Trip Descriptions & Schedule and Field Trip Registration Form in the Newsletter. Visit our CBC . Spring Meeting Web site to see a map for locations of trips (the URL appears at-the end of this article). Departure times will be posted in the lobby of the Inn. If you miss seeing (or at least hearing) the Saw-whet Owl on one of the night field trips, you'll get a chance to see a live specimen up close. One of our program speakers will be Dr. Matthew Rowe, biology professor at Appalachian State University, who will speak on “Yankee Owls in Dixie, a Natural History of the Northern Saw-whet Owl in Southern Appalachians.” Our Friday program will feature FENCE Nature Director, Simon Thompson, who will discuss the highlights of our planned field trips and the birds to be expected. The evening meetings will be held at Valley Springs Middle School auditorium, located a few blocks east of Shoney's on Long Shoals Road. Socials will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings at the Inn and will be sponsored by the Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society of Asheville. Several educational displays will be featured during the socials. Shoney's Inn is located on 1-26 at Exit 6 at Long Shoals Road (NC-146), six miles south of the I-40/I-26 interchange. Room rates are $59.95 plus tax (total of $65.35) per night. Rooms are either single (one king- size bed) or double (two queen-size beds). Complimentary continental breakfast from 6:00 - 10:00am. Coffee available 24 hrs. This is a new facility with an indoor heated pool, whirlpool, and fitness area. Shoney's Restaurant is next door and offers take-out sandwiches for field trips. Check-in time is 2:00pm. Call (704) 684-6688 or write to Shoney’s Inn, 1 Skyland Dr., Arden, NC 28704 for reservations and mention Carolina Bird Club. Camping is also available at two nearby campgrounds: Bear Creek RV Park and Campground is a Good Sam park located seven miles north of Shoney’s Inn on the north side of 1-40 on South Bear Creek Road, one-half mile-west of NC-191, at Exit 47. Full hookups, paved roads, restrooms and showers and swimming pool. Rates with 30 amp service $26.40 to $29.00. Electric tent sites $22.00. Phone (800) 833-0798; Lake Powhatan Campground is a Forest Service park located five miles from Shoney’s Inn on Bent Creek Branch Road (FS-806) three and one-half miles west of NC 191. No hookups. Facilities include restrooms, showers, dump station and phone, Rates $9. Phone (704) 887-4910 It's not too early to begin making your plans. If you have questions contact John Huggins at (704) 877-3843. The URL for the Carolina Bird Club Spring Meeting Web site is: http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/ Cabana/3410/ INSIDE Christmas Bird Count Report 2 Backyard Birding 3 Now Bird Club Formed 4 Forested Landscapes 5 New Members " 8 Christmas Bird Count Report The following Christmas Bird Count reports were gleaned from Carolinabirds and should not be considered final as to species totals or verification of sightings. None have been reviewed by the Christmas Bird Count regional editor. North Carolina Cape Hatteras (Dec. 30): 132 species in a near gale-force wind. Highlights: Common Eider, Osprey, Painted Bunting (4, at feeders), Whimbrel, Eared Grebe, Rufous Hummingbird, Archilochus hummingbirds (8). Count period: Thayer's and California Gull at Cape Point. Durham (Dec. 21): 90 species. Highlights: Common Merganser, Lesser Yellowlegs, Western Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper. High numbers: over 100 vultures including 73 Black Vultures, Canada Goose 660, Ring-necked Duck 362, Hooded Merganser 231, Red- shouldered Hawk 15, Downy Woodpecker 56, Tufted Titmouse 180, White-breasted Nuthatch 32, Winter Wren 31. Red- breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Purple Finch and Evening Grosbeak were all present. No Northern Bobwhites. Greenville (Jan. 4): 98 species. Best bird: Anhinga, Worst miss: Herring Gull. Henderson County (Dec. 21): 80 species in first year of count. Highlights: Lapland Longspur, Homed Lark, American Pipit, Palm Warbler, Vesper Sparrow, Wild Turkey, Black Vulture, Ring-billed Gull Lake Norman (Dec. 21): 98 species. Highlights: Red-throated Loon, Eared Grebe, Blue-winged Teal, Greater Scaup, 6 Brewer’s Blackbirds, Peregrine Falcon. Misses: Common Snipe, Ruddy Duck, Northern Pintail, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Northern Bobwhite. Morehead City (Dec. 21): 160 species. Highlights: Red-necked Grebe, 3 Peregrine Falcons, Black Rail, 18 Piping Plovers, 2 American Avocets, Spotted Sandpiper, 215 Marbled Godwits,.12 Long-billed Dowitchers, 2 Iceland Gulls, Lesser Black-backed Gull, 6 Eurasian Collared-Doves, Ruby-throadted Hummingbird, 6 Archilochus hummingbirds, Prarie Warbler, Yellow- breasted Chat, Indigo Bunting, Clay- colored Sparrow, Ipswich Sparrow, Snow Bunting. Missed: Pine Siskin New Bern (Dec. 23): 113 species in steady rain through most of day . Highlights: Anhinga, Black-and-white Warbler, Great Cormorant, Grasshopper Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, White Ibis and Northern