ellowthroat Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological Society w f NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 VOL. 26, NO. 5 Rainforest Challenge President’s Comer The Rhythm of Seasons by Marcia Balestri A utumn has always been my favorite time of year. Sure, spring busts out all over with its dazzling colors and renewed promise. Winter has its lonely starkness and its quiet snows. And I'm sure if I thought hard enough, I could find something I like about summer. But autumn, with its ever- changing weather, restrained tones, and mellow light, has always appealed to me. As a kid, autumn meant the last of the neighborhood baseball games and the beginning of tag football. Back to school was okay with me. As an only child, I looked forward to being back with my school chums. Our neighborhood had a small wood just down the street from my house, and my best friend Marc and I used to play there every day. We discovered two special trees that were just across a narrow path from each other — the climbing kind of tree. You couldn't really get up in them in the sum- mer; they had too many leaves. But in the autumn, we could climb up almost to the top. My tree had a nice crook that I could (President’s Corner continues on page 7) Inside This Issue: President’s Corner 1 Rainforest Challenge 1 Birds of Note 2 Atlas: Night Bird Report Card 3 New IB As 3 DNR Reports: Centennial Celebration . 4 Help Wanted: Office Administrator . 4 The Birder’s Vest 5 Conservation Connection 6 Records Committee Decisions 8 2006 MD/DC Locality Lists 10 Chapter Chatter 11 Board Minutes 12 Scholarship Program 13 MOS Calendar 14 2007 Pin Contest 18 Youth MOS Takes Wing 19 Mourning Hugh Mahanes 19 Christmas Bird Counts 20 Your Chance to Volunteer 20 G eorge DuBois, a long-time Frederick County member, has issued a challenge to MOS chapters and members to “Save the Rainforest.” George is willing to donate $1,500 to the Cloud Forest Conservation Project in the Cosanga Valley, Ecuador, provided that MOS members/Chapters will donate an amount to match it. (The Cosanga Valley Project was selected in consultation with Audubon’s David Curson.) The money collected will go a long way to meet the project’s overall budget of $10,000. Just think, if every MOS member would donate just $1, we could easily meet this challenge, so you don’t have to break the bank to contribute!! Deadline for contributions is December 15, 2006. Please send your tax-deductible donation as soon as possible to MOS Treasurer, Emmalyn Holderidge, 5812 Harness Ct, Columbia, MD 21044. Remember to indicate Cloud Forest Conservation Project in the memo line. Thanks, George, for motivating us to get out our checkbooks this year for a worthy cause. — Marcia Balestri About the Cosanga Valley The forests of the eastern flanks of the Andes contain some of the highest concentrations of biodiversity known. One such globally important site is the Cosanga Valley. Nestled between two protected areas, the Reserva Ecologica Antisana (REA) and the Sumaco Napo Galeras National Park, the Cosanga Valley forms a critical land bridge between the high-altitude paramo grasslands (13,300 ft) and the Amazon foothills (1,000 ft). This area of cloud forests and other habitats is home to a host of globally threatened birds such as Military Macaw, Napo Sabrewing, and Fiery-throated Fruiteater. The area also attracts high concentrations of our own Neotropical migrants, includ- ing Blackburnian, Canada, Blackpoll, and Mourning Warblers, Olive-side Flycatchers, and Scarlet and Summer Tanagers, and it has relatively high concentrations of Cerulean Warblers. It is one of the best sites to catch glimpses of Andean Tapir, Mountain Lion, and Giant Anteater. The Cosanga Valley is recognized as an area of conservation importance by the Nature Conservancy (Condor Bioreserve); was designated as part of the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, Man and the Biosphere (UNESCO) program; and is designated by Conservation International as part of the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot. In June 2005, the Ecuadorian government declared Ecuadorian Important Bird Areas (IBAs) as priority areas for future biodiversity conservation, becoming the first government in Latin America to do so. The valley was once uninterrupted cloud forest habitat, but in recent years the valley bottom has given way to slash-and-burn agriculture and the clearing of forests for pastures. Current conservation initiatives in this area cover less than seven percent of the entire Cosanga Valley (some 10,000 acres). The Ecuadorean organi- zation “Aves y Conservacion” is launching a project to further conser- vation goals in the valley by building (Rainforest Challenge continues on page 2) 2 The Maryland Yellowtbroat ('Rainforest Challenge continued from page 1) local pride and environmental aware- ness and by implementing targeted conservation actions. The project's objectives are: • Map the current land tenure situa- tion in the valley as part of an effort to develop a management plan for the area. • Train local biologists to carry out basic inventory and monitoring research to improve our otherwise incomplete knowledge of the region’s Neotropical migrant and resident species. • Secure strategic lands for conservation through land purchase and/or agreements. • Support local ecotourism initia- tives through the promotion of the site as a prime destination for birdwatchers. The Maryland Yellowthroat Newsletter of the Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc. Editor: Lydia Schindler lydiaschindler@verizon.net 301-977-5252 Layout: Suzanne Probst msprobst2@verizon.net 410-992-3489 Calendar Editor: Andy Martin apmartin2@comcast.net 301-294-4805 Chapter Chatter: Jean Wheeler j s wheeler44@msn .com Proofreader: Ann Weeks annweeks@erols.com Mailing list: Helen Horrocks hlh 37@yahoo.com 301-831-6135 MOS web site: http://www.mdbirds.org Webmaster: Taylor McLean taylormcl@comcast.net Anyone is welcome to contribute articles or ideas that would be of interest to other birders. Copy may be mailed or e-mailed to Lydia Schindler by November 20, 2006 for the January /February 2007 issue. Illustrations pages 1, 5, 11 and 20 © M. Suzanne Probst. Photograph page 2 © Mark Hoffman. Photograph page 3 © George Jett. Birds of Note — by Les Roslund a huge feeding frenzy on September 2 in the wake of tropical storm Ernesto, with some fine sightings of tropical and pelagic species far outside their normal territories. Some sites yielded multiple sightings: Violette’s Lock on the Potomac River, Montgomery County (SOOTY TERN, POMARINE JAEGER); Holland Point on the Chesapeake Bay, Anne Arundel and Calvert Counties (SOOTY TERN, BRIDLED TERN, PARASITIC JAEGER), and Tilghman Island, Talbot County (SOOTY TERN, PARASITIC JAEGER). Other sites provided exciting storm birds, but in lower numbers. SOOTY TERNS (Lake Needwood, Montgomery County; Scientists Cliffs, Calvert County; Potomac River, Prince Georges County), PARASITIC JAEGER (Eastern Neck NWR, Kent County), BRIDLED TERN (Oxbow Lake, Anne Arundel County) and WILSON’S STORM PETREL (Potomac River, Prince Georges County). BLACK TERNS were reported from numerous locations, and even a RUDDY TURNSTONE showed up at Lake Needwood. • Prior to Ernesto, birder attention focused on a EURASIAN COLLARED- DOVE that took up residence near Stadler’s Nursery in Frederick County. Stadler’s staff members have been quite helpful and cooperative, and many people have succeeded in seeing this bird. Starting with a report on August 12, the bird was seen quite regularly through at least October 7. This species is rapidly expanding its territory through much of our nation, but Maryland seems to be one of the last states to be colonized. • From August 20 to at least October 18, a GREAT WHITE HERON resided at Eastern Neck NWR in Kent County, with fairly regular sightings. A second GREAT WHITE HERON was reported from several sites in Calvert County, continuing through at least October 18. The GREAT WHITE HERON, once considered to be a distinct species, is now called a white subspecies of the Great Blue Heron. Its usual home is South Florida. • Two very interesting birds turned up during the September 16 Fall Count in Dorchester County. A FRANKLIN’S GULL was found amongst several hundred Laughing Gulls on the Hog Farm beside Indiantown Road, and it was relocated several times by persons patient enough to sort through the large and mobile flock of gulls. Far more unusual was a REDDISH EGRET at the county’s far southern tip. This bird was not relocated, so it may have been merely a transient that dropped in at just the right time to make the count. • Out in Garrett County, there was a report of a YELLOW RAIL at Finzel Swamp on September 22. As quiet and elusive as this species is, it is no surprise that the bird has not been relocated. The Yellowbook shows the Yellow Rail to be a species that visits Maryland occasionally, but definitely not on a regular basis. • On September 24, long after the passing of Ernesto with its cargo of tropical species, a highly unusual Arctic gull showed up at Conowingo Dam in Harford County. This was a SABINE’S GULL, first sighted by Les Eastman. Relocated on September 30 and October 1, the bird provided thrilling views for an assembly of birders. Photographs obtained by Mark Hoffman show it to be a juvenile. According to Gene Scarpulla, this was the first observation of Sabine’s Gull at Conowingo, and it became the 17th gull species recorded at the site. • Maryland birders enjoyed Photo of Sabine’s Gull taken by Mark Hoffman on October 1, 2006. November/December 2006 3 ^^aryland/DC Breeding Bird j^tlas l Project Night Bird I t was past midnight in mid-June. Moonlight glimmered on gentle ripples in the Chester River at Cliffs City Landing in Kent County. The song of a mockingbird drifted across the water, as did the “craank” of a distant Great Blue Heron. It was near the end of a long, and successful, evening of night birding for Nancy and me. Our recordings had elicited responses from five screech-owls, adding the little air-tigers to three blocks; we also found two families of Barred Owls, identifying the fledglings by their rising whines. Other atlas workers recorded hundreds of similar experiences this year as they worked to document the ranges of Maryland’s night birds, with the result that we made up deficits in block totals between the first and second atlas projects for several species. In the May/June Maryland Yellowthroat, I laid down a challenge to Maryland atlasers. Most of the state’s night birds had yet to reach their 1983-1987 block totals. Now, at the end of September, we have come a long way. Many a late run into the evening, a pre-dawn start to the day, and the occasional daylight encounter have led to our current status. I am most proud of the huge improvement in the block total of the Eastern Screech-Owl. In April, screech-owl was down 303 blocks relative the 1980s total. Night atlasers have Report Card: Excellent by Walter Ellison added screech-owl to 281 blocks in 2006; its 2002-2006 total as of 29 September is 643 blocks, compared to 665 blocks in 1983-1987. Totals for the two common large owls actually increased; Great Horned Owl has been found in 43 more blocks (709 vs 666), and Barred Owl has occurred in 97 more blocks (690 vs 593). Chuck- will ’s-widow, which increased by 56 blocks during this field season, now almost equals the 1980s total (238 vs 240). Not everything is rosy among our night birds. American Woodcock (186 vs 374), Barn Owl (48 vs 182), Whip-poor- will (179 vs 424), and Common Nighthawk (50 vs 149) have all shown steep declines. I feel more confident of these declines than I did in May, in view of the long hours spent birding at night this year. This is especially true for the once far more widespread Whip-poor-will. Although this nightjar increased by a hard-won 58 blocks this year, nocturnal atlasers could not make up a deficit of 302 blocks, whereas screech-owl almost overcame a similar deficit. Congratulations to our night birders, the volunteers as well as those few who were paid to survey rural blocks. I salute you all. We did great work in just a single field season. Two New Important Bird Areas by David Curson, Director of Bird Conservation, Audubon Maryland-DC During the spring and summer of 2006 Audubon Maryland-DC held dedication ceremonies for two Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Fort Smallwood Park IBA was dedicated on March 31 in honor of its statewide significance for the springtime migration of raptors. The ceremony was part of an event to celebrate the park's reopening after its ownership was transferred from Baltimore City to Anne Arundel County. Fort Smallwood Park is one of the prime raptor migration sites in the mid-Atlantic during the northward spring migration. Its location on a north-pointing promontory on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, at the mouth of the Patapsco River, funnels migrating