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BLACK SWAMP BIRD OBSERVATORY

S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 4

BSBO NEWS

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Director’s Perch 2

2014 Volunteer

Awards

3

Biggest Week In

American Birding

4

Bird Ohio Day 5

Research News 6-7

Education News 8-9

Conservation News 10

Donate the GUIA 11

Help BSBO 12-13

Welcome New

Members

13-14

Thank you to our

Donors

14-15

BSBO Membership

Renewal Form

16

BSBO Visitors’

Center Hours:

We are open

Friday, Saturday &

Sunday year 'round

from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

April & September:

Friday, Saturday,

Sunday, & Monday

from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

We are open every day in

May from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

419.898.4070

Black Swamp Bird Observatory: inspiring the

appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of birds and

their habitats through research, education and outreach.

B L A C K S W A M P B I R D O B S E R V A T O R Y

P A G E 2 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S PERCH This might sound strange coming from the director of a bird

observatory, but I’ve been spending a lot of time talking to people

who know nothing about birds. And, truth be told, some of the

people I’ve been spending time with might not ever care about birds

in the way that you and I do. But that’s okay. Just as long as they

come away from our conversations with the awareness and

understanding of the economic value of habitat conservation, the

point that’s become a cornerstone of BSBO’s conservation message

since we started the Biggest Week In American Birding.

‘The Biggest Week’ is so much more than a great time for a whole

lot of birders. (And it certainly is that!) We’ve worked hard to leverage the economic

impact of birding tourism in northwest Ohio—$37 million each spring—to create a swell

of interest in habitat conservation. We’re talking to groups, organizations, and agencies

that we would never have imagined speaking to before we started the event! Northwest

Ohio Public Relations Society of America, Port Clinton Business and Professional

Women, Advertising Club of Toledo, Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development,

and Ohio Lake Erie Commission—just to name a few. What an amazing opportunity to

talk birds and habitat conservation with entirely new audiences!

The Biggest Week also allows us to engage the business community, which we believe is

crucial for the success of habitat conservation. BSBO’s Birds and Business Alliance

program offers cost-effective marketing of local businesses directly to birders. For a small

annual fee, participating businesses are exclusively listed on the Biggest Week In

American Birding website and in printed materials available through BSBO. The Alliance

also builds a network that allows BSBO to communicate with local businesses, offering

guidance about providing quality services for birders and information about bird

conservation issues in the region. And let’s face it, there’s no better time to talk about

conservation issues with folks who can help than right after you packed their

establishments with birding business!

And, as you’ll see as you read this issue of BSBO News, in addition to our work on the

Biggest Week, our education and research efforts are going full steam ahead, too! We’re

reaching thousands of people with our bird conservation message, and we’re doing it all

on a pretty small budget. We are a lean, mean, bird conservation machine, and with the

continued support of members like you, we’ll continue to do great things for birds--and

for people!

This is a wonderful time in BSBO’s history, and I’m proud to be a part of this team.

I hope you are, too!

Yours in bird conservation,

Kimberly Kaufman

Executive Director

Black Swamp

Bird Observatory Teaming Research with Education

to Promote Bird Conservation

13551 West St. Rt. 2

Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449

419 898-4070 (voice)

419 898-1363 (fax)

www.bsbo.org

Observatory Staff

Kimberly Kaufman

Executive Director

Mark Shieldcastle

Research Director

Kate Zimmerman

Education Director

Julie Shieldcastle

Research Project Field Supervisor

Lester Peyton

Outreach Director

Hugh Rose

Gift Shop Manager

BSBO Board

Chair

Barry McEwen

Vice Chair

Randy Kreager

Treasurer

Delores Cole

Secretary

Rob Ripma

Directors

Dr. Andy Jones

Doug Gray

Kenn Kaufman

Joe Komorowski

Jane Garling

Dr. Elliot Tramer

BSBO was nominated for one of the Toledo Press Club's Touchstone Awards for our efforts

to bring economic development to the region through the Biggest Week In American Birding. We didn't win, but just to be nominated and included with individuals and organizations who do so much for the community was a

tremendous honor! We are deeply grateful to Karen Fraker for nominating BSBO. Karen is a wonderful community leader, and it

means so much that she would feel our work was worthy of such a prestigious award.

And our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes time and energy to the Biggest Week. We talk a lot about how much the festival does to raise awareness of the value and importance of habitat

conservation; this is evidence of that. Without the remarkable team of volunteers who give so much to the festival, none of this would be possible.

P A G E 3 BSBO Volunteer Appreciation Picnic

2014 Conservation

Service Award

Tiffanie Hayes

Volunteer of the Year

Jim Mollenkopf

Tom Bartlett was

recognized for his incredible

contribution to BSBO’s

education programs through

his annual BIG SIT fundraiser

15-YEAR

VOLUNTEERS (NOT PICTURED)

MERIDITH BECK MARK BLEIM

Our heartfelt thanks to all of the amazing

volunteers who give so much to BSBO!

SPECIAL VOLUNTEER MILESTONES!

Five-Year Volunteers

Kelly McKinne, Sally Mogyordy, Karen Potts,

and Jill & John Bowers. Cindy & Jim Beckman,

Cheryl Harner,Laura Gooch, Darlene Sillick, El-

liot Tramer, Julie Davis, Tom Hissong, and

Liz McQuaid (not pictured)

Ten-Year Volunteers

Kenn Kaufman, Karen Mitchell,

and Kristin Mylecraine (not pictured)

Twenty-Year Volunteers

Tom Bartlett, Anita Manzec,

Hank & Sally Hiris, and Lee Garling.

