CHIP NOTES

The newsletter of the Baltimore Bird Club

April/May 2008 -- Online Edition

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Editor's Note by Bryce Butler
  2. Beehler Lecture by Bryce Butler
  3. Bird Brains
  4. Bird Blitz by David Curson
  5. Conservtion Corner: Building Wind Turbines in State Forests by Joan Cwi
  6. Backyard Birding and Beyond
  7. Calendar Feb-Mar
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Editor's Note

by Bryce Butler

2008-2009 BBC Officers, Directors, Committees President - Peter Webb Vice President - David Thorndill Treasurer - Dick Krejci Recording Secretary- Paula Schugam BBC Directors: Joan Cwi, Kevin Graff, Mark Linardi State Directors: Joan Cwi, John Landers, Roberta Ross Membership Co-chairs: Catherine Bishop, Dot Gustafson Committees Conservation Committee Co-chairs: Carol Schreter, Joan Cwi Members: Bryce Butler, Wendy Olsson, Paula Schugam, Joan Hellman, Dixie Mullineaux Cylburn Bird Exhibits and Outreach Chair: Patsy Perlman, Member: Joy Wheeler Dorothy Blake Martin Fund: Karen Morley Field Trips Committee: Peter Webb, Kevin Graff Hospitality: Kevin Graff Lectures: David Curson Scholarship: David Curson Representative to MOS Sanctuary Committee: Brent Byers Representative to Natural History Society: Joe Lewandowski Publicity: vacant Chip Notes Editor - Bryce Butler Field Trip Reports - Kevin Graff Dues are Due It’s time to send in your yearly membership dues. Please send them in the dues envelope mailed with your paper version of Chip Notes. If you have any questions, please contact our Membership Committee. J. Catherine Bishop 6111 Bellona Ave Baltimore, MD 21212 (410) 435-9569 jcbishop@worldnet.att.net Editor’s Note For future issues I intend to put in less of the schedule, save for lectures, as it is in the program book and online. Terry Ross posted the schedule online in mid- July. Also please check out Wendy Olsson’s article on pages 2-3. A Baltimore Lights Out program is an exciting and achievable goal for our organization to take leadership on. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Fatal Attraction..................................page 2-3 Field Trip Reports............................. page 4-6 Backyard Birding and Beyond...........page 6-7 Aug Sept Calendar............................page 7-8 CHIP NOTES No 367 AUG-SEPT 2008 Fatal Attraction: Birds and Glass by Wendy Olsson An American Woodcock sat quiet and still in the middle of the sidewalk next to the Mechanic Theatre. At lunchtime, the bird was still there. This was my first experience with bird collisions with man-made structures in downtown Baltimore, but not the last by far. I took the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator, who made a diagnosis of a concussion. After medication and some convalescing, the bird was feisty and ready for release. Sadly this is not the case for most birds who encounter man-made structures along their migratory path or where they raise young and breed. Most die and get swept up and thrown in the trash, eaten by predators, or go unnoticed--unless they are in Chicago, Toronto, or New York, where programs have been established to reduce bird collision hazards, rescue injured migratory birds, and collect data on bird collisions. Photo: www.flap.org A conservative estimate of birds annually killed by collision is 100 million. Some experts think the number is higher by many millions more. This has been going on for a long time. A 1991 report by Dr. Daniel Klem, who has been studying the bird and glass issues for the last 30 years, states that 333 Exxon Valdez spills would be necessary to kill 100 million birds. Research shows that collisions with buildings are the biggest killer of birds in the world. Along with all the other challenges facing birds, it is no wonder bird populations are plummeting. Windows, glass walkthrough bridges, and allglass buildings pose year-round threats to birds. Significant among these threats are: •Window corners – Birds do not see glass, and therefore see corners as safe passage. •Windows reflecting greenery or showing greenery inside – Birds see reflections of trees or inside greenery in windows and think that they are heading for shelter, but instead hit the window, often at high speeds. Baltimore kills numerous birds. Since finding