hawks into a "bottleneck" at Rock Point before they cross the river to Baltimore County. Most other Eastern hawkwatch sites, situated on inland ridges, record relatively small numbers during spring. At Fort Smallwood, the average total spring count is 11,000 raptors — mostly Turkey Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Broad-winged Hawk. Seven other species, including Bald Eagle and Osprey, pass by in numbers between 100 and 1,000 each spring. On June 10, a ceremony was held for Parkers Creek IBA in Calvert County, during the American Chestnut Land Trust's Family Day festivities. The AC LT has worked closely with Maryland DNR to protect and manage the forests of the Parkers Creek watershed, the last undeveloped watershed on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Parkers Creek supports an unusually diverse bird community of forest-interior species and significant populations of several declining migratory birds. Bird surveys conducted by Leslie Starr during the nesting season have found no less than 1 9 species of Forest- Interior Dwelling Species, a group of birds that require large blocks of forest habitat and are thus particu- larly at risk from the current wave of land development in the mid-Atlantic region. Three of these species, Kentucky Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, and Wood Thrush, are on the Audubon WatchList, which highlights birds with nationally declining populations. Forest management by ACLT emphasizes control of deer numbers. The resulting lush undergrowth, combined with a network of well- maintained trails, make Parkers Creek an excellent site for observing Kentucky and Hooded Warblers. You can learn more about the Maryland-DC Important Bird Areas Program at http://www.audubonmddc.org/SciCon_IBAs.html or by contacting me at Audubon MD-DC, 2437 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224; 410-558-2473; or dcurson@audubon.org. Sue Ricciardi, Anne Arundel, receives an IBA plaque from Audubon Maryland-DC’s David Cur son on behalf of the Fort Smallwood hawkwatchers. Fort Smallwood began as a fall watch in 1 979, but it soon became clear that it was even better in spring migration. Sue has been compiling the hawk watch since 1995. Photo courtesy of George Jett. 4 The Maryland Yellowthroat DNR Reports by Glenn Therres: Centennial Celebration A s birdwatchers, we’ve all spent some time in Maryland’s parks and forests looking at birds and enjoying outdoor experiences. Today, Maryland’s system of state forests and parks provides over 300,000 acres of public lands, from Assateague Island to the mountains of Western Maryland. Eleven million visitors come to these valuable resource areas each year and contribute over $300 million dollars to the state’s economy. There is a state forest or park within 20 miles of every state resident. This year our forest and park system celebrated its 100th year of existence. It all began in 1906, when philanthropist brothers John and Robert Garrett challenged the state to establish a forestry program by donating nearly 2,000 tree-stripped acres of land in Garrett County to the state on the condition that the state establish the governmental machinery to promote wise use of forest resources. At that time, Maryland’s tree cover had been reduced from nearly 90 percent of its land surface, when the first colonists arrived, to a mere 35 percent. Maryland was running out of wood, losing wildlife habitat, suffering the ravages of erosion and stream silting, and being scourged by unchecked forest fires. The state legislature responded with Maryland’s first forestry law, which Governor Edwin Warfield signed into law on April 5, 1906. Maryland was thus the third state in the union, joining Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, to establish a statewide forestry program. In 1907, John Glenn, a resident of Catonsville, donated the beginnings of another forest reserve along the Patapsco River near Baltimore. This area provided the opportunity to entice Baltimore area residents to come recreate in the great outdoors, and by 1910 the Patapsco Forest Reserve was informally known as “Patapsco Park.” By 1912, it had been developed into a small recreation area along the river, and by the middle of the decade, people were flocking out of Baltimore to picnic, swim, and camp at the “park.” Now a 14,000-acre, 32-mile-long stretch of public land, Patapsco Valley State Park hosts over a half million visitors a year. In 1922, the state purchased another forest reserve/park. It was Fort Frederick, a ruined relic of the French and Indian War, which historic preservationists wanted the state to protect and restore. Now a 600-acre state park, with the fort partially restored, Fort Frederick in Washington County annually serves 127,000 visitors, especially history lovers. The Great Depression of the 1930s, as devastating as it was to the nation as a whole, proved a boon to forest and park development. Fand became available to the state for acquisition. One of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). In Maryland, the CCC put 30,000 young unemployed men to work reclaiming forest and other natural resources, building recreational facilities, and restoring historic structures on public lands. By the time they closed in 1942, 64 CCC camps had operated statewide. Most of the recreational facilities that the CCC built in Maryland forests and parks are in use today. Acquisition of additional forest and park lands was given a tremendous boost in 1969, when the legislature approved the Maryland Outdoor Recreation Fand Foan Act of 1969, which established Program Open Space. Program Open Space imposed a 0.5 % tax on all real estate title transfers in Maryland, with the proceeds dedicated to the acquisition and development of park lands. Half the money was retained at the state level for land acquisition; the other half went to counties and municipalities, which could use their share for both acqui- sition and development. In its first 20 years, Program Open Space added nearly 60,000 acres to Maryland’s state park holdings alone, and many more acres of other DNR lands. In 1971, the Maryland General Assembly created “wildland” status for designated areas that have retained their wilderness character or have rare or vanishing species. The law specifies that wildland areas be managed to provide threatened and endangered species protection, watershed and water quality protection, wilderness research, preservation of unique ecological communities, and primitive recreation. To date, 29 of these very special, DNR-owned wildlands have been designated on more than 43,770 acres throughout Maryland, including Black Marsh Wildland, Calvert Cliff Wildland, Mattawoman Wildland, and Savage Ravines Wildland. Wildlands are open to the public for passive recre- ation, including hiking and birdwatching. Today, DNR owns and manages 444,480 acres across the state, including 97,791 acres designated as State Parks and 135,945 acres of State Forest. A State Forest is managed for multiple purposes, including water quality protection, wildlife enhancement, timber, scenic or natural beauty, and low-intensity recreation. A State Park is operated primarily for outdoor recreation purposes and open space conservation. Both are great areas to birdwatch! Throughout 2006, DNR sponsored many events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our forests and parks. The Centennial Celebration of Maryland Forestry and State Parks offered us an opportunity to reflect upon the vast accomplish- ments of the past 100 years and to think about future genera- tions and how our environmental stewardship will benefit them. We also tried to envision how future generations will preserve, protect, enhance and enjoy Maryland’s public lands 100 years from now. Hopefully, DNR can be as successful in our second hundred years of conservation. Stay tuned! HELP WANTED: OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR MOS is looking for a multi-talented, organized person to fill the new, part-time position of Office Administrator. There will be a stipend associated with the position. The Office Administrator will serve as central point-of-contact for MOS support activities including, but not limited to, managing and maintaining the new MOS listserve, ordering supplies, handling light correspondence, retrieving and distributing mail, monitoring the MOS 800 telephone number, managing MOS merchandise ("Yellowbooks," checklists, CDs, etc.), assisting with the catalogue of books/journals, and organizing and maintaining the inventory of the storage locker. The Office Administrator will also be responsible for issuing MOS license plate forms and MOS habitat signs; updating nametags, brochures, stationery, and business cards; tracking insurance certificates; and maintaining the MOS display board. Candidates should have a demonstrated competence with computer applications, including word processing and database and spreadsheet management, and be skilled in the use of the Internet and e-mail. Candidates should have excellent communication skills and attention to detail. A familiarity with MOS procedures is desirable. If you are interested in this position, please contact Marcia Balestri at president@mdbirds.org. November/December 2006 5 The (Rirder’s ^est by ‘Rick gussman On Notes, Notebooks, and Note-making On the table before me sits a stack of journals and note pads in a variety of sizes and colors, begging to be written in. There is an oriole orange Rhodia pocket notebook (Bloc Rhodia No. 12) for my field notes (and for jotting things down throughout the day as I become more forgetful), a bright goldfinch yellow Rite-in-the-Rain Birder’s Field Notebook with its all- weather paper, an attractive medium- sized blank journal (Paperblanks) with its “intricate inlay” cover looking like some exotic snakeskin, a traditional black Moleskine (pronounced Mahla- skeena) pocket journal, and a nice leather-covered Exacompta journal. More importantly, there is a copy of the American Birding Association’s Birder’s Field Notebook Manual (ABA 2004), which explains things like how to take good field notes, sketch birds in the field, document bird vocalizations, and documenting rare birds-things we can all use help with. This small book, available through ABA and locally (Audubon Naturalist Society bookshop) for under $10, is part of the ABA Field Notebook System. Though there is nothing wrong with a 99-cent pocket notebook and disposable ballpoint pen or pencil, I find I enjoy the experience more with a good pen and paper. The “Rite-in- the-Rain” all-weather writing-paper notebooks come in a variety of sizes to suit all needs. I currently use the No. 135, a shirt-pocket-sized notepad for which I have a nylon cover with a place for a pen. The problem with this paper, or the benefit if you prefer, is that the paper — coated to make it water-repellent — requires either a pencil or a special pen such as a Fisher Space Pen (which writes underwater, upside down, and in extreme tempera- tures). If this system suits your fancy, you should be able to find a size of pad and a model of pen you like. (I like to use my silver space pen on Christmas Bird Counts, since it is immune to cold temperatures and the shiny silver makes it easy to find should I drop it in the snow.) Recently I discovered a pen and ink combination I really love. The pen is a Pelikan Transparent Amber M2 50 fountain pen. Pelikan is a German manufacturer of very fine writing instruments (the cap even has a pelican with two chicks in a nest). Pelikans are renowned for their fine writing nibs and come in a variety of nib-widths. This particular model was on sale for $69.95 at Bertram’s Inkwell in Kensington. It does not use ink cartridges or a converter like so many fountain pens but has an ink chamber in the barrel; this requires it to be filled from a bottle but makes it virtually leak-proof. Since it is a see- through model, you can observe the inner workings and tell how much ink is left. An added bonus of a refillable fountain pen is that you are not using disposable products; no plastic pen or cartridges to end up in a landfill, and the bottle is also recyclable! Many former problems with fountain pens and inks, such as leaky pens and slow-drying inks, have been eliminated in recent years. Many new bottled inks dry almost as fast as you can write, and they come in dozens of colors. My current favorite is Noodler’s Polar Black ink. It dries fast and is fade- and waterproof. It is also a lubricating ink that helps to keep the inner workings of your pen operating smoothly and makes the nib fairly glide across the page. Best of all, it was designed for researchers in the high arctic, where most normal inks would freeze, and it can be used to at least 20 degrees below zero, making it ideal for winter counts. And should your notes get wet, the ink will absolutely not run or wash off. A 3-ounce bottle is about $13. The downside of fountain pens is that most regular