Gannet. Missed: Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin and Purple Finch. Polk County (Dec. 20): 75 species. Highlights: Grey Catbird, all three nuthatches, multiple Red-shouldered Hawks, White-crowned Sparrow. Pee Dee NWR (Jan. 4): 104 species. Highlights: 3 Tundra Swans, Lark, Tree, Henslow’s and Lincoln’s Sparrow, Smith's Longspur (this report sent birders scurrying to Pee Dee on a fruitless search). Raleigh (Dec. 20): 98 species. Highlights: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull, 5 Red Crossbills, Common Merganser. Purple Finch, Pine Siskin and Evening Grosbeak were seen. Palm Warbler, Merlin and Great Egret were present during count week. Butterflies: Cloudless Sulfur. Raven Rock SP (Dec. 21): 87 species. Highlights: Anhinga, Black-and-white Warbler, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin and Purple Finch. Butterflies: American Snout, American Lady, Common Buckeye. Roanoke Rapids (Jan. 4): 89 species. Highlights: Common Merganser, 82 Canvasbacks, 15 Redheads, Evening Grosbeak, Purple Finch and Pine Siskin. Southport, Bald Head, Oak Island (Jan. 4): 167 species. Highlights: Wilson's Plover, Whitfe^winged Dove, Whip-poor- will, Bachman’s Sparrow (all new to count). Red-necked Grebe, Cattle Egret, Glossy Ibis, American Redstart. Misses: Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Merlin, Sora, Spotted Sandpiper and Long-billed Curlew. Butterflies: Cloudless Sulphur, Sleepy orange, Gulf Fritillary, Monarch, American Snout, Red Admiral, Orange Sulphur, American Lady, Anglewing sp. Southern Pines (Dec. 21): 98 species at noon. Highlights: Peregrine Falcon, 82 Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (a national record). Wayne County (Dec. 20): 1 1 1 species at noon. Highlights: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Laughing Gull, Oldsquaw, Great Egret, Dunlin, White-eyed Vireo, 4 Eared Grebes. Multiple Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Orange-crowned Warblers were noted. All regular winter finches were seen except Pine Siskin. Missed: Baltimore Oriole. Winston-Salem (Dec. 27): 75 species on cold, rainy day. Highlights: Common Raven, 6 Common Snipe, American Woodcock, Common Loon, American Pipit, White-crowned Sparrow. Misses: Pine Siskin and Evening Grosbeak although Red-breasted Nuthatch and Purple Finch were seen. South Carolina Greenville (Jan. 3): 81 species. Highlights: Swan sp. (Tundra?), Snow Goose, Lincoln’s Sparrow (first for county). Santee NWR (Jan: 3): 133 species (a new record). Highlights: Little Blue Heron, White Ibis, Greater White-fronted Goose, Greater Scaup, Peregrine Falcon, Least Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Tree Swallow, Prairie Warbler, White-crowned Sparrow and Pine Siskin. Numbers of most species were low. Spartanburg County (Jan. 2): 85‘ species. Highlights: Double-crested Cormorant, Ruddy Duck, Spotted Sandpiper, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Wood Thrush, Yellow Warbler and Oregon Junco race of the Dark-eyed Junco. . Backyard Birding with Frances J. Nelson Warning: This column is rather graphic. January 9, 1998-Still no cardinals in our yard, and we can't figure'out why. We do have our resident chickadees, and one Pine Warbler continues to hang around. We've also finally had juncos, but he mystery of the cardinals remains. Thank goodness other people have had more excitement. The first letter came December 4 from Tom and Doris Simpson, formerly of Winston-Salem, NC, now of Baltimore, MD. A former neighbor in NC, who was a non-birder, sent the Simpsons a letter about a Red- tailed Hawk. Margaret .Mueller stood at her window one day wondering where the gray squirrels had gone when four scampered across her lawn. As she watched, “the -biggest bird she had ever seen dived down to the ground and buried a talon in one of the squirrels. That large talon held the squirrel to the ground. With a few pecks from the big bird the squirrel went to that place in heaven where .small creatures go when their time on earth is . over. It didn't take long.” Ms. Mueller got her bird book and binoculars and identified the bird as a Red-tailed Hawk. She watched for three hours as the hawk removed every bit of fur from the squirrel as the three other squirrels ran around trying to distract the hawk from his prey, once the hair was removed, the hawk grasped the corpse in his beak and flew off. He never ate one bite of the squirrel. I received another letter on December 6 from Sherry White of Morehead City, NC. She was responding to my tale of the praying mantis on the hummingbird feeder (Nov./Dec. Newsletter). She sent a computer scanned image of a photograph that a friend of hers took in West Virginia last summer. The photo ’’shows the mantis positioned vertically on the feeder cylinder with its head pointing downward toward the feeder base. The mantis’ head is buried in the center of the hummer’ s- back as the bird hangs horizontal and lifeless a few inches above the feeder base. The photograph was taken through the homeowner’s window. The homeowner said the mantis caught four birds that day.” The scanned image I received from