that first American Woodcock, I’ve seen 23 more, a dead Baltimore Oriole near the tallest building in Baltimore, 28 Ovenbirds, and a host of other species. I watched as a Common Yellowthroat stood over the dead body of a Common Yellowthroat of the opposite sex. The sparse and sporadic data from concerned Baltimoreans is only the tip of the iceberg. Species hardest hit include American Woodcocks, Common Yellowthroats, Ovenbirds, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, and White-throated Sparrows. With development of high-rises and new allglass “green” buildings (is a building really green if it’s lethal to birds?), Baltimore will become more perilous to both migrant and resident birds alike. Thanks to Chicago, New York, and Toronto’s birdcollision reduction programs, awareness of the impact of manmade structures on bird populations is growing, as it should: higher songbird populations have been linked to trees growing larger, since birds keep pest populations in check. With Baltimore looking to significantly increase its tree canopy in the coming decades, ensuring safe structures for birds goes hand in hand with increasing the city’s tree canopy. Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP-www.flap.org), the pioneer nonprofit on this issue, continues to work to reduce bird mortality in Toronto. The bird casualties counter on their website is at over 42,000 birds. Karen Cotton is the American Bird Conservancy’s new Bird Collisions Campaign Manager. She has been invaluable in guiding the BBC’s work on how to address the issue locally. We are fortunate to PAGE 2 CHIP NOTES AUG-SEPT 2008 have her located in nearby Washington, D.C. and are grateful for her attendance at a recent meeting with a local conservation organization currently dealing with bird strikes at their facility. In her position, she is working aggressively to raise awareness on the issue, establishing Lights-Out programs throughout the nation, and getting existing bird-friendly building guidelines and credits written into the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification program. Currently the U.S. Green Building Council certification program doesn’t give any “LEED credits” for bird-friendly building or design, and a search of “bird friendly” on the Council’s website yields just two results, neither of which directly addresses how to avoid birds colliding with buildings. This needs to change to effectively stop the slaughter of millions of birds at “green” buildings. The literature on daytime window collision reduction reports that feasible solutions need to provide for a transparent window while at the same time making sure birds see the solid surface ahead. Progress is being made - the U.S. Postal Service has etched the glass of its Morgan Mail processing building in Manhattan so that the birds will be aware of the glass after concerned parties at NYC Audubon documented extremely high bird mortality rates at the structure. Opportunities to develop more post-construction solutions to daytime collisions exist. The National Zoo in Washington found a beautiful solution, but not without first trying stickers that didn’t adhere as well as needed to keep the glass aesthetically pleasing. They kept looking for a solution however, and display some on their website. To have a look at their solution to their bird collision problem at zoo displays, go to: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Conservationand- Science/MigratoryBirds/BirdStrike. When birds migrate at night in the spring and fall, they can become disoriented by light sources and sometimes fly continuously around light until they drop from exhaustion. Reducing nighttime collisions is easier than reducing daytime window collisions. Some buildings have both reduced their energy bill and the number of nighttime collisions by 80% just by Eric Fogelman: Chicago: same fall night before and after dimming at 11PM turning their lights off at night during peak migration months. This is a win-win for both building managers and for birds. The current energy crisis offers us a real opportunity to focus on the twin goals of saving energy and birds by promoting Lights Out programs locally. The Baltimore Bird Club is spearheading such a project this fall. Won’t you join us as we work with the