paper is not fountain- pen friendly — the ink typically runs or bleeds. This is not a problem with the Rhodia line of papers. These note- books come in a great variety of sizes, most with 5x5-mm grid paper that makes sketching easier. This is high- grade vellum paper with 80 sheets per pad, and the sheets are scored to make them easy to tear out. This is like fine stationary in your pocket; the pen glides across the paper. The bright orange covers make them easy to find, and they are backed with a sturdy cardboard. I use the smaller No. 1 1 for work ($1.95) and the slightly larger No. 12 for other times ($2.25). These are available locally at Bertram’s Inkwell in White Flint Mall, Rockville, and in Baltimore, and at Fahrney’s Pen shop online or in Washington, D.C. I also like to keep journals of my travels. One of the main manufac- turers of fine paper and journals is Exacompta (which makes Rhodia as well as Clairfontaine papers). Any journal with the Exacompta name is of high quality and will take all inks well. Many quality journals are avail- able at places like Border’s Books and Barnes and Noble. In this age of e-mails and IMs, the handwritten word seems almost anathema. But there are still those of us who like the feel of a fine writing instrument gliding across the page. Pen and paper manufacturers have taken notice, too, offering a better variety than ever before. Take note! Some sources: Bertram’s Inkwell www.bertramsinkwell.com Fahrney’s Pen Shop www.fahrneyspens.com Rite-in-the-Rain www.riteintherain.com Exacompta www.exaclair.com Noodler’s Inks www.noodlersink.com Moleskine www.moleskineus.com For questions or additional infor- mation, you can contact me at 301-774-1185 or warblerick@aol.com 6 The Maryland Yelloivtbroat The Conservation Connection By Maureen F. Harvey Hill A Ck] Blackwater Development Blocked In early October, MD’s Critical Area Commission (CAC) denied a developer’s application to build a golf course, hotel, conference center, and retail center in the critical area upstream from the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge. The CAC decided to follow the recommenda- tions of a five-member panel, which raised serious concerns that the risks of added pollution had not been sufficiently addressed. Dorchester County and the City of Cambridge had awarded the project a growth allocation-one of the largest in the history of MD. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation spearheaded the effort to stop this project. Executive Director Kim Coble greeted the news by saying, “We at CBF would like to thank all the citizens who have fought this process over the last few years, and the 27,000 citizens who signed our petition. Your efforts have finally been rewarded.” MOS Urges Control of Anacostia Park Geese In a letter to Gayle Hazelwood, a National Park Service (NPS) Superintendent, MOS expressed concern about the NPS’s delay in producing an Environmental Assessment of the impact of the resident Canada Goose population in Anacostia Park, NE DC, and its lack of action to control the goose population. The NPS, Corps of Engineers, and countless volunteers worked diligently to restore vegetated wetlands in Kingman Marsh and around Heritage Island in the Anacostia River. Unfortunately, this valuable effort is in jeopardy due to overgrazing by resident Canada Geese. Nine esteemed scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and UMD’s Department of Biological Resources Engineering authored “Five Years of Monitoring Reconstructed Tidal Freshwater Wetlands in the Urban Anacostia River (2000-2004).” Their report demonstrates that the resident Canada Geese have denuded Kingman Marsh Areas 1 and 2, resulting in a cycle of erosion, land subsidence, and reduced seed ger- mination, followed by additional erosion. The MOS letter concluded, “The Maryland Ornithological Society is on record supporting the use of progressive, effective meas- ures to control depredations of Canada Geese, including the use of lethal but humane means to control the resident Canada Goose population.” Goose Control Okayed for Non-Fed Lands In November 2005, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a notice of availability for a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on resident Canada Geese, followed by a 30-day public review period. The FEIS is accompanied by a final rule that sets forth a policy, known as Alternative F, which authorizes state wildlife agencies, private landowners, and airports to conduct population control management activities on resident Canada Goose populations, including the take of birds and expanded hunting methods. This rule went into effect on September 11, 2006. (By the way, this rule doesn’t apply to federal lands [like Anacostia Park]; federal land managers must conduct an Environmental Assessment and submit a management plan for approval.) This news was reported by Paul Baicich in his monthly Birding Community E-bulletin, which is sponsored by Steiner Optics and supported by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. The E-bulletins are archived at http://www.refugenet.org/birding/birding5.html and http://www.steiner-birding.com/bulletin.html. USFWS Says "No" to Rufa Red Knot, Risking Extinction In September 2006, USFWS denied the petition of a coalition of environmental groups (including the American Bird Conservancy, American Littoral Society, Defenders of Wildlife, DE Riverkeeper Network, National Audubon Society, NJ Audubon Society, and Sierra Club) to list the rufa Red Knot under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Instead, USFWS chose to place this rare migratory shore- bird on the ESA candidate list. Candidate list species do not receive any ESA protection; currently 279 species are on the list, and many have remained there for years. Recent scien- tific data clearly illustrate the drastic decline of the rufa Red Knot; one study warns that this subspecies faces extinction as soon as 2010 unless immediate steps are taken to halt its decline. A draft statement commissioned by USFWS provides comprehensive data about the bird’s status; according to the Federal Register, their numbers declined from 15,345 in 2005 to 13,455 in 2006. But we won't give up the race to save this wonderful little bird. . . As soon as the listing was denied by USFWS, scores of MOS members participated in an e-mail blitz to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources, asking them to declare a 2-year moratorium on the taking of horseshoe crabs in Delaware waters. New Jersey has already banned all takings from New Jersey waters. The Delaware decision is still pending. MOS Promotes Boost in State Wildlife Grant Funding The Teaming with Wildlife (TWW) coalition, of which MOS is a member, was formed under the auspices of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to press for legislation that would provide a permanent source of funding for state programs in wildlife-related recreation, education, and species/habitat conservation. To accommo- date public concern on this issue, the State Wildlife Grant (SWG) program was added to the Interior Department’s annual Appropriations Bill; this has been a pretty fair substitute, albeit less ample than the oil royalties, but it has consistently passed each year because of continued pressure November/December 2006 7 from the TWW coalition and others. SWGs come from the general fund that holds offshore oil royalties. In September, MOS signed on to a TWW letter remind- ing our Federal legislators how important this annual fund- ing is— to protect species before they become endangered. The letter urges congressional leaders to fund next year's State Wildlife Grants at $67.5 million (the same as FY 06), the amount in the Senate version of the appropriations bill, rather than of the $50 million proposed by the House. The final amount will be determined in a House/Senate confer- ence. TWW officials had not put out a letter of this nature for several years. More information is available from the TWW website http://www.teaming.com. Congress Supports Neotropical Migrants In September, the U. S. Congress unanimously passed a revised Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Improvement Act of 2006. The Act, which reauthorizes the NMBCA of 2000 that expired last year, authorizes matching grants to support conservation programs for migratory birds through 2010. When fully implemented, it will authorize $6.5 million per year for such projects. Each year, an estimated 10 billion birds of some 800 species breed in North America. Only a small percentage are protected under the Endangered Species Act, yet more than one-third have declining populations, are restricted to small ranges, or face serious threats. NMBCA is the only federal funding program designed specifically for migratory bird species throughout North America; it also provides the only dedicated source of funds for migratory birds on their wintering grounds in Latin America and the Caribbean. For more information, see: http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NMBCA/index.shtm. Vote FOR Question 1 on November 7 — by Wendy Olsson, Baltimore Bird Club Maryland was once the national leader and role model for smart growth and land conservation. Over the past four years, however, our state has slipped in the opposite direc- tion. The dedicated funding for premier state programs — such as Program Open Space, the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, and the Rural Legacy Program-has been diverted for unrelated items in the state budget. In 2004, the state’s executive branch even attempted to sell off Open Space lands to a private developer. The politicians’ raids of over $480 million from these dedicated funds brought land preservation almost to a halt. Since 1969, Program Open Space has saved more than 800,000 acres of land from development, and it has creat- ed 4,350 parks and recreation areas, including Willow Grove Farm at Cromwell Valley Park; Patapsco Valley State Park in Howard and Baltimore Counties; and Southwest Area Park. Our leaders need to hear that people in Maryland care about protecting our farmland, rivers, forests, and wildlife habitat for our children and grandchildren! We have an opportunity to do that in the 2006 elections. This fall, send a clear message to gubernatorial and legislative candidates that Marylanders care about land conservation. Support Question 1, Disposition of Lands, on the November ballot. This constitutional amendment will prevent the state from selling off any state park, conservation land, or recreational land without approval from the General Assembly. And please educate those you know about why they should support Question 1 on November 7. For more information, visit www.partnersforopenspace.org. President’s Corner (continued from page 1) snuggle into, and Marc would find his seat. We would talk for hours. I can't remember what very important things we waxed eloquent about, but I'm sure we solved all the problems of the world up there in those two trees. At least our little world. Of course, now I look forward to autumn because of what migration might bring. I love days with that wonderful chill in the air, no humidity, just cool enough for a jacket. The sun is out, not baking you to death as in the summer, but just lying gently on your cheek. Warblers are flitting. Hawks are soaring. The squirrels are bouncing around in the few leaves that have already fallen. You look at your yard and think about the raking task ahead, but are grateful that you probably won't have to cut the grass again until next year. A little cleanup left in the garden, but not too much. Yesterday was just such a day, and there I was, on my back deck, looking at maps and trip reports for our next trip, listening for migrants, watching for the stray hawk. It struck me how much birding has changed my life. I tried to remember what Bob (my husband, for those of you who haven't met us) and I did on our vacations before I caught the "bird flu." I never paid much attention to birds when I was sitting up in my tree with Marc. I enjoyed their company, but never knew who I was looking at. Now, I can't sit on my deck without my binoculars. I can't have an extended conversation with Bob without grabbing the bins and looking at some gem in the bushes or specter passing over. Yep, everything has changed. When we traveled, we used to visit museums, tour famous palaces and cathedrals, and wander shop-lined streets looking for souvenirs. Now we go to strange places that most of our non- birding friends have never heard of. Attu? Where is that? Pantanal? Is that somewhere near Disney World? Or, if they have heard of the place, they wouldn't dream of going there at the time of year that we go. Arizona in July? Outer Banks in the dead of winter? What are you thinking?! Now Bob and I tromp though sewage treatment plants, clamber around treacherous cliffs, and weather gale-force winds on the open seas. We hack our way through steamy