Ms. White is very clear and rather heart breaking to me. I know, I know; the mantis was doing his natural thing, but I don’ have to like it. I've always liked praying mantises. I had no idea they were so... Anyway, Ms. White also asks if this is normal mantis behavior, if others have seen this kind of thing, and if mantises capture other small birds. I cannot answer her questions. Will someone? A third gruesome letter from Thelma Dalmas of Evington, VA, arrived ' December 10. Ms. Dalmas writes a weekly nature column in the Lynchburg (VA) newspaper and received a report during the summer from a pair of hummer watchers. The husband and wife were watching the hummingbirds one evening in early August when the hummer traffic was heavy. They left for half an hour. When they returned, they saw a black, rope-like object hanging from the hummer feeder. “It was a young black rat snake with an ominous lump just below the head. The husband killed the snake, cut it open and found an adult hummingbird (dead, of course) just below the neck region of the snake.” Ms. Dalmas would have never dreamed that a snake could catch an adult hummingbird, and I would have never even thought about the possibility. We were both wrong. Thankfully, Ms.. Dalmas has some nice news, too, so we are finally finished with the grisly stuff. Folks in Lynchburg have had plenty of Purple Finches at their feeders. Red-breasted Nuthatches are fairly common, goldfinches are numerous, and some people have reported Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins. Martha Frederick of Tryon, NC, also sent a non-dire letter dated December 6. At that time friends of hers were reporting Evening Grosbeaks at their feeders, but he Fredericks had had none. She also made an observation of nuthatch behavior that she cannot find reference to in any of her bird books. “At noon on the first cold day early in November, 1997, 1 observed a Red- breasted Nuthatch at our sunflower feeder. He took a seed and dropped down to a shrub below the feeder and buried the seed in the ground. I watched him do this ten or twelve times. He aggressively drove all other birds from the feeder during this time. The bird had been coming to the feeder daily at least a month, feeding normally, before I observed this behavior. One month later, he is still coming daily, but I have not observed the burying behavior again.” Can anyone help the Fredericks? Is this usual behavior for nuthatches? I wonder if the nuthatch will return later in the winter for the buried treasure. And that reminds me that we have had a White -breasted Nuthatch at our sunflower feeder, but I have not seen it bury anything. That’s it for now. We did get rid of “our” cat, but yesterday I saw a big ole Garfield cat sitting on our back deck railing. Could be that’s why we have no cardinals. I may have to go into the cat- belling business in the near future. Keep the letters coming. 2061 Ferbow Sr.. Creedmoor. NC 27522. (919) 528-1 156. CBC Web Site http://members.aol.com/cbirdclub CBC Rare Bird Alert (704) 332-BSRD New Bird Club Formed Covers Tri-County Area in NC and Virginia James Coman, Carolina Bird Club member and Christmas Bird Count compiler for the New River, Mt. Jefferson and Stone Mountain counts, waited until the time was right. Having been active in the Chapel Hill Bird Club and New Hope Audubon, he missed the support that having contact with other local birders can give when he moved to Stoney Knob Farm in northwestern North Carolina. However, he didn’t believe that there were enough . birders in the area in the late ’80s to form a club. Interest grew in birding activities at New River State Park, the hawkwatch at Mahogany Rock Overlook and the three Christmas Bird Counts, and finally in the spring of 1997 he started the ball rolling. The following is a description of the organization of the Blue Ridge Birders taken from Volume 1, Issue 1 of Rare Citings, their quarterly newsletter: ’’The nineteen people gathered at the Wagoner Road Access to New River State Park on July 27 had no organizational name, officers, or by-laws. But what they lacked in official “club” requirements, they more than made up for in their mutual enthusiasm-they were all bird lovers! “The agenda was simple; requirements were few. Invited by James Coman, birders of all skill levels introduced themselves to each other and agreed on the following goals: First and foremost, provide enjoyment to the participants; increase the birding skills of the members; provide better communications within the local birding community and with the two statewide organizations (The Carolina Bird Club and The Virginia Society of Ornithology); and increase the appreciation of the local birdlife with the public through educational outreach.” Membership is drawn primarily from Ashe and Alleghany Counties in North Carolina and Grayson County, Virginia. Birders from Watauga, Wilkes and Stokes Counties, NC, also participate., however. Officers of the club are James Coman, president; Jim Keighton, vice president; Paula Capra, secretary/treasurer; and Kathy Barringer, newsletter editor. Anyone interested in more