American Bird Conservatory and other local organizations to make Baltimore safer for the migrating birds we all love to spend our time watching. If you’re interested please email me at rwolsson@ verizon.net. Volunteers can participate in many ways - monitoring bird strikes, help developing brochures, talking with building managers, architects and others in a position to advance change, rescuing and collecting birds from downtown, and transporting birds to a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If you think watching birds is satisfying, imagine the satisfaction of helping to save them from unnecessary deaths in Baltimore! Websites for other cities: www.cityofchicago.org/Environment/BirdMigration/ sub/lights_out_chicago.html www.nycaudubon.org/home/BSBGuidelines.shtml www.lightsout.audubon.org/ AUG-SEPT 2008 CHIP NOTES PAGE 3 PAGE 4 CHIP NOTES AUG-SEPT 2008 Field Trip Reports Compiled by Kevin Graff Apr 1 - Lake Roland - Due to rain, sightings were minimal at start of trip, although they picked up as rain cleared. Best bird was the lone Red-necked Grebe. had a great view of an Osprey carrying off a large fish, presumably to his nest as we had seen tow ospreys flying together previously. 8 participants. Leader: Joan Cwi Apr 5 - Cromwell Valley Park - Joint trip with Wild Bird Center. The walk start off with 8 Common Loon overhead headed NE. 13 Redtails and 3 Bald eagles headed N between 10am-11am. 2 “yellow” Palm Warblers seen well by all. Swallows are back with Tree, Roughwings and Barn. In the field were Field and Savan- nah Sparr ows . On way o u t few of us saw the Osprey on nest at cell tower. 5 2 s p e c i e s . 16 par- ticipants. Lead- er: Kevin Graff. Apr 8 - Lake R o l a n d - This was a great day for the 11 birders who braved the dark weather. Highlights included a pair of Blue-winged Teal, a female Green-winged Teal, a perched Merlin, 5 species of woodpeckers including close-up views of 2 male Pileated Woodpeckers manuevering up and down tree trunk, some Palm Warblers, and a Winter Wren. The Tufted Titmouse, Eastern Phoebes, and Whitethroated Sparrows 49. 11 participants. Leader: Mary Chetelat. Apr 12 - Smith Island - While we were out on the roads toward the marsh, we came across a Rusty Blackbird and then near a power utility station, the weather closed in, so we took shelter under an open roof at the utility. While experiencing a thunderstorm with rain showers, we shared the experience with a Little Blue Heron, a Clapper Rail, and a Swamp Sparrow. No, they weren’t under the roof with us, but were seen nearby. When the weather cleared, we resumed birding. Many rails calling, also meadowlarks too. One small group saw a photograph a Cattle Egret. During the cruise, we saw over 100 gannets. Back on mainland, few saw a Eared Grebe. When group split, some heard several warbler species. Overall, everyone have a great day despite the thunderstorms. 66 species. 35 participants. Leaders: Kevin Graff & Pete Webb. Apr 12 - Hampton NHS - Highlight of the day was a kestrel carrying off a small snake. 36 species. 12 participants. Leader: Gail Frantz. Apr 15 - Lake Roland - Not many warblers, but glorious to behold. Great views of Palm, Parula and Yellow-rumped Warblers in full color. Blue-headed Vireo was also stunning. When we sat at the picnic bench to do our final list we found a stone with the words “Brown Creeper” enigmatically written on it! 51 species. 16 participants. Leader: Joan Cwi. Apr 19 - Hampton NHS - 2 bluebird boxes inhabited side by side by house sparrows in one and bluebirds in the other. Two bluebirds trying to distract house sparrows from the two boxes. We removed as much of the house sparrow nesting material as possible. According to one of the our participants, no one monitors the boxes. There seems to be about 12 around the property. 30 species. 7 participants. Leader: Joy Wheeler. Apr 20 - Granite Area - The BBC walk in the Granite Area of Patapsco Valley State was pretty good considering the periodic showers, difficult lighting conditions and earlier date this year. Six birders braved the muddy trails to find the following highlights: 3 Prairie Warblers, 2 Yellow-throated Warblers (by song), 2 Louisiana Waterthrush, 9 Northern Parula, 17 Myrtle Warbler, 3 yellow Palm Warbler, 1 Black-and-white Warbler and 2 Ovenbird. We also had a Pileated Woodpecker at close range. 