May 2010 CAWS Newsletter Madison Audubon Society

222 S. Hamilton St. / Madison, WI 53703 / 255-2473/ www.madisonaudubon.org

May 2010

Madison Audubon Society

Food

Saturday, May 1, 2010 Madison Audubon’s 34th annual Art Fair will be held at Warner Warner Park 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Park, on Madison’s northCommunity Rec. east side where Sherman Center Ave. meets Northport Dr. H Join us on Saturday, May 1, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parking Enjoy the work of more than 100 artists displaying fine arts and crafts, kids’ activities, a raffle, silent auction, food, and more! Free admission and parking. Art Fair raffle tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5 and are available at the Pretty Boys (Cedar Waxwings) by Audrey Christie MAS office and at the Art Fair. Raffle Silent Auction
Inside This Issue

MAS Art Fair at Warner Park Art Fair May 1
34th Annual

No

rth

po

Sherman Ave.

rt D

r

Warner Park Community Center

1625 Northport Drive, with MAS Joins ForcesMadison CRANES to Protect Free Parking and Admission Qualitywww.madisonaudubon.org County of Life in Dane

Madison Audubon Society was very pleased to recently join forces with a new group, CRANES, to more effectively protect our quality of life in Dane County and surrounding counties. CRANES (the Capital Region Advocacy Network for Environmental Sustainability) was formed to protect and enhance our environmental base, and to help preserve wildlife habitat and greenspace by keeping urban development where urban services already exist. By bringing together dozens of local and regional conservation and environmental organizations, CRANES will provide better communication and coordination so that a more united and stronger conservation view can be expressed at public forums and government-sponsored public hearings. CRANES will allow us to better share information, collaborate on advocacy efforts, and with the use of sign-on letters and statements, authorize CRANES to speak on behalf of member organizations. CRANES will also serve as a clearinghouse for important land use resources. For almost a decade, many local conservation leaders, including Madison
continued on page 2

Bird City Wisconsin ...................... 2 Goose Pond Report ....................... 3 Faville Grove Notes ...................... 4 Spring Field Trips ....................... 6-8 Annual Banquet............................. 9 Isthmus Bird List ......................... 10 Donations ..................................... 10 Membership Info ..........................11 Nannyberry for Birds ................. 12 Volunteer Opportunities ............ 12
Serving Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Iowa, Jefferson, Richland and Sauk Counties

Madison Audubon Society

Madison Audubon is a chapter of the National Audubon Society

CRANES . . .
(continued from page 1)

Audubon representatives, have been attending monthly “Smart Growth Coalition” meetings with Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and her staff. With the creation late in 2008 of the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC), many of these same leaders began following its development and actions, to assure that CARPC decisions would protect our natural resources and open spaces, while preventing unwise development. CRANES will provide a unified and dependable collaboration of the conservation community. There is a constant need for vigilance and citizen action as our population continues to grow. By sharing resources through CRANES, we will be able to multiply and magnify our collective efforts. We are convinced that CRANES will be value added. To learn more about CRANES and what the group has already accomplished, please see http:// cranesinc.org/ If you wish to become more involved, contact Karen Etter Hale at the MAS office, masoffice@ mailbag.com or 608/255-BIRD (2473).

Several birders scope Lake Michigan in Milwaukee searching for winter species.

After a long incubation period, Bird City Wisconsin took flight recently with the launch of its website. To take a look, and perhaps to play a role, see www.birdcitywisconsin.org. Bird City Wisconsin is a program to get communities of all sizes and shapes to think about birds and bird conservation. It is patterned after the nationallyrecognized Tree City USA. Currently, Wisconsin ranks third in the nation with 173 Tree Cities. Bird City Wisconsin would certify urban, suburban, and rural communities that apply and successfully meet criteria for education, habitat management, species management, and limiting or removing hazards to birds. Through meeting these criteria (spelled out on the website), a community will take actions that benefit birds while earning an array of awards such as highway signs, a flag, and a plaque. Parts of the website are still “Under
The Audubon CAWS

Bird City Wisconsin Takes Flight

Construction”, as is the Bird City Wisconsin organization itself. The speed with which it flies will depend on the reaction and support it receives from individuals, organizations, and municipal officials. Initial discussions with public officials and conservation organizations have generated a lot of optimism among Bird City’s steering committee. The committee includes representatives of Milwaukee Audubon Society, Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative, Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, Madison Audubon Society, and Wisconsin Audubon Council. The program received $8,000 from TogetherGreen, which is an alliance between the National Audubon Society and Toyota Motor Corp., and $5,000 from the Milwaukee Audubon Society. Organizers hope that citizens already living in a “Bird City” will take pride in this fact and not only urge their government officials to participate in the Bird City Wisconsin program, but also will take individual actions to benefit birds. Bird City’s

immediate goal for Year One is to recruit at least five cities, towns, villages, or counties that qualify as Bird City Wisconsin communities when the project is formally launched on International Migratory Bird Day this May. In addition, Bird City needs financial support to grow and prosper. To make your tax-deductible donation, visit the Bird City Wisconsin website at www. birdcitywisconsin.org and become a “Bird City Backer.” Your contribution will be put to work immediately, leveraging grant support for the program and delivering bird conservation resources to communities across Wisconsin. Be sure to take a look. How to tell if your community is a candidate to become a Bird City: • Is your community already a Tree City USA? Then you understand the process and conservation principles. • Look at Bird City’s qualifying criteria. • If you see a number of requirements that your community already meets and think you might qualify in the early phase, contact Carl Schwartz, project coordinator, at [email protected] • If you like the Bird City idea, but think your community has some work to do and want help implementing “birdfriendly” strategies, contact Carl through the website and he will put together a team to work with you to get ready to apply.
May 2010

