The Inaugural Indiana Dunes Birding Festival

By Alexandra Forsythe

Since it was the first year for the Dunes Birding Festival, I am sure people expected a lot of hiccups, low attendance and holes in the schedule. However, Brad Bumgardner was the Festival Chair, and he had assembled a fantastic group of people to help him organize the Festival, so it was fantastic! More people than anticipated signed up for the festival, with more streaming in every day hoping to squeeze in to sold-out events.

From the moment I arrived, there was a sense of excitement. Big, beautiful banners were everywhere greeting the birders. The welcome station was staffed during the entire Festival by friendly, helpful people, and the goody bag had so many wonderful things including a really cool bird whistle. The Program Guide looked professional and contained a lot of information in a neat package.

There was a full slate of events Thursday through Sunday: field trips, talks, activities and social events. There was something for everyone from beginning birder hikes to advanced instructions on the identification of difficult birds. You would have to attend the Festival several years to see and do everything!

The night before the Festival began, I was given the job of running the Festival’s official live Twitter feed to report on interesting sightings, let people know about upcoming talks and activities, post photos of birds and the presenters, and tell people when and where events were occurring. Although I could not always stay for the entire activity (I had to drive back and forth to different events which were often scheduled at the same time, sometimes a half hour away), I had the unique opportunity to catch pieces of almost all of the Festival. It gave me a wonderful overview of the depth of activities provided. The variety was astounding, and I was impressed at the amount of thought the organizers put in to plan the Festival.

Each field trip was unique. The Dunes area has one of the most diverse collections of habitat in the country, so it attracts an incredible variety of birds from Whooping Crane to Mourning Warbler. You want warblers? We had places dripping with them! You want a Black Vulture? We’ve got that! How about ducks? No problem! No matter what field trip you went on, you were sure to see something you hadn’t seen before. Better yet, every morning before the field trip you were greeted with coffee, pastries and smiling faces. 

I was lucky to both lead and attend field trips, and I was thrilled with each group! The other people leading the field trips were excellent! They were able to find rarities for the experts in the group, and help beginners feel more confident. On the tour I led, I had a mixture of beginners, experts and photographers. It was wonderful! We connected over the birds in a way that felt as though we had known each other for a long time. We spotted some good birds (Sora walking along the road, Golden-winged Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Sandhill Cranes and more), and several members of the group got lifers! 

The presentations were all professionally done by some of the most respected people in birding. We heard about conservation and restoration projects, Sandhills, migrant traps, the use of radar to track bird movements, the unique geology of the area, the importance of right-of-ways to birds, big years, Brazilian flora and fauna, Gene Stratton-Porter, feeding and attracting birds, and birdscaping. We learned how to identify difficult birds like warblers and gulls. I got to combine two of my favorite subjects - birds and technology - and speak about them. 

There were workshops for bird photography, wildflower photography and Flying WILD. The younger attendees had special programming sponsored by the Indiana Young Birders Club, from bilingual hikes to building Bluebird boxes. 

Birds of prey were in abundance and up close thanks to several organizations, and visitors had the chance to see songbirds closely at banding programs. The Whip Walk was heart-stopping, with Whip-poor-wills flying close to our heads and landing in the walkway a few feet in front of us.

Incredibly, almost all of the talks, field trips and activities were free with a one-time reasonable admission charge. Since we had to pay so little for admission, we had plenty to spend on specially priced items from optics to bird supplies. Plus, we could bid on wonderful silent auction items including signed Peterson prints, optics, gift baskets, bird houses, sculptures, and even a refrigerator! The money raised by the auction went to a good cause: half of the proceeds were given to the Indiana Young Birders Club.

The evening social events were cleverly designed to force everyone to get to know one another in easy conversation starters. There was no way to attend the event without getting to know someone new! Plus, there were a multitude of prizes, so you gained a new friend and a gift each night.

The keynote speech was one of the best I have ever heard. James Currie, author and star of Nikon’s Birding Adventures, was an incredible story teller! He made everyone in the room alternately laugh, gasp and sigh. The food at the keynote dinner was like something from a 4-star restaurant, with prime rib cut to order and luscious, chocolate-covered strawberries.

Every venue was very nice, both inside and out. Birds surrounded each building and once you stepped inside, you were sure to learn quite a bit just by looking at the exhibits in the lobbies.

I’ve been to several birding conferences, and there is no question that the Dunes Birding Festival was one of the best. I cannot wait until next year!