Mary Lou Klein (not pictured)


Learn more about joining our volunteer team by visiting www.bsbo.org/volunteer

or by calling BSBO at 419.898.4070


P A G E 4

A YOUNG BIRDER’S THOUGHTS ON THE BIGGEST WEEK by Matthias Benko

2014 BIGGEST WEEK ACCOMPLISHMENTS

$14,000 FOR THE ‘SAVE THE GOLDEN-WING’ PROJECT WITH AMERICAN BIRD CONSERVANCY

200 CONSERVATION STAMPS SOLD IN 10 DAYS

200 COPIES OF THE GUIA DE CAMPO A LAS AVES DE

NORTEAMERICA DONATED FOR CONSERVATION TRAINING PROGRAMS

$1,000 FOR THE FRIENDS OF MAGEE MARSH BOARDWALK RENOVATION

$1,000 FOR BLACK SWAMP CONSERVANCY

$1,000 FOR SANDUSKY COUNTY PARKS

$500 FOR THE OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

AUTO TOUR

$500 FOR THE SNOWY OWL PROJECT

Mark your calendars NOW

for the 2015 Biggest Week

In American Birding

May 8-17, 2015!

If you were told that you were going to travel to a place where birds drip from trees, would you

think it was a myth? If someone told me months ago, I certainly would have thought that the person

was exaggerating. However, my thoughts transformed when I experienced the Biggest Week in

American Birding.

The Biggest Week, a week-and-a-half-long festival celebrating spring migration, takes place in north-

western Ohio, on the shores of Lake Erie. People from all over the world flock to this area in order

to experience the wonderful neotropical migrants passing through the area----warblers. There is

such a concentration of warblers here that the area is known as the “Warbler Capital of the World.”

The Biggest Week gives ample opportunities to birders to observe the beautiful migrants; for exam-

ple, there are daily guided bus trips around Erie County and walks on Magee Marsh Wildlife Area’s

famous boardwalk. Even though the bus trips last about nine hours, they are truly amazing experi-

ences for a variety of reasons.

My bus trip was called “The Wilds of Erie County.” First, our group of 12 people was driven to a

fantastic hotspot in Sandusky, Ohio, known as Pipe Creek Wildlife Area. Pipe Creek consists of

wooded areas and a series of marshes, providing perfect habitat for songbirds (including warblers),

rails, bitterns, herons, and ducks. We birded this area for an extensive amount of time, and the birds

did not disappoint. Some of the highlights at Pipe Creek were a Least Bittern, multiple Soras, and a handful of Black-crowned Night-

herons. After a relaxing lunch break at a local fast food restaurant, we headed out to the second and final destination of the day: Shel-

don Marsh. Sheldon Marsh is a sprawling expanse of deciduous forest with a nondescript marsh located close to the parking area.

Some highlights at Sheldon included a Veery, an Ovenbird, and two Brown Thrashers. We ended the day with exactly 100 species,

both birds we saw and heard.

The next day, I went on a guided walk of Magee Marsh Wildlife Area with Kenn and Kim Kaufman. I had been to the area the night

before and seen some pretty amazing species (Summer Tanager, Eastern Screech-Owl, Black-throated Blue Warbler, American

Woodcock), so I was eager for the morning to begin. Our group birded the Estuary Trail because birding with multiple people on the

boardwalk is quite difficult. This trail, which consists of a little beach, a wooded area, and an open area, was fantastic; along the way,

we had male Scarlet Tanagers, a Gray-cheeked Thrush, a male Magnolia Warbler, and a Blackburnian Warbler. On the trail, we saw

Common Terns over the water, a male Canada Warbler, a male Wilson’s Warbler, a Northern Waterthrush, and an American Rob-

in’s nest. This day yielded a lot of birds, pleasing my mood for the extensive four-hour drive to Indianapolis ahead.

The Biggest Week in American Birding is truly one of the best birding festivals in the world. I would highly recommend that every

birder go there at least once. Make sure to register for a room at Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center as soon as possible be-

cause the hotel becomes completely booked quite rapidly. The same thing goes for the bus trips; there are a limited number of spots,

so sign up right away! I sincerely hope to see you at Biggest Week 2015. It is a life-changing experience for all.

Matthias Benko


P A G E 5

BLACK SWAMP BIRDS

& BUSINESS ALLIANCE We encourage you to patronize

these establishments that support

the Observatory. Please tell them

that BSBO referred you, and

thank them for their support.

America’s Best Value Inn

Barnside Creamery

Bassett's Market

Bench Farms (SR-2)

Benchmark Prints

Birding Africa

BirdWatching Magazine

Birds and Beans Coffee

Birds & Blooms Magazine

Blackberry Corner Tavern

Brian Zwiebel Photography

BRANT

Camp Sabroske

Cheepers, Birding on a Budget

Common Grounds Coffee & Deli

Crazy Lady Saloon

DotNet Technology

DG’s Soft Ice Cream

Eagle Optics

Eagle's Nest Sweet Retreat

Five Bells Inn

Great Lakes Popcorn Co.

Greg Miller Birding

Jack's Superette

J. Conklin Consulting

Jet Express

Jordan Specialty Advertising

Holiday Inn Express - Oregon

Kaufman Field Guides

Kokomo Bay Restaurant

Kozy Corners

Leica Optics

Magee East Marina & Campground

Maumee Bay Lodge &

Conference Center

Maumee Bay General Store

McKenna’s Inn

Miller Boat Line

McCarthy's Restaurant & Pub

Naturally Avian

Ohio Telecom

Oregon Inn

Our Guest Inn & Suites

Our Sunset Place B & B

Riverview Industries, Inc.

Rock Ledge Inn Cottages

Sabrewing Nature Tours

Swarovski Optik USA

The Island House Resort

Time & Optics, Ltd.

Toledo Mud Hens

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours

Victorian Inn B & B

Wild Birds Unlimited - Toledo

On April 22, members of the BSBO staff,

along with three Ohio Young Birders Club

(OYBC) members and their families traveled

to Columbus, Ohio, to accept the official

resolution designating May 10, 2014, as the

first annual Bird Ohio Day, as adopted by the

Ohio State Senate on March 20, 2014. The

resolution was initiated and drafted by Black

Swamp Bird Observatory and sponsored by

Senator Randy Gardner and Representative

Chris Redfern.