Birding for rare or unusual gull species near Port Washington.. 2

Photos by Pat Ready

Early Spring at Goose Pond

By Mark and Sue Foote-Martin Goose Pond was mostly ice covered on March 23 even though temperatures were way above normal the preceding two weeks. We have observed ice-off on the pond for the past 31 years and noticed that wind, rain, and runoff really help open up the pond. We expected above average water runoff since the snow had a high water content. The snow did not melt quickly and all the water soaked into the ground with no runoff. Winds have been fairly calm this spring and rainfall seems to be below average. The muskrats are enjoying the weather conditions and their houses are looking good. In some years, high winds pushed the ice block and destroyed most of the muskrat houses. This year for a historical record we mapped the locations of about 50 muskrat houses at Goose Pond. Thanks to Brand Smith who helped with this project. White-fronted Geese have been present most days and enjoy feeding with the Canada Geese and Mallards on waste corn in the Lapinski-Kitze Prairie. Upon leaving Goose Pond one evening, Brand called to report sighting a pair of Whooping Cranes roosting in shallow water about 2 miles east of Goose Pond. We wondered if these were the same cranes that spent most of last summer with us. Later Winter Planting We sent out a call to volunteers to help with prairie planting on March 6. We mixed wetland species, including water plantain and smartweed, to hand broadcast on four wetland areas. Around the edge of the two-acre wetland restoration in the Lapinski-

Seed sprinkled on snow spread by Brocks

Jim Goodno with installed predator guard.

Kitze Prairie we broadcast a few showy wetland species including greater St. John’s wort, glade mallow, and cup plant. And north of the Lapinski-Kitze parking lot, a heavy density of prairie species was planted including a large amount of pale purple coneflower. Volunteers Sue Slapnick, Kathie Brock, and Evan Eifler enjoyed planting a large amount of stiff gentian seed and seed from 11 wood lily pods on three dry-mesic sites in Jill’s Prairie. Hopefully these areas will be purple with gentians in September 2011. Wood Duck Box Program We have found that upland nest boxes with PVC guards can be climbed by raccoons. Mark and Jenny McGinley erected eight metal predator guards on boxes at and near Erstad Prairie. Jim Goodno, Ohne Raasch, and Ed Spoon spent a good day erecting 60 predator guards on nest boxes along berms at Zeloski Marsh.

We now believe that the boxes are safe from predators. Brand Smith, Dick Keyel, Evan Eifler, and Mark had a good workout at Grassy Lake erecting six boxes on March 6. Wildlife photographer Richard Armstrong, from DeForest, mentioned that it would be ideal to have a nest box closer to the wildlife viewing blind in the back of Otsego Marsh. Richard picked out the spot and Brand helped erect the box. If you would like to view or photograph from the blind contact us at goosep@ chorus.net. American Kestrel Nest Box Program Brand Smith, Jeff Durbin and Jill Stevens have been busy cleaning out kestrel boxes. Only three of the first ten nest boxes were used by kestrels. Hopefully the remaining boxes will have higher use this year. Bluebird and Tree Swallow Nest Box Program Nolan Kollath has all 70 boxes ready to go at Zeloski Marsh in Jefferson County and hopes every one will

continued on next page

Kathie and Tom Brock sowing seed at Lapinski-Kitze prairie wetland. The Audubon CAWS

Jim Goodno (left) and Ohne Raasch attaching predator guards at Zeloski Marsh in Jefferson County. 3 May 2010

continued from page 3

attract a pair of Tree Swallows. Another 150 nest boxes made by Jerry Martin for Eastern Bluebirds will be ready for occupancy. David Laufenberg, Bill Grogan, William Damm, and Tom and Kathie Brock enjoyed making posts and attaching clamps on 90 nest boxes one spring morning after a two-inch snowfall. One box did not take long to fit, but 90 boxes took almost two hours of work.

Notes from faville Grove

Deciding What to Restore

Ed Spoon & Jim Goodno at Zeloski Marsh installing predator guards

Ed spoon with predator guard protecting both a Tree Swallow and Wood Duck Box mounted back to back.

In mid-March, Bill Forrest, who lives in Token Creek, called to let us know that a pair of geese that likes to sit in a large hickory tree in his backyard had returned. On the day the photographer from the Wisconsin State Journal was there, a male Wood Duck was in the tree as well. Few people have observed geese in a tree, much less two species of waterfowl in one tree. After Bill inquired about getting an extra Wood Duck box, Mark erected a Wood Duck and a bluebird box. Within 15 minutes after the boxes were up, a male bluebird showed up to check it out. Thanks to all the volunteers that assisted with these projects. Also thanks to Robert Paul who donated two Wood Duck boxes and to Jerry Martin who made and donated all the bluebird boxes.
The Audubon CAWS