49 species. 6 participants. Leader: Keith Eric Costley. Apr 22 - Lake Roland - Spring Migration is underway! The group either saw or heard 5 species of warblers and enjoyed long looks at the breeding plumage Black-crowned Night Heron. 54 species. 18 participants. Leader: Debbie Terry. Apr 26 - Hampton NHS - Our most unusual bird for this date was a Red-breasted Nuthatch. Bird most enjoyed were 2 beautiful male Baltimore Orioles flitting in the trees around the Hampton Mansion. 35 species. 8 participants. Leader: Debbie Terry. Apr 26 - Marriottsville Rd. - What started as a pleasant walk ended rather hot and humid. Eleven warblers were noted. All got a look at the target bird, the Yellow-throated; some heard a distant Prairie; a few had brief looks at the Worm-eating; Parulas seemed everywhere and most got good looks at them; heard but not seen were BT Green and Blue-winged; heard but generally not seen were Pine and Black-and-white and the Ovenbird. Well heard and seen by most: the Louisiana Waterthrush; seen by some: an unexpected Northern Waterthrush. Other nice sightings: Green Heron, Osprey, Spotted Sandpiper, GH Owl, YT & BH Vireos, Wood Thrush and Baltimore Oriole. Scarlet Tanager was heard by most, but only one heard a kingbird. Lots of nice wild flowers were in bloom. A demonstrative Black Rat Snake and a small, shy Ringneck Snake were also seen. 63 species. 9 participants. Leader: Paul Noell. Apr 26 - Patterson Park - It was a beautiful sunny and breezy morning with a good variety of migrants present including large numbers of Chipping and White-throated Sparrows, Blue Jays in good numbers all morning. A flyby Solitary Sandpiper. 41 speAUG- SEPT 2008 CHIP NOTES PAGE 5 cies. 6 participants. Leader: David Curson. Apr 27 - Druid Hill Park - Highlight was the Blue-winged Warbler in the woods behind the zoo. 7 warbler species including Bluewinged, Parula, Yellow, Black-throated Green, Palm, Black-andwhite & C. Yellowthroat. Overcast and damp with briefly light rain. 6 participants. Leader: Bryce Butler. Apr 27 - Cherry Hill Park - Joint trip with Baltimore and Anne Arundel Bird Clubs. We flushed a group of three pheasants (1 male, 2 females) and heard two others. Other highlights included: Northern Harrier, Savannah Sparrow, Swamp Sparrows, Orchard Orioles, many Yellow Warblers and 4 Caspian Terns. 43 species. 8 participants. Leader: David Walbeck. Apr 27 - Swift Watch at Conservatory - Because of early darkness, swifts started entering very early. First in at 640pm, last in at 820pm, total about 980. Trip was advertised in Roland Park Country School’s Kaleidoscope program, and most attends came after reading it there. 40 participants. Leader: Joan Cwi & Carol Schreter. Apr 29 - Lake Roland - Both Orchard and Baltimore Orioles - large numbers. And great view of Chestnut-sided Warbler. Also two Great Egrets. 66 species including 11 warblers. 18 participants. Leader: Debbie Terry. May 3 - Hampton NHS - Highlight of the day were Goldencrowned Kinglet, Yellow, Yellow-rumped and Redstart. 39 species. 9 participants. Leader: Ben Poscover. May 4 - Patuxent North Tract - BBC’s field trip to the North Tract of Patuxent NWR featured mainly residents rather than migrants. Many species chose to remain heard-only, but some sightings were quite decent but here are a few highlights. Summer Tanagers were unusually numerous and vocal with one providing such a good look early on that we did not bother to look for the others. We had 16 species of warbler in the refuge, including one Prothonotary,* heard but not seen behind New Marsh; a well-seen Worm-eating warbler; LOTS of Redstarts, LOTS of Ovenbirds, lots of Prairies, and a few Chats. We had one great look at a Blue Grosbeak. Also 3 well-seen Savannah Sparrows. Also, we were amazed at the numerous Carolina Saddlebag dragonflies. Cricket frogs were also very vocal in the various ponds. *The Bailey Bridge area is still closed, like last year. That’s unfortunate since it is one of the best areas for Prothonotaries and other species. species. 