Issue 3, August 2016
Stockbridge
Audubon
Representing Northeast Indiana
Presidents Words
By Cynthia Powers
Stockbridge members were
saddened to learn that our
past president, Ted Heemstra,
had died on May 19, having
suffered a stroke last fall.
Several of us attended his
memorial service at First
Presbyterian Church, as did
many from ACRES Land
Trust. Before the service
began, we birders were
surprised to hear a cardinal
sing! Sure enough, the
family had chosen nature
sounds as part of the
gathering music.
That was appropriate for Ted,
who was one of the founding
members of ACRES. He also
contributed much to
Stockbridge over many years.
Only Ted would have tackled
the unglamorous task of
revising our bylaws! On field
www.stockbridgeaudubon.org
P.O. Box 13131, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46867
trips, Ted always wanted to
be last in the car caravan, to
make sure nobody got lost.
Many times he got up
especially early, so he could
pick up an Amish family in
his minivan. Thats how we
learned to appreciate the
many good Amish birders,
who are glad to share their
sightings in northern Indiana.
I heard many folks comment
that Ted was especially kind
and helpful when I was a
beginner. Thats about the
best thing that could be said
of any birder, dont you
think?
Ted is survived by his wife
Pat (long time chili helper for
the Christmas Bird Count),
their two sons, and six
grandchildren. He truly made
a difference, and well miss
him.
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Upcoming programs:
Tuesday, Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m. at
the Fox Island County Park
nature center: Movie Night
featuring A Window on
Eternity: A Biologists Walk
through Gorongosa National
Park by E. O. Wilson.
Sunday afternoon, Oct. 9, at
the Fox Island County Park
Nature Center: come and join
us for the Big Sit, birdings
most sedentary event! Well
hang out on the back deck
while munching on goodies
and viewing nearby bird life
from the confines of our 17-
foot-diameter circle. You can
stay for the whole afternoon,
or just drop in whenever youd
like. $2.00 park admission
applies unless you have an
annual pass.
Sunday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m. at the
Pokagon State Park Nature
Center: our annual member
meeting at Pokagon will
feature a program about bats,
presented by Jeremy Sheets.
BIRD NOTES
April 1 July 25
By Jim Haw
Spring migration: An Eared
Grebe was on Rainbow Lake,
Geneva, Apr. 8 (Terri
Gorney, Randy Lehman).
Double-crested Cormorants
peaked at 140 at Serv-All
ponds, Ft. Wayne, Apr 8
(Rodger Rang). An Am.
Bittern was at Eagle Marsh
Apr. 20 (Rang). A Virginia
Rail arrived at Eagle Marsh
Apr. 1, tying the earliest date
for NE IN (Rang). Black-
necked Stilts were 1 at
Limberlost Swamp Apr. 30-
May 8 (T. Gorney et al), and
2 in Allen County May 7-8
(Jim Haw et al). Am. Golden
Plovers totaled 161 at
Limberlost Apr. 21 (Haw,
Sandy Schacht, Marisa
Windell). A Laughing Gull
at Limberlost Swamp Apr. 9
(Don Gorney et al) was very
rare in NE IN., as were
Lesser Black-backed Gulls at
Limberlost Apr. 1-2 (Bill
Hubbard, T. Gorney) and
Apr. 6-7 (Becca James et al).
Two Caspian Terns at Serv-
All Apr. 4 (Rang) were NE
INs earliest by one day. J
Black Terns were 2 at Pigeon
River May 11 (Sam Plew)
and one at Eagle Marsh May
17 (Rang). A Common Tern
at Limberlost Swamp June 2
(Haw, Schacht) was late. A
Snowy Owl in Lagrange Co.
to at least Apr. 14 (Plew) was
the first April record for NE
IN. A Blue-headed Vireo at
Fox Island Apr. 16 (Rang)
was earliest by one day for
NE IN. The only Red-
breasted Nuthatch reported
was at Pigeon River May 5
(Haw). A Louisiana
Waterthrush at Bicentennial
Woods Apr. 2 (Phil Wixom)
tied the early date for NE IN.
A Worm-eating Warbler was
at Pigeon River May 24
(Haw, Schacht). A Purple
Finch at Ed and Cynthia
Powers feeder May 27 was
NE INs latest by 7 days.
Summer residents: Least
Bitterns were found at Eagle
Marsh (Rang), at Pigeon
River (Plew), and at Mallard
Roost Marsh in Noble
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County (Jeff McCoy). An
out-of-range Chuck-wills
Widow returned to Pigeon
River for the second year
May 7 through the period
(Plew et al). Ten Marsh
Wrens at Eagle Marsh June 5
(Rang) and 11 July 10 were
high counts. Sedge Wrens
included 4 at Limberlost
Swamp July 22 (T. Gorney).
