The phone rings in my office regularly with reports of bald eagles sighted in the state. Often the caller is excited to have seen an eagle in Maryland or questions if, in fact, such an observa- tion was possible here. Other callers hope the report will help stop some development project or timber harvest from occurring. We get calls all the time in this latter category, not just of bald eagles but of any species that could help stop a project. Rarely do these reports result in stopping the development or timber harvest.
Why don’t we stop these projects if endan- gered species are there? Isn’t DNR suppose to protect the State’s endangered species?
Yes, one of DNR’s responsibilities is the pro- tection of endangered species and their habitat. In fact, my staff (employee’s of DNR’s Natural Heritage Program) spend a considerable amount of time doing just that. We call this process “environmental review” or ER for short.
The foundation of our environmental review process is our biological conservation database, where all the information on Maryland’s rare, threatened, and endangered species (both ani- mals and plants) is housed. Data collected by our staff and other experts, including site locations, is stored in the database. The database is continu- ally updated with new information. Location information is accessed via GIS (geographic infor- mation systems).
We screen for potential impacts of develop- ment or timber harvest projects by reviewing the locations of these proposed activities against the information in our database. We receive 2-3 thousand requests each year for such reviews. Over time, we have worked with numerous state, federal, and local government agencies to incorpo- rate endangered species protection into their per- mitting actions and as a result these agencies either seek such reviews or require their permit applicants to seek such. Ninety percent of the time the project in question will not impact any re- sources of concern. In addition to endangered species, we also review for impacts to threatened species of animals and plants, colonial waterbirds, waterfowl concentration areas, forest interior bird habitat, Natural Heritage Areas, and nontidal Wetlands of Special State Concern.
If the proposed project is likely to impact any resources of concern, then our ecologists provide guidance to or work directly with the appropriate government agency and developer to incorporate necessary protection measures into the project plan. At this stage, our job is to work with the parties involved to develop conservation mea- sures to conserve or protect the resource of con- cern. We consider the biology of the species in question, the landscape in which the project is proposed, the direct and indirect impacts of the proposed activities, and other considerations when developing appropriate conservation measures. The limitations of our legal protection authorities come into play during this assessment. Often, several alternative strategies are developed for a given project.
(continued on page 2, column 1)
THE MARYLAND YELLOWTHROAT
Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological Society
VOL. 22, NO. 3
Remembering Margaret Donnald 1918 - 2001
Margaret Donnald, charter member of MOS from Montgomery County, died in De- cember, 2001, at the age of 83. Margaret was a woman of many talents and interests. She taught music and art, worked as a manage- ment analyst, helped organize the Enamalists Gallery in Alexandria, sang withthe Washing- ton Cathedral Chorus, designed her Potomac home, and, as an arborist, supervised the planting of the Fern Gallery at the National Arboretum. But among birders, Margaret, along withher husband Don, was best known as the force behind Adventure Banding Sta- tion in Potomac.
Margaret Donnald, Master Bird Bander
Over the past three decades Margaret Donnald was one of the most active banders in Maryland. She began in a modest way in October 1967 at her Potomac home, but soon became involved in various projects farther afield. During several fall migrationseasons in the 1960s she banded fall migrants withGladys Cole from dawn till dark inthe coastal thickets that once lined the bay shore north of Ocean City. When this “Operation Recovery” station had to close down because the last of the big thickets was giving way to commercial devel- opment, Gladys and Margaret moved their project to MOS’s new Irish Grove Sanctuary on the shore of Pocomoke Sound.
At about the same time, Margaret learned that her friend, Alice Hostetler, wished to dedicate her Montgomery County estate for conservation purposes. Margaret was instru- mental in promoting MOS as one of the custo- dial agencies for the property, and she soon established a banding, training, and demon- stration station there. She recruited an ener- getic crew to assist in operating this “Adven- ture” station on a daily basis during both spring and fall migration seasons for two decades.
During the summer months when the birds were busy nesting instead of migrating, Margaret helped with the Montgomery County Breeding Bird Atlas project in the 1970s and the statewide atlas project in the 1980s. But what did she do in the winter? Well, in
(continued on page 6, column 1)
MAY/JUNE 2002
by Martha Waugh
Patuxent Chapter Loses a Member—Fred Fallon of the Patuxent Chapter reports: “We mourn the loss of member Betty Goldman on January 25, married for 63 years to veteran naturalist and refuge manager Luther Goldman. Betty accom- panied Luther in his postings to several wildlife refuges out west during the 1940’s and 50’s, some under Spartan conditions. She was active in the College Park Committee for a Better Environment and many other environmental causes. A native of College Park, she passed away in the very house in which she was born. Her gentle, gracious de- meanor reflected an earlier time. Luther’s many friends offer him their condolences.”
Tri-County Member Honored by Ellen Fraites Wagner Award—llia J. Fehrer, Tri-County member for many years, was honored recently by the Chesapeake Bay Trust. This is the first time a resident of the Eastern Shore has received the annual Ellen Fraites Wagner Award for promoting protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributar- ies. Ilia, 75, an active environmentalist for 30 years, continues to serve on countless environmental commissions and keeps the Tri-County Chapter up-to-date on important issues impacting the area.
Potential Atlas Block Volunteer at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.?— Shiras Guion, Howard Chapter member and MOS
(continued on page 3, column 1)
Contents DNR Reports Remembrances of Margaret Donnald.... 1 Chapter Chatter Vacancy Announcement Announcements Atlas News Conservation Connection Kelp Gull Review Status 2002 Scholarship Winners December Board Meeting Minutes May Count 2002 2001 Maryland/DC List Report MD/DC Records Committee Report ... An Appreciation of John Taylor MOS Calendar, May/ Aug 2002 World Series of Birding
Page 2
DNR Reports...
(continued form page 1, column 1)
With few exceptions, the projects are modi- fied such that protection of the resource of concern is incorporated into the final plan or impacts to the resource in question are minimized such that the population on is not significantly impacted. On the development or timber harvest side there is usually a reduction in the scope of the project and, subsequently, less economic gain. Rarely is the proposed project stopped completely on private lands. Occasionally public projects are with- drawn.
Sound science and appropriate conservation measures are essential in this process, not only to protect the species or sensitive area in question but to protect our authorities to do such. We are always reminded that landowners have certain property rights and they cannot be violated. Our first obligation is to the resources in which DNRare entrusted to protect, but within the confines of our legal authorities and the rights of landowners. It gets tricky!
THE MARYLAND YELLOWTHROAT Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc.
Norman C. Saunders 1261 Cavendish Drive Colesville, MD 20905 (301) 989-9035 (Home) (202) 691-5707 (Office) (202) 691-5745 (Fax) marshhawk@att.net
Frances C. Saunders fcsaunders@att.net
Ass't editor & MOS webmaster
Les Eastman
4034 Wilkinson Rd.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 734-6969 (Home) (410) 436-3490 (Office) les@birdtreks.com
Calendar editor:
State Web Page: http://www.mdbirds.org Bill Guion
8007 Martown Road Laurel, MD 20723
(301) 490-0444 (Home) guion@us.net
Mailing List:
Exec. Secretary: Larry Fry
1202 Ridge Road Pylesville, MD 21132 (410) 452-8539 (Home) (800) 823-0050 (MOS)
ffryjl@aol.com
For information on advertising rates and dead- lines, contact the editor.
Copy deadlines for the September/October issue are:
Sep/Oct Calendar Activities: July 25
All Other Submissions: August 1
MOS Posts A New Paying Position! by Karen Morley
MOS is establishing a paid part-time State Sanctuary Coordinator position to plan, imple- ment and oversee sanctuary maintenance projects under the direction of the Sanctuary Committee. The primary duties of the Coordinator would be to:
1. Implement workdays and other maintenance projects for all sanctuaries. This will require coordination with the local chapter[s] responsible for a sanctuary, the state Sanctuary Commit- tee, and any other interested or affected parties.
* Organize tasks, obtain equipment and recruit volunteer workers
* Do necessary followup to complete planned tasks
2. Locate contractors for work needed to be done professionally * Get estimates for work to be done
¢ Set schedule with the selected contractor (The Sanctuary Committee will select the contractor) ¢ Oversee work and do necessary followup to tasks to ensure work is done properly
3. Report quarterly to the Sanctuary Committee
Terms of Employment: This is an independent contractor position e Salary: $200.00/month plus expenses e The position is available starting on or about July 1, 2002
Attributes We are looking for someone with e experience planning and executing projects e ability to communicate and work effectively, especially with volunteers and local regulators e demonstrated ability to meet deadlines e good technical skills, including email and internet access
If you are interested in this position, apply by June 1, 2002 to Sue Ricciardi by phone (410- 647-9413) or email susier@starpower.net
Research Grant Deadline Approaching Fast !
The Maryland Ornithological Society announces the availability of research grants for ornithological research to be conducted in the state of Maryland. Grants are generally limited to amounts less than $2,000. If the research is to be done at or near one of the MOS sanctuaries, the society may be able to provide accommodations at a nominal cost. Proposals are reviewed twice annually with deadlines of 1 December and 1 June with award notification in approxi- mately six weeks. For application guidelines and further information write or e-mail: Gwen Brewer, MOS Research Committee, 9505 Bland St., Waldorf, MD 20603 wigeons@hotmail.com.
Call for Posters—MOS Annual Conference Presentations
The MOS Research Committee sponsors presentations at our annual conferences. The next conference is scheduled for June 7-9, 2002 at the Wisp in McHenry, Garrett County. This year, the research session will include only poster presentations, which will be displayed during the Wineand Cheese Social on Saturday evening. Poster presentors are encouraged to benear their posters at that time to answer questions on their research. If you would like to share the results of any research on the natural history of Maryland birdlife, please contact Gwen Brewer (Chair) as soon as possible by e-mail at wigeons@hotmail.com, or by phone at (301) 843-3524.
Page 3
CHAPTER CHATTER
(continued from page 1, column 3)
treasurer, went on a Victor Emanuel Nature Tours trip to Chan Chich in Belize. Laura Bush, her mother, and several of her college friends were also on the trip. They were also friends of Victor Emanuel. The group was divided into two groups: the fanatic birders (like Shiras) and the casual birders (like the Bush party). Shiras found Mrs. Bush and her mother to be “very nice, pleasant, charming ladies.” Laura Bush’s husband was then the governor of Texas. He announced his candidacy for a higher office the day after the group returned to the USA. Shiras reports: “One of the big birding events was having a Lovely Cotinga sitting at the top of a tree in the late afternoon. This is a fairly large, brilliant turquoise bird with a purple chest; in the sunlight it was spectacular.”
MOS Founding Members Go Around the World—Chan and Eleanor Robbins have returned from a three-week natural history tour that took them around the world, visiting the Amazon in Brazil, the Galapagos, Samoa, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, New Guinea, Borneo, Nepal, the Seychelles, Tanzania, the Canaries, and England - 12 countries in 25 days. All travel was by air, conveniently routed through less-busy airports, and all went smoothly. Word has it that Chan found it extremely easy to get used to the luxuri- ous amenities of the trip. Lectures on geology, ichthyology, and wildlife supplemented the travel experience. Their active schedule began at 5 a.m. every day. While not focused primarily on birds, Chan and Eleanor did manage a trip list of ~200, of which ~130 were lifers.
Christmas Surprise—John Malcolm of the Montgomery Chapter included the following saga in the results of the Christmas Bird Count for Bowie: “The next day after the Christmas count after the Christmas tree in the Patuxent Visitors’ Center was removed, a Northern Saw-whet Owl was discovered in the rafters above where the tree had been. The owl presumably had been brought into the building in the tree and spent the entire three weeks indoors in it, perhaps feeding on mice found inside the building!”
Some March to the Same Drummer—From 9 am. to 4 p.m. on Friday, January 4, twenty sturdy and stalwart Howard Chapter members marched around and around Jane Coskren’s din- ing room table, not just demanding lunch (which they got) but putting together kits for the next breeding bird atlas of Maryland and the District. Each block of the grid-based map of the area required an individual comprehensive package. Building on the experience gained in the atlas, the packages included everything from a request to a land owner for permission to bird, a thank you for permitting birding, a sign for the birder’s car announcing the purpose of the visit, through a map of the specific block. Trusty marchers in- cluded: Robert Brennan, Marty Chestem, Jane Coskren, Jane and Ralph Geuder, Emy Holdridge, Wendy Keller, Janet Lydon, Anne McEvoy, Bonnie Ott, Sue Probst, Eva Sunell, Kate and Dick Tufts, Martha and Don Waugh, Michele Wright, and Helen Zeichner. Jo Solem monitored the group’s efforts, just barely managing to keep down the chattering and laughing to a dull roar. The yeoman’s job of producing individual maps of
over 1200 blocks plus a list of birds found breeding in each block in the last survey, matching these two vital items with the package, and keeping all the completed packages in order by county was ac- complished in fine style by Bob Solem.