The Bird Ohio Day resolution encourages

teachers to incorporate birds into their

lesson plans; encourages all citizens of the

state of Ohio to spend time outside enjoying

the spectacle of bird migration through our

state; calls attention to the economic impact of

bird tourism in Ohio; and urges all citizens to

be better stewards of the habitats migratory

birds rely on for their survival. The resolution

also helped educate Ohio Lawmakers on the

value of habitat conservation.

Senator Gardner gave the group a brief tour of the Statehouse, took us onto the floor of

the Senate, and spent time talking with each OYBC member. It was a special day for

BSBO, for the OYBC, and most importantly, for bird conservation in the State of Ohio.

Our sincere thanks to Senator Gardner for his support, and for all of the time and effort he

and his staff put into helping us make Bird Ohio Day a reality!

BSBO staff and board with Sen. Randy Gardner,

Rep. Chris Redfern,

Ann Longsworth-Orr,

representing Senator Sherrod Brown,

Chief Scott Zody,

Ohio Division of Wildlife, Larry Fletcher, Lake Erie

Shores & Islands,

Rich Nachazel, Destination Toledo, and Sandy Burris,

Friends of Magee Marsh

BSBO's Executive Director, Kimberly Kaufman,

along with Ohio Young Birders Club

members Doug Whitman, Ethan Rising, and Delaney Hayes, accept the

official Bird Ohio Day Resolution from Senator Randy Gardner

BIRD OHIO DAY: RAISING THE VALUE OF HABITAT

CONSERVATION TO A NEW LEVEL

The First Bird Ohio Day Ceremony

May 10, 2014

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area

P A G E 6


RESEARCH NEWS: BY MARK SHIELDCASTLE

HELP US

CONTINUE

TO LEARN

MORE ABOUT

MIGRATORY

BIRDS AND

THEIR HABITAT

NEEDS AND...

ADOPT A

MIST NET

BSBO’s songbird

banding research

would not

be possible

without expensive

mist nets.

For just $75,

Adopt A Mist Net

and help support

our research.

To adopt a net,

please call

419-898-4070,

or visit our secure

website at:

bsbo.org

Thank you

for helping

us help

the birds!

BSBO’s long-term study to monitor

the population status of neotropical

migrants and to better understand

the relationship between en-route

habitat and their breeding ecology

is conducted on the Ottawa

National Wildlife Refuge complex

and neighboring lands, SE Michigan,

and at the Nature Center at Shaker

Lakes. Constant-effort mist netting

and point counts are conducted at

each site to document the spatial

and temporal use of the habitats by

different birds in spring and fall.

The spring 2014 data are still being compiled for our satellite stations but we can look at the

data from our main banding station, Navarre Marsh. Our banding totals at Navarre Marsh this

spring were 7,807 individuals, which is very close to the average number of birds banded each

spring (7,907 individuals). This spring will be remembered by the oddities, both present and

absent. We banded significantly more Louisiana Waterthrushes, Northern Waterthrushes ,

and Northern Parulas compared to significantly fewer White-throated Sparrows, Indigo

Buntings, Cedar Waxwings, and Lincoln Sparrows this spring compared to other years. The

high water levels at the Navarre Marsh banding station were reflected in the capture of the first

spring Belted Kingfisher, the second Solitary Sandpiper on record, and five Green Herons (only

one banded in the past 30 years!). Two of the several exciting highlights this spring include the

recapture of a “foreign” banded Wilson’s Warbler and Canada Warbler! The Wilson’s Warbler

was originally banded in September 2013 near Springfield, Illinois. The Canada Warbler was

originally banded by Pelee Island Bird Observatory in May 2011. Other highlights include the

capture of a Northern Mockingbird, the first in our station’s history, and the station’s second

record of Swainson’s Warbler.

Swainson’s Warbler

Spring 2014 1989-2013 Average

Species # Banded Species # Banded

Magnolia Warbler 615 Magnolia Warbler 644

Yellow-rumped Warbler 563 Yellow-rumped Warbler 563

Gray Catbird 459 White-throated Sparrow 522

American Redstart 449 Gray Catbird 413

Yellow Warbler 430 Yellow Warbler 376

Traill’s Flycatcher 340 Common Yellowthroat 322

Swainson’s Thrush 327 Traill’s Flycatcher 295

White-throated Sparrow 305 American Redstart 274

Common Yellowthroat 302 Swainson’s Thrush 244

Palm Warbler 233 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 209

Top Ten species for spring 2014 and the 1989-2013 average at the Navarre Banding Station

P A G E 7


COLONIAL WADING BIRD POPULATIONS MONITORING

We were able to complete our population monitoring field work on West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge

this summer. This is a cooperative project with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio Division of Wildlife, and

BSBO. BSBO is responsible for banding a sample of the herons and egrets on the island to provide information on

the dispersal of these birds. West Sister Island NWR is an important breeding area for

many of the colonial wading birds, such as Black-crowned Night-Heron, in the Great

Lakes region. The island holds 40% of all the nesting herons and egrets in the U.S. Great

Lakes.

We observed the average number of nesting pairs of Black-crowned Night-Herons,

Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Great Egrets, and Double-crested Cormorants on West

Sister Island. However, we observed the lowest number of nesting pairs of the Great

Blue Heron since the inception of the population monitoring surveys during the late

1980s. A possible explanation for the low numbers of Great Blue Heron nesting pairs

could be explained by the harsh winter of 2013-2014. The number of non-migrating

Great Blue Herons has continually increased since the record blizzard of 1978. You

might think, why stay here year round? The advantage these herons have by staying

year round is the ability to acquire prime nesting sites in the rookeries because most

migratory heron and egret species have not yet arrived to the area. Winter mortality is the risk that these non-

migratory herons are taking by staying year round in this area. Is the risk worth the payoff? This is the gamble

these birds take every year. Therefore, was the risk too great for these birds during the record cold temperatures

and snowfall in Ohio this past winter? We can’t say for sure, but during the spring thaw we received lots of reports

of deceased Great Blue Herons along waterways in NW Ohio. Next year’s breeding population survey may be

needed to better understand this year’s observations.

