THRASHER THE MAY/JUNE2021 - RICHMOND AUDUBON SOCIETY
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The May/June 2021
Thrasher
Newsletter of the Richmond Audubon Society
We promote the enjoyment, understanding, and preservation of birds, other wildlife, and habitat through education, advocacy, and fellowship
Photo by Sally Brown
"Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before
sunrise."
George Washington Carver
Page 1
COVID 19 Our in-person monthly meetings, and field trips, have been halted for the health of our members until
further notice. The RAS board is looking forward to 2021 for virtual meetings. Field trips are still on hold but we
encourage everyone to bird on their own with social distancing and masks. Check out our website, Facebook and Freelist
for future information.
__________________________________________________________
President’s Message by Len Smock
As I write my message for this edition of The Thrasher, probably a
month or so before you read it, I note that it is a time of change.
First, it is finally spring. Warming, longer daylight, more time
outside, short sleeves, more smiles on our faces. And of course,
spring migration. Gone are the White-throats and Juncos and
Buffleheads. Gone are this winter’s special visitors - Pine Siskins,
Evening Grosbeaks, Purple Finches – that thrilled us by showing
up in force this winter because of the failure of their food crop in
the northern boreal forest. Now, in their place, spring migrants are
filling the forests and fields and shores. We look forward to seeing
some of them pass through, others staying for a summer of nesting.
After the quiet of winter their songs fill our ears. We have been
looking forward to this change of seasons and the change in our
avian friends.
We also are seeing a change in our lives. It is the beginning of change away from the confines of
the covid pandemic. Many of us will be vaccinated by the time you read this, giving us some relief
and hope that our lives are returning to some sense of normalcy. We are more comfortable getting
together with family and friends, and doing some of the activities that were a normal part of our
pre-covid lives. This is a change that we all enthusiastically embrace.
Finally, I am nearing a time of change as my term as your Richmond Audubon Society president is
nearing its end. I have been honored to have served as your president and have greatly enjoyed
these past few years helping guide the society, working with the board, getting to know so many
more or our members as we worked on programming, field
trips, educational and legislative activities, and the day to
day running of this great organization. Of course, this past
year was a challenge as covid altered so much of what we
normally do, especially our monthly in person meetings
and our birding field trips. For me, I look forward to seeing
you – in person – at our meetings and field trips. That is a
change that I really look forward to.
I hope that all of the readers of this newsletter are able to
find their ways of thoroughly enjoying the great outdoors.
Photos by Len Smock
Page 2
Richmond Audubon Society Virtual Meetings
Don’t forget we have NO meetings in June, July and August!
Topic: RAS - May Meeting by Zoom with Wildlife Center of Virginia
Time: May 20, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89029702936?pwd=QmlRd29FN3lTZ2JieUVEbjltTzZGZz09
Meeting ID: 890 2970 2936
Passcode: 320912
Election of Richmond Audubon Society
Board of Directors
One of the important activities during the May membership meeting of the Richmond Audubon
Society, which will be May 20, is the election of officers for those positions for which the
incumbent’s two-year term is expiring, plus the election of any new individuals to the board. As
required by our Bylaws, the slate of officers and new board members must be announced in The
Thrasher prior to that May meeting. The slate for the 2021-2022 board positions, as approved by
the Board of Directors, is as follows.
President Mary Elfner
1st Vice President Wes Teets
2nd Vice President Doug Rogers
Treasurer Eileen Geller
New board members: John Ditto, Valerie Gohlke, Liz Scher, Suleka Deevi
Returning board members, whose terms will expire in 2022 and thus will continue on the board
through the coming year are:
Patty Bell, Jason Bullock, Lynne Evans, Kim Harrell, Diane Jadlowski, Ellison Orcutt, Pam
Scrima (Secretary), James Shelton, Len Smock (Past President), Lee Williams
Page 3
Virginia’s New Regulation for “Incidental Take”
Kudos for Virginia for being the first state and taking the first step in a state regulation therefore
not waiting or depending on Federal regulations to protect birds.
*(Washington, D.C., March 19, 2021) *Virginia's Department of Wildlife Resources has approved
a groundbreaking new regulation
,
setting a major precedent for the protection of migratory birds. The approved regulation aims to
reduce the loss of migratory birds from “incidental take” — the unintended but predictable killing
of birds. “The new system is the first of its kind in the country, providing a model for other states
to follow,” says Joel Merriman, American Bird
Conservancy's (ABC's) Bird-Smart Wind Energy Campaign Director. “The conservation benefits
are clear, and the rule also provides clarity to industry on the circumstances under which
unavoidable incidental take is allowed. This all occurs through the use of established industry-
specific best practices aimed at reducing impacts.”
