BIRDATHON 2012!

The results are in from this weekend's Chicago Audubon Society Birdathon! The Beecher Cup competition was moved a week earlier tha usual, due to the upcoming NATO summit, and the fallout was that a number of people who were active participants in the past were unable to join the fun this year. Two teams competed for the 2012 title:

Field's Flickers (John Bates, Nick Block, Nathan Goldberg & Jason Weckstein)
Saturday, May 12th
148 species

Steel Belted Kingfishers (Mark Agnor, Joe Lill, Jeff Sundberg & Kris Sundberg)
Sunday, May 13th
146 species

Teams were limited to one day of birding, all within Cook County, and all species needed to be identified by at least two team members.

Funds raised through the Birdathon are used for the educational and environmental missions of CAS. To make a donation on behalf of your favorite team, or simply to donate in support of Birdathon 2012, click here. For those donating per species, the total number of species seen by the two teams was 162, You may donate to this fundraiser at any time, even if the dates have passed.

THE CAS ANNUAL MEETING - PROGRAM & ELECTION

April 26, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

North Park Village Nature Center
5801 N. Pulaski, Chicago, Bldg. D
Program: Glenda Daniel - "The Openlands Lakeshore Reserve"

Chicago Audubon’s Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 7:30 p.m., at the North Park Village Nature Center. The program for the evening will be on the new Openlands Lakefront Preserve, located at the former Fort Sheridan, Lake County.

Glenda Daniel, Associate Director of Openlands, will present the program. Glenda, a former Editor of the CAS Compass, is author of a number of books, including "Dunes Country: a Hiker's Guide to the Indiana Dunes", and was Executive Director of the Lake Michigan Federation for a number of years. For more background on this preserve, visit http://openlands.org/special-projects/openlands-lakeshore-preserve.html

At this meeting we will also have our annual election.

The CAS Nominating Committee (Alan Anderson, Bonnie Duman and Jeffrey Sanders) has nominated the following officers for two years, their terms to expire March 2014:

President – Roger Shamley

Vice President – Chris Van Wassenhove

Treasurer – Bobbi Asher

Secretary – Annette Prince

Six board members are to be elected for three year terms, from April 2012 and expiring in March 2015. The CAS Nominating Committee has nominated:

Steven Bailey

Michelle Devlin

Alan Garrett

Julie Sacco

Craig Stettner

Dave Willard

Nominations of officers and Directors may be made from among the membership by nominating petitions signed by not less than five members and accompanied by a written consent to serve executed by the proposed nominee. Petitions shall be filed at the office of the Society either by personal delivery or certified mail not less than the 5th day before the annual meeting. To download a sample petition (usable for nomination), click here.

 

Gail Gammel is stepping down from the Board at the expiration of her term, but we would like to publicly thank her for her excellent and thoughtful service to Chicago Audubon while serving on the CAS Board.

This meeting is open to the public. For information or directions, call the Chicago Audubon office at (773) 539-6793.

"THE CITY DARK"

Ian Cheney’s 2011 award winning documentary – The City Dark – gives audiences an appreciation of what is being lost as we live in a world that is increasingly filled with light pollution. Besides no longer being able to enjoy stars in a night sky or inquire about the cosmos by peering deep into space – there are real dangers to human health and the well-being of the planet when we live in a 24-hour light cycle.

Migratory birds fatally attracted to urban lighting, baby turtles disoriented and confused by beach front lights are all victims of the rapid introduction of excessive outdoor lighting that has occurred in just the last generation. Changing light in the environment is altering habitat in a way that is not good for nature and humans.

This film “brings to light” an important issue with beautiful photography and interviews with scientists, citizens and conservationists. It features work done in Chicago by Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, The Field Museum and Willowbrook Wildlife Center to study, raise awareness and remediate the hazards of lights for birds.

View the trailer here! http://www.thecitydark.com

See The City Dark as it tours festivals in the U.S. this year. Annette Prince of Chicago Bird Collision Monitors and Chicago Audubon Society will lead a post-screening discussion of light reduction efforts in Chicago!

BIRDING AMERICA IX - SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2012

North Park University
3225 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL

A fine symposium! Photos and recaps coming soon. Thanks to all who attended, whether as a presenter, spectator, vendor or volunteer. See you in 2014!

Symposium Schedule:

8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Registration and refreshments.

9:15 a.m. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Erik Johnson

10:30 a.m. Presentations

A) Dr. Agustin Zuniga - Birds of Costa Rica and Panama

B) Mary Hennen - Chicago's Peregrine Falcons

C) Joe Lill - The History of Big Years (from Emerson to Vanderpoel)

11:45 a.m. Lunch

12:30 p.m. Presentations

A) Todd McGrath - Pacific Pelagic Birding

B) Brad Bumgardner - Birding the Indiana Dunes through Four Seasons

C) Joan Garland (International Crane Foundation) - Operation Migration

1:45 p.m. Presentations

A) Lee Sterrenburg - Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area, Indiana (Hooded Crane!)