Habitat is in the eye of the beholder: A Brown Creeper’s heaven is a Bobolink’s hell. As ecological restorationists, we inevitably find ourselves taking sides, creating habitat that favors one group of species over another. How do we decide what sort of habitat is most appropriate to restore in any given location? The goals of ecological restoration are the subject of endless debate in the ecological literature. Ecological systems are far more complex than we will ever understand, let alone be able to design. An undisturbed prairie, for instance, may be composed of dozens of vertebrate species, hundreds of plants, thousands of invertebrates, and tens of thousands of microbial species, all enmeshed in a web of interactions. Ecological systems are also highly adapted to location: to soils, slope, hydrological conditions, climate, and other local conditions so existing models tend not to translate well from one area to another. Given this complexity, in order to find a model of a stable, functioning ecosystem to guide our restoration efforts, we generally turn to the past and try to discern what habitats existed at a particular spot historically. The usual point in time that restorationists in North America look to is the period immediately before European settlement of the continent. Even before Europeans arrived on the scene, humans had an outsized effect on natural systems here: More likely than not, they played a large role in the extinction of the Pleistocene megafauna in North America; they were highly mobile, carrying plants, animals and microbes with them as they traveled; they set fires that dramatically altered ecosystems on large scales; they hunted and fished; they gathered plants for food, fiber and medicine; and they farmed large areas. But despite their impacts, Native Americans lived in a world that fundamentally remained diverse, that functioned in ways that could be sustained over time, and that maintained its ability to evolve and adapt as conditions (physical, biological and cultural) changed. Changes in ecological conditions since European settlement have outpaced ecosystem evolution, leading to a general breakdown in ecosystem function and
4

stability. Along the way, these changes have favored some species and seriously harmed (and in a few cases, eliminated) others. By restoring an area to preEuropean conditions, we tend to reverse these biases, improving habitat for the most threatened species, even if, at times, it comes at the expense of more common ones. It is no coincidence then that this model for restoration dovetails nicely with our near-term goal to protect threatened and endangered species, but it also
May 2010

addresses a longerterm need. As restorationists, our ultimate goal is not so much to establish outdoor museums of past ecosystems, as fascinating as those museums might be. We are not trying to set back the clock, as the saying goes, but rather to rewind the clock; to reset the stage of a functioning ecosystem where evolution can act out once again, maintaining a balance this time around in the face of ongoing, and we hope not too abrupt, change. Viewed in this context, it only makes sense to return the system as best we are able to its most recent, fully functioning state, which is to say, to pre-European settlement conditions, rather than to some earlier, perhaps pre-human, state. This also happens to be the state about which we have the best information in the form of historical records and remnant ecological communities. At Faville Grove, pre-European conditions included a wide variety of habitats, much as we see today, but habitat types existed in much larger, unbroken blocks in the past. The extent of habitat loss and fragmentation during European settlement is apparent from two maps of Faville Grove that were drawn by Art Hawkins when he was a graduate student of Aldo Leopold. One map shows the area as Art saw it in 1938, and the other as the area appeared in 1838, as best he could determine through his ecological studies and extensive discussions with long-time area residents. The trends he documented continued after 1938, especially in the large Crawfish Prairie area in the northeast corner of the maps, only beginning to reverse with the initiation of restoration efforts at Faville Grove Sanctuary in the 1990s. We are fortunate at Faville Grove to have
The Audubon CAWS

the fragments of the landscape connected again—a refreshing, exhilarating, even titillating shock. Suddenly the eye is free to follow the full, soft, sensuous curves of the land; to explore layer upon layer until earth meets sky; to run to the far horizon of the level floodplain and back in a flash. We no longer walk through the unfettered landscape; we float, the vistas changing constantly as we move. The mind opens to the depth of geologic time that constructed this masterpiece. We are lost, disoriented, liberated. Imagine how the land feels!

both detailed historical information about past conditions, as well as a number of high-quality remnant natural areas within the borders of the sanctuary and nearby to inform our restoration efforts. This information is not always complete, clear and unambiguous, but it nonetheless provides as sound a basis as we can reasonably expect for our restoration decisions, and together with the singing of meadowlarks and other recovering species in the sanctuary, gives us confidence that we are making the right trade-offs along the way. Resculpting a Masterpiece Not only did the landscape inhabited by the Native Americans function well, it undoubtedly was sublimely beautiful as well. Our efforts to restore the landscape at Faville Grove to pre-European settlement conditions are beginning to reveal the beauty of the landforms that has been all but lost behind straight tree lines and solid masses of brush. We don’t realize the full extent of the aesthetic loss until we experience the shock that comes with seeing the brushy screens removed and
5

By Paul Noeldner, Membership and Outreach To offer our members more convenience and to help save paper and Go Green, Madison Audubon Society is proud to offer members the opportunity to Join, Renew, and Donate Online using a credit card. Click on the http://madisonaudubon.org home page Join/Renew/Donate menu to use these new online payment options. We use PayPal to handle the credit card entry because PayPal is widely trusted and secure, and you do not have to have a PayPal account. Some members and friends of Madison Audubon have also discovered the new Set Email Preferences menu in the http://madisonaudubon.org home page. Currently you can sign up to get an email with a link to the CAWS Newsletter as soon as it is posted online, to get reminders of upcoming field trips and events, to get notification of Action Alerts, and to hear about volunteer opportunities. You can change your Madison Audubon Email Preferences at any time by going to the same link, check the items you want, and leave the others unchecked. We also ask that you please fill in your email address when renewing your membership. Help save paper - use the new Madison Audubon online payment options, and add your email today!