The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, now over 100 years old, provides clear protections for
migratory birds. Discussions about strengthening its implementation
and enforcement have been underway for many years,
leaving an opportunity for leadership at the state level.
“Virginia has really stepped up and shown others how this can and should be done,” says Steve
Holmer, ABC's Vice President of Policy. “The straightforward, commonsense approach in this
regulation provides a much-needed model for other states to follow. This provides protection for
birds and long-sought regulatory certainty for industry.”
Virginia's actions follow on the heels of three years of regulatory rollbacks at the federal level. The
current Administration has begun steps to restore lost protections for bird in the meantime,
declining birds are at greater risk.
s;
“Each year, up to 1.1 billion birds are killed by industrial activities in the U.S.,” Holmer continues.
“We applaud the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for taking this important step toward
a solution to this massive toll on bird populations, and strongly encourage other states to follow
their lead.”
“This is a terrific step forward for birds, and we applaud the Commonwealth of Virginia,” says
Mike Parr, ABC's President. “It is especially encouraging to see this on the heels of restoring
habitat for waterbirds in the Hampton Roads area last spring.”
Page 4
Implementation of the new regulation will begin on July 1 of this year, marking a major milestone
for migratory bird protection.
https://abcbirds.org/article/virginia-approves-groundbreaking-migratory-bird-protection-
regulation/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=emailblast&omhide=true&utm_campaign=enews_a
pril21&ms=enews_april21&emci=9e2380ac-8799-eb11-85aa-0050f237abef&emdi=626ec052-
0b9a-eb11-85aa-0050f237abef&ceid=68131
Policy on the Use of Playback
As we enter the time of year when we all get out as much as possible to see what birds have
reappeared after a long winter, I wanted to pass along some information on one aspect of Birding
Ethics. A few years ago the VSO published its policy on the use of playback devices, following
the lead of the National Audubon Society. I thought it would be good to simply bring this to
everyone's attention, especially since there was some back and forth on this issue. As is often the
case, there was a wide range of views on the use of playbacks within the VSO board when this
policy was being written, ranging from playback should never be used under any conditions to
playback has no effect on birds. Again as is often the case, the policy takes more of a middle of
the road route. The key words as the policy was being fashioned were at the end of the policy,
when VSO opened the door to playbacks for "research and education." Education was left to be
broadly interpreted to include what happens during society field trips, such as those by VSO and
RAS.
VSO Policy on the Use of Playback
"To avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger, exercise restraint and caution during
observation, photography, sound recording, or filming. The VSO does not endorse the use of
recordings or other artificial lures to attract birds. Such methods may pose a strain on the energy
birds invest in survival, courtship and territorial defense, especially during the breeding season,
and can be a distraction to other birders in heavily birded areas. When used with discretion by
skilled practitioners, recordings can be of benefit in scientific research and educational settings, but
should be avoided for recreational birding and photography.
Page 5
Backyard Travel by Roy Drake
I bought a camera as a kit with several lens
included while I was in the Navy about 6
years ago. The camera is new and I had not
used it at all. I figured since COVID was a
deterrence of travel, I decided to travel on a
different level.
BACKYARD TRAVEL -
I now love traveling through the lens of a
camera in my backyard near a tree line, vice
going miles away. The variety of birds, their
sounds, their behavior, and their absolutely
beauty has led me to travel to rustling leaves, tree limb-by-limb, tree branch-by-branch, hedge-to-
bush-to-tree...and so forth! Through the thickets, I pay attention as I capture shots of White
Throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Chipping Sparrows, Northern Cardinals, Brown Thrashers,
Tufted Titmouse, Common Grackles, Carolina Wrens. I open the aperture of my previously closed
view of the landscape and capture shots of Eastern Bluebirds, Mourning Doves, European
Starlings, finches (several species), American Robins (especially after it rains), Northern
Mockingbirds, and Dark-eyed Juncos. I have learned to look up higher in the trees and on power
lines and sure enough, have captured some pretty cool Bald Eagles, Cooper's Hawks, and Turkey
Vultures.
The cawing of the Blue Jay has become the
most recognizable and frequently heard sound
in my travel expanse, with the Northern
Cardinal a close second. The Blue Jays that I
see tend to jump (or fly) around a lot and are
rarely stationary. So, I love when I capture
one eating in the trees. Bird watching and
photography has enhanced my travels on this
wonderful, focused, yet scalable
universe. What a wonderful hobby to have
discovered during these times.