RESEARCH NEWS (CONTINUED)

Adult Black-crowned Night-Heron

OTTAWA

NATIONAL

WILDLIFE

REFUGE

AUTO TOUR

DATES

NOV. 16

DEC. 20-21

FEDERAL DUCK STAMPS MAKE WONDERFUL GIFTS!

P A G E 8


EDUCATION NEWS

Help us reach more

kids of all ages!

Donate to BSBO’s

education

programs at

www.bsbo.org

Benton-Carroll-Salem Schools; Magee Marsh Wildlife Area;

Ottawa NWR; The Oregon Public Library; Ottawa Soil &

Water Conservation District; Wright State University;

Hardin Northern High School; The University of Toledo;

Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist; Carroll-N-Company

4-H Club; Terra State Community College; Lake Erie

Islands Road Scholars Group; Otterbein Portage Valley

Retirement Community; Woodmore Elementary; Ohio

Association of Garden Clubs; Time & Optics; Stone Lab;

Pioneer Scout Reservation; Lakeside Chautauqua; Hayes

Presidential Center; Toledo Naturalists’ Association; OSU

Extension (Sandusky County); Boy Scouts of America

Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station; University of

Michigan; Ability Center of Ottawa County;

Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development;

NW Ohio Chapter of the Public Relations Society

of America, Port Clinton Business and Professional

Women; Oak Harbor Lions Club; Advertising Club

of Toledo; Port Clinton Lions Club; Ohio Lake Erie

Commission; Toledo Museum of Art; Ohio

Association of Garden Clubs; ; Schedel Gardens;

Shreve Migration Sensation; Amish Birding

Symposium; Blue Week ; Green Ribbon Initiative

Your BSBO education team has

been very busy! Each arrow below

includes partners we’ve worked with and

places and organizations we’ve given

programs for...

...JUST IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS

This amazing team of staff and volunteers

delivered programs directly to more

than 9,000 people of all ages!

We accomplished all this through

your support! Please help us

continue. In a few weeks, you’ll

receive a letter asking you to make an

end-of-the-year donation to BSBO.

We hope you will. We promise we’ll

keep doing good work for birds and

people with your support!

P A G E 9

OHIO YOUNG BIRDERS CLUB NEWS


The Ohio Young Birders Club

is supported by

memberships, sponsorships,

and donations.

Students,

membership is just $10

Adults,

please consider

becoming a friend

of the OYBC. For just

$20 a year, you can help

support the future of

bird conservation!

Your organization can

help the OYBC, too!

Organizations can

sponsor the OYBC at the

following levels:

$1,000 BALD EAGLE

$750 PEREGRINE FALCON

$500 RED-TAILED HAWK

$250 MERLIN

$100 AMERICAN KESTREL

Visit www.oybc.org

and join or donate through

our secure online

PayPal service,

or contact BSBO

at 419-898-4070 to

pay over the phone

Thanks to the support of BSBO members and donors, BSBO recently

added a new member to our team! Lester Peyton joins us as our

Outreach Director, in charge of helping to share BSBO’s message with

the community.

Lester is a Master Bird Bander who combines this skill with tremen-

dous experience in environmental education. He's a first-rate birder

who has led field trips for groups across the state, including being one of

the key field trip leaders for the Biggest Week In American Birding.

These skills, combined with Lester's commitment to bird conservation,

make him a wonderful addition to the BSBO team.

BSBO WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBER!

Students Against Balloon Releases (SABR) is a partnership between Black

Swamp Bird Observatory and Benton-Carroll -Salem Schools. The program seeks to educate students about the value of conserving natural resources, the dangers and wastefulness of mass balloon / sky lantern releases and other forms of litter,

and to empower them with the knowledge to educate others. Led by BSBO’s Conservation Outreach Specialist, Tiffanie Hayes, SABR has already achieved great success. We worked with BSC Schools to discontinue their

homecoming balloon release, and SABR volunteers handed out really cool pom- poms to students as a better and more eco-friendly way to show their school pride! SABR volunteers presented programs to 200 first and fourth grade

students, and hosted a poster contest for these students. Winners from each classroom received a free set of Kaufman Field Guides to share with their class!

Mylar & latex balloons can be dangerous for birds and wildlife

When balloons are released, their strings often become entangled

around birds and other wildlife causing starvation and death.

Both are falsely marketed as “100% biodegradable.”

In reality, they pop and fall back to the ground where they can

remain for months--even years. Deflated balloons look like food to birds and wildlife, often resulting in death.

Where do balloons go when they are released into the atmosphere?

Many people think they simply vanish, but the reality is that they can travel for thousands of miles before deflating and

falling back to the ground as Ugly Litter.

Many states have banned mass-littering events with balloons

and sky lanterns.

Massive fires ignite when mylar balloons float into high

tension power lines.

Sky lanterns are set on fire and released with no control

over when or where they land, sometimes resulting in

massive fires.

Logo designed

by Scott Arvin

Guillemot killed by deflated

balloon and string

Ric

ha

rd G

ilbe

rt

Balloons Stuck on

Power Lines

Tiffa

nie

Ha

ye

s

BSBO PARTNERS WITH LOCAL SCHOOLS

TO CREATE NEW CONSERVATION PROGRAM

For more information on the dangers of balloon release and safer

alternatives, visit www.balloonsblow.org


P A G E 1 0

WIND ENERGY UPDATE

Millions of birds cross Lake Erie during spring and fall migration. For many of these tiny birds, crossing the lake

is an arduous task that leaves them completely exhausted. A Lake Erie charter boat captain sent us these photos of a Golden-crowned Kinglet and a Nashville Warbler that were so exhausted during their crossing

that they landed on the first safe haven they came to—fishermen on a boat.

We hear stories of this happening on the Gulf of Mexico and other vast bodies of water that migratory birds must cross. But how many of you ever stopped to consider that for birds weighing considerably less than an

ounce, Lake Erie poses the same kind of challenge?