Sand, Sand, and More Sand: Birding the Indiana Dunes

By Matthias Benko

     Late autumn in Indiana is a beautiful season for many reasons.  The multicolored leaves of the deciduous trees are finishing up their descent to the ground, pumpkins are being carved, and, of course, the waterfowl are starting to move. That is why, on November 2, the IYBC went on a joint field trip with the birders of the Illinois Young Birders Club (ILYB) to the lakefront.

IYBC and ILYB members checking out some Pine Siskins

The day of fall birding began at the lake watch in Marquette Park. It was bit of a slow morning, but there were definitely some highlights. We saw a Peregrine Falcon chase a Snow Bunting high into the sky, a few Great Black-backed Gulls (the largest gulls in the world,) Horned Grebes close to the beach line, flyover Common Goldeneyes, and a single Red-breasted Merganser. After a while, the birds stopped moving through; therefore, we decided to move on to a new destination—West Beach.

            West Beach also had its notable moments. In the evergreen area, we saw a mixed flock of winter birds that included Pine Siskin, Dark-eyed Junco, and Red-breasted Nuthatch. We tried our best to find a Northern Saw-whet Owl hidden in the pine trees, but our search was to no avail. Since there weren’t any more birds to find, the group leaders decided to walk back to the main parking lot. At the parking lot, we had a highlight of the trip: a Sharp-shinned Hawk! We (the IYBC and ILYB) decided to part ways after that high note. However, before we headed back home, the remaining IYBC members decided to give the Ogden Dunes Pinery a chance. 

The main area of the dunes was somewhat flooded, and, unfortunately, we couldn’t find a Saw-whet. We soon discovered why we couldn’t find an owl; a Cooper’s Hawk was in the vicinity! Even though we didn’t find what we were looking for at this location, it was still fun to walk the beautiful, rugged property.

Matthias Benko and Landon Neumann 

            Since it was getting a little late, my mom and I decided to head back to Indianapolis. I had a great day birding; in fact, it yielded four lifers: Peregrine Falcon, Snow Bunting, Great Black-backed Gull, and Sharp-shinned Hawk! On the drive home, there was another highlight; I spotted a Bald Eagle soaring over the interstate. Hopefully, the IYBC will be able to go back and experience the Dunes’ marvelous avifauna once again. 

Audubon's Christmas Bird Count

By Alexandra Forsythe

The holidays are here! It’s time for feasting, visiting with friends and family, and honoring traditions. For a birder, one of the those traditions is the annual Christmas Bird Count.

Where did this tradition originate? What does it entail? Why do we do it?

The Christmas Bird Count (“CBC”) replaced the tradition of the Christmas Side Hunt in 1900. During the Side Hunt, teams would compete to see who could kill the most prey, both feathered and furred. Frank Chapman, an officer in the Audubon Society, suggested conducting a census of birds, rather than a slaughter of them. That first year, 27 people participated in 25 bird counts and reported about 90 species.

Over a century later, the CBC has continued to be an important form of citizen science. The data collected helps researchers study bird populations and how those populations have changed. Armed with this information, additional studies and conservation measures can be taken to help the birds overcome the issues which affect them. For example, in the 1980’s it became apparent that wintering populations of the American Black Duck were in decline. Strict harvest regulations were put in place which has helped slow the decline.

There are specific rules governing CBCs. The count runs from December 14 to January 5. Each count is conducted in one calendar day and covers a 15-mile diameter circle. Participants are organized into groups or field parties by the compiler of each count, and the field party covers a specific area of the 15-mile circle. All individual birds are identified by sight or sound and counted. This provides a census of the total number of birds in the circle.

Last year, about 2,400 counts took place from the Arctic to the Andes. A record number of 71,659 people participated, tallying 66,243,371 birds from 2403 species! Two new species were recorded for the U.S.: Sinaloa Wren in Arizona and Red-throated Pipit in California. This year marks our 115th CBC. Perhaps we’ll break even more records!

Be sure to join a CBC near you. You’ll be conducting important research, you’ll get to spend time with your birding friends, and it’s a great way to spend the holidays! 

To see a 20-minute video by the National Audubon Society about CBCs, go to: http://birds.audubon.org/videos/audubons-christmas-bird-count-tallying-birds-americas-over-century

Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary: Remote Yet Beautiful!

By Matthias Benko

Last month, during the IAS Spring Festival, I was given the wonderful opportunity to see Indiana Audubon Society’s Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary for the first time.  I had heard marvelous things about the sanctuary, but I definitely wanted to formulate my own opinion of the property. Did Mary Gray disappoint?  Not in any manner whatsoever.