Photos by Roy Drake
Page 6
Blue Jay
“The brash and beautiful Blue Jay is seldom regarded with indifference. Some think it's an
aggressive bully, while others love its boisterous, sociable nature. A member of the Corvid family,
related to the Common Raven and Green Jay, the Blue Jay is intelligent and adaptable — qualities
that have helped it learn to successfully co-exist
with people.
Hawk or Jay?
Although not as talented a mimic as Northern
Mockingbird or Gray Catbird, a Blue Jay can
produce a convincing imitation of Red-
shouldered Hawk and Red-tailed Hawk,
confusing many a birdwatcher.”
https://abcbirds.org/bird/blue-jay/
Photo by Sally Brown
Blue Jays the Wasp Killer
Blue Jays like to eat Wasps and are not hesitant
to dive into a nest to get the larvae. They also go
after the flying wasp without any hesitation.
They are not the only bird that will eat wasps.
Starlings, Sparrows, Chickadees, Black birds
and Orioles are some other birds that eat wasps.
Here is a video of four young Blue Jays going
after the wasps in an old abandoned car.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghuFd21M
mGI
Photo by Pam Scrima
Page 7
Sick Birds in Your Yard
WILDLIFE HEALTH FACT SHEET
Birds that feed in large groups - notably birds in the finch family such as Pine Siskins,
Goldfinches, and House Finches - are particularly susceptible to a number of infectious diseases.
Because individuals in these species tend to move around frequently, they increase the chance of
infecting other birds. Also some infected birds do not die from disease, which increases the
probability of transmission to other individuals.
Birds with avian conjunctivitis often have red, swollen, watery or crusted eyes; in extreme cases
the eyes are so swollen or crusted over that the birds are virtually blind. Although infected birds
have swollen eyes, the disease is primarily a respiratory infection. Birds with the disease have
trouble feeding; you might see them remaining on the ground under the feeder, trying to find
seeds. Feeders with openings that the birds have to put their heads into may be responsible for
spreading this infection between individuals and should be very well cleaned or put away for the
season if the disease is recognized.
Avian pox virus is quite common in House Finches as well as several other species in BC. Infected
birds may have warty lesions on the head, legs, feet, or any unfeathered area. The virus is
transmitted by direct contact with infected birds, ingestion of food and water contaminated by sick
birds or carcasses, or contact with contaminated surfaces such as bird feeders, birdbaths, and
perches. Insects, especially mosquitoes, may also carry the disease from one bird to another. Avian
pox can lead to difficulty seeing, breathing, feeding, or perching.
Salmonella bacterial infections in birds may be from the same type of bacteria associated with a
common form of human food poisoning, salmonellosis. Infected birds appear tame and might sit
quietly for days in a sheltered spot. Often their feathers are fluffed out, and you might see a bird
hold its head under its wings. Within a few hours after the symptoms become severe, individual
birds may fall over and die. Salmonella bacteria are shed in droppings, and can be spread bird-to-
bird via direct contact or through ingestion of food or water contaminated with infected bird or
mammalian fecal matter. Domestic cats killing and eating songbirds or humans cleaning
contaminated areas can also become sick if they ingest the bacterial so strict personal and
environmental hygiene is important.
Tips for Preventing Disease Problems at Birdbaths
Diseases can spread quickly and easily in an unattended birdbath.
Change the water every few days to get rid of regurgitated seeds and other debris.
Change water more frequently if many birds are using the bath (locating your birdbath near a
faucet or hose will make refilling and cleaning easier).
Scrub birdbaths a few times each month with a plastic brush to remove algae and bacteria (rinse
and thoroughly dry the brush following each use).
Page 8
Never add chemicals to a birdbath for any reason.
Tips for Preventing Disease Problems at Feeders
Messy feeders and ground-feeding areas are particularly conducive to the spread of infection as
well as the growth of molds that can cause illness in birds. A variety of strategies will help prevent
disease-producing organisms from occurring or spreading:
Instead of having one large feeder or feeding station (that will attract many birds to the same
spot), spread your feeders out to discourage crowding.
Don't use wooden feeders. Soak dirty plastic or metal feeders in a bucket (not the sink) and a
solution of 10% white vinegar and 90% clean water or 10 % bleach for about 10 minutes. Scrub
and thoroughly rinse, and dry well before re-hanging. Repeat every couple of weeks.