2 participants. Leader: Steve Sanford. May 6 - Lake Roland - It was a busy day with scores of birds. Killer look at Prothonotary, good look at Worm-eating and a few seen a colorful male Blackburnin Warbler way up caused a pain in the neck after about 10-15 minutes looking up. The mudflats near old boat ramp was full of shorebirds including Killdeer, Lesser Yellowlegs, Solitary, Spotted, and Least Sandpipers. Few of us saw the Barred Owl flying away. 75 species including 14 warblers. 17 participants. Leader: Kevin Graff. May 13 - Lake Roland - The Black-crowned Night Heron finally flew regally in revue, against a dramatic, tumultuous spillway waterfall, following heavy rains of the previous day. The Yellowcrowned cousin was conspicuous by its absence. Along the upper lake, the Osprey circled supreme. The Great Blue Heron was joined by its regal cousin, the Great Egret. A scattering of Solitary and Spotted Sandpipers were joined by a lone Least Sandpiper. Other nice sightings: Pileated Woodpecker; Ruby-throated Hummingbird; kingfisher; Acadian Flycatcher; Veery; Swainson’s Thrush; and both orioles. A late-singing White-throated Sparrow was noted. Of 11 warblers notable were: Magnolia, BT Blue, Redstart, Prothonotary, Yellow, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush and Canada. We were lustily serenaded by a no. of the warblers. Rounding it out were Scarlat Tanager, Yellow-throated Vireo and an obliging jamble of laid-back Cedar Waxwings. 74 species. 19 participants. Leader: Paul Noell. May 17 - Hampton NHS - Highlights of this NPS/BBC’s walk included two warblers (Blackpoll Warbler and American Redstart); a flyby Belted Kingfisher; and close-up viewing of a pair Baltimore Orioles, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Warbling Vireo. 49 species. 8 participants. Leader: Keith Eric Costley. May 18 - Owings Mills Mall Wetlands - Highlights of this BBC’s walk included an Olive-sided Flycatcher; eight warblers species (Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Canada Warbler); great looks at Baltimore and Orchard Orioles; and a little bit of sunshine. 65 species. 11 participants. Leader: Keith Eric Costley. May 20 - Lake Roland - Of the eight species of warblers, notable were the Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, Blackpoll and Canada. On good view for all were male and female Baltimore Oriole, adult and first year Orchard Oriole. A pair of DC Cormorants were sighted briefly overhead, as was a long GB Heron. There were several BC NIght Herons, but the YC NIght Herons were not in evidence. Several pairs of Canada Geese were seen with two to three goslings each. A lone RT Hummer, a single Swainson’s Thrush and a nice group of Cedar Waxwings were welcome sights. Notably missing were Downy Woodpecker, Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting and any vultures, hawks, etc. Six hardy souls proved to be good “mudders” in traversing decidedly watery and squishy trails. 59 species. 6 participants. Leader: Peter Lev. May 24 - Hampton NHS - Interesting birds seen/heard including one Eastern Screech-Owl, 2 flyover nighthawks, one Bay-breasted Warbler and 2 Baltimore Orioles. 40 species. 13 participants. Leader: Jim Peters. cont: pg 6 PAGE 6 May 27 - Lake Roland - It was nice to see 6 or 7 Green Herons flying over, calling and then on a branch where we could see one well with out binocs. It was a treat to hear a Veery, singing loudly and beautifully. What a lovely sound. Had 6 warblers, but the highlight of the day was three baby Barred owls nice and round and fluffy, their eyes blacks and staring. Everybody had good looks at these birds. 57 species. 10 participants. Leader: Ruth Culbertson. Jun 8 - Soldiers Delight - Highlights of the BBC field trip at Soldiers Delight NEA included: an extended look at a male Summer Tanager singing along the Red Trail; an adult barred owl; watching a trio Hairy Woodpeckers dance around the upper branches of an Oak; seeing a Brown Thrasher preening after a bath in the Red Run and watching a pair of Great-crested Flycatchers building a nest. We heard several warbler species singing on territory - Hooded, Northern Parula, Black-and-white, Prairie and Pine, Ovenbird and Yellow-breasted Chat. In addition, we saw a pair of Eastern Bluebirds and male Scarlet Tanager. 47 species. 