-- Winter Birds Field Trip on 1/28
-- Arkansas River Valley Trip Planned for 2/3
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


WINTER BIRDS FIELD TRIP ON 1/28

A Winter Birds Field Trip is planned for this Sunday with Joe
LaFleur.  Participants will view waterfowl and gulls at Lake Loveland
and nearby Cattail Pond from 8:30 – 10:30 am.  All levels welcome,
but the trip is limited to 15 participants.  RSVP to Joe at
joe@... or 970-461-7753.


ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY TRIP PLANNED FOR 2/3

Join Nick Komar on  Saturday, February 3rd for winter birding along
the Arkansas River Valley in Pueblo and Fremont counties.  This trip
is limited to 8 participants.  To RSVP, contact Nick at
quetzal65@... or 970-416-7527.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....  Typical group news items include information
on upcoming events, field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for
volunteers.  Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group
protocol in the Files area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before
posting a message that may be considered inappropriate.  The
fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President.  Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

Don't Throw Away That Empty Inkjet Cartridge!

Fort Collins Audubon has launched a recycling and fundraising program with
the help of an inkjet recycling company called Empties4Cash. Here is what
the Empties4Cash program is about:

	 . The empty inkjet cartridges that we usually throw away as trash
can be recycled and remanufactured.
	 . Bring those empty cartridges to any Fort Collins Audubon program
or pick up a postage-free mailer to mail them in yourself!
	 . Fort Collins Audubon gets paid up to $4.00 for each empty inkjet
cartridge that has a print head, regardless of the brand or type

Visit http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/empties4cash.htm for more details!

Joel Hurmence

-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey on 1/14
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on 1/21
-- Help needed for Avian Appreciation Days at End of January
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY ON 1/14

This month's Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey will take place at
7 am on Sunday, January 14th.  All birding levels are welcome, but
spots are limited.  Please contact Sol Miller at
eagleye1029@... or 461-4940 for more information or to sign up.


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON 1/21

The January bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space
will take place on Sunday, January 21st.  Participation is limited to
five individuals, but all levels are welcome.  For more information,
please contact Nick Komar at quetzal65@... or 416-7527.


HELP NEEDED FOR AVIAN APPRECIATION DAYS AT END OF JANUARY

Bath Nursery's Avian Appreciation Days will take place January 27th
and 28th.  FCAS will have a booth at this annual event, and we need
volunteers to help!  This is a great opportunity to learn more about
our wild and domesticated feathered friends while telling visitors
about the FCAS mission.  Whether you can help for just a couple of
hours or are available all day, please contact Education Chair Lynne
Hull at 416-1881 or ecoarthull@... to let her know.  Thanks!  And
we'll look forward to seeing you at Bath Nursery
(www.bathgardencenter.com) for Avian Appreciation Days!


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....  Typical group news items include information
on upcoming events, field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for
volunteers.  Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group
protocol in the Files area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before
posting a message that may be considered inappropriate.  The
fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President.  Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

Colorado Field Notes is produced by Colorado Birding Society and this
announcement is from Colorado Birding Society ...

"Hello cobirders,

The second year of "Colorado Field Notes" starts with January, 2007
issue. I am ready to ship it as soon as I can purchase postage; the
post office is closed today in remembrance of President Ford.

"Colorado Field Notes" is a monthly eBook on CD. Reactions to last
year's 12 issues was astounding.

This month's issue is focused on waterfowl. Articles include:

Waterfowl of the South Platte
Band tailed Pigeons
Study of Goldeneyes
Treatment of Mergansers
Study of Scaups
Additional Photos
Uncommon Bird Reports for December, 2006
Statewide Bird Trips for January

It is time to renew your subscriptions if you have not already done
so. New or renewal is done by sending a check or money order for
$25/year to:

Colorado Birding Society
P.O. Box 440813
Aurora, CO 80044

You can see an example of "Colorado Field Notes" at:
http://home.att.net/~birdertoo/coloradofieldnotes.htm

The cover this month is a photo of the Brant found in Pioneer Park in
Sterling back on 12/9/2006. With the several severe snowstorms that
hit in December, that seems like months ago.

Anyone wanting to submit an article or photos can email them
privately to me. Articles should be from 500 to 2000 words. If your
submission is used, we will send along a free copy of that month's
issue.

Thanks very much to all who contributed in 2006. We look forward to
your participation and suggestions in 2007!