Clay-colored Sparrows were
found in Steuben Co. (D.
Gorney). Lark Sparrows
returned to Pigeon River
(Plew et al). Henslows
Sparrows were found in
Allen Co. June 12 (Greg
Majewski), at Salamonie
June 25 (Haw, Schacht), and
9 in Steuben Co. June 24 (D.
Gorney). Moving north into
this area, Blue Grosbeaks
were in Adams, Allen,
Lagrange, and Steuben
Counties. A Western
Meadowlark was on territory
in Noble Co. (Plew et al).
Fall migration: As usual,
shorebirds began to show up
at the end of June. Five
Bonapartes Gulls and 6
Caspian Terns were at Eagle
Marsh July 10 (Rang), and an
Am. Avocet there on July 15
(Rang), topped by 12 Am.
Avocets there July 25 (Rang
et al).
 How I Got Started in
Birding
By Dave Reichlinger
Some may see birding as a
hobby or pastime, but for
many of us it is a passion or
even an obsession. I have
traveled around the country,
enjoyed countless hours of
pleasure (and some of
frustration), learned so much
about nature and met a lot of
really nice people.
My interest in birds started
when I was around eight years
old. My parents gave me a
childs field guide. I still
remember my first Great Blue
Heron. I couldnt possibly
imagine a more spectacular
bird! Without optics or
anyone to help me I eventually
lost interest.
Many years later I began
again, armed with a field
guide and some really cheap
binoculars. It was slow going
but I eventually built a life list
of around fifty birds. Every-
thing changed when I read in
the paper that Stockbridge
was holding a meeting the
following Sunday. That was
the first clue that other people
were also interested in birds.
From a newsletter I saw that a davereichl@aol.com.
field trip to Fox Island was
scheduled. This was in the **************
fall, and the fall warblers had
me so confused that I almost Code of Birding Ethics
gave up. My skills slowly Revisited
started to grow. I was pleased
to learn that you could identify
a bird by its song. With the A number of years ago, a code
of birding ethics was
help of people like Jim Haw
and Ted Heemstra, I reached published in the Stockbridge
newsletter. I found it to be
the point where I considered
myself a real birder. informative and thought-
provoking; in fact, Ive kept it
on my refrigerator ever since.
That first field trip was around
thirty-five years ago. Birding It was only when I took it
down to copy it for this issue
has become an important part
of my life. I am very grateful that I realized it first appeared
twenty years ago. Because
to Stockbridge and do what I
can to help them. I am there may be members who
especially anxious to help havent seen a list like this, it
seemed worthwhile to print it
young birders. There are 570
birds on my life list with plans again. It appears on the
on how to reach 600. I keep following page. Ed.
many lists and am currently
building my Indiana county
lists. Because of some visual
difficulties, I focus on birding
by ear. Last year I got my
300th life hear. I am working
on a system to categorize birds
by their songs.
My hope is that this will
become a regular feature. I
will contact others to learn
their stories. If you would like
to share your experience,
please email me at
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 Code of Birding Ethics
1. Promote the welfare of birds and their environment.
1(a). Do not harass birds during observation, photography, sound recording, or filming.
1(b). Limit the use of recordings and other methods of attracting birds, and never use such methods in heavily birded areas, or
for attracting any species that is locally, regionally, or nationally threatened or endangered.
1(c). Before advertising the presence of a rare bird, evaluate the potential for disturbance to the bird, its surroundings, and
other people in the area, and proceed only if access can be controlled, and disturbance minimized. The sites of rare nesting
birds should be divulged only to the appropriate authorities.
1(d). Keep an appropriate distance from nests and nesting colonies, so as not to disturb the birds or expose the nests to
danger. Use a blind or hide for nest photography or extended nest observations.
1(e). Limit the use of artificial light for filming or photography, especially for close-ups.
1(f). Stay on roads, trails, and paths where they exist; otherwise minimize any habitat disturbance as much as possible.

