Event tomorrow!

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Feeding Presentation

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Campfire and Owl Calling Field Trip Recap

On October 20, 2024, AuSable Valley Audubon hosted an owl calling campfire for members.  In general, interactions with our wild feathered friends helps strengthen our resolve towards conservation of their habitat; it reminds us of ‘who’ we represent in our stewardship activities.  

Fifteen members participated in this light-hearted and fun evening.  The evening was a bit breezy, which is not great for owl calling.  Three members at the fire heard a “hoo,” which may have been from a Great Horned Owl.  Usually if a large predator is around smaller birds won’t call so it is likely we had a Great Horned Owl watching us.  Otherwise, the night was quiet.  

Notable outcomes:  

  • Strengthening of friendship/camaraderie
  • Demonstration of ethical owl calling by an expert
  • Good food (thank you to Dawn H. for the delicious scotcharoos)
  • Clear sky – we watched a ladder type satellite fly over

It is worthwhile to mention the ethics of bird calling.  As with all recreational activities, there are right and wrong ways to engage because wildlife harassment needs to be avoided.  If you are not familiar with ethical bird calling, then consider going with a group that is led by a guide or an expert.  It is especially important to learn from an expert because bird calling should not be done under the following conditions:

  • During breeding season, because it can disrupt courtship
  • When birds are rearing and raising young, so the birds can focus on their offspring (especially woodpeckers)
  • For threatened or endangered birds
  • For rare birds that are somewhat celebrities (like snowy owls)
  • Loud calling can scare the birds — so call quietly
  • Frequency, no need to keep calling if no response; birds can hear from far away so be patient after the call
  • Keep your speaker away from the group for good viewing and safety, some individual birds can be aggressive towards a speaker

What a perfect evening.  Thank you to everyone that participated.  Since the group consensus was a very positive experience, this could be the first of an annual event.

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Upcoming Piping Plover Presentation

“Special Species Series“  (session 2 of 4)

Next Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 1:30.

This session will feature the  federally endangered Great Lakes Piping Plover and efforts to protect it. Please come on out and invite friends who may never have observed this rather small beach dweller.

This second session of four will be at the Alcona County Public Library in Harrisville . Please call ahead to reserve a spot at 989-724-6796.

Thanks, 
Peggy Ridgeway

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Upcoming Potluck

An informal meeting is tentatively planned for 4:30 pm on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 at East Tawas City Park Pavilion. (This park is on US 23 in Tawas, South of the campground and across from Kentucky Fried Chicken.) This is usually a potluck so if you attend bring a dish to pass along with your own place setting. You can join our organization and pay your dues at this meeting $15 for single, $20 for family.

In past years we move across the street at sunset to watch chimney swifts as they enter chimneys at the County Building or at the hospital.

Hope to see you there.

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Bird Friendly Garden Plants

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Tawas Point Event Announcement

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Migration Days: Spring Warbler Guides

Last year Tropical Birding Tours sent us Spring Warbler Guides that were distributed at our welcome tent.  These full-color guides were in very high demand last year because new birders found them valuable to identify the many warblers at Tawas Point.  We are thrilled to announce that Tropical Birding Tours again provided these valuable guides for migration days.  Look for them at the AuSable Valley Audubon welcome tent.

Wholehearted thank you to Tropical Birding Tours for their generous donation. You can learn more about them at tropicalbirding.com

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April 2023 AVA member meeting

April’s AVA member meeting will be on Tuesday, April 11, at 7 pm in the evening at the Oscoda/AuSable Senior Center, 653 State St SW, Oscoda Mi  48750.In Oscoda/AuSable from US 23:At the intersection of US 23 (south of the bridge over the AuSable River) and Smith St(Smith St intersects US 23  at the AuSable Chamber of Commerce and Shoreline Park)Turn west on Smith StreetDrive west on Smith Street to State Street SW,   turn south (left) and drive to 653 State Street SW

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AuSable Valley Audubon
BIRD MIGRATION DAYS
May 12th & 13th 2023
Tawas Point State Park

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BIRD MIGRATION DAYS
May 12th & 13th 2023
Tawas Point State Park