New Online Payment and Email Options

May 2010

May 2010 MAS Field Trips

For late April trips, please see the March/April CAWS Saturday, May 1: Birding at Wyalusing State Park Quentin Yoerger and Charles Naeseth will lead this trip to Wyalusing State Park, which overlooks the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. The Mississippi is a major migration route for numerous birds and the rugged bluffs make this breathtaking scenery a beautiful spot for a spring adventure. Observe hawks, warblers (including Yellow-throated), lots of other birds and a few spring wildflowers. Bring a lunch as this trip will last until mid-afternoon. Carpool at 5 a.m. from the Home Depot parking lot on Verona Rd. (just south of the Beltline). If you have questions, contact Quentin at (608) 882-6078 or [email protected] Saturday, May 1: Birding at Picnic Point We anticipate a pleasant spring morning of birding at one of Madison’s birding hot spots. With lots of shoreline, open water and a variety of woods, wetlands and open areas, Picnic Point is known for its diversity of birds. We can anticipate finding waterfowl, gulls, terns, blackbirds, wrens, woodpeckers, thrushes, orioles, vireos, early warblers, and a host of sparrows. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the 1918 Marsh parking lot across University Bay Dr. from Picnic Point, north of the UW hospital. The trip will last 2-3 hours with an opportunity to extend longer. Cosponsor: Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Dan Doeppers (608) 255-3013 and Peter Fissel (608) 226-0260 or [email protected] Sunday, May 2: Wisconsin River Bottoms The trip will visit several locations west of Mazomanie along the Wisconsin River bottoms including Arena Boat Landing, Spring Green Preserve, Bakken’s Pond and Blue River Sand Barrens. Depending on the amount of rain we get this spring, we may also stop along CTH G and CTH JJ in
6

Big Birding Day: May 8

By Delia Unson & Chuck Heikkinen Saturday, May 8, is this year’s Big Birding Day, and it’s also International Migratory Bird Day. Here’s your chance to explore a single county to see how many birds you can find (and enjoy). You can take part just for fun, or you can compete against the other teams. And in the process you can help build Madison Audubon’s ability to secure and protect new parcels of land, introduce bird education to more school children, and advocate on behalf of birds and other wildlife. Participants choose one of seven counties (Dane, Dodge, Columbia, Iowa, Richland, Sauk, or Jefferson) and go out as teams to find birds. Teams can be composed of anywhere from two to six people. The “hunting” hours are anywhere between 4 a.m. and 5 p.m. Some teams start at 4; others choose to be more leisurely. One team for the past two years has chosen to be particularly “green” by doing the entire day by bicycle. Most of us have still resorted to cars. While asking for pledges is not required, we encourage you to do so. Not only is it easy to gather pledges from family, friends, and neighbors, but it’s an excellent opportunity to discuss birds and bird conservation with them. People are almost always very happy to contribute to such a cause. They can offer either a specific amount, or a certain amount based on the number of birds you see, anywhere from $.05 per species to $1.00 or more. Pledges have been the largest source of funding that Big Birding Day brings in for Madison Audubon’s many conservation programs. For more detailed information, see the March/April CAWS or the MAS website. Registration deadline is Saturday, May 1. We encourage beginning birders to take part as well as advanced birders. The primary idea is to enjoy the great variety of birds we get during the peak of spring migration. The rules and sign-up forms are available on the MAS website: madisonaudubon.org. Or you can call or e-mail Chuck or Delia at deliaunson@gmail. com, (608) 274-4043(Chuck) or (608) 235-8914 (Delia), for more information. Please consider taking part!
The Audubon CAWS

Spring Green for shorebirds. Probable passerines include many warblers, Lark Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, meadowlarks, some water birds including Pied-billed Grebe, Sora, Black Tern, and probably some shorebirds such as Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers, various plovers, etc. The trip should last until early afternoon. It may be helpful to bring FRS radios along if you have them. The trip will meet at 6:30 a.m. in the parking lot at Mazomanie Bottoms (located about 3 miles north of Mazomanie on CTH Y & Laws Dr.). If you have questions, contact trip leader Chris West at little_blue_birdie@msn. com

Tuesday, May 4: Warbler Walk at the Arboretum This is one of a handful of annual early morning warbler walks to be held in the UW Arboretum, looking for migrating warblers as well as vireos, thrushes, tanagers and whatever else flies by. Meet at 6:00 a.m. in the Arboretum at the Wingra/Galistel Woods parking lot along Arboretum Dr. Enter the Arboretum from the east off Mills St. If you enter from the west (Seminole Hwy.) you will have to walk from the McKay Center parking area. Levi Wood (608) 277-7959. Wednesday, May 5: Warbler Walk at Turville Point This is the first of several early morning walks to be held at Turville Point. We will look for migrating warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, etc. Meet at 6:00 a.m. at the south parking lot at Olin-Turville Park, off John Nolen drive across from the Alliant Center. Quentin Yoerger (608) 882-6078 or Peter Fissel (608) 226-0260. Wednesday, May 5: Turville Point Spring Ephemerals Turville Point has one of Madison’s
May 2010

Canada Warbler/Pat Ready

best displays of spring ephemeral wildflowers. It also is the largest remaining area of natural shoreline on Lake Monona which benefits a wide variety of wildlife. Learn about current oak woodland restoration efforts in the park. Meet at the parking lot closest to the stop lights at Olin Ave, and John Nolen Drive at 6:30 p.m. Russ Hefty (608) 267-4918 Thursday, May 6: Warbler Walk at Pheasant Branch Join us for one of MAS’s early morning warbler walks. We’ll look for migrating warblers as well as vireos, thrushes, tanagers and whatever else flies by. Meet at 6:00 a.m. and park at the dead-end that leads up to Parisi Park near where Park Lawn St. meets Park St. in Middleton. Dottie Johnson and Mike McDowell (608) 831-9989 or [email protected] Saturday, May 8: Big Birding Day See story, page 6 Sunday, May 9: Big Birding Day Custom field trips can be arranged. Call or e-mail Chuck Heikkinen or Delia at [email protected], (608) 2744043(Chuck) or (608) 235-8914 (Delia), for more information. Tuesday, May 11: Warbler Walk at the Arboretum (see description of May 4 trip): John Feith (608) 445-7375 or [email protected] and Jim Berkelman. Wednesday, May 12: Warbler Walk at Turville Point (see description of May 5 walk): Peter Fissel (608) 226-0260 and Quentin Yoerger. Thursday, May 13: Warbler Walk at Pheasant Branch: (see description of May 6 walk) Mike McDowell and Jesse Peterson. Thursday, May 13: Evening at Token Creek Though bordered by Hwy. 51 and I-90,