jungles and slog through cold, damp tundra with frozen feet and noses. Instead of staying in nice little B&Bs or cushy hotels, we opt for sleeping bags in a tent, falling-down cabins, or crumbling concrete WWII barracks on a desolate island in the Bering Sea. All in hopes of catching sight of a new find or watching the amazing behavior of our everyday birds. And the seasons hold a whole different meaning for me — in spring the migrants return, winter brings exciting prospects of waterfowl, and if I thought about it, I could find something nice to say about summer. I have a very different life than I ever expected when I sat in my favorite tree in the autumn with my best friend, Marc. Autumn is still my favorite time of year, and while I don't sit in a tree anymore, I sit up on my deck with my best friend, Bob, and we wax eloquent and solve the problems of the world. There is the added pleasure of seeing a friend fly by, and now I even know its name. 8 The Maryland Yellowthroat Maryland/DC Records Committee Status Report as of September 28 , 2006 by Phil Davis # MD/DCRC Secretary The sighting reports below have changed status since the last committee status report was published in The Maryland Yellowthroat. This status report covers MD/DCRC review packages 098 through 104. MD/DCRC report numbers are in brackets. These records will be addressed in additional detail in a future issue of Maryland Birdlife. New “state” birds include Neotropic Comorant, Northern Lapwing, Calliope Hummingbird, Hammond’s Flycatcher, and Townsend’s Warbler for Maryland and Dusky Flycatcher for DC. More information on the MD/DCRC can be found on the committee’s web pages at the following URL: http://www.mdbirds.org/mddcrc/rcindex.html MD RECORDS ACCEPTED: Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, Oceanites oceanicus [MD/2002-025] Chesapeake Beach, Calvert County June 21, 1924 Great Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo [MD/2003-143] Liberty Lake, Baltimore County November 19, 2003-November 25, 2003 Neotropic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus [MD/2005-149] Violette’s Lock, Montogmery County August 12, 2005-November 12, 2005 Cinnamon Teal, Anas cyanoptera [MD/1 999-0 18] Eastern Neck NWR, Kent County November 8, 1998-December 15, 1998 Swainson’s Hawk, Buteo swainsoni [MD/2005-139] Point Lookout State Park, Saint Mary’s County September 25, 2004 Purple Gallinule, Porphyrio martinica [MD/2001-037] Greenbelt, Prince George’s County September 22, 2001 Purple Gallinule, Porphyrio martinica [MD/2004-021] Hughes Hollow, Montgomery County May 6, 2004-June 15, 2004 Northern Lapwing, Vanellus vanellus [MD/2005-012] Creagerstown, Frederick County February 12, 2005-March 6, 2005 Piping Plover, Charadrius melodus [MD/2005-042] Rocky Gap State Park, Allegany County April 30, 2005 Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus [MD/2002-022] North Branch, Allegany County May 25, 2002 Long-billed Curlew, Numenius americanus [MD/2003-115] Elkton, Cecil County August 31, 2003 Curlew Sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea [MD/2005-141] Ocean City, Worcester County October 9, 2005-October 13, 2005 Red Phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius [MD/2003-125] Rocky Gap SP, Allegany County September 19, 2003 Laughing Gull, Larus atricilla [MD/2003-127] Cumberland, Allegany County September 19, 2003 Laughing Gull, Larus atricilla [MD/2003-126] North Branch, Allegany County September 19, 2003 Franklin’s Gull, Larus pipixcan [MD/2006-013] Salisbury, Wicomico County December 10, 2005 Lesser Black-backed Gull, Larus fuscus [MD/2002-021] Cumberland, Allegany County March 18, 2002 Lesser Black-backed Gull, Larus fuscus [MD/2004-043] Broadford Reservoir, Garrett County March 21, 2004 Sabine’s Gull, Xema sabini [MD/2005-142] Seneca, Montgomery County September 26, 2005 Gull-billed Tern, Sterna nilotica [MD/2005-034] Hurlock, Dorchester County August 15, 2004 Least Tern, Sterna antillarum [MD/2005-047] Cumberland, Allegany County May 26, 2005 Bridled Tern, Sterna anaethetus [MD/1 997-240] Mt. Hermon, Wicomico County September 12, 1960 Bridled Tern, Sterna anaethetus [MD/2003-128] Elms Beach, Saint Mary’s County September 19, 2003 Sooty Tern, Sterna fuscata [MD/2001-018] Chesapeake Bay near Smith Island, Somerset County July 21, 1996 Calliope Hummingbird, Stellula calliope [MD/2004-173] Laurel, Prince George’s County November 11, 2004-December 18, 2004 Rufous Hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus [MD/2000-062] Cambridge, Dorchester County November 12, 2000-December 22, 2000 Rufous Hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus [MD/2001-079] Takoma Park, Montgomery County October 31, 2001 -November 3, 2001 Hammond’s Flycatcher, Empidonax hammondii [MD/2005-151] Monkton, Baltmore County November 23, 2005-December 14, 2005 Gray Kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis [MD/2005-148] George Island Landing, Worcester County October 19, 2005-October 23, 2005 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2002-044] Point Lookout State Park, Saint Mary’s County November 19, 2002 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2005-004] Point Lookout State Park, Saint Mary’s County November 26, 2002 March/ April 2006 9 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2004-177] Lilypons, Frederick County November 26, 2004 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2004-178] Boyds, Montgomery County November 27, 2004-November 28, 2004 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2004-183] St. Michaels, Talbot County December 2, 2004-December 4, 2004 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2004-185] Tilghman, Talbot County December 3, 2004 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2004-187] Assateaque Island National Seashore, Worcester County December 3, 2004 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2004-189] Piscataway Park, Prince George’s County December 5, 2004 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2004-194] Hart-Miller Island, Baltimore County December 11, 2004 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2004-214] Ocean City Inlet, Worcester County December 12, 2004 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2004-210] Assateaque Island, Worcester County December 12, 2004 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2004-211] South Point, Worcester County December 12, 2004 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2004-209] Assateaque Island, Worcester County December 12, 2004 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2004-212] Assateaque Island, Worcester County December 12, 2004 Boreal Chickadee, Poecile hudsonica [MD/1 997-654] Rockville, Montgomery County December 12, 1954-December 19, 1954 Varied Thrush, Ixoreus naevius [MD/2006-009] Lothian, Anne Arundel County February 20, 2006-March 15, 2006 Black-throated Gray Warbler, Dendroica nigrescens [MD/2005-147] Little Bennett Regional Park, Montgomery County October 15, 2005 Townsend’s Warbler, Dendroica townsendi [MD/2006-001] Noland’s Ferry, Frederick County January 2, 2005-January 6, 2006 Townsend’s Warbler, Dendroica townsendi [MD/2006-030] Sycamore Landing, Montgomery County March 10, 2006 Swainson’s Warbler, Limnothlypis swainsonii [MD/2005-050] Port Republic, Calvert County May 21, 2005-June 10, 2005 Western Tanager, Piranga ludoviciana [MD/2000-041] Northeast, Cecil County September 27, 2000 Western Tanager, Piranga ludoviciana [MD/2001-078] Sandy Spring, Montgomery County December 15, 2001-December 22, 2001 Western Tanager, Piranga ludoviciana [MD/2002-030] Darnestown, Montgomery County September 2, 2002 Western Tanager, Piranga ludoviciana [MD/2002-043] Loch Raven, Baltimore County November 29, 2002 Lazuli Bunting, Passerina amoena [MD/2004-132] Vessey’s Orchard, Somerset County October 24, 2004 Pine Grosbeak, Pinicola enucleator [MD/1 999- 159] Assateague Island, Worcester County November 11, 1945 White-winged Crossbill, Loxia leucoptera [MD/1 99 8 -004] Whiteford, Harford County December 20, 1997-December 21, 1997 White-winged Crossbill, Loxia leucoptera [MD/1997-759] Beckleysville, Baltimore County December 26, 1997-December 27, 1997 White-winged Crossbill, Loxia leucoptera [MD/1998-003] Liberty Reservoir, Carroll County December 28, 1997 White-winged Crossbill, Loxia leucoptera [MD/1998-024] Liberty Reservoir, Carroll County December 31, 1997 White-winged Crossbill, Loxia leucoptera [MD/1 99 8 -002] Liberty Reservoir, Carroll County January 2, 1998 White-winged Crossbill, Loxia leucoptera [MD/1998-005] Liberty Reservoir, Carroll County January 10, 1998 MD RECORDS ACCEPTED— GROUP: Manx/ Audubon/Little Shearwater complex, sp., Puffinus Shearwater complex [MD/2003-109] Chesapeake Bay, Kent County July 26, 2003 Selasphorus, Rufous/ Allen’s, Selasphorus [group] [MD/1997-281] Salisbury, Wicomico County December 26, 1994 Selasphorus, Rufous/ Allen’s, Selasphorus [group] [MD/1997-393] North Beach, Calvert County November 17, 1995-December 1, 1995 Selasphorus, Rufous/ Allen’s, Selasphorus [group] [MD/1998-03 6] Adamstown, Frederick County August 17, 1998-August 19, 1998 Selasphorus, Rufous/ Allen’s, Selasphorus [group] [MD/2000-03 5] Grantsville, Garrett County September 4, 1999-September 7, 1999 Rufous/ Allen’s/Broad-tailed/Calliope Hummingbird complex, “ Selasphorus ” (+) complex [MD/1997-192] Takoma Park, Montgomery County November 5, 1994-November 8, 1994 (Records Committee Report continues on page 10) 10 The Maryland Yellowthroat ('Records Committee Report coninued from page 9) MD RECORDS NOT ACCEPTED: Pacific Loon, Gavia pacifica [MD/2000-023] Edgewater, Anne Arundel County March 19, 2000-March 22, 2000 Pterodroma, species, Pterodroma sp. [MD/1 997-462] Sandy Point State Park, Anne Arundel County September 7, 1996 Northern Lapwing, Vanellus vanellus [MD/2005-017] Crownsville, Anne Arundel County February 16, 2005 Thick-billed Murre, Uria lomvia [MD/1 997-729] Atlantic Ocean, Worcester County February 18, 1996 Eurasian Collared-Dove, Streptopelia decaocto [MD/2005-018] Thurmont, Frederick County February 20, 2005 “Red-shafted” Flicker, Colaptes auratus ( red-shafted form ) [MD/2005-140] Blue Mash Nature Trail, Montgomery County October 1, 2005-October 2, 2005 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2005-002] Point Lookout State Park, Saint Mary’s County November 24, 2002 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2005-006] Dameron, Saint Mary’s County November 29, 2002 Cave Swallow, Petrochelidon fulva [MD/2003-133] New Windsor, Carroll County October 4, 2003-October 6, 2003 Bewick’s Wren, Thryomanes bewickii [MD/2000-048] Catonsville, Baltimore County August 30, 2000 Kirtland’s Warbler, Dendroica kirtlandii [MD/2005-043] Bethesda, Montgomery County May 18, 2005 Western Tanager, Piranga ludoviciana [MD/2005-049] Lusby, Calvert County May 1, 2005 DC RECORDS ACCEPTED: Yellow Rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis [DC/1999-207] Potomac River October 4, 1879 Yellow Rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis [DC/1999-216] Potomac River March 28, 1884 Purple Gallinule, Porphyrio martinica [DC/1999-089] April 30, 1845 Common Ground-Dove, Columbina passerina [DC/1999-103] September, 1844 Dusky Flycatcher, Empidonax oberholseri [DC/2004-011] Rock Creek Park October 5, 2003 DC RECORDS NOT ACCEPTED: Bewick’s Wren, Thryomanes bewickii [DC/2005-063] Theodore Roosevelt Island April 17, 2005 2006 Maryland/DC Locality Lists Each year, the MOS compiles and publishes totals from members' state and local bird lists. Forms for submitting your 2006 locality lists are described below. You are invited to submit totals for any of the following categories: STATE/COUNTY CUMULATIVE LISTS This category is for lifetime species totals identified anywhere in the state of Maryland, in DC, or within any of the 23 Maryland counties. Please sub- mit only totals that exceed 50% of the maximum number for each locality. (The reporting form contains the latest maximums and the 50% thresholds.) If you claim a MD life list in excess of 349 species you MUST list all species added to your MD life list in 2006. If you don't fill in this box, your list will not be entered into the database. STATE/COUNTY 2006 ANNUAL LISTS This category is for total species identified for the same localities as above, but exclusively in 2006. These totals may be reported at any threshold. YARD/WORK/OTHER LISTS These categories are for cumulative totals and for 2006 totals. You may count any species you have identified while in your "yard" (that is, property contiguous to your home), in a designated area at your work- place, or other similarly defined locale. Flyovers and other birds identified from your "yard" (even if they were not in your yard) also count. ALL-COUNTY LIST: This category covers the number of species you have identified in every one of Maryland's 23 counties. For example, if you have identified a Northern Mockingbird, an American Crow, a Downy Woodpecker, and a Red-tailed