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    The Redpoll: Farthest North Birdathon: May 12-June 10

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    Arctic Audubon Society
    This newsletter provides information about upcoming events organized by the Arctic Audubon Society in Fairbanks, Alaska. It announces their annual Birdathon fundraising event in May and June and the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival in late August. It also summarizes public meetings to provide input on the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge management plan and awards given to local conservation projects. The newsletter encourages involvement in these events and opportunities to support the Society's work.

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    The Redpoll: Farthest North Birdathon: May 12-June 10

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    Arctic Audubon Society
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    This newsletter provides information about upcoming events organized by the Arctic Audubon Society in Fairbanks, Alaska. It announces their annual Birdathon fundraising event in May and June and the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival in late August. It also summarizes public meetings to provide input on the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge management plan and awards given to local conservation projects. The newsletter encourages involvement in these events and opportunities to support the Society's work.

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    May 2007 Redpoll Newsletter Arctic Audubon Society

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    This newsletter provides information about upcoming events organized by the Arctic Audubon Society in Fairbanks, Alaska. It announces their annual Birdathon fundraising event in May and June and the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival in late August. It also summarizes public meetings to provide input on the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge management plan and awards given to local conservation projects. The newsletter encourages involvement in these events and opportunities to support the Society's work.

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    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    19 views4 pages

    The Redpoll: Farthest North Birdathon: May 12-June 10

    Uploaded by

    Arctic Audubon Society
    This newsletter provides information about upcoming events organized by the Arctic Audubon Society in Fairbanks, Alaska. It announces their annual Birdathon fundraising event in May and June and the Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival in late August. It also summarizes public meetings to provide input on the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge management plan and awards given to local conservation projects. The newsletter encourages involvement in these events and opportunities to support the Society's work.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    of 4

    The Redpoll

    Newsletter of the Arctic Audubon Society, Fairbanks, Alaska


    Vol. 29 Issue No. 7 May 2007

    Farthest North Birdathon: May 12–June 10


    C elebrate Spring and support the Arctic Audubon Society and the Alaska Bird Obser-
    vatory by joining local birders for this year’s Farthest North Birdathon. This is Arctic
    Audubon’s one and only fundraising effort each year, and your participation supports our
    programs. You can participate by:
    • gathering pledges and doing your own Birdathon,
    Mission of Arctic Audubon: • calling any Arctic Audubon board member to pledge support,
    Earth has unparalleled natural • make a pledge to the Youth Birdathon Team,
    diversity, productivity, and • join a “guided Birdathon” with Dr. Susan Sharbaugh on May 19 starting at Cream-
    beauty, and provides for er’s Field, with Sherry Lewis on May 23 at Creamer’s Field, or with Gail Mayo on
    life. Recognizing the full May 26 at Smith Lake.
    value of nature, we work to Birdathon information was published in the April issue of The Redpoll. You can also pick
    protect Alaskan ecosystems up information at Creamer’s Field Farmhouse Visitor Center, at the Alaska Bird Observa-
    by encouraging research, tory, or at www.alaskabird.org. The potluck Tally Rally & Awards Ceremony will be held
    education, and management Sunday, July 15, 4 pm, at the Alaska Bird Observatory.
    that will contribute to
    appreciation and good Mark your calendar for the…
    stewardship of this natural Tanana Valley Sandhill Crane Festival
    heritage. We also strive to
    conduct our own lives in
    harmony with nature. S andhill Cranes have just arrived in Fairbanks but before the next issue of our newsletter,
    we will be celebrating the next turn of their season with the Sandhill Crane Festival
    marking the beginning of their fall migration. Save the weekend of August 24, 25, and 26
    The Arctic Audubon Society
    to enjoy the spectacle at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge in Fairbanks. Crane
    publishes The Redpoll for its
    biologist and conservation activist George Archibald will be the keynote guest and speaker.
    members monthly fall through
    As many as 2,500 Sandhill cranes will be in attendance. Join them!
    spring. National Audubon
    If you would enjoy helping with the festival in any of many small ways, from making a
    Society (NAS) dues are $35;
    luscious dessert to guiding a nature walk, call Gail Mayo (479-2954) or Friends of Creamer’s
    new members are $20. NAS
    Field (452-5162).
    membership includes local
    chapter dues. Chapter only
    membership is $10 and
    What’s Happening at Creamer’s Field?
    includes the newsletter.