Token Creek County Park’s varied habitats hold species such as Baltimore Oriole, Indigo Bunting, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Bluebird, Warbling Vireo and several species of flycatchers. A variety of migrating warblers is also possible.Trip leader Ed Saur has lived in northeastern Dane County and visited the park frequently for more than 20 years. He atlased the park for the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas Project for three years. The trip begins at 6:30 p.m. Token Creek Co. Park is in the northeast quadrant of the I-90-94 and Hwy. 51 interchange. It’s about a half-mile north on Hwy. 51 from I-90-94 or one-half mile south on Hwy. 51 from Hwy. 19 and just east of the Pine Cone Restaurant truck stop. Brown signs mark the entrance. Wear shoes that will keep your feet dry as some trails may be wet. Meet at the parking lot at the first building on the right. Ed Saur (608) 846-4482 or [email protected]

meet at the east side Cub Foods Store parking lot at 7:30 a.m. Reach Cub Foods via Hwy. 30 east to Hwy. 51. Go north on Hwy. 51 and take the first right (Nakoosa Tr.) and turn right again into the Cub Foods parking lot. Passengers are expected to help pay for gas. Pat Ready (608) 873-1703 & Levi Wood (608) 277-7959. Saturday, May 15: Bird Banding at the Biocore Prairie Bird Observatory This easy spring field trip near Picnic Point runs from 8 a.m. until noon. Come early or later in the morning, stay the full time or just a few minutes. See how birds are netted, banded, measured and released, and discuss how important information is gathered for management and conservation purposes. You can expect to see resident songbirds and a variety of other migrating birds in the hand. You can accompany bird banders to the nets and observe how they remove birds, band them, and measure the birds at the mobile station. Bring insect repellent. To get to the banding station, take Lake Mendota Dr. and park at Frautschi Point. Walk south through the woods, keeping Lake Mendota on your left, onto the Biocore Prairie. Make sure you stay on the trail closest to the lake. At the prairie, follow the trail to your right, then left. The banding station (a/k/a picnic table) is at the top of the prairie. Visitors not able to walk are asked to contact the trip leader ahead of time for permission to drive you to the site. Contact: Mara McDonald, [email protected] or (608) 274-2534 before 8:30 p.m., please. Sunday, May 16: Birding at Zeloski Marsh Zeloski Marsh, Jefferson County, is a major stopover spot for wetland birds during migration. It also has upland prairie and a wooded bog that attract other species. For a description of Zeloski Marsh see the MAS Sanctuaries webpage. Meet at the DNR parking lot at the end of Alley Rd. at 9:00 a.m. (about 45 min. from the west side of Madison). Alley Rd. is off CTH S, south of CTH B and north of CTH A. The Glacial Drumlin Trail runs through the marsh and is excellent for warbler watching at this time of the year, so make a day of it if you can. Picnic facilities are at nearby Korth Park and Lake Mills is nearby for food. Nolan Kollath, nkollath@ charter.net or (920) 648-3842.
May 2010

Friday, May 14: Evening at Nine Springs This 2 .5 hour birding trip will visit one of the more interesting and often overlooked birding spots in the Madison area to search for shorebirds, herons, cranes, terns, swallows and waterfowl. This area typically has good mud flats, marsh and pond habitat. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at the E-Way parking lot along the Capitol City Bike Trail on Moorland Road. Bring a scope if you have one. This trip may last until 9:00 p.m. or later. Dan Doeppers, Peter Fissel [email protected]. Sat. May 15: Birding Horicon Marsh With 268 species of birds identified at the marsh, Horicon is one of the birding hot spots in Wisconsin. At this time of year, in addition to the nesting egrets, herons and waterfowl, we hope to see plenty of warblers, vireos, thrushes and other passerines. With luck we will hear and maybe even see some of the more elusive marsh birds, such as rails and wrens. It may be mid-afternoon by the time we head back to Madison, so bring a lunch. To carpool,
7

Eastern Meadowlark/Pat Ready

American Avocets/Pat Ready

continued next page

The Audubon CAWS

Field Trips . . .

continued from page 7

Monday, May 17, Butterflies of Bauer Brockway Barrens (Jackson Co.) The best place in the state to look for early butterflies in May is Jackson County. Mike Reese will lead us in finding and observing many scarce and unusual species. We expect to find various Elfins including the very rare Frosted Elfin. We should find Olympia Marble, Gorgone Checkerspot, Cobweb Skipper, Dreamy and Sleepy Duskywings, etc. Bring binoculars if you have them, close-focusing ones work best. (A few extra pairs of binoculars are available.) Also, bring a bag lunch and water. A hat, long pants and

