E cobon
April 2009
No. 300
Newsletter of the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society
Audubon Refuge Keepers
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE APRIL Program by Charlotte White
Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 7:30 p.m. at the Seabrook
By Bill Nicol
The South Carolina Department of
Natural Resources (SCDNR) is chartered
to serve as the principal advocate for and
steward of South Carolina’s natural re-
sources. We have visited several of their
managed areas (Bear Island, Donnelly,
Victoria Bluff) on recent field trips and
will visit another (Webb) in April. The
current economic downturn has impacted
their funding from the state and requires
them to make do with fewer resources.
As Audubon members and supporters of
the SCDNR mission, we can help them
in their time of need by buying a hunt-
ing/fishing license even though you may
be neither a hunter nor a fisherman. The
funds collected from the sale of licenses
are matched by the Federal Government
and all funds go directly to SCDNR to
support their work. Hunters and fish-
ermen provide a significant portion of
SCDNR funds in each fiscal year used
to maintain the Wildlife Management
Area’s.
I was born and raised in Western
Pennsylvania and most of my relatives
were hunters and fishermen. I never had
any interest in hunting or fishing; how-
ever I have purchased a SC license just
to help maintain these important areas
in our state. If you want to help, go to
www.dnr.sc.gov or call 803-734-3833
and apply for a license. Special licenses
are available for seniors.
Mark your calendar ~ The annual end
of the meeting year picnic will be held
on May 12th. Details will be announced
at the April meeting and in the next
Ecobon.
Little Brown Jobbies ~ The Sparrows
For our April program, Diana Churchill will give a powerpoint presentation to
help us understand those “confusing little brown jobbies” – sparrows. For over
eight years, Diana has been writing a twice a month column about birds for the Sa-
vannah Morning News Closeups. Read more about her work at the following web
site: http://web.me.com/dichurchbirds.
When I wrote to ask Diana questions about her interest in birds, her written
response was as easy to read as her column. Here she writes: “I got interested in
birds as a young girl. My folks always had bird feeders outside the window. We
did a lot of camping vacations and were always fascinated with wildlife. I took one
month-long class in Ornithology at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. After that,
I sort of got away from birds until the early 1980s when I was living in Newton,
Massachusetts. I discovered that the Brookline Bird Club led early morning spring
migration walks at Mt. Auburn Cemetery every morning from mid-April until the
end of May. I began listening to Birding by Ear tapes and going on as many field
trips as possible. Most of what I've learned has been by being out in the field with
people who know more than I do.”
After living in Massachusetts for 17 years, Diana returned to her hometown
of Savannah. There she has worked for Wild Birds Unlimited as a Bird Feeding
Specialist, and for Wilderness Southeast as Administrative Assistant and Naturalist
Guide. She is active with Ogeechee Audubon, as well as helping with the Colonial
Coast Birding and Nature Festival and leading field trips for Georgia Ornithologi-
cal Society meetings.
To meet one of our Audubon Savannah neighbors, who not only knows a great
deal about birds but also writes about them and photographs them, come to this
meeting about sparrows on Tuesday, April 14, WITH A FRIEND, at 7:30 p.m. at
the Seabrook, 300 Woodhaven Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
FIELD TRIPS by Kay Hodnett
After an interesting visit to a raptor rehabilitation facility in March, in April we
are heading back to the wild to look for birds. We will visit Webb Wildlife Manage-
ment Area on April 26, a Sunday (the only day of the week this time of year when
Webb is closed to turkey hunters). Barry Lowes has agreed to lead this trip.
Webb is one of the premier birding destinations in the area, and April is the best
time of year to go. We should see, inter alia, red cockaded woodpeckers and painted
buntings. But to do so we need to arrive early. Those wishing to carpool need to be
at Moss Creek Village in time for departure at 7AM sharp. It takes about an hour
and a half to drive to Webb. I will bring driving directions to the April meeting and
also to Moss Creek Village.
To sign up for the trip call Kay Hodnett at 342-7485 or email olivhod2@aol.com
(please include the word “Audubon” or “bird” in the subject line).
 HHI Audubon GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
Board of Directors:
President SCHOOL PROGRAM - 2009
Bill Nicol 671-4721
Vice President We have completed our February School Program and we presented our birding
Ken Neitzke 705-3970 program to five schools and about 500 students. A BIG THANK YOU to our volun-
Treasurer
Karen McGinty 681-8498 teers who gave the presentation, they are Bill Nicol, Kay Grinnell, Angela Anderson,
Fran Baer 686-6348 John Edman, Joan and Richard Shulman, Mary Jane Major, Marianne Currie, Kevin
Recording Secretary Cahill, Jim Ennis and alternates, Jim Grove, Mark Hyner, Sherman Barker and Phyllis
Steve White 837-4597 Cooper.
Corresponding Secretary
Sherman Barker 342-6596 We would like to thank the teachers who assisted us and the schools.
Members‑at‑Large
Howard Costa 842-9447 Whale Branch Middle School - Lois Lewis program coordinator 6th grade teacher,
Jim Currie 681-8525
Marianne Currie 681-8525 Vick Bradley - LMC Specialist, Catia Gilbert 7th grade teacher, Mike Floyd 5th grade
Clem Dietze 837-2612 teacher, Connie Singleton - Murphy Coach for Science/Math, Darky James Library
Barry Lowes 671-3537 Aide.
Nan Lloyd 363-2092
Betty Walter 842-7147 Daufuskie Island - pre k through 5th grade Teacher - Brooke Rowes.
Joan Wilson 837-2874
Committee Chairpersons: HHIBE - 3rd grade Teacher - Stephen Bouvier, Coordinator for 8 classes.
Adopt-A-Refuge (Pinckney)
Clem Dietze 837-2612 Hilton Head Prep. - 5th grade Teacher - Nancy Biel.
Karen McGinty 681-8498
Audubon Newhall Preserve McCracken - 6th grade Science students Teacher - Susan Dee.
Joan Shulman 842-9246
Bird Walks/Field Trips ~ THANK YOU, KENNY NEITZKE, V.P.
Kay Hodnett 342-7485
Bird House Construction
Jim Currie 681-8525 If any members would like to join us for the 2010 February program watch for the
Bird Seed Sale November Ecobon.
Ed Nash 681-5725
Christmas Bird Count
Barry Lowes 671‑3537
A FEW STUDENT THANK YOU LETTERS
Education Dear Mr. Edmon, Thank-you for teaching us the sounds and information about
Mary Jane Major 342-5804
Historian
certain birds. I really enjoyed the pictures of the different types of birds. That was
Betsy Pehrson 689-2243 cool. I hope we will meet again some time soon. Sincerely, Rasheed Dais PS - have a
Hospitality wonderfultime and if yall discover a new type of bird please come back and tell us.j
Thea Luba 785-3214
Legislation Dear Mr. Ken Neitzke, Thank you for spending your time to come see us. You did
OPEN a good thing. My favortive birds that you talked about are Bluebird, mourning dove,
Membership woodstork, and a Blue Jay. My favoritive part was when we got to see the quails that
Thea Luba 785-3214
was in the cage. Thanks you again for everything. I had a great time listening to you.
Newsletter Circulation
Marianne Currie 681-8525 Love, Leighanna Manowshi