Sue Ehlmann, CoBus & RMORC Project Director, Brighton, CO"

Thanks
Gary Lefko, Nunn/CO
Building community, wanna help (http://ColoradoBirding.ning.com/)?

Hi all (me again)

We've developed a new Colorado Birding community where you will have
access to share and discuss your Colorado Birding adventures with your
friends from Colorado and new friends from outside our great state.

Our community is home to Colorado's Premier Bird Watching Calendar,
featuring all statewide birdwatching adventures for entire family,
allows you to meet/greet fellow Colorado birders, share your favorite
bird photos, discuss mutual Colorado Birding interests and monitor
Colorado Birding rare bird sightings.

Colorado Birding will also show you the best locations to find your
Colorado bird. No matter the bird, we'll help you find it.

We hope you like it, this soon replaces our monthly email newsletter
that many of you have subscribed over the years (600+ subscribers and
counting).

Please visit us and join the "club":  http://coloradobirding.ning.com/

Thanks
Gary Lefko, Nunn/CO
http://www.coloradobirding.org/

-- FCAS Annual Potluck this Thursday
-- Fort Collins Audubon Christmas Bird Count on 12/16
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on 12/17
-- Audubon Christmas Bird Counts Planned Across the Region
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


FCAS ANNUAL POTLUCK THIS THURSDAY

Please plan to join us this Thursday evening for the FCAS annual
potluck and member slide show.  We will gather at the Foothills
Unitarian Church, 1815 Yorktown Avenue, to set up at 6 pm.  The
potluck starts at 6:30 pm, and the slide show begins at 7 pm.  Bring
your favorite dish or dessert (four to eight servings) with serving
utensils.

If you bring slides to share, please limit your presentation to a
maximum of 15 slides.  Prints of your favorite pictures can be
passed around while the lights are still on. Laptop, PowerPoint,
digital projector, and spare slide trays will be made available, or
you can bring your own digital media or Kodak Carousel-compatible
tray.

See you there!


FORT COLLINS AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT ON 12/16

Mark your calendars!  The annual Fort Collins Christmas Bird Count
will be held on Saturday, December 16th.  We are expecting as many
as 100 participants to count birds during daylight hours in Fort
Collins and Loveland.  To sign up to participate, contact either
Nick Komar (416-7527 quetzal65@...) or Sue Riffe (232-4539,
Sheflew2@...).


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON 12/17

The December bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open
Space will take place on Sunday, December 17th.  Participation is
limited to five individuals, but all levels are welcome.  For more
information, please contact Nick Komar at quetzal65@... or
416-7527.


AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS PLANNED ACROSS THE REGION

FCAS will hold its annual Christmas Bird Count in mid-December.
(See story above.)  If you are hankering to take part in other
counts going on in the region, please visit the FCAS website for
complete details on regional count dates and locations.  You can
find all you need to know at:
http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/activities/calendar.htm.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....  Typical group news items include
information on upcoming events, field trips, conservation alerts,
and calls for volunteers.  Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to
view the group protocol in the Files area of the fcaudubon Yahoo!
Group site before posting a message that may be considered
inappropriate.  The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort
Collins Audubon Society Publications Committee and the Board
President.  Questions about the group can be sent to
fcaudubon@....

-- Two Early December Field Trips Scheduled
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey on 12/10
-- Fort Collins Audubon Christmas Bird Count on 12/16
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on 12/17
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


TWO EARLY DECEMBER FIELD TRIPS SCHEDULED

Two field trips have been planned for the first two weekends in
December.  Both are limited to 8 participants, so read more on each
trip below and reserve your spot today!

12/2 Winter Raptors: Join Phil Friedman from 9 am to 1 pm to visit
local Fort Collins natural areas in search of wintering raptors.
Participants will get a great review on the  basics of raptor
identification and spotting other species found locally this time of
year. RSVP to Phil at 970-493-2959 or phifri@... for carpooling
details and meeting location.

12/9 Poudre River: Roger Sleeper will lead a gathering at North
Shields Pond Natural Area on North Shields Street in Fort Collins
from 8 am `til late morning.  Participants will walk and search for
birds along the Poudre River.  RSVP to Roger at sleep796@...
or 970-232-5152.


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY ON 12/10

This month's Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey will take place
at 7 am on Sunday, December 10th.  All birding levels are welcome,
but spots are limited.  Please contact Sol Miller at
eagleye1029@... or 461-4940 for more information or to sign
up.