B) Doug Taron - Butterflies of the American Prairie

C) Annette Prince (Chicago Bird Collision Monitors) - Chicago’s Yearly Visitors: Migratory Birds in the City

3:00 p.m. Closing Speaker: Greg Miller

SAVE CHICAGO'S EAGLES - THE FIRING RANGE ISSUE

Whitford Pond Bald Eagle - Photo by Jerry Goldner

NEW - A video of the eagles and their nest can be viewed (courtesy of chicagotribune.com) by clicking here.

 

To read a press release by Carolyn Marsh that details the issue and gives further information about the hearing, click here.

To read the press release from the MWRD regarding the proposed firing range, click here.

To read the statement read to the MWRD at the January 5, 2012 meeting, click here.

To read a New York Times article about this issue from March 24, 2011, which featured CAS President Roger Shamley, click here.

At the January 5, 2012 board meeting of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Terrence O’Brien, didn’t initially plan to hear from the public, but planned instead to go directly to a vote regarding the proposed Hegewisch firing range. However, the strong public showing and outcry led the commissioners to vote, unanimously, to hear those that had signed up to speak. There were 15 anti-firing range speakers and one more who arrived late and asked a question from the floor. Eleven organizations, including the Chicago Audubon Society (CAS), were represented. Two representatives of the Chicago Police Department stood together to answer questions.

The vote was five for the lease and four against.

THE 2011-2012 ANNUAL APPEAL

If you're a Chicago Audubon member (first of all, thanks!) you've recently received a letter from CAS President Roger Shamley with regards to our Annual Appeal. For those who prefer the convenience of donating online through our secure server, click here.

Thanks again for your support!

THE 2012 CAS CALENDAR!!!

The 2012 CAS Calendar is now available!
Featuring the nature photographs of CAS President Roger Shamley, you can order by calling the CAS office at 773-539-6793. The price is $15.00 + $3 shipping.
Although the web versions don't do them justice, here are some samples:

BIRDSEED SALE DAY - THANKS!!!

A special thanks to all who helped move and load a record amount of birdseed!

At the River Forest location (Good Earth Greenhouse): Kerry Graham, Pam Koziel, Joe Lill, Kathryn Mokry, Roger Overton, Lisa Rest, Les Szewczyk & Pat Szewczyk

At the Chicago location (ERVA/Nature House): Diane Beacraft, Alan Garrett, Doreen Hlavaty, Kathy Kelly, Roger Shamley, Joy Schochet, Kathleen Taylor, Chris Van Wassenhove & Skipper Wolters

At the Chesrow location: Jacob Lill, Joe Lill, Tim Puczkowskyj, Ariel Sanabria, Roger Shamley & Jaclynn Workman

At the CAS Office: Skipper Wolters

the River Forest crew

WOODED ISLAND BIRDWALKS

Chicago's Jackson Park.
Every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. & every Saturday at 8:00 a.m.

These wonderful walks continue throughout the year. Bring binoculars, field guides, and dress for the weather. Meet at Clarence Darrow Bridge, just south of Museum of Science and Industry. Note the later start time on Wednesdays due to the season!

Directions to Darrow Bridge: From Lake Shore Drive turn west on Science Drive, which is the stop light at 5800 South. Turn left at the stop sign. Travel through the parking lot to the west end where you'll find Darrow Bridge. As is becoming customary in the lakefront parks, the parking lot is now metered.

For pdf summaries of the 2012 birdwalks please click here.

For pdf summaries of the 2011 birdwalks please click here.

Questions? Contact Pat Durkin at pat.durkin@comcast.net. All levels of birders are welcome!

NORTH PARK VILLAGE BIRDWALKS

Coming in the Spring. Every Saturday in April and May at 8:00 a.m.
North Park Village Nature Center
5801 N. Pulaski -- Building D
Spring will be here–whether we believe it now or not—and planning ahead is a good thing. So be sure to plan on joining our popular Spring birdwalks starting the first Saturday in April. Learn about birds and their habitats while walking through the early springtime woods surrounding the Nature Center. These walks are led by expert birders who welcome questions from all levels of birders. For information or directions to the Nature Center, call the Chicago Audubon office (773) 539-6793. Everyone is welcome!!

DELTA DISPATCHES: The latest news on efforts to restore Coastal Louisiana

National Audubon, among other organizations, co-sponsors Delta Dispatches, an online newsletter that keeps us abreast of current environmental updates regarding Coastal Louisiana. Here is a link to the latest update (1/3/12):

http://tinyurl.com/733zo2b

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP SAVE THE BIRDS!

Chicago Bird Collision Monitors is looking for volunteers to assist in their conservation and rescue efforts for migratory birds in downtown Chicago and outlying areas. Help rescue the birds! CBCM is a conservation project of the Chicago Audubon Society. For further information, please call (773) 988-1867.