Newsletter Editor Dear Mr. Ken Neitzke, I thank you fore coming to our school My favorite part of the
Joan Wilson 837-2874 show was the bird slide show. A bird experience I had was their was a rat in the road
Programs and a bid scooped it up. The reason birds are important because they help people who
Charlotte White 837-4597 go in coal mines. If their is a poison in the mine the bird will die first, and the people
Publicity & Public Relations
Clem Dietze 837-2612 might run. Olumiwale Grant
Sales Table
OPEN 686-6406
Shorebirds/Conservation
Howard Costa 842-9447 Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Special Projects
Richard Shulman 842-9246 Visitor Center Opening
Sun City Representative
Kevin Cahill 705-3570 The exact date for the opening has not been announced as yet. The building is almost
Wetlands/Conservation complete. Volunteers are needed for the visitor center. The plan is to have two visitor
Sally Krebs H: 757-2973 O: 341-4690
aids at the main desk. This is a great opportunity to volunteer with a friend plus be in
Website: www.hiltonheadaudubon.org
the know for what is going on at the refuge. Training will be given for the volunteer
The Ecobon is a monthly publication (September through May) of
the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society. Subscription is a benefit positions. If you are interested or have questions please contact me or Pat Metz at the
of membership. Direct inquiries to P.O. Box 6185, Hilton Head
Island, South Carolina 29938 or call one of the above officers
Savannah National Wildlife Complex offices. Karen McGinty, 681-8498, kmpelican@
or chairpersons. aol.com