8 participants. Leader: Keith Eric Costley. Jun 21 - Grantie Area - Highlights of the BBC’s walk in the Granite area [Woodstock] of Patapsco Valley State Park included finding newly fledged young of the Louisiana Waterthrush and Chipping Sparrow. Warblers found were Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Northern Parula, American Redstart and Ovenbird. We also enjoyed watching a several Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Bunting and Field Sparrow singing on territory. During one of the mornings quieter moments Dan’s alarm call turned our attention to an adult Bald Eagle flying low over river. Later in the afternoon, we added a nice Yellow-billed Cuckoo sighting and couple of Cooper’s Hawks. 62 species. 7 participants. Leader: Keith Eric Costley. Backyard Birding and Beyond Joy Wheeler Each time I’ve visited Cylburn there are new sights, sounds, new people, changing tree profiles, garden configurations and colors. There is one spot I’m always drawn to: the tops of two or three bare trees rising up from the equipment lot beyond the greenhouses. I don’t remember when those trees were living trees. Their jagged tops (I have always believed) should be a constant perch of birds. Not so. Not until Sunday, February 17, that is, on my way to the Carriage House Museum (more about this later). There was a woodpecker clinging to the top, just the right size and shape for a most uncommon bird, a red headed woodpecker! When it flew, its colors confirmed my identification. As visitors came to the museum I shared my find with them, showing our mounted specimen of the red headed woodpecker, explaining why this bird is uncommon in most of Maryland. One of our visitors from South Dakota was unimpressed, the red headed woodpecker being common there. I was ecstatic. The following Wednesday February 20 there was more to be ecstatic about. A peregrine falcon was standing on the top of the same dead tree, obviously feeding on some prey. I watched it 45 minutes hoping to see it fly its distinctive falcon flight, but could not invest any more time on it. It had stopped feeding and probably was too full to fly. Its profile, its coloring (faint in poor light) and its behavior added up to peregrine falcon to me. And 5 days later flying down from the tree top this time with the characteristic peregrine falcon flight there it was again. Kevin Graff May 25 - Jarrettsville - It been a great evening for bird migration. NE winds had shift to SW and brought in loads of birds headed NE. The best one was a subadult Mississippi Kite at 524pm. Other birds headed NE including Great Blue Herons at 632pm, Merlin at 632pm, 32 Common Nighthawks between 619pm- 703pm. Aldo pewee, 6 waxwings and orchard oriole headed N. Other birdss not headed N seen in yard were Grey-cheeked Thrush in morning, Swainson’s Thrush in evening, and Black-throatewd Green Warbler. Jim Highsaw and Linda Prentice After an enjoyable spring trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2007, we decided to do a five-day trip down the entire 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi during April 28 - May 2, 2008. Each day we did three or four short hikes to look for birds, see wildflowers and enjoy scenic spots, and also stopped at many of the pull-offs and overlooks. The weather was good every day, the Parkway was not crowded,and most of the motels we used were conveniently located near the Parkway. Ovenbirds and Acadian Flycatchers were the most frequently seen or heard migrants. Wild Turkeys were seen every day. On the first day we got an early start from the motel in Franklin, TN and got on the north end of the Parkway. The highlight of the day came when we stopped at Baker Bluff Overlook after 40 miles and found a tree full of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. A bit further was the delightful Jackson Falls Trail, which was good for CHIP NOTES AUG-SEPT 2008 AUG-SEPT 2008 CHIP NOTES PAGE 7 birds and wildflowers. We heard a number of birds, including Scarlet Tanagers, on the trail in the Devils Backbone Natural Area. After lunch in the town of Hohenwald, we returned to the Trace and spent several hours at the Meriwether Lewis Site, birding the trails and picnic areas and looking at the historical exhibits. Then it was back to Hohenwald for the night. On the second day we finished the Tennessee and Alabama sections of the Trace. The highlight of the day was the Rock Spring Trail in Alabama, with its classic beaver pond. Here we found the first