Howard/Carroll and Baltimore Chapter Members Go South for Christmas—Dave and Maureen Harvey (members claimed by both Howard and Carroll Chapters) traveled with Eliot and Nancy Kirshbaum (Baltimore) on a Wings tour to Oaxaca, Mexico for the Christmas holiday. Maureen reports that “they enjoyed mornings birding in the hills, dales, and ancient Zapotec ruins in the vicinity of Oaxaca City. Afternoons were spent in town participating in local festivi- ties, indulging in local cuisine and a little shop- ping. It was a nice blend of birds and culture, not your typical dawn-to-dusk birding tour. They spotted over 250 species of birds, including many species endemic to Oaxaca State. Festivities in- cluded the traditional December 23rd Night of the Radishes wherein local artisans carve giant rad- ishes into nativity scenes and a Christmas Eve parade of floats from each church with children dressed up as live nativity characters (truly ador- able angels!). You should have seen Eliot enjoying spicy chocolate mole sauce over roasted chicken and Nancy with her Mescal-drenched peach!”
Howard Countians Participate in Research Project—In December 2001, Ron and Susan Polniaszek joined an Earthwatch project at the Tambopata Research Center in Peru to study several species of macaws. Located in the south- east corner of Peru, the research center is an eight- hour boat ride up the Tambopata River from Puerto Maldonado. Earthwatch is a non-profit organization that supports research projects world- wide for participants who volunteer their time and money. In this initiative, volunteers collected data regarding macaws and other parrots in the Peru- vian Amazon basin. The Tambopata clay lick attracts a large variety and number of birds, especially Scarlet Macaw, Blue-and-yellow Ma- caw, Red-and-green Macaw, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Red-bellied Macaw, White-bellied Par- rot, Mealy Parrot, Orange-cheeked Parrot and other parrots and parakeets. Susan reports, “Work- ing in six-hour shifts, we observed and recorded activities on the clay lick or at nesting sites. Most animals and birds in the Amazon Basin eat clay as part of their diets. Our job was to count the number of every species of birds on the clay lick every 5 minutes and to record when and why the birds flush from the site due to hawks, animal, or tourist activity. We also observed Scarlet or Blue- and-yellow Macaw nesting sites, where we re- corded bird behavior and participated in the weighing and measuring of baby chicks. During the remaining six hours each day we birded the jungle with guides. At the end of the Earthwatch project we birded Cuzco and Machu Picchu where we saw the Inca Wren and Torrent Duck. Instead of sitting at the airport our last day, we went birding south of Lima. In the three weeks, we saw 344 bird species.”
Raptors in Scotland—The Doug Senn family visited Scotland in August to check out their Scottish roots. They enjoyed blackbirds hopping
about and singing in Greyfriar’s churchyard in Edinburgh and Doug said the Beatles’ song about “Plackbirds singing in the dead of night’ made sense. These blackbirds (actually thrushes) really CAN carry a tune.” One birding high point was the Aberdeenshire falconry. Raptors from around the world that can’t be released are sheltered here. They watched a demonstration with falconers flying a Barn Owl, a Bald Eagle, and a White-tailed Sea Eagle. These rare sea eagles are being reintro- duced to remote islands on Scotland’s west coast.
Lifelong Easterner Goes Bi-Coastal—Joel Martin of the Baltimore Chapter visited Southern California for the first time in early October for a business conference. A true birder, he planned times during and after the meeting to check out birds in Orange County, and inland to the San Jacinto Mountains, to the desert, and back to the coast. He was rewarded by a final tally of 132 species with 42 life birds. He particularly recom- mends the “hauntingly beautiful “ Anza-Borrego Desert State Park at dawn. Special treats from the trip were the Lesser Nighthawk and a singing California Thrasher. Joel reports, “Southern Cali- fornia is a land of extremes and contradictions, and the traffic is bad at all times and in nearly all places. But the varied habitats and the many specialty birds make it a spectacular destination for a lifelong Easterner.”
Cecil Chapter Expands Its Geographic Outreach— Cecil’s successful initiative for new membership has raised the bar. Jennifer Stanhope of Oxford, Pennsylvania, joined through Cecil’s website. Jennifer, originally from Baltimore County, is the daughter of Bob Stanhope who started the Oregon Ridge Nature Center. Jennifer assisted and led a few Bluebird hikes there. Leslie Fisher’s mother in Canada is a member; Linda Mitchell belongs down in Georgia; William and Rye Bailey of Albuquerque, New Mexico joined recently; and Candi Lee’s mother reads her news- letter in upstate New York.
Howard Birders Bag a Life Manatee—Jane and Dennis Coskren set out for Florida on Dennis’ spring break. Jane, a recent early retiree, wanted to see her first manatee. They found half a dozen or so at the Fort Myers power plant enjoying the heated water discharge. After her “lifer,” Jane renounced manatee-watching for birding: “It’s like watching grass grow,” she allowed. At the Tamiami Trail near Miami, their best birds were Worm-eating and Magnolia Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Swallow-tailed Kite, and Bald Eagle. They recommend the Loop Road (Rte. 94) through Big Cypress, if it’s in good condition. At Ever- glades National Park they found three of their target bird, the Short-tailed Hawk, and enjoyed excellent views of Mangrove Cuckoo and White- crowned Pigeon along Bear Lake Trail. An Ameri- can Crocodile at the Flamingo Marina was a bonus. Some of their birding trails were modified as Jane has a broken foot. The dedicated chair of the MOS Atlas Committee has been making money for that project by charging fellow birders for the privilege of signing her cast. Jane and her cast netted over $50 at the Howard Chapter’s annual potluck dinner in February.
Page 4
MAarylond/DC Breeding Bird
Attics == Reoet #2002 Project ie Be - 2008
Walter Ellison is the State Coordinator for the second edition of our Maryland Breeding Bird Atlas, a five-year program thatbegan January 1,2002. Healready has assignments on five atlas projects under his belt as he participated in the state efforts in Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, and twice in New York. He also met his wife and birding companion, Nancy Martin, while he working onanatlas task. They havea son, Ian, who will be seven in May. Walter earned a B.A. from the University of Vermont, an M.S. from the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Albany. His doctoral thesis on the population genetics of Bicknell’s Thrush and the Veery has fascinating implications on conservation strategies.
One clue to the devel- opment of Walter’s deep interest in birds is his mother’s insistence that his second word was “bird,” as he pointed at a Bank Swallow colony. Later at age three, he wanted to know the name of a bird (Common Yellowthroat) brought to himasa trophy ¢ by the family cat. Walter, Nd his younger sister, and a - u brother grew upinahome |: “s where natural history and * ” Audubon books were | available thanks to the in- terests of their grandfa- % thers. His mother was an
artist witha strong interest [he Atlas Prime Movers: Chan Robbins, Jane Coskren, Bob Ringler, and Walter Ellison
in botanical subjects. She
designed and crafted the beautiful class ring he wears on his left hand. His father, a district court judge, fostered his son’s interest by taking up birding himself.
Thenext clue is Walter’s emailaddress: Rossgull. He explains, “Way backin early March 1975 I was watching birds with my Dad at Salisbury Beach State Park in NE Massachusetts. When we got to the boat launch there was a nice little flock of Bonaparte’s Gulls in the creek near its
Introducing Our New Atlas Coordinator
by Martha Waugh
junction with the Merrimack River. As we scanned the flock for Black- headed and Little Gulls, other birders came along and did thesame. As I watched the flock I noticed a bird witha wedge-shaped tail which got me thinking. It popped up and caught the light from the water on its underparts. The gull had a pink belly and red legs: that clinched it for me. I went all tingly and blurted out, “Ross’s Gull! There’s a Ross’s Gull!” Their companions were dubious but, “Before long we had thoroughly documented the first Ross’s Gull for Massachusetts, and for the entire Eastern Seaboard south of Newfoundland. It turns out others had seen the bird and been disbelieved -or in some cases disbelieved their own eyes - so ours was not the first sighting of this
bird. By the next day the bird had made the New York Times front page and Roger Tory Peterson himself had run up to ‘twitch’ it.” It was dubbed “the Bird of the Century.” Walter adds that sub- sequent records made the bird a vagrant, not a milestone. Later, friends gave his Dad the moniker of “Barred Owl; Nancy became “Boreal Chickadee;” and Walter is, of course, “Ross’s Gull.” He says, “Long story, but it’s a fond memory for me - my fifteen min- utes of fame as it were.”
Walter describes Nancy as multi-talented. She is a gardener, a quilter, an artist, and a craftsperson. She and Walter share their love of reading, birding, and enjoying nature. As a staff naturalist at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, she developed and presented nature programs for children and young people. Easter week-end, Walter, Nancy, and Ian will be moving into their new home at 23460 Clarissa Road, Chestertown, MD 21620. Ian is looking forward to joining the first grade class at Wharton Elemen- tary. He likes nature but he is not big on birding, yet. You can reach Walter at 410-778-9568 or, of course, at rossgull@crosslink.net/.
ATLAS BOARD
The Atlas Board is responsible for the bulk of the planning and ongoing decisions relating to the Atlas Project. Following is a list of the members
with names, addresses, home phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.
Jane Coskren, Chair Bob Ringler
Glenn Therres
6324 Sandchain Rd. Columbia, MD 21045 410-381-7344 coskren@erols.com
Kathy Klimkiewicz
7332 Summerwind Cir Laurel, MD 20707 301-776-6737 kathy_klimkiewicz@usgs.gov
Janet Millenson
10500 Falls Rd. Potomac, MD 20854 301-983-9337 janet@twocrows.com
6272 Pinyon Pine Ct. Eldersburg, MD 21784 410-549-6031 ringler@qis.net
207 Johnny Lane Stevensville, MD 21666 410-643-742 410-260-8572 (w) gtherres@dnr.state.md.us Chan Robbins 7902 Brooklyn Bridge Rd. Laurel, MD 20707 301-725-1176 chan_robbins@usgs.gov
Karen Morley, President of MOS 2719 N. Calvert St. Baltimore, MD 21218 410-235-4001
Joanne Solem kdmorley@yahoo.com
10617 Graeloch Rd. Laurel, MD 20723 301-725-5037 odenata@msn.com
Walter Ellison, State Atlas Coordinator 23460 Clarissa Road Chestertown, MD 21620 410-778-9568 rossgull@crosslink.net
Page 5
Maryland Legislative News by Maureen F. Harvey
Conservation Page Hits MOS Web Site—MOS Website (http://www.mdbirds.org) has a new Conservation page thanks to the amazing creativ- ity of Fran Saunders. Your suggestions for items to include are welcome. Please send to Maureen.Harvey@jhuapl.edu (work) or dahtangara@erols.com (home).
DNR Seeks Mute Swan Egg Addlers/Oilers and Nest Spotters—DNR is seeking volunteers to assist with a Mute Swan control program. They are trying to keep the swans from spreading beyond the Chesapeake Bay. If you spot a nest or wish to volunteer your help, please contact DNR. For Western shore locations, contact Edie Thomp- son at 410-260-8540 or ETHOMPSON¢@dnr.state.md.us. She is coordi- nating efforts along the Patuxent River, mostly in Anne Arundel County. For nests on the Eastern shore, contact Donald Webster at (410) 827-8612 or dwebster2@dnr.state.md.us. A side note: very unfortunately, the U. S. Court of Appeals ruled recently that Mute Swans are covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (Why are non-scientists making these decisions?). This action adds an- other bureaucratic layer to DNR’s control efforts in the Chesapeake Bay. DNR has applied for the permits now needed to addle or oil Mute Swan eggs. USFWS needs to get involved and take a stand. MD Conservation Council has asked the MD General Assembly to pass a resolution asking Dept of Interior Head Gale Norton to ask the U.S. Court of Appeals to rescind their ruling.
Maryland Environmental Legislative Up- date—HB 9 Passes MD House of Delegates with One Sunday and One Week Added to Deer Fire- arms Season; Now It’s up to MD Senate to De- cide—HB 9 passed the MD House in February 2002 with amendments. The bill purports to help control deer herds; however, deer management by other means — like exclusive doe seasons — has
The Conservation Connection
proven much more effective than extending the hunting season. The bill allows 21 days of hunting and includes the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Highly populated counties are excluded, i.e., AA, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and PG coun- ties. Chapter Conservation Representatives were urged to contact Senators and members of the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee in March to express their thoughts on this bill. If you haven't heard and want to know how HB9 fared in the Senate, it’s easy on the State of MD Internet site, http:\www.md.state.us. Pick “MD General As- sembly” and then search for the bill by number.
Budget Approved with Substantial Cuts to State’s Environmental Programs—In spite of pleas by environmental groups, MD legislators ap- proved a budget that left many worthwhile envi- ronmental programs unfunded this session. Maryland’s acclaimed land preservation programs like Program Open Space, Rural Legacy, and GreenPrint are in a race against bulldozers every day to protect our valuable farmland and open spaces from development. Full funding of these programs is critical because land lost to develop- ment is lost forever. Many millions of dollars in cuts to the state’s land conservation, Smart Growth, resource conservation and environmental enforce- ment programs were made before the budget was passed by the General Assembly. The health of our economy and our environment are closely linked - one of Maryland’s best assets is its quality of life and beautiful natural resources like the Chesa- peake Bay. Maintaining the integrity of these programs is important to the health of our envi- ronment and the quality of life for all Marylanders.
MD TWW in to DC to support CARA—On March 11 and 12, 2002, Maryland’s Teaming With Wildlife folks were in DC for a rally and meetings
with our lawmakers to remind them we still “CARA lot about wildlife” and to ask their sup- port for permanent funding for wildlife conserva- tion. The Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA) has not been forgotten by its supporters. We appreciate the temporary short-term funding they have provided the past two years, but it just isn’t enough for the long haul.