Matthias (far right) birding with other young birders
at the Spring Festival. By Chad Williams

The sanctuary’s framework consists of a medium-sized sepia creek, with leafy deciduous forests surrounding the water and covering the majority of the acreage.  Some parts of the property vary in elevation since glaciers moved through the area millions of years ago. Along with forested areas and hills, there are also three or four retention ponds near the three main edifices of the land.  Mary Gray is, quite literally, a breath of fresh air compared to urban areas such as Indianapolis and Connersville.

Throughout the six or seven hours I spent at the property, the birds delivered! I was fortunate to increase my life list by a sum of three birds. A Blue-winged Warbler materialized from the forest onto a tree overlooking Mary Gray’s creek, a nice surprise considering I was perched on a bridge, enjoying the magnificent weather. After a calming lunch break, I discovered a Wood Thrush that was peacefully posed off of a trail behind the main presentation hall.  Finally, the last lifer of the day, by no means the least, was none other than a Cerulean Warbler.  The Cerulean imposed an arduous challenge---trying to get a pleasing, concrete glimpse.  After a good half hour of attempting a glance, I thankfully found the bird at a lower level of the woods, working his way up to the

Blue-winged Warbler at Mary Gray. By Chad Williams

canopy.  Other highlights of the day included a male Common Yellowthroat, a male Northern Parula, a pair of Canada Geese with six goslings, and a Common Moorhen (officially known as the Common Gallinule). The Moorhen was quite a find, as it was in the small portion of reeds that one of the retention ponds had. I remember my mom saying, “There’s a bird that’s been popping in and out of the reeds. It has the most gorgeous red bill.” Our group, who was birding with Joel Greenberg, coaxed the bird out of the plant life by clapping repeatedly. The bird acted bizarrely for a member of the rail family, climbing up a tree and flashing its odd greenish legs. It even posed well enough for birders around the area to observe the bird for a lengthy time period.  My day at Mary Gray was full of pleasing and surprising moments, so much so that I never wanted to leave!

Young nature lovers during a creek walk at the
Spring 2014 Festival.  By Chad Williams

Any member of the Indiana Audubon Society can visit Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary at any time of year. If you ever need a weekend escape to, as Kenn Kaufman says, reality, this sanctuary is the place to travel to. In retrospect, this experience was one of the most satisfying I have ever had. 

Is the Biggest Week Really the Biggest Week?

By Alexandra Forsythe

Blackburnian Warbler by Alexandra Forsythe

I attended the Biggest Week in American Birding this year in northwest Ohio. It takes place at a stopover point for migratory birds that are attempting to cross the Great Lakes, so there are a wide variety of birds. But is it the "biggest week"? Yes! In many ways it is!

You will see a lot of bird species in a very short period of time, and most of those species will be in a small, easily accessible area. Often the birds will be at or near eye level and they will be close enough to easily identify. However, the number and proximity of birds is not what makes this the biggest week in my opinion. It is the biggest week because of the people.

Kim and Kenn Kaufman and the people at Black Swamp Bird Observatory have created an event that includes something for everyone. There are educational presentations, guided bus tours, auto tours, boat tours, bird hikes, and a large number of expert birders on hand in most locations to help you. When you attend the event, you'll be surrounded by enthusiastic birders of all levels from beginner to expert. There's an instant feeling of family as you run into old friends and make new ones.

American Bittern by Alexandra Forsythe

You'll meet some extremely talented birders. For example, I met Deb Neidert, a guide who makes birding fun and exciting. I also got to go birding by ear with Mr. Michael O'Brien, co-author of the Shorebird Guide and the Larkwire app. He's an outstanding teacher and an unbelievably talented birder.

Michael O'Brien and Alexandra

The entire event is designed to increase each attendee's love and appreciation of birds, and it certainly succeeds! The activities and enthusiasm continue to grow each year, making this the undeniable Biggest Week in American Birding!

Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz 2014

By Landon Neumann

Rusty Blackbird Photo by Ryan Sanderson

Many of you probably have heard about the Rusty Blackbird. It’s often a bird that birders will search for in blackbird flocks during the spring and fall. What you may not know is that this bird is under a serious decline. According to Ebird in the last fifty years this bird has declined by 85-95%! What can be done to stop this decline? Well, one way for birders is for them to go out this spring, when these birds are migrating through, to specifically look for and report Rusty Blackbirds through the Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz that Ebird and the International Rusty Blackbird Working Group are sponsoring. The goal through the blitz is to understand better what the actual population number looks like, so that researchers will be able to stop the decline of this species.

So how can you help with the blitz? Well, it’s pretty easy.  All you have to do is go birding and look for Rusty Blackbirds this March through mid-April. Then, when you get home, go on ebird.org to submit your birding list. When you submit your list be sure to list the Rusty Blackbird Blitz under the observation type tab.  Pretty simple isn’t it? Just for a tip Rusty Blackbirds tend to like water so look for them around any body of water just as a lake, river, or marsh. There are still some places that you can see large flocks of Rusty Blackbirds in Indiana. Below is a list of those locations.  However, it’s just as helpful for the Blitz if you look for them at your patch, so don’t forget that too!

