Could Vaux's swifts migratory birds be next on endangered species list?
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Vaux's swifts are considered an indicator species for the health of old growth forests, where they naturally roost. The dark-brown birds have nearly white throats and chests, and named for the 19th century scientist, William S. Vaux (pronounced vawks). Because of their foot structure, they can't perch. They spend daylight hours in flight, consuming insects. At night, they cling inside snags or chimneys that protect them from hawks, owls and other predators.
Some biologists fear they are in decline, says Mary Coolidge, assistant conservation director at the Portland Audubon Society. "But historical data have been too scant to say for sure." A group of volunteer bird counters are trying to fix that.
200 volunteers from Canada to Mexico gather information for an Audubon Society project started in 2008. Data is compiled at www.vauxhappening.org. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society, the Monroe School District and Washington Tweeters, a birding online list, contribute to the project.
Click here to read more about the project on The Oregonian website.
September / October 2010 Whistler is online
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The September / October
2010 Whistler
is available now.
Some of its content:
- Wahkiakum County Fair
- Impressions from the annually picnic
- Call for input to establish goals for next years
- Book Review
- Update on American Kestrel for WHAS wildlife collection
Friends of Fox Creek receives grant to improve fish habitat
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Friends of Fox Creek, an all volunteer organization with whom WHAS has partnered on projects, has been awarded a $46,000 grant from Oregon Fish and Wildlife to improve Fox Creek fish habitat by adding large, woody debris. Read more here about the efforts in Rainier, OR.
Update on Cooper Island
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We have received an update from George Divoky, our favorite arctic scientist. He writes from Cooper Island while conducting his continuing research on the Black Guillimot colony on Cooper Island. George invites you to go to his links to learn more about what is going on this summer.
"Yesterday brought the first major surprise of the summer when I found a recently hatched Glaucous Gull chick - a first for Cooper Island. Guillemot chicks are also hatching and I will be busy in the next week getting dates of hatching for the 146 active guillemot nests.
This has been a cooler and wetter summer than most recent ones and much ice is still visible from the island, unlike last year when there was only open water by this date. Check out our blog www.adventures-in-climate-change.com and/or website www.cooperisland.org for more information and check back during August to see how the ice retreat affects the guillemots and polar bears. Have a good rest of the summer and thanks much for your interest and support.
George"
If you like to know more about George Divoky and his research on Birds and what influence Climate Change has on the Guillimot watch this amazing video:
June 19, 2010 is Natural Areas Appreciation Day
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On June 19th, the Washington Department of Natural Resources will offer several field outings in celebration of the first annual Natural Areas Appreciation Day. This is a great opportunity for the public to see, experience and learn about some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring landscapes remaining in the Northwest. This event is sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Natural Areas Committee, a group of governmental, and non-profit agencies whose purpose is to promote the recognition, establishment and management of Northwest natural areas. See the below announcement for details about the five outings and please contact
July / August 2010 Whistler is online
- Details
The July / August 2010 Whistler is available now.
Some of its content:
- WHAS Anual Picnic Invitation
- Member Form and WHAS News
- Bye Bye Northern Star’s Bradwood…
- Birding Bits; Field Trip Report
- Nelson Creek Report, Book Review: Birdology
- Avian Bird Signs Featured on Walk; Beware of Vampires
- Book Review: An Eagle named Freedom; Upcoming Events
- WHAS Programs: Other upcoming events
Help the birds - vote for Audubon
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The American Express Members Project is offering Audubon a special grant for its conservation efforts. National Audubon needs your help and that of your friends to secure the votes needed to qualify. Start by clicking the picture to register. Then, vote for Audubon today and once a week through August 21.
The top vote-getting group in each category of this effort will receive a $200,000 donation for its work. So tell your friends and family to vote too! It will take only a few clicks to make a difference.
Avian Bird Signs Featured on History Walk
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On May 15, Longview Park Superintendent, Al George led 20 citizens on a walking history tour of Lake Sacajawea. As well as lake history, the Avian Interpretive Signs were featured on the tour. These signs were designed and installed through the efforts of Willapa Hills Audubon Society in partnership with the City of Longview and are now a prominent feature on the lake, offering both art and educational opportunities to Park patrons. WHAS member, Margaret Green spoke to those gathered,
What should the future of Mt St Helens look like?
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A recent commentary in the Oregonian presents a limnologist's perspective on the future of Mt St Helens, arguing in favor of continuation of long-term research projects and for granting the monument National Park status.