EARTHSTAR NEWSLETTER OF THE MACOMB AUDUBON SOCIETY

http://www.macombaudubon.org Volume 41 number 3, May-June 2015

Programs

Monday, May 4, 2015, 7:00 p.m. – PROGRAM

NIGHT: Michigan’s Threatened and Endangered Spe-

cies

Presented by: Holly Vaughn, Michigan Department of

Natural Resources Wildlife Outreach Technician for

Southeast Michigan.

2014 marked the 40th anniversary of Michigan’s

Threatened and Endangered Species Act. In continuing

celebration of this landmark legislation, we will discuss

17 plant and animal species that are currently listed as

threatened or endangered in the state of Michigan and

we’ll even talk about some conservation success stories.

The discussion will touch on grey wolves, bald eagles,

Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, spotted turtles and

much more.

Holly Vaughn works for the Wildlife Division of the

Michigan Department of Natural Resources as the Wild-

life Outreach Technician for Southeast Michigan. In this

position, Holly gets to do her very favorite thing – edu-

cating others about Michigan’s fantastic wildlife! Holly

graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in

Fisheries and Wildlife and an M.S. in Park, Recreation

and Tourism Resources. She is an avid birder, spending

much of her spare time exploring Michigan’s woods and

waters. Recently, Holly spent 2 years serving as the

President of the Grand Traverse Audubon Club in her

hometown of Traverse City, Michigan.

Programs Continued on Page 5

Field Trips

Magee Marsh Wildlife Refuge

Friday May 1st. - Sunday May 3rd.

Let’s go Warblering! We stay at ’The Luxurious Lake Erie

Lodge‘, 10530 Corduroy Rd., Curtis, OH. 43412. Phone no.

419-836-2822. I have 7 rooms reserved, 4 are taken. If you

wish to come along on this absolutely hands down awesome

trip let me know quickly, please. The manager Linda has giv-

en us a break on the cost because we have faithfully come

back year after year, $49.95 a night. Thanks Linda. We’ll go

out to dinner Friday night. Meet at the Lodge at 6 pm and

we’ll go to dinner from there. Saturday night we’ll have a pot

luck dinner, so bring a dish to pass. Bring your lunch for Sat.

and Sun. There are refrigerators in your rooms to hold all

your goodies. When you get there on Friday, check in then

come on over to Magee Marsh. That’s where we’ll be. WOO-

WHO!!! We’ll meet at Magee on Saturday the 2nd

. At 10 am,

west end of the parking lot by the entrance to the boardwalk.

(If it’s to jamming we’ll head down to the east entrance)

Lake St. Clair Metropark Big Day Count -

Leader: Julie Champion

May 9 (Saturday) 7:00 am (Approx. duration:

5 hrs.)

This annual count demonstrates the importance of Lake

St. Clair Metropark's shoreline, woods, fields, and wet-

lands as a vital migrating stop. Birders of all levels are

needed to help. Call Julie at 586-463-4332 for volunteer

information. Coffee and doughnuts are provided. Bring a

lunch. Park is at the far east end of Metro Parkway (16

Mile Rd.) Meet at the Nature Center. Entrance fee is re-

quired.

Macomb Audubon Society

The Macomb Audubon Society is a

chapter of the Michigan Audubon

society. Meetings are normally

held the first Monday of each

month at 7:00 p.m. at the Sterling

Heights Senior Center located on

the N.E .side of Utica Rd. east of

Van Dyke and North of 18 mile Rd.

Events of the Society are open to

the public.

The mission of the Macomb Audu-

bon Society is to:

.Promote interest in the world of

nature and to aid in the conserva-

tion of natural resources.

Provide an outlet for nature activi-

ties via field trips.

Provide an opportunity for the

exchange of knowledge and expe-

rience through lectures, films, dis-

cussions and newsletters.

Aid organizations that provide

people of all ages with opportuni-

ties to experience these above

given objectives. People can sup-

port our efforts by becoming

members. To become a member,

complete the form on the inside

back cover. Members receive this

newsletter, the Earthstar.

Earthstar Deadline

We appreciate relevant

information or articles of

interest to the Macomb

Audubon membership for

review for publicaton in the

Earthstar. If you have material

that you wish to submit,

please send it by the 12th

of the

preceding month to:

Bill Clark 53253 North Ave

Macomb MI 48042.

