Newsletter of the Columbia Audubon Society | December 2024 | Volume 67, Number 4
In this issue:
Sun. Dec. 1, 2024
Note from the President
by Lottie Bushmann, President
Hi all!
I hope this finds you well and looking forward to the change in seasons. Before I became a birder, I dreaded what I considered the drabness of winter. I couldn’t have been more mistaken. Where I once saw a field of “dead” plants I now see habitat and so much life. It’s just different. Birding right now couldn’t be more fun. The leaves are down making birds more visible, and the plethora of sparrows gives our brain the mental challenge of i.d. while giving our necks a much-needed break from warblers.
One way I learned to enjoy winter birds was by participating in the Christmas Bird Count. This year it is on Saturday, Dec. 14th. It is one of the longest running citizen science projects, and we do it right here in Columbia. We are not kidding when we say all skill levels are welcome. If you’re a beginner, we’ll pair you up with a more veteran birder. We want to count every bird, so having many eyes is important. Email me at lottie.bushmann@gmail.com to get placed on a team. We also hope everyone will join us for the Christmas Bird Count Chili Potluck. I think there is a mistaken idea that if you weren’t out counting birds, you can’t participate. Not true! What better time to come celebrate winter than by spending a congenial evening talking about the birds of Boone County and where they are hanging out. Bring a dish to share (you know the drill…chili, side dish, or dessert), and we’ll look forward to seeing you there. You can hear the count of birds and see what all the fuss is about, and perhaps you’ll be inspired to participate next year. For added fun we will have a Bird Feeder Camera that will be a door prize at the Chili supper! More details in this issue of the Chat!
A big thank you to Robb Jacobson for coming this past month to speak to us about his career working on the Missouri River. I admire Robb for the work he has done. It was an incredible talk and all those that attended learned a lot. We all know habitat is directly connected to the health of our bird populations.
We hope to see you at our meeting in January at the public library. It is part of our outreach to the community series of meetings, but we hope to see Audubon members there as well. We will talk about Amy Tan’s book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles. It is a beautiful book and one that inspires the reader to pay attention. I think most birders or bird watchers have already figured that out, but it is a fun read. The meeting will be an opportunity for folks to share their reaction to her story as well as a chance to share their own personal story of how they were drawn to birds and birding.
However busy this season finds you, I hope you’ll be able to find some time to spend in nature.
Happy birding!
Sun. Dec. 1, 2024
Win a Bird Feeder Camera at the CBC Chili Supper!
by Lottie Bushmann, President
Screenshot
Win an Adorbee Smart Bird Feeder Camera! Thanks to a generous gift from Dick Madsen, we have an Adorbee Smart Bird Feeder Camera to give away. This is a solar-powered feeder camera with AI connected to Merlin. Wow! They are priced anywhere from $99-169 on-line. What a great gift for yourself or another bird lover in your life. The board decided to offer it as a door prize at our CBC Chili Supper on Dec. 14th. Participants in the bird count will each receive a free ticket if they attend the chili supper. Additional raffle tickets may be purchased at the awesome price of 1 ticket for $1 or 6 tickets for $5. These will be available at the Chili Supper (cash or check only).
Sun. Dec. 1, 2024
CAS participating in CoMoGives for the 10th year
by Lori Turner, CoMoGives Chair
Today marks the first day of the CoMoGives campaign and runs through December 31st. We are excited to be part of this annual online fundraising drive for the 10th year, which helps local nonprofits raise money to help our community.
In 2023, 100 donors contributed over $10,000 to CAS through CoMoGives. Our goal during this year’s campaign drive is $10,000. CoMoGives is the only fundraising effort for CAS.
CAS is proud to be an all-volunteer organization, and the donations made help send students and teachers to nature camps, supports habitat improvements and programs to assist in research and citizen science projects.
Please visit the CoMoGives website at comogives.com to make your online donation.
Things to remember:
- You can make a gift in honor or memory of a friend or loved one.
- Each donor receives an email with a tax-usable receipt.
- Donating through CoMoGives is a tax-saving option for Qualified IRA Holders.