Kankakee FWA
Muscatatuck NWR
Willow Slough FWA
Gibson Lake / Cane Ridge
Eagle Slough, Vanderburgh Co.
Pine Creek GHA
Indiana Dunes Area (West Beach, Green Tower, Heron Rookery)
Kingsbury FWA
Stillwater Marsh
Big Oaks NWR
Pigeon River FWA

Good luck finding Rusty Blackbirds this spring! 

Birding in Northeast Indiana

By Alexandra Forsythe

Alexandra F. photo by Kristena Lynn Photography

It’s no secret that Goose Pond and the Indiana Dunes are some of Indiana’s birding treasures. What people may not realize is that the northeastern corner of Indiana is also a treasure. We have forests, lakes and prairies that are ideal for attracting a wide variety of birds. Just a few of the birding hotspots are Pokagon State Park, Trine State Recreation Area, Salamonie (State Park, State Forest and Reservoir), J. Edward Roush Fish and Wildlife Area, Hurshtown Reservoir, Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve, Fox Island County Park, Franke Park, and Arrowhead Marsh and Prairie. Acres Land Trust owns and manages over 4,000 acres of preserves in northeast Indiana that include just about every imaginable habitat: old growth forests, prairies, bogs, wetlands, lakes, natural springs, rivers and waterfalls. As further demonstration of northeast Indiana’s abundance of birds and our commitment to helping them, two of the first three Bird Towns are in northeast Indiana: Geneva and Rome City.

At many of these locations, it’s not unusual to see 80 different species in the span of just four hours. Some of the highlights of 2013 include nesting Merlins, nesting Sandhill Cranes, nesting Bald Eagles, Rufous Hummingbird, Rock Wren, Henslow’s Sparrows, Sedge Wrens, White-Winged Crossbills and Surf Scoter.

Stockbridge Audubon hosts regular weekly field trips to these and other fantastic birding locations. IYBC will also host an event in northeast Indiana this year that will allow young birders to bird at two of these locations: Eagle Marsh and Fox Island. I hope you join us!

Cass County Spotted Towhee

By Landon Neumann

It’s not every day that a birder finds a statewide rarity on his home turf. But, it happened to me during the first Cass County Christmas Bird Count on December 19, 2013. Here’s a short story about how I found the bird.

Spotted Towhee by Eric Ripma

Before the CBC I had assigned myself a local trail that was in the circle called the River Bluff Trail and some county roads. This spot usually isn't very good in winter but, I was hoping for at least a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker to add to the count.  So on count day I was at the trail bright and early ready to find some birds. The birding started out pretty good, I got the adult male sapsucker right off that I had hoped for.  There were a lot of White-throated and American Tree Sparrows out along the trail and meadows.  Right along the trail, where a river runs parallel, I scored an American Black Duck with a flock of Mallards, which I usually don’t see on that section of the river. Since the trail is 5 miles round-trip and there was 6 inches of snow on the trail the ground, walking was tough going but, I didn't mind. Once I had birded the entire trail, I headed back through the trail again since it is one way. As I was walking, I noticed two female Eastern Towhees sitting in a bush. I was pretty excited about adding them to the count since that species is hard to get in the winter this far north. After I had looked at them, I noticed an adult male towhee nearby that had white spots on his back.  I thought to myself that it looked good for Spotted Towhee - which is a western towhee that occurs in Indiana only on rare occasions.  I studied the bird for a little while before it flew off. Pretty sure that I was correct on my ID, I ran down the trail to my car (which was half a mile away) to check a guide and sure enough the guide confirmed that I had just seen a Spotted Towhee in Indiana!!!  I was pretty excited but, because I knew I needed to finish birding the rest of my area, I left the trail to bird more and then get the word out at lunch.

                During the CBC lunch I was able to get the word out and after lunch some of the birders came with me to re-find the towhee and to document my finding.  Luckily we were able to find it within a few minutes and we were able to get some decent shots of it. The bird stayed for a few more days before it moved on, allowing more birders from around the state to come and see it. Hopefully next year’s Cass County CBC will be as memorable as this one.

Green Jay

By Alexandria Simpson

Green Jay "blue-variant". Courtesy of A. Simpson

When thinking of jays, the color that most often comes to mind is blue.  Most people are familiar with the Blue Jay or another blue-colored jay.  Therefore, you can imagine my surprise when I saw my first Green Jay on a birding trip to Laguna Atascosa NWR in South Texas.  They are certainly green, a beautiful lime green reminiscent of parrots.