ABC Asks Birders to Speak Up for Federal Fenthion Ban; Insecticide Deadly to Birds—Ameri- can Bird Conservancy (ABC) and its partners are currently coordinating efforts aimed at canceling the use of fenthion as part of a broader effort to fully document the effects of pesticides on wild birds in the U.S. and cancel the most harmful substances. Fenthion is currently being consid- ered for re-registration by the Environmental Pro- tection Agency (EPA). It is extremely toxic to birds, but is still used to kill mosquitoes in south Florida by aerial spraying. Fenthion is a proven bird killer that has killed birds even when applied according to label instructions. In Collier County, Florida, fenthion has recently killed 16 species of shorebirds, including an endangered Piping Plo- ver, aS well as Black Skimmers, Dunlins, Western Sandpipers, and Sanderlings. Fenthion is acutely toxic to aquatic resources as well. Several less damaging alternatives exist and are used around the U.S. ABC has established a new web site (www.banfenthion.org) that includes more infor- mation about fenthion’s effects, and documents its impacts on birds, other wildlife, and people. The web site also enables concerned citizens and organizations to send an email to the various agencies that will decide whether fenthion use continues. Please take a few minutes to register your concern about fenthion’s continued use and ask for its cancellation.
The Maryland/DC Records Committee has now gathered a good deal of background material bearing on the specific identification and possible origin of the famous Sandgates, MD (Sea Breeze Restaurant) Kelp Gull. We consider that the status of this bird can now be reviewed with significantly increased understanding and insight.
The delay of our review was brought about by our attempts to get a DNA analysis to provide information as to the possible hybrid parentage of the MD bird, and to gather as much information as we could find on this species. Mark Hoffman and Jane Kostenko were able to retrieve a few feathers that dropped from the preening gull and these were sent out for DNA analyses. Unfortu- nately, for a variety of technical reasons the resulting DNA pattern could not be compared with known patterns from Kelp Gulls. In addi- tion, it seems that further attempts at DNA analysis at this time would be unlikely to give a definitive answer as to the parentage of the MD
Status of the MD Kelp Gull Review Process
by Paul O’Brien, Chair MD/DC Records Committee
Kelp Gull because, for some regions of DNA in large white-headed gulls individual variation within species is as great as interspecific variation, and, for other regions, appropriate studies of Kelp Gulls have not yet been made. However, we have obtained expert opinions to the effect that struc- ture, plumage and soft parts coloration are at this time more reliable indicators of hybrid status. Furthermore, at least one expert sees no indication that the MD Kelp Gull is anything other than a full Kelp Gull, based on the photo in Birding World, Vol. 14, page 113, 2001.
The other knotty issue is, of course, origin. Thanks to the efforts of our former chair, Harvey Mudd, we have come into possession of a preprint of a paper (due out this month) by Frederic Jiguet in which he outlines biometric and plumage dif- ferences among five discrete populations of Kelp Gulls from South America, Antarctica, Africa,
Madagascar and the South Indian Ocean. Using Jiguet’s criteria, our analyses of photographs of the MD Kelp Gull suggest that it is not derived from any of the populations other than the South American. Dr. Jiguet has been kind enough to confirm that, in his opinion, this conclusion is correct. The history we have been able to learn of the known collections of Kelp Gulls in this country suggests these birds are all derived from eggs imported from Antarctica by Sea World (informa- tion supplied by Donna Dittmann, LSUMNS). The Antarctic forms of Kelp Gull can be reliably distinguished from the South American forms on the basis of the biometric and plumage differences described by Jiguet. Therefore, it would appear there are indications that the MD Kelp Gull may not be an escapee from the Sea World collections.
That is where the matter stands at this time. We will be sending the documentation out for review shortly and will inform the birding commu- nity of the outcome as soon as it is available.
Page 6
Remembering Margaret Donnald (continued from page 1, column 2)
some winters she and Don volunteered to help Barbara Dowell and me with our banding projects in the West Indies studying habitat use and winter survival in the tropics.
Margaret was a meticulous bander and record keeper and a very effective trainer and educator. She was one of the first banders to submit her records electronically, several years before the Banding Lab had developed its BandManager program. Looking through her records in the Bird Banding Laboratory you see comments like “a pleasure to edit.” She leaves a legacy of 119,959 birds that carry her numbered rings and 180 subsequent encounters. A Connecticut Warbler she banded on September 7, 1976, at Adventure, after flying to South America for the winter, was found dead at Black River Falls, Wisconsin, on May 26 of the following year.
—Chan S. Robbins
Mentor, teacher and friend. Margaret was all of these, and more, throughout our nearly eight years of banding at Adventure in Potomac.
When we were still raw recruits, she patiently and professionally guided and nurtured us in the gentle arts of bird banding. When the inevitable beginner’s bad luck in extracting a bird from a net resulted in a broken leg or wing, she comforted us in our devastated feelings. But she was equally concerned that we learn from the experience, so as not to suffer those devastated feelings a second time. These experiences cemented our years-long friendship. Later, when we had a banding license in hand, Margaret and Don felt comfortable in entrusting us with longer and longer periods of tending and supervising the station.
During long hours at the station, conversa- tions and actions were always geared toward teaching and learning more about nature and the specifics of our craft. Margaret was intensely interested in many of the natural sciences--botany, biology, entomology. (Also the arts: She was an accomplished metal enamalist and photogra- pher.) She believed time was precious, not to be squandered, to be used to teach and learn.
She was especially interested in teaching chil- dren the joys of learning about birds and their place in our environment and world. She accom- plished this in a way that the young person was unaware of being in a “classroom.” She particu- larly sought out and cultivated those with an inquiring mind. Over time we have seen two of those develop into exemplary young adults, surely thankful to Margaret for instilling and nurturing a love of learning--and teaching--in their lives.
We shall profoundly miss Margaret. She left the world better than she found it—learning and teaching along the way.
—Helen and David Gray
For several years I had the enviable assign- ment of leading field trips to Adventure during spring and fall migrations. It was an education for me as well as my group to watch Margaret give the demonstration as she explained the how’s and why’s of the operation she directed, assisted by Don and a crew of volunteer “Band-Aides.”
We were impressed by their dedication. Mar- garet and Don were there before dawn, day after
day, to open the nets; they stayed until dark to close them. Even then, the day’s work wasn’t done. There was paperwork to be done at home, records to be entered in the computer.
We were impressed, too, by Margaret’s care- ful and skillful handling of the birds caught in the nets. Their welfare was her primary concern and she made every effort to get them released as quickly as possible. Each bird was weighed and measured, its age and sex determined, the vital information recorded, and a numbered band was placed on its leg before it was sent on its migrant way.
Sometimes she gave members of our group the awesome experience of holding a bird briefly and setting it free. She invited us to listen to the rapid heartbeat of a warbler or a hummingbird. Clearly she loved what she was doing and enjoyed sharing her knowledge with us. She was a born teacher.
Once she and Don brought the banding station to my house. It was the winter that had brought an irruption of Common Redpolls. They showed up in backyards in astounding numbers. In our own yard we counted from 20 to 30 each day. Among them we spotted a pale, frosty-looking bird that we thought might be a rare Hoary Redpoll.
Margaret was excited over that possibility when I called her. It was worth a close examina- tion. Inno time at all, she and Don were at our door with all the essential equipment. They set up a net in view of a large picture window where we could watch in comfort.
Lured by the generous sprinkling of thistle seed beneath the net, one bird after another was caught. The dining table served as a banding station. Margaret made me Band-Aide pro tem, teaching me how to handle the birds and to record their vital statistics as she banded them. All were Common Redpolls.
She showed great patience waiting for the appearance of the possible Hoary Redpoll that could be a backyard record--as well as a life bird for Ted and me. At last it showed up with a group of newcomers. And at last it flew into the net.
“You have to band this one,” Margaret said to me, as she took the diagnostic measurements.
She handed me the bird and the banding tool, and with her encouragement, I banded my first--and only--bird, which, as it turned out, was not a Hoary, after all, but a lovely, pale Common Redpoll.
—Lola Oberman
ADVENTURE! That is the word, the place, and the concept which will always be linked in my heart and my mind with Marge Donnald. Life was a wonderful adventure indeed working with her and her devoted husband, Don. Each day with Marge at the aptly named banding station in Potomac was an adventure into the wonderful beauty, complexity, color, and glory of the living world. Not content to merely view or list or draw the birds she saw, she adventured enthusiastically into the river of birdlife and generously brought others of us along.
After 30 years of constant field birding in the Washington area, I thought I knew a lot about the local avifauna. But a few sessions with her at the banding station left me astounded at the quantity and variety of birdlife swarming through the fields
and woods I thought I knew so well. She and Don opened my eyes to the tremendous variety of birds migrating, foraging, nesting, concealed in the beau- tiful Potomac Glen.
Marge was excited about life’s adventures and her excitement and love of birds was conta- gious. It was a real thrill to watch as she taught my young daughter Lily how to identify birds in the hand, how to weigh and measure and release them. What a thrill it was to hold a Cedar Waxwing, or a Wood Thrush, or an Ovenbird, while Marge pointed out the special field marks and soft colors of plumage.
Marge was just as interested in people as in birds. She learned that I had never seen a Connecti- cut Warbler. A year passed; I had forgotten all about it. One day my pager went off with a “911” code. I didn’t recognize the number, but when I returned the call, it was Marge: “You said you wanted to see a Connecticut Warbler? Well, we’ve got something you just might want to see. You better hurry, though.” When I arrived, she had not only a beautiful Connecticut Warbler, but a Sharp-shinned Hawk as well! We admired and released the warbler, and she gave us the Sharp-shinned Hawk (confined in the classic Pringles potato chip can) to take to our home several miles away to release, safely away from the nets!
—Don Simonson
I know the exact day and time I first met Margaret Donnald. It was Tuesday afternoon, September 11, 1973, when Grace Sims took me to Adventure to introduce me to Margaret and to bird banding. I immediately became hooked on both.
Margaret was a “Master Bander” in many ways. She was a precise taskmaster to her staff of volunteer sub-permittees and was an excellent and patient teacher to the new and inexperienced. Margaret so charmed the members of the Adult Education Bird Walk Classes with her banding demonstrations that the visit to the Adventure Station was always the highlight of the class sessions. She proved the adage that “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
Ihave many fond memories of Margaret, Don, and other friends from my years at the Adventure Banding Station and have missed them and band- ing since the Station closed in 1995. However, most of all Iam grateful to Margaret for enriching my life and for being such an important part of it. Thank you, Margaret.
—Minette McCullough
The most memorable and talked about field trip of my University of Maryland Ornithology class was always our visit to Margaret’s Adven- ture Banding Station. Most of the students had never seen anything like this, and so at each visit she would explain what she was doing, demon- strate the various procedures, and then let the students hold some of the birds before releasing them. One of my most vivid memories of Marga- ret is how gentle she was when handling the birds she had netted. (Her friendliness and patience also helped attracted volunteers to the project, and a few of my former students took up on her invita- tion to help at the banding station.)
The students were also impressed (as was I) that she had learned the computer techniques necessary to keep her meticulous records. Her and
Page 7
Remembering Margaret Donnald (continued from previous page)
Don’s long hours and weeks at this banding station were not only remarkable but a valuable contribution to Ornithology.
I also had the pleasure of being on two of the trips to Venezuela with the “Washington Group of 8.” Margaret was just as dedicated to these bird survey projects for the Venezuelan Audubon Society as she was to the banding at Adventure. Her concern for these tropical birds matched her gentle care for the North American birds she handled. She realized that the tiny hummingbirds were under great stress while being handled, so she provided each one with a drink of sugar water froma spoon before releasing it. While holding the bird in one hand and the spoon in her other, she would dip the bird’s beak into the sugar water and hold it quietly while it sipped this needed nourish- ment. Then it was released [Ed. note: Margaret's hummingbird list numbered 76 species]. I always include the photograph of this in my Venezuela lectures.
—Don Messersmith *
As someone who was 10 years old (I am now 35) when he first met Don and Margaret, I’d like to offer some reflections on how important and
influential Margaret was to so many of the young people who were lucky enough to know and learn from her. Adventure Banding Station was a very special after-school destination, where many neigh- borhood kids like me could come to learn about birds, banding, and the importance of conserva- tion at Margaret’s knee.
Both Margaret and Don took avid interests in the lives and academic and professional pursuits of their younger apprentices. They mentored many of us as we chose career paths in the biological sciences and international conserva- tion. Once we had left for college or taken a job far away, a visit to see the Donnalds was always a much-anticipated part of any semester or Christ- mas vacation back home.
It was largely the knowledge that I had gained from Margaret that enabled me to teach rural Guatemalan schoolchildren about neotropical migratory birds and the desperate need to protect them while I was a Peace Corps Volunteer from 1990 to 1992. I consider myself as indescribably fortunate that Margaret was such an influential figure to me during my formative years.
—Henry Louie
I worked with Margaret and the rest of the
wonderful crew at Adventure for the last few years of the Station’s operation as a spring and fall migration study site.
Margaret was a wonderfully patient teacher. I am not good with my hands, and handling birds requires a lot of careful work. Learning to work with birds is a classical apprenticeship process: You work with a mentor to learn one skill at a time; only when one skill is mastered do you move on to the next. I think it took me a lot longer than most to progress from one step to the next, yet Margaret never lost faith. She was always helpful and encouraging, and endlessly patient.