If you have feeders with rough surfaces or cracks that make them difficult to clean, consider
using different feeders. Also, make sure your feeders allow rainwater to drain easily.
infections, remove or clean these feeders frequently.
Rake the area underneath your feeder to remove droppings and old moldy seed. Mount feeders
above a surface such as concrete, which you can sweep and clean regularly.
Do not give moldy or damp seed to your birds.
If you see one or two diseased birds in your area, take your feeder down immediately and clean
it.
If you have more than three diseased birds in your area, encourage the birds to disperse for a
while. Take your feeders down for a week or two, clean them well, and re-hang them. Repeat as
necessary.
In addition:
Prevent squirrels from accessing feeders and spreading seed on the ground.
Cater to birds (jays, chickadees, nuthatches) that create less mess around feeders. Because they
gather in large numbers and eat directly from the feeder (instead of flying away to eat elsewhere),
birds of the finch family are particularly prone to sharing diseases.
Offer shelled peanuts, hulled sunflower seeds, or suet to eliminate hulls that would be otherwise
dropped on the ground (Note: shelled nuts go rancid quickly).
Avoid mixed seed, especially mixes containing mostly milo or millet.
Use small feeders that allow only one or two birds to feed at a time.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/plants-animals-and-ecosystems/wildlife-wildlife-
habitat/wildlife-health/wildlife-health-documents/sick_birds_in_your_yard.pdf
Page 9
18 Facts about Hummingbirds
Anna’s Hummingbird by Len Smock
It's the time of year when the magnificent
hummingbirds begin their long journey north to
enjoy the spring and summer months in North
America. Let's celebrate the hummingbirds by
learning more about them. Here is a list of
interesting hummingbird facts to brush up on
before they make their way to your area!
• Hummingbirds have tongues that are
grooved like the shape of a "W".
• They have tiny hairs on their tongues to
help them lap up nectar, similar to cats.
• A hummingbird's bill is longer in proportion to its body compared to other birds.
• Hummingbirds have no sense of smell, but can hear much better than humans.
• Hummingbirds are attracted to all bright colors, although red is most prominently
associated with these tiny birds.
• Hummingbirds see in ultraviolet light and they can see further than a human.
• Hummingbirds have a great memory – they remember every flower & feeder they've been
to, and how long it will take a flower to refill.
• Their brains make up 4.2% of their body weight. Proportionally speaking, they have the
largest brains of the wild bird group.
• Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly up, down, sideways, forwards, and,
backwards!
• Hummingbirds are the second largest family of birds with over 300 species.
• Hummingbirds have weak feet – they mainly use them just for perching.
• When food is scarce and they are fatigued, hummingbirds go into a hibernation-like state
(also known as torpor) to conserve energy.
• A baby hummingbird is roughly the size of a penny and is unable to fly.
• Their average lifespan is 5 years, but they have been known to live for more than 10 years.
• Hummingbirds fly at an average speed of 25-30 miles per hour, and are able to dive at a
speed of up to 50 miles per hour.
• Some hummingbirds will travel over 2,000 miles twice a year during their migration.
• A hummingbird's heart beats up to 1,260 times per minute.
• Hummingbirds do not mate for life.
Now that you know more about them you can track hummingbirds during their migration with our
Interactive Hummingbird Migration Map. Keep an eye on their movements and submit a photo of
the hummingbirds you see in your backyard to help us track them. See trends of where they're
going, and how long it takes to get there - even see the last year migration through our archives.
https://www.perkypet.com/articles/hummingbird-facts-you-never-knew
Page 10Imagine Hummingbirds See Colors We Can’t
The tiny birds’ ability to see colors outside the rainbow is “one of the most exciting things I’ve ever
witnessed,” one scientist says.
https://www.princeton.edu/news/2020/06/15/wild-hummingbirds-see-broad-range-colors-humans-
can-only-imagine
Hummingbirds by Len Smock
Broad-billed Hummingbird
Violet-crowned Hummingbird
Rivoli’s Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Page 11Other Birds That Visit Hummingbird Feeders
Depending on the location of the feeder, its size,
and what other birds are in the region, many
different species might investigate a hummingbird
feeder. Birds that are regularly seen at nectar
feeders, other than the hummingbirds those feeders
are intended for, include:
• Bananaquits
• Chickadees
• Goldfinches
• House finches
• Orioles
• Verdins
• Warblers Ruby-throated by Julie Kacmarcik
• Woodpeckers
In addition to other curious birds, a wide variety of
wildlife may also be seen at nectar feeders,
including:
• Bats
• Bears
• Butterflies
• Insects
• Lizards
• Moths
• Raccoons
• Squirrels Rufous by Julie Kacmarcik
Any of these visitors will appreciate a sweet sip, and they may go to great measures to access the
feeder and usurp the nectar.