 

In case you still prefer some blue on your jay, the Green Jay does not disappoint: the crown and nape are bright blue.  Add some yellow-green to the bellies, and a black bib, eye line, and throat and you've created a Green Jay.  They seem very colorful but when viewed in their native semi-tropical habitat, they blend in amazingly well with the dappled sunshine and shade.  Males, females, and immatures look identical.

Green Jay and a "blue-variant". Courtesy of A. Simpson.

A few years ago, the Atascosa refuge had a very special jay.  Called the "blue variant" of the Green Jay", it was missing its yellow pigmentation and instead of being bright green, was a dull gray-blue.  When it stood next to a regular jay, the difference was stunning.  It was famous and highly photographed until it disappeared, presumably predated.

Interestingly, the Green Jay is the only common jay species in the Rio Grande Valley.  Nowhere else in the US or Canada can you find these birds; there are also populations in Mexico and South America.  The South Texas subspecies are colored somewhat differently from their South American relations, which are sometimes called Inca Jays.

Green Jays feeding.  Courtesy of A. Simpson.

Like other members of the Corvidae family, which includes jays, ravens, and crows, they are loud, aggressive, and curious birds.  The dinner table certainly never suffers from lack of conversation while the Green Jays are feeding!  A common spectacle, and one that proves their courage, is to see one or more perched atop a javelina, enjoying a free ride.  Studies have shown that Corvids are some of the most intelligent birds.  Green Jays are no exception to this and have been seen using sticks to poke insects out of tree bark.

Groups of Green Jays are called bands, parties, or scolds.  They are mostly family groups with the young from the previous year help out with this year's chicks.  Once the chicks are two years old, they are forced to leave and start a family of their own.

Green Jay perched on a Javelina.  Courtesy of A. Simpson

Green Jays are some of the most interesting birds to watch, especially when they cock their heads at you inquiringly.  Their beautiful plumage and loud, aggressive behavior provide plenty of entertainment.  If you've never had been able to view these birds in action, I hope you get the chance to someday.  They may not be blue, but they certainly are amazing birds!

Birds of the Border

By Matthias Benko

For millions of years, birds have been oblivious to national, state, provincial, and county borders. That was the case this past Saturday when the IYBC headed up to the Indiana/Illinois Lakefront to do a “little birding.” Actually, a “little birding” is quite an understatement. There was quite a lot to keep us busy------for seven straight hours.

          

The IYBC crew met up at Miller Beach outside of Gary, IN,  at 9 o’clock eastern time last Saturday. There was a reported Red Knot there, but before most of us could get there, it was spooked by a Cooper’s Hawk. However, the missing Red Knot was made up by a fly-by Whimbrel. After some of us had regained our breathing from the Whimbrel sighting, we decided to head over to the Whiting Park to look for migrant warblers.

         

We were rewarded very quickly at Whiting Park when we found a group of Nashville, Blackpoll, and Bay-breasted Warblers trying to scare off a perched Red-tailed Hawk. Some other highlights at Whiting Park after the small flock included a couple of Wilson’s Warblers,  an Ovenbird,  some American Redstarts, and a black squirrel. We finished up there and decided to go to what would be a life-changing destination for me.

          

The Migrant Trap is located next to the infamous Horseshoe Casino. Since the birds are very fatigued from the flight across Lake Michigan, they come here in numbers to rest.  We started at a bird feeder area with species like American Goldfinch, Gray Catbird,  Mourning Dove, House Sparrow, and Black-capped (not Indianapolis’s Carolina) Chickadee. After looking at the feeder birds for a few minutes, we started to head down the park’s only trail. Almost immediately we saw one Black-throated Green Warbler and numerous Tennessee Warblers. After the Tennessees, we started seeing lots of Blackpolls. It was getting a bit repetitive, but then I got my first life bird of the trip-------- a male Magnolia Warbler in vibrant fall plumage. It felt like there was some sort of unbreakable bond between the two of us, and I knew for a fact right then and there that the Magnolia Warbler was one of my favorite warblers. Just when it couldn't it get any better, it did. A male Black-throated Blue Warbler showed up. I don’t exactly know how to explain the feeling when I saw him, but I am sure that is what it must feel like to be star-struck. The only two new warblers that I saw on the trip became part of my top three favorite warblers. It is kind of strange how it ended up that way, but I don’t think it was a coincidence.....