Inever finished my apprenticeship. I was just starting to learn the last skills, “skulling” and banding birds, when Margaret's health started to fail. Idon’t know if I’ll ever finish my training. Still I make use of knowledge and experience from my time at the Adventure Banding Station almost every time I teach about birds. Margaret Donnald’s leadership provided me and dozens of others with a venue to learn about bird banding close to DC. She also provided caring, individual instruction that resulted in lessons well learned.
Mark S. Garland
Maryland Ornithological Society 2002 Scholarship Winners
by Jean Fry
There were fifteen well-qualified applicants for scholarships to Audubon summer workshops this year, and ten scholarships were awarded. Seven committee members ranked the applicants to determine the winners. The winners are not necessarily listed in the order of ranking.
Orville Crowder Scholarship (adminis- tered by Audubon Naturalist Society) Maine Field Ornithology
Shelly Nicoll, Montgomery County Teacher, Forest Oak Middle School, Gaithersburg
Chandler and Eleanor Robbins Scholarship Maine Field Ornithology
Van Vogel, Cecil County
Teacher, Bohemia Manor High School, Chesapeake City
(also MOS Education Chairperson)
World Series of Birding Scholarship Wyoming Ecology, Virginia Barnicoat Anne Arundel County
Teacher, Chesapeake High School, Pasa- dena
Helen Miller Scholarship
Maine Field Ornithology Michael J. Kresko, Baltimore Teacher, Franklin Middle School, Reisterstown
Helen Miller Scholarship
Maine Field Ornithology
Vincent Vaise, Baltimore
Park Ranger, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Doris Oakley Scholarship
Maine Field Ornithology
Dave Weesner, Washington County
Park Ranger, Department of Natural Resources, South Mountain Recreation Area (also Past-President, Washington Chapter of MOS)
Doris Oakley Scholarship
Natural History of the Maine Coast (coastal ecology)
Eric J. Greenlee, Anne Arundel County Teacher, Chesapeake Bay Middle School, Pasadena
Kent County ( from estate of Constance Larrabee)
Interdisciplinary Environmental Education Workshop, Minnesota (Audubon Center of the North Woods)
Monica Weidel, Baltimore
Naturalist, Irvine Nature Center, Stevenson
Dan and Helen Gibson-Dorothy Mendinhall Scholarship
(awarded by Kent County club to an Eastern Shore applicant)
Natural History of the Maine Coast Susan Dorsey, Kent County
Teacher, Millington Elementary School, Millington
Frances Covington-Etta Wedge Scholar- ship
Maine Field Ornithology
Susan Venturella, Anne Arundel County Park Ranger, Kinder Farm Park, Millersville
Page 8
Minutes of the MOS Board Meeting December 8, 2001
President: Karen Morley Vice President: Paul Zucker Treasurer: Shiras Guion Secretary: Janet Shields Executive Secretary: Larry Fry Past President: Norm Saunders
Atlas: Jane Coskren Conference: Mike Callahan Conservation: Maureen Harvey Education: Van Vogel Nominations: David Harvey Publications: Chandler Robbins Research: Gwen Brewer Sanctuary: Dotty Mumford Scholarship: Jean Fry
Allegany: Gwen Brewer, Barbara Gaffney
Anne Arundel: Linda Baker, Janelle Dietrich, Stephen Hult, Carol Jelich, Dotty Mumford, Norm Saunders
Baltimore: Jeanne Bowman, Helene Gardel, Joy Wheeler
Caroline: not represented
Carroll: Dave Harvey, Maureen Harvey, Amy Hoffman
Cecil: Candi Lee, Rick Lee, Van Vogel
Frederick: Marcia Balestri, Mike Welch
Harford: Thomas Congersky, Carol Flora, Jean Fry, Joe Vangrin Howard: Mary-Jo Betts, Mike Callahan, Jane Coskren, Darius Ecker, Paula Ecker, Emmalyn Holdridge, Chuck Stirrat, Don Waugh, Martha Waugh
Kent: Gail Regester, Pat Wilson
Montgomery: Michael Bowen, Helen Gray, Janet Millenson, Lydia Schindler, Rick Sussman
Patuxent: Fred Fallon, Chandler Robbins
Talbot: not represented
Tri-County: not represented
Washington: Janet Shields
Member At Large: David Brinker
President Karen Morley called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.
Minutes of Previous Meeting: Two grammatical errors were corrected. The minutes were approved as amended.
Treasurer’s Report: Shiras Guion gave the Treasurer’s report.
President’s Remarks: President Karen Morley thanked the Howard County chapter for hosting the meeting. Larry Fry announced that he had received reprints of the MOS brochure and will be happy to send them to chapters requesting them. Karen Morley commented on what a great job Larry Fry has been doing as our MOS Executive Secretary and thanked him for his hard work. The next board meeting will be hosted by Harford County. A host is needed for the June meeting.
Karen Morley made several announcements regarding committee chairs. Gwen Brewer, Allegany chapter, has agreed to take over for Dave Brinker as chairperson of the Research Committee. Helene Gardel, Baltimore chapter, will be succeeding Paul Zucker as chairperson of the Budget Committee. Marcia Balestri, Frederick chapter, will be taking over for Carol Jelich as our Environmental Fund Liaison.
Fran Saunders has resigned as Publicity chairperson in order to focus more time on the MOS website. Karen presented a Certificate of Appreciation for Fran in recognition of all of her hard work for MOS. Since Fran was unable to attend, it was accepted for her by Norm Saunders. Karen Morley is now looking for a new Publicity Committee chairperson.
Review of Action Items: Paul Zucker announced the following are
still pending:
A. Long-range planning goals are still needed from some committees.
B. Feedback to Gail Mackiernan about FRS radios should be complete by the March meeting.
C. Suggestions for changes to the MOS brochure should be given to Karen Morley. Evaluating these suggestions will be the function of the new Publicity Committee chairperson.
D. Feedback to Bob Rineer on Sanctuary signs has been received.
E. Larry Fry has completed the updateing of names and contact information on new chapter treasurers and directors.
F. Annual Reports are still needed from chapter presidents and committee chairs.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Budget: Paul Zucker noted that committee budget requests must be in by February 1, 2002. If $25 or less is needed, there is no need to submit a request. Any committee requiring more than $25 needs to get its request to Paul or to Helene Gardel stating what expenses are planned for the upcoming budget year.
Conference: Mike Callahan reported planning for the conference to be held at Wisp in June is well underway. Fran Pope has agreed to become local coordinator. The silent auction and the raffle have been separated into two committees. The 2003 conference will be in Montgomery County. Mike Callahan will remain chairperson through the 2003 conference. Since Mike will be starting graduate school, he would like to be replaced as chairperson in 2004.
A member of the Allegany chapter proposed donating a watercolor to be raffled off separately at the conference with the proceeds going directly to the Allegany chapter. A motion was made and seconded that the chapters hosting the MOS conference be able to have a raffle, separate from the conference raffle if they desire, with the proceeds being divided between the hosting chapters. Concern was noted that doing so could detract from the overall proceeds of the silent auction/MOS raffle. Since those proceeds are dispersed to local projects at the discretion of the host chapter(s), this might be a problem. The motion was approved with the caution that we look at the decision again in a couple of years to see how things are going.
Conservation: Maureen Harvey gave the Conservation Committee report. She spoke of President Bush signing into law $80 million for State Wildlife Programs, the preservation of Douglas Point, and a strip mining proposal for Frostburg State University Campus. Her detailed reports on these topics will appear in the January/February 2002 issue of the Yel- lowthroat.
Education: Van Vogel has four goals for the Education Committee:
1. Get more young people (students) to join MOS.
2. Encourage MOS volunteers to become “Bird Experts” by giving seminars to middle and high school students.
3. Increase youth participation on bird walks.
4. Develop a research program involving efforts of school children perhaps as part of the Cornell “Citizen Science” programs.
EFM: Marcia Balestri, our new liaison, is requesting photographs for and information on MOS accomplishments for use by EFM. She would also like people to post EFM publicity at work places where they have a donor campaign listing EFM as a possible beneficiary. Marcia will be going to a NACG (National Alliance for Choice in Giving) seminar on fundraising in New Orleans, all expenses paid by EFM.
Membership Project: Paul Zucker, who had been asked by president Karen Morley to look into ways of increasing MOS membership, gave an update on this project. He has started assembling e-mail addresses to get a discussion going via e-mail. He will be able to share ideas with people in each chapter who are interested in this and get feedback. He has also contacted the schoolteacher from Centreville Middle School in order to share some ideas on programs for those students.
Publications: Chan Robbins and Janet Millenson gave an overview of where they would like to be with the publication of Maryland Birdlife. They are looking into making it available electronically and looking at various ways to accomplish this.
Sanctuary: Dotty Mumford reported that a workday was held at Irish Grove the weekend of October 27. New siding was put on the tool shed and field edges were cleared. Bob Rineer was to meet with the surveyor October 20 at Carey Run to have the boundaries marked. Paul Bystrak, who has moved back to Maryland, has agreed to serve on the Sanctuary Committee.
Page 9
MOS December Board Meeting
(continued from previous page)
Scholarship: Jean Fry distributed reports from ten of the twelve scholarship winners on their experiences at camps they attended last summer. It appears that the John Wortman Memorial Scholarship, our newest scholarship, will end up with approximately $18,000 in donated funds. The cost for each of the Audubon camps is running from $600 to $900 for the year 2002. Currently there have been only a few inquiries about the scholarships and the deadline for scholarship applications is January 31, 2002.
Atlas: Jane Coskren reported the training of the county coordinators is finished. The printing of the atlas packets is well under way and should be delivered to county coordinators by mid February. Fran Saunders has put up a website for the atlas. Fran is working with Mark Wimer and Chan Robbins to have the web interface ready by the end of February for entering atlas data. Janet Millenson, atlas fundraising, is working on grant requests to organizations and some individuals. Jane Coskren said she might have to ask for Shenkel bequest money to help fund the second year of the atlas.
Research: Karen Morley gave a special thank you to David Brinker for all of the years he had put in as the chairperson of the Research Committee and the wonderful job he has done. Karen also introduced Gwen Brewer, the new Research Committee chairperson.
Presentation By the Scholarship Committee: Jean Fry had several printouts, which she distributed, including a brief history of the scholarship program and a financial history of the funds. Jean then talked about the operations and long range plans of the Scholarship Committee and consid- erations of alternatives to the Audubon camps.
OLD BUSINESS
Signatures Required for MOS Checks: This topic was brought up at the previous board meeting. Karen Morley stated it is in our Bylaws that all notes of the society shall be signed by the president and the treasurer or, in the extended absence of the president, by the vice president and treasurer. Checks drawn on the checking account for budget expenses in amounts less than $3,000 may be signed by either the treasurer or the president. All checks exceeding $3,000, all checks on money market accounts and all requests for cash withdrawal from endowment or investment accounts shall be signed by two Executive Council members. This was done as a safeguard for the organization. The consideration was whether these limits should be raised or eliminate some of these limits altogether since the requirements have made basic financial transactions inefficient and unwieldy. It was decided that the limit should be changed. There were two motions. The first motion was to change the Bylaws taking the limit out of the Bylaws and putting it in the Manual of Operation. This was seconded and approved. The second motion was to amend the Manual of Operations to reflect that the limit should be $10,000 and will include other budgeted items that are approved by the board whether they have been in the annual budget or not. This was seconded and approved. These motions must be published in the Yellowthroat by February and presented to the whole membership for approval at the annual meeting in June for approval.
Privacy Statement: The MOS Membership privacy policy statement explains how MOS deals with membership lists and our website. Karen Morley asked how people felt about this stated policy, if they felt it was adequate, and whether any changes should be made. The membership information kept by Bill Guion should have a checkoff for those members not wanting their personal information made available on any website. All of the chapters should be sure their membership forms have such a checkoff and that the information sent to Bill Guion is accurate. It was also suggested that under Number 3 of the privacy policy the last sentence should read as follows: In the absence of notification to the contrary, it was assumed that allowing oneself to be elected as an officer of the organization constituted such consent, so that state- and chapter-level contacts could be readily determined. Norm
Saunders will make the suggested change and get copies to Karen Morley and chapter presidents. The question was asked if this privacy policy was shown on our website. Norm Saunders is not sure but will check. Norm knows Fran Saunders follows these guidelines stripping out contact information when posting field trips, etc. on the website.
Dues Increase: There was discussion at the previous board meeting as to the need for raising dues. People were to go back to the chapters and discuss the issue with them and get their input. The discussion at the previous board meeting was to consider increasing dues as follows: Single membership would be increased to $20. Household would be increased to $25. Junior was to continue at $5. Sustaining would be increased to $35. There was talk of eliminating life memberships and grandfathering in the people who were already life members. There was much discussion by various chapter representatives and a vote was taken. The motion was made to raise the dues for a single membership from $10 to $20, for a household from $10 to $25, and sustaining would change to $50. Junior membership would remain at $5. Life memberships would be reinstate at $1,000, which could be paid over a four-year period, with the proceeds going into the operating fund. The motion was seconded and approved.
