What's New ???....

This is where we like to keep you up-to-date on the latest happenings at Wyncote Audubon; all sorts of special events for members and non-members alike.

Please check back often.

The Facts About Cats

Whatever you think about cats (and I personally love them), they can wreck havoc in the world. For their health and safety and that of the many other natural creatures who share this world will us, read this article just published in the NY Times. . Be a responsible guardian.

General Announcements

• 5/10/13 .... The May Issue of the Audubon Advisory is now available.

  4/11/13 .... The March Audubon Advisory is now available.

  3/13/13 ... Visiting female Rufous Hummingbird
  A lovely western hummingbird has been visiting a feeder in Meadowbrook, PA since October 16th, 2012. Banded and identified by Scott Weidensaul as a female Rufous, she has become a regular member of the Filemyr Family.

  In addition to caring for his guest, Bert has been documenting her ongoing feather molt. The uppertail coverts are pretty much replaced, r1s and r2s still have not appeared yet, and there are changes in the primary and secondary flight feathers.

  Check out the photo documentation that Bert has compiled documenting her visit.

  2/14/13 .... The February Audubon Advisory is now available.

  10/21/12 .... Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pennsylvania
  Edited by Andrew M. Wilson, Daniel W. Brauning, and Robert S. Mulvihill is currently available for sale. Check it out.

  9/7/12 ... AUDUBON ACTION ALERT
  The National Wildlife Refuge System, a cornerstone of bird conservation in America, is facing an unprecedented attack. Since 1903, National Wildlife Refuges have been created both by the President and by Congress, but a new bill would change all that. HR 3009 would make it impossible for the President to establish new refuges. That's a huge problem, because the Executive branch—including every President since Theodore Roosevelt—has established 90 percent of all refuges.

  Take Action Now. Write to your U.S. Representative TODAY and voice your support for our National Wildlife Refuges. We expect the House Natural Resources committee to vote on this misguided legislation this month, so your letters right now are critical.

  8/11/12 ..... Help Establish a National Park in Delaware
  There is tremendous momentum building to establish a National Park in Delaware on the Woodlawn property. We truly have an amazing opportunity to protect one of the largest undeveloped properties along the Brandywine and celebrate a national treasure in our own backyard. The next critical step is to make sure our Senators and Representatives hear from us in support of the project. With one click you can send a letter to Congress asking them to support this historic effort!

Know how to reach your Congressional Reps and Senators ???

PA House of Representatives
PA Senate
Stay in touch with your representatives in Congress. Remember, they work for you !

Current Environmental Issues

Translate your love for birds and your concern for the environment into action.

Annual Christmas Bird Count

See 2002 Results
See 2003 Results
See 2004 Results
See 2005 Results
See 2006 Results
See 2009 Results

Mentor Request

I am writing on behalf of my son, Jack. At 8 ½ years old, Jack is a beginner birder and aspiring ornithologist. Jack studies the birds at our feeders, he has been on a handful of bird walks and bird counts, and almost every book that he reads is about birds. Jack has been interested in birds for about two years and he is very familiar with the common backyard birds. I have learned quite a bit about birds with thanks to Jack’s enthusiasm, but I am still very much an amateur birder. I try to seek out as many opportunities as possible for Jack to learn more about birds, but many events take place during school hours or conflict with our weekend activities. I was wondering if someone might have an interest in mentoring Jack so that he can further develop his birding skills and knowledge. Jack is always ready for a bird walk and he is very eager to learn.

We live in Ambler, Upper Dublin, about 2 miles from Robbins Park and about 10 minutes from the Wissahickon Valley Watershed and Fort Washington State Park (some of our favorite places!) Jack is usually free most afternoons after 3:45pm (except Tuesdays) and on Saturdays.

If anyone would like to mentor Jack, then please let me know. On behalf of Jack and our family, we would be very appreciative.

Thank you so much,
Alison Feldman
(215) 643-2553 – home
(215) 740-2163 – cell
alifeldman@verizon.net

National Audubon Chapter's Newsletter

The Chapter Networker is published quarterly by National Audubon Society as a resource for Chapter leaders on the Audubon website and an electronic copy is sent to all Chapter officers, committee chairs and board members.

Wyncote feels this may be of interest to community/volunteer organizers and educators as well as any WAS member wishing to become more involved with Audubon projects.

To view issues

WAS dedicates park bench to Henry Kurtz at Fort Washington State Park - May 18, 2008

Well, it finally happened, just before the rain started. The Henry Keller Kurtz memorial bench was dedicated. The local Kurtzes all turned up, with all sorts of goodies for lunch. They were setting up the picnic tables under the trees as I arrived. At 11:00 AM we gathered on the Militia Hill hawk watch deck and introduced ourselves. Then we walked down the hill to the bench and stood in a semicircle. We exchanged memories of Henry. Several of us spoke about Henry as an active Wyncote Audubon member, and included stories - many were humorous -- about Henry on field trips and in other activities.

Henry was an active Wyncote board member, and Leigh Altadonna, who was president of the club many years ago, when I joined, spoke about Henry's work as program chairman for the club. It was mentioned that Henry won the Edward Hicks Parry Award for outstanding service to the club. Marylea Klauder, founder of the hawkwatch at Militia Hill in Fort Washington State Park, spoke about Henry's involvement in the hawkwatch's early days. Henry's sons and their wives, as well as the four grandchildren, all contributed anecdotes.

A pair of Baltimore Orioles landed in the tree right over our heads and sang. It was nice. Then we all walked up the hill and gathered around the picnic tables and had lunch. Just as the family was finished cleaning up and loading the cars, it started to pour. ~Jane Henderson

Quick..... ID that cookie

HAWK WATCH EDUCATIONAL DISPLAY

DCNR Secretary Mike DiBerardinis (center) and Environmental Educational Coordinator Mike Jones (right) presented an educational display during the recent dedication of the new Militia Hill Hawk Watch tower at Fort Washington State park. Accepting the display are (left to right) Friends of Fort Washington State Park President Dick Flavell, Hawkwatch Coordinator Marylea Klauder and ParkSuperintendent Josh Bruce. Photo by Cliff Hence

Volunteers Needed

Wyncote Audubon is looking for people to serve on its board. We have several positions that need to be filled for the 2011-2012 season so if you'd like to get more involved, please contact Jane Henderson for information.