GRAND TRAVERSE AUDUBON CLUB
April 29, 2014
BIRD NOTES
SPRING 2014
From the pen of President Ed Moehle
Ok So this is Spring. Although as I write this, It doesn’t always seem like it. It’s the time of year that we take the birding trips we most enjoy: Otter Creek, Arcadia Marsh (Barb and Leonard’s report to follow), Magee Marsh and Tawas. We will see all the colors that we love, Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue, Cerulean, Golden-winged warblers, etc. You get the picture.
The backyard birding and feeder watching should be well on its way to be interesting. Don’t forget to let us all know what you are seeing.
Good Spring birding, Ed
Lake Erie Adventure – May 8, 9, 10, 2014
May 10th is International Migratory Bird Day and G.T. Audubon will be heading to Ohio for our annual S.W. Lake Erie Adventure.
The prevailing weather will influence some of our plans, and you should prepare for anything. We have birded there in shorts and sandals, and at other times in ski jackets and stocking hats. Shirley and I will likely arrive on Wednesday and will be camping at Maumee Bay State Park, site #205. There are no firm plans on activities until Friday afternoon, but call me on my cellphone (231) 499-1439, and if enough people are interested, we could do a caravan over to the Oak Openings Metro-park. Those planning to bird the Maumee Bay State Park would do well to bring a bicycle, given the bike trails and many acres involved there.
The Club brochure states that we will meet on Thursday evening a Magee Marsh for a picnic supper. This is a Misprint. There will be no tables on the grounds on Thursday, but the Black Swamp Bird Observatory will bring tables to the west boardwalk entrance on Friday. They have let us use them on Friday evenings in the past. If it is raining well likely eat in our vehicles. After supper, we will bird some more. Saturday morning at 8 a.m., we will caravan through the Ottawa NWR, then bird Metzger Marsh before heading back to Magee. Lunch is on your own, but I would like for the group to meet for supper at the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant at 16 S. Stadium, Oregon, Ohio, at 6:30 p.m., where we will share our checklists. The restaurant is just southwest of Maumee Bay State Park campground. We will keep in touch on our hand-held radios. Tune to channel 10 and sub-channel 10. My e-mail address is drjpm@hotmail.com and my cellphone number is 231 499-1439. Ohio State Park reservations are at 866-644-6727. John Mesch
Tawas Point State Park and Tuttle Marsh
May 16-17-18
If you are planning on attending the Tawas trip, please contact Kay Beerthuis at 231 735-8412 and/or Heather Peyton at (231) 392-5699.
Otter Creek Birding – May 21
Please contact Heather Peyton at 231 392-5699 if you plan on participating in the Otter Creed adventure. This will allow for more efficient car-pooling, etc.
Regular Meeting – Spring Potluck Meeting at 5:30 p.m. – May 22
You can contact Molly McCombs, our club hospitality coordinator at 929-1514
Boardman Rive Clean-Sweep – May 31
Please contact John Mesch at 231 946-2624 or 499-1439 as this will give a better opportunity to plan for the shuttles that will be provided and the number of kayaks and canoes.
April Meeting – Frogs, Toads, and Turtles, with Ken Gregory
by Elise Brooks
Ken Gregory, the former director of the Clinch Park Zoo, was the speaker for our April meeting. His presentation was filled with slides and sound recordings, but it was Ken’s informative and amusing descriptions that made each frog, toad, and turtle memorable. To top off the evening, Ken brought along some live turtles.
As birders, we are aware of our vernal wetlands and the bird life that is attracted to them. Now, besides listening for bird songs, we’ll be on the alert for the trills, croaks, peeps, and knocks that signal the presence of another sort of pond life.
A box turtle is introduced to club members. Photo by Joe Brooks
GTAC field trip to Arcadia, April 19, 2014 – with Barb and Leonard Graf
The morning started crisp & clear. At our first stop, Ball Park in Benzonia, we were greeted by the reliable Osprey and singing Fox Sparrows. At the overlook on Lake Michigan, we had an agreeable look at a dozen Long-tailed Ducks and a Loon.
At the Arcadia marina (noted for being the only pit stop on the trip), there were about 150 Common Mergansers; half that number of Red-breasted, along with 8 Horned Grebe and 5 Bonaparte’s Gulls.
At the causeway, we saw about 10 species of ducks, which included 10 White-winged Scoters.
The walk down Chamberlain Rd. produced the “guaranteed” Golden-crowned and Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, Brown Creeper and Yellow-rump Warbler. The highlight being close and long looks at a Winter Wren (seen, not heard). Not guaranteed, but also seen included Bald Eagle, Eastern Phoebe, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and an Eastern Bluebird.
Rusty Blackbirds and Eastern Towhee were on Hull Road.
On the east end of the marsh, we saw an Upland Sandpiper and 6 Rough-legged Hawks, unusual for even one at this time of the spring.
