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RECENT BIRD ALERT(S):

(AC) Allen Larner spotted a very rare Common Moorhen on Smith's Pond in the Swoope area, and it was still there June 18. Also a second "rookery" of Great blue heron nests (in addition to the one on Franks Mill Road) has been found on Sanger's Lane east of Staunton. Drive past the water treatment plant, cross the bridge, continue for 2/10 mile, and park at the bend in the road. The nests are across the corn field in the top of an old tree with bare branches.

Last update:
18 Jun 2010

(For further information, or to report any unusual sightings, please contact the rare bird alert coordinator, Allen Larner.)

Birds of Augusta County book cover There are still available copies of the new (third) edition of Birds of Augusta County, edited by YuLee Larner. Copies of the book will be on sale at the regular meetings of the Augusta Bird Club, or you may contact either YuLee Larner or Mary Vermeulen to purchase a copy. Please make your check for $15.75 (tax included) payable to "Augusta Bird Club Book Account."

MEETING DATES:
(this month and next)

Sept. 13, Oct. 11

(For information on place and time, see the Meetings page.)

News

16th Annual
Purple Martin Field Day

This Saturday, June 26, in Louisa, VA, 10:00 - Noon. Free!

Any person interested in establishing, restoring, or expanding a Purple Martin Colony is invited to learn about and see in operation the most up-to-date and effective techniques and technology available for successful Purple Martin stewardship and management. For further information and directions, see purplemartinfieldday.org, or else call 434-962-8232 or e-mail kingston@cstone.net.

Great Blue Heron rookery

The following photo(s) may help people locate the Great Blue Heron rookery that was recently discovered on Sanger's Lane east of Staunton. (See directions in the Recent Bird Alert box on the left, or refer to the Birding locations page.) At least eight nests and several Great Blue Herons are visible in the zoomed-in photo below, taken from about a quarter mile away. To see a broader view of the cornfield that lies between the tree and the road, just roll your mouse over the image.

Photos by Andrew Clem.

Annual ABC picnic breakfast

The Augusta Bird Club's annual picnic breakfast was held on Saturday morning (May 8) at Montgomery Hall Park in Staunton. A sizable contingent of 20+ members showed up, but the end results of the birding walks were a bit disappointing. High winds discouraged birds from flying, and made it hard to hear their songs. Among the notable birds that were seen:

Yellow-billed cuckoo
Eastern Wood Pewee
Red-eyed Vireo
Downy Woodpecker
Blackpoll warbler
Redstart

Grant Simmons (right) and other Augusta Bird Club members searching in vain for something interesting.

Harry Lumadue, Robert (?), Dan Perkuchin, and Catherine Kohus were among those who attended this year's picnic.

Cats overrun Natural Chimneys

Brenda Tekin wants local birders to know that Natural Chimneys needs help in dealing with the large number of cats that are overrunning the area. The park is now under the management of the Augusta County Parks & Recreation Department, and they are hoping to get those cats out of there in time for camping season. Not being fed by park employees any more, the cats are hungry, and that means trouble for birds. Animal traps would be especially useful in rounding up the cats, which would be transported to the local SPCA. Anyone who is willing to loan a trap or help in other ways should contact Kathy McQuain at the Augusta County Government Center in Verona.

Last news update: 24 Jun 2010

Want more news?

Download the latest Newsletter,

edited by Paul Callo.

Last update: 02 May 2010

(Sample image on the right is the February 2008 issue.)

(Portable Document Format / PDF, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader software.)

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