Every birder loves to attract hummingbirds, and it can be a surprise when a bird or other wildlife
that is certainly not a hummingbird visits a nectar feeder. While these unexpected visitors can be
exciting, they can also cause different problems, but fortunately, knowledgeable birders don't have
to choose between hummingbirds and other nectar-lovers. With a carefully prepared yard, all types
of birds that enjoy nectar can be welcome to visit, and birders will enjoy the avian diversity.
https://www.thespruce.com/other-birds-that-visit-hummingbird-feeders-385957
Page 12Photos by Ann Fuller
Page 13Setting the Record: The Virginia Big Year
How many birds can one person see in Virginia in one calendar year? In 2020, a new record was
set. Wes Teets our Field Trip organizer spent last year doing a Big Year and came up with a new
state record of 354 species. Congratulations to Wes!
Newsletter
“The Thrasher” is issued bimonthly (January, March, May, July, September, November.) Articles
and photo submissions are due by the 10th of the month prior. The newsletter is available for
download (PDF) online at www.RichmondAudubon.orgAll articles are excerpts from internet unless
byline is noted.
Any suggestions, comments, or ideas for the newsletter send to thrasher@richmondaudubon.org
Thanks and have a great birding day!
Diane Jadlowski
Editor
Page 14OFFICERS & COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
OF THE RICHMOND AUDUBON SOCIETY
President Len Smock president@richmondaudubon.org
First Vice President Mary Elfner vicepresident1@richmondaudubon.org
Second Vice President Wes Teets vicepresident2@richmondaudubon.org
Secretary Pam Scrima secretary@richmondaudubon.org
Treasurer Eileen Geller treasurer@richmondaudubon.org
Bird-a-Thon Chair VACANT membership@richmondaudubon.org
Conservation Chair Patty Bell conservation@richmondaudubon.org
Cyberspace Chair Lee Williams cyberspace@richmondaudubon.org
Development Chair VACANT development@richmondaudubon.org
Education Chair VACANT education@richmondaudubon.org
Field Trips Chair Wes Teets fieldtrips@richmondaudubon.org
Hospitality Chair Lynne Evans hospitality@richmondaudubon.org
IBA/VABBA2 Rep. Ellison Orcutt iba@richmondaudubon.org
Legislation Chair James Shelton legislation@richmondaudubon.org
Member at Large Jason Bulluck legislation@richmondaudubon.org
Membership Chair VACANT membership@richmondaudubon.org
Past President Eileen Geller pastpresident@richmondaudubon.org
Programs Chair Kim Harrell programs@richmondaudubon.org
Publicity Chair Diane Jadlowski publicity@richmondaudubon.org
Thrasher Editor Diane Jadlowski thrasher@richmondaudubon.org
Youth Chair Ellison Orcutt RASkids@richmondaudubon.org
Page 15ABOUT THE RICHMOND AUDUBON SOCIETY
RAS MEMBER MEETINGS: Third Thursday of the month except June, July, August and
December (virtual are being planned)
RAS BOARD MEETINGS: Second Thursdays of January, March, May, July (annual strategic
planning session), September, and November. Board Meeting start times and locations will vary.
Members are welcome to attend, contact the President or Secretary in advance.
For information on late breaking news, meetings, and field trips check the RAS Listserv or the RAS
website. Join our FACEBOOK page or MEET-UP group.
PHONE (Message Line): 804-601-4917
WEBSITE: www.RichmondAudubon.org
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/RichmondAudubon/
MEETUP GROUP: www.meetup.com/RAS-Meetup/
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/@RichmondAudubon
LISTSERV: www.freelists.org/list/va-richmond-general
NONPROFIT: RAS is a registered nonprofit 501 (C) (3) charitable organization. Donations are tax
deductible.
Page 16RICHMOND AUDUBON SOCIETY Membership Application
Yes, enroll me (us) as member(s) of both National Audubon and Richmond Audubon Society at the
introductory rate of $20.00. Write “X53”as the memo and mail to address below.
A subscription to the National Audubon Society “Audubon” magazine is included.
Name_________________________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________ State_________ ZIP______________
Phone ____________________________ E-mail ______________________________
Make check payable to: National Audubon Society
Send check and application to:
Richmond Audubon Society
P.O. Box 26648, Richmond, VA 23261
X53
Page 17You can also read