2. Always respect the law and the rights of others.

2(a). Respect No Trespassing signs, and ask permission to enter private or posted lands.
2(b). Follow all laws, rules, and regulations governing use of public areas, both at home and abroad.
2(c). Practice common courtesy in contacts with other people. Your exemplary behavior will generate goodwill with birders
and non-birders alike.
2(d). Freely share your bird knowledge with others, except where code 1(c) applies.

3. Ensure that bird feeders, nest structures, and other artificial bird environments are safe.
3(a). Keep dispensers, water, and food clean and free of decay or disease. Its important to feed birds continuously during
harsh weather.
3(b). Maintain and clean nest structures annually.
3(c). If you are attracting birds to an area, ensure the birds are not exposed to predation from domestic animals, or dangers
posed by artificial hazards.

4. Group birding, whether organized or impromptu, requires special care.

Group Member Responsibilities:
4(a). Help minimize disturbance to birds, the environment, and fellow birders.
4(b). If you witness unethical birding behavior, inform the person immediately and attempt, within reason, to have it stopped. If
the behavior continues, document it and inform others.
4(c). Respect the interests and skills of other birders. Be helpful to beginners.

Group Leader Responsibilities (amateur and professional trips and tours):

4(d). Assume responsibility for the conduct of the group.
4(e). Keep groups to a size that limits impact on the environment and does not interfere with others using the same area.
4(f). Ensure everyone in the group knows of and practices this code. Teach through word and example.
4(g). Learn and inform the group of any special circumstances applicable to the areas being visited (e.g., no tape recorders
allowed).
4(h). Acknowledge that professional tour companies bear a special responsibility to place the welfare of birds and the benefits
of public knowledge ahead of the companys commercial interests. Ideally, leaders should keep track of tour sightings,
document unusual occurrences, and submit records to appropriate organizations.

Please follow this code, and distribute and teach it to others.

Winging It, March 1996

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 Fall Field Trips 2016
STOCKBRIDGE AUDUBON SOCIETY

Sat. Aug 27 Limberlost Swamp and Loblolly Marsh, Adams and Jay Cos.; leave at 7:30 a.m. from E side of Wal-Mart lot (behind
Wendys) at Southtown Centre, W side of US 27 South, just S of Tillman Rd., or meet us at Limberlost Historic Site in
Geneva at 9 a.m.; return around 4 p.m. Leaders: Rodger Rang, Limberlost staff

Sat. Sep 3 Franke Park; meet at 8:00 a.m. at BMX parking lot at Franke Park, off of Sherman St. S of Coliseum Blvd.; finish by
noon. Leaders: John Winebrenner, Margit Codispoti

Sat. Sep 10 Eagle Marsh; meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Trailhead (gazebo) off Engle Road; more parking available in the new lot by
the berm; finish by noon. Leaders: Rodger Rang, Ed Powers

Sat. Sep 17 Salamonie Reservoir; leave at 7 a.m. from NE corner of Rural King parking lot, Village at Coventry, US 24 just W of I-
69, or meet us at 7:30 a.m. at Forks of the Wabash, SW corner of US 24 and IN 9, Huntington; return around 5 p.m.
Leaders: Sandy Schacht, John Winebrenner

Sat. Sep 24 Fox Island; meet at 8:00 at Dulin Wildlife Observation Bldg. lot at Fox Is., 7324 Yohne Rd.; finish by noon. Park
admission of $2 can be paid at self-service post at gatehouse or on way out. Leaders: Eric Helfrich, Ed Powers

Sat. Oct 1 Bicentennial Woods, Payton Park, ACRES Dustin Preserve, etc; meet at 8:00 at Perry Hill School, 13121 Coldwater
Rd; finish by 4:00 pm. Leaders: Rodger Rang, Margit Codispoti

Sat. Oct 8 Fox Island; details same as Sep 24

Sunday, Oct 9 BIG SIT BIRD COUNT at Fox Island Nature Center; all afternoon, come when you can!

