Chicago Audubon Society - Navigating the World of Birds and Nature

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IT'S BACK!!!
BIRDING AMERICA VIII - MARCH 6, 2010

Discover great places, great people and great birds at Chicago Audubon Society’s Birding America VIII. This symposium is your opportunity to get the inside information on some of the most rewarding places to bird locally, nationally and internationally. Local and national experts will help you plan birding trips and vacations around hotspots, highlighting resident birds as well as migrants. Locations to be presented range from Chicago’s North Pond to Kenya.

Birding America VIII also includes skill-building sessions for shorebird identification, nesting birds of Illinois, migrating birds navigating Chicago’s skyscrapers, and a panel discussion on advocacy/volunteerism. Throughout the day, vendor booths will be displayed with birding books, field equipment, clothing and other birding related items.

Registration for Birding America VIII is $40 for Chicago Audubon Society or National Audubon Society members and $50 for non-members. The registration fee for students is $20; college students need to show a current ID. High school students (accompanied by an adult) are also eligible for the student rate. The registration fee includes all sessions. Pre-registration is NOT required; you may register at the door. Lunch is available for $12 but will NOT be available for those registering after Wednesday, March 3rd.
To download a pdf of the registration form click here.
You may also use a charge card to register (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). Call our office at (773) 539-6793. If you reach voice mail, leave just your name and phone number.

BIRDING AMERICA VIII

Saturday, March 6, 2010 — 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

North Park University, 3225 West Foster Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
Parking is free in the University lot on the southeast corner of Foster and Kedzie.
The entrances to the symposium are located at the southwest corner of Foster and Kedzie.

Symposium Schedule:

8:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration and Refreshments.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

9:00 a.m. Roger Tory Peterson: No Person Left Inside

A celebration of a preeminent naturalist and inspiration for the modern environmental movement, Roger Tory Peterson, and his landmark 1934 book, "A Field Guide to the Birds," which established the field mark system of identification and extended the world of nature, beyond the scientist, out to the general community.

Presenter: Joe Lill, current Vice President and past President of the Chicago Audubon Society (CAS); a dedicated birder since 1984; coordinator and fierce competitor in the annual CAS Birdathon Beecher Cup Challenge; Associate Professor of Music at North Park University, Chicago.

NEAR CHICAGO BIRDING AREAS

10:00 a.m. Birds of Carlyle Lake (Southern Illinois)

Home to eagles, ospreys, shorebirds and songbirds.

Presenter: Keith McMullen, a biologist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District; member of the Illinois Ornithological Society (IOS), American Birding Association, National Wildlife Federation, Nature Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited; leads field trips throughout Southern Illinois; captain of the “Southern Illinois Hotshots,” the team that broke Big Day records in 2000.

11:00 a.m. Birding the Frozen North (Wisconsin)

Good birding within an easy-cheesy drive from Chicago.

Presenter: Steve Betchkal, lifelong naturalist and environmentalist, journalist, photographer and author of "All of This and Robins Too: A Guide to the 50 or So Best Spots to Find Birds in Wisconsin".

1:00 p.m. North Pond in Lincoln Park (Chicago)

A small, beautiful urban park and pond hosting 195 bird species.

Presenter: Geoff Williamson, a past president of both the Chicago Ornithological Society (COS) and IOS; co-editor of the Illinois-Indiana regional report for the American Birding Association's journal, North American Birds; leader of the popular 7:00 AM, Wednesday morning North Pond bird walks attracting workers, students, international visitors, beginning birders and world-class experts.

2:00 p.m. North Point Marina & Spring Bluff Forest Preserve Lake County (Northern Illinois)

Recent habitat restoration yields a number of rare species and a promising future.

Presenter: Eric Walters, Founder and former President of IOS, past President of the DuPage Birding Club and Research Chair for the CAS; collected avian field survey data influencing land management decisions protecting critical land from development.

SKILL-BUILDING WORKSHOPS

10:00 a.m. Shorebird Identification

Basic ID tips, locating shorebirds and conservation concerns.

Presenter: Walter Marcisz, past president of COS; an expert bird guide who has led hundreds of field trips, bird identification classes and workshops; authored a vast number of papers and articles about birds.

11:00 a.m. Secret Lives of Illinois’ Breeding Birds

Important tools for discovering nests and nesting evidence.

Presenter: Steve Bailey, an avian ecologist with the Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP) of the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) who has conducted breeding bird censuses in wetlands, grasslands, and forests throughout the state since 1997.