FORT COLLINS AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT ON 12/16

Mark your calendars!  The annual Fort Collins Christmas Bird Count
will be held on Saturday, December 16th.  Complete details will be
in the December issue of the Ptarmigan.


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON 12/17

The December bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open
Space will take place on Sunday, December 17th.  Participation is
limited to five individuals, but all levels are welcome.  For more
information, please contact Nick Komar at quetzal65@... or
416-7527.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....  Typical group news items include
information on upcoming events, field trips, conservation alerts,
and calls for volunteers.  Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to
view the group protocol in the Files area of the fcaudubon Yahoo!
Group site before posting a message that may be considered
inappropriate.  The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort
Collins Audubon Society Publications Committee and the Board
President.  Questions about the group can be sent to
fcaudubon@....

We have light news mid-month for this fcaudubon post, but we'll put
out a Thanksgiving weekend edition with news of upcoming events in
early December.

A big thank you to all current subscribers for posting news and
updates as you hear of them!

fcaudubon Editor

________________________

-- Field Trip to Larimer/Weld County Lakes on 11/18
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


FIELD TRIP TO LARIMER/WELD COUNTY LAKES ON 11/18

Join Gary Lefko, Larry Griffin, and Barb Gorges for a field trip to
numerous lakes in Larimer and Weld counties in search of waterfowl,
gulls, and winter rarities.  The trip is being co-sponsored by FCAS
and our friends from High Plains Audubon in Cheyenne and will take
place on Saturday, November 18th from 8:00 am to late afternoon.
Meet at the Rawhide Power Plant visitor overlook on Larimer County
Road 82.  Limited to 15 participants.  RSVP to Gary at
lefkogt@... or to Barb at bgorges2@... or 307-
634-0463.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....  Typical group news items include information
on upcoming events, field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for
volunteers.  Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group
protocol in the Files area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before
posting a message that may be considered inappropriate.  The
fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President.  Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

-- Autumn Birding Class with Kevin Cook Begins Next Week
-- Nature for Kids Presentation and Book Signing on 10/26
-- Birding Field Trip on Morning of 10/28
-- Fossil Creek Wetlands Cleanup Planned for Afternoon of 10/28
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


AUTUMN BIRDING CLASS WITH KEVIN COOK BEGINS NEXT WEEK

FCAS is sponsoring an Autumn Birding Class with Kevin Cook that will
run weekly on Wednesday evenings beginning on October 25th and will
continue (with a two week break near Thanksgiving) through December
20th.  Here's the scoop on what you should know to sign up:

* Class Meeting Location: Conference Room, JAX Outdoor, 1200 N.
College Ave.
* Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm for seven Wednesday evenings in October
through December
* Cost: Costs differ for FCAS members and nonmembers.

   * $8 per session or $53 if all sessions paid at once (nonmembers)
   * $7 per session or $46 if all sessions paid at once (members)

Topics for this course focus on birding for winter species.
Advanced registration is required.   Please contact Kevin afternoons
or evenings at 223-8392 to reserve your spot.


NATURE FOR KIDS PRESENTATION AND BOOK SIGNING ON 10/26

Join Richard Louv as he presents "Get Outside! The Importance of
Nature for Kids."  A book signing will follow this presentation.
This event will take place at 7 pm on Thursday, October 26th at
Colorado State University's Lory Student Center Auditorium.  Tickets
are $5.50 and can be purchased at the CSU Campus Box Office, located
at Lory Student Center or from the University Center for the Arts by
calling 491-TIXS (491-4849). Credit cards are accepted.  For more
information, visit:
http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/activities/calendar.htm.


BIRDING FIELD TRIP ON MORNING OF 10/28

On Saturday, October 28th, Ken Ecton and Rob Sparks will be leading
a morning field trip.  The trip is set to begin at 8 am and is
limited to 10 participants.  For more information or to sign up,
contact Ken at 970-482-9052 or kenect@....


FOSSIL CREAK WETLANDS CLEANUP PLANNED FOR AFTERNOON OF 10/28.

As you may know, FCAS participates in the "Adopt A Natural Area"
program of the Fort Collins Natural Resources Department.  FCAS has
adopted the Fossil Creek Wetlands Natural Area, and the area is now
in need of a cleanup.  Please plan to come out for an enjoyable
afternoon in the fall fresh air, to help with our scheduled cleanup
day on Saturday, October 28th from 1 -3 pm.  Meet the south side of
Trilby between Lemay and Timberline, just east of the railroad
tracks.  Bring gloves, plastic buckets or trash bags, rakes, and
plenty of water to drink. Contact Joel Hurmence at
jhurmence@... or (970) 481-2124 for information.  See you
there!