NEW _ BUSINESS
Baltimore Bird Club Proposal for a New Sanctuary in Baltimore County: Helene Gardel explained that the Hartline family has tentatively offered MOS 23 acres of old woods along Green Valley in Baltimore County to be used as a sanctuary. It has a conservation easement. The Baltimore chapter proposed we accept the Beth Hartline land and indicated they are willing to look after it. The Baltimore chapter would be willing to walk the boundaries once a year and make it available for bird walks and nature study. The Sanctuary Committee indicated it approves accepting the land if the Baltimore chapter is willing to take responsibility for monitoring it. Karen Morley asked the board if we should accept the property if it is actually offered and MOS could negotiate a deal with the estate. This was approved by the board.
Binoculars and Bird Guides for the Sudlersville Middle School: Gail Regester, Kent Chapter, requested the donation of binoculars and bird guides to be used by Darryl Calloway in his work with forty Sudlersville Middle School children. They have established a marshland setting and a nature trail on the schools grounds. Any help would be appreciated.
NEW_ACTION ITEMS 1. Comments are requested regarding the printing of the next MOS brochure. 2. Annual reports are due from chapter presidents and committee chairs. 3. A publicity chairperson is needed now and a conference chairperson in 2004. 4. There is a request for MOS photographs for EFM and information on MOS accomplishments for use by EFM. EFM is also asking people to post EFM publicity at work places where there is a fundraising campaign listing EFM as a possible beneficiary. Ideas are needed for electronic submission of records to Chan Robbins. 6. More applicants are needed for scholarships. 7. Language for By-Laws and Manual changes regarding the signatures on checks should be done by February 1* for the Yellowthroat. Norm Saunders will revise language on the privacy issues. 9. Donations of bird guides and binocular are requested by the Kent County chapter.
on
President Karen Morley declared the meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Janet Shields, Secretary
IMPORTANT -- PLEASE READ !!!
May Count reporting forms and the Annual List Report, normally published in this issue, have been omitted in our attempt to keep the cost of the Yellowthroat within budgetary constraints. Please look forbothof these items onthe MOS website, inthe "Members
Corner" section: http://www.mdbirds.org/members/memindex.html
If you do not have access to the Internet, check with someone in your chapter for local assistance. Thank you for your
understanding.
--Norm Saunders, Editor, MD Yellowthroat
Page 10
Maryland/DC Records Committee Status Report as of April 1, 2002
I. DECISIONS:
The sighting reports below have changed status since the last MD/DC Records Committee (MD/ DCRC) status report was published in the Maryland Yellowthroat. MD/DCRC control numbers are shown in brackets. No new species were added to the MD or DC “Official Lists” with these decisions. This status report covers decisions through MD/DCRC review package 77.
MD Records Accepted
Wood Stork, Mycteria americana [MD/1999- 137], Walkersville, Frederick County, August 2, 1999
Wood Stork, Mycteria americana [MD/1999- 202], Nicholas Ridge, Allegany County, November 15, 1999
Yellow Rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis [MD/1999-156], Point Lookout SP, Saint Mary’s County, October 4, 1996
Yellow Rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis [MD/1999-157], Jug Bay, Prince George’s County, October 20, 1998
Western Tanager, Piranga ludoviciana [MD/2000-015], Fairhaven, Anne Arundel County, February 9, 2000
Harris’s Sparrow, Zonotrichia querula [MD/ 1999-217], Skyesville, Carroll County, November 18, 1999-May 5, 2000
Harris’s Sparrow, Zonotrichia querula [MD/ 2000-001], E.A. Vaughn WMA, Worcester County, December 29, 1999-January 19, 2000
MD Records Accepted-Group Jaeger, species, Stercorarius, sp. [MD/1997- 175], North Point, Baltimore County, October 8, 1977
MD Records Not Accepted
“Common” Teal, Anas crecca crecca [MD/ 1997-415], Dorchester, Dorchester County, February 19, 1996
Swainson’s Warbler, Limnothlypis swainsonii [MD/1997-186], St. Mary’s State Park, Saint Mary’s County, May 22, 1994-May 24, 1994
II. UNDER CONSIDERATION:
The following reports have begun the committee’s review process and are under consideration. These reports are either in circulation or are waiting to be recirculated. (This list does not include the many records that have not yet begun the review process).
MD Records
Pacific Loon, Gavia pacifica [MD/1997- 754], Susquehanna River, Cecil County, November 11, 1997-November 18, 1997
Yellow-billed Loon, Gavia adamsii [MD/ 1999-200], Sandgates, Saint Mary’s County, November 3, 1999-November 5, 1999
Yellow-nosed Albatross, Thalassarche
by Phil Davis, MD/DCRC Secretary
chlororhynchos [MD/2000-024], Assateague National Seashore, Worcester County, May 11, 2000
Greater Shearwater, Puffinus gravis, [MD/ 1997-477], Chesapeake Bay, Somerset County July 19, 1996
American White Pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos [MD/1997-333], Cedar Island WMA, Somerset County, July 11, 1980-July 18, 1980
American White Pelican, Pelecanus rythrorhynchos [MD/2000-051], Upper Marlboro, Prince George’s County, November 29, 2000-December 1, 2000
American White Pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos [MD/2001-010], Salisbury, Wicomico County, December 29, 2000
Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga [MD/1999- 037], Havre de Grace, Harford County, April 18, 1999
Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga [MD/1999- 036], Hollywood, Saint Mary’s County, May 8, 1999
Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga [MD/1999- 044], Patuxent NAS, Saint Mary’s County, June 15, 1999
Magnificent Frigatebird, Fregata magnificens [MD/1997-652],Ocean City, Worcester County, July 13, 1996
Frigatebird, species, Fregata sp. [MD/ 1997-584], Ocean City, Worcester County, July 13, 1996
White-faced Ibis, Plegadis chihi [MD/ 2000-021], E.A. Vaughn WMA - North tract, Worcester County, May 25, 2000-May 26, 2000
Wood Stork, Mycteria americana [MD/ 2000-019], Point Lookout State Park, Saint Mary’s County, August 19, 1998
“Common” Teal, Anas crecca crecca [MD / 1999-048], Blackwater NWR, Dorchester County, March 30, 1999
“Common” Teal, Anas crecca crecca [MD / 2001-004], E.A. Vaughn WMA, Worcester County, December 20, 2000
Cinnamon Teal, Anas cyanoptera [MD/ 1999-018], Eastern Neck NWR, Kent County, November 8, 1998-December 15, 1998
Tufted Duck, Aythya fuligula [MD/2000- 012], Potomac River, Prince George’s County, February 4, 2000-February 9, 2000
Harlequin Duck, Histrionicus histrionicus [MD/2000-049], Black Hill Regional Park, Montgomery County, December 1, 2000
Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bucephala islandica [MD/1999-046], Patuxent NAS, Saint Mary’s County, February 28, 1999-March 6, 1999
Mississippi Kite, Ictinia mississippiensis [MD/1998-015], Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Prince George’s County June 3, 1987
Mississippi Kite, Ictinia mississippiensis [MD/1997-365], Point Lookout, Saint Mary’s County, May 20, 1995
Swainson’s Hawk, Buteo swainsoni 1998-016], Black Hill Regional Park, Montgomery County, December 14, 1997
[MD/
Yellow Rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis [MD/2000-037], Cumberland, Allegany County August 31, 2000
Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus [MD/1999- 049], Cherry Creek Glades, Garrett County, May 26, 1999
Long-tailed Jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus [MD/2000-047], Atlantic Ocean, Worcester County, September 3, 2000
South Polar Skua , Stercorarius maccormicki [MD/2000-036], Atlantic Ocean, Worcester County, June 4, 2000
Franklin’s Gull, Larus pipixcan [MD/1999- 039], Scotland, Saint Mary’s County, April 20, 1996
Franklin’s Gull, Larus pipixcan [MD/1999- 040], Burkittsville, Frederick County, May 8, 1999-May 9, 1999
Little Gull, Larus minutus [MD/2001-019], Sycamore Landing, Montgomery County, April 6, 2001
Little Gull, Larus minutus [MD/2001-020], Seneca, Montgomery County, April 27, 2001
Black-tailed Gull, Larus crassirostris [MD/ 1998-014], Sandy Point State Park, Anne Arundel County, July 4, 1984-July 7, 1984
Black-tailed Gull, Larus crassirostris [MD/ 2000-055], Assateague Island, Worcester County, October 7, 2000-October 15, 2000
California Gull, Larus californicus [MD/ 1999-050], Conowingo Dam, Harford County, February 8, 1999-February 12, 1999
California Gull, Larus californicus [MD/ 1999-028], Conowingo Dam, Harford County, February 12, 1999
California Gull, Larus californicus [MD/ 2001-080], Poplar Island, Talbot County, November 26, 2001
Yellow-legged Gull, Larus cachinnans [MD/1997-286], Alpha Ridge Landfill, Howard County, February 11, 1995
Kelp Gull, Larus dominicanus [MD/1999- 035], Sandgates, Saint Mary’s County,January 25, 1998
Sabine’s Gull, Xema sabini [MD/2000- 031], Deal Island, Somerset County, June 24, 2000
Roseate Tern, Sterna dougallii [MD/1999- 047], Ocean City, Worcester County, May 26, 1999
Arctic Tern, Sterna paradisaea [MD/1999- 042], Violette’s Lock, Montgomery County, May 18, 1999
Bridled Tern, Sterna anaethetus [MD/1997- 240], Mt. Hermon, Wicomico County, September 12, 1960
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MD/DC Records Committee Status
(continued from previous page)
Sooty Tern, Sterna fuscata [MD/2001-018], Chesapeake Bay near Smith Island, Somerset County, July 21, 1996
Sooty Tern, Sterna fuscata [MD/1997-461], Sandy Point State Park, Anne Arundel County, September 7, 1996
Sooty Tern, Sterna fuscata [MD/1997-463], Sherwood, Talbot County, September 7, 1996
Common Murre, Uria aalge [MD/1997- 424], Atlantic Ocean, Worcester County, February 18, 1996
Thick-billed Murre, Uria lomvia [MD/ 1997-728], Atlantic Ocean, Worcester County, February 18, 1996
Thick-billed Murre, Uria lomvia [MD/ 1997-425], Atlantic Ocean, Worcester County, February 18, 1996
Thick-billed Murre, Uria lomvia [MD/ 1997-729], Atlantic Ocean, Worcester County, February 18, 1996
Rufous Hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus [MD/1997-192], Takoma Park, Montgomery County, November 5, 1994-November 8, 1994
Western Wood-Pewee, Contopus sordidulus [MD/2000-020], Laurel, Prince George’s County, October 5, 1992
Vermilion Flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus [MD/2001-034], Hurlock, Dorchester County, October 1, 2001
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus [MD/2001-032], Dameron, Saint Mary’s County, May 12, 2001
Common Raven, Corvus corax [MD/2001- 013], Brighton Dam, Howard County, December 24, 1978
Common Raven, Corvus corax [MD/1998- 019], Ft. Smallwood, Anne Arundel County, April 25, 1998
Common Raven, Corvus corax [MD/2000- 046], Conowingo Dam, Harford County, October 29, 1998
Northern Shrike, Lanius excubitor [MD/ 2000-034], Mountain Lake Park, Garrett County, December 18, 1999
Northern Shrike, Lanius excubitor [MD/ 2000-028], Gambrills, Anne Arundel County, January 13, 2000-January 17, 2000
“Audubon’s” Warbler, Dendroica coronata auduboni [MD/2000-002], E.A. Vaughn WMA, Worcester County, December 29, 1999
Western Tanager, Piranga ludoviciana [MD/2000-041], Northeast, Cecil County, September 27, 2000
Green-tailed Towhee, Pipilo chlorurus [MD/2001-001], North Branch, Allegany County, January 1, 2001
Green-tailed Towhee, Pipilo chlorurus [MD/2001-014], Indian Springs WMA, Washington County, April 26, 2001
Henslow’s Sparrow, Ammodramus henslowii [MD/1999-041], Aberdeen Proving Ground, Harford County, May 27, 1999-July 30, 1999
Le Conte’s Sparrow, Ammodramus leconteii [MD/2000-004], Irish Grove, Somerset County, December 4, 1999-December 27, 1999
Le Conte’s Sparrow, Ammodramus leconteii [MD/2001-008], Beltsville Ag Research Center, Prince George’s County, February 15, 2001- March 13, 2001
“Gambel’s” Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii [MD/1999-203], Chestertown, Kent County, March 5, 1999-April 25, 1999
“Gambel’s” Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii [MD/2000-016], Dameron, Saint Mary’s County, March 28, 2000
“Gambel’s” Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii [MD/2000-061], E.A. Vaughn WMA, Worcester County, November 11, 2000
“Gambel’s” Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii [MD/2001-036], Chino Farms, Queen Anne’s County, May 6, 2001
“Gambel’s” Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii [MD/2001-081], Black Hill Regional Park, Montgomery County, November 12, 2001
Harris’s Sparrow, Zonotrichia querula [MD/ 2001-076], Point Lookout State Park, Saint Mary’s County, November 20, 2001-November 25, 2001
Bullock’s Oriole, Icterus bullockii [MD/ 1997-752], Parsonsburg, Wicomico County, December 4, 1988
Silver Gull, Larus novaehollandiae {[MD/ 2000-064], Upper Marlboro, Prince George’s County, December 1, 2000-December 4, 2000
DC Records
Leach’s Storm-Petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa {[DC/1998-011], Potomac River, Eastern Branch, June 7, 1891
Leach’s Storm-Petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa [DC/1998-008], East Potomac Park, October 4, 1930
Leach’s Storm-Petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa [DC/1998-012], Chevy Chase, August 24, 1933
Greater White-fronted Goose, Anser albifrons [DC/2001-002], East Potomac Park, January 6, 2001-February 4, 2001
Tufted Duck, Aythya fuligula [DC/2000- 011], Potomac River, January 29, 2000- February 24, 2000
Parasitic Jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus [DC/1997-157], Constitution Gardens, May 28, 1994
Parasitic Jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus [DC/1997-171], Anacostia River, June 21, 1994
Little Gull, Larus minutus [DC/1997-096], Hains Point, April 3, 1993
California Gull, Larus californicus [DC/ 2000-013], Tidal Basin, January 16, 1999
Bridled Tern, Sterna anaethetus [DC/1997- 451], Potomac River, September 7, 1996
White-winged Dove, Zenaida asiatica [DC/ 1999-031], Georgetown, October 30, 1998
Le Conte’s Sparrow, Ammodramus leconteii [DC/1997-499], Hains Point, April 21, 1997
For further information on the MD/DC Records Committee, including the committee’s “Review List” and the “Official Lists” of the birds of Maryland and the District of Columbia, visit the “Records Committee” web pages on the MOS web
site at: http://www.mdbirds.org/.
