Audubon Society of Forsyth County

Jackson Park Weekend Trip

2017 Fall Migration Trip to western NC on September 22-24 with optional day on the 25th . We will be heading to Hendersonville, NC to bird Jackson Park for the afternoon on Friday. After spending the night in Hendersonville, we will go back to Jackson Park early on Saturday morning to see if we can add any other interesting migrating songbirds, especially warblers, to our list. After lunch, we will drive to a hotel North of Asheville to spend the night to be closer to the Blue Ridge Parkway for some birding in that area on Sunday. We will get up with the birds on Sunday morning and drive to Ridge Junction, a great hot spot to observe migrants as they cross the mountain on their way South. For the afternoon, we will go up to Mt. Mitchell and see if we can find the Red Crossbills. For those who are able, we will plan to stay one more night! On Monday, we will plan to visit the Southern Appalachian Raptor Research Station on Big Bald Mountain. This involves a “hike” to the top of the Bald. While here,we will observe the banding process and learn about their research. Mark your calendars now if you are interested! Registration will open in early September for this trip.

Canoe Birding Trip (postponed due to weather)

Unfortunately we will have to cancel the June 23rd canoe birding trip! The current water levels are very high from all of the rain, and they are also calling for thunderstorms. We will reschedule the trip for another date, so keep an eye out for any updates!

Join us on a kayak or a canoe trip down the Yadkin River from Pilot Mountain Access to the Donnaha Access in Yadkin County. The trip is limited to 6 canoes (12 people). Sign-up will be first come, first served. If you have your own canoe or kayak, you are permitted to join; however, you will still need to provide personal transportation between access points. Please sign up via email with intent and an email address that can be used for coordinating a carpooling effort. Please contact Jesse Anderson with any questions.

Date: TBA

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (tentative)

Start: Shoals Yadkin River Access

4256 Shoals Rd, East Bend, NC 27018

End: Donnaha Park River Access

NC-67, East Bend, NC 27018

A few things you may want to consider prior to sign up (PLEASE READ):

- The program may be subject to cancellation if river level is high.

- The program will likely involve a long day on the river, paddling 3-5 hours

- Canoes, life-preserves, and paddles will be provided

- We have the potential to see good birds, but navigating rocks and safety are our main priorities

- If water is low, expect to have to exit your canoe into the river (yes, you may get wet!) to pull it out of the shoals on uneven, rocky ground.

- We have completely capsized on the river before because of overhanging downed trees and swift currents, so whatever you bring with you is your responsibility. That being said, I have also carefully transported my camera with me for photos using a dry-river bag and keeping it inside until completely docked for pictures.

- Everyone at one point or another will get stuck on rocks, it will be up to those in the canoe to dislodge their canoe to keep moving. One or both participants will have to exit the canoe

- Any electronics that are not waterproof run the risk of being damaged - bring your own dry bag, if needed

- All parties will need to organize transportation and carpool, leaving vehicles at the final destination

- Parties should expect to bring lunch, snacks, and adequate water for the day.

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments - please contact Jesse Anderson

Audubon Garden-Bethania

Eight years ago Forsyth Audubon members Shelley Rutkin, Susan Andrews, Lisa Gould and Lois Schneider worked with the Town of Bethania to install a Bird Friendly Native Plant Garden at the Bethania Visitor Center. Since then, through their efforts, the garden has thrived and been enjoyed by all. At this time we are pleased to announce that Michelle Williams, Historic Landscape Coordinator for the Town of Bethania, will be taking over leadership for the care of the garden. She invites Forsyth Audubon members and others to continue their involvement through work days to be scheduled the third Tuesday of each month between 9 and 11 a.m. Congratulations to all involved for a successful conservation project and thank you for all of your hard work.

Earth Day

The Earth celebrated on April 22 and Forsyth Audubon was there. Our booth was in the kid friendly area and we had loads of kids and families who enjoyed our games and quiz. Identifying birds, making suet feeders out of pine cones, taking home bird feeder plans, they grabbed them all up. A very busy day with lots of people visiting our booth, sharing their bird stories and taking away information about Forsyth Audubon, Bird Friendly Gardens, Climate Change, and native plants. Networking took place among the many exhibitors, learning and collaborating. A very successful and enjoyable outing. Many thanks to all who participated and especially to Wendy Hawkins for organizing and planning.

Forsyth Creek Week Grant

Forsyth Audubon received a grant from Forsyth Creek Week for an interpretive sign to educate the public about the value of a rain garden/wetland that benefits birds and other wildlife. Declining habitat, especially in our urban setting, and climate change threaten many of our bird species. We want to do what we can to sustain what valuable habitat we have, and to encourage residents to create or enhance habitat in their own yards and neighborhoods. We believe what helps birds, helps people. Through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, Forsyth Audubon is helping to revitalize one of our own urban neighborhoods for people and birds.

Habitat Awards Forsyth Audubon Members!

Forsyth Audubon volunteers, including Don Lendle, were honored at the Habitat annual awards ceremony. Their many hours spent installing Bird Friendly native plants at the Habitat campus and homes were greatly appreciated.

Special thanks to Kim Brand for initiating our partnership with Habitat Forsyth County.
Our work will continue as we partner with Forest Evening Garden Club to bring more landscape beauty and Bird Friendly Yards to Habitat.

Douglas Tallamy Speaking Event!