Birders included: Leonard & Barb & Jacob, Bruce & Sam, Larry & Cindee, Jeremy & Holly, Ed & Edie, Ken & Glenda, Joe & Elise, Carole, Michael, Lucy, Ken, and Ed.
We closed the trip at 3 p.m. with a total count for the day of 80 species of birds and 20 participants.
Brown Bridge Quiet Area – Looking Ahead, by Elise Brooks
Now that the dam has been removed, many birders are wondering what the future holds concerning the Brown Bridge Quiet Area. Steve Largent, Boardman River Program Coordinator, and Reb Ratliff, Invasive Species Specialist for the Grand Traverse Conservation District, recently spent a morning explaining where we are now, and what is planned in the near future to reclaim the newly exposed bottomlands.
The former Brown Bridge pond covered 191 acres. With the dam gone, there are around 168 acres of exposed bottomland and 2.8 miles of river channel. The bottomlands have been divided into management zones, with different areas being treated according to distinct needs.
Brown Bridge Quiet Area. Photo by – Jim Anderson, Anderson Aerial Photography
While the dam was in place, sediment built up near the upstream portion of the pond. During the 2012 drawdown period, before the dam was fully removed, 280,000 cubic yards of sediment were dredged to reestablish the original riverbed and floodplain. The dredged materials were distributed on parts of the bottomland, and planted with an upland species mix of oats, native grasses, and wildflowers.
The vast majority of the newly exposed bottomland, the un-impacted floodplain area, had no sediment deposited on it. It will be managed for invasive plants, and allowed to regenerate through natural succession.
Unimpacted Floodplain Area. Photo by – GT Conservation District
The riparian zone, about 20 feet on either side of the river, will be managed for stability, shading, and organic input to the river by the planting of native trees and shrubs. Native sedges and grasses were mixed with oats and planted last spring to provide immediate coverage. Any invasive in this area will be removed too.
In addition, there are 4 pocket wetlands, some natural and some created, with ponds and swales. Waterfowl are using these areas now.
An early sign of the regeneration of native plants is an aspen stand that now is in its third growing season. This area was exposed during the first drawdown, before the dam removal, and in essence had a head start over the areas that still were submerged. It is the only area right now with woody, elevated vegetation. Some tall dead snags will be installed to serve as perching structures for predatory birds.
Aspen Stand. Photo by – GT Conservation District
Right now is the critical time to get rid of invasives, and one of the best ways to keep them out is by the establishment of native plants. A few of the invasives that are being managed are phragmites, reed canary grass, purple loosestrife, non-native thistles, and non-native narrow-leaved cattail.
The north access road will remain as a hiking trail, and with the exception of maintenance vehicles, no motorized vehicles will be allowed. Hiking, kayaking, fishing, and birding are activities that may be enjoyed at the Brown Bridge Quiet Area as the dynamic river settles into its original riverbed, and native plants, shrubs, and trees repopulate the area.
If you are interested in helping with invasive removal, planting of native species, or volunteering your time on this project, contact Steve Largent (Program Coordinator) or Reb Ratliff (Invasive Species Specialist) at the Grand Traverse Conservation District: (231) 941-0960.
Regular Meetings and Scheduled Field Trips.
Our 2014 year continues with great programs and activities for the coming year. We hope you’ll join us to enjoy fellowship and to learn more about our local bird life. ALL REGULAR meetings are held at the Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road in Traverse City. (where the railroad track crosses the road 1.5 miles south of S. Airport Rd). A brief business meeting begins at 7:00, followed by an informative and entertaining program at 7:30. There are no meetings in June and July.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
MAY THRU NOVEMBER 2014
May
8, 9, 10 – Field trip: Magee Marsh/Ottawa NWR, Lake Erie, Ohio. Meet at Magee Marsh, West Boardwalk at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Bring your own food for a picnic supper. Contact John Mesch (231) 499-1439 for more details.
10 – Grand Traverse Migratory Bird Count. Contact person to be announced.
16-18 – Field Trip. Tawas Point State Park and Tuttle Marsh. Meet at the Lighthouse Friday and Saturday 7:30 a.m. Contact Leaders Heather Peyton 392-5699 and/or Kay Beerthuis 735-8412.
21 – Field trip – Birding at Otter Creek. 7:00 a.m. Meet at the Northwest section of Meijer’s parking lot. Contact Heather Peyton at 231 392-5699. RSVP in case of weather cancelations, delays or further information.
22 – Regular meeting: Potluck Dinner and Birding at the Boardman River Nature Center. NOTE 5:30 p.m. meeting Time. Bring your own table service and a dish to share. Leaders: All Board Members. Contact Ed Moehle at 947-8821 or Molly McCombs at 929-1514 for formation.
