Upcoming field trips
- Due to the unusually cold and wet weather, ABC field trips are on hiatus for the month of February.
- Wednesday, March 17th: McCormick's Mill. Meeting Place & Time: Staunton Mall Parking Lot behind McDonald's, 8:30 a.m. or meet at the Mill by 9:00 a.m. Trip Leader: Jo King
For additional information on upcoming field trips, such as whether to bring snacks or a bag lunch, and the need to dress appropriately for the weather, please consult the current Newsletter.
AUGUSTA BIRD CLUB SPRING TRIP TO MAGEE MARSH, OHIO AND GRAYLING, MICHIGAN
Eighteen members of the ABC along with one member from the Richmond Audubon Society made the trip to Magee Marsh where we birded from May 17-20. Twelve members continued the trip to Grayling, May 20-21. By all accounts this trip North focusing primarily on migrating passerines was a huge success! In excess of 157 species were sighted. Highlights of the trip included 32 warbler species (including the elusive Kirtland's Warbler in Grayling); five Thrushes, Black Terns, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, a Sora and Bald Eagles.
Perhaps the best find of the trip, one that turned out to be a life bird for many, was a Ruff. While on a prearranged escorted tour of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Ohio, a Ruff was spotted by Allen. After much consultation among the birders and references to photographs of the bird (taken by Brenda with her telephoto lens) it was agreed that we indeed had a Ruff. Since this is a very rare bird, spotted at Ottawa NWR fewer than 6 times since 1969, our guide made several calls to people who might confirm our sighting. Soon we were joined by three guides from Tropical Birding and their groups as well as Kenn Kaufman, professional birder and author. They collectively confirmed that the bird was a first year male Ruff.
At the same pool a Phalarope was also sighted and with careful study was identified by Dan as a Red-necked Phalarope. This bird is also very rare at Ottawa NWR. Its identity was also confirmed by the experts.
The Grayling contingent also stopped at Nayanquing Point Wetlands near Saginaw Bay and here we saw our target bird, the Yellow-headed Blackbird, among other birds.
The trip provided many great views of warblers and numerous life birds for most participants. Much gratitude to Beth and Harry for doing most of the planning in making this successful and enjoyable trip possible. Also thanks to everyone for their active participation and good humor!
Walt Childs
President
June 1, 2009.
The group at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Noted bird photographer Kenn Kaufman (see his Web site) is in the blue-gray shirt to the right of center, next to Nancy Lawler. Photo courtesy of Lee Laudenslager Adams.
One of the most notable birds seen at Ottawa NWR was this Ruff. Photo courtesy of Brenda Tekin.
Annual bird surveys
Christmas Bird Count
Every year members of the Augusta Bird Club participate in the international Christmas Bird Count, under the auspices of the National Audubon Society. This survey covers precisely defined areas, and special protocols are observed to ensure that data gathered is consistent from year to year. There are two such areas in Augusta County:
Augusta County CBC Coordinator: John Spahr -- 943-6618 or (jspahr_AT_augustamed.com)
Waynesboro CBC Coordinator: Crista Cabe -- (540) 234-9155 or (ccabe_AT_mbc.edu)
The survey results, along with analytical articles, are published in a special magazine supplement.
Great Backyard Bird Count
The GBBC is usually held in February, sponsored by the National Audubon Society. The results are posted at www.birdcount.org.
Big Spring Day
The BSD is usually held in late April, at the peak of spring migration season, when the maximum number of bird species are present in Augusta County. Participants can choose their own areas, coordinating with Allen Larner.
Breeding Bird Survey
As with the CBC, special protocols are observed. The survey begins in the pre-dawn hours, searching for owls, and lasts all day. This event is also coordinated by Allen Larner.
Augusta Bird Club © 2009