1:00 p.m. Navigating Chicago’s High-Rises

The hazards of bird migration in the city.

Presenter: Dave Willard, as long-time collection manager of the Bird Division at The Field Museum of Chicago, maintains a large database of spring and fall migrants from along the lake front and the Loop; research time is divided between birds in Chicago and the birds of tropical mountains in South America and Africa.

2:00 p.m. Bird Conservation Opportunities around Chicago

Inspiring successes in habitat monitoring and easy ways to get involved and make a difference.

Presenter: Donnie Dann, volunteer naturalist; Past-President of Bird Conservation Network of Greater Chicago (BCN), a coalition of 19 bird and conservation organizations in the Chicago metropolitan area representing over 35,000 members.

Presenter: Steve Flexman, a habitat restoration expert; Co-Steward of Poplar Creek Prairie Stewards for the past 20 years.

Presenter: Judy Pollock, Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon Chicago Region; provides support to a variety of volunteer–driven bird conservation projects; founding president of BCN, and Coordinator of Illinois Important Bird Areas.

INTERNATIONAL BIRDING TRIPS

10:00 a.m. Birds of Southern Arizona

Hawks to hummingbirds, southern Arizona is blessed with a wide variety of birds.

Presenters: Clair and Bev Postmus. Clair, a research chemist and former North Park University professor, developed his skills as a nature photographer over the last 40 years, while Bev, a former science teacher, started birding in the 1960’s and is now a Master Naturalist; currently residents of Green Valley, Arizona and active members of the Tucson Audubon Society, they present nature programs to birding clubs and school groups across the country.

11:00 a.m. Birds of Kenya

Keep your eyes and checklist ready for 2,000 species.

Presenter: Paul Gitau, born and raised in Kenya, led birding tours in East Africa for the last 10 years; founder of the Kenya Eco Bird Guide Association training local birding guides as a way of empowering rural conservation.

1:00 p.m. Veracruz, Mexico Hawk Migration

Greatest birds of prey migration in the neotropical region.

Presenter: Jorge G. Barrios is Conservation Coordinator and Membership Officer for Ecoases Nature Tours of Veracruz, Mexico. The conservation target of Ecoases Nature Tours is migratory bird conservation through the Outreach Program and Veracruz River of Raptors Project.

2:00 p.m. Birds of Florida’s Sanibel Island Area

Colorful birdlife along sandy beaches, freshwater inland ponds, and low tide sand flats.

Presenters: Clair and Bev Postmus (see 10:00 a.m., Birds of Southern Arizona)

CLOSING PRESENTATION

3:00 p.m. Birds on the Wind: The Miracle of Migration

Bird migration is truly one of the most amazing natural wonders in our world today. From the unbelievable 7000 mile nonstop journey of Bar-tailed Godwits to spectacular raptor movements during migration, there are still many unanswered questions concerning the “how, why, where and when” of bird migration. The program begins with a review of different types of bird migration and then spotlights various bird families and select species that perform amazing feats of physical endurance during migration. Breathtaking photos and several musical interludes add to the interesting nature of this presentation.

Presenter: Kevin T. Karlson, an accomplished birder, professional tour leader and wildlife photographer who has traveled from the Alaskan Arctic to the rainforests of Central and South America to photograph birds; sole ornithologist for Cornell’s DVD Birds of North America, including over 800 of his own photos; co-author of "The Shorebird Guide" (Houghton Mifflin Co., 2006) with two books on the way," The Birds of Cape May NJ," due in September, and "Birding by Impression," to be published in 2011.

(Door prizes will be given out at this time.)

For more information contact the Chicago Audubon office at (773) 539-6793.

Directions:

From the north

Take I-94 eastbound (Edens Expressway) to the Cicero (to Foster) exit. Take Cicero south to Foster Avenue, turn east (left) on Foster and continue to Kedzie, about two miles.

From the south

Take I-94 westbound (Dan Ryan Expressway) and proceed northwest on I-90/94 (Kennedy Expressway). Exit at Kimball Avenue. Travel north (right) on Kimball about two miles to Foster Avenue and turn east (right). Proceed two blocks, to Kedzie.

From the west

(Or from O'Hare Airport) take I-90/94 eastbound (Kennedy) to the Austin (to Foster) exit. At the end of the exit ramp, turn east (left) and follow the curve to reach Foster. Turn east (left) on Foster and continue to Kedzie, about three miles.