31 – Field Trip: Boardman River Clean-Sweep. Check the Club website for Time. Canoeing/Kayaking and cleaning of the Boardman River from Shumsky Landing to Beitner. We will be participating with other groups. Shuttles will be provided. Leader: for our Club is John Mesch. (231) 946-3624
August
23 – Regular meeting: Saturday morning Pot-Luck Breakfast. 8:00 a.m. at the Boardman River Nature Center Pavilion. Bring your own table service and a dish to share. Leader are your Board Members. Contact number 231 947-8821
September
10-14 Field Trip: Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Birding by canoe, bicycle, and on foot. Meet at Big Cedar Campground in Germfask, 2:00 p.m., Wednesday and/or 8:00 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. Leaders: Leonard and Barbara Graf. Contact at 946-5120
25 – Regular Meeting: Where to bird in Arizona 7:00 p.m. at the Boardman Nature Center. Presenters; Karen Crane, Leonard & Barbara Graf, and John & Shirley Mesch. Contact 231 947-8821
October
11 – Field trip: fall Colors & Bird Hike. 9:00 a.m. Meet at Boardman River Nature Center, leader Heather Peyton. Question call her at 231 392-5699.
18 – Annual Dinner Meeting starting at 6:00 P.M. at Twin Lakes Camp. Speaker: Will Rapai, author of “The Kirkland Warbler”, the story of a bird and the fight against its extinction and the people who saved it. Send dinner reservations by October 10th to: John Kreag, Treasurer. Cost to be announced.
November
20 – Regular meeting: Osprey in Michigan: A story of Discovery. Presenter, Holly Vaughn.
Your 2014 Grand Traverse Audubon Club Board
President – Ed Moehle – 947-8821
First Vice President and Program Director – Carol Towar – 223-7108
Second Vice President and Environmental – Elise Brooks 231 269-4343(
Secretary – Karen Crane – (231) 421-1001
Treasurer – John Kreag – 264-8969 or Cell phone 360-0943 (jkreag@charter.net)
Newsletter – Shirley Mesch – (231) 946-3624
Members at large – Heather Peyton – 392-5699
Joe Brooks– 231 269-4343
Michigan Audubon Representative (MAS) John Mesch – (231) 946-3624
Past President – Missy Rassel – (231) 946-4715
Web-master – Joe Brooks
Your Audubon Board is looking for your suggestions, ideas, etc., in order to meet some of your expectations. The following questionnaire has been provided for you. If you have suggestions for a meeting topic, a field trip, or are interested in filling a board position in the future, please fill out and mail to either Carol Towar at 19200 Center Rd., Old Mission, MI 49673 or Ed Moehle, 4821 N. Indian Lake Rd., Traverse City, MI 49696.
GRAND TRAVERSE AUDUBON CLUB
CLUB MEMBER INTERESTS AND IDEAS SURVEY
Name:
Address:
Phone No. _______________Cell Phone No._______________ e-mail address:__________________
What are your interests:
What suggestions do you have for a program(s)
Are you interested in holding a Club Board position and/or serve on a Committee?
Which one(s)?
Would you like to assist with any upcoming events such as:
Beginning Birders Workshop ___ Migratory Bird Count (May) ___ Breeding bird count (June) __
Christmas Bird Counts (Dec.) ___. Field Trip(s) ______.
Other (s) ______________________________________________________________________
If you have not yet updated your membership for 2014, please find below a form and explanations of where to send your information.
Your 2014 Treasurer is John Kreag. Please mail all dues to him at:
7565 N. West Torch Lake Dr., Kewadin, MI 49648
Checks should be made payable to: Grand Traverse Audubon Club.
MEMBERSHIP – 2014
(RENEWAL)
In order to continue receiving the Bird-alert and Club e-mails, membership’s dues must be up to date. All memberships run the Calendar Year
[ ] Family – $20 [ ] Individual – $15 [ ] Student – $8
Name: __________________________________________ Phone: ____________________
Please include Area Code
Name: __________________________________________ Cell Phone: _________________
Address: _________________________________________
City: _________________________________ State: ______ Zip Code: _____________.
E-mail address: __________________________________
___________________________________
[ ] I would like to receive GT Audubon (club news) and Birdalert (news of area bird sightings) VIA e-mail address.
[ ] Newsletter Mailed VIA U.S. Post office. I do not use the Internet.
Enclosed is a check made out to Grand Traverse Audubon Club, Mail to:
John Kreag – 7564 N. West Torch Lake Dr.
Kewadin, MI 49648
For questions and/or further information concerning membership dues, please e- mail John at jkreag@charter.net.
It has indeed been an interesting beginning to the year 2014. Winter held on well into April, keeping lakes frozen until mid to late April. But the birds, well, let’s just say they are determined to do what they need to do for spring. Thank you so much to those of you who have kept us informed on your sightings as each day gets progressively longer. Enjoy your many discoveries. Happy birding, Happy Spring, Shirley