information about Blue Ridge Birders may contact James Coman, Stoney Knob Farm, Rt. 1, Box 182, Piney Creek, NC 28663, (910) 359-2909. Cljip J7ote$ Executive Committee Seeks New Blood Anyone wishing to serve (this means work) on the Executive Committee for the next three years, please contact Gail Lankford, chairman of the nominating committee, no later than February 20 to voluntee your time and energy. We need one person from western North Carolina (WNC Vice-President) and one person from either state (Secretary). Voting on nominees is at the spring meeting, and the first meeting after that for Executive Committee members is in August for a planning retreat. You can reach Gail in the evenings at (919) 833-7741, leave a voice mail anytime at (919) 212-7406 or by e-mail: glankford@eo.wake.nc.us. Braun Reaches Goajs Chuck Braun, CBC member from Aiken, SC, recently reached two goals on a trip to Chile. He has now seen at least one representative of each of the 195 families of birds recognized by ABA/AOU. He also saw his 5.000th life bird. Patteson Offers Pelagic Trips Winter Pelagic Trips Search for Great Skua, Dovekie, Razorbil, Atlantic Puffin and other winter visitors to the mid- Atlantic. Saturday trips with Sunday weather dates. All trips are $85/person. February 7(8) From Virginia Beach, VA to Norfolk Canyon aboard Nancy Anne February 14(15 From Hatteras, NC to waters off Cape Hatteras aboard Miss Hatter as February 21(22) From Virginia Beach, VA to Norfolk Canyon aboard Nancy Anne Spring Pelagic Trips Manteo dates: May 22, 29 July 20, 27 August 15,16 September 5,6 Departs from Pirates Cove Marina at 5:30 a.m. on Country Girl.. No weather dates. All trips are $95/person. Hatteras dates: May 22, 24, 25, 30, 31 July 18, 19, 25, 26 August 1, 2, 8, 9, 29, 30 October 10, 11 Departs from Oden’s Dock at 6:30 a.m. on Miss Hateras. No weather dates. All trips are $85/person. For more details contact Brian Patteson, Inc., PO Box 1135, Amherst, VA 24521, (703) 765-4484 Spring Meeting Field Trip Descriptions Trips No. 1, 13, 31 (night trip) Owl Prowl: These trips will follow the evening programs on Friday and Saturday. These are all group trips with leaders and Please, no birding on your own to this area. The leaders will use tapes only if needed for attracting Saw-whet Owls. Round trip: app. 66 miles. Trip No. 2 (half-day) Bent Creek and Powhatan: See Trip No. 8 Bent Creek and Arboretum (Birds and Butterflies) for a description of this trip. Round trip: app. 20 miles. Trips No. 3, 14 (half-day) Buncombe Wastewater Treatment Pond: A newly-discovered area with the potential to produce grebes, ducks, migrant sparrows and warblers. A Bald Eagle was seen here recently! Round trip: app. 20 miles. Trips No. 4, 15 (half-day). Beaver Lake Sanctuary: The sanctuary's mix of woods, marsh, and lake views, plus nearby open areas, often yields a good mix of birds. Warbling Vireo, both Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, and Yellow Warblers, herons, Red-Shouldered Hawks, Brown-headed Nuthatches frequent the area. Round trip: app. 25 miles. Trips Nos. 5, 18 (half-day). Transylvania County Hot Spots: This route will remain "flexible” up to the day of the trip, but could include some or all of the following: Looking Glass Rock: Peregrine Falcon and its eyrie where the birds have successfully nested in the past.. Be sure to bring your scope. Pisgah Forest/Rec Department: these swampy fields have produced a variety of migrants, including the Golden- winged and Blue-winged Warblers. Poplar Lane: this area on the banks of the French Broad River annually produces a variety of warbler, including the Golden-winged, Black- throated Blue, Yellow, and Kentucky; Yellow-billed Cuckoo also frequent this area in the spring. Adjacent farm fields are know for Grasshopper Sparrows, Blue Grosbeaks, Chat and Indigo Buntings. Round trip: app. 80 miles. Trips No. 6, 16, 20, 32 (half-day). Jackson Park: With a wide range of habitats, the park is one of the finest passerine migration flyways in North Carolina. Birded regularly, birds found here have included Golden-winged, Blue-winged, Morning and Connecticut Warblers, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Baird's Sandpiper, Sora and Bam Owl. Over 20 species of warblers have been seen in one morning. Round trip app. 80 miles Trips No. 7, 17, 33 (half-day). Mills River and Hooper Lane: Hooper Lane, where shorebirds such as Least and Western Sandpipers, both yellowlegs, Dunlin, Pectoral and Short-billed Dowitchers, along with Semipalmated Plovers frequent, as well as late Upland Sandpipers and early Willow Flycatchers and several species of raptors. The presence of birds at Hooper Lane is strongly dependent on the condition of the fields and on the weather. In the Mills River vicinity both migrants and nesting birds can be found along brooks, meadows and fields. Warblers, vireos, bluebirds, sparrows, Blue Grosbeaks and Bobolinks are possible. Round trip: app. 23 miles. Trip No. 8 (half-day) Bent Creek and Arboretum (Birds and Butterflies): Close to Asheville, part of this section of the Pisgah National Forest is being developed