Page 2 April 2009

NOTES FROM THE NEWHALL PRESERVE
by Joan Shulman
As usual in the Spring, we will again have guided walks in the
Preserve. The walks help us fulfill part of our educational mission
and raise some funds to maintain the Preserve. We offer walks in
the Spring and Fall when a variety of flowers are blooming, the
weather is not too hot, and the insects are not too bothersome.
All of the walks are on Wednesdays at 10:00 A.M. They begin
in the parking lot of the Preserve on Palmetto Bay Road. Adults
are charged $7.00 each. Children under 12 are free. For further
information, call me at 842-9246. All of the walks identify the
flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees unique to the lowcountry, talk
about the history of the Preserve, and point out the special eco-
logical systems found there.
April 8, “Native Plants and Unique Habitats on a Sea Island” led
by Betty Treen, a Master Gardener and an experienced docent.
April 22, “The Birth and Growth of a Sea Island” led by Mary
Alice Walker, an amateur naturalist and experienced docent.
April 29, “A Woodland Walk” led by Joan Shulman, chair of the
Audubon Newhall Preserve Committee.
Please bring a friend or relative and join us on one of the
walks.
We need volunteers to monitor the trails in the Preserve in May,
June, July, August, and September. If you can help out or have
any questions, please call me at 842-9246. We would appreciate
your help.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
by Clem Dietze
President Bill Nicol appointed Clem Dietze to chair the
nominating committee for Officers and Board Members
for 2009-2010.
The following candidates were nominated and will be
submitted to the membership at the April 2009 meeting
for approval.
President – Bill Nicol
Vice President – Ken Nietzke
Treasurer – Fran Baer
Recording Secretary – Marianne Curry
Corresponding Secretary - Sherman Barker
Board Members at Large – Howard Costa, Jim Currie,
Clem Dietze, Barry Lowes, Nan Lloyd, Joan Shulman,
Betty Walter, Joan Wilson.
Committee Chairs will be selected by the president with
the approval of the newly elected Board.
April 2009 Page 3
recent AREA bird sightings
by Jack Colcolough
Spring has sprung and our spring migration is on! Early
migrants and summer birds are beginning to show up in our
area; be looking for them during the next month. Our winter
birds and ducks have left or will soon be leaving.
Early migrants reported todate included: American Restart,
Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Warbler and Blue-gray
Gnatcatcher. Early summer arrivals were: Green Heron,
Rough-winged Swallow, Purple Martin, White-eyed Vireo,
Gray Catbird and Common Yellowthroat.
Rare birds reported were: very rare Spotted Towhee, Snow
Goose, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Great White-fronted
Goose, Virginia & King Rails at Savannah NWR, Parasitic
Jaeger, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Reddish Egret at Fish
Haul Creek, Bachman’s Sparrow and Red-cockaded Wood-
pecker at Webb WMA and Fox Sparrow at Shelter Cove
Park.
Uncommon birds reported included: Baltimore Oriole,
Blue-headed Vireo, Winter & Sedge Wrens, Vesper Sparrow.
Purple Finch, Peregrine Falcon, Canvasback, Rusty Black-
birds, Wilson’s Plover, White-breasted Nuthatch, Golden-
crowned Kinglet, Orange-crowned Warbler and Loggerhead
Shrike.
The Bald Eagle’s nest on Indigo Run’s Golden Bear Golf
Course has two large eaglets that are about ready to fledge.
Other good finds reported recently were: Whimbrel, Gad-
wall, Sora, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eurasian-collared Dove
and Dark-eyed Junco.
Thanks to all reporting their findings: Barry Lowes, Kay
Hodnett, Fran/Denny Baer, Dottie Bass, Doris McCullough,
Doris Stoner, Richard Shulman, Dianne Faucette, Dave Lovett,
Carole Jorgensen, Peter Zachmann, Bev Schneider, Dennis
Forsythe, Sally Lesesne, Wayne Pope, et al plus several visi-
tors.
To report a rare, uncommon or first-of-the-year (FOTY)
or season bird sighting in our area, please e-mail jackcol-
colough@aol.com, call 689-3455 or send a blank e-mail to:
birdingfriends@yahoogroups.com to join the birding group
and report your sighting.
E-MAIL Reminder
Have you sent your E-mail address in to Nan?
If not, please send it to Nan
at nan@nanhiltonhead.com.
BIRD SEED SALE COMPLETED
by Ed Nash
Our annual fund raiser this year
totalled $1250 including the bird
seed sales (Plan A) and the direct
donations (Plan B). This is about
15% lower than last year, so is a
good total for the current times. We
want to thank Virginia of Wild Birds
Unlimited for her continued support
(since 1995!) and to the many buyers and contributors as listed
below. Please note that “Plan B”, ie: direct donations, con‑
tinues all year, and we welcome the support of every member
and friend of Audubon to fully fund our middle school Audubon
Adventures educational program.
Thanks especially to:
Fran Baer, Sherman Barker, Vickie Bauman, Robert Black,
Laura Braun, John Brummitt, Ann Byron, Helen Cartmill, Rich
& Sharon Danyi, Nancy Dinkle, John Faucette, Joe Fromme,
Margaret Fullam, Bud Hauglum, Nancy Hayes, Wendy Hanson,
David Hicks, Kay Hodnett, Betty Inman, Sarah Jebo, Roger
Johnson, Eileen Joyce, Marcia Keller, Margie Kriney, May
Leong, Barry Lowes, Judy Lundin, Mary Jane Major, Richard
Many, Peggy Martin, Karen McGinty, Christian Mueller, Kelly
Murphy, Gail O’Kane, Bill Nicol, Betsy Pehrson, Richard Phil-
lips, Sandra Ploszaj, Sue Salmons, Allyn Schneider, Howard
Shoemaker, Carol Simmons, Doris Stoner, Marian Trennis,
Janet VanTright, Jerry Voight, Betty Walter, Miriam Water-
house, Charlotte White, Jane Williamson, Martha Worthy, and
Ed Zensinger.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Please Note: Current members are encouraged to use this membership form to sign up friends, relatives, and neighbors as new
members. Our Chapter benefits significantly from a “return of dues” from National if our local form is used for new memberships
Taken from “On the Move” by Justin Nobel
Many mallards stopped migrating south along
the Mississippi Flyway several years ago. In a New
York City suburb, robins huddled in a crabapple tree
during a snowstorm. What’s happening to the birds?
Two new Audubon reports provide some answers.
Examining the distribution of 305 North American
species since 1966, a national report, “Birds and Cli-
mate Change”, found that nearly 60 percent of spe-
cies’ ranges have shifted north significantly, and that
there is “an undeniable link” to climate change. Data
from the Christmas Bird Count allowed research-
ers to map shifts in ranges during the past 40 years.
Over that same period, average January temperatures
have risen more than 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the
continental United States. The report found that the
purple finch has moved north 433 miles, and the red-
breasted merganser, 317 miles - a trend repeated for
many woodland and wetland species. As inland areas
warm, these birds are moving away from the coasts.
Climate is just one factor that affects bird move-
ment. Food supply is another. People are planting
ornamental fruit trees farther north. Feeders also
keep birds such as the Carolina wren from leaving
higher latitudes. Grassland species have suffered due
to nationwide declines in the pastures and hay fields
they prefer and are not wintering as far north. Some
birds can adapt to warming; others can’t.