Email: wtclark1@comcast.net

Earthstar is published

bimonthly.by the Macomb

Audubon Society, a non-profit

educational organization.

Hey everybody - how you doin’

I just love the wonderfully fickle early spring weather.

On 3-31 we wake up to 7 inches of snow and by that

afternoon it’s melted. 4-1 I decide I need some early

spring color so off to Wojo’s Nursery I go and buy my-

self 4 flats of good old hardy pansies. Don’t you just

love their happy little faces! I know, to much Fantasia

as a kid. Get home, drag out some containers and start planting. “Boy oh

boy this sure does feel great and look, no earmuffs, I say to the husband, all

that snow yesterday and today it’s near 60 degrees and sunny.” As I’m planting

and enjoying the fragrance of those happy little pansies I’m waiting for the

hummer food to cool so I can get our feeders up, you never know when they’ll

show, right. Now it’s 4-3 and they’re calling for temps in the 20’s tonight. Yep,

gotta love it. The only thing missing is some rain. We could use a nice 24 hour

shower. After all we had a dry winter, now a dry spring, you do the math.

Another thing I enjoy in early spring is the overlap of winter and summer birds.

Junco, Pine Siskin, and Purple Finch still moving through then in swoop the

Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird and much to my delight the Robin. Happy to

see them hopping about. Didn’t have any Robin during our Lapeer and Macomb

County CBC”s. So hooray, our pair is back. That’s it so far out here in Northern

Oakland County. Oh yeah, the Sandhills are back out on Seymore Lake Rd. by

Cook’s Dairy but the pair I have seen for the last 8 yrs by Lake Louise and Huff

Lake have not returned. Where are you???

Congratulations to Chris Becher and her merry band of volunteers for throwing

a great party for our fine feather friends the Peregrine Falcon. (Made sure I

spelled that correctly Barb) No offense anyone but my favorite guests were

the Red-tailed Hawk, Goshawk, and the reason we were there in the first place a

Peregrine Falcon. Too cool!!!

Thanks to all who came to show your support for this worthy cause. Another

big shout of thanks to all the companies and individuals that generously donat-

ed items for the auctions. Chrissy and her volunteers did a bang up job and all

attendees had a fabulous evening. Plan and simple, we had fun!!!

We’re not here for a long time we’re here for a good time! Now take the time

to say hello and welcome to our returning fine feathered friends and safe trip to

those heading further North.

Peace, Colleen

Meetings are held the first Monday of most

months at 7:00 PM at the Sterling Heights

Senior Center located on the NE side of Utica

Rd, east of Van Dyke and North Of 18 Mile

Rd.

Facebook Announcement Macomb Audubon Society now has its own Facebook page! Upcoming activities and cur-rent bird sightings are posted on this popular social media. Check it out and "Like" us! While you are there, you may also want to look at another interesting Facebook page: Peregrine Falcons Southeast Michigan. Here you will find updates and photos from Chris Becher, MDNR Southeast Michigan Peregrine Falcon Nesting Coordinator and MDNR volunteer, Barb Baldinger.

Thanks to the people who brought refreshments to the

meeting. It adds so much to the fellowship

Alice Forton, Micki Smith, Walter Peters, Tammy

Hooton, Heather & Ken Slayton, Colleen, Steadie Ed-

die, Barb Baldinger, Betty Lou Clark, Kathy Muscillo,

Walter Peters

The following Members have made a contribution at

the Contributor Level : Ann Perini, Tammy Hooton,

Keith Stevens , Ward Randol, Shirley Bergman, Sha-

ron Salamon, David & Elaine McDonald, Margaret

Alyea, Jill Storrison, Thomas & Ramona Van Tol

________________________________________

Thanks to Barb B. for this

Dear Sony Birders

2015

Spring stony Bird Walks Second Saturday

of the month at 8:30 am.

May 9, Nicholson Nature Center, Clinton

Twp—Lots of warblers and neighboring

migrant traps

____________________________

June 13, Inwood Lot—Eagle nestlings Ad-

dison Twp. Watershed Preerve?, Cranberry

Lake, Addison Oaks East, Inwood North?