as the NC Arboretum. The grounds offer good birding, butterflies and access to nearby Bent Creek. Easy walking trails extend through the lower elevation ' woods surrounding Lake Powhatan, where Northern Parula, Blue- gray Gnatcatcher, vireos, and other species make for a very pleasant excursion. The area also has an impressive display of spring wildflowers and good butterflies throughout the warmer months. Round trip: app. 20 miles. Trips No. 9 (all-day). Blue Ridge Parkway North to Mount Mitchell: Mixed flocks of migrating birds at overlooks are frequent. The Bull Creek overlook is noted for Blackburnian and Cerulean Warblers. The Craggy Gardens Picnic Area and nearby trails can be good for higher elevation birds such as Pine Siskins, Veeries, Least Flycatcher and Ravens. At Mount Mitchell State Park, Winter Wren, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Veery, Hermit Thrush and Red Crossbills are possible. Round trip: app. 85 miles. Trip No. 10 (all-day) Mills River Valley and Jackson Park: The farmland in the Mills River Valley in Henderson County has become famous in these parts, with some excellent birds being found there. The best have to be the regularly wintering Lapland Longspurs, found in very small numbers every winter. Hooper Lane and Jeffress Road offer very good farm country birding with some good shorebird habitat after heavy spring and fall rains. Jackson Park has also been put on the map as one of the finest migration spots in the Carolinas, with Connecticut Warblers being regular, (although still rare and hard to see) along the many narrow trails that run through the varied habitat types. This is a good place to see an excellent selection of spring migrants on ' almost every spring day. Round trip: app. 30 miles. Trip No. 11 (all-day) North Mills Rivet and Mt. Pisgah: The North Mills River Valley offers easy birding as it climbs in elevation towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the river with its Acadian Flycatchers, to the Forest Service campground and picnic area, up towards the higher reaches of the Parkway, many species of spring warblers are amongst the highlights Of this less-travelled area. These include Louisiana Waterthrush, Swainson's, Black- throated Blue and Chestnut-sided Warblers. Once on the Parkway, the birdlife becomes more northern with Canada Warblers, Winter Wren and Dark-eyed Juncos. Round trip: app. 40 miles. Trip No. 12 (all-day). Pink Beds and Parkway South: Most of the overlooks yield migrating warblers.Veeries! Ravens, Cedar Waxwings. At Devil's Courthouse look for Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and listen for Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Brown Creepers, Golden- crowned Kinglets, Winter Wren and occasionally Red Crossbills. At Black Balsam find the Alder and Least Flycatchers. Round trip: app. 85 miles. Trip No. 19 (half-day) Warrior Mountain: The edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment holds a unique blend of both northern and southern breeding species, and Warrior Mountain, situated between Tryon and Saluda, N-.C., offers easy roadside birding. Eight species of warblers breed along this road, including the Worm-eating, Cerulean, Black-throated Green, Hooded, Kentucky and American Redstart. Yellow-breasted Chats are seen and heard. Round trip: app 50 miles. Trip No. 21 (half-day) Mud Creek: The Environmental and Conservation Organization (ECO) of Henderson County have put in a nature trail that runs through part of the Mud Creek wetlands. This trail is very easy to walk and offers visitors easy , access to the unique bottomland hardwood forest habitat. This major habitat, along with the adjacent swamp thickets and wet fields, is similar to areas of Jackson Park and the birdlife reflects that connection. However Mud Creek has not been birded to the extent of Jackson Park, and has the potential to rival the best of the migration passages through the park. Round trip: app 30 miles. Trip No. 22 (half-day) WNC Nature Center (Wildflowers and Birds): Despite being within the city limits of Asheville, the Western North Carolina Nature Center is a well kept secret. The • new Trillium Glen nature trail runs through rich woods with outstanding wildflowers and mushrooms. Birds can be impressive in this small area with Wood Ducks and Green Herons along the Swannanoa River, Wood Thrush in the woods, and many migrants passing through, including Scarlet Tanager, Bay-breasted Warbler and Baltimore Oriole. Round trip: app. 20 miles. Trip 23 (half-day). Botanical Gardens at Asheville (Birds and Butterflies): The garden's 10 acres include wooded and open areas good for a variety of migrants and resident birds, a visitor center (restrooms) and a display garden for butterflies. Round trip: app. 26 miles. Trip No. 24 (full-day) Bent Creek, Arboretum, and Parkway South (Birds and Butterflies): Beginning at the Bent Creek access to French Broad River with nesting Orioles and Gnatcatchers, and the Arboretum/Gardens for butterflies. Proceed to Blue Ridge Parkway South and stop at overlooks for migrant warblers, Veery, Sparrows, Grosbeaks. At Devils