National Audubon Society Chapter

Membership Form  New  1 YR. - $20  2 YRS. - $30
NEW MEMBERS ONLY  Senior  1 YR. - $15  2 YRS. - $30
 Junior  1 YR. - $15  2 YRS. - $30
Name _ ______________________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________State__________ Zip_ ________________
Phone__________________________ Preferred First Name(s) ____________________________
Full Year Resident ______ Part Year Resident ______ I/We first joined Audubon in _______________
Mail a check payable to National Audubon Society U50
National Audubon Society, Chapter Membership Data Center, P.O. Box 51001, Boulder, CO 80322-1001 C9ZU500Z

Page 4 April 2009

 Place your ad here!

Sharon Danyi Interior Design Ltd.

Call Clem Dietze for more information
O: 681-3033
Fine Residential Interiors
H: 837-2612

Sharon Danyi
Feeders, Nest Boxes, Allied Member ASID
Seed, Field Guides,
Bird Baths, Gifts,
Toys & Much More
 House of Design
Nikon, Bushnell, 20 Capital Drive
Brunton & Meade Optics Hilton Head, SC 29926
Office: (843) 342-9900
Audubon Society Members
Fax: (843) 342-9906
always 10% discount storewide!
J-2 Village at Wexford • Hilton Head Island • 785-4311