    Inside…
    O n Monday, May 21 at 7 pm at the Noel Wien Library, there will be a program about
    “What’s Happening at Creamer’s this Summer.” The program includes a short slide
    show and information about Creamer’s Field and its history, events for the summer, and
    AK Bird Conference ......... 2 volunteer opportunities.  Mark your calendar for the following events:
    Goose Arrival Dates ......... 3 • The 2nd Annual Design Alaska Wild Arts Walk, is Saturday, June 2, Noon–5 pm.
    Kanuti Refuge Plan .......... 2 • Guided Nature Walks, held June 1–September 1, are scheduled at 10 am Monday
    Guided Nature Walks ....... 2 through Friday and 7 pm on Wednesdays. Volunteers interested in leading these nature
    Magpie Project ................ 3
    walks should come to the May 21 meeting at the Library.
    • Saturday Mornings With an Artist, 10 am–Noon, begin June 1.
    Small Grants Awarded ..... 2
    • A Summer Solstice Walk will be held Saturday, June 23 at 10 am.
    Thank Yous .................... 2
    • On June 21, Friends of Creamer’s Field will have a booth at the Midnight Sun Festival
    in downtown Fairbanks.
    Page  The Redpoll May 2007

    Guiding Kanuti Refuge into the Future


    Thank You!
    Arctic Audubon would like
    to thank all of the folks that
    T he Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge invites public review of its revised
    Comprehensive Conservation Plan. The refuge conducted public scop-
    ing meetings in 2004, including a presentation to Arctic Audubon by then
    presented programs during Acting Refuge Manager Merry Maxwell. The refuge has just completed a
    the past year. Our thanks public review draft of the Plan that outlines proposed goals, objectives, and
    and applause to Barry White- management alternatives for the next 15 years.
    hill, Tom Paragi, Frank Keim, The draft Plan is available for public comment through July 15, 2007.
    Au d r e y Ta y l o r, Ne e s ha This is the first management plan revision to be released for any of the eight
    Wendling, and Trish Wurtz. Alaska refuges north of the Alaska Range. It is important for the public (that
    Thanks to Nancy DeWitt is YOU!) to review long range plans. This is your chance to be proactive.
    for her assistance in producing The full plan will be available on-line by mid-May at http://alaska.fws.
    the April newsletter. gov/nwr/planning/ccp.htm. To obtain a copy of the plan, a plan summary,
    or CD, contact the planning team leader:
    Interior Hiking & Peter Wikoff
    Birding Map U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
    For over a year, Frank Keim has 1011 E. Tudor Rd.
    been busy assembling a hiking Anchorage, AK 99503
    and birding guide map for (907) 786-3837
    Interior Alaska. He has walked email: [email protected]
    many miles to accurately assess If you would like to discuss the plan before commenting, please contact
    the area’s trails, access, and Refuge Manager Mike Spindler in the Fairbanks office at (907) 456-0329.
    character. The map is now in Public meetings are planned in May and June.
    the design stage with Compass
    Rose Cartography and Putt’s Small Grants Awarded
    A
    Artistry and Design. It should rctic Audubon awarded two small grants this spring. One supports
    be available by mid-summer. continuation of the Arctic Warbler study at Tangle Lakes by Alaska
    The map is a project of the Bird Observatory staff and volunteers. The second grant will enable UAF
    Arctic Audubon Society. graduate student Kristin DeGroot to describe and compare the physiological
    condition of Lesser Scaup during migration, breeding, and nesting cycles.
    Alaska Bird Kristin is seeking volunteer field assistants who would enjoy spending up
    Conference to a week during June at Long Lake in the Yukon Flats National Wildlife
    The 12th Biennial Alaska Refuge. If you are interested, contact Mark Bertram at 456-0446 or by email
    Bird Conference will be at [email protected].
    hosted by the Alaska Bird
    Obser vatory in Fairbanks Guided Nature Walks for Tourists?
    T
    March 4–7, 2008. Sugges- he March-April 2007 issue of Audubon magazine included a special
    tions for special sessions, advertising section about Alaska (page 34). The paragraphs about the
    associated meetings, and Interior mention that Arctic Audubon Society is a good resource for learning
    vendors are now being ac- about Alaska’s birds and habitat. Jade Frank with the Fairbanks Convention
    c ep te d . D e ta i l s wi l l b e and Visitors Bureau states, “They [Arctic Audubon] put together numerous
    posted on ABO’s website, nature walks and classes in birding by ear or spotting particular types of
    www.alaskabird.org, as they birds. They offer guided nature walks, too, which people really like.”
    become available. For further The Audubon Board would like to explore the possibility of offering
    information contact Anne guides for visitors who prearrange via our web site. We would like to hear
    Ruggles at aruggles@alask- from members who would like to participate. This could be a pleasant
    abird.org. diversion from all the other “must do” summer projects. If you are interested,
    please email us at [email protected].
    Page  The Redpoll May 2007
    Canada Goose Spring Migration First-Arrival
    Canada Goose Migration First Arrival Date
    Creamer's Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
    Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, Fairbanks, Alaska
    Fairbanks, Alaska
    25
    Date
    in April Year
    16 1976
    20
    19 1977
    16 1978
    Date in April