John W. Taylor: The Artist as Conservationist
“T wonder how much people are affected by art?” asks John W. “Bud” Taylor, noted Maryland wildlife artist who has spent more than five de- cades painting the birds and marshes of the Chesa- peake Bay. “Can my work really help the cause of conservation?”
The answer is eminently clear to the Friends of Jug Bay as they honor Bud Taylor with the 2002 “Jug Bay Award,” given annually to an individual for active involvement in the conservation, educa- tion, and habitat preservation of the Jug Bay area of the Patuxent River. To the Friends, and many others, Bud Taylor’s wildlife artwork and evoca- tive landscapes really have made a difference in protecting one of our most beloved natural areas.
John W. “Bud” Taylor began drawing from nature at a very early age, and his fascination with birds and wetlands became the basis for a life-long
by Rich Dolesh
inspiration for his artwork. As a teenager Bud began a practice of keeping a journal of field notes during his frequent trips around the Bay. These lists, sketches, and observations of nature served as the foundation for his choice of subjects, and he continues the practice today.
Bud’s path to a career in wildlife art was not predestined just because of his fascination with wildlife. He recalled the occasion he made his decision to begin painting full time as a wildlife artist. “I was working at the Smithsonian Mu- seum of Natural History in the Division of Birds. I ran into Irston Barnes who was the President of the Audubon Naturalist Society and also the President of the DC Chapter of Audubon. We sat on a bench outside the Smithsonian and I told him what I was going to do. ‘It’s hopeless,’ he said, ‘You'll never succeed.’ To say he didn’t encourage
me was an understatement,” Bud ruefully re- called.
For Bud Taylor, no other path was possible. “I knew I would be quite miserable doing anything else,” he said recently while reflecting on a career of more than forty years as an independent profes- sional wildlife artist. In recent years, Bud has achieved that level every professional artist as- pires to—the freedom to choose to paint what he wants to paint, and the security in knowing that there is an appreciative audience willing to pur- chase his work. Bud does note, however, “The secret of being a wildlife artist is to live frugally.” When asked if he ever felt sad letting a painting go, Bud replied, “very rarely, because I don’t do them for me to keep. My enjoyment comes from the act
(continued at top of next page)
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John Taylor
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of creating.” Humorously, he also says, “Of course, if I don’t get what I think it’s worth, well, I feel bad then....”
Bud Taylor began to haunt the marshes of Jug Bay beginning in the 1950’s looking for sources for his paintings and studying the intricate relation- ships of nature in the complex freshwater wet- lands. He traveled as a field biologist travels, in hipboots with sketchbook, notepad, and binocu- lars. In the 1970’s, as government agencies and elected officials began the work of preserving the natural treasure that is Jug Bay, Bud became well known to landowners, park managers, and natu- ralists. On any given September morning, he would emerge from the luminous pearlescent mist at the end of a river-landing road with a quizzical expression on his face, and ask, “See anything good today?”
Both peers and critics have acclaimed bud Taylor’s artwork. He was commissioned to paint the first Maryland Migratory Waterfowl Stamp, and he has won numerous awards including the 1979 Maryland and 1984 Florida State Duck
Stamp design competitions. In recent years, Bud has been commissioned to paint State conserva- tion stamps, large wildlife oil paintings, and land- scapes. Bud donated the copyrights of two of his paintings, a great blue heron overlooking Jug Bay, and a perched osprey clutching a glistening cat- fish. The proceeds of the posters that were created from these works have been directly used for conservation and habitat improvements at Jug Bay. The popularity of Bud Taylor’s work is exemplified in the success of two books published by John’s Hopkins Press, “Birds of the Chesapeake Bay,” and “Chesapeake Spring” “Birds of the Chesapeake” has sold out a second edition, and is still in high demand.
“I’m more for a mood or a feeling than abso- lute accuracy,” Bud says about his paintings. “I don’t concentrate on detail. Also, I try to use a warm palette. The warm colors I choose dominate my work.” On his choice of subjects, Bud says simply, “I don’t have a goal in mind. I look for nature to teach me.”
Wildlife artist Fran Sweet who is the current president of the International Society of Animal Artists says “Bud Taylor’s work is unique. There is nobody else who has a style like his. It is so recognizable and soft that if I saw a group of 5000 paintings containing one Bud Taylor work, I could pick out Bud’s painting in a minute.” Fran has an obvious affection for Bud as a person as well as an appreciation of his artwork, “The best part about Bud Taylor is that Bud’s personality equals his art work.”
Many people know Bud Taylor as a gentle, humble man. “Not until very recently have I finally reached a point that I feel I have the ability to express myself technically and artistically,” he said with characteristic humility.
Bud is not unaware that his career as a wildlife artist is entering its twilight. “The older you get, the less future you have,” he notes. But with a twinkle in his eye, he also says, “I feel like Iam just getting started. I have so many good ideas that have to come out. I just want to paint.”
Wednesday, May 1
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. First Wednesdays at Ft. McHenry. Our monthly visit to assist Jim Peters in the National Aquarium’s project of surveying bird activity around a 10-acre man- made (mitigated) wetland. Folding chair and telescope useful. Cancelled in bad weather (high winds, fog, rain). Meet 9:30 a.m. at Fort McHenry. From the entrance, the wetlands are to the right. Meet just past the statue of Orpheus. Coordinators Gail Frantz 410-833- 7135, guineabird@aol.com, and Catherine Bishop, 410-435-9569.
MEETING. Carroll. “In the Rainshadow of Washington & Oregon” by Jerry & Laura Tarbell. Meet 7:30 p.m. at the main campus of Carroll Community College on Rt. 32, Westminster. For more information, call Laura Tarbell at 410-857-1109.
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Huntley Meadows County Park, VA. For seniors, juniors and “in- betweens.” Seventh annual intergenerational trip to a perennially popular birding spot. Warblers, marsh birds, possible raptors. Meet 8:00 a.m. at the Nature Center parking lot off of Lockheed Boulevard. For further informa- tion, contact the leader, Luther Goldman, at 301-474-1240.
Thursday, May 2
MEETING. Frederick. Marcia Balestri will discuss “The Everglades: Birds and Conserva- tion Issues.” Meet in the Frederick High School Music Room at 7:30 p.m.
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Mariner Point Park. Walk the asphalt trails along this park bordered by the Gunpowder River. Excellent spot for migrants. Meet at the park at 7:30 a.m. Call Tom Congersky for details at 410-676-6489.
MEETING. Kent. Joint meeting with Talbot and Caroline chapters. Details TBA. For further information, contact Pat Wilson, at 410-778- 1005.
Meeting. Talbot. Breeding Bird Atlas Training Session. Program for birders in Talbot, Kent,
MOS Activities — May-August, 2002
Caroline, and Queen Anne’s Counties, offered by Talbot, Kent, and Caroline MOS Chapters Session is for volunteers who wish to partici- pate in the MOS 5-year Breeding Bird Atlas project; MOS representatives will provide training in field methods, data recording, and record reporting. Meet at 7:00 p.m. at the Wildfowl Trust of North America, Horsehead Wetland Center, Grasonville.
Friday, May 3
MEETING. Anne Arundel. “Hart-Miller Island” by Gene Scarpulla. 8:00 p.m. at the DNR Conference Room, Tawes Building, corner of Taylor Avenue and Rowe Boulevard, Annapo- lis.
MEETING. Harford. Guest speaker will be Bob Chance. Meet at 6:15 p.m. at Churchville Presbyterian Church, MD 22 & MD 136. For further information, call 410-879-0642.
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Pennyfield Lock for migrant and nesting landbirds. Meet at the end of Pennyfield Lock Road at 7 a.m. For further information and reservations, contact the leaders, Cyndie Loeper at 301-530-8226 or Ann Lucy at 301-229-8810.
Saturday, May 4
FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Hart-Miller Island for migrating shorebirds. Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the Severna Park Park & Ride lot located in the NW corner at the intersection of Jones Station Road and Ritchie Highway. For further information, contact the leader, Kathie Lambert, at 410-867-4056.
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Milford Mill Park. For migrant warblers, thrushes and other songbirds; Wilson’s Warbler possible. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the park entrance. For further information and directions, contact the leaders, Simon Calle, at 410-561-5940, or Lenny Marcus, at 410-494- 0304.
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Soldiers Delight Chorus of Whip-poor-wills at dusk. Walk on level path to power line break, later back to the cars. An alternate option is to remain at the
cars and listen from there, but there’s road noise from passing traffic. Meet 7:30 p.m. at the historical marker. For further information, contact the leader, Pete Webb, at 410-486-1217 or pwebb@bcpl.net.
FIELD TRIP. Carroll. Bird Walk at McKeldin. Time again to see what warblers are coming through on migration. Moderate to rough terrain. Meet 7:00 a.m. at the parking lot on the west side of Marriottsville Rd, just south of the bridge over the Patapsco River (by the railroad tracks). For more information, call trip leader Bob Ringler at 410-549-6031.
FIELD TRIP. Frederick. Warbler Watch at Marcia Balestri’s House. She has had 28 species of warblers migrate through her yard over the last 9 years— last year her first Cape May Warbler! Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Marcia’s house. For directions call Marcia at 301-473-5098 or email mebalestri@erols.com.
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Harford Glen. Walk the trails in search of migratory songbirds, herons, and other local favorites at this natural oasis near Bel Air. Meet with David Seitz at 7:15 a.m. at Harford Glen. For details, call David at 410- 838-2150.
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Rock Run. Another spring trip walking the trails of Susquehanna State Park in search of new arrivals. Warblers, flycatchers, and vireos are the targets. Meet at the Mill at 6 a.m. For further information, contact the leader, Rick Cheicante at 410-803- 2712.
FIELD TRIP. Howard. Wincopin Neck Trails. Moderate/difficult hiking through woodland trails on some steep slopes. Migrant warblers, vireos and thrushes. Good diversity of wild- flowers. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the paved lot off Vollmerhausen Road. Look for the wooden fence and park sign. For further information, contact the leader, Stan Arnold, at 410-768- 0135.
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Little Bennett Park. Migrants and local nesters in area of varied
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MOS Activities — May-August, 2002 (Cont.)
habitats. Reservations required. For reservations and directions, contact the leader, Sally Ann Waldschmidt, at 301-460-5841.
FIELD TRIP. Patuxent. Lake Artemesia. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Lake Artemesia parking lot. For further information, contact David Mozurkewich at301-459-3375.
Sunday, May 5
FIELD TRIP. Cecil. The Seasons at Fair Hill - Spring - Birding by Ear. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Fair Hill Nature Center - Covered Bridge Parking Lot. The leader is Meta Little. For further information contact Parke John at 410- 287-6037 (H) or 410-506-3874 (W).
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Rocks State Park for woodland and edge migratory songbirds within the park. Probable species include Black and White Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, Blue-winged and Yellow Warblers. Tom Congersky and Mary Procell are the leaders. For more informa- tion, call Tom at 410-676-6489.
FIELD TRIP. Howard. Daniels-Warblers along the river for Worm-Eating Warbler, Scarlet Tanager. Moderate/difficult walking through the woods and along the river. Meet at the large lot on Daniel’s Road at 7:30 a.m. For further information, contact the leader, John Maloney, at 301-317-4961
FIELD TRIP. Talbot. Andelot Farm, Kent County, and Chester River Field Research Station at Chino Farms, Queen Anne’s County. Andelot Farm provides an incredible diversity of habitats with species that range from Common Terns to Bald Eagles to Red-headed Woodpeckers to Prairie Warblers. Chino Farms is the site of a major Native Grassland Restoration project. We will see Grasshopper Sparrows on territory and learn about the project from the its principal investigator, students, and staff. Meet at 6:30 a.m. at the parking lot in front of the Acme in the Tred Avon Shopping Center in Easton. For further information, contact the leader, Wayne Bell, at 410-820-6002 or wayne.bell@washcoll.edu.