Forsyth Audubon and Old Salem will be sponsoring noted author and lecturer Douglas Tallamy on Thursday evening November 2nd, 2017.

This event will be held at Old Salem Visitor Center Auditorium, 900 Old Salem Road, Winston Salem. Douglas Tallamy is known as a very knowledgeable and entertaining speaker. His one hour presentation will stress the importance of native plants to support a diverse ecosystem including insects and birds, the ability that we all have to create such an important habitat in our own yard and community, and practical suggestions regarding how to accomplish that task.

Questions will be taken and book purchase and signing will be available.

Monitor this site for more information and an announcement of ticket availability.

Snavely Award Recognizes Ron Morris!

Ron Morris has received the 2016 Ramona Snavely Award for his continuing service to Forsyth Audubon. Ron was honored at the December 17th Count Down Dinner at Alex's Cafe after the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Christmas Bird Count, that Ron organized. He was presented with a David Disher photo of a Barred Owl on canvas.

Ron has contributed so much to Forsyth Audubon, and we are thankful to have him as part of our chapter. He served as our chapter president from 2011-2012. He is very involved with all of the parks projects, especially the Tanglewood Park signage!

We are very lucky to have someone that is so involved in the birding community and that cares so much about bird conservation, thank you for everything you do, Ron Morris and congratulations!

Forsyth County Big Sit

On Saturday October 8th Forsyth Audubon participated in an international event called the Big Sit. The goal is to sit in the same designated area and record all of the species of birds that are seen or heard during a set period of time. This day was also the day Hurricane Matthew made landfall! It was a very soggy day but our small team was able to see and/or hear 28 species. Nathan Gatto had the first shift around 7 a.m. It was a very rainy morning but the weather cleared up for about 45 minutes and that’s when they saw most of the birds. One of the first birds of the day was a very vocal Barred Owl calling across the wetland at Reynolda. They had a nice mix of migrating birds throughout the day including several large groups of Cedar Waxwings, American Crows and American Robins. Rob Rogers covered the second shift of the day and added two new species for the day; an Acadian Flycatcher and Mallard. His shift ended and we decided that his waterproof shoes might need to be replaced! Shelley helped out with the last shift of the day and also experienced some of the heaviest downpours! Next year we hope the weather is better and we can attract a larger group of birders! Thanks again to Nathan Gatto, Shelley Rutkin and Rob Rogers for sticking it out and birding during a Hurricane!

Miller Park

Members of Forsyth Audubon have been meeting with WS City Parks officials and contractors regarding the stream restoration and renovation of one of our favorite parks. I am happy to report the collaboration has been most pleasant and productive. The stream restoration will include all the plants on the Native Plant List developed by our members and will address the problem of invasive plants. Work is scheduled to begin late September/October. FA members are also working with the City to develop high quality signage to tell the story of the park and the importance of nature. Mr. William Royston, Capital Projects Manager with the City of Winston Salem will be speaking at an upcoming chapter regarding Miller Park in particular and City Parks in general. Plan to attend, ask your questions and participate in the discussion. Contact Don Lendle with any questions.

Habitat for Humanity and Audubon

Forsyth Audubon continues to be active in this partnership planting Native Plants at the campus and individual homes, offering educational events regarding birds and conservation, installing bird houses, and leading discussions regarding solar energy for Habitat homes. The rain garden and wetland project has been a success with the vast majority of plants surviving and thriving through this hot summer. Plant adjustments will be made this fall as we see the need. It is functioning as expected to hold storm water and filter it before entering a stream.

All involved have been quite pleased including our bird, butterfly, and pollinator friends. Another planting is scheduled in October ,exact date pending. We are looking into building a chimney swift tower on the campus, and will expand our educational efforts in the neighborhood. Plan to join in with your fellow members in these activities. Contact Don Lendle for information or to offer suggestions.

Bird Friendly-Planting Day

Our recent planting day at Habitat Forsyth was truly a community partnership, with volunteers from Wells Fargo, Habitat Forsyth, Audubon North Carolina, and Forsyth Audubon. This video shows how rewarding these partnerships can be, and the importance of of bird-friendly gardening.Check out the video.

Become an Audubon Ambassador on Climate Change!

Audubon North Carolina is looking for Ambassadors on Climate Change. Can you volunteer five hours a month for the benefit of our birds, other wildlife and people? There are a host of things you can do, and you probably already do some of them: take part in Christmas Bird Counts, add bird-friendly native to your garden, talk to your neighbors about birds and climate change, write legislators about it. Look for a future Audubon Ambassador workshop soon to learn more about the issue and how you can help.

To read a summary of the National Audubon Society's report on "Birds and Climate Change," visit climate.audubon.org

Order "Birding Guide to Forsyth County"!

The fifth edition of "Birding Guide to Forsyth County," by David Disher, is now available. David's book, in a handy 6 x 9 paperback format, compiles documented observations for 280 bird species in Forsyth County. Learn what birds can be seen here and during which weeks of the year you are most likely to see them. Photos of uncommon sightings are included. Information on local birding spots also is included. For $15, this is a great gift for your favorite birder. All profits go to our chapter. Copies are available at Wright's Backyard Birding Center, 3906 Country Club Rd., Winston-Salem, and at Wild Birds Unlimited, 1589 Skeet Club Rd, High Point, or send email to Howard Coston. Copies also are available for sale at our monthly chapter meetings. If you have a smart phone or tablet, download the electronic version available for $4.99 from www.lulu.com.