Hawk in all 23, your list total would be 4. TOTAL TICK LIST: This category is the sum of all your Maryland County lists. The maximum possible is 7,006. We will accept all-time-high submis- sions at any level greater than or equal to 2,300 (an average of 1 00 species per county). Total Tick levels for 2006 will be accepted at any level. ALL-TIME-HIGH ANNUAL LISTS: This category is used to track all- time-high annual lists from the current and previous years. Annual totals for prior years may be submitted. For Maryland, submitted totals should equal or exceed 297 (70% of the maximum possible number). For indivi- dual counties, totals submitted from previous years should exceed either 50% of the maximum possible or exceed one of the top totals previously published for that county. SPECIES PHOTOGRAPHED IN MD: As the name implies, tell us how many bird species you have photographed (recognizably!) in Maryland. There are no lower limits. Members' totals that have not been updated within the previous five years (2001-2005) will be dropped from the listings (but not from the database). For an electronic submission form, go to www.mdbirds.org/birds/ mdbirds/locality/lstfrm2006.pdf. For questions, or to have a paper form mailed to you, contact Norm Saunders at 410-228-5066 or marshhawk@verizon.net. Submit completed form BEFORE January 20, 2007, either via e-mail (preferred) or by post to Norm Saunders, 107 Sailors Lane, Cambridge, MD 21613. We hope that all who have participated will do so again, and that others will join in, especially those from localities that are currently less than well represented. If you have any comments, thoughts, or anecdotes, please include them. If you have any other categories of Maryland bird lists that are appropriate (for example, all-time or 2006 state/county "Big Day" totals), send them in. We'd like to hear from you. And remember, this is for fun! — Norm Saunders March/ April 2006 11 Allegany On an Elderhostel trip to Colorado last spring, George and Barbara Gaffney added 10 new birds to their life lists, including 5 species of grouse. They found the leks amazing. Anne Arundel Lloyd Lewis, long-time club member, was recently saluted by the Chesapeake Bay Loundation for the many volunteer hours he has dedicat- ed to the CBL’s Oyster Restoration Program. Included in his list of jobs are watching over giant tanks of baby oysters and planting young oysters in the Bay. He has learned how to oper- ate the Patricia Campbell, using the ship’s cranes to hoist cages of oysters aboard or to place concrete “reef balls” on the Bay floor. Lor all of his work for CBL and the oyster restora- tion project, Lloyd was named the Maryland BaySaver of the Year. Caroline The Caroline County Bird Club is busy working on their project to transcribe the papers — birding records and notes — left to the club by the late Roberta and Jerry Lletcher. The Lletchers were two of the founding members of the Caroline County Bird Club and of MOS. Spearheading this project are Jan Reese and Steve Westre. Frederick Peru is a popular destination for Lrederick members. Marcia and Bob Balestri visited in August. One of the highlights of their trip was a week- long riverboat trip on the Amazon. The Balestris also flew over the Nazca lines in southern Peru, hiked around Machu Picchu, and birded Pantanos de Villa near Lima. In September, Skip and Lyn Nelson took a birding trip to Abra Malaga, a high pass in the Peruvian Andes leading to the sacred valley of the Inca. They then headed for Juliaca, hoping to see Darwin’s Nothura, a species of tinamou, along the way. A display of the late Gary Smyle’s photographs, put together by Lrederick members, is on display at the C. Burr Artz Library in down- town Lrederick through November. Harford The Harford Bird Club has a new program, proposed by member Dennis Kirkwood and spearheaded by our vice-president Dave Webb, to recognize landowners who have granted access for trips and counts. The keystone of this program is an invitation to one of our dinner meetings, where the guests will be recognized for their contribution to the bird club and the hobby of birding. The program debuted at our end-of-summer picnic, and it can only be called a blaring success, with four of the five invitees showing up; we certainly learned more about birding and the people that give so much of their time for this great hobby. Speaking of our meetings. . . the Harford Bird Club 2006-2007 dinner- meeting and guest speaker schedule is set, highlighted with two dinner meetings and a new venue for our May general business gathering. Starting off in November is our very own Tom Gibson, who will share highlights of his recent birding trip to Texas with the Kirkwoods and other Harford County birders. Hank Kaestner will return in January, updating us on the “Travels of a Spice Trader,” and VENT tour leader Jeff Gordon (no, not the race-car driver) will be in town for the March meeting sharing stories from years of travels all over the Americas. Spring will bring us local ornithologist Kim Derrickson, who will share with us aspects of his research on the biology of the Wood Thrush. The season will end at the summer social on July 21, with a talk about birding in the Adirondack Mountains by long-time Adirondack birder Bill Barber, an aficionado of birding in New York's boreal bonanza. In May, the club will meet for the first time in years at the Harford Glen Outdoor Environmental Education Center. Harford Glen features a large pavilion with fireplace, in addition to indoor facilities in the event of poor weather. With a little luck, such a fan- tastic location may provide us with a few migrant warblers in addition to hearing about the biology of the Wood Thrush. — Russ Kovach, Harford Chapter President Montgomery Montgomery birders have new liaison to Birders’ Exchange; Tom Marko will see that birding gear they no longer need — useable optics, field guides, and other birding equipment — is forwarded to budding ornithologists in Central and South America. Member Mark England has been faithfully going out at night to moni- tor owl activity, with good success. The information he obtains will be used in conjunction with the Breeding Bird Atlas. Talbot Not until they saw a front-page arti- cle in a local paper did Talbot County birders learn that fellow member Gordon Jennings and his wife Pam, skilled Red Cross metal health volun- teers, had been honored for their work in New York City following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Gordon and Pam made three trips in all, the first time just days after the disaster. “All of a sudden, I turned a corner and I was looking at what I had been watching on TV,” Gordon said. “It was very powerful.” Lor 14 days, they helped at assistance centers in lower Manhattan. In October, they traveled to New Jersey to accompany victims’ families to a memorial service. And the Jennings couple returned at Christmastime to help staff a financial assistance center. “We who have come to know Gordon are certainly not surprised that he would be doing such things, (Chapter Chatter continues on page 19) 12 The Maryland Yelloivtbroat Minutes of the MOS Board Meeting June 17, 2006 President: Janet Millenson Vice-President: Marcia Balestri Treasurer: Emmalyn Holdridge Secretary: Janet Shields Past President: Paul Zucker Atlas: Walter Ellison Conference: Janet Shields Conservation: Maureen Harvey Important Bird Areas: Matt Hafner Investments: Martha Waugh Scholarship: Tom Strikwerda Youth Programs: Wayne Bell Allegany: not represented Anne Arundel: not represented Baltimore: Brent Byers Caroline: not represented Carroll: Maureen Harvey Cecil: not represented Frederick: Helen Horrocks, Mike Welch Harford: Thomas Congersky Howard: Mary-Jo Betts, Shiras Guion, Tom Strikwerda, Martha Waugh Kent: Walter Ellison, Nancy Martin Montgomery: Janet Millenson Patuxent: Fred Fallon, Linda Keenan Talbot: Wayne Bell Tri-County: not represented Washington: Shirley Ford, Anna Hutzell, Ann Mitchell President Janet Millenson called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. and thanked the Washington Bird Club for hosting the meeting at Greenbrier State Park, Boonesboro. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved. Treasurer’s Report: Emmalyn Holdridge noted that the year-end report showed a $3,400 profit for the year, very close to breaking even. Something new this year was invoicing the chapters for dues. It worked very well. She will send out detailed income and expense reports to each committee chair. President’s Remarks: Emmalyn Holdridge now has forms for anyone wanting an MOS license plate. Helene Gardel has stepped down as Budget Chair and Shiras Guion has replaced her. Fran Saunders, after 10 years as webmaster, has stepped down and Taylor McLean is taking over. We still need people for Publicity and for Development. Someone is also needed to promote and collect pledges for our World Series of Birding team. The 2002 issue of Maryland Birdlife has been distributed. Janet Millenson updated the board on the most recent Bird Conservation Alliance meeting, which reviewed key federal laws and programs, how they are threatened, and how to advocate effectively. The Executive Council had a very productive meeting on June 4. There was discussion about how to improve communication between the state organization and chapters. The possibility of an MOS administrative listserver was discussed. Also discussed was the possibility of having an office manager instead of an executive secretary. CHAPTER REPORTS Baltimore: The chapter provided some information to the State Highway Administration for its Earth Day Event and, as a result, received a certificate of appreciation. Washington: The chapter has changed its name to the Washington County Bird Club. COMMITTEE REPORTS Atlas: Walter Ellison said that there is still a lot of enthusiasm this last field season. Chapter coordinators were reminded that timely data entry and review are needed. Four blockbusters have been hired. At the Rocky Gap Conference, the Atlas got the best coverage it has ever had. Nancy Martin is still recruiting people for miniroutes. Conference: Janet Shields reported that 262 people attended the confer- ence and found 135 species. The Silent Auction and Raffle produced $3,117 for the Atlas Project. Evaluations showed that people loved the location, liked the accommoda- tions, and enjoyed the trips and trip leaders. The speaker, Tim Gallagher, was very well received. The 2007 conference will be held at Salisbury University July 27-29. Conservation: Maureen Harvey thanked the committee members and Executive Council for their help. Anyone interested in participating in Conservation discussions on policies should notify Maureen; she will add them to the Conservation Committee’s e-mail list. Important Bird Areas: Matt Hafner informed the board that since last fall there have been ceremonies for previ- ously named IBAs at Blackwater, Eastern Neck, Ft. Smallwood, and Calvert County Parker’s Creek. Chino Farms is the newest IBA. David Curson has been meeting with people in Garrett County, Southern Maryland, and the lower Eastern Shore to determine possible IBA areas. These persons are then going to gather data and submit nomination forms. The website for IBAs is up and running. It can be reached through the Audubon website. Investment: Martha Waugh handed out two reports. The Annual Report showed growth in total income and portfolio value for 2004, 2005, and 2006. Income for 2006 was $80,175.79 and portfolio value was $1,474,906.55. Income and value are down in the first month of Fiscal Year 2007, reflecting Wall Street’s current anxiety. Martha made the point that all of our investments are made for income, so most of them should continue to earn income even though the stock market is down. Statewide Education Activities: The Warbler Workshop at the Conference drew about 60 participants. Mike Bowen and Linda Friedland did an amazing job putting the program together. Mike wrote that the board should discuss restrictions on distri- bution of the warbler CD; a number of the photographers whose work was featured restricted their permission to this particular work- shop. Therefore, after distributing one copy to each chapter, the CD should not be further duplicated and it should not be sold or even given free to all members. The CDs are marked “Copyright 2006 MOS” because the November/December 2006 13 society commissioned the workshop and paid all the costs. Any changes to the workshop content are therefore in theory not to be made without express permission of the board or the Statewide Education Committee. Anyone possessing Microsoft PowerPoint would be technically able to make changes but Mike thinks MOS should actively ban this possi- bility. Janet reminded us that this is an issue of intellectual property, which has become tremendously com- plicated. It was suggested that locks should be put on files. Since the pro- gram is 3 hours long, the chapters would probably