          
At the end of The Migrant Trap, there is a little mudflat area. I saw new two lifers here------- Semipalmated Plover and Sanderling. By that time, we were all hungry, thirsty, and fatigued, so we took a lunch break. After our quick refueling, we headed back to Miller Beach. I ended the day there after I saw my first American Golden Plover (in full plumage!) and my first Black-bellied Plover. All in all, it was a wonderful day for not only us, but the birds who survived their brutal flight across Lake Michigan.

Jewels in the Countryside of Indiana

By Matthias Benko

The gnats and mosquitoes are swarming all around me. I try to ignore the annoying buzzes and the forming bites. As I keep walking around the parking lot with the group, I catch my first glance at a gargantuan nest box. The next thing I feast my eyes on stops me in my tracks. I have just seen my first Purple Martin.

The Purple Martin colony I have described is located at Willow Slough FWA in Morocco, IN. This is where the Indiana and Illinois Young Birders met up for some birding this past Saturday. Getting there was no easy task for my mom and me. It required waking at 5:30 in the morning, getting everything together, and  traveling 250 miles by car. However, once we got there, I could tell the birds were worth a long road trip. As we gathered at a central point in Willow Slough, we found a Red-headed Woodpecker nest. It was definitely amazing to see such a beautiful creature feeding young. We then walked around the parking lot, looking for species. We saw American Robins, Common Grackles, Cedar Waxwings, and Chipping Sparrows. Once we reached the lakeside, I saw my first Purple Martin. It was so mind-boggling to me that a bird could be bright purple. After I had looked at the nesting colony for a few minutes, our group heard thunder. Since the main attraction of this trip was Kankakee Sands, we decided to drive over there before the rain struck.  

    

The drive to Kankakee was actually quite productive. On the way there we saw Indigo Buntings, a Red-tailed Hawk, a Dickcissel (a new species for me), and an Eastern Meadowlark.  We arrived at our destination, the headquarters, and I had my first amazing look at a Dickcissel (the first one was obscured by brush). Then, a Henslow’s Sparrow was sighted, and I got my first look at this species. I was so happy to see this bird because, unfortunately, it is endangered in the state of Indiana.  After the Henslow’s Sparrow, I got my first look at a Grasshopper Sparrow. The other highlight at the headquarters was a Common Yellowthroat. After that, our group decided to head to another area of Kankakee.

The first sighting in the area we arrived at was a Bobolink; however, only one person saw it. Besides that, we also saw an Orchard Oriole, a Baltimore Oriole, and a Lark Sparrow. We ran out of luck after the Lark Sparrow. It had begun to pour so heavily that we decided to end the field trip a few hours early. It would have been awesome to stay longer, but it would have been no fun to bird in the pouring rain.

This was truly an amazing field trip. I would like to thank the IYBC team for planning such a marvelous trip. I can’t wait to go back to Kankakee on a sunny day. 

Birding Basics and Beyond!

By Alexandra Forsythe

Red-headed Woodpecker by Alex F.

We had a great crowd at Pokagon for the "Birding Basics and Beyond!" program! There were dozens of children and teens who were interested in birds, so hopefully we'll have several new members in the IYBC soon.

Mr. Velasquez gave an interesting presentation about the birds and other animals he's encountered on his adventures.  He inspired everyone to grab their passport and binoculars and head for the tropics!

Yellow-rumped Warbler by Alex F.

We took the attendees on a birding hike, and even though the weather was not ideal, we spotted a number of species, including Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, Red-Headed Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Golden-crowned Kinglet.

I'm certain everyone had fun and learned a lot - with Fred Wooley, Lauren Loffer, and John Velasquez, it was sure to be a hit!

Spotted Redshank at Goose Pond, IN

By Landon Neumann

Spotted Redshank, Goose Pond, IN.  Photo by Ryan Sanderson

A Spotted Redshank in Indiana was definitely not what I was expecting to happen this past week, but I guess there is never the impossible in the birding world.  After hearing about the Redshank on Thursday I quickly went into action to find a ride to be able to see this bird. Well, after finding a ride with Chicago young birders, Ethan and Aaron Gyllenhaal, and Ted Wolfe I was able to chase this mega-rarity on Saturday.

Spotted Redshank (right) at Goose Pond.  Photo by Ryan Sanderson

After a very long three hour drive through the great Indiana corn desert we arrived at Goose Pond FWA.  Right, as we pulled in the bird was actually viewable from the car! However, right as we were getting our stuff out the bird flew to the other field that it was feeding at, so we had to walk the ½ hike down the levee to get better look at it since we had only see it flying away.  During the walk we encountered over 100 birders along the levee. Some people were as far away as Massachusetts!  After a fifteen minute hike we reached where the bird was, so we set our scopes up to see the bird. Within a minute of searching we had found the bird in our scopes!  We were all overjoyed to get such great look at this bird.

