Welcome to the latest installment of the Sycamore Audubon’s newsletter the Sycamore Warbler.  The latest issue can be found here Warbler Vol 36 Iss 4 (PDF)  Below you will find dates through March.  Also worth noting is the “Everglades of the North:  The Story of the Kankakee Marsh” documentary project that you can read about here

Saturday, January 7 Bald Eagle Viewing Field Trip led by Rick Read. Join us to view wintering eagles and eagle nests along the Wabash. Meet at the Monticello Library (321 W Broadway) at 2 pm. Group should return by 4 pm.

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD Jan 11, 1-3p.m., “Fire: Friend or Foe -An Ecological Perspective”: Drew Daily, Wildland Fire Supervisor, IDNR Div. of Forestry .  Meets at Nature Center.

Thursday, January 12 PROGRAM: “Scandinavian Avians”. Dr. Barny Dunning spent the past July with a handful of students exploring and learning about sustainable resource use issues in Sweden, Finland, and Estonia. For this talk he will speak on the birds he encountered during his time there as well as some highlights from the sustainability program. 7:15 p.m. Lilly Nature Center. Refreshments & Free Parking.

Saturday, January 14 Goose Pond Trip. Still in the planning stages. Contact Wes Homoya (p. 7)if you are interested in going to visit this hotspot that has produced dozens of interesting species of birds.

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD Jan 18 “Free Ranging Cats and Conservation” Mick Weeks, Purdue Dept. of Wildlife.  Meets at Lilly Nature Center.

Jan 20-25 Reminder: Indiana Audubon Society Winter bird feeder count period .

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD Jan 25, 1-3p.m. “Killer Asteroids & Comets: The Kentland Connection” Dr. Jay Melosh, Purdue Dept. of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences.  Meets at Lilly Nature Center.

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD Feb 1 1-3p.m., “Is it an Opossum or a Possum? The Life History of the Virginia (O) possum” Bill Beatty, Graduate Student, Purdue Dept. of Forestry & Natural Resources.  Meets at Lilly Nature Center.

Thursday, February 9 PROGRAM: “Attracting Purple Martins to Your Yard”. Landon Neumann. 7:15 p.m. Lilly Nature Center at Celery Bog Nature Area adjacent to the newly opened Lindberg Road bridge. 15-year old birding
prodigy Landon Neumann will share some of his secrets to success in how to welcome these feathered friends of humanity to your property (they eat flying insects for us in return for providing them shelter!).  The public is invited to come and enjoy the presentation. Refreshments & Free Parking.

Saturday, February 11 Winter Birds Field Trip. Meet at the gravel parking lot at Celery Bog at 8:30. We will spend some time in Saturday the Celery Bog area (Cackling Goose, wintering waterfowl) and then go wherever we can to see winter specialties such as Rough-legged Hawk, Snow Buntings, and others. ½ day trip.

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD Feb 15, 1-3p.m., “An Overview of the Healthy Rivers INitiative” Angie Tilton, Healthy Rivers Initiative Liaison.  Meets at the Lilly Nature Center.

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD Feb. 8 & 22 these two topics will be presented, but the order is not determined.
1-3p.m., “Bringing Back the Bluebird” (Plus Bluebird Box Building) Mary Cutler & Brenda Moore 1-3p..m., “Sea Otters & the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill” Dr. Paul Snyder, Purdue Dept. of Veterinary Medicine.  Check back for details.  Meets at Lilly Nature Center.

Thursday, February 16 Winter Birds & the Great Backyard Bird Count Program. A SAS presentation on birds that winter in the area and information about becoming a participant in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Cumberland
Branch Library, Lindberg Road, WL 2 p.m. Free parking.

Feb 17-20 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). Try it. See information on back cover. You can cover any areas Fri-Monday you wish and do so over all or one of the four days if you so desire.

Feb 20-25 Reminder: Final Indiana Audubon Society Winter bird feeder count period. Send in your form to John Castrale.

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD Feb 29 1-3p.m. “Nature’s Calendar: The Fascination of Phenology” .  Meets at the Lilly Nature Center.