Indigo Bunting of the trip. The trail at the Parkway Visitor Center in Tupelo, MS was pleasant but not very productive for birds in midafternoon. On the third day we drove about 15 miles from the motel in Tupelo and then did a short drive off the Trace to Davis Lake, a US Forest Service recreation area. Here we found more new birds for the trip - Red-headed Woodpeckers, Kingbirds, Chimney Swifts, Great Blue Herons, and a Pewee. Later in the day we walked on four short trails and then spent the night in Kosciusko, MS. On the fourth day we really enjoyed the Cypress Swamp Trail where we found a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, but were a bit disappointed not to find any Prothonotary Warblers. The highlights of the day were finding a flock of about 50 Cedar Waxwings near the motel in Jackson, MS, and finding a Summer Tanager at one of the historic stops just north of Jackson. On the last day we walked several short trails, and found a Yellow-throated Warbler outside a ranger station where we had stopped for information. After finishing the Trace we spent the night outside Natchez . Aug-Sept Field Trips Schedule (For directions check online or program book) AUGUST 2008. AUG 16 (Sat) 7:00/9:30 a.m. DELAWARE BAY Meet at Nursery Road Park & Ride 7:00 am OR Bombay Hook visitor center lot 9:30 am. Bring lunch. For herons, wide variety of migrating shorebirds including avocets. Be prepared for heat and biting insects. Minimal walking involved. Telescopes useful. Leader: Pete Webb, (410) 486-1217, or pete_webb@juno.com AUG 20 (Wed) 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. EVENING WALKS AT FORT McHENRY Cancelled in rain, snow, sleet, fog, etc. Leader: Jim Peters, (410) 429-0966. AUG 26 (Tue) 8:30 a.m. LAKE ROLAND (ROBERT E. LEE PARK). First in a series of weekly walks to follow the progress of Fall Migration. Habitats include woods, lake, streams and marsh. This park has an impressive bird list, including songbirds, herons, shorebirds and raptors. Leader: Patsy Perlman (410) 466-3998 or pattonyp@aol.com AUG 27 (Wed) 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. EVENING WALKS AT FORT McHENRY Automatically cancelled in rain, fog, etc. Park on Wallace Street. Leader: Jim Peters, (410) 429-0966. *Directions to Fort McHenry. From I-95, take Hanover Street exit 55, McComas St Meet at the main gate. AUG 31 (Sun) 8:30 a.m. CYLBURN SELF-GUIDED WALK. First in a series of casual fall walks. Meet at the Mansion’s front porch on Sunday mornings for easy birding in Cylburn’s gardens and urban forest. Beginning Birders Welcome. Expect to find a variety of migrant and resident birds. No designated leader. Coordinator: Joe Lewandowski, (410) 358-7834 or ilenel@juno.com SEPTEMBER 2008. SEP 2 (Tue) 8:30 a.m. LAKE ROLAND (ROBERT E. LEE PARK). One in a series of weekly walks to follow the progress of Fall Migration. Habitats include woods, lake, streams and marsh. This park has an impressive bird list, including songbirds, herons, shorebirds and raptors. Leader: Joan Cwi, (410) 467-5352 or jafjsc@verizon.net SEP 2 (Tue) 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY EVENING LECTURE AT CYLBURN. First in a series of monthly feature presentations and slide shows on the first Tuesday of each month except 2nd Tuesday in November (to make room for Election Day) and 2nd Sunday dinner in January. Tonight: “The Path Taken By An Avian Researcher”. Dr Kim Derrickson, Professor of Biology at Loyola College, talks about doing bird research on Wood Thrushes in Maryland, Dusky Antbirds in the Neotropics, and other fascinating bird subjects. Doors open at 7:30 pm for socializing and snacks, show starts about 7:45 or 8:00 p.m. SEP 3 (Wed) 8:00 a.m. FIRST WEDNESDAYS AT FORT McHENRY Monthly survey of bird activity at the wetland. Telescope can be useful. Automatically cancelled in bad weather (rain, sleet, snow, fog, etc.). Leader: Mary Chetelat, (410) 665-0769. *Directions to Fort McHenry. From I-95, take Hanover Street exit 55, McComas St Meet outside the Visitor Center. SEP 3 (Wed) 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. EVENING WALKS AT FORT McHENRY Automatically cancelled in rain, fog, etc. Park on Wallace Street. *Directions to Fort McHenry. From I-95, take Hanover Street exit 55, McComas St Meet at the main gate. Leader: Jim Peters, (410) 429-0966. SEP 6 (Sat) 8:00 a.m. CROMWELL VALLEY PARK.Diverse habitat that includes stream, woods and fields. Expect to see a variety of resident and migrant birds. Leader: Kevin Graff, (410) 557-2456 or whitemarlin2001@yahoo.com SEP 7 (Sun) 8:30 a.m. CYLBURN SELF-GUIDED WALK. Meet at Mansion’s front porch on Sunday mornings for easy birding in Cylburn’s gardens and urban forest. Beginning Birders Welcome. Expect to find a variety of migrant and resident birds. No designated leader. Coordinator: Joe Lewandowski, (410) 358-7834 or ilenel@juno.com SEP 9 (Tue) 8:30 a.m. LAKE ROLAND (ROBERT E. LEE PARK). One in a series of weekly walks to follow the progress of Fall Migration. Habitats include woods, lake, streams and marsh. .Leader: Debbie Terry (410) 252-8771 or gt5s@bcpl.net Printed On Recycled Paper BALTIMORE BIRD CLUB http://baltimorebirdclub.org A Chapter of MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY 4915 Greenspring Avenue Baltimore, MD 21209 Nonprofit Organization US Postage Paid Baltimore, MD Permit Number 4137 PAGE 8 CHIP NOTES AUG-SEPT 2008 SEP 10 (Wed) 9:30 a.m. GREENMOUNT CEMETERY, 1501 GREENMOUNT AVE The first of two cemetery walks to investigate bird life in Baltimore City. These pockets of green space are relatively undisturbed and unexplored. Leader: Joy Wheeler, (410) 825-1204 SEP 10 (Wed) 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. EVENING WALKS AT FORT McHENRY Automatically cancelled in rain, fog, etc. Park on Wallace Street. SEP 14 (Sun) 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. CHIMNEY SWIFTS AT DUSK, DRUID HILL PARK CONSERVATORY (GREENHOUSE) Join the BBC SwiftWatch Team for “Swift Night Out” as Chimney Swifts pour into the Conservatory chimney. Swifts are counted and results, nationwide, are listed at www.chimneyswifts.org. Baltimore has some of the highest counts in the nation. Come at 7:15 if the weather is cloudy or gray. Leader: Carol Schreter, (410) 664-5151 SEP 16 (Tue) 8:30 a.m. LAKE ROLAND (ROBERT E. LEE PARK). One in a series of weekly walks to follow the progress of Fall Migration. Habitats include woods, lake, streams and marsh. This park has an impressive bird list, including songbirds, herons, shorebirds and raptors. Leader: Ruth Culbertson, (410) 825-1379. SEP 16 (Tue) 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Rain date FOR CHIMNEY SWIFTS AT DUSK, DRUID HILL PARK CONSERVATORY (GREENHOUSE) See Sep 14, above. SEP 17 (Wed) 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. EVENING WALKS AT FORT McHENRY Automatically cancelled in rain. Meet at the main gate. Leader: Jim Peters, (410) 429-0966. SEP 20 (Sat) BALTIMORE FALL COUNT We will tally all birds seen within the City and County during this calendar day. Birders of all levels of experience are welcome and urged to participate. To avoid duplication of counting, contact coordinator Debbie Terry, (410) 252-8771 or gt5s@bcpl.net, for assignment. SEP 20 (Sat) 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. SATURDAY MONITORING WALKS AT FORT McHENRY A continuing survey of bird activity at the Fort. *Directions to Fort McHenry. Meet at the Visitors Center. Cancelled in bad weather (high winds, fog, rain). Leader: Jim Peters, (410) 429-0966 SEP 21 (Sun) 8:30 a.m. CYLBURN SELF-GUIDED WALK. Meet at Mansion’s front porch on Sunday mornings for easy birding in Cylburn’s gardens and urban forest. Beginning Birders Welcome. Coordinator: Joe Lewandowski, (410) 358-7834 or ilenel@juno.com SEP 23 (Tue) 8:30 a.m. LAKE ROLAND (ROBERT E. LEE PARK). One in a series of weekly walks to follow the progress of Fall Migration. Habitats include woods, lake, streams and marsh. This park has an impressive bird list, including songbirds, herons, shorebirds and raptors. Leader: Dot Gustafson, (410) 584-9509 or dotsg7@verizon.net SEP 28 (Sun) 8:30 a.m. CYLBURN SELF-GUIDED WALK. Meet at Mansion’s front porch on Sunday mornings for easy birding in Cylburn’s Coordinator: Joe Lewandowski, (410) 358-7834 or ilenel@juno. com SEP 30 (Tue) 8:30 a.m. LAKE ROLAND (ROBERT E. LEE PARK). One in a series of weekly walks to follow the progress of Fall Migration. Habitats include woods, lake, streams and marsh. This park has an impressive bird list, including songbirds, herons, shorebirds and raptors. Leader: Matilda Weiss, (410) 337-2732.