For even more info go to www.birdmonitors.net

What to do if you find an entangled bird:

First, call for help and advice:
Willowbrook Wildlife Center: 630-942-6200 or
Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM) hotline : 773-988-1867

NEVER CUT AN ENTANGLED BIRD LOOSE BEFORE IT HAS BEEN SECURELY CONTAINED!!!

Click here to read an article on this subject by Annette Prince.

Want to donate to Chicago Audubon on behalf of CBCM? Click here to make a donation!

COOK COUNTY SPRING BIRD COUNT RESULTS

Compiled by CAS Research Committee Chair Alan Anderson, the results of the Spring Bird Count for Cook County may be accessed by clicking here. Species table, participant list, it's all here!
Thanks to all 147 birders who contributed to a fine day, and tallied a total of 198 species!

DALE PONTIUS (1906-2011)

Dale Pontius, a long-time Chicago birder and retired political science professor at Roosevelt University, passed away on Wednesday, July 20th, at the age of 104. He had been birding in and around Chicago, and his Hyde Park neighborhood, since 1947. For a link to an article about him that ran in the July/August 2006 issue of the Compass, click here. Among the organizations named to receive memorial donations was Chicago Audubon, for which we are most grateful. To donate in the memory of Dale Pontius, click here.

BIRDATHON 2011 - The 12th Annual Beecher Cup Challenge!

Saturday, May 21, 2011
Here are the final tallies from the Chicago Audubon Society Birdathon 2011. All species were seen on Saturday, May 21st, within the confines of Cook County.

151 - Field's Flickers (Nick Block, Josh Engel, Jason Weckstein, Ben Winger)
147 - Steel Belted Kingfishers (Joe Lill, Jeff Sanders, Randy Shonkwiler, Jeff Sundberg)
63 - Covert Ops (Michelle Devlin, Jim O'Toole, Lauren Biron, Melissa Foster, Chris Monaghan, Barbara Pearce)

The total species from the combined teams was 163. For the list of species, click here.

Congrats to the Flickers, and thanks to all who participated, pledged or donated (or will donate)!

This year, for the first time, you're able to donate online. Click here to access the donation page. You can even pick a team to sponsor, although it isn't required.
Further details are in the current issue of the Compass, which you can access by clicking here.

LEGISLATION INTRODUCED BY MIKE QUIGLEY: THE FEDERAL BIRD-SAFE ACT!

The American Bird Conservancy, which is the nation's leading bird conservation organization, today applauded legislation introduced by Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) that will prevent the deaths of millions of birds that collide with the windows of thousands of federal buildings across the country. To read more click here!

THE BIENNIAL CAS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS HONOREES!

The 2011 Environmental Awards honorees are:

Excellence in Environmental Reporting - Chicago Wildlife News, http://www.chicagowildlifenews.com/ 

Protector of the Environment—Educator - Carl Strang, Naturalist with Forest Preserve District of DuPage Co., “WildThings” wildlife news program on WDCB, “Nature Inquiries” blog

Protector of the Environment—Single Act (individual) (3 recipients)
i) Judith Lihota, President, Calumet Ecological Park Association
ii) Annette Prince, Chicago Bird Collision Monitors
iii) Joe Suchecki, Steward and Bird Monitor, Springbrook Prairie

 

Protector of the Environment—Single Act (group) - No Games Chicago
 

Protector of the Environment—Avocation - Conrad Fialkowski, Chicago Audubon Society, Save The Prairie Society, Steward (Cook and DuPage Co.), Bird Monitor

Protector of the Environment—Vocation (2 recipients)
i) Gerald Adelmann, Openlands, Canal Corridor Association
ii) Dick Young, Kane County Forest Preserve District (posthumous recognition)

        

Service to Chicago Area Birders - Paul and Janice Sweet, Illinois Beach Hawkwatch

CAS Good Business Neighbor - De Long Company, Inc., supplier of high-quality birdseed for our annual CAS Birdseed Sale

 

To see a list of all previous awardees click here.

SKOKIE LAGOONS WORKDAYS

10:00 a.m. every second Saturday of the month.
These workdays are continuous throughout the year.

The Chicago Audubon Society sponsors regular monthly workdays at Skokie Lagoons every second Saturday of the month. Activities include buckthorn cutting, brush pile burning, and other management activities. Wear work clothes. Meet at the Tower Road parking lot, east of the lagoon bridge. For further information, please call Dave Kosnik at (847) 456-6368. Everyone is welcome!

CITY OF CHICAGO "BIRD'S-EYE VIEW" WEBSITE

The City of Chicago's Department of Environment put together a great birding website, with text in both English and Spanish. Educational materials, helpful links, and more! CAS has "inherited" the site and, with the help of Greg Neise (webhost of the Illinois Birder's Forum), we will continue to make this site available to the public. There will be updates along the way, so check back from time to time at:
http://www.ilbirds.com/Environment/BirdMigration/