Saturday, March 3 Waterfowl and Eagles Trip. The big push of migrating waterfowl should be occurring at this time. Also, local Bald Eagle pairs will be on the nest. Meet at the gravel parking lot at Celery Bog at 8 am to carpool.  ½ day trip with various stops dependent on what and where birds are being reported.

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD March 7 1-3p.m. “Native Prairie & Barrens Plant Communities Distribution in Indiana: The Historic & Prehistoric Climatological & Geological Influence”. Chad Evans, WLFI -18.  Meets at Lilly Nature Center.

Thursday, March 8 “Big Sue’s Birding Adventure in Cuba”. Sue Arnold (affectionately known as “Big Sue”),  a longtime Audubon member and nature enthusiast 7:15 p.m. Lilly Nature Center . Sue will share stories and photos from her March 2010 excursion to “the forbidden island” that was only possible due to a Department of the Treasury license sponsored by the Caribbean Conservation Trust. Among the trip’s highlights: the Bee Hummingbird—the smallest bird in the world! Refreshments and free parking.

Saturday, March 24 Lake Michigan Shore Trip. Meet at 6:30 am to caravan up to the lakeshore and chase whatever the lakeshore regulars are reporting. Should be good timing for waterfowl, loons, grebes and possibly the
“longshore” movements of early migrant songbirds moving E-W across the lakeshore. Timing of the start should allow us to stop at Jasper-Pulaski at dawn to see and hear the Sandhill Cranes roust themselves. An all day-trip although people can leave earlier.

Welcome to the latest post of the Sycamore Audubon Society!  A special thanks to those who came for the first meeting of the season, and we hope to see you again soon.  If you couldn’t attend, please take note of our upcoming events.

View our latest Warbler Vol 36 Iss 3 and Fall-Winter 2011 Calendar

Save the Dates! Program meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at 7:15 PM in the Lilly Nature Center in West Lafayette except for Sept & Oct which are in the WL Public Library. People can join other members and the speaker for “Dinner and Conversation” starting at 6:00 PM at the MCL Cafeteria (SR 52 in West Lafayette) . Field trips times vary.

Thursday, September 8 – First Early Bird Hike at Horticulture Park. These are held every Thursday morning at 8 am, beginning at the parking lot in the birch grove on McCormick Road, east end of the park. We will do the hikes from Sept 8 through early December (or whenever it gets too cold).

Thursday, October 13 – Tales from the Wildcat Creek Wildlife Center. Carol Blacketer, Executive Director of the Wildcat Creek Wildlife Center in Delphi, will discuss the work of this state and federally licensed non-profit rehabilitation center. Stories of the joy of recovered animals and the heartbreak of those lost will be shared, and she hopes to be accompanied by a bird or two, as well. 7:15 p.m. in the Elm Room of the WL Public Library. Free parking in garage.

Friday-Sunday October 14-16 – SAS’s Fall Bake & Plant Sale. West Lafayette Public Library. Funds raised help purchase and protect Mulvy Pond. See Warbler p. 1 & 3. Donations and cashiers needed. Call 765-583-2275.

Saturday, October 15 – Trip to the Lake Michigan Shore. This should be peak time for migrating swans, geese, grebes and loons. Chances are good for a variety of gulls and maybe a jaeger or two. We will also look for migrating songbirds as this time of the fall is often good for rarities such as Townsend’s Solitaire. Gather at the gravel parking lot at Celery Bog at 6:30 am. We will stop at Jasper-Pulaski to hear the cranes on the way up. This is an all-day field trip.

Saturday, October 29 – Prophetstown State Park. We will walk the trails looking for late migrants. Possibilities include Rough-legged Hawk, Rusty Blackbird, and a variety of sparrows. Meet at the far parking lot within the park at 8 am.

Thursday, November 10 – Falconry 101: The Ancient Art Today. Falconer Tom Hagovsky will bring in his two birds, Red-tailed Hawk “Lydia” and American Kestrel “Beast”, and will educate the audience on the culture and mechanics of falconry. An exciting presentation not to be missed! Lilly Nature Center, Celery Bog Park, West Lafayette, 7:15 p.m. Refreshments & free parking.