Sunday, Oct 23 Pokagon State Park; leave at 7 a.m. from lamppost K, Meijer parking lot on Lima Rd. north of I-69; finish about noon;
stay for lunch at Potawatomi Inn, then attend the Stockbridge Audubon meeting in the Nature Center. Leaders: Ed
Powers, Rodger Rang

Sat Oct 29 Brookville Lake, Union and Franklin Co; leave at 7:30 a.m. from E side of Wal-Mart lot (behind Wendys) at
Southtown Centre, W side of US 27 South, just S of Tillman Rd; return about 6:00 PM. Leaders: Ed Powers,
Stephanie Wagner

Sun. Oct 30 Hurshtown Reservoir; meet at the reservoir on Roth Rd., 1.5 miles north of Grabill Rd. at 3 p.m.; finish by 5 p.m.
Leaders: Rodger Rang, Ed Powers

Sat. Nov 5 Lake Michigan lakefront; leave at 6 a.m. from lamppost K, Meijer parking lot on Lima Rd. north of I-69; return about 6-
6:30 p.m. Leaders: John Winebrenner, Stephanie Wagner

Sat. Nov 12 Tippecanoe River State Park, for general birding in morning, leave for Jasper-Pulaski FWA for Sandhill Crane
gathering at sundown; leave at 10:00 a.m. from Krogers, NE corner of IN 14 and Scott Rd.; return around 10 pm.
Carry a picnic lunch; well stop for a fast-food supper on way home. Leaders: Sandy Schacht, John Winebrenner

Sun. Nov 13 Hurshtown Reservoir; details same as Oct 30

Sat. Dec 17 Fort Wayne Christmas Bird Count; details later

Sat. Jan 2 SW Allen County CBC; details later

Field trips are open to the publicbeginners are welcome! Keep in mind:
--arrive a few minutes early; we try to leave on time
--we car pool for out-of-town trips; please share gas expenses. EXTRA DRIVERS MAY BE NEEDED
--we can meet people at our destination or en route if arranged in advance
--return times are estimates, and are not guaranteed; you may return earlier if you drive yourself
--bring a PICNIC LUNCH for ALL trips lasting beyond noon except Lake Michigan; picnic lunch optional for half-day trips
--dress for the weather. Be ready for mosquitoes in Sept. The Lake Michigan shoreline is often colder than inland, so bring plenty of
warm clothes. Water-resistant shoes or boots are always useful for morning dew.
For further information, contact the relevant trip leader or Ed Powers, phone 638-4291 e-mail zzedpowers@aol.com.

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P.O. Box 13131, Fort Wayne, IN 46867

Return Service Requested

|Stockbridge Directors and Officers|

Inside this issue:
Cynthia Powers, President 638-4291
A Tribute to Ted Heemstra Eric Helfrich, Vice President 260-693-3246
Margit Codispoti, Secretary 456-1996
Jim Haws Bird Notes
Dave Reichlinger, Treasurer 432-9431
Fall Field Trips Sandy Schacht, Director 260-356-3681
Julie Henricks, Newsletter Editor 638-4375
New Series: How I Got Jim Haw, Director Emeritus 485-7802
Started in Birding Ed Powers, Membership 638-4291
Mark Weldon, Director 427-6806
Upcoming Programs
Terri Gorney, Program Chair 490-6725
And lots of other neat stuff! John Winebrenner, Director 260-414-4866
Stephanie Wagner, Director sewsings328@gmail.com

We welcome new members using the form below. To speed your service and save us postage, mail renewals directly to National
Audubon, using the form that they provide. Any questions relating to membership? Ed Powers, Membership Chair, will be
glad to help!

National Audubon Society/Stockbridge Audubon Chapter Membership Application H09

I want to join Audubon! Enclosed is my check payable to the National Audubon Society.

Name YEARLY MEMBERSHIP:

Individual/$20 Family/$20
Address ________________________________

City/State/Zip________________________________
Mail to: National Audubon Society, P. O. Box 422250, Palm Coast FL 32142-2250