    14 1979
    16 1980 15
    17 1981
    22 1982
    19 1983
    16 1984
    10
    16 1985
    17 1986
    18 1987 5
    14 1988 y = -0.3572x + 19.345
    16 1989 2
    R = 0.5054
    9 1990
    15 1991 0 1975.0 1985.0 1995.0 2005.0
    15 1992 Data: ADF&G
    14 1993
    Year Analysis: LR MAYO
    9 1994
    13 1995
    Have you seen any Black-billed Magpies?
    9 1996
    6
    5
    1997
    1998
    T he Alaska Bird Observatory (ABO) has initiated a citizen science project to gather informa-
    tion on the impact of our changing climate on Black-billed Magpies—large, boldly patterned
    songbirds that are members of the corvid family (ravens, jays, and crows). Nothing about magpies
    12 1999
    is subtle, which makes them an ideal species for a citizen-science effort.
    10 2000
    • They are a relatively large black and white bird with a long tail.
    11 2001
    • Magpies are loud, vocal, and social.
    18 2002 • Their nests are large, domed stick structures, usually placed in sturdy
    9 2003 shrubs or trees. Nests are sometimes re-used or new nests are built on
    3 2004 top of old nests.
    6 2005 • No other bird in Alaska looks like or builds a nest similar to Black-billed Magpies.
    6 2006 Northern areas of the state that were previously inhospitable due to a short growing season
    13 2007 and extreme low winter temperatures may now be within the Black-billed Magpie’s range due to
    a moderating climate. In the past five years, the number of observations of Black-billed Magpies
    in the Fairbanks area has increased dramatically. ABO would like to support this anecdotal
    evidence with a more rigorous accounting of these observations.
    Sightings in all seasons are important but we are especially interested in evidence of breed-
    ing, such as young birds, adults carrying food in the spring and summer, and nests. To report a
    sighting, make note of the number of birds, location, date, time of day, and a short description
    of their behavior. Call in this information at 451-7159 or email it to [email protected]. You
    can also report your sightings on our Black-billed Magpie Sighting Datasheet available on ABO’s
    website at www.alaskabird.org.
    Arctic Audubon Society
    PO Box 82098 Nonprofit Org.
    Fairbanks, AK 99708 US Postage
    www.arcticaudubon.org PAID
    Permit No. 181
    Fairbanks AK

    Upcoming Events­—Mark Your Calendar


    Birding Hotline
    Farthest North Birdathon, May 12–June 10
    Tally Rally Potluck & Awards, July 15, 4 pm (907) 451-9213
    Birding By Ear Field Trip, Saturday, May 19, 9 am Updated by Laurel Devaney & Ken Russell
    Meet at Creamer’s Field for guided walk with Dave Report interesting bird sightings;
    Shaw; for information, call 452-6370. learn what others have spotted.
    What’s Happening at Creamer’s Field, May 21, 7 pm also at
    Public program at Noel Wien Libray; details on p. 1 www.virtualbirder.com/vbirder/realbirds/index.
    Kanuti Refuge Public Comments due July 15
    Public review of revised Comprehensive Conserva- National Audubon Society
    tion Plan to guide refuge for next 15 years.
    Sandhill Crane Festival, August 24–26, 2007 New Member Form
    Keynote speaker is George Archibald. Full schedule q Introductory rate, $20
    of events will be available in mid-July. q Two Year Membership, $30
    q Student or Senior rate, $15
    Arctic Audubon Board of Directors Membership includes both National Audubon and the
    email address: [email protected] local chapter, Arctic Audubon. You will receive National
    President: Gail Mayo (479-2954) Audubon’s magazine, Audubon, and Arctic Audubon’s
    Vice President: Open newsletter, The Redpoll.
    Secretary: Open Name: __________________________________
    Treasurer: Gail Mayo (479-29540 Address: _ _______________________________
    Education: Open
    _______________________________________
    Conservation: Kristi McLean (479-4874)
    City State Zip
    Hospitality: Brook Gamble (456-3775)
    Programs: Lauren Attanas (474-9736) Amount enclosed: $______ (make check payable to
    Publicity: Open National Audubon Society)
    Newsletter: Mary Zalar (479-4547) Send to: Arctic Audubon Society A52
    Membership: Mary Zalar (479-4547) PO Box 82098 7XCH
    Field Trips: Tom Green (452-6370) Fairbanks, AK 99708
    Birdathon: Sherry Lewis (479-0848)
    Web Site: Jim Logan q Chapter Only Membership, $10
    Alaska Audubon Board: Frank Keim (451-9308) For membership in Arctic Audubon only, check the box
    and make check payable to Arctic Audubon Society.

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