Sunday, November 20 – Sandhill Cranes Excursion. We will take a Sunday afternoon drive to see the cranes at Jasper-Pulaski State Wildlife Management Area. Cranes should be near their peak in numbers at this time. Meet at the gravel parking lot at Celery Bog at 3 pm to carpool. We should be back around 7 pm.

Saturday, December 3 – Brush up on your winter birds before the Dec 17 Christmas Bird Count. Meet at the gravel parking lot at Celery Bog at 8:30. We will bird in that area or drive to other local sites to track down unusual birds that may have been reported (Long-eared Owl? Lapland Longspur?)

Thursday, December 8 – Wildflowers and Ferns of Indiana Forests. Michael Homoya, renowned botanist and DNR plant ecologist for nearly 30 years, will discuss subject matter from his new book, a field guide with the same name as the title of this program. The book is the long awaited second effort after his Orchids of Indiana treated floraphiles to his singular knowledge of Indiana plants. His talks consistently highlight this expertise, as well as his unique wit and humor. Lilly Nature Center, Celery Bog Park, West Lafayette, 7:15 p.m. Refreshments & free parking.

Saturday, December 17 – Lafayette Area Christmas Bird Count. An all-day count covering a 15-mi diameter circle centered on Lafayette. Volunteers are needed. More in the next Newsletter along with the information on the Crane Naval Depot Count (usually the Tuesday after the Lafayette Count) and the Willow-Slough Iroquois Preserves Count on New Year’s Day.

Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of the Sycamore Audubon’s newsletter.  I apologize very much for the tardiness in getting the website updated, it was hard to find much time due to my job and there was trouble getting a hold of the Warbler in .pdf.  Thank you for your understanding and we will do better next time.

Summer schedule is lean, please refer to our newsletter for ways to stay active within the Sycamore Audubon Society!

The download can also be found here:  Vol36Issue2

SUMMER BIRD COUNT. June 1– July 31.

See page 1 of issue

SAS’S INVITATIONAL PROGRAM –

Thursday, September 8, 7:15 p.m. Lilly Nature Center. Bring a 5-10 minute program of digital images, slides, video, whatever you have to show. A CARRY-IN DINNER starting at 6 p.m. will precede the meeting. Bring a dish to share. SAS provides plates, cups, napkins, beverages, and utensils.

Hello and welcome to the latest update from the Sycamore Audubon Society.  You can also find us on facebook by searching our name.  Below you can find the latest information on outings and programs upcoming.

Read and download our latest issue here ->Vol36Issue1

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD – March 23 – Geology Rocks! Debbie Dale, US Dept of Interior.1-3 LNC

Thursday March 24 – Early Bird Hikes Start. Starting this Thursday at 8 a.m. you can start your day with an Early Bird Hike led by Barny Dunning at Purdue’s Horticulture Park to see what birds are migrating through.
Meet at 8 a.m. at the east parking lot by the grove of River Birch on McCormick Road across from the Purdue West Shopping Center. Hikes will go every Thursday morning until mid-May.

Saturday March 26 – Migrating Waterfowl Field Trip. Looking for ducks, geese, and swans at Celery Bog and other local wetlands. Some early spring migrants such as Yellow-rumped Warblers might be present too.
Meet at the gravel parking lot at Celery Bog* at 8:30 am.

Sunday March 27 – Call out for Junior Nature Club. See information on page 1. 1:30 p.m. Lilly Nature Center in Celery Bog Park, West Lafayette.

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD – March 30 – The Ecology of Invasives. Mike Jenkins 7-9 LNC

Friday – Sun April 1-3 Bake & Plant Sale. Cashiers are always needed as are items to sell. See info on page 2. Plants can be brought to the library in advance if needed. Contact Susan Ulrich (page 7).

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD – April 6 – Wacky Woodcocks. SAS & Mary Cutler 7:30-9:30 Tipp Co Amphitheater.  Hear and hopefully see the spring courtship flights.

Thursday April 14 – PROGRAM “Streams and Aquatic Fauna in Indiana”. Michael Litwin, Fishery Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bloomington. Learn about all the critters living in our waterways. The presence or
absence of aquatic fauna reflects a water’s quality. 7:15 p.m. Lilly Nature Center*, Celery Bog Nature Area, WL. (dinner at 6 p.m. see above).