From the east

Take Lake Shore Drive (from either direction) to the Foster Avenue exit. Travel west on Foster and continue to Kedzie, about three miles.

Again, parking is free in the University lot on the southeast corner of Foster and Kedzie.

OWL PROWLS at NORTH PARK VILLAGE!

Teen Owl Prowl - January 29, 2010, 7:00-9:00 PM

Family Owl Prowl - February 5, 2010, 6:00-8:00 PM

Teen Owl Prowl - February 26, 2010, 7:00-9:00 PM

Come out to North Park Village Nature Center (5801-D N. Pulaski, Chicago) and join Edward Warden in a night walk through the preserve as you search for owls. The program will start with a brief informative discussion, followed by the walk, as the group will search for Great Horned and Eastern Screech Owls. It's the perfect time of year for owling!
For more information, call the Nature Center at (312) 744-5472.

Birds of Chicago by Chris C. Fisher and David B. Johnson

Birds of Chicago is the perfect lightweight easy-to-carry volume intended to serve as both a bird identification guide and a bird appreciation guide and presents a balance between the familliar and the noteworthy--an excellent companion whether you are on a birdwalk or just a stroll through the park. Price: $15 (includes postage). To order over the phone, call the Chicago Audubon office at (773) 539-6793 or send a check to: Chicago Audubon Society 5801-C North Pulaski Road, Chicago, 60646.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AWARDEES!
Chicago Audubon Biennial Environmental Awards Banquet
Thursday, November 5, 2009

On Thursday, November 5, Chicago Audubon held its Biennial Environmental Awards Banquet at the Silver Stallion Restaurant in Des Plaines to honor those who have made contributions to conservation and birding in the Chicagoland area. The Chicago Audubon Board of Directors chooses final Award recipients. For a list of past recipients click here.

The CHICAGO AUDUBON SOCIETY is proud to announce the recipients of
our 2009 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS:

EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING

Barbara Mahany – Chicago Tribune

PROTECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENT - EDUCATION

Sean Shaffer – Education Naturalist, North Park Village Nature Center, Chicago

PROTECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENT - SINGLE ACT

Dick Riner – Steward, Bartel Grasslands

PROTECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENT - SINGLE ACT

Chicago Police Officer Richard Heger, who patrols Montrose Point

PROTECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENT - AVOCATION

Robert Montgomery – Bird Conservation Network and former President,
Illinois Ornithological Society

PROTECTOR OF THE ENVIRONMENT - VOCATION

Karen Glennemeier – The Habitat Project and Audubon-Chicago Region

SERVICE TO CHICAGO AREA BIRDERS

Vic Berardi – Illinois Beach State Park Hawkwatch

GOOD BUSINESS NEIGHBOR

Erva Tool & Manufacturing Co. Inc.

CAS FIRST FRIEND

The Dale Pontius Family – for the donation of a portion of Dale’s birding library

CAS FIRST FRIEND

Jim Harris – for the donation of his self-produced nature DVDs

At the banquet, CAS also thanked three people for their decades of service
to Chicago Audubon:

- Richard Biss, who managed the CAS Rare Bird Alert for more than 25 years

- Carol Nelson, who served on the CAS Board of Directors, on the Conservation Committee,
led trips, gave programs and so much more, for many years.

- Doug Anderson, our longest serving board member ever (since 1973), who also led bird walks at Jackson Park’s Wooded Island for more than 30 years.

CAS Hotline Highlights!

Among our honorees at the recent CAS Awards Banquet (see below) was Richard Biss, who managed the CAS Rare Bird Alert for over 25 years. For some after-dinner entertainment he put together a collation of "highlights." Some commentary from Rich: "Some of it is difficult to understand, as the recordings are old and were on microcassette tapes. Its amazing how the technology has changed over the years from huge bulky tape machines, to smaller tapes, to microcassette tapes, to digital. Laurie Binford is the person giving the funny Botanic Garden Reports. The first message was the first message that I received when running the hotline. It was from Jim Landing, who jokingly started with saying my voice was sexy! At the end of the recordings is Jim Landing leaving a difficult to understand but funny message from his dog Bull, which I assume many of you may remember. Chris Williamson (Phillips then) has her ovenbird central message, and Dave Johnson give his rendition of Summer Tanager from Jack Benny Center of the Arts in Waukegan. Danny Diaz saw the injured Warbler (not really injured, but the name was funny), and there are a few other people who may recognize someone on the recording."