These images are evidence of how imperative it is to protect habitat for migratory birds. Yes, it might seem

cool that birds would land on people on a boat out in the Lake. But the bottom line is that these birds were exhausted enough to land on people, and obviously flying low enough to spot this temporary refuge, putting

them within the reach of things like wind turbines.

Lake Erie—and the air column over it—is crucial habitat for migratory birds. We've got to do all that we can to ensure that it is protected. Here at BSBO, we are working hard to do that, and we hope you'll help us.

CONSERVATION NEWS

ASTONISHING EVIDENCE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF

PROTECTING LAKE ERIE’S MIGRATORY BIRD HABITAT

BSBO continues to advocate for bird-smart wind energy with a multi-pronged approach.

PUSHING BACK AGAINST THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY After hearing that the Blue Creek wind farm in Van Wert and Portage counties, Ohio, was killing a much higher

number of birds and bats than expected, BSBO submitted a request for post-construction mortality data under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Iberdrola Renewables, owner and operator of the project, has refused to release the data, using their attorneys to fight our request under the excuse that the data contains “trade secrets.” We submitted our request for data to the Ohio Power Siting Board, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Ohio

Department of Natural Resources. BSBO will continue to push for this data to be released in order to allow informed decision making about the placement of future wind energy projects and their impacts to birds and wildlife.

FIGHTING THE LACK OF SOUND PRE- AND POST-CONSTRUCTION STUDIES In evaluating the environmental assessments for wind energy projects such as Camp Perry, Lake Erie Business

Park, and most recently the LEEDCo “Icebreaker” project proposed for Lake Erie, BSBO and our partners at American Bird Conservancy have been appalled at the insufficiencies of these documents. We are not alone in our opinion of the failure of these documents. State and federal wildlife agencies agree with us. We are working

with the agencies and lawmakers to improve the methodology behind these studies in order to more accurately and effectively assess the impacts of wind energy on birds.

RADAR STUDIES WITH USGS BSBO’s research team is working closely with U.S. Geological Survey to conduct marine radar studies to document not only the volume of birds passing through the area during migration, but also the ascent / descent rate of the birds as they drop into and rise out of stopover habi-tat in northwest Ohio. This will allow BSBO to develop a position (based on sound science) on how far back from the Lake shore we must keep

wind turbines. LEEDCo ICEBREAKER PROJECT

BSBO is working with American Bird Conservancy to evaluate this project that proposes an initial six turbines in the Central Basin of Lake Erie, seven miles off the coast of Cleveland. The project goal is a future build out of more than 1,000 turbines. The pre-construction environ-mental impact studies were very weak, and BSBO and ABC are working with representatives from the company to educate them on the insuf-

ficiencies of their data. WIND ENERGY SHOULD BE REGULATED

BSBO is working to build contacts with lawmakers to advocate for the introduction of bird-smart wind energy legislation in Ohio. IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS (IBAs)

BSBO is working with National Audubon Society and many partners and stakeholders here in Ohio to strengthen Ohio’s Important Bird Areas program. Please support BSBO’s conservation efforts by making a donation through our secure online website, www.bsbo.org, or by calling us at

419.898.4070.

P A G E 1 1


In the spring of 2005, Kenn Kaufman’s Field Guide to the Birds of North America became the

first field guide to the birds of the US and Canada to ever to be published in Spanish. Kenn's vision for Guia de campo a las aves de Norteamerica was to help recruit scores of new birders from among the more than 28 million Americans who speak Spanish at home. The hope is that

the more people we can awaken to the beauty and importance of our natural world, the more support we win for conservation. Black Swamp Bird Observatory believes in Kenn’s vision so we put together the DONATE THE

GUIA program to help get this book into the hands of people who can really use it. We’re working with many partners to help distribute copies of the GUIA to organizations and individuals who are using the books for conservation outreach programs.

For just $12, YOU can send a copy of this valuable outreach tool to our partners! Call BSBO at 419-898-4070, visit www.bsbo.org/donate-the-guia or stop by the BSBO gift shop to

donate a copy today!

Guias donated in honor of friends and loved ones make GREAT gifts!

Call 419-898-4070, visit www.bsbo.org, or stop by the

BSBO Gift Shop to Donate a Guia, TODAY!