Wolcott Mill Metropark?

______________________________

Field Trips Continued:

East Tawas Birding Festival

Friday May 15th. - Sunday May 17th.

As always we are staying at our beloved,

‘The Bambi’. I have 8 rooms reserved, all

are taken but that could change. So again I

need to hear from you quickly if you wish to

attend. We’ll go out to dinner Friday and

have our infamous potluck on Saturday.

Even if you do not stay at “The Bambi’ meet

there at 6 pm for dinner both nights, be-

cause it’s always fun to get together at the

end of a fun day of birding. Saturday the

16th. we’ll meet at the Tawas SP lighthouse

parking lot at 10 am. Get there earlier if you

wish. We’ll find each other, we’re birders!

Entrance fee is required. And of course,

Tuttle Marsh, here we come!!!

Just in case you have not heard, the Osprey pair made it back to their cell tower nest site on Inwood Road

April 1st, and immediately went to work trying to construct a new nest. Their former nest was completely re-

moved by the utility company in order to upgrade the equipment on the tower. The new configuration on the

tower caused some concern regarding their ability to be able to place branches effectively enough to rebuild.

So far progress is very slow, as is building the base to any nest, but hopefully they will not get discouraged. The

bald eagle nest seems to be doing well, and luckily we have not had any violent branch-breaking storms yet

this nesting season. Vandalism and graffiti are a big problem on the Inwood Trails; if you see anyone defacing

the property please report it to the park immediately. I also had Eastern Phoebes by the park April 1st, and

several flocks of Tundra Swans pass over. The Woodcock are dancing and peenting along both sides of the Na-

ture Center Road just north of 28 Mile Road, and have been for several weeks.

April 2nd brought warm breezes and a good opportunity to view the hundreds upon hundreds of waterfowl

migrating via Stony Lake. The dominant species are Common Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks, Common Gold-

eneyes, Buffleheads, Redheads, and Canvasbacks – with a few Lesser Scaup and American Wigeon mixed in.

The air was warm enough that all the Western Chorus Frogs started singing. April is the peak month for view-

ing migrating waterfowl so I encourage you all to go to the park and check it out.

Ruth Glass

Stony Creek Nature Center Volunteer

LAWNS - Huh - what are they good for - absolutely nothing:

After reading Sharon Sorenson’s new book: ‘Birds in the Yard, Month by Month’ I was reminded why I do not care for

lawns.

She writes, “Pesticides and lawn, a deadly combination for birds.” How true, how true. I knew that many birds died

every year from this deadly combination but the lose is estimated to be approximately 7 million annually. SERIOUSLY?!

I had no idea it was that many.

We need to get over our addition to lush lawns. In many parts of the country they are doing just that and here in Michi-

gan we need to get on board with this movement. Billions of dollars are spent annually tending to lawns. Yep, all that

money spent so we can mow it, bag it up, and send it to our landfills. GO FIGURE!!! “A well tended crop that we cannot

eat, sell, or use.” At least use mulching mowers or make sure your lawn service does. Better yet, how about a hand

pushed mulching more. NO POWER TOOLS. Just think, without all that racket you’d actually be able to hear all those

beautiful birds in and around your yard and gardens. Sweet, or should I saw cheep, cheep.

So do yourself, your family and friends, and the birds a favor and eliminate some of your lawn. If you must, use lawn

areas as pathways or a little sitting area. Start filling in the rest with NATIVE trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, grasses,

annuals, et cetera. QUIT USING PESTICIDES, power tools, petroleum based fertilizers. Feed the soil, not the plant.

Hopefully you get the picture. And the water wasted - ARRRGH!!! - don’t even get me started on that waste.

Get together with your neighbors and have a conversation about turning your neighborhood into a bird and therefore

human friendly environment. Don’t be shy, someone has to start the conversation!!!

Submitted by Colleen

Programs continued

Monday, June 1, 2015, 7:00 p.m. – PROGRAM NIGHT: One Man, One Bike, 200 Birds

Presented by: Josh Haas

Do you like riding your bike? Do you like finding birds? If so, this program is for you! In 2013, Josh Haas set out

to see or hear as many bird species as possible in Barry County, Michigan, without use of fossil fuels. His goal

was 200 birds over the course of his 2013 Big Green Big Year (BIGBY). Josh had big days and not so big days,

but along the way he was filmed and photographed at key times in the field. He has combined all of this media

and many of his memorable stories into a program that is an entertaining must-see.