want a 1-hour ses- sion for their monthly chapter pro- gram. This should probably be done by Mike or Linda. In any case, it should be made read-only and pass- word-protected from modification. We cannot sell the CD and make money for MOS; it was never our intention to do so. It is to be used as a teaching tool. Youth Programs: George Radcliffe was not present, but Wayne Bell, who has been working with George and the young people this summer, gave a report. George thinks it’s fine to have the young people on bird walks but he is trying to find other MOS activities for them. They will be using atlas methodology for long-term monitoring of school blocks and will be expanding the CD-ROM called “Landscapes, Birds, and People.” They’d also like to involve youth around the state in dealing with IBAs. YMOS went to Prance for a conference on environ- mental management of coastal seas and it was a terrific success. The question was raised about liability coverage for young people on MOS activities. There is an MOS blanket liability policy covering the chapters during activities. It was decided that our policy should be reevaluated and the insurance company asked if permission forms should be signed by parents of young people participating in MOS activities. Scholarship: Tom Strikwerda announced that one of the scholar- ship recipients ended up getting a raincheck for next year because the Wisconsin Audubon Camp was late scheduling its program. Sanctuary: Brent Byers gave an update on the potential sanctuary in Prince George’s County. He spoke with Roger Lebbin from MidAtlantic, which was involved in a suit over the site but won the appeal. The window for the next stage ends on June 20. They are fairly confident they will be able to go forward and donate the site to us at that point. They are working with the builder, Greenvest, to clear some of the land. They are still working to get Greenvest sewer and water easements. They are look- ing at fully fencing the site. OLD BUSINESS — none NEW BUSINESS — none ANNOUNCEMENTS • MOS brochures and membership cards are available. • New officers were elected at the conference. Marcia Balestri will be the new president and Wayne Bell will be vice-president starting in September. • The next board meeting is September 9 and a location is needed. NEW ACTION ITEMS • Executive Council to review liability insurance for amount and type of coverage. Check on specific liability coverage for youth groups and need for waivers and/or permission slips. Report back to board. • Chapters are needed to host MOS board meetings for next year (September 9, 2006, December 2, 2006, and March 3, 2007). • Chapters to announce the availa- bility of Night Birds CD and “How-to” notes from Walter Ellison, rossgull@baybroadband.net. • Matt Hafner to meet with Dave Curson to ensure MOS member notification of IBA ceremonies. • Statewide Education Committee to ensure security of the Warbler Workshop to honor individual photographer’s request for copy- right protection. • Atlas coordinators to remind atlasers to input data in a timely fashion for quick review. • Still need Publicity and Development Chairs. PAST ACTION ITEMS • Urge members to contact Nancy Martin about doing miniroutes this next year (borealdee@bay- broadband.net). • Consider awards and send information to John Malcolm (smudgie@comcast.net ). • Ask for expertise in reviewing the ICC EIS, an effort led by Greg Smith. • E-mail Tom Strikwerda (tstrik@earthlink.net.) with additions to his scholarship mailing list. • Advertise YMOS and its upcoming activities. • Ask members to donate old birding magazines to Gayle Bach-Watson (301-831-3874). President Janet Millenson adjourned the meeting at 1 1 :40 a.m. Respectfully submitted by — Janet Shields, Secretary MOS SCHOLARSHIPS January 31 is the deadline for scholar- ship hopefuls to submit their applica- tions for 2007 Audubon summer camps. Each year MOS makes about 1 0 awards to people who make nature education part of their careers — typically teachers, camp counselors, and park rangers. Scholarships, each valued at about $1,000, cover tuition and room and board at the week-long camps, in several states. For more details, consult the MOS web site, and/or contact Scholarship Chair Tom Strikwerda, at 301-942-2841, or tom.strikwerda@verizon.net. MOS SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATES Who in your circle of acquaintances might themselves be good candidates for an MOS scholarship, or might know someone else to nominate? Flip through your mental Rolodexes and see if you can help identify a prime applicant. 14 The Maryland Yellowthroat Novemt ©veam oer- JLiAeuem ibei 1 Wednesday, November 1 A Baltimore. First Wednesdays at Ft. McHenry. Meet 8 AM at Visitor Center. Monthly survey of bird acti- vity at the wetland. Folding chair and scope useful. Automatically cancelled in bad weather (rain, sleet, snow, fog, etc.). Directions: from Balt Beltway southwest of the city, take exit 11, 1-95, north towards the city. Get off at exit 55, Hanover St. Turn east (right) on McComas St, left (north) on Key Hwy. First left Lawrence St and left onto Fort Ave; continue through gateway into the park. Leader: Mary Chetelat, 410-665-0769. A Harford. Mariner Pt. Park. Enjoy the ease and accessibility of paved paths while birding with leader Tom Congersky along this waterway and wooded park. Nestled between the Gunpowder Marsh and the slow waters of Foster Branch, the varied habitats and paved trails of this park make for good birding and a comfort- able walk. Meet near the pavilion at the back parking lot at 8 AM. Contact Tom at 410-658-4137 for details. Meeting. Carroll. Program TBA. 7:30 PM. Senior Center, 125 Stoner Ave, Westminster. Info: Karen Mobley, karenm657@earthlink.net. Thursday, November 2 Meeting. Frederick. George Jett will present “A Snapshot of the Lower Rio Grande Valley: Going Digital.” George has switched to digital photography and took his new toy to one of North America’s best birding areas during peak migration. 7 PM at the C. Burr Artz Library, Frederick. Info: Marcia Balestri, 301-473-5098. Friday, November 3 Meeting. Anne Arundel. Jo Ann Abell, naturalist, avid birdwatcher, and writer, will present “The Northern Mockingbird: All You A Indicates Field Trip Ever Wanted to Know about the Mockingbird but Were Afraid to Ask.” 8 PM at Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center, 975 Indian Landing Rd, Millersville. Dinner Meeting. Harford. Tom Gibson will present “Highlights of a Texas Border Birding Trip.” Dinner mtg at 5:30 PM; general mtg at 7 PM at the Churchville Presbyterian Church, Churchville. Dinner cost $12, general mtg no charge. Contact Eileen Nack, 410-272-7017, for dinner reservations or add’l info. A Washington. Project Owlnet at Lambs Knoll. Observe Northern Saw- whet Owl banding by Steve Huy. Meet 9:15 PM at the Boonsboro P&R. Be prepared to stay as late as midnight. Limit: 14. Info and reserva- tions: Anna Hutzell, 301-797-8454. Saturday, November 4 A Harford. Owl Prowl. Great- horned, Barred, and Eastern Screech- Owls expected with Saw-whet and Long-eared a possibility. Dress warm- ly and meet at Eden Mill’s lower lot at 6 PM. Contact Dave Webb, 410-939-3537, for more details. Annual Banquet. Allegany. Keynote Speaker Dr. Gwen Brewer will describe her trip to Ecuador. The banquet starts at 5:30 PM at the Frostburg United Methodist Church Social Hall, 48 Main St, Frostburg. Please call Charlotte Folk, 301-689- 6587, to make reservations. Call Charlotte or Barbara Gaffney, 301- 895-4646, for more info. Cost for the dinner is $13 (students $10), which includes tax and gratuities. Please send payment to Charlotte Folk at 179 Mt. Pleasant St, Frostburg, MD 21532. A Howard. Alpha Ridge Park and Landfill. Meet 8 AM at the park. Moderate to difficult walking through the fields, looking for lingering sparrows and early winter arrivals. The landfill has a possibility of hosting rarities. Facilities at the park. Leader: Ralph Cullison, 410-442-2181. A Carroll. Town Hill. Fall Migrant Raptors. Meet 8:30 AM at Rte 27 P&R, Mount Airy. Leader: Tammy Schwaab, 410-857-4913. A Patuxent. Fran Uhler NA. Meet 7:30 AM at the end of Lemon Bridge Rd off MD 197, just north of Bowie State U. and the MARC line. No reservations required. Saturday-Sunday, November 4-5 A Frederick. Town Hill Overnight. We will stay at a local B&B on Sat night and visit the famous (in MD, anyway) hawkwatch. This time of year is good for Northern Goshawks and Golden Eagles. For info and reservations, contact David Smith, 410-549-7082. Sunday, November 5 A Talbot. Wye Island. Early water- fowl, sparrows, and late sandpipers. No breakfast. Depart 7 AM from Tred Avon Shopping Center parking lot in front of Acme, Easton. Leader: Danny Poet, 410-827-8651 or dannypoet@hotmail.com. A Howard. Centennial Park. 2-3 hrs. Meet 8 AM at the west end parking lot. Easy walking on paved path around Centennial Lake. Woodlands, fields, and water host a wide variety of species. Great view of the sky for flyovers. Early waterfowl and lingering migrants likely. Facilities available. Leader: Kurt Schwarz, 410-461-1643. A Montgomery. Blue Mash. Half day. Looking for hawks, sparrows, and other woodland edge species. Trip may cover area around Rte 108 and Riggs Rd, so car pooling may be necessary. Waterproof boots essential. Meet 7:30 AM at Zion Rd parking lot. Call leader for reservations and directions. Limit 8. Leader: Rick Sussman, 301-774-1185. Tuesday, November 7 Meeting. Kent. “Exploring India” by Beter Mann and Nancy Everds. 7:30 PM. Wesley Hall, Heron Point, E Campus Ave, Chestertown. For info, contact Nancy Martin, 410-778- 9568, or Peter Mann, 410-648-5205. November/December 2006 15 Thursday, November 9 Meeting. Howard. “From Crow Family Soap Operas to Online Biodiversity,” by Dr. Cynthia Sims Parr. Hospitality and club bookstore 7:30 PM: meeting/program 8 PM at Howard Co Rec and Parks, 7210 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia. Info: Kevin Heffernan, 410-418-8731. Saturday, November 11 A Baltimore. Loch Raven Waterbirds and Landbirds. Possible Bald Eagle, bluebirds, Redhead, and Common Loon. Scopes useful. Two- mile level walk. Meet 8 AM. From Balt Beltway 1-695, take exit 27/ Dulaney Valley Rd north, go several miles, cross large bridge over reser- voir, and bear right immediately. Continue to first left, Stone Hill Rd. Go about 100 yards, turn around, and then park on your right. All cars need to park on the same side of the road. Leader: Peter Lev, 410-823- 2962 or plev@comcast.net. A Harford. Hidden Valley/Upper Deer Creek. Join local resident and natural historian Dennis Kirkwood in search of kinglets, creepers, and other denizens of the northern forests. Meet 7 AM Hidden Valley (N end of Madonna Rd). Contact Dennis at 410-692-5905 for more info. A Anne Arundel. Cape Henlopen SP, Assawoman Bay, and Other DE Hot Spots. Full day. Lewes, DE resident Wafi Gainey will lead this all-day trip exploring her favorite birding spots. Bring a lunch and meet 7 AM at the Bay 50 Shopping Center parking lot. For info, contact Bobbi Reichwein, 410-798-5940. A Kent. Blackwater NWR, Dorchester Co. Waterfowl, late shore- birds, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and raptors, featuring many eagles. Full day. Bring lunch. Meet 7 AM at Dollar General parking lot, Chestertown. Leaders: Walter Ellison, 410-778- 9568, and Peter Mann, 410-648-5205. A Patuxent. Turkey Point Hawkwatch. Meet 7:30 AM. Contact Bob Elvander, 301-776-5690, for meeting place and more info. Saturday-Sunday, November 11-12 A Carroll. Rarities Round-up in Worcester Co. Weekend trip. Contact Mark Hoffman, 410-549-3598, for details. Sunday, November 12 A Talbot. Prime Hook NWR. Bring lunch. Depart 7 AM from Tred Avon Shopping Center parking lot in front of Acme, Easton. Leader: Charles Hopkins, 410-763-8742. A Howard. Centennial Park. 2-3 hrs. Meet 8 AM west end parking lot. Easy walking on paved path around Centennial Lake. Woodlands, fields, and water host a wide variety of species. Great view of the sky for fly- overs. Facilities available. Leader: TBD. A Cecil. Avalon SeaWatch. Full day. Meet 7 AM at Big Elk Mall parking lot (corner of Rtes 40 and 213) Elkton, near the Dunkin’ Donuts. Leader: Richard Donham, donhamr@zoominternet.net. Tuesday, November 14 Meeting. Patuxent. “Wintering with Neotropical Migrants” by Chandler Robbins. 7:30 PM at the College Park Airport Annex. Call Fred Shaffer, 410-721-1744, for add’l info. Meeting. Baltimore. “What Is a Species in the 21st Century? Speciation and Hybridization in the Baltimore Oriole Group.” Dr. Kevin Omland, UMD, Balt, describes his research on the evolution of orioles. 7:30 PM at the Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave. Info: Pete Webb, 410-486-1217 or pete_webb@juno.com. Wednesday, November 15 Meeting. Montgomery. “Spain — A Birder’s Big Easy,” by Howard Youth , MBC. Howard will explore Spain’s varied birdlife while reflecting on the four years he lived in the country, during which time he chased and found many of the country’s birds, from bustards to buntings. 