Monday, May 6
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Cylburn Self-guided Walk. Meet 8:30 a.m. at the front porch of Cylburn Mansion. For further information, call coordinator Joe Lewandowski at 410-358-7834 or ilenel@juno.com.
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge& Leesylvania State Park. Third chapter trip to this gem of a refuge located within Ft. Belvoir, VA. and to nearby state park. Landbird migrants and breeders in variety of delightful habitats. Some nearby fast- food places along Rt. 1 available for lunch after the trip. For starting place and time (will be very early a.m., to avoid worst of traffic), directions to refuge and reservations, contact the leader, Mike Bowen, at 301-530-5764.
Tuesday, May 7
MEETING. Baltimore. ” Identifying Spring Warblers by Sight and Song” Pete Webb, field trip co-ordinator, compiler of the Harbor Christmas Bird Count and the Mid-Winter Count, and field observer in the Maryland Breeding Bird Atlas Project. 7:30 p.m. at Cylburn Mansion.
FIELD TRIP. Howard. Weekday Walk at Wilde Lake for orioles, swallows, long-legged waders
and woodland species. Easy walk along the
lake and through the wooded trails. Meet at the boat dock at 8:00 a.m. For further information, contact the leader, Bonnie Ott, at 410-461-3361.
Wednesday, May 8
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Calvert County Hotspots, Excellent area for landbird migrants and breeders, including warblers. Reservations required. For details, reservations and direc- tions, contact the leaders, Lydia Schindler, at 301 977-5252, or Linda Friedland, at 301 983- 2136.
Thursday, May 9
Meeting. Howard. “Random Moments in Nature” by Michael Smith, photographer. Programs are held at Longfellow Elementary School, 5470 Hesperus Drive, Columbia. Hospitality session and club bookstore at 7:30 p.m. Meeting/Program begins at 8:00 p.m. For further information contact Don Waugh at 410- 381-8841.
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Patuxent River Park Drift Boat Trip. (Joint ANS trip). Peak migration time for songbirds; also marsh and waterbirds. Waterproof footwear and insect repellent advisable. Watch ANS News for directions to park. Meet at 6:30 a.m. at entrance gate to park. $4 per participant Patuxent Park program fee will be collected. For further information and reservations, contact the leader, Paul DuMont, at 703-931-8994.
MEETING. Montgomery. “Dragonfly Identifi- cation for Birders” by Richard Orr, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 7:30 p.m. at the Potomac Presbyterian Church, 10301 River Road, Potomac, MD.
Saturday, May 11
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Little Bennett Park. Near peak migration for warblers, vireos and breeders in this varied habitat. For reservations, time and place to meet, contact the leader Gemma Radko at 301-607-4370.
Sunday, May 12
FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Meyer’s Station. Migrants at a favorite nearby location. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Parole Park & Ride lot located off Harry Truman Parkway. For further information, contact the leader, George Thomas, at 410-647-5082.
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Cylburn Self-guided Walk. Meet 8:30 a.m. at the front porch of Cylburn Mansion. For further information, call coordinator Joe Lewandowski at 410-358-7834 or ilenel@uno.com.
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Rock Run. Participate in another round of exploring Susquehanna State Park in search of migratory songbirds. Targets include orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, vireos, and various warblers. Meet at the Mill at 6:30 a.m. Contact Phil Powers for details at 410-679- 4116.
Tuesday, May 14
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Lake Roland. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the footbridge in Robert E. Lee Park. Note: possible bridge construction may cause spring walks to be relocated. For further information, contact the leader, Ruth Culbertson, at 410-825-1379.
MEETING. Patuxent. “A Birding travelogue to Islands of the South Pacific” by Don
Messersmith. Annual business meeting and election for PGAS. Meet at 7:30 p.m. at Watkins Park Nature Center.
Thursday, May 16
MEETING. Caroline. Program TBA. 7:30 p.m. at the Choptank Electric Cooperative on the corner of Bus 404 & Rt. 328 in Denton.
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Mariner Point Park. Join in for a leisurely walk along the Gunpowder estuarine park in Joppa. Great spot for migratory songbirds. Yellow-breasted Chats, Common Yellowthroat, Blue-winged Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler are possible species. Meet Tom Congersky at 7:30 a.m. at the park.
Saturday, May 18
FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Bombay Hook NWR, DE. Spring shorebird migration at its peak. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the parking lot of the Bay 50 Shopping Center of Rt. 50 at Mikasa. For further information, contact the leader, Bobbi Reichwein, at 410-451-2671.
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Patuxent Tract. Special trip to Prince Georges County site for Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Chat and other Southern specialty birds. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at Nursery Road - Hammonds Ferry Road Park & Ride at Beltway Exit 8. For further information, contact the leader, Steve Sanford, at 410-922- 5103 or by e-mail at tanager@bcpl.net.
FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Turkey Point Spring Migrants. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Turkey Point Parking Lot. For further information contact the leader, Marcia Whitmyre, at 410-398-0125.
FIELD TRIP. Frederick. Strawberry Hill Nature Center and Preserve in Fairfield, PA for spring migrants and other woodland wonders. Good for beginners. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Culler Lake Boathouse in Baker Park. Call Doug or Nancy Parker at 301-663-1909 for information.
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Eden Mill. Join in for a brief bird banding seminar and a bird walk surrounding this stretch of Deer Creek. Targets include Prairie Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chats, and Indigo Buntings. Meet at the trailhead just past the Mill at 7 a.m. Jean Wheeler and Mark Johnson are the leaders. For more information call Jean at 410-879-7424.
FIELD TRIP. Howard. Nanjemoy Creek Environmental Education Center. Habitats include forest, tidal marsh and open water. Possibility of canoeing. There is also a possibil- ity of a visit to the Nanjemoy Creek Heronry owned by the Nature Conservancy. Walking at NCEEC is all on flat ground and there are facilities. Meet at the Park & Ride lot on MD 197 in Laurel at 7:00 a.m. For further informa- tion, contact the leader, Mike Callahan, at 301- 490-9318 or raptorsrule@juno.com.
FIELD TRIP. Patuxent. Lake Artemesia. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Lake Artemesia parking lot. For further information, contact David Mozurkewich at301-459-3375.
FIELD TRIP. Washington. It’s time to look for warblers at Blair’s Valley. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Park & Ride on the Dept. of Motor Vehicles side of Rt. 65. Dave Weesner, 301-432-7718, may be contacted for more information.
Sunday, May 19
FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Merkle Wildlife Refuge. Spring woodland and marsh birds.
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MOS Activities — May-August, 2002 (Cont.)
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Parole Park & Ride lot located off Harry Truman Parkway. For further information, contact the leader, Stephen Hult, at 410-956-3392.
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Owings Mills Mall Wetland. Willow Flycatchers, Green Heron, Blue Grosbeak and Orchard Orioles are just a few of the birds that breed at the Mall’s wetland. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Macy’s lot across from Exxon station. For further information, contact the leader, Keith Eric Costley, at 410-521-5366 or oriolekecl@aol.com.
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Cylburn Self-guided Walk. Meet 8:30 a.m. at the front porch of Cylburn Mansion. For further information, call coordinator Joe Lewandowski at 410-358-7834 or ilenel@juno.com.
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Bombay Hook NWR. Travel to one of Delaware’s hotspots in search of migratory shorebirds, peeps, and the like. Bring funds for park entry (about $3/car). Targets include Black-necked Stilt, American Avocets, Blue Grosbeak and Wilson’s Warbler. Meet at the 155/ I-95 Park & Ride at 6:00 a.m. Call David Larkin for details at 410-569-8319.
FIELD TRIP. Howard “Hugg-Thomas WMA for . Hooded, Kentucky, Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatchers. Short side trip to see nesting Cliff Swallows possible. Moderate to difficult walking through woodland trails and along field edges. Meet in gravel lot at 7:30 a.m. For further information, contact the leaders, Dave and Maureen Harvey, at 410-795-3117.
FIELD TRIP. Talbot. Nassawango and Pocomoke regions, lower Eastern Shore. Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the parking lot in front of the Acme in the Tred Avon Shopping Center in Easton or meet group at 7:00 a.m. in parking lot of Ward Museum, Salisbury. For further information, contact the leader, Sam Dyke, at 410-742-5497.
Tuesday, May 21
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Lake Roland. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the footbridge in Robert E. Lee Park. Note: possible bridge construction may cause spring walks to be relocated. For further information, contact the leader, Mac Plant, at 410-532-2445.
MEETING. Kent. “Rare Birds of Maryland” by Mark Hoffman, DNR. Come see a smorgasbord of birds, all “foreigners” to our state. 7:30 p.m. at the Kent County Public Library, Chestertown. For more information, contact Gail Regester at 410-778-9367.
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. New Trip To Beautiful, Rugged Green Ridge State Park, Allegheny County, MD. Target birds include ~15 species of warblers (incl. Cerulean, Hooded, lots of Worm-eating) — also Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse, Rose-breasted Gros- beak. Meet at Sidling Hill Visitor Center Parking Lot off Rte. 1-68 at 7:30 a.m. sharp. Bring snacks, lunch insect repellent. Four wheel drive /pick up truck recommended. Prior arrange- ments to carpool via leader highly suggested. Wear sturdy boots-some hiking necessary. Limited to 10-12 people based on car pooling. For further information and reservations, contact the leader, Jim Green, at 301-208-2393.
Thursday, May 23
FIELD TRIP. Howard. Weekday Walk at Centennial. Easy walk around the lake for
orioles, herons and lingering migrants. Meet at the west end lot at 8:00 a.m. For further information, contact the leader, Bonnie Ott, at 410-461-3361.
Saturday, May 25
FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Hugg-Thomas WMA. Joint trip with Carroll chapter to woodland habitat. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Parole Park & Ride lot located off Harry Truman Parkway. For further information, contact the leader, Al Haury, at 410-923-0881.
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Delaware Bay for a wide variety of migrating shorebirds. Possible spectacular assemblage of breeding plumage Turnstones, Sanderlings, and Red Knots. Curlew Sandpiper possible. Be prepared for heat and biting insects. Minimal walking involved. Telescopes useful. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Nursery Road - Hammonds Ferry Road Park & Ride at Beltway Exit 8. Optional meeting place: Bombay Hook NWR parking lot at 9:30 a.m. For further information, contact the leader, Scott Crabtree, at 410-945-1042.
FIELD TRIP. Carroll. Bird Walk at Hugg- Thomas WMA. A joint outing with members of the Anne Arundel County chapter of MOS. You never know what you might see. Meet 8:00 a.m. at the Hugg-Thomas parking lot on Forsythe Rd, Sykesville. For more information, contact trip leader Dave Harvey at 410-795-3117.
FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Shorebirds & Waders - Bombay Hook NWR. Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the Big Elk Mall Dunkin Doughnuts Parking Lot Area. For further information contact the leader, Brian Moyer, at 410-306-0967 (W) or 410-378-5307 (H).
FIELD TRIP. Howard. Western Regional Park. Moderate to difficult walking through fields and along woodland trails. Meet in the gravel lot behind library at 7:30 a.m. For further information, contact the leader, Kate Tufts, at 410-489-7052.
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Nassawango Creek/Elliott Island/Blackwater NWR. Nesting warblers, vireos, Summer Tanager, Black- necked Stilts, Willets, herons and egrets.. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at place to be designated by leader. Bring lunch and snacks, ‘scope, insect repellent and sunscreen. Reservations required; limited to 10 people. For further information and reservations, contact the leader, Jim Green at 301-208-2393.
Sunday, May 26
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Cylburn Self-guided Walk. Meet 8:30 a.m. at the front porch of Cylburn Mansion. For further information, call coordinator Joe Lewandowski at 410-358-7834 or ilenel@uno.com.
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Nassawango Creek/Elliott Island/Blackwater NWR. Nesting warblers, vireos, Summer Tanager, Black- necked Stilts, Willets, herons and egrets.. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at place to be designated by leader. Bring lunch and snacks, ‘scope, insect repellent and sunscreen. Reservations required; limited to 10 people. For further information and reservations, contact the leader, Jim Green at 301-208-2393.
Monday, May 27
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Hidden Valley / Upper Deer Creek. Join local resident and avian expert
Dennis Kirkwood for a leisure walk in the habitats surrounding the Upper Deer Creek area. Targets are Worm-eating Warblers, Ruby- throated Hummingbirds, and Scarlet Tanagers. Meet at Hidden Valley (end of Madonna Rd.) at 7:00 a.m. Call Dennis at 410-692-5905 for questions.
Tuesday, May 28
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Lake Roland. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the footbridge in Robert E. Lee Park. Note: possible bridge construction may cause spring walks to be relocated. For further information, contact the leader, Josie Gray, at 410-922-1837.
Wednesday, May 29
MEETING. Cecil. “The Birds Who Kiss Flowers” by Ross Hawkins. Meet at 7 p.m. at the Elkton High School located in Elkton, MD. For further information, contact Rick Lee at 410-287-0415.
Friday, May 31
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Whips-n-Hoots. The annual favorite will be led again by the passionate birdwatching team of Larry and Jean Fry. Local owls and goatsuckers will be the targets. Meet at Dublin Elementary School at 7:00 p.m. Call Larry or Jean at 410-452-8539 to confirm and for details.