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD – April 20 – Spring Wildflower Walk -Clegg Gardens Jim Peterson 1-3.

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD – April 27 – Spring Warblers & Migrants.  Susan Ulrich 1-3 LNC.

Saturday April 30 – Migrants along the Wabash Field Trip. Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the Celery Bog parking area (see *note below). We will be caravanning to Ross Hills County Park in Western Tippecanoe County along
the Wabash. There should be numerous warblers and other migrants in the woods and brushy areas.

Friday – Sun April 29-31 Spring Birding Festival at the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary. A weekend of field trips, programs and friendship. Mary Gray Sanctuary is south of Connersville. For information about the program,
modest costs, and registration see www.Indianaaudubon.org. You can also read about their field trips on the site, including Migration along the Dunes on May 21 and Goose Pond visit May 28.

Thursday May 12 – PROGRAM: “The Mammals of Indiana”. John Whitaker, Indiana State University, coauthor with Russ Mumford of The Mammals of Indiana, and author of NAS’s Field Guide to North American
Mammals. The title says it all—should be an interesting program, join us. 7:15 p.m. Lilly Nature Center, Celery Bog Nature Area, WL. (dinner at 6 p.m. see above).  May Count Sign Up: 6:45 p.m. before Dr. Whitaker’s program. Sign up for the Tippecanoe County, Warren County, or White County May Count or you can contact the appropriate compiler as listed on page 1.

Saturday May 14 – BIG DAY IN MAY BIRD COUNT. All day count with people all over the state going out to see what species can be found in their county. Locally people are needed to cover Tippecanoe, Warren, and
White Counties. See info on page 1. Lots of fun and lots of birds. Compilation party at 8 p.m.

February 24, 2011 – There is a  new proposed House bill that could cut $60-100 billion in government programs that may be dear to you.  Currently, the  items included are in early drafts of the House Continuing Resolutions.  Contact your Representatives and Senators to voice your opinion.  You can read about the  Potential Cuts

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD – March 2/March 9 Bobcats/Mt Lions/Coyotes – – Scott Johnson – LNC
Changing Seasons/No Child Left Inside – Sam Postlethwait & Mary Cutler –
LNC

March 6 – Sunday – Timberdoodles Ahoy! A field trip to see/hear displaying American Woodcock at the Purdue Wildlife
Area. We will look and listen for these “timberdoodles” at dusk. Meet at Celery Bog* at 6 PM to carpool
or be at the Purdue Wildlife Area on the N side of SR 26 west of 750 W at 6:30 p.m.

March 10 – Thursday – PROGRAM: “Avian Auditory Processing: The Other Side of Song”. Jeff Lucas, Biology Professor
at Purdue. Seasonal variations in what birds hear and the songs they sing. 7:15 p.m. Lilly Nature
Center, Celery Bog Nature Area, WL. (dinner at 6 p.m. see above).

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD – March 16 – Indiana Rocks and Minerals – Debbie Dale/Other? LNC

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD – March 23 – 1-3pm Bird Nests & Wren House Workshop – Mary Cutler & Brenda Moore –
LNC

March 26 – Saturday – Migrating Waterfowl Field Trip. Looking for ducks, geese and swans (among other waterbirds) at
Celery Bog and other local wetlands. Some early spring migrants such as Yellow-rumped Warblers
might be present too. Meet at the gravel parking lot at Celery Bog* at 8:30 am.

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD – March 30 – Ecology of Invasives + ID’ing & Managing – Mike Jenkins & others LNC

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD – April 6 – Chickadee Language/Bird Song – Jeff Lucas – LNC

April 14 – Thursday – PROGRAM “Streams and Aquatic Fauna in Indiana”. Michael Litwin, Fishery Biologist, US Fish
& Wildlife Service, Bloomington. Learn about all the critters living in our waterways. The presence or
absence of aquatic fauna reflects a water’s quality. 7:15 p.m. Lilly Nature Center, Celery Bog Nature
Area, WL. (dinner at 6 p.m. see above).

FOR MORE INFORMATION or TO HELP WEDNESDAYS IN THE WILD,
contact: Mary Cutler 765-567-2993,
Joan Mohr Samuels 765-567-7023 or mohrsamuels@comcast.net