After we had found the bird we observed the bird for the next hour or two.  It was neat to see the bird’s red legs, but also its red base that it had on its bill. While we were watching the redshank, it called for us a couple times and it was frequently chasing away Lesser Yellowlegs, who were feeding close to it.  The field that it was in was also filled with other birds. Some of the highlights that were in the field apart from Redshank were 23 American Golden Plovers, a Long Billed Dowitcher, and 3 Black Necked Stilts. The field was also jammed back with Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal, Pectoral Sandpipers, and both species of yellowlegs. Overall, it was a lot of fun birding along the levee.

I’m very thankful to see such a rare bird. It was one of the rarest birds I’ve ever seen in North America. If you haven’t seen it yet I would strongly recommend you go see it. It will be a while, if ever, before one shows up again in Indiana.

Herons, Loons, Grebes, Ducks, Towhees- Oh my!

By Matthias Benko

Matthias (on-scope) with other IYB's checking out a Ruddy Duck!

Yesterday, The IYBC took an amazing field trip to the Heron Rookery in Hamilton County. All who participated in the event are now experts on Great Blue Herons.  A few facts about herons include that they have something called nuptial plumes connected to their head during breeding season (February-July), there is almost no way to tell males and females apart, and they nest in trees! That’s kind of counterintuitive  right? I thought wading birds nest on ground near water.  I was totally wrong. However, besides seeing tons of Great Blue Herons and their nests, we saw much more. There was a Common Loon that flew over the place where we met.  Among the Loon, we also saw the following (brace yourselves, there is a lot): European Starlings, American Robins, Eastern Bluebirds,  a Pileated Woodpecker, a pair of Wood Ducks, a male American Kestrel, a female Northern Flicker, and a male Eastern Towhee (a new bird for me, I had only seen a female twice before.) Then, after someone had guessed the “secret duck” for a field guide, we decided to head off on another adventure.

IYB's on 3-23-13!!  Matthias (left)

The Star of the Show!  A Great Blue Heron.  Photo by Ceth Williams

The Morse Reservoir is a place I had never visited before. I honestly had no idea what I was missing out on! There were Common Loons in full plumage (a lifer for me), Horned Grebes in mid-molt (another lifer), Mute Swans, American Coots, Mallards, and Ruddy Ducks (yet another lifer). I also found out by talking to Rob Ripma that one of my spark birds was a Harris’s Sparrow! (At that time, I was not a very seasoned birder.) All in all, this trip was worth it in so many varied ways. I am proud to call myself a part of the Indiana Young Birders’ Club.  

IYBC Field Guide Giveaway!

 By Chad Williams

I can remember how excited I was when I turned the pages of my first field guide!  I knew there were a lot of birds out there and, I knew that there were a lot of different birds out there but, I didn't have a clue that there TONS more all around!  I also didn't know that they came in so many shapes and sizes! When looking at the first pages, I realized immediately I had to learn as much as I could about as many birds as I could and then find a way to go see them – in real life. 

It’s been many years since my first Peterson’s Guide but, still today I am not sure the sun has ever set before I have opened the pages to one of my many field guides.  Whether I’m using a guide to identify a specific of bird or simply using it to fantasize about my next adventure – I incessantly have my nose buried in a field guide.  An entirely new world opened the day I turned the pages of my first guide and I haven’t looked back since.

The Indiana Young Birders Club is on a mission to get new field guides into the hands of any young birder that has a passion for birds and that needs a field guide to help expand on his/her passion.  To date, we've given over 100 field guides away (free of charge) to young birders/naturalists with a fiery desire to learn more about birds and we want that number to grow!  So, throughout 2013 we will be giving away field guides at IYBC programs and via our website simply by submitting a short online essay about birds, a birding adventure, or a favorite bird species.  Our only request in return is that each recipient sends us a picture of themselves showing off their new guide.  Simple!

To learn more about the IYBC 100 Guide Giveaway, to apply for a field guide, or to donate to our field guide mission, please check us out at www.indianayoungbirders.org.

Please help spread the message about this amazing opportunity!

Happy Birding!!!

Pictures left to right and top to bottom: Carlynn and Benji B. (top left), Kamden M. (top right), Lorena and Serena W. (middle), Naomi and Kiana V. and Grandma (bottom left), Joshua and Mary R. (bottom right)

Salamonie Eagle Watch

By Alexandra Forsythe

Alexandra (left), Lynnanne Fager (center)

If you've never attended an Eagle Watch, you’re really missing out!  In Indiana, we are fortunate to have several Eagle Watch locations across the state from Turkey Run to Mississinewa.  During these events, you learn more about eagles, visit roosting sites, and if the conditions are right, you may see dozens of eagles in one location.