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....  Typical group news items include
information on upcoming events, field trips, conservation alerts,
and calls for volunteers.  Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to
view the group protocol in the Files area of the fcaudubon Yahoo!
Group site before posting a message that may be considered
inappropriate.  The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort
Collins Audubon Society Publications Committee and the Board
President.  Questions about the group can be sent to
fcaudubon@...

-- Field Trip to Greeley Area Reservoirs on 10/14
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on 10/15
-- Reminder: National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 8–14
-- Sign up Now for FCAS Autumn Birding Class with Kevin Cook
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


FIELD TRIP TO GREELEY AREA RESERVOIRS ON 10/14

Dick Maxfield will be leading a field trip to Greeley Area
Reservoirs on Saturday, October 14th from 8 am until early
afternoon.  Those wishing to join in the fun and search for fall
migrants should meet in the Safeway parking lot at the northeast
corner of US 34 Bypass and 47th Avenue in Greeley.  For more
information, contact Dick at richard.maxfield@....


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON 10/15

The October bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open
Space will take place on Sunday, October 15th.  All birder levels
are welcome, but participation is limited to five participants plus
the leader.  For more information, please contact Nick Komar at
quetzal65@... or 416-7527.


REMINDER: NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WEEK, OCTOBER 8–14

As Bill Miller noted in the Conservation Corner for this month's
issue of the FCAS Ptarmigan, October 8-14, 2006, is National
Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Week. The annual event celebrates the Refuge
System's pivotal role in offering visitors outdoor recreational
opportunities as well as showcasing the conservation and recovery of
wildlife species on Refuges across the country.  See
http://www.fws.gov/refuges/ for complete details and to view maps
for NWR locations in Colorado (including Arapaho, Two Ponds, and
Rocky Mountain Arsenal) and then plan to get out in the coming days
to enjoy our refuges!


SIGN UP NOW FOR
FCAS AUTUMN BIRDING CLASS WITH KEVIN COOK

FCAS is sponsoring an Autumn Birding Class with Kevin Cook that will
run weekly on Wednesday evenings beginning on October 25th and will
continue (with a two week break near Thanksgiving) through December
20th.  Here's the scoop on what you should know to sign up:

* Location: Conference Room, JAX Outdoor, 1200 N. College Ave.
* Time: 6:30-8:30 pm for seven Wednesday evenings this fall
* Cost: Costs differ for FCAS members and nonmembers.
   $8 per session or $53 if all sessions paid at once (nonmembers)
   $7 per session or $46 if all sessions paid at once (members)

Topics for this course focus on birding for winter species.
Advanced registration is required.   Please contact Kevin afternoons
or evenings at 223-8392 to reserve your spot.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....  Typical group news items include
information on upcoming events, field trips, conservation alerts,
and calls for volunteers.  Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to
view the group protocol in the Files area of the fcaudubon Yahoo!
Group site before posting a message that may be considered
inappropriate.  The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort
Collins Audubon Society Publications Committee and the Board
President.  Questions about the group can be sent to
fcaudubon@....

-- Deadline for Trinidad & Tobago Trip Sign-up Fast Approaching
-- Field Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park on 9/24
-- 2nd Annual Northern Colorado Birding Fair
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey on 10/8
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon



DEADLINE FOR TRINIDAD & TOBAGO TRIP SIGN-UP FAST APPROACHING

Fort Collins Audubon Society members have the exclusive opportunity
to sign up for a birding trip to Trinidad & Tobago this fall.  Bill
Murphy, author of the Birder's Guide to Trinidad & Tobago, will be
leading this trip from October 17- 31, 2006.  The September 23rd
deadline to signup is fast approaching!  To learn more, please visit
www.birderbill.us/Oct06/ for complete details.


FIELD TRIP TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK ON 9/24

A field trip to Rocky Mountain National Park has been planned for
next Sunday, September 24th.  Sue Riffe will lead this half-day trip
to do bird watching, see the changing aspen, and listen to bugling
elk.  If you would like to join us, please contact Sue at
sheflew2@... or 970-232-4539 to sign up.  The group will meet
Sunday morning at 8:00 am at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center in Estes
Park.