DONATE THE GUIA PROGRAM

BSBO FOCUS ON DIVERSITY

Judith Amrose

Alyssa Batzer Kimberly Batzer Joseph Benenate

Matthias Benko

Zoltan Benko Stanley Blackstone Robert Bochenek

Larry Bowdre Patricia Brannon Judy Cannon

Ryan Cook Ty Cook Deb Cooney

Dean Davis Fran Davis John Disterhoft

Cynthia Dooley Diane Evans Bob Finkelstein

Dale Forbes Carolyn Garber Jim Garber

Jane Garling

Alan C. Garrett Carol AnnGarrett Richard Gelbard

Abe George Janis George Jessica George

Janice Giesken Heather Giroux Keith Giroux

Kyron Giroux

Vincent Griesemer Sue Grisko Tom Grisko

Denise Haning

Thelma Harms Delaney Hayes John Hayes

Roger Heller Firmin Hickey Marie Hickey

Mary Hill Cate Hopkinson Mark Hopkinson

Katherine Hopper Josh Hunt William Hutchison

James Jeffery RosemarieJeffery Carlyn Jervis

Thomas Jervis Barbara Josephson David Josephson

Ritzie Junker

Cynthia Krakowski Jim Krakowski Randy Kreager

Raymond Kutnar Andrea Lanni JP Lawrence

Kim Lawrence Wade Lawrence Thomas Lebryk

Erica Locke

Jonas Locke Paula Lozano Barb Lucas

Barry McEwen

Cathy McEwen Sarah McKillip Janet McLean

Ilene Meyer Sharon Miller Tom Miller

Katrina Moilanen Dianne Noice William Noice

Amy Ogburn John Ogburn Paul Olson

Carol Ortenzio George Pagos Terry Pagos

Donna Pennington Joel Pennington Aidan Place

Andrew Place

Ted Pobud Ginger Pomiecko Barbara Quinlan

Barry Ramsey Julie Ramsey Brian Rippon

Cindy Rowe Kelli Rule Don Runker

Mary Rust

Tom Rust April Sayre Jeff Sayre

Cindy Shilkret

Donna Madrid-Simonetti Eric Smith Jay Smith

Kim Smith Katie Sumner Nancy Sumner

Ruth Swartzendruber Thomas Taylor Cathleen Tuley

Ann Ellen Tuomey Jim Tuomey Judy Volin

Brian Wargo Paul West Lewis Whitman

Mary Whitman Robert Williams Chris Wills

Teri Wills

Debra Witter Karen Zach

THANK YOU TO OUR GUIA DONORS

https://www.facebook.com/bsbobird?directed_target_id=0

P A G E 1 2


WE’RE GONNA FLY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS

VOLUNTEER WITH US!

Black Swamp Bird Observatory could not function without the assistance of volunteers. You

may choose to help occasionally or regularly, as your schedule permits. No experience is necessary.

Benefits: Opportunities to learn, share with others who have

similar interests, and promote the Bird Observatory’s mission. Please contact us by phone at 419 898-4070, or email [email protected]

to join the team! Gift Shop and BSBO Office

Meet people from all over the world, help BSBO do all the “behind-the-scenes” work that is so vital to the Observatory’s

success. Answer the phone (that thing NEVER stops ringing these days!), greet customers in the gift shop, ring up sales, interact with

visitors and answer questions. Data entry and clerical work:

Many of our programs and projects require hundreds of hours of data entry and clerical work. The job might not be all

that exciting, but it’s an integral part of research. We REALLY appreciate the people who help us

out with this task ---like Tracy Marr, for example! :-) Adopt-A-Highway / Clean Up:

Help keep our stretch of St. Rt. 2 Clean. We also need help cleaning gutters, cutting brush along our walking trail, and keeping BSBO

look beee-u-tee-ful! Passerine Banding Station:

Volunteers needed 7 days per week during spring and fall migration. The spring season runs from mid-April to early June and

the fall season is from mid August to mid-October. Volunteers must attend a mandatory fall training

workshop to participate in this project. BSBO Booth/Display:

We are looking for volunteers to help work our booth and portable store at various festivals and events. It’s a lot of fun and it

really helps spread the BSBO message!

ANNA MACKE MIKOLAJCZYK “WINDOW ON WILDLIFE” NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Anna’s Window has brought the joy of

discovery to so many lives. We have

thoroughly enjoyed watching as our visitors

make their way into Anna’s room, waiting

to hear the intake of breath, followed by the

“ooohs & aaahs” as they see the scene

before them through her window. Our bird

feeders are kept full and clean by donations

to Anna’s Window on Wildlife fund.

Please help us replenish our bird seed stash! The resident and migrant birds (and

possibly a squirrel and opossum) around the BSBO grounds will thank you!

Donations can be made online at www.bsbobird.org, or by mailing a check to

Black Swamp Bird Observatory

13551 W. St. Rt. 2 • Oak Harbor, OH • 43449

Please indicate “Anna’s Window” in the memo line.

BSBO WISH LIST EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

Mist Nets for our research ($75 per

net)

Bird Seed and Suet for our feeders

HP LaserJet 05A Black Ink/Toner

Cartridge

Large plotter printer

Cases of copy paper

Cases of paper towels and toilet

paper

RETAIL GIFT CARDS

Staples or OfficeMax for office

supplies

Home Depot or Lowe’s for

maintenance supplies

Gas Cards to help fuel the BSBO

Bird Bus (NO BP GAS CARDS,

please!)

P A G E 1 3

PLEASE CONSIDER A GIFT TO BSBO IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING

You can help ensure the future of our research and education efforts by including

Black Swamp Bird Observatory in your estate plans.

Bequests of any size are gratefully accepted.

You will help us continue to help birds and conserve their habitats when

you name Black Swamp Bird Observatory to receive:

A specific dollar amount

A percentage of your estate's value

All or part of the remainder of your estate in your will or trust

All or part of the proceeds of a Life Insurance policy or Retirement Plan

Before completing your bequest to Black Swamp Bird Observatory,

please contact us to ensure that your philanthropic goals will be met.

Leave a

legacy—

remember

BSBO in

your estate

planning.