7:30 PM. Potomac Presbyterian Church, 10301 River Rd, Potomac. Thursday, November 16 Meeting. Talbot. David Harp will present his fabulous nature photog- raphy work. 7 PM upstairs at the Easton Welcome Center, South Harrison St, Easton. Meeting. Caroline. “Maryland’s Important Bird Areas Program” presented by David Curson, Audubon MD/DC. Come hear how Audubon, as a partner with BirdLife International, is working to identify a network of sites that provide critical habitat for birds in MD. 7:30 PM at the Caroline Co Public Library, Denton. Saturday, November 18 A Anne Arundel. Blackwater NWR, Dorchester Co. Full day. This Eastern Shore refuge serves as an important resting and feeding area for migrating and wintering waterfowl in the Atlantic Flyway. Depart 8 AM from Bay 50 Shopping Center park- ing lot. Bring a lunch. Leader: Bobbi Reichwein, 410-798-5940. A Frederick. Point Lookout and Environs for Brown-headed Nuthatch, Red-headed Woodpeckers, waterfowl, and late migrants. Bring your lunch and meet at Urbana P&R South at 6 AM. Info: Marcia Balestri, 301-473-5098. A Harford. Conowingo Eagle Watch. Conowingo is one of the best locations for mid-Atlantic eagle watching, as dozens of eagles flock to this hydroelectric “fish Cuisinart.” Join expert leaders Tom Gibson and Les Eastman who will also help search out Peregrine Falcons, gulls, and possibly a Golden Eagle. Scopes are helpful. Meet 8 AM at Fisherman’s Park at the bottom (east end) of Shures Landing Rd. Contact Les at 410-734-6969 for more info. A Howard. Howard Waterfowl Search. 8 AM to 2 PM. Meet at Broken Land Pkwy parking lot at Lake Elkhorn. Plan to visit Columbia area lakes to search for gulls, ducks, grebes, loons, and other waterfowl. Easy walking. Plan to carpool. Bring lunch and drinks. Scopes helpful. Facilities available. Leader: Stan Arnold, 410-768-0155. (MOS Calendar continues on page 16) 16 The Maryland Yellowthroat M O S Ca I e n d a r ( continued from page 15) A Baltimore. Saturday Monitoring Walks at Ft. McHenry. See Nov 1 listing for directions. Meet 8 AM at the Visitors Center. Automatically cancelled in bad weather. Leader: Jim Peters, 410-429-0966. A Baltimore. Blackwater NWR. Full day. Waterfowl, thousands of Canada and Snow Geese, possible Bald Eagle, and Brown-headed Nuthatch. Meet 7:30 AM at Beltway exit 8, Nursery Rd P&R or 9:30 AM at Blackwater Visitor Center. Bring lunch. No reservations necessary. Leader: Kevin Graff, 410-557-2456 or ocean_city2001@yahoo.com. A Patuxent. Governor Bridge Park. Meet 7:30 AM at the parking lot for Governor Bridge Park. No reserva- tions are required. Park is located on Governor Bridge Rd, approximately 1 mile east of MD 301. Sunday, November 19 A Tri-County. Bombay Hook NWR, DE. Full day. Waterfowl. Possible Ross’s and Cackling Geese. Meet 7:30 AM at Asbury Methodist Church, east parking lot (Wesley Dr side), Camden Ave, Salisbury. Bring lunch. Leader: Betty Pitney, 410-543-1853. A Talbot. Horn Point, Cambridge. Sparrows, waterfowl, and hawks. Breakfast at a diner in Cambridge. Depart 7 AM from Tred Avon Shopping Center parking lot in front of Acme, Easton. Leader: Don Merritt, 410-822-5595. A Howard. Centennial Park. 2-3 hrs. Meet 8 AM west end parking lot. Easy walking on paved path around Centennial Lake. Woodlands, fields, and water host a wide variety of species. Great view of the sky for fly- overs. Facilities available. Leaders: Kevin Heffernan, 410-418-8731 and Karen Darcy, 410-552-9342. A Montgomery. Lilypons/New Design Rd, Frederick Co. Half day. Wintering field birds; targeting Fox and Tree Sparrows, and possibly Sora and American Bittern. Call leader for reservations (required) and more info. Leader: Gail Mackiernan, 301-989-1828. Saturday, November 25 A Cecil. Eagles at Conowingo Dam. Half day. Meet 8 AM at Fisherman’s parking lot below dam. Leaders: Sean McCandless and Charley Gant. Info: seanmccandless 1 @comcast.net. Sunday, November 26 A Talbot. Easton WWTP. Grassland birds, waterfowl, and rails. No Breakfast. Depart 7 AM from Tred Avon Shopping Center parking lot in front of Acme, Easton. Leader: Andrew Bullen, 410-763-8156. A Howard. Centennial Park. 2-3 hrs. Meet 8 AM west end parking lot. Easy walking on paved path around Centennial Lake. Woodlands, fields, and water host a wide variety of species. Great view of the sky for fly- overs. Facilities available. Leader: Richard Orr, 410-730-7290. Monday, November 27 Meeting. Tri-County. Larry and Jean Fry will present “Birds of Worcester County.” 7 PM at Asbury Methodist Church, Fox Rm, south entrance, Camden Ave, Salisbury. Tuesday, November 28 Meeting. Washington. Dan Boone will present “Unintended Conse- quences: The Threat to Wildlife and Habitat from Siting Industrial Wind Turbines along Appalachian Ridge- tops.” 7:30 PM at Mt. Aetna Nature Center, Hagerstown. Wednesday, November 29 Meeting. Cecil. Discussion and planning for upcoming Elkton CBC. 7 PM at the Elkton HS Media Center (Library). Info: Kathy Rohrer, therohrers@zoominternet.net. Friday, December 1 Meeting. Anne Arundel. “The Birds of China.” Don Messersmith , UMD Professor Emeritus and avid birder, will share his experiences birding in China using his own slides from 13 different trips. 8 PM at Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center, 975 Indian Landing Rd, Millersville. Saturday, December 2 MOS Board Meeting. Washington College, Chestertown. 10 AM. For info, contact Janet Shields, j anetbill@prodigy.net A Anne Arundel. Swan Creek Dredge Material Containment Facility and Surrounding Areas. Half day. The Swan Creek facility contains two dredge material containment cells, a mitigated wetland, a large natural wetland, and several dozen acres of upland woods. Access to this site is normally restricted, so this trip gives us a good opportunity to see one of Anne Arundel’s hidden gems. Dress for dirt and mud. Meet 6 AM at the Parole P&R. Leader: Matt Grey. For details contact George Thomas, 410-647-5082. A Howard. Blackwater NWR. Full day. We will bird from the Choptank River Bridge before going to the refuge. Targeting waterfowl and win- tering raptors, with the likelihood of Rough-legged Hawk and Short-eared Owl. The spectacle of huge flocks of Snow and Canada Geese worth the trip. Pack lunch, snacks, and bever- ages. Scopes useful. Facilities at some stops. Contact Stan Arnold, 410-768- 0155, for meeting place and time. A Montgomery. Black Hill RP. Half day. Waterfowl and landbirds. Meet 8 AM at Visitor Center. Bring scope and snacks. Short easy walks with car jaunts in between, possibly steeper terrain in late morning. Dress for windy conditions if appropriate. This is a joint MBC/ANS trip. Reserva- tions required. Leader: Jim Green, 301-208-2393 (before 9 PM) or jgreen@smokeyglenfarm.com. A Baltimore. Southern MD (Point Lookout and other locations). Full day. Scoters, Long-tailed Duck, Great Cormorant, Bald Eagle, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and N Gannet possible. Meet 7:30 AM at Beltway exit 8 Nursery Rd P&R. Bring lunch. Birding near cars with minimal walking. Scopes useful. Leader: Kevin Graff, 410-557-2456 or ocean_city200 1 @yahoo.com. A Patuxent. Fran Uhler NA. Meet 7:30 AM at the end of Lemon Bridge Rd off MD 197, just north of Bowie State U. and the MARC line. No reservations required. November/December 2006 17 Sunday, December 3 ft Cecil. Cecil Waterfowl. Half day. Meet 8 AM at Big Elk Mall parking lot (corner of Rtes 40 and 213) Elkton, near the Dunkin’ Donuts. Leader: Marcia Watson, mww@udel.edu. A Harford. Swan Harbor Farms. This county park on the Oakington Peninsula contains a mix of flooded and dry agricultural fields, deciduous woodlands, and brushy meadows. Great spot to search for waterfowl, Savannah Sparrow, and Bald Eagle. Possibilities include Merlin, Black- bellied and golden-plovers, Wilson’s Snipe, or other late shorebirds. Meet 8 AM at the park HQ at the end of the entrance road. Contact leader John Gallo, 410-459-0548, for more details. ft Montgomery. Blue Mash. Half day. Looking for hawks, sparrows, and other woodland edge species. Trip may cover area around Rte 108 and Riggs Rd, so car pooling may be necessary. Waterproof boots essential. Meet at 7:30 AM at Zion Rd parking lot. Call leader for reservations and directions. Limit 8. Leader: Rick Sussman, 301-774-1185. Tuesday, December 5 Meeting. Baltimore. Documentary film entitled “Birds and Coffee: A Wake-up Call.” 7:30 PM at the Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave. Info: Pete Webb, 410-486-1217 or pete_webb@j uno.com. Wednesday, December 6 Meeting. Carroll. Mike Smith will present a program on nature photog- raphy entitled “Photographer of the Angry Bluebird.” 7:30 PM at the Senior Center, 125 Stoner Ave, Westminster. Info: Tammy Schwaab, 410-857-4913. A Baltimore. First Wednesdays at Ft. McHenry. Monthly survey of bird activity at the wetland. See Nov 1 listing for directions. Meet 8 AM out- side the Visitor Center. Automatically cancelled in bad weather (rain, sleet, snow, fog, etc.). Leader: Mary Chetelat, 410-665-0769. Thursday, December 7 Meeting. Talbot. Spring Planning Meeting and Potluck Dessert. Bring a good dessert and some ideas for the spring season. 7:30 PM. Location and host TBD. Holiday Dinner and Meeting. Frederick. Kevin Lough lin will regale us with “The Color of Birds: In Celebration of a Passion.” Place and time TBD. Reservations and pay- ment required by Nov 27. Contact Nancy Parker, 301-663-1909 or dparker905@adelphia.net. Saturday, December 9 A Carroll. Conowingo Dam Eagle Watch. Meet 8 AM at the Finksburg Plaza, Rtes 91 and 140. Leader, Bob Ringler, 410-549-6031. ft Harford. MD and DE Shore. This full-day adventure visits some of Delmarva’s birding mega-hotspots in search of early winter waifs and northern strays. Target birds include Northern Gannet, eiders, Harlequin Duck, Purple Sandpiper, Snowy Owl, Great Cormorant, and Brown-headed Nuthatch. Bring lunch and warm, comfortable clothing. Meet 6:30 AM at the MD 155/1-95 P&R. Leader: Russ Kovach, 443-386-4787. Tuesday, December 12 Meeting. Kent. Speaker TBD. 7:30 PM. Wesley Hall, Heron Point, E Campus Ave, Chestertown. For info, contact Nancy Martin, 410-778-9568, or Peter Mann, 410-648-5205. Holiday Party. Patuxent. Watkins RP. Call Fred Shaffer, 410-721-1744, for start time and more info. Thursday, December 14 Meeting. Howard. “Capturing Bird Images in Kenya,” by Dr. Stephen Kent. Hospitality and club bookstore 7:30 PM: meeting/program 8 PM at Howard Co Rec and Parks, 7210 Oakland Mills Rd., Columbia. Info: Kevin Heffernan, 410-418-8731. Saturday, December 16 Christmas Count. Allegany. Christmas Count. Oakland/Garrett County. Christmas Count. Baltimore Harbor. Christmas Count. Caroline/Denton. Christmas Count. Washington, DC. A Baltimore. Saturday Monitoring Walks at Ft. McHenry. See Nov 1 listing for directions. Meet 8 AM at the Visitor Center. Automatically cancelled in bad weather. Leader: Jim Peters, 429-0966. Sunday, December 17 Christmas Count. Salisbury/Tricounty. Christmas Count. St. Michaels. Christmas Count. Lower Kent County. Christmas Count. Catoctin. Christmas Count. Elkton. Christmas Count. Seneca. Christmas Count. Jug Bay. Christmas Count. Port Tobacco. ft Harford. Harford Waterfowl Tour. Marvel at thousands of Lesser Scaup and search for species that are tough to find locally, such as Surf Scoter, Redhead, Long-tailed Duck, and Northern Shoveler. Beginners still learning the basics of waterfowl iden- tification and experienced watchers hoping for rarities will enjoy this morning trip to the upper bay and Perryman area. Scopes are helpful though not necessary. Meet 7:30 AM in the WalMart parking lot, northeast corner (farthest from store and closest to Rte 7). Leader: Dave Webb, 410-939-3537. Wednesday, December 20 Meeting. Montgomery. “Birding in Brazil.” Speaker: Don Messersmith, MBC. 7:30 PM. Potomac Presbyterian Church, 10301 River Rd, Potomac. Tuesday, December 26 Christmas Count. Point Lookout. Christmas Count. Blackwater/ Southern Dorchester County. Wednesday, December 27 Christmas Count. Central Loudoun. Christmas Count. Washington County. Christmas Count. Crisfield. A Indicates Field Trip (MOS Calendar continues on page 18) 18 The Maryland Yellowthroat MOS Calendar (continued, from page 17) Thursday, December 28 Christmas Count. Ocean City. Friday, December 29 Christmas Count. Harford/Rock Run. Christmas Count. Chincoteague NWR, VA. Saturday, December 30 Christmas Count. Triadelphia. Christmas Count. Cape Charles, VA. Sunday, December 31 Christmas Count. Annapolis/Gibson Island. Christmas Count. Sugarloaf. Christmas Count. Patuxent River. Christmas Count. Fort Belvoir, VA. Monday, January 1, 2007 Christmas Count. Bowie. H Howard. Start Your 2006 List. Half day. Plan to carpool to different locations to find as many species as possible. The one day of the year where every bird is new! Meet 8 AM at boat ramp of Centennial Lake. Expect moderate walking. Possibility of lunch stop, depending on the weather. Facilities at some spots. Leader: Bonnie Ott, 410-461-3361. ft Montgomery. Earliest Bird Walk — Georgetown Reservoir and DC Hot Spots. Half day. Start the New Year right. Meet 8 AM at Georgetown Reservoir, DC, by the gate leading to the dike between the pools. Reservations required. Leader: Mike Bowen, 301-530-5764. Thursday, January 4 Meeting. Frederick. Beth Zang will present “A Holistic Approach to Bird Conservation in Peru.” She will describe her amazing journey to Peru, and how our club's donations are helping bird conservation efforts. 