2ND ANNUAL NORTHERN COLORADO BIRDING FAIR

Plan now to join Fort Collins Audubon Society for the 2nd Annual
Northern Colorado Birding Fair at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional
Open Space on Saturday, October 7th from 7 am to 1 pm.  Complete
details can be found by linking to the 2006 birding fair flyer (PDF
format) at http://www.gsmpc.org/Birdingflyer.pdf.  Also, if you are
interested in volunteering to help at this event, please contact FCAS
President Joel Hurmence at jhurmence@... or (970) 481-2124.
See you there!


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY ON 10/8

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collins' newest natural area, is
projected to open this year.  FCAS has been conducting a monthly bird
census for the city and welcomes all members of the society to help.
The next survey is scheduled for 7 am on Sunday, October 8th, but
spots are limited.  Please contact Sol Miller at
eagleye1029@... or 970-461-4940 for more information or to sign
up.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....  Typical group news items include information
on upcoming events, field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for
volunteers.  Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group
protocol in the Files area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before
posting a message that may be considered inappropriate.  The
fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President.  Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

-- Field Trip to Eastern Plains Reservoirs on 9/9
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey on 9/10
-- 9/14 Program to Focus on John James Audubon
-- Volunteer Fair Planned for 9/14
-- Field Trip to Fort Collins Area Hotspots on 9/16
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on 9/17
-- Trinidad & Tobago Birding Trip Set for October
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


FIELD TRIP TO EASTERN PLAINS RESERVOIRS ON 9/9

Beth Dillon and Peter Gent will be leading a field trip to Eastern
Plains reservoirs on Saturday, September 9th.  They will focus on
shorebirds at Jackson and/or Prewitt Reservoirs, depending on
shorebird numbers and mudflat conditions.   The trip is planned from
7:30 am to late afternoon and is limited to 12 participants.  RSVP to
Beth at 970-490-2610 or dillon_b@... if you plan to attend.


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY ON 9/10

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collins' newest natural area, is
projected to open this year.  Fort Collins Audubon has been
conducting a monthly bird census for the city and welcomes all
members of the society to help.  The next survey at Bobcat Ridge is
scheduled for 7 am on Sunday, September 10th, but spots are limited.
Please contact Sol Miller at eagleye1029@... or 970-461-4940
for more information or to sign up.  All birder levels are welcome!


9/14 PROGRAM TO FOCUS ON JOHN JAMES AUDUBON

Plan now to join us on Thursday evening, September 14th for our first
fall program.  Mildred I. Johnson will be presenting on "Audubon: The
Man Behind the Paintings, Getting to Know John James Audubon."  Plan
to join us at 7 pm for this first program of the fall season.


VOLUNTEER FAIR PLANNED FOR 9/14

A Volunteer Fair has been planned prior to the program presentation
on Thursday, September 14th.  If you are interested in volunteering
your time and talents to help our local Audubon chapter, we'd love to
have you help out!  At the fair, you'll have the opportunity to speak
with a variety of committee chairs about the many ways you can assist
the chapter.  The fair begins promptly at 7 pm and will be followed
by the scheduled program presentation on John James Audubon at 7:30
pm.


FIELD TRIP TO FORT COLLINS AREA HOTSPOTS ON 9/16

Dave Leatherman will be leading this local field trip from 7:00 am –
12:00 pm on Saturday, September 16th.  The field trip will include a
search for fall migrant land birds at several locations in Fort
Collins, including the Poudre River.  Advance registration is
required, and the trip is limited to 15 participants.  You can
contact Dave at 970-416-0193 to sign up.


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON 9/17

The September bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open
Space will take place on Sunday, September 17th.  All birder levels
are welcome, but participation is limited to five participants plus
the leader.  For more information, please contact Nick Komar at
quetzal65@... or 970-416-7527


TRINIDAD & TOBAGO BIRDING TRIP SET FOR OCTOBER

Fort Collins Audubon Society members have the exclusive opportunity
to sign up for a birding trip to Trinidad & Tobago this fall.  Bill
Murphy, author of the Birder's Guide to Trinidad & Tobago, will be
leading this trip from October 17- 31, 2006.  The September 23rd
deadline to signup is fast approaching!  To learn more, please visit
www.birderbill.us/Oct06/ for complete details.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....  Typical group news items include information
on upcoming events, field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for
volunteers.  Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group
protocol in the Files area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before
posting a message that may be considered inappropriate.  The
fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President.  Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

fcaudubