liii CBC Newsletter for members of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., ornithological society of the Carolinas Volume 49 March/April 2003 Number 2 Upcountry South Carolina Bjr April 25-27 By Steve Patterson, SC Member-at-/arg< The CBC Spring Meeting will take place April 25-27 in Clemson, SC. As irt4^g^lflf£3ie^leftjarters is the Ramada Inn in Clemson (P.O. Box 1706, Clemson, SC 29633, 864-654:7501) onUSTlighway 123 at the intersection with US 76 (Exit 19B off 1-85). Rooms with two queen beds cost $64 per room, plus an additional 9% accommodations tax. These rooms are available Friday night (4/25) and Saturday night (4/26). Arrival time is 4 p.m. and check out is noon. Rooms and rates are good through April 1. Our group sessions will be located in the ballroom and field trips will leave from the hotel parking lot. Registration for the meeting will begin at noon on Friday. Here's the lineup for our evenings in Clemson. The social hour each evening will be 7-8 p.m., a good time for conversation, comparing notes, catching up with friends, and relaxing. The group sessions will begin 8 p.m. each night. On Friday the program will revolve around a presentation about a large project of the National Forest Service called RENEW (Restoration and Enhancement of Native Ecosystems for Wildlife). Twenty minutes after the speaker concludes and final housekeeping items have been addressed, all interested persons will reconvene for a bird-related poetry reading. Club members and guests are invited to bring a few poems to share, either original or written by another author. The Saturday program will feature CBC member Giff Beaton, of Marietta, Georgia. Giff will show slides and teach about the warbler species found in the eastern United States, illuminating the natural history of many species we will have encountered earlier in the weekend. Late April is a great time of year to be a birder, and Upstate South Carolina has a lot to offer during spring migration. Register now and get ready to have a fun weekend! if if kt & if ★ if ir 1 *f if if if 'k if if kt if if if w & if Upcoming CBC Meetings Hickory, NC - Sept. 19-21, 2003 Beaufort, SC - Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 2004 Fontana, NC - April 30-May 2, 2004 if ir if -if if ir ir if # if if if if if if if # if w if ir ☆ ir ir CBC Memory By Joe Bearden In the spring of 1998, Karen and I attended the CBC Asheville meeting with plans to visit college friends in Knoxville, TN after the meeting. Sunday as we left Asheville, we decided to take a long, scenic southern route to Knoxville so we could join a group of CBC birders to visit a place called Stecoah Gap. We did not know how to get there, so we followed the other cars south and finally came to a small parking lot that intercepted with the Appalachian Trail on the side of a mountain. As we pulled into the lot, a downpour erupted. I thought the birding would be a washout. Since it was raining, we went down to a small church that we had passed so Karen could use their facilities. It was still raining when we made it back to the parking lot. We waited. The rains stopped, but we could see clouds and fog coming in the distance. Simon Thompson, our leader, jumped out of his car and prepared to lead the group. He was even carrying his scope and we were supposed to be looking for warblers. Hmmm...this did not seem right to this recently new Carolina birder. What is the chance of seeing a warbler in the scope? Other birders also started preparing for the walk so we joined the crowd. Parked next to us was a friendly couple, Barb and Bob Maxwell from South Carolina, putting on rain pants. Wow! Talk about being prepared! I was impressed. Karen and I now have rain pants and I always think of Barb and Bob when I wear them. Thanks for the great idea! The group took off on the flat trail that resembled more of a forest road. I was very happy we didn’t follow the Appalachian Trail up the steep, mountain path. The scenery was fantastic. On the left side we looked down on treetops; on the right side we looked up into the trees. The birds were active and talking. We had Golden-winged Warblers in the scope! Yes, in the scope!! I couldn’t believe it. Among the other birds we saw were American Redstart; Ovenbird; Hooded, Cerulean, and Kentucky Warblers; Scarlet Tanager; Blue-headed Vireo; and Barred Owl. The clearing of the rain showers, the spectacle of spring migration, the beginning of new friendships, and Simon’s sharing of bird knowledge created a magnificent birding memory at Stecoah Gap. Editor’s note: CBC Memory is a regular feature in the Newsletter. Please send me one of your favorite CBC memories (between 300-600 words) to share with others. North Carolina Rufous Hummingbird - During the winter of 2002, Susan Campbell, CBC member and hummingbird bander extraordinaire, banded a “feisty” juvenile male Rufous Hummingbird at a home in north Raleigh. On February 17, 2003, Susan recaptured this same hummer at a home just across the pond from the original hosts. Susan writes, “This time he was very handsome and healthy, already sporting a completely rufous back. What is most amazing about this is that he did not migrate — he has been in the neighborhood all year! Many of us have wondered if/when this might happen in the east. Apparently this is the first Rufous Hummingbird to be documented here through the summer. What he will do this year remains to be seen.” Susan will be in close contact with the hosts throughout the spring to follow up with the hummer. Will he stay again or migrate west? Stay tuned! Feathered Features Duke Forest Bird Survey Experienced birders are needed to lead teams to count birds for a new project in Duke Forest, in the Durham area of North Carolina. The goal is to survey four times a year. The counts will be run similarly to Christmas Bird Counts. Target dates for the counts are the first week of May, the third week of June, the third week of September, and the first week of February. Data from the counts will be archived by Duke Forest with the long-term goal to develop a Bird Atlas of the Duke Forest. Project leader is Mike Burke, Forestry Technician at Duke University, assisted by volunteers Jeff Pippen, Will Cook, and Bobbie Collins-Perry. Contact Bobbie at bobbiecp@yahoo.com or 919-403-8345 if you’re interested in volunteering. Birds in Forested LandscapesBirdsinForestedFandscapes(BFF)isajointprojectbetweenthe Cornell Fab of Ornithology and the USD A Forest Service, which addresses the habitat and conservation needs of forest-dwelling birds throughout North America. By recording data, birders and amateur scientists are helping to show how forest fragmentation, recreation, and acid rain are affecting forest- dwelling birds. Data will also help answer how much habitat different forest-dwelling bird species require for successful breeding, among many other conversation questions. The data from the volunteers will eventually help provide the scientific criteria necessary to set conservation objectives and develop management plans for the highest priority bird species. There is no charge for participating. For more information go to Cornell’s website at http://birds.comell.edu/bfl or write to: Cornell Fab of Ornithology, P.O.Box 11, Ithaca, NY 14851-0011. The Birdhouse Network The Birdhouse Network (TBN) is a citizen-science project of the Cornell Fab of Ornithology. People of all ages who provide birdhouses for cavity-nesting birds have the opportunity to leam about birds as they monitor and record their observations. The Birdhouse Network can be a great science or environmental project for 4-H clubs, schools, and scouts. Data submitted is being used to examine impacts of pesticides on the breeding success of cavity-nesting birds and the influence of climate on egg-laying dates and nesting success. Participation in TBN costs $15 for nonmembers and $12 for Fab members and renewals. For more information check Cornell’s website at http://birds.comell.edu/birdhouse. International Migratory Bird Day May 10, 2003 Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), an annual event that celebrates the life of migratory birds. Since it’s beginning in 1993, the official date for IMBD has been the second Saturday of each May, although now events take place throughout the year. Under the direction of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, many events are held in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Central America. The theme this year, Birds: Catalysts for Conservation , brings attention to some of the ways in which birds have stimulated people to become involved with conservation issues. One example is the National Wildlife Refuge System, which was created for the protection of birds and wildlife. This year IMBD plans to encourage individuals, corporations, and organizations to be a part of the continuing efforts to protect birds. For information on how you, a school group, nature center, or your bird club can get involved, visit the IMBD website at http://birds.fws.gov/imbd or send a letter to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop MBSP-4107, Arlington, VA 22203. You can also order IMBD t-shirts, books, magazines, and shade-grown coffee through their catalog year-round by calling 1-866-334-3330. National Wildlife Refuges Celebrate Centennial March 2003 On March 14, 1903, in an effort to protect threatened egrets, herons, and pelicans, President Theodore Roosevelt set aside Pelican Island on the east coast of Florida as the first National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). Today there are 530 refuges and waterfowl protection areas spanning almost 94 million acres across the U.S. and it’s territories. March 14, 2003 marked the 100th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System with a celebration at Pelican Island NWR announcing a Presidential Proclamation for the Year of the National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Post Office released a first-class stamp honoring the 1 00 anniversary nationwide on March 15. The stamp features a Brown Pelican with “Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge 1903- 2003.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is using the Centennial anniversary to expand visibility and appreciation of the refuges. The NWR System is a network of federal lands dedicated specifically to wildlife conservation. Most of the 35 million visitors come during peak migration periods to witness thousands of birds making their migrations. Many birders have their first experience with the world of birds by visiting a refuge. Often CBC weekend field trips are planned to some of our favorite refuges such as Pea Island, Santee, Pee Dee, and Savannah. For more information about the year-round celebration visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website at http://refuges.fws.gov/centennial/index.html. Bird Clubs in the Carol inas A group with a common love of birds founded the Greenville County Bird Club in February 2000. The Club is helping the Friends of Reedy River by cataloging bird species along Reedy River; one count is held each season, which will eventually provide a formal bird checklist. They also participate in the annual fall count of migratory hawks at Caesar’s Head State Park. Monthly field trips are held on Saturday mornings to local birding areas. President and Webmaster Harry Davis provides an informative website with updated field trips (www.gcbirdclub.org). You may also sign up for the Club’s email listserve to read trip reports, sightings, and announcements. Membership costs $10 for individuals and $12 for families, and is open to residents of Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina. Send your name, address, phone number, and email to: Greenville County Bird Club, c/o Jane Kramer, 630 Reedy Fork Road, Piedmont, SC, 29673. A quote on the website: “A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.” - Chinese Proverb Membership Update A big welcome to our 25 new members: Judith Ann Bird, Pawleys Island, SC; Elaine Cheek, Cowpens, SC; Paul de Gategno, Rocky Mount, NC; Dana Eddings, Washington, NC; Susan Grenberg, Durham, NC; Kim Horstman, New Bern, NC; Norman & Jane Miner, Hartsville, SC; Linda Myers, Bolivia, NC; Joseph & Aimee Tomacho, Asheville, NC; Linda Boyer, Washington, NC; Suzann & David Coy, Durham, NC; Judy Deutsch, Asheville, NC; Alan Gamache, New Bern, NC; Frank & Anne Holleman, Greenville, SC; Jim & Peggy Mackenzie, Beaufort, NC; Austin Morrissey & Jo-Ann Close, Rutherfordton, NC; Laurel Sullivan, Inman, SC; and Amalie & Laura Lewis Tuffin, Durham, NC. Patricia Metz, from Savannah, GA, became a life member. Former active CBC board member, Robert (Bob) Hader, from Raleigh, NC, passed away on January 15. We send our condolences to his family. CBC Washington Meeting Summary One hundred nineteen birders, including nine first- timers, registered for the recent winter CBC meeting in Washington, NC. Over a chilly, blustery weekend, birders braved some of the coldest weather of any CBC meeting. This year's meeting was held in the Washington Civic Center, a lovely restored train station in the middle of downtown Washington. The areas north and east of Washington are renowned for some of the best winter birding in the Carolinas. Attractions include the Pamlico Sound, Phelps Lake, and the crown jewel of the area, Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts huge numbers of waterfowl and vagrant passerines. Many birders had a chance to see their lifer Bam Owl in a silo on Kelly Davis’ property. A Western Kingbird was seen on the Mattamuskett Causeway, sometimes feeding on the edge of the road. An incredible eleven species of warblers were seen over the weekend, including a Black-throated Blue Warbler and Yellow-breasted Chat. Birders were delighted to see thousands of Snow Geese and Red- winged Blackbirds at sunset. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen at the Bayview Ferry landing and an estimated raft of 10,000 Surf Scoters was seen on the Swan Quarter-Ocracoke Ferry, probably the largest group recorded in NC. The species count was 153 at the countdown Saturday night. Thanks to Dr. Johnny Randall, Conservation Director at the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill, who gave a compelling presentation on why to avoid gardening with exotics, and showed us a number of beautiful native plants we can use to enhance wildlife habitat in our yards and gardens. Thanks also to Dr. Jim Rising of the University of Toronto, author of A Guide to the Identification and Natural History of The Sparrows of the United States and Canada, who gave a fascinating and entertaining overview of the various species of sparrows found in our part of the country. As with all CBC meetings, a number of volunteers made the meeting possible. Trip leaders gave their time to help others find birds. Local volunteers, Kelly Davis and Bill and Mary Paulson, provided invaluable help with arranging access to birding areas, provided refreshments, and helped with the meeting setup, including a display of birding books and paraphernalia Mary had collected. Sandy Cash Nominating Committee Report At the Carolina Bird Club's spring meeting in Clemson, SC, the Nominating Committee will present the following slate of nominees to the membership for election: President — one-year term — Bob Wood, Columbia, SC Secretary — one-year term — Gail Lankford, Raleigh, NC Treasurer — one-year term — incumbent Stephen Harris, Wilmington, NC SC Vice President — three-year term — John Cely, Columbia, SC SC Member-at-large — two-year term — Marcia Watkins, Columbia, SC ENC Member-at-large — two-year term — Judy Murray, Chapel Hill, NC WNC Member-at-large — two-year term — incumbent Charlotte Goedsche, Weaverville, NC On assuming the presidency, Bob will yield the editorship of The Chat to Kent Fiala, of Hillsborough, NC. Kent is currently Eastern NC Vice President. Ricky Davis of Rocky Mount, NC, has agreed to fill the remaining two years of Kent's term. Under CBC bylaws, the president may serve two consecutive terms; secretary and treasurer, three consecutive terms; vice presidents, one term; and members-at-large, two consecutive terms. This year's Nominating Committee consisted of chairperson Len Pardue, Asheville, NC; Paula Wright, Greenville, NC; and Steve Patterson, Pickens, SC. flemson Field Trip Descriptions Trips 1, 6, 12 - Townville Locations. The well-known birding hotspots of Dobbins Farm, Beaverdam WMA, and nearby lake and farmlands regularly attract exciting migrants. There is opportunity here of finding migrating shorebirds, warblers, ducks, hawks, and rails, and it's hard to miss the breeding Grasshopper Sparrows. Fields, woods, ponds, swamp, marsh... some of us could spend the whole meeting out there! Trips 2, 7, 13 - Fonts Grove, Garrison Arena, Three-and-Twenty Creek. Impoundments, fields, and woodlands could provide interesting finds. Fants Grove, in particular, is a favored warbler hole. There will be some walking, but nothing strenuous. Trips 3, 8, 14 - Lake Hartwell Medley. This string of locations will reveal woodland birds and lots of open water with chances for loons, grebes, cormorants, gulls, and ducks. Good sparrow fields along the route will add variety to the day's totals. Trips 4, 9, 15 - Isaqueena Lake The gravel road winds through mountain laurel and mixed deciduous/pine forests giving plenty of chances to stop along the way. The lake edges and open water make attractive habitat for wintering, migrating, and breeding birds. This is an easy trip with the option to walk the lakeside trail. Trips 5, 11 - Aquaculture Ponds, SC Botanical Gardens, Woodburn Plantation. Thrushes, woodpeckers, hawks, pipits, buntings, grosbeaks, and shorebirds are all displayed in three distinct and engaging settings. Something very good is going to show up in the Botanical Gardens, someday! Trips 10, 16 - Stumphouse Tunnel, Yellow Branch Picnic Area. When forests grow back after a logging operation, lots of species move in and make use of the changing habitat. That's what's happening behind the picnic area at Yellow Branch. Also, look for Hooded, Canada, and Black-throated Blue Warblers in the rhododendron-thick creek. The roadside trees going to Stumphouse Tunnel may have any kind of eastern warbler. Trip 17 - Madison Area of the Tugaloo River, Sumter National Forest. Expansive patches of marsh formed by receding lake levels over the last several years are a striking feature of this trip. There is a very decent chance for various migrating sparrows, rails, wrens, herons, and shorebirds. Waterproof boots might come in handy. Sites in the Sumter National Forest will add many species to the day's list. Trip 18 - Walhalla Fish Hatchery, Devil's Fork State Park. This tall Eastern Hemlock forest is an enchanted land of birdsong and moist coolness. More than 20 species of warbler can be found on the Fish Hatchery road and property on a good day, as well as Scarlet Tanagers, Rose- breasted Grosbeaks, White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatches, Broad-winged Hawks, and sometimes Red Crossbills and Common Ravens. In addition, this is the only planned trip this meeting that visits Lake Jocassee, a deep lake whose migrants sometimes include Caspian Tern, Spotted Sandpiper, Baltimore Oriole, and more. Trip 19 - Rich Mountain, Burrell's Ford, Walhalla Fish Hatchery. This will be a pleasant all-day trip starting in a Cove Hardwood Forest, moving to Chatooga River trails, and finishing in the delightful hemlock forest of the Walhalla Fish Hatchery (see Trip 18 above). At Burrell's Ford, walk across the bridge and you're in Georgia, making this a location where you could find Red Crossbill for both states. Trip 20 - Sassafras Mountain, Eastatoe Valley, Table Rock State Park. There is more here than you can bird in a day, so this group will be busy checking several prime locations for good birds. The trip will work its way through high wooded mountain to low open valley. There is chance of Ruffed Grouse, American Woodcock, breeding Tree Swallows, and loads of warblers and woodland birds. Trip 21 - Caesar's Head State Park, Highway 276, Asbury Hills. It's a long ride with a beautiful view at the top. This famous location of the autumn hawk watch is also good in the spring for migrant landbirds. Standing on the rock during a movement can bring many colorful breeding- plumaged warblers within easy view. Common Ravens and Peregrine Falcons are regular sights. There is always the chance for Ruffed Grouse along Highway 276, and Asbury Hills United Methodist Camp is worth checking for local breeders. Trip 22 - Townville Locations, with Lake Hartwell State Park. After birding to the satisfaction of group members in the great Townville spots (see Trip 1 above), this trip will go west a few miles to explore the woods and lakeshore of this 17-year-old state park. The drive back to Clemson on part of scenic Highway 1 1 after visiting the park could yield further farmland bird discoveries. Trip 23 - Lake Keowee Medley. The boat ramps and parks along this chain of stops will give excellent views of beautiful Lake Keowee. Possible migrants include Bald Eagle, scoters, loons, and grebes. There are also many great lakeshore and roadside stops where landbird migrants and breeders will be discovered. Clemson Field Trip Schedule April 25-26, 2003 Planned group field trips begin with the Friday afternoon schedule. Those arriving earlier are encouraged to explore and bird on their own. Some trips as described on this agenda may be cancelled and others added to accommodate the registration load. This will help conserve group leaders and ensure small-group efficiency in the event the size limit for a trip is exceeded significantly during pre-registration. Sunday trips will be arranged Saturday evening based on popular demand and leader availability. All trips meet in the hotel parking lot. Please arrive at least five minutes before departure time with a full tank of gas, snacks and beverages for half-day trips, and a lunch for all-day trips. Friday, April 25 Half -day Afternoon - 1 pm departure Trip 1: Town ville Locations Trip 2: Fant's Grove WMA/Garrison Arena/Three -and- Twenty Creek Trip 3: Lake Hartwell Medley: Oconee Point, Coneross Creek, Townville Access Trip 4: Isaqueena Lake Trip 5 : Aquaculture Ponds/SC Botanical Gardens/ Woodbum Plantation Saturday, April 26 Half-day Morning - 7 am departure Trip 6: Townville locations Trip 7: Fant's Grove WMA/Garrison Arena/Three -and- Twenty Creek Trip 8: Lake Hartwell Medley: Oconee Point, Coneross Creek, Townville Access Trip 9: Isaqueena Lake Trip 10: Stumphouse Tunnel/Yellow Branch Picnic Area Trip 11: Aquaculture Ponds/SC Botanical Gardens/ Woodbum Plantation Half -day Afternoon - 1 pm departure Trip 12: Townville locations Trip 13: Fant's Grove WMA/Garrison Arena/Three -and- Twenty Creek Trip 14: Lake Hartwell Medley: Oconee Point, Coneross Creek, Townville Access Trip 15: Isaqueena Lake Trip 16: Stumphouse Tunnel/Yellow Branch Picnic Area All -day Saturday trips - 7 am departure Trip 17: Madison Area of the Tugaloo River/Sumter National Forest Trip 18: Walhalla Fish Hatchery/Devil's Fork State Park Trip 19: Rich Mountain Road/Burrell's Ford/Walhalla Fish Hatchery Trip 20: Sassafras Mountain/Eastatoe Valley/Table Rock State Park Trip 21: Caesar's Head State Park/Highway 276 locations/ Asbury Hills Trip 22: Townville Locations/Lake Hartwell State Park Trip 23: Lake Keowee Medley: War Path, Mile Creek Park, Keowee -Toxaway State Park, World of Energy Carolina Bird Club Clemson Meeting Registration Form April 25-27, 2003 Name(s) (list each name separately for nametag) Address City State Zip Day Phone Evening phone Email Enclosed is my check for $ for member ($10) registration(s) and/or nonmember ($20) registration(s). This is my (our) first time attending a CBC meeting. Make check payable to Carolina Bird Club and send to: CBC, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-1029. Carolina Bird Club , Inc. 11 West Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27601-1029 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIBRARIES Ill III ill III 11 III 3 90 98 0 1273 311 Nonprofit Organization U.S. Post Office Raleigh, NC Permit No. 1654 0 3000 E SMITUC NHB : BOX : WASH I NOT Oh 14: o ON 1 AM L I BEAR I ES p~MRC 154 5701 2 /serials DC •CoO 1 3—70 1 2 riom:j=tori I ! !1 i 1 ! ! 1 1 i m 1 1 1 1 i i 1 1 { 1 1 i I ! i H H! *. 1 i ! ! i 1 1 : i ! ! i i CBC Board Members President, Van Atkins 843-766-7000/843-729-0271 Vatkins@awod.com Vice Presidents Donna Bailey, Winnsboro, SC Dick Blee, Brevard, NC Kent Fiala, Hillsborough, NC Secretary Sue Pulsipher, Linden, NC Treasurer Stephen Harris, Wilmington, NC NC Members-at-large Susan Campbell, Whispering Pines Sandy Cash, Durham Charlotte Goedsche, Weaverville Dwayne Martin, Claremont SC Members-at-large Steve Patterson, Pickens Open Immediate Past President, Len Pardue, Asheville, NC Editor of The Chat, Bob Wood, Columbia, SC Editor of CBC Newsletter, Karen Bearden 1809 Lakepark Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612 919-844-9050, chickadeebirders@earthlink.net Submission deadlines are due the 1st of January, March, May, July, September, and November. Headquarters Secretary, Tullie Johnson, Raleigh, NC Rare Bird Alert: 704-332-BIRD Website: www.carolinabirdclub.org The CBC Newsletters published bimonthly by Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Founded in 1937 the membership is open to anyone interested in birds, natural history, and conservation. Current dues are: Individual A non-profit, $20; Associate (in household with individual), $5; Student, $15; Patron, $50 and up; Life, $400; Sustaining A businesses, $25. Cost for CBC bird checklists, including postage: 10@$1.75, 25@$5, 50@$9.50, 75@$12.75, and 100@$16. Submit application for membership, change of address, and payment for checklists to: CBC Headquarters Secretary, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601- 1029. Printed on 100% recycled paper.