Clay-Colored Sparrow. Trip Leader John Romano has birded extensively and conducted Breeding Bird Atlas work in Governor Dodge. Meet to carpool at 6:00 a.m. in front of the Home Depot located one-quarter mile south of the Beltline off Verona Rd. A Wisconsin (day) state park sticker is necessary to enter the park. We should return around noon. John Romano (608) 238-6039 or (608) 444-4351 Thursday, May 27: Evening at Pheasant Branch Enjoy an evening warbler walk at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton, on the Dane County parcel. Migrating spring warblers, vireos and thrushes will be the focus of our search, but we’ll probably find other interesting birds. To reach the Dane County parcel, drive one and a half miles north on Pheasant Branch Rd. from Century Ave. Go to the third conservancy parking lot on the right after you pass the Conservancy Condominiums. Meet at 6:00 p.m. Mike McDowell (608) 831-9989 or [email protected] Saturday, May 29: Janesville’s Cook Arboretum Cook Arboretum, one of the premier birding spots in Rock County, offers a variety of habitats, including bottomland forest, riparian forest, scrub, field, and conifers. Several forest interior species are found there. Warbler diversity is excellent with over 20 species expected in late May. The trails are well-groomed, but the terrain is rugged. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the parking lot at the end of the drive. From Madison take Hwy. 14 south through Evansville. Before Janesville, take CTH H south (right) 1 mi. to CTH A. Take CTH A east (left) about 3 mi. The arboretum is on the left, at Austin Rd., 1 mi. before Janesville. Travel time is approx. 40 min. from the Madison Beltline. From I-90 and through Janesville: Take I-90 to Hwy. 26 (Milton Ave.) interchange Take Hwy. 26 into Janesville to Hwy. 14. Take Hwy 14 west (right) 5 mi. to Hwy. 51. Take Hwy. 51 south (left) 4 mi. to Memorial Dr. Take Memorial Dr. west (right) to the edge of town. Memorial Dr. becomes CTH A. The arboretum is on the right, just outside the city limits. Tom Klubertanz, tklubert@uwc. edu or (608) 758-6553. Sunday, May 30: Birding at Baxter’s Hollow Baxter’s Hollow is one of the most scenic areas in the Baraboo Hills. We will
8

search for breeding species like Wormeating, Mourning, Cerulean and Hooded Warblers, Louisiana Waterthrush, both cuckoos, and any migrants passing through. The trip will depart from the Copp’s parking lot (6800 Century Ave.) in Middleton at 6:30 a.m. and may last for four hours. Aaron Stutz (608) 294-9618 or [email protected]. Sat/Sun/Mon, May 29-31: Lake Lucerne Memorial Day Weekend Birding See March/April CAWS, p. 4. Saturday, June 5: Birds of Devil’s Lake and Baxter’s Hollow Join us for a morning of scouring the southern half of Devil’s Lake State Park to look for nesting bird species including Veery, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellowthroated Vireo, Acadian Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Blue-winged Warbler, plus possible Cerulean and Worm-eating Warblers. In all, we’ll probably find 50-60 species. We will extend the trip to include Baxter’s Hollow if time permits. The leaders, Chuck Heikkinen and Delia Unson, are intimately acquainted with this area, covering it for the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas. (They found 117 possible nesting species.) Please note that a (day) Wisconsin state park sticker is required to park at Devil’s Lake. Wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring water and insect repellent. Since we will be there until about noon or even later, you might want to bring a sack lunch. Meet at the Middleton Park and Ride to carpool and leave at 6:00 a.m. From Hwy. 12 at Middleton take Exit 249 (Parmenter St.) to the Park and Ride, OR, meet us at 6:45 a.m. in the parking area for the boat landing on the southwest shore of Devil’s Lake. Chuck or Delia (608) 274-4043, [email protected] Thursday, June 10: Evening at Owen Park Wildlife Ponds Leader Russ Hefty will show us the three new storm water and wildlife ponds and discuss what wildlife is there currently and what we might hope to attract in the future, such as Wood Ducks. Gourds have been put out to attract Purple Martins. Meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Owen Park parking lot on the south side of 6021 Old Sauk Rd. The trip will last until 8:00 p.m. or so. Russ Hefty (608) 233-8513; rhefty@ ci.madison.wi.us (only if you have questions).
May 2010

“Flying Tiger” Copyright 2009 Ann Thering

long sleeves are recommended. This is a joint trip with the Southern Wis. Butterfly Assoc. Meet in Jackson Co. at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of West Bauer Road and Brockway Road. We will butterfly until 3:00 p.m. DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of I-94 and Hwy 54 in Black River Falls, go east on Hwy 54 approximately five miles to Brockway Road. Turn right on Brockway and drive 2.5 miles south to West Bauer Road. This area is about 2 hours or so northwest of Madison. Participants must PRE-REGISTER for this trip by calling Mike at (920) 787-2341 (so we can contact you in case of cancellation due to weather). Saturday, May 22: Badger Ordnance Tour (Canceled this year) Sunday, May 23: Birding Governor Dodge State Park Come join us when we bird the 5,000 acre Governor Dodge State Park in the driftless area of southwest Wisconsin near Dodgeville. Bird species seen on some recent field trips to Governor Dodge include Bell’s Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat, Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Orchard Oriole, Henslow’s and
The Audubon CAWS

Featured speaker Bill Volkert spoke about the past, present and future of Horicon Marsh at this year’s “Wings Over Madison” spring banquet on March 30. Volkert is the natural resource educator and naturalist at Wisconsin DNR’s Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area.

Annual Banquet a Success!

2010 Excellence Award Winners

About 150 members, guests, donor representatives and honorees attended Madison Audubon’s annual banquet on Tuesday, March 30 at Memorial Union. Many thanks to generous donors who sponsored the banquet and provided items for the silent auction.