If you prefer to support CAS but are not comfortable with online giving, you can make a check payable to Columbia Audubon Society and mail to:
Columbia Audubon Society
P.O. Box 1331
Columbia, MO 65205
Your participation, in any amount is greatly appreciated!
The CAS CoMoGives Committee wants to wish you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season,
Lottie Bushmann, Doug Miller, Lori Turner, Allison Vaughn
Sun. Dec. 1, 2024
Bird Banding Update from Band With Nature, 2024
by Bill Mees, Nature Areas Committee
Bill Mees of the Nature Areas Committee has helped orchestrate the annual Band With Nature event with Columbia Public Schools. Here’s his report from this year of birds banded and many recaptures from previous Band With Nature events!
Attached is my summary report for bird banding with the 2nd grade program at Columbia Audubon Nature Sanctuary.
Highlights include:
We added a species to our list: Eastern Towhee!
41 new bands, top species:
White-throated Sparrow (18)
Black-capped Chickadee (14)
Northern Cardinal (6)
8 recaptures
3 tufted titmouse (one from 2023, one from 2022, and one from 2021
5 Black-capped Chickadee (Three from 2023, One from 2022, and one of Dana’s birds from before 2021) I have yet to hear back from her or the banding lab on the specifics for 275080030
*
Approximately 1400 students and over 75 adults participated in bird banding education activities as part of the three-day event.
Columbia Public Schools especially thanks CAS for this great event bringing 2nd graders out to CANS for an immersion nature adventure!
Sun. Dec. 1, 2024
Thank You from the Nature Areas Committee!
by David Neely, Natural Areas Committee
CAS hosted a workday at Wild Haven Nature Area to remove invasive bush honeysuckle. There was a great crew working on this important project. David Neely, Nature Areas Committee, sends a heartfelt Thank You to everyone who helped!
“THANK YOU to John, Kathy, Bill, Eric, Kent, Victor, Emily and Jean for a great day butchering invasives at Wild Haven. Thanks!”
Thank you David and everyone who is arduously working to keep this nice woodland nature area in good shape! If you ever want a good workout, and good camaraderie, join a workday at any of our nature areas. Wild Haven was a favorite of longtime member and ornithologist Brad Jacobs who earmarked funds towards exotics work and the fire program. This intact dry woodland with Hinkson Creek frontage is a special place for CAS and everyone who visits.
Sun. Dec. 1, 2024
Martha Donnell, Denny Donnell’s Wife: 1934-2024
by Allison Vaughn
Longtime CAS member and former Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative Steering Committee member, one of the founders from CAS Denny Donnell’s wife, Martha passed away earlier in November. She frequently accompanied Denny on drives through Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. She was always at Denny’s side at CAS picnics and the Christmas Bird Count Chili Suppers. In her memory, Denny has graciously donated a bird feeder camera to CAS as a fundraiser.
Columbia Audubon Society is supported in part by a generous contribution from
2010 Chapel Plaza Court, Suite C • Columbia, MO 65203 • 573-446-5941
Upcoming Events
Christmas Bird Count and Chili Potluck, Saturday, Dec. 14th
Saturday, December 14, 2024 | All Day
December bird walk: Rock Bridge Memorial State Park (Sinkhole Trail)
Saturday, December 21, 2024 | 7:30 a.m.
First Day Hike at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | 2:30–4:30 p.m.
First Friday Bird Hike: 3M Wetlands
Friday, January 3, 2025 | 8:00 a.m.
Self-guided moss walk: Wild Haven Nature Area
Date/time of your choice
Second Saturday Birding: Leader needed!
Saturday, January 11, 2025
January Membership Meeting: Book Discussion of “Backyard Bird Chronicles” by Amy Tan
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | 6:30-7:30 PM
First Friday Bird Hike: 3M Wetlands
Friday, February 7, 2025 | 8:00 a.m.
First Friday Bird Hike: 3M Wetlands
Friday, March 7, 2025 | 8:00 a.m.
First Friday Bird Hike: 3M Wetlands
Friday, April 4, 2025 | 8:00 a.m.
First Friday Bird Hike: 3M Wetlands
Friday, May 2, 2025 | 8:00 a.m.