Learn about the most promiscuous bird
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Recent studies have revealed a special survival mechanism for a bird living on the east coast of the US. Now it's called the world's most promiscuous bird. The saltmarsh sparrow, that lives in the marshes of Connecticut, was found to have high levels of multiple mating. The scientists found that 95% of females mated with more than one male during each nesting period. They assume that this unusual behaviour could be a survival mechanism due to coastal flooding. Using DNA analysis and studying the birds mating behaviour in the marsh habitat, the researchers revealed the highly promiscuous activities of the bird. The results were published in the journal The Auk.
Check out this BBC website for more information.
2009 Christmas Bird Count Results from Wahkiakum County
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On December 29, 2009, 21 volunteers participated in the twelfth annual Wahkiakum Christmas Bird Count.
Though the temperature rose into the low 40's from the morning's freezing temperatures, a cold east wind blowing over 20 mph in many parts of the circle made it hard to find birds. Some afternoon rain and snow didn't help either.
The count of 104 species is three below our average. Two species were new to the Wahkiakum CBC. Eurasian Collared-Doves are now well- established on Puget Island, where 10 were found on count day. An Empidonax sp. flycatcher was found near the east end of East Birnie Slough Road, Puget Island. I attempted to relocate it, but did not succeed.
Other uncommon finds for our circle included an Eared Grebe,
Read more: 2009 Christmas Bird Count Results from Wahkiakum County
Christmas Bird Count discussed on NPR's Science Friday
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Listen to an interview with the Christmas Bird Count and Feeder Watch coordinators on NPR's Science Friday from 2009 here and from 2008 here and continuing here with a discussion of the benefits of shade grown coffee. The 2009 interview in particular talks about the northward movement of birds as documented by the counts.
January - February 2010 Whistler is online
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The January - February 2010 Whistler is available now.
Some of its content:
- Amphibian Survey and Program
- Presidents Message
- Member Form and WHAS News
- Birding Bits; Poem: Wounded Bird…
- How to Save Energy – a Conversation with B. Fisher
- Nelson Creek / Recent Fieldtrip report
- Lake Sacajawea Signs are up / Local Events
- Book Review, Officer Nomination Form
- WHAS Programs and Field Trips
Deery Memorial Signage
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The Avian Interpretive Sign project is now complete. The signs were installed at Lake Sacajawea Park in Longview on 12/7/09 and are already being recognized as a beautiful enhancement to the park.
New 'Palouse to Pines' Birding Trail Map
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State Sen. Lisa Brown and Audubon Washington cordially invite you to the unveiling of the newest map of the Great Washington State Birding Trail, the Palouse to Pines Loop, and featuring LIVE BIRDS like those seen on this route:
- a Great Horned Owl and a
- Red-tailed Hawk.
Time and Location:
Jan. 26, 2010 -- 12:45-1:00p.m
Rooms ABC Cherberg Building
State Capitol Campus, Olympia, WA
Please join us in the presentation of the latest area of the state to offer the Birding Trail’s successful combination of outdoor recreation, conservation and rural economic development.
Please click
Environmental Lobby Day 2010
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Join the state’s leading conservation groups and hundreds of citizen lobbyists to push for the passage of the Environmental Priorities Coalition’s 2010 legislative priorities.
1. The Working for Clean Water bill is about creating jobs, rebuilding our local economies, and cleaning up polluted waterways like Puget Sound and Spokane River.
2. Safe Baby Bottles to protect children’s health and the environment by phasing out the harmful chemical bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles, food and beverage cans, and other consumer products.
3. Budget for our Environment to ensure adequate funding for the core environmental protections that make Washington State a healthy place to live.
During Environmental Lobby Day you will hear from legislators that are championing the Environmental Priorities legislation, receive a training on how to lobby from top environmental lobbyists, and meet face-to-face with your elected officials. And don’t forget the party in the evening!
When: Tuesday January 26th, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: United Churches of Olympia, 110th East 11th Ave
Additionally: Unveiling of the
WHAS received the GOLDEN LOPPER AWARD
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On October 27, 2009, the Columbia Land Trust honored their volunteers with a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at their headquarters in Vancouver. Russ and Ann Kastberg, co-chairs of the Nelson Creek Restoration committee, attended, representing the chapter.
November - December 2009 Whistler is online
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The November - December 2009 Whistler is available for download.
Some of its content:
- Update on WA Audubon
- Member Form and WHAS News
- LNG Update; Oregon State Bird
- Habitat Restoration Area for Snowy Plovers
- Nelson Creek / Lake Sacajawea Sign Update
- Christmas Bird Counts, Other Events
- Book Review: Mind of the Raven
- WHAS Programs and Field Trips
Nelson Creek Update
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We have been busy at Nelson Creek this last summer. Vegetation surveys: Pam Wright headed up a crew with Andrea Berkley, Columbia Land Trust, establishing permanent vegetation plots throughout the Nelson Creek property. These inventory plots will be monitored to document the change due to our restoration efforts.
The Nelson Creek committee met in July to update everyone as to what has been completed and what still needs to be done. We welcomed Kris Parke to the committee. Kris has been involved for several years monitoring upper Nelson Creek for fish populations. He volunteered to head up a fish survey in Jack's Slough. Andrea reported that CLT now has funding to proceed with restoration projects that will include site preparation and replanting with native species. We expect to get started this winter.
- Acidification of Willapa Bay
- September - October Whistler is online
- Aesop's fable not so far fetched
- Snake Meets Its Match
- Inside Birding by Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology
- Bird Brains
- July - August Whistler is online
- Bat Houses for Sale
- Lake Sacajawea Invasive Weed Cleanup on the South Island
- WHAS works to remove invasive plants from Lake Sacajawea Islands