CoNtributors

Tundra Swan level - Solheim Billing & Grimmer Law Firm Wood Duck level - Alliant Energy Bluebird level - American Family Insurance; Michler & Brown Ecological Restoration

House Wren level - M&I Bank; Wegner CPAs & Consultants

The Cliff Germain Award for Excellence in Community-Based Restoration was awarded to John and Nancy Diekelmann for 30 years of habitat restoration at their 240-acre property, Oak Coulee Woods, near Prairie du Chien.

The Sam Robbins Award for Excellence in Citizen Science was presented to Kim and Dale Karow and the Friends of Allen Creek Watershed, Fort Atkinson, for watershed monitoring and habitat improvement. Kim Karow accepted on behalf of her family and the Friends group. The James Zimmerman Award for Excellence in Environmental Education and Communication was accepted by Larry Sperling, editor, on behalf of the staff of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, a self-sustaining publication that covers a full spectrum of emerging outdoor and environmental topics in Wisconsin.

sileNt auCtioN DoNors

Eagle Optics Wild Birds Unlimited John & Judith Hutchinson of Fontana Sports Specialties American Girl Marilyn Mellenberger Itchy Cat Press Sherri Baldwin National Audubon Society Barbara Jenkin Orange Tree Imports Sunroom Café & Gallery
The Audubon CAWS

The Joseph Hickey Award for Excellence in Bird Conservation went to Daniel Berger, Nancy & Helmut Mueller and the Cedar Grove Ornithological Research Station for 60 consecutive years of bird banding, recordkeeping, and publishing their observations. Station Board members and long time volunteers Cathy and Jack Kaspar of Oshkosh accepted the award.
9

May 2010

Board Matters

Brand Smith resigned his position as president of MAS in late February to spend more time with his family. We appreciate his service and all the good work he accomplished during his term. Vice President Deb Weitzel became president. Since her busy work schedule would not allow her the time necessary to fulfill Brand’s complete term, which ends June 30, 2011, using the procedures specified in the bylaws Deb and the board have approved Peter Cannon as the new president. MAS always needs volunteers to serve on the board and/or board committees. If you can help, please email Peter at [email protected].

Donations Received in February and Early March 2010
ACRE MAKER Jerry Martin MY OWN VISION Laura Brown and Mark Shahan Robert and Nancy Dott Kathy and Rich Henderson Teresa Mason Gene Mitchell and Jarno Arnovich Gary Olsen and Gaila Hagg Olsen William Thomas Eli Woyke GIFTS IN MEMORY OF A PERSON In Memory of Evelyn Batchelor Anthony and Darlene Nowak Linda Tuchman GIFTS IN HONOR OF A PERSON In Honor of Elsie Lapinski and Lois Smithies Joanne Herfel In Honor of Lorraine Stoltzfus Karen R. Shevet Dinah

Birds of the Madison Isthmus: A Checklist

With the help of Dave Laufenberg, Madison Audubon has finally completed a new checklist that focuses on downtown Madison: Birds of the Madison Isthmus: A Checklist. You can find it on our website under “birding” or contact the office and we’ll send you a copy. Dave is a UW-Madison student who co-founded Students for Bird Conservation and who’s doing an independent study with us this spring. We often field questions at the office about birds on the Isthmus and knew a checklist existed for the area east of the Yahara River to Olbrich Park and another for the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, which begins at the UW Memorial Union. We thought we’d fill in the gap. Based on those two lists, the Madison Isthmus has been defined as the area from the Yahara River west to Park St. Local checklists can be especially useful for casual bird watchers to become more aware of the diversity of birds right in their own backyards, to encourage citizens and communities to plant more native species for birds, and to provide a list for visitors. Attendees at Monona Terrace and UW conferences regulary contact us about nearby places to bird. Such checklists can also be useful in showing the importance of habitat, especially to migrating birds. And, it’s simply a fun way to keep track of how many species you can find in a relatively small area. Check it out!

Mad Rollin’ Dolls “Bout for the Birds”

Since 2004, Madison’s roller derby league, the Mad Rollin’ Dolls, has presented the excitement of flat track roller derby to fans in our area. Along the way they have generously supported many local organizations through donations and volunteering. The Dolls have scheduled their final bout (game) of the season for May 22, and they have offered to donate a portion of the proceeds to Madison Audubon Society. We thank the Dolls for their generous offer, and we invite our members and others to experience flat track roller derby at its best. When: Saturday, May 22. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the bout starts at 6:00. Where: Alliant Energy Center – Exhibition Halls.
The Audubon CAWS

By Pat Ready, Editor For about a month and a half this winter we had an injured deer that frequented our back yard in the city of Stoughton. I have several bird feeders set up and a “wildlife friendly” back yard. The deer, which was missing the lower half of his left hind leg, would come around any time of the day looking for a snack. He seemed fond of safflower the most. One Saturday afternoon he came up to our family room window where he caught the atttention of our cat Lewie. My wife Deb caught their friendly interaction with her digital camera. Calls to the local police, DNR, and our vet were to no avail. They all said if he looked healthy and wasn’t causing anyone any harm just leave him be. The last we saw of him was in mid-February when the snow became hard packed.
10 May 2010

Unusual Pals

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME! Join Madison Audubon Society, or give a gift membership. TIME TO RENEW? Check your Madison Audubon CAWS address label to determine your renewal date. Please renew two months before that date to keep your membership current and avoid missing any issues of the CAWS. Tip: Renewing through the MAS office directs more of your donation to local activities and conservation projects. Update: We now send an annual renewal notice. In the future we plan to offer a renewal option via the MAS website.