Courthouse look for Black-capped Chickadee, Crossbills, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren. At Black Balsam, look for Veery, Ixast and Alder Flycatcher. Round trip: app 86 miles. Trip No. 25 (all-day). Calvert and Cathey's Creek: Beginning in the open pastures and farmland along the French Broad River in Transylvania County where sparrows, meadowlarks, warblers, and raptors should be found! Bob-o-links and pipits are possible. The beautiful wooded area of Cathey's Creek is habitat for Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, and other warblers. Round trip: app. 85 mijes; Trip No. 26 (all-day) Carolands Farm and Lake Adger: In the farmlands near Spartanburg, one can see Northern Bobwhite, Yellow-breasted Chat and Blue Grosbeaks. Along the Pacolet River, we find Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Yellow Warblers and nesting Willow Flycatchers. Lake Adger has even produced a Black Rail at a prior meeting. This dam on the Green River offers views of swallows, various ducks and shorebirds, and the roads that lead up the adjacent Green -River Cove offer easy roadside birding and have breeding Louisiana Waterthrush, Acadian Flycatcher and Broad-winged Hawk. Round trip: app 80 miles. Trip No. 27 (all-day). Chimney Rock Park and Lake Lure: The private 1000-acre Chimney Rock Park (admission $8) is a great place for Worm-eating Warblers, Swainson's, Cerulean Warblers, and Peregrine Falcons. Yellow Warblers frequent the shore of Lake Lure. Commercial boat trips are available next to the visitor center. Round trip: app. 65 miles. Trip No. 28 (all-day). Curtis Creek Road to Mount Mitchell: This trip follows a gravel road to the Blue Ridge Parkway, thence to Mount Mitchell SP. Among the bird possibilities are Swainson's Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Canada, Hooded, Black-throated Blue, Blackburnian and Worm-eating Warblers, and Ruffed Grouse. Round trip: app. 85 miles Trip No, 29 (all-day) Heintooga and Balsam Gap: This is one of the highest sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the Parkway at Balsam Gap, the road climbs higher towards Waterrock Knob, into northern hardwoods and spruce-fir forest types. There are good spots for Least Flycatcher, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Veery along the way to the Heintooga Road. This 9 mile spur road continues to a parking area, where a short trail leads to one of the most spectacular views in the mountains, a panorama of the Smoky Mountain National Park with Mt. LeConte at the center. This is a dependable spot for Black- capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, and Blackburnian Warbler. Round trip: 108 miles Trip No. 30 (all-day) Tallulah Bog I: In far Western North Carolina, in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains, near Robbinsville, lies a bog that has siowly been restored. Ninety- four. species of birds have been found, including Golden-winged, Kentucky, and Blue-winged Warblers. Butterflies and wildflowers in this area are a bonus, with several uncommon species being found. Round trip: app 30 miles. Trip No. 34 Sunday Hotspots: To be announced. Lake Julian - Birding On Your Own (see your registration information packets): Lake Julian's water is heated throughout the year which helps bring in migrating water birds that are not common to our area. Look for ducks, geese; cormorants and bird along the lake and wooded areas looking for terns, gulls, coots, Wood Ducks. At a nearby park bird both sides of this road looking for nuthatches, warblers, woodpeckers and vireos. Located near Shoney's Inn. Round trip: app. 5 miles. Forested Landscapes, Forestry and Forest Industry Can Be Beneficial for Birds A recent article in the CBC Newsletter (Nov./Dec. 1997) suggested that additional wood chipping mills would be detrimental to bird population in the South. In my opinion, the article exaggerated the content, context and conclusions of a 1992 TVA Environmental Impact Statement. 1 The TVA EIS was not a scientific study, and it did not provide any conclusive scientific evidence with regard to detrimental effects on regional bird populations. TVA’s decision not to permit three woodchip barge loading facilities was based on a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opinion regarding a number of endangered species, most of which were aquatic, and none of which were birds.. Eastern forests have constantly changed and will continue to change over timeA8,9,10,12 jf yOU anaiyze Breeding Bird Survey data^ for an area (e.g.; the Carolinas^ or the TVA EIS study areal’ Table 5.11) yOU wjp f-m(j some species of both neotropical migrants and resident birds are increasing, some are decreasing, and many are stable. Grassland species appear to show the most serious declines. 1,3,4 Also, in some cases, two species that use similar habitats will show opposite trends. Scott Robinson, a University of Illinois ornithologist, recently reported: “When viewed as a whole when averaged over large geographical areas, neotropical bird populations have remained generally stable.”5 As a result of their studies of Appalachian songbirds and forestry, Crawford et. al. concluded: “Forest harvesting cannot be categorically described as detrimental or beneficial to birds.”4’18 More importantly, researchers' are now recognizing the importance of heavily forested landscapes (which include active and intensive forest management) to a vast array of bird speciesA5,6,7,13, 14, 15,16,20 jn the Lake States, 29 bird species were ' declining, 16 species were increasing, and 8 1 species showed no detectable change.^ In discussing declining species, reports by ornithologists did not even mention forestry practices as a caused Recent studies in four states 13,14, 15, 16 demonstrate how clear-cutting and forest management can be beneficial for bird communities. For example, bird abundance, species richness and diversity were positively related to the intensity of management in Arkansas. ^ In Maine, ^ young, even-aged regeneration had the highest avian densities and diversity, while mature hardwoods had the lowest densities and lowest diversities. Dickson et. al.17 studied the use of young, developing pine plantations and found they were used by many bird species. Species composition, which changed with stand age, included a variety of neotropical migrant and resident species (some of which are showing declines and some of which are showing increases. These and other studies do not dismiss the need for large or older and more developed tree and forest stands, but instead, suggest a mixture of conditions across the landscape. Many species prefer or need areas of at least 500 acres of relatively (but not absolutely) homogeneous habitat composition and structure. Some species need mature . forest stands containing tall trees at least 30 to 60 years old or older. Very late successional, unmanaged “old growth” forest does not appear to be a requirement for eastern bird species, but can provide good habitat for many species. For some species, stand structure and composition may be more important than age. Critics of industry and forestry often point to clear-cutting, an even-aged regeneration method, as devastating to forests and especially, wildlife. A recent literature review^ clarifies how clear- cutting and associated regeneration can be beneficial for forests and wildlife, including birds. The authors recommend habitat enhancements that can be integrated with clear-cutting, including leaving standing and downed woody debris, stream side management zones, retention of hard and soft mast trees, prescribed burning and intermediate thinnings. . National Forests, which represent millions of acres of relatively, unfragmented forest landscapes, have already implemented bird conservation plans. 22 Forest products companies spend millions of dollars annually on wildlife research, and many have implemented wildlife management programs on their land. While often cited as a “problem,” I believe that much of the 70% of southern forest owned by millions of non-industrial private landowners provides good habitat. While critics claim that a wood processing facility causes all the land in an area to be managed in a similar fashion, a great deal of diversity actually exists when millions of individuals, all having their own unique management objectives, sizes of landholding and other characteristics, start making management decisions. 21 These decisions can be enhanced by delivering information on wildlife, aesthetics; forestry. Best Management Practices, and other subjects that many of these individuals desire. Partners in Right ^ is a cooperative effort to identify and implement research and management needs in North and South America. The efforts involve government agencies, academic institutions, various industries; private conservation organizations and others, if readers are concerned about birds, they should be participating in Partners in Flight, if concerned about forests, forestry and birds, I recommend (1) joining your state’s forestry association, (2) discussing your concern through personal contacts with industry representatives. (3) finding out more about logger training. Best Management Practices and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative of the American Forest and Paper Association and (4) purchase and manage some land for forest products and bird habitat! John R. Helms, P.O. Box 21607, Columbia, SC 29221,(803)951-1612. (Editor's Note: the author is a CBC member as well a Registered Forester in SC. He earned a B.S. and M.S. in Forestry at Clemson University. In the interest of space, references in the article have been omitted. A copy of the reference may be obtained by writing the author or the editor.) Field Trip Schedule CBC Spring Meeting, Asheville, NC May 1-3, 1998 Thursday, April 30 Evening 1 . Owl Prowl Friday, May 1 Morning 2. Bent Creek and Powhatan 3. Buncombe Wastewater Treatment Pond 4. Beaver Lake Sanctuary (Birds & Butterflies) 5. Transylvania County Hot Spots Afternoon 6. Jackson Park 7. Mills River and Hooper Lane 8. Bent Creek and Arboretum area (Birds & Butterflies) All Day 9. Blue Ridge Parkway North to Mt. Mitchell 10. Mills River and Jackson Park 1 1 . North Mills River and Mt. Pisgah 12. Pink Beds and Parkway South Evening 13. Owl Prowl - after evening program Saturday, May 2 Morning 14. Buncombe Wastewater Treatment Pond 15. Beaver Lake Sanctuary - Beginning birders 16. Jackson Park 17. Mills River/ and Hooper Lane 18. Transylvania County Hot Spots 19. Warrior Mountain Saturday, May 2 (continued) Afternoon 20. Jackson Park - Beginning birders 21. Mud Creek 22. WNC Nature Center (Wild flowers and Birds) 23. Botanical Gardens at Asheville (Birds and Butterflies) AH Day 24. Bent Creek, Arboretum, and Parkway South (Birds and Butterflies) 25. Calvert and Cathey's Creek 26. Carolan Farm and Lake Adger 27. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 28. Curtis Creek to Mt. Mitchell 29. Heintooga and Balsam Gap 30. Tallulah Bog I Evening ' •31. Owl prowl - after evening program Sunday, May 3 Morning 32. Jackson Park 33. Mills River and Hooper Lane 34. Hot spots for good birds - to be announced Any Day Birding on your own - see registration packet for information Membership Application and Order Form Name ~ - Address , (If family membership, give name of each person included.) City 1 State Zip E-mail address Enter/Renew Membership As Indicated: Send Materials Indicated: ($15) Affiliate Club ($20) CBC Cloth arm patch $1.50 ea.. $1.25 ea. in quantity ($20) Contributing - ($35) CBC Decals (vinyl stick-on) $2.00 ea., $1.75 ea. in quanity ($10) Patron ($50) Checklists 10/$1.75, 25/$4.25, 50/$8.25 , 757$12, 100/$15 ($15) Life ($250) Make check payable to Carolina Bird Club, Inc. and mail to PO Box 2955, Raleigh, NC 27626-0555 .Individual Family Student Library/Institution Tel.. ( ' V : , ( ) (home) • (business) Shoney’s Inn Reservation Form Carolina Bird Club Spring Meeting, May 1-3, 1998 Name_ • Address City State Zip ■ Telephone Number during day ( ) Telephone during evening ( ) Please reserve Single (One king-size bed) Double (Two queen-size beds) All rooms are $65.35, including tax, per night. Arrival Date_, (Check-in 2:00 p.m.) Departure Date ; Number of People Mail with deposit for first night’s lodging to Shoney’s Inn, 1 Skyland Dr., Arden, NC 28704 or call (704) 684-6688 for reservation. Mention that you are requesting reservations for the Carolina Bird Club meeting. Name(s). Address, Registration Form CBC Winter Meeting, May 1-3, 1998 (list each name for name tags) City ; State Zip, Telephone ( ) (day) (. _). . (evening) Enclosed is my check in the amount of $ for , member registrations at $6 each and _nonmember registrations at $7 each. Registration ‘at the meeting is $10 for members and $1 1 for nonmembers. Mail with check payable to Carolina Bird Club, Inc., PO Box 29555, Raleigh, NC 27626-0555 Field Trip Registration Form CBC Spring Meeting, May 1-3, 1998 In the form below please indicate by Trip Number your choice of field trips desired for each time slot. If registering for more than one person write the first name with each choice. Name(s) . __ Address . City State Zip Morning (or all day) Afternoon Evening Thursday none none . none none _ Friday Saturday Sunday none none none none Mail to Becky & John Huggins, 192 Hart Road, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, Phone (704) 877-3843 Welcome New Members CBC Newsletter Published bimonthly by Carolina Bird Club, Inc. President: Bert Fisher, 614 Chapel Dr, Box 90572, Durham, NC 27708- 0572, 919-681-6217 (W), 919-932- 9870 (H), E-mail: ALMAAF@SYSA.ADM.DUKE.EDU Vice Presidents: Dennis Burnette, Greensboro, NC Gail Lankford, Raleigh, NC Andrea Ceselski, Irmo, SC Sect: Russ Tyndall, Wake Forest, NC Treas: Len Pardue, Asheville, NC NC Members-at-large: John Huggins, Pisgah Forest, NC JoAnn Martin, Ellenboro, NC Lynn Barber, Raleigh, NC Bob Holmes, New Bern, NC SC Members-at-large: Van Atkins, Charleston, SC Bob Maxwell, Greenville, SC Immediate Past President: Teddy Shuler, Beech Island, SC Editor of The Chat: Bob Wood, Columbia, SC Editor of CBC Newsletter: Clyde Smith, 2615 Wells Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608, 919-781-2637, E-mail: Smith82534 @ aol .com Headquarters Sect: Tullie Johnson, PO Box 29555, Raleigh, NC 27626-0555 Joe & Karen Bearden Raleigh, NC Mike Bernard Mt. Pleasant, SC Bill Bloxdorf Easley, SC Robyn & Claud Bond Abbeville, SC Marshal A. -Brooks Rocky Mount, NC Sandy & Nidhi Cash Carboro, NC John & Sandra Dent McLean, VA Martha Harris Durham, NC Jack & Christina Harvey Raleigh, NC Tim Lewis & Lori Unruh , Asheville, NC Scott S. Marsh Asheville, NC Jeanie L. Martz Charlotte, NC J. C. Raymond Hampton, SC Ernest & Lois Snavely Loris, SC Samuel W. Stewart Charleston, SC David Teems Greer, SC Ginger Travis Hillsborough, NC Bruce & Judy Weber Durham, NC Steve Williams Clayton, NC Life Members Elaine Keen Asheville, NC Harriet Sato Raleigh, NC Morris D. Williams Lawrenceburg, TN Carolina Bird Club, Inc. CB@ SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIBRARIES 3 9088 01273 2764 •• P.O. Box 29555, Raleigh, NC 27626-0555 Nonprofit Organization U.S. Post Office Raleigh, NC Permit No. 1654 NH WASHINGTON DC 20560 CBC Newsletter is printed on 100% recycled paper with 60% post-comsumer content