Festival Centre at Indigo Park 9,578$//<<2856$'0,1,675$7,9(6(59,&(6

45 Pembroke Dr., Suite 130
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
843-681-4461
• Binoculars & Spotting Scopes • Custom Seed Blends
• Field Guides • Bird Feeders & Houses
• Nature Books • Bird Baths & Fountains
• Nature Gifts • Water Gardening Supplies
We Bring People And Nature Together®
Visit us at www.wbu.com
1DQF\'LHW]H
$GPLQLVWUDWLYH 3HUVRQDO6HUYLFHV
IRU<2851HHGVRQDQ$V1HHGHG%DVLV
+RPH &RQILGHQWLDOLW\*XDUDQWHHG
0RELOH
6XSSRUW6HUYLFHVIRU,QGLYLGXDOV5HDO
)D[ (VWDWH3URIHVVLRQDOV6PDOO%XVLQHVV
(PDLOQDQG#KDUJUD\FRP
ZZZYLUWXDOO\\RXUVDGPLQLVWUDWLYHVHUYLFHVFRP
2ZQHUVDQG(QWUHSUHQHXUV

FEATURING A CASUAL
Comforting, affordable, quality care Comforting, affordable, quality care
DINING EXPERIENCE IN A
conveniently close to home conveniently close- to
“CHEERS” home
LIKE ATMOSPHERE

LOCAL’S FAVORITE
TUESDAY - WINE NIGHT
WEDNESDAY - MARGARITA NIGHT
THURSDAY - LIVE MUSIC

(843) 689-3999
190 Pembroke Drive ΠHilton Head Island, SC 29926 190 Pembroke Drive ΠHilton Head Island, SC 29926
LOCATED OUTSIDE HILTON HEAD PLANTATION
(843) 682-5050 Πwww.hhisurgery.com (843) 682-5050 Πwww.hhisurgery.com

PLAN YOUR VACATION WITH A TRAVEL EXPERT Beautiful Homes Deserve

Clem Dietze Beautiful Landscaping.
President HHI Audubon
Comforting, 2005-06 &
affordable, Board Member
quality care Your source for plants
Comforting, that willquality
affordable, attract care
birds
Counseling Travelers for over 44 years and butterflies to your garden!
conveniently close to home conveniently close to home
Now in association with Island Travel
Island Packet's winner - Favorite Travel Agency Mon.-Fri.
Hilton Head 8:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
Luxury & Expedition Port Royal Plaza
785-3848 Saturday
Cruises - Escorted (near Sam's Club) 9 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
& Independent Tours 681-3033 Bluffton ® Sunday
Clem is a Nature &
Ecotouring Specialist
Clem Home 837-2612
clemd@hargray.com 837-3848 the greenery, inc. 12-4:30 P.M.

1902009
April Pembroke Drive ΠHilton Head Island, SC 29926 190 Pembroke Drive ΠHilton Head Island, SC 29926
Page 5
(843) 682-5050 Πwww.hhisurgery.com (843) 682-5050 Πwww.hhisurgery.com

300 Issue #:
Hilton Head, South Carolina 29938
P.O. Box 6185
Hilton Head Island Audubon Society Organization:
Monthly Sept.-May Frequency:
April 2009 Issue Date:
Permit #39
Ecobon Title:
Hilton Head Island, SC
PAID
U.S. POSTAGE Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29938
Non Profit Organization
P. O. Box 6185
Ecobon

APRIL ~ MAY 2009 Calendar

0
APRIL B E Q U E S T S
Weds. Apr. 8 Newhall Walk at the Preserve............................. 10:00 am If you wish to honor a family
member or friend with a memorial
Thurs. Apr. 9 Board Meeting at the Seabrook .......................... 2:00 pm
gift, or remember the Audubon Ne-
Tues. Apr. 14 Monthly Meeting at the Seabrook . .................... 7:30 pm whall Preserve or the Hilton Head
Island Audubon Society in your will,
Weds. Apr. 22 Newhall Walk at the Preserve............................. 10:00 am
your gift may be in the form of secu-
Sun. Apr. 26 Field Trip to Webb Wildlife Area.......................... 7:00 am rities, cash, life insurance, real estate,
or other property.
Weds. Apr. 29 Newhall Walk at the Preserve............................. 10:00 am
Contact your own estate planner
or our Audubon Chapter at P.O. Box
MAY
6185, Hilton Head Island, South
Thurs. May 7 Board Meeting at the Seabrook .......................... 2:00 pm Carolina 29938.
Tues. May 12 Annual Picnic Sharing your estate with Audubon
not only reduces the taxes on your
estate but will help protect birds,
Monthly meetings of the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society are regularly scheduled wildlife, and their habitat in the years
at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, September through May, in the to come.
Auditorium at the Seabrook, 300 Woodhaven Drive. Members and guests welcome!

Page 6 Printed on recycled paper April 2009