Membership, Renewal and Donation Form
MY NAME _________________________
Address ______________________________ City __________________________________ State_____ ZIP_________________________ Day phone: ( ) ______________________ E-mail ________________________________

PAYMENT INFORMATION

YES! I want to

___ Join Madison Audubon Society ___ Give a gift membership to:
Name ________________________________ Address ______________________________ City __________________________________ State_____ ZIP_________________________ Day phone: ( ) ______________________ E-mail ________________________________

MAKE A DONATION Help make Madison Audubon’s vision a reality. We offer education about the natural world, opportunities to advocate for the environment, and two wildlife sanctuaries with natural habitat where you can learn about the beauty and value of nature. MAIL TO: MADISON AUDUBON SOCIETY 222 S. Hamilton St., Suite #1 Madison, WI 53703 Or visit our website, www.madisonaudubon.org at Join/Renew Donate Madison Audubon Society, Inc. is a taxexempt, not-for-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Madison Audubon’s financial statement is available upon request.

___ Renew/upgrade my membership ___ Make a donation
[ ] In memory of _______________________ [ ] In honor of _________________________

Please send notification of this gift to:
Name ________________________________ Address ______________________________ City __________________________________ State_____ ZIP_________________________ Day phone: ( ) ______________________ E-mail ________________________________

New membership [ ] $25 New or Gift $_________ Renewal _________ [ ] $25 Student/senior [ ] $60 Family [ ] $40 Renewal [ ] $20 CAWS newsletter Only (non-member) Over and Above Member _________ [ ] Patron $1,000 [ ] Benefactor $500 [ ] Partner $250 [ ] Contributor $100 Donation _________ [ ] Acre-Maker, $2,500 or more can purchase and restore one acre of land [ ] Half-Acre-Maker, $1,250-$2,499 [ ] Quarter-Acre-Maker, $625-$1,249 [ ] Adopt-an-Acre, $100 a year for three years ($300 total). Here is my first installment. [ ] Nest Egg, $50 a year for three years ($150 total). Here is my first installment. [ ] My Own Vision Total enclosed/charged $_________ Please make check payable to Madison Audubon Society, OR please charge my [ ] VISA [ ] Master Card Name on card _______________________________ Card # _____________________________________ Expiration date _______/ _________ Signature __________________________________

[ ] Please do not acknowledge my Gift in Madison Audubon CAWS.

MADISON AUDUBON SOCIETY
President: Peter Cannon Vice-president: Debra Weitzel Goose Pond resident managers: Mark and Sue Martin Faville Grove Sanctuary managers: David Musolf, Roger Packard Editor: Patrick Ready [email protected] Graphic design: Patrick Ready [email protected] CAWS printer: Roemer Printing

THE AUDUBON CAWS is published
September through June by: Madison Audubon Society, 222 S. Hamilton St., Madison, WI 53703, (608) 255-2473. Birding hotline, 255-2476. www.madisonaudubon.org [email protected] E-mail services donated by Berbee

Madison Audubon Wishlist

• Quality binoculars

We greatly appreciate any donations, or contributions, for the following items.

• Digital (LCD) projector • Mule utility vehicle • Rider mower/snow blower in working condition • Energy efficient washing machine

Submissions for the Summer (June, July, August) CAWS are due May 1.

The mission of the Madison Audubon Society is to educate our members and the public about the natural world and the threats that natural systems are facing, to engage in advocacy to preserve and protect these systems, and to develop and maintain sanctuaries to save and restore natural habitat.
11

The Audubon CAWS

May 2010

Madis

Art Fair
Saturday, May 1, 2010
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

34th Annual Madison Audubon Society, Inc. o PeterA u d u b o n S o n Cannon, President 222 S. Hamilton St. Suite #1 Madison, WI 53703

ciety

Non-profit organization U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 1831 Madison, Wisconsin

Is it time to renew your membership? See form on page 11 and help MAS.
5/10

Pretty Boys (Cedar Waxwings) by Audrey Christie

Warner Park Community Center

Food MASRaffle Art Fair Silent Auction – May 1
see page Admission Free Parking and 1
www.madisonaudubon.org

at Warner Park 1625 Northport Drive, Madison

MAS Calendar At a Glance
eveNts MAS Art Fair - May 1

Big Birding Day - May 8 fielD trips

“Bout for Birds” - May 22 See pages 6-8 for details

By Sharon Schwarz, Master Gardener If you have an uninvited neighborhood raptor that is hanging around your yard or feeders, there are some gardening shrubs that can help protect your invited songbirds. Look for shrubs that have dense branching with dense leaves. What comes to mind is the Viburnum shrub genus. Viburnums are some of the most attractive, versatile, and adaptable shrubs for the home landscape. Bloom times span early spring through June and are followed by attractive fruit and outstanding fall foliage. Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) is a Wisconsin native producing berries that many birds love. Among birds feeding on its fruit are Gray Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) Catbird, American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, and Cedar Photo: Missouri Botanical Garden, www.mobot.org Waxwing. Make your mark on MAS history! Are you organized, interested in Madison Audubon Society, and looking for a volunteer opportunity? Our dedicated Chapter Historian, Dorothy Haines is looking for help. Tasks include organizing files, photos and materials. There is also opportunity to document current events by taking photos and maintaining a scrapbook. For more information, contact Dorothy via email at <[email protected]> or contact the MAS office. Publicity makes the difference. The Publicity Committee writes and distributes publicity for MAS events such as the annual banquet, spring art fair, and monthly programs. Volunteers with writing and computer skills, enthusiasm, and ability to meet a deadline are needed. For details, contact the MAS office at <[email protected]>.

Shrubs Can Be Your Birds’ Safe Haven

Volunteer Opportunities