Josh is the President of the Battle Creek Brigham Audubon Society and is an entertaining speaker with a pas-

sion for all things birds. He is known for his bird photography and co-owns Glances at Nature Photography

(www.glancesatnature.com) with his father where he sells his work, provides lessons and workshops, as well

as leads trips around the Midwest. Josh has an extensive background with hawks and owls working with many

local nature centers to train both birds and handlers, provide programming, and care for resident raptors. He

spent six fall seasons with the Detroit River Hawkwatch as a relief Hawk Counter, honing his skills on hawk ID.

He also partners with local non-profits like the Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, and the

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for programming and workshops.

______________________________________________________________

Volunteer opportunity:

Saturday April 18th. 9 am to noon

Lake St. Clair Metropark

25th. Annual Earth Week Cleanup Day. For more information and to register call: 586-463-4332 Registration

ends April 13th.

A reminder for the April 25th. field trip to Bay City SP and surrounding areas. Call or email me and let me

know if you are going to be there so I can wait for you if you are running a little late. I honestly do like to know

ahead of time who is going on any given trip so I can wait for all to gather. 248-627-6872 or

garndmothernature2@gmail.com

We’re Proud Supporters of Macomb Audubon Society

Lake St. Clair Nature Center Board Members & committee Chairs Sterling Heights Nature Center, President Colleen Traylor (248) 627-6872 Seven Ponds Nature Center, 1st VP (Programs) Christine Becher (810) 796-3505 Stony Creek Nature Center, 2nd VP (Member Ship) Beverlee Babcock (586 ) 263-7666 Burgess Shadbush Nature Center, 3rd VP (Field Trips) Colleen Traylor & Charles Smart Wild Life Recovery Association, Recording Secretary Laura Barbour (248) 853-5465 Michigan Nature Association, Corresponding Secretary Micki Smith (586) 791-9623 Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy. Treasurer Cheryl McKeever (586) 254-2789 Michigan Audubon RRBO ______________________________ Committees Car Pool Coordinator Frank Lautner For the best bird seed Christmas Bird Count Barb Baldinger (586) 263-6530 At the best prices Environmental & Conservation Vacant Uncle Luke’s feed store Historian Michael Mroz (586) 596-2776 6691 Livernois Hospitality (Refreshments) Betty Ebert & Alice Forton Troy Michigan Hospitality (Door Prizes) Denis & Laura Barbour _______________ Earthstar Newsletter Editor Bill Clark--------- (586) 749-5523 To contact the Macomb Audubon Michigan Audubon Rep. Ray Lalonde Society by e-mail the address is Members-at-Large (2 positions) Vacant macombaudubon@gmail.com Newsletter Production, Mailing Denis & Laura Barbour To join the Macomb Audubon Seven Ponds Representative Paul Messing Mailing list please send an e-mail Web Editor Paul Messing To: macombaudubon-subscribe@ Volunteer Coordinator Vacant Yahoogroups.com Macomb Audubon Society Dues

Please make checks payable to Macomb Audubon Society and send to: Beverlee Babcock Macomb Audubon Membership 50229 Pepper Tree Dr. Macomb Mi, 48044.

Your name and the names of family members (Please Print) __________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________City_______________________________________ State_____________ZIP_____________Phone_____________________________ New Member_______Renewal______ Check One _______Family Membership $20.00 Total Amount enclosed $________ ______Individual Membership $15.00 Amount of donation over membership $_____(optional) _____Student Membership $10.00 Contributor----up to $49.99 ____Senior single Membership $12.00 Supporter------$50 to $99.99 ______Senior couple Membership $15.00 Donor-----------$100 and over (senior is over 60) Each year Macomb Audubon makes a membership list available to members. Check here if you wish to have your telephone number left off the list _____ Email Address_________________________________________________________(optional) Check here to receive the Earthstar by Email only_____ Check here if a Michigan Audubon member_____ Check here if a National Audubon member _____ I (we) are interested in becoming a Macomb Audubon volunteer. Please contact me____