The mp3 file of the "Highlights" can be listened to by clicking here. Thanks again, Rich, for 25 years of great work!

COOK COUNTY SPRING BIRD COUNT RESULTS - May 9th, 2009

Compiled by CAS Research Committee Chair Alan Anderson, you can access a pdf with all of the data by clicking here. Thanks go out to all who participated!

WOODED ISLAND BIRDWALKS

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

These wonderful walks will continue throughout the year up to New Year’s Day. Bring binoculars, field guides, and dress for the weather. Many species of songbirds and water birds are seen. Meet at Clarence Darrow Bridge, just south of Museum of Science and Industry. For details and directions, contact Pat Durkin at pat.durkin@comcast.net. All levels of birders are welcome!

SKOKIE LAGOONS WORKDAYS

10:00 a.m. every second Saturday of the month. 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!

MONTROSE POINT MAGIC HEDGE STEWARDSHIP WORKDAYS

The first Saturday of every month. Continuous throughout the year.
Volunteers are needed to help with weeding, mulching, planting native shrubs and trees. We are also establishing a prairie! Wear work clothes. To sign up and for directions, please contact David Painter, 773-383-0721, or email dvdpaint@yahoo.com. Everyone is welcome!

LIGHTS OUT!!!

Now that fall migration is here, our nationally-known program, Lights Out! also resumes. With the cooperation and support of the Mayor's Nature and Wildlife Committee and the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA), lights in many of downtown Chicago's tall buildings are turned out during the overnight hours in order to avoid attracting migratory birds, which can otherwise become disoriented and crash into the buildings. For more information, please click here!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP SAVE THE BIRDS!

Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM) 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! For further information, please call (773) 988-1867.

BOOK REVIEW: Birdwatcher, The Life of Roger Tory Peterson

Author: Elizabeth J. Rosenthal
Published 2008
Reviewed by Chris Van Wassenhove, CAS President

Imagine floating down a river and telling your companion that you would expect to find a peregrine falcon under the approaching bridge. Upon drifting under said bridge, a single feather floats down into your lap and you exclaim “a marbled godwit!” and look up to find the expected peregrine enjoying breakfast.

This exemplifies the birding genius of Roger Tory Peterson. (Can you identify a marbled godwit via a single feather?) In her recently published biography, Birdwatcher: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson, Elizabeth J. Rosenthal presents a comprehensive study of his life and multiple accomplishments.

Peterson was a pioneer in so many areas we accept as common realities today and he was such an inspiration to children and novice bird and nature enthusiasts. Any opportunity to teach children about the great outdoors excited him and he revolutionized nature guides to make them more user-friendly for the uninitiated as well as for the more experienced explorer.

Bird guides before Peterson’s time were lengthy tomes—too heavy and too verbose to be of much use in the field. Peterson brought the birds to life with his excellent paintings and descriptions of diagnostic traits and was one of the driving forces in making “birdwatcher” a common term.

Peterson was also a father of the environmental movement. He was among the first to point out how birds helped to control insect populations; how DDT was affecting the nesting success of raptors; and how stands of dead trees were important as nesting habitat for certain bird species.

Peterson did not limit himself to the United States. He helped found the World Wildlife Fund to raise money for conservation. Rosenthal writes of how Peterson’s British and European guides changed birdwatching in Europe forever. He did the same thing for Canada and for East Africa and he traveled the world, influencing the conservation discussion and enhancing enjoyment of nature wherever he went. In addition to his bird guides, Peterson published books on wildflowers, mammals, butterflies, shells, trees, rocks, minerals, amphibians and reptiles.

His history is fascinating and I have touched on just a tiny portion of it in this review. It is hard to believe one person could accomplish so much in a lifetime. Peterson had a favorite phrase that he quoted often in his speeches, “Birds are the most eloquent expression of reality.” This belief obviously drove the man and his passion. Please visit the author’s website at www.petersonbird.com for additional information about this well researched book.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW CAS BOARD MEMBERS

The downside to the departure of Christine and Stephen Lee to their new Colorado home is that it leaves us with openings on the CAS Board. We're looking for people with a passion for nature who want to "act locally." If you're interested in being nominated for the Board please contact Joe Lill at 773-631-3154 or trptjoe@aol.com.