7 PM at the C. Burr Artz Library, Frederick. Info: Marcia Balestri, 301-473-5098. Thursday & Saturday, January 4 & 6 ft Montgomery. Gull Workshop and Trip. Meet Thurs evening at 7:30 PM at Cyndie Loeper’s house for light fare and a gull slide presentation by ft Indicates Field Trip Clive Harris. Then, join Clive for the associated local area field trip on Sat. All are welcome for either or both sessions. Call Cyndie for directions, trip details, and required reservations. Coordinator: Cyndie Loeper, 301- 530-8226. Friday, January 5 Meeting. Anne Arundel. “Birders, Conservation, and Refuges — Making Better Connections.” Paul J. Baicich will discuss the linkage between bird conservation, popular birding, and NWRs. Mr. Baicich is a former editor of ABA’s Birding magazine, co-authored a book entitled Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds , and has led a number of tours to AK. 8 PM at Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center, 975 Indian Landing Rd, Millersville. Saturday, January 6 A Anne Arundel. Downs Park, Anne Arundel Co. Half day. Wintering waterfowl and landbirds. Meet 8 AM at the Jones Station P&R. Leader: Pat Tate, 410-266-6043. Annual Holiday Party. Carroll. Once again hosted by Splinter and Sue Yingling. If you’ve not attended before, now’s the time to start. Everyone has a good time. 7:30 PM until ? For more info and to coordi- nate your potluck dish, contact Sue Yingling at 410-876-8211. ft Kent. Eastern Neck NWR. Half day. Kick off your birding year with a half-day trip for waterfowl and winter landbirds. Meet 8 AM at Dollar General parking lot, Chestertown. Leaders: Walter Ellison, 410-778- 9568, and Peter Mann, 410-648-5205. Audrey Carroll Mid-Winter Count. Frederick. Meet at the Sanctuary at 6:30 AM. Dress warmly with waterproof boots. Info: David Smith, 410-549-7082. Sunday, January 7 ft Tri-County. DE and MD coastal birding hotspots in search of winter specialties and perhaps a rarity dis- covered on recent CBCs. Full day. Bring lunch. Meet 7:30 AM at Asbury Methodist Church, east parking lot (Wesley Dr side), Camden Ave, Salisbury. Leader: Sam Dyke, 410-742-5497. Tuesday, January 9 Meeting. Allegany. Kevin Dodge will talk about his trips to Alaska. 7 PM. Allegany Co Main Library, 31 Washington St, Cumberland. Located across the street from the Board of Ed. Bldg. Meeting. Patuxent. “50 Years of Birding” by Hank Kaestner. 7:30 PM at the College Park Airport Annex. Call Fred Shaffer, 410-721-1744, for add’l info. Friday, January 12 Meeting. Harford. Hank Kaestner will present “Travels of a Spice Trader.” 7 PM at the Churchville Presbyterian Church, Churchville. Contact Russ Kovach, 443-386-4787, for add’l info. Saturday, January 13 A Carroll. Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Full day. Carla Dove will lead a trip to the Smithsonian for a behind-the-scenes tour of the bird files. Meeting time and place TBD. Limit: 15. Info and reservations: Tammy Schwaab, 410-857-4913. PIN CONTEST 2007 All MOS Artists are invited to enter the 2007 MOS Conference Pin Design Contest. The deadline is January 1 5, 2007. The basic rules are simple: Entrants must be a mem- ber of MOS, and the design must contain a bird appropriate for the conference site (Salisbury) and the phrases "MOS" and "2007." On the back of each entry, the artist must put name, address, and chapter affiliation and identify the species repre- sented. The pin can be any shape. Send entries to John Malcolm, 10205 Kindly Court, Montgomery Village, MD 20886. To see all the rules and more tips about designing pins for the contest, visit the MOS website or contact John Malcolm at 301 -977-5788 or smudgie@comcast.net. November/December 2006 19 ('Chapter Chatter continued from page 11) Youth MOS Takes Wing by George Raddiffe Chair, Youth Division of MOS A Challenge to Chapters: ID a Youth Group We're asking each chapter to identify and adopt at least one YMOS group in your area. Find an interested teacher or any community youth leader whose curricular program /extracurricular activities have, at least in part, a birding focus. Talk to them and encourage them to submit an applica- tion for YMOS; it's free. The application is found at: http://www.qacps.k12.md.us/ bird/MOS/YMOS_Brochure.doc. Or they can e-mail me at radclifg@qacps.k1 2. md. us to request a brochure. There's no cost, and this opens the door for them to receive a group copy of the Yellowthroatanti get access to all youth-related MOS activities. Coming in January: A Winter Raptor Day YMOS will offer a Raptor Day for youth members in January. The date is not set as of this writing, but will be posted on the YMOS Website as soon as it is available. See http://www.qacps.k12.md.us/bird/mos/ youth.htm MOS to Sponsor Youth Team For World Series of Birding In addition to the adult MOS World Series of Birding Team, MOS is going to sponsor a Youth team. This can be a great way to get several talented young people involved with an exciting activity, as well as a good way to generate publicity for MOS. NJ Audubon also sponsors a team, and this could develop into a good educational rivalry. Any youth interested in being considered for the team should be willing to travel several times in the spring to train with the team and should be affiliated with an MOS chapter or a YMOS group. Interested parties should contact me at radclifg@qacps.k12.md.us. but due to his gentle and unassuming style of operation, most of us did not have a clue about his involvement until the Sunday story came out,” says Les Roslund. “What a guy! What a couple! And what fun it is to read about the heroic contributions of such fine people.” Tri-County Tri-County Bird Club members stay on the move. Betty Pitney took a Wings tour in late April to the Edwards Plateau, Big Bend, and the Davis Mountains; she got all her target birds, including the Colima Warbler, though it took a 9 1/2 mile round-trip climb. Mike Walsh and Chris Dominic checked off Bicknell’s Thrush and Spruce Grouse on a July trip to New England. Jean and Larry Fry explored Australia for four weeks in September. Not to be outdone, world birders Eric and Patsy Decker birded the Arctic north of Finland and Norway in June with Sunbirds, the British arm of Wings. They report the pace was comfortable and the salmon dinners were great. In Arctic Norway they observed 90 species and in Finland, 159, with top honors going to breed- ing Spotted Redshank and Black Wooodpecker. In August, the Deckers traveled to South Africa and Sierre Leone with Rockjumper Birding Tours. South Africa was all first class, they report; Sierre Leone, just coming out of a decade of civil war, meant rough roads and marginal lodging and food. Bird life was abundant, though, and they checked their target bird, White-necked Rockfowl. Next on the itinerary: Chile. On a very local note, Atlas Coordinator Donald Broderick announced the completion of the 5- year Atlas project with great results. In our 41 blocks, we averaged 76.3 species. Celebrations are in order. — Carol Broderick MOURNING HUGH MAHANES The Montgomery Bird Club is mourning the loss of its immediate Past President, Hugh Mahanes, on September 23. At the end of July, seemingly in fine health, Hugh co-led a club trip to Bombay Hook. In August he developed some one-sided weakness that suggested a stroke, but he was diagnosed with a lethal brain tumor. Hugh chose to forego any experi- mental therapy, accepting his diagnosis with a dignity typical of him. He spent his last weeks, with hospice help, at home, surrounded by family and receiving a steady stream of visitors, including many of his friends from the club. A long-time club member, gracious companion, and fine birder, Hugh was quiet, self- effacing, always kindly and gentlemanly. He birded almost daily, often in Montgomery County, and he loved the hawk watch at Washington Monument in Washington County. He also traveled throughout the country on birding trips. In addition to his many contributions to the Montgomery club, Hugh volunteered extensively for the Audubon Naturalist Society. In his honor, the MBC Council has voted to change the name of the club's annual, first-of- the-fall Presidents' Walk to the"Hugh Mahanes Presidents' Walk." — Lydia Schindler YMOS to Honor Science Fair Awards YMOS is going to sponsor an award recog- nizing outstanding ornithological projects at any of the Regional Science Fairs throughout the State. You can contact me for details. MOS WEBSITE Did you know that you can find directions and maps to all the sanctuaries on our website? Check it out at www.mdbirds.org. 20 The Maryland Yellowtbroat Christmas Bird Counts Saturday, December 16 Allegany County. To participate and get an area assignment, contact J.B. Churchill at 301-697-1223 or jchurchi@atlanticbb.net. Tally will be at the Frostburg United Methodist Church Social Hall, 48 W Main St at 7 PM. Bring a covered dish to share. Oakland/Garrett County. To participate, contact Connie Skipper at 301-387-5227 or connieskipper@hohnet.com. Baltimore Harbor. Birders of all experience levels urged to participate. For area assignment contact compiler: Pete Webb, 410-486-1217 or pete_webb@juno.com. Caroline/Denton. Coordinator: Steve Westre, swestre26@comcast.net. Washington, DC. Compiler: Larry Cartwright. Info: Rachel at ANS, 301-652-9188, xIO. YOUR CHA3VCE TO VOLUWfTEIEIR MOS is currently in need of • Publicity Coordinator • Development Chair • Research Chair • Membership Chair Sunday, December 17 Salisbury/Tri-County. Take a break from the holiday rush and join this traditional Christmas birding event. Compiler: Sam Dyke, 410-742-5497. Port Tobacco. Compiler, Gwen Brewer, 301-843-3524. Lower Kent County. Full day of counting, followed by countdown dinner. Contact compiler Nancy Martin, 410- 778-9568, for area assignments or more info. Elkton. Compiler: Laura Balascio, avocet@udel.edu. Catoctin. Call Mike Welch, 301-874-5828, to participate. St. Michaels. Compilers: Shirley Bailey, Frank Lawlor, and Wayne Bell. Contact Wayne at 410-820-6002 or wbell2@washcoll.edu for more info. Compilation dinner in St. Michaels at the Christ Church. Jug Bay. Compiler: Sam Droege, 301-497-5840 (w), 301-390-7759 (h) or sdroege@USGS.GOV. Seneca. Compiler: Mark England, 240-252-4218 (h), 240-375-4500 (m) or markengland@canamcontractors.com. Tuesday, December 26 Point Lookout. Compiler: Bob Boxwell, 410-394-1300. Blackwater/Southern Dorchester County. Compiler: Chan Robbins, crobbins@usgs.gov. Wednesday, December 27 Washington County. Contact Dave Weesner, 301-432-7718, to participate. Afterwards, tally the day's observations while enjoying dinner with fellow birders. Everyone brings a dish to share. Place settings, drinks, and a main dish are provided. Dinner starts around 5 PM at the Mt. Aetna Nature Center. Central Loudoun. (This count includes 5 miles along the C&O Canal in MD near White's Ferry). Compiler: Joe Coleman, 540-554-2542 orjandkcoleman@erols.com. Crisfield. Compiler: Compiler: Charles Vaughn, 410-742-7221 oressc@comcast.net. Thursday, December 28 Ocean City. Compiler: Jay Sheppard, 301-725-5559 or JMSheppar@aol.com. Friday, December 29 Chincoteague NWR, VA. Compiler: Richard Roberts, bandbird@intercom.net. Harford/Rock Run. If you are interested in partici- pating, contact Jean Wheeler, 410-879-7424 or jswheeler44@msn.com. Saturday, December 30 Triadelphia. Compilers Jay and Diane Jones, 301-670-0516 orjayrjones@juno.com. Novice and experienced birders welcome. Cape Charles, VA. Compiler: Harry Armistead, 215-248-4120 or harryarmistead@hotmail.com. Sunday, December 31 Annapolis/Gibson Island. Sue Ricciardi, Compiler, 410-647-9513 or susier@starpower.net. Sugarloaf. Contact Helen Horrocks, 301-831-6315, if you can help out. Last chance to add to your 2006 list. Patuxent River. St. Mary's area Compiler: Doug Lister, 301-342-3670 (w), 301-994-2582 (h). Calvert area Compiler: Andy Brown, 410-535-5327. Fort Belvoir, VA. MD area Compiler: Carol Ghebelian, 301-753-6754. VA Compiler: Kurt Gaskill, 703-768-2172 or kurtcapt87@aol.com. Monday, January 1 Bowie. Contact: Fred Fallon, 301-249-1518 or fwfallon@earthlink.net. POSTMASTER: TIME-DATED MATERIAL— PLEASE EXPEDITE! MARYLAND ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC. Cylburn Mansion 4915 Greenspring Avenue Baltimore, MD 21290-4698 Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID at Hagerstown, MD Permit No. 1 84 Share your skills. Contact Marcia Balestri at president@mdbirds.org.