Saturday, June 1
ANNUAL SPRING POTLUCK PICNIC. Anne Arundel. 4:00 p.m.
FIELD TRIP. Carroll. Grassland Tour of Carroll County. The tour of ponds was in March so now’s the time to search for birds in the grasslands. Meet 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot of the Town Mall of Westminster in the area of Belk & the former Montgomery Ward Auto Center. For more information, call trip leader Bob Ringler at 410-549-6031.
FIELD TRIP. Frederick. Block Busting Party for the Breeding Bird Atlas led by Dave Smith. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Culler Lake Boathouse in Baker Park. For information contact Dave at 410-549-7082.
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Harford Glen. Hike around the grounds of the varied habitats of Harford Glen in search of migratory songbirds and shorebirds. Targets include Mourning Warbler, Orchard Oriole, and Red-Shouldered Hawk. Meet at the Glen at 6:30 a.m. For further information, contact the leader, Rick Cheicante at 410-803-2712.
FIELD TRIP. Patuxent. Annual field trip to PWEC and picnic. Meet at the PWRC main gate 7:30 a.m. for the field trip or at 12 noon for the picnic. For further information and reservations, contact Woody Martin at 301-497-5984 (W).
Sunday, June 2
FIELD TRIP. Anne Arundel. Piney Orchard Nature Walk. Swampy woodland in recently established setting. Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Parole Park & Ride lot located off Harry Truman Parkway. For further information, contact the leader, Kim Hudyma, at 410-859- 8490.
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Birds along the Jones Falls. Spend the morning walking along the Jones Falls on streets still lined by factories and homes from the 19th century. See the lovely Jones Falls waterfall that still hosts Black-
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MOS Activities — May-August, 2002 (Cont.)
crowned Night-heron and Wood duck families. Within sight of the TV tower are nesting Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Indigo Buntings, Common Yellowthroats, Yellow Warblers and other surprises. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Poly-Western High School parking lot, Falls Rd. and Cold Spring Lane, at the Falls Road entrance. For further information, contact the leader, Brian Rollfinke, at 410-542-3368, or brollfin@mail.friendsbalt.org.
FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Elk Neck Forest. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Elk Neck Forest Entrance Parking Lot. For further information contact the leader, Parke John, at 410-287-6037.
FIELD TRIP. Patuxent. Greenbelt Metro. Meet at Beltway Plaza at 7:30 a.m. For further information, contact Jack Saba at jack.saba@gsfc.nasa.gov.
Wednesday, June 5
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. First Wednesdays at Ft. McHenry. Our monthly visit to assist Jim Peters in the National Aquarium’s project of surveying bird activity around a 10-acre man- made (mitigated) wetland. Folding chair and telescope useful. Cancelled in bad weather (high winds, fog, rain). Meet 9:30 a.m. at Fort McHenry. From the entrance, the wetlands are to the right. Meet just past the statue of Orpheus. Coordinators Gail Frantz 410-833- 7135, guineabird@aol.com, and Catherine Bishop, 410-435-9569.
Thursday, June 6
MEETING. Frederick. Annual Picnic At Pinecliff Park at 6:00 p.m. Bring binoculars, a dish to share, plate, drink and utensils.
Saturday, June 8
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Western Maryland or West Virginia. Warblers and other landbirds and breeders. Date tentative. For further information contact the leader, John Bjerke, at 301-963-8525.
Sunday, June 9
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Summer Tanager Search. Return trip to Soldier’s Delight for nesting birds, possibly including Summer Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Field Sparrow, Hooded, Prairie and Black-and-white Warblers. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the historical marker. For further information and directions, contact the leader, Keith Eric Costley, at 410-521-5366 or oriolekec1@aol.com.
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Hughes Hollow Butterflies, Dragonflies and more. Meet at Hughes Hollow parking lot off of River Rd. at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 2:00 p.m. All are welcome. For further information, contact the leader, Jack Schultz, at 301-869-1255.
Friday, June 14
ANNUAL CLUB PICNIC. Kent. 5:00 p.m. Place TBA. For further information, contact Pat Wilson, at 410-778-1005.
Saturday, June 15
FIELD TRIP. Allegany. Cranesville Swamp. Jon Boone will guide us through one of the most unique habitats in the area. If you’ve never been to Cranesville, treat yourself to this trip. Jon intends to visit some areas off the beaten path so bring boots at least knee high. For the less
adventuresome, there is a boardwalk into the swamp where you can still appreciate many of the area’s fine features. Meet at Johnny’s Baithouse along Rt. 219 at 7:30 a.m. or at the Park & Ride at Rt. 36 in Frostburg at 6:30 a.m. to convoy to Johnny’s.
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Field Birds. Bird the fields of Carroll and/or Frederick Counties for singing and nesting Vesper, Grasshopper, Field, and possible Savannah Sparrows, Bobolink, Dickcissel, Horned Lark, Meadowlark, Willow Flycatcher, Red-headed Woodpecker. Bird half- day or bring lunch and bird the whole day. Rain date: June 22. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Security Blvd Park & Ride Lot at the east end of I-70. For further information, contact the leader, Pete Webb, at 410-486-1217 or pwebb@bcpl.net.
FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Bethel WMA & Court House Point WMA. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Big Elk Mall Dunkin Doughnuts Parking Lot Area. For further information contact the leader, Leslie Fisher, at 410-658-2427.
FIELD TRIP. Frederick. Hughes Hollow/ McKee-Breshers for whatever is in the marshes, woods, and along the river. Several years ago, there was a Northern Saw-whet Owl. Meet at Urbana Park & Ride South Lot at 7:30 a.m. Contact Marcia Balestri at 301-473-5098 for details.
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Nest Finding Trip. Join Mark Johnson and Debbie Bowers in refining nest-searching techniques. Learn how to monitor nests safely and how to add extra Atlasing techniques. Meet at Debbie Bower’s house at 900 LaGrange Rd. (off of Coen Rd.) at 7 a.m. Call Debbie for details at 410-692-9741.
Saturday, June 22
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Smith Island Ferry from Point Lookout State Park. A mini-pelagic with one of the best shots at seeing Wilson’s Storm-petrel in MD waters. Smith Island birding from golf carts will include nesting Brown Pelican, and Yellow-crowned Night- heron. Many other birds possible. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Nursery Road - Hammonds Ferry Road Park & Ride at Beltway Exit 8. Optional meeting site is 9:30 at the Smith Island Cruise dock at Point Lookout State Park. $25 ferry fee, and $10 for golf cart. For additional informa- tion, contact the leader, Scott Crabtree, at 410- 945-1042.
Sunday, June 23
PICNIC. Washington. The picnic will be held at Washington Monument State Park. Use the upper parking area. Meet at Shelter No. 1 at 4:00 p.m. Bring a dish to share, your own tableware and something to drink. Call Judy Lilga, 301-432-2276, for more information. Saturday, June 29 ANNUAL PICNIC. Carroll. At the Hoffman residence. Come for a great time no matter what the weather! 1:00 p.m. until whenever. Contact Amy Hoffman at 410-549-3598 to coordinate your potluck dish.
FIELD TRIP. Cecil. The Seasons at Fair Hill - Summer. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Fair Hill Nature Center - Covered Bridge Parking Lot. For further information, contact the leader, Scott Powers, at 410-658-2368.
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Ladew Birdwalk. Birdwatch along the nature trails crafted by the
horticultural artists at the Ladew Topiary Gardens. Dennis Kirkwood is the leader. Meeting time TBD. Call Dennis at 410-692- 5905 to register or for questions.
FIELD TRIP. Howard. Dragonflies for the Beginner. Look for those that can be identified on the wing or through binoculars. In case of rain, the alternate date is Sat., July 6. To confirm and get directions, call Bob or Jo Solem at 301-725-5037.
Wednesday, July 3
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. First Wednesdays at Ft. McHenry. Our monthly visit to assist Jim Peters in the National Aquarium’s project of surveying bird activity around a 10-acre man- made (mitigated) wetland. Folding chair and telescope useful. Cancelled in bad weather (high winds, fog, rain). Meet 9:30 a.m. at Fort McHenry. From the entrance, the wetlands are to the right. Meet just past the statue of Orpheus. Coordinators Gail Frantz 410-833- 7135, guineabird@aol.com, and Catherine Bishop, 410-435-9569.
Saturday, July 13
FIELD TRIP. Allegany. Butterflies. Interest in butterflies continues to grow and July is a prime time for many species. Meet with Ray Kiddy at the Western Maryland Station in Cumberland at 9:00 a.m. You might be amazed at the beauty that flies among us if we take time to really look.
FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Cecil Shorebirds. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Big Elk Mall Dunkin Dough- nuts Parking Lot Area. For further information contact the leader, Brian Moyer, at 410-306- 0967 (W) or 410-378-5307 (H).
Saturday, July 20
FIELD TRIP. Harford. Harford Glen. Check out Harford Glen for local favorites and fledging birds. New shorebirds are a possibility. Meet at the Glen at 7:00 a.m. Contact Jon Cupp for details at 410-893-1853.
FIELD TRIP. Montgomery. Delaware Coastal Areas. Joint with ANS. Meet at 7:15 a.m. at headquarters parking lot at Bombay Hook NWR, DE. Shorebirds and waterbirds; some songbirds along wood/marsh trail edges. Limited to 20-people. For further information about staying overnight in Dover and reserva- tions, contact the leader, John Bjerke, at 301- 963-8525 evenings before 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 27
FIELD TRIP. Cecil. Shorebirds & Waders - Bombay Hook NWR. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Bombay Hook NWR Headquarters. For further information contact the leader, Ellen Short, at 302-656-2856.
Saturday, August 3
FIELD TRIP. Frederick. Delaware Coastal Refuges with Mike Welch. Bring bug spray, lunch and drinks. Meet early at Urbana Park & Ride. Contact Mike Welch at 301-874-5828 if you are going.
Wednesday, August 7
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. First Wednesdays at Ft. McHenry. Our monthly visit to assist Jim Peters in the National Aquarium’s project of surveying bird activity around a 10-acre man- made (mitigated) wetland. Folding chair and telescope useful. Cancelled in bad weather
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MOS Activities — May-August, 2002 (Conclusion)
(high winds, fog, rain). Meet 9:30 a.m. at Fort McHenry. From the entrance, the wetlands are to the right. Meet just past the statue of Orpheus. Coordinators Gail Frantz 410-833- 7135, guineabird@aol.com, and Catherine Bishop, 410-435-9569.
Saturday, August 10 FIELD TRIP. Cecil. The Southern Eastern Shore - Maryland. Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the Big Elk
Mall Dunkin Doughnuts Parking Lot Area. The leader is Paul Bystrak. For further information
contact Parke John at 410-287-6037 (H) or 410- 506-3874 (W).
Saturday, August 24
FIELD TRIP. Baltimore. Delaware Bay for herons, wide variety of migrating shorebirds including avocets. Be prepared for heat and biting insects. Minimal walking involved. Telescopes useful. Meet at 7:00 a.m. at Nursery Road - Hammonds Ferry Road Park & Ride at Beltway Exit 8. Optional meeting place: Bombay Hook NWR parking lot at 9:30 a.m.
For further information, contact the leader, Pete
Webb, at 410-486-1217 or pwebb@bcpl.net. Sunday, August 25
PICNIC. Washington. Camp Harding near
Clear Spring is the setting for the picnic. It will
start at 4:00 p.m. Bring a dish to share, your
own tableware and something to drink. Contact Judy Lilga, 301-432-2276, for directions.
The World Series of Birding, MOS, ANS, and the Breeding Bird Atlas
A Winning Combination! by Norm Saunders
The Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS) and the Audubon Naturalist Society (ANS) have joined together this year to sponsor a World Series Team. This is good news for both organizations because it means our expenses will be virtually cut in half but that all donations and pledges MOS is able to solicit will come entirely to MOS. Here’s the makeup of our 2002 team: Hal Wierenga (team captain), Lynn Davidson, David Farner, Tom Feild, and Leo Weigant,
all from the two separate teams of past years.
The second piece of good news is that 2002 is the first year of a five-year data collection effort underlying a new Breeding Bird Atlas for Maryland. While many, many members of both MOS and ANS have already jumped on board as volunteers, money to fund this massive data collection effort will, as always, be tight. The MOS Executive Committee has decided to apply all pledges/donations made to MOS in support of the WSB team directly to
the Atlas fund!
So now it comes down to you. Please send me an e-mail with your pledge amount--either a straight donation or a pledge in cents per species seen by our team (assume they will see between 150 and 200 species). If you don't have e-mail, write me. Contact information is: Norm Saunders, 1261 Cavendish Drive, Colesville, MD 20905-7030 -or- marshhawk@att.net.
Thank you for all the support you've given to the team and to MOS over the years!
The copy deadline for the Sep/Oct issue of the Yellowthroat is July 25 for chapter activities and August 1 for all other sub- missions.
Send calendar entries for September & October to:
Les Eastman 4034 Wilkinson Rd. Havre de Grace, MD 21078
W: 410-436-3490 H: 410-734-6969
Please send all other submissions to the editor: Norman C. Saunders 1261 Cavendish Drive Colesville, MD 20905 H: 301-989-9035 W: 202-691-5707
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SOCIETY, INC.
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POSTMASTER: TIME-DATED MATERIAL--PLEASE EXPEDITE!