HELP SECURE BSBO’S FUTURE THROUGH PLANNED GIVING

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS FRIENDS Jeff and Cris Cox

SUPPORTING Robert Clarke

Keith & Paula Davis

John Dwyer Thomas Jervis Jim & Becky Sillery

Amanda and Edward Wolski FAMILY

Christine Adams Holden Baker

Jerry & Carolyn Barnhart Wendy Becker Steve Berry

Dave & Kathy Billings Adam Blank Patricia Blaskovic

Jen Brenke Jeannie Burnett William Meltzer & Catherine

Malkin Beth Clapper

Marilyn Cooley

Jane Coombs Nigel Cunliffe Thomas Dankowski Donald & Jackie Dann

Earl Decker Carl Dister Carol & Larry Dole

Greg DuBois Joan Duprey Tom Embaugh

Paul Evans

Paul Farrell Tracy Ficker

Deborah Fisher Jennifer Gaydos

Richard Gelbard

Jill Goldman Ken Ondo & Irene Gorta William Hall

Patrick Hogan Carol Holdcraft Randy Holmes Marianne Hosford

Ben & Margaret Humphrey Rosemarie Jeffery Georgia Kaufman

Martha Klems Deanna Lammie Rosanna Lane

Peter Lavalette Karen & Warren Leow Gary & Linda Mansfield

Pat & Ken Mauer John & Gail McCain

Linda Michaels

Susan Nicolaisen Don Niece Scott Norviel Greg Okoniewski

Tom Patt Kay & Mike Patterson Marsha Penner

Amy Popp Michelle Radtkin Catherine Ripma

Michaelina Schimming

Ronald & Hollie Scott Marian Sebastiano

William Stano Patricia & Walter Starr

Judy & Robert Sudomir

Rebecca Szabo Janice Tartell Jean Tatalias

Rachel Tayse Rebecca Traxler David Van Fleet Rafael & Leticia Villalobos

Adelynne Waldie Kimberly Warner Justina Weyman

Elizabeth Williams Richard Williams Susan Yorke

INDIVIDUAL Patricia Adams Ann Adjutant

Wynne Antonio Coralee Armstrong

Deborah Arthur

Judith Bailey Richard Banish Maureen Bardusk Kathleen Beard

Ann Bickford Benedikt Bierwisch Stanley Blackstone

Liz Boakram Susan Breisch Norma Bruce

Pat Buchanan

Harold & Camille Buchanan Jennifer Carter-Cornell

Benito Chia Jules Christensen

Linn Chuck

Ken Clarke Cheryl Coomez Michele Cote

Daniel Countryman Joanna Crewe Susan Curtis Sue Czech

Laura Dale William Davies Jodie DeLamatre

Kathy Dickey Jim Diebel Carol Dolgosh

Marilynn Dunn Jayme Duris Karen Fairweather

Elaine Fischhoff Marta Fisher

Mary Flood

David Frahlich Julie Frazier Janine Free Laura Fuderer

Brian Garrett Becky Gatewood Barbara Gee

*Continued on page 14



P A G E 1 4

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS (CONTINUED) INDIVIDUAL

Janice Giesken

Mike & Karen Gillen Michael Glinka Sandra Gratop

Catherine Green Barbara Hamelberg Jennifer Hamilton

Mary Hansen Jerry Harness Diana Harris Susan Hedler

Lee Hermandorfer Firmin Hickey Mary High

Cathy Hodge Wendy Hogrefe Elizabeth Holloway

Helen Holmgren Sheila Horowitz

Sue Hunter

LaDean Hutter Donna Johnson Bill Jones

Rosemary Kelly

Kathy Kepler Meishia Kernahan

Jeff Lamson Christine Larson Denise Lesko

John Lever Elizabeth Loesch Dafna Lotan

Ann Maddox Marcia McCintire Kathy McClain Bonnie McGrady

Gregory Miller Lyn Miller Sally Deems-Mogyordy

Karen Neff Kathleen Neugebauer Linda Oatley

Paul Olson Kellie Orshoski

Carol Pankratz

Paul & Margie Patton Sharon Pawlowski Arlene Pepera

Kathy Petersen

Katie Phillips Norma Portwood-Stacer

Kelly Quinn Nancy Radding Jeff Rader

Lesile Redmon Kay Regester Sarah Reinschmidt

Mary Ann Renz Suzanne Reta Kelly Riccetti Rosalyn Rinehart

Mandy Roberts Jan Rogers Mary Ann Rose

Robert Ross Margery Rutbell Ray Schaffer

Steven Schellenger Jane Schroeder

Marianne Shaffer

Stephanie Siddens Marsha Siglow James Smucker

Joe Staab

Timothy Stelzer Lee Sterrenburg

Natalie Swonger Linda Tate Lili Taylor

Martin Tilson Julius Toth Laurie Voss

Peggy Lee Wait John Wargo Brenda Warner Ann Waters

Susan Weaver Jeff Wentz JoAnn Whitmore

Larry Wilson Sandy Winland Cheryl Yarger

Elissa Young Gary Zirulnik

Oak Harbor Lions Club

*As of September 31, 2014

Thank you to all of our new members!

Our work depends on the support of our members like YOU.

Harris Abramson

Alula Birding & Natural History Tours Claudia Anders

Anonymous Clark Co Audubon Columbus Audubon Janice Avery

Ellen Avril Susan Wilkinson & David Axt Paul Baicich

Maclyn & Carol Ball Carla Barbaro Tom & Paula Bartlett

Barbara Bauer Ronald Becker Joe Benenate

Mark & Joanna Bennett Ann & John Benzon Barbara Berg

Joy Berlin Birds and Beans LLC

Tim Bischoff Stanley Blackstone

Robert Bochenek Nancy Bogart Meiring Borcherds

Jill & John Bowers John Brandan Susan Breisch

Gerry Brevoort Dale Broder Lisa Brohl

Erik Bruder

Ann Buchanan Garnet Byrne Craig Caldwell

Archie & Chey Call June Campbell Earl & Thurid Campbell Tony Carapella

Deborah Carr-Taylor Yvonne Cecil Laura Ceperly

Lisa Chapman Joan Clapp Rita Claypool

Timothy Cotts Jeff & Becky Cullen Scott Daniel

Lynn Daugherty Anne Dayer Jodie DeLamatre

Phyllis Devlin Jan Dixon

Paul Druckenmiller James Eidemiller

Michael Elbrecht Nancy Elmore Donna Emerson

Paul Farrell Bill & Jo Fedor Sherry Ferrell

Mark Filter Bonnie Fish Thomas Fishburn

Joseph Forte

David Freeman Rev. Mark Frey Michael & Guinivere Gallaway

Lee & Jane Garling Elizabeth Garney Scott & Cathy Garrett Brenda Gates

Cindy Gatewood Denise Gehring John Geither

Laura Gooch & David Kazdan Irene Gorta Kathryn Greisen

Deborah & David Griffith Kathryn Griffiths John Guenin

Ann & Martin Gulbransen Ed Gustafson Donna Gyde

Kathy Nicholson & Susanne Hanno

Norman & Ann Hannon Elizabeth Hardesty

Lynn & Greg Harris Mark Harrison Thomas Haskins

Tiffanie Hayes William Heck Eugene & June Hegemier

Maurice Henning Steve Henthorne Bev Hesse

Margaret Hiett

Loren Hintz Patrick Hogan Nathan Holewinski

Dallas & Linda Howard Ronald Howenstine Keith & Georgiana Huizenga Robert Hunt

David & Cathy Hunter Debra Ikeman Claire Johnson

Susan Johnson Dean & Trudy Johnson Andrew Jones

Barbara Kahler Rosemary Kelly George Klein

Kay Kramarz Randy & Nancy Kreager Kenneth & Kathy Krepley

Jane & Ray Kruse Thomas Kuenzli

Rosanna Lane Gretchen Larson

Martha Latshaw Kay Lauerer Walter Levernier

Fred & Kathi Lieb Jackie & Bill Light

*Continued on next page...