This year, I was fortunate enough to help at the Salamonie Eagle Watch event on February 2 and 3.  I created interactive display/quiz boards about Bald Eagles to entertain and educate the visitors.  

Despite the hazardous road conditions, we had a huge turnout.  We even had some familiar faces: Don and Terri Gorney!  The eagles did not disappoint; dozens of eagles were happy to pose for the cameras.  For up close and personal viewings of Bald Eagles, Zach Walker from Of Wings of Eagles brought Belle (an education eagle), and Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehab brought Jefferson for his debut as an education eagle.

Be sure to attend an Eagle Watch program.  You won’t be sorry!

Photo provided by Alexandra Forsythe.

IYBC Saw-whet Owl Trip!

By Ceth Williams

On January the 19^th the Indiana Young Birders took a trip to Lafayette, Indiana to the property of Dr. Delano Arvin to take a couple of hikes around the woods to see Saw-whet Owls. These owls are one of the tiniest owls in the world so we were very excited to them. First, we hiked up to the top of a hill where an owl was resting in a grove of pine trees. It was hard to see, but it was still cool. In the next spot we went there was an owl right in the open making it very easy to get pictures. There was also another owl further back in the woods.

Around thirty people showed up to see the owls. There were a bunch of kids, but there were also quite a few adults. The kids got to ride on the gator to go see the Barred Owls because they would fly off if you walked to see them. We walked to see the Saw-whet’s. The gator was fun!  Sadly enough, my sock hat got taken off by a branch. But, we turned back around to get it.

The pictures of the Saw-whet Owl at the bottom of the hill were amazing. The little thing was right in your face.  At the top of the hill it was harder, but I still managed to find a hole and get good shots. It was dark where the Barred Owls were, but I was still able to get a few pictures. This property is one of the best places the IYBC visits. There are so many opportunities to see things you can’t always see together in one place and when we go we also learn about many other things in the woods.

IYBC’s next trip there will be in April. So I hope the experience is as good as it always is and maybe better. This is really one of the best trips we have taken. I will come and attend every event. I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I have.

Pictures (all by Ceth Williams on the Arvin property): (Top) Saw-whet Owl, (Middle) Barred Owl, (Bottom) Hornet Nest.

Christmas Bird Counts and How Young Birders Can Help Your Local Teams

Sarah Sass

Sarah at her first CBC in 2009

Have you ever been on a Christmas bird count?  Well, if you haven’t, I highly recommend it.  Not just for the sake of birding, but for the conversation.  Christmas bird counts are a good way to meet other birders who may just be the same age as you or they may just live near you.  Being young birders, we don’t all have a driver’s licenses.  Therefore, if you don’t have a parent into birding, it could be quite hard to get a ride to a birding hotspot such as Goose Pond.  Getting to know another birder that lives near you could help you get out to enjoy some of the birds that you may not have another opportunity to see.

One reason that young birders are needed on Christmas bird counts is that we offer great eyesight and excellent hearing.  Having young birders like us on the team can help to increase the number of birds that your team either sees or hears.  So don’t hesitate to find out when a team near you will head out for a full day of birding.

Lindsey and Sarah Sass in 2012

When you do meet a birder to hang out with while in the field, don’t be afraid to start a conversation, whether it’s about birds, family, or even yourself.   Birders love to hear birding stories, and even how that person started birding.  It’s important that you feel comfortable with the group that you are with, because on Christmas bird counts, you need to work as a group to spot things.  In many cases, you will need to shout out the birds that you think you see or hear so your group can clarify and count. 

Many Christmas bird counts have what’s called a compiling party at the end.  At a compiling party, all of the teams in that particular count will get their data recorded.  From what I just told you, the compiling party may sound kind of boring, but before you get your data recorded all of the birders get to hang out, tell stories, and eat some food.  It’s kind of like a small potluck.  All of the birders bring food to share at the party.  You can meet even more birders!  There are plenty out there, and compiling parties are one of the best places to meet other birders. So never overlook the compiling party. 

So, when our birding mentors are no longer around, we young birders will need to step in and carry on what the last generation did.  It is best to start birding at a young age to have more experience.  I started birding when I was eight years old, and I have been into walking and the outdoors since I was only two years old!  My life list has 251 species on it, and my last life bird, the Merlin, I got on a Christmas bird count.  I have participated in four Christmas bird counts just this season, and I have enjoyed every one of them.  That’s the basic information about Christmas bird counts and why young people like us need to get involved in Christmas bird counts.