P A G E 1 5

MEMORIAL

DONATIONS

In Memory of... Pat Watkins Lucy Zach Harold Ashley

Tina Walker Kelly Skinner Kathleen Acker

GIFTS WE

HAVE RECEIVED

EMPLOYER MATCH

Nancy Andersen

Jayme Duris

Carol Leininger

Tracy Marr

John Stein

Anonymous

Pat Whitesides &

Donald Bauman

ADOPT-A-MIST

NET

2 Large Bat Houses: Mike Rule

Bird Feeders: Steve Sergio

Duck Painting Kits & Book:

Robert Moyer

Bird Seed & Suet Cakes: Walmart

(Fremont, OH)

8’ Folding Table & Home Depot Gift Card:

Dia Staniszewski

Glass Bowl: Lee & Jane Garling

Relief Wood Carving: Bob Vanhoff

120lbs. Sunflower Seed: Candace Patz

Bird Seed: Crary Family

Book: Barb & Dan Myers

Suet Cakes: Amy Hanney

Books: Hugh Rose

Epson LCD Projector: Paul Owens

InFocus Projector: Candace Patz

Gift Certificate: Erie Shores

Chiropractic

Gift Certificate: Hand-in-Hand

Nail Design

8x42 Prostaff 5 Binocular: Nikon

Bird Feeders: Wild Birds Unlimited of

Erie, PA

Vacation Package: Victor Emanuel

Nature Tours, Inc.

Backpacks, science calculators, assorted

office supplies: Donald Masaitis

DONORS (CONTINUED) Mary Line

Dafna Lotan Paula Lozano Ronnie Macko

Ann Maddox Anita Manzeck Daniel Marchant Bernie Master

Clinton Mauk Thomas May Trish McCartney

Dorothy McDowell Patty McKelvey Janet McLean

Elizabeth McQuaid William & Catherine Malkin Meltzer

Frank Merritt Ilene Meyer Doris Midili

Dr. John & Joyce Millar Michael & Cathy Moore Janice Morrow Robert Morton

Jerry Motter Lynn & Bob Moyer Nan & Lin Nester

Ed & Bev Neubauer

Robike Noll-Faries Stacy O'Hair Ohio Association of

Garden Clubs Paul Olson Constance Oney Doug Overacker

Fern Overbaugh Barbara Padgett Jack Papp

Nancy Parry Barb Partington Candace Patz

Jane & Ron Payne William & Carol Pfeifer John Phelps

Jessica Philpott Randy Pinkston Matthew & Deborah Plotts

Edward Powers Jeff Powers Dr. & Mrs. Leon Putnam Marsha Randall

Frances Repperger Paula Reynosa Kelly Riccetti

Glenn & Mary Richter

Jay Rine Tom & Mary Anne Romito Judy Kolo-Rose & Hugh Rose

Ann & Howard Rosenberg Cynthia Rudick Bill & Marge Rupp Wesley Sadler

Jen Sauter Kurt & Debbie Schroeder Carol Schwierking

John & Betsy Searight Mary Ann Sergio Beulah Shanks

Rebecca Shemenski Mark Shieldcastle Irwin & Melinda Simon

Julia & Dan Smith Julia Smith Jack Solomon

Lynn Spencer Mary St John Cindy Stahl-Yuhas John Stein

Robert Styer Bert Szabo Martin Tilson

Bill & Ann Toneff

Sue & Lee Tooman Christine Tratnyek Margy & Scott Trumbull

Laraine Turk Richard Tuttle Tammi Ventura Lawrence & Christy Virgin

Dan & Patricia Voydanoff Tom Wasilewski Ann Waters

Jim & Cynthia Waymer Julie West & Gary Neuman Dennis & Nancy Whalen

Lewis Whitman Dorinda Whitsett John & Judy Wilkinson

James Wilson Tim & Amy Winnicki Allen Wolf

Francisco Wong Gary & Jaqueline Yambert Karen Zach Fred Zimmerman

*As of September 31, 2014

Walmart Foundation

Verizon

GE Foundation

United Health Group

Bellevue United

Selective Fund

Bank of America

State Employees’

Community Campaign

Black Swamp Bird Observatory 13551 W. State Route 2

Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449 www.bsbo.org 419-898-4070

We are located just inside the entrance

to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area

"Teaming Research with Education

to Promote Bird Conservation”

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Oak Harbor, OH 43449

Permit No. 87

Address Service Requested

Printed on Recycled Paper with Soy Ink

Mail to: Black Swamp Bird Observatory, 13551 W. State Route 2, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449

Black Swamp Bird Observatory

Membership Renewal

Name: _________________________________________________

Organization: ___________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City: __________________________ State: ______ Zip: ________

Phone: ___________________ Email: ____________________________________

Gift Membership from: _________________________________________________

Yes, I want to conserve trees and expense; sign me up for electronic delivery of the BSBO quarterly newsletter.

$ _______ Donation Amount - Yes, I would like to make a donation to help support BSBO! $ _______ Annual Fund $ _______ Membership Dues $ _______ Total Amount Enclosed (Please make checks payable to BSBO) Are you interested in volunteering? How? _________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

__ $15 Student (24 and under)

__ $35 Individual

__ $25 Individual Senior (60 +)

__ $40 Family

__ $100 Supporting

__ $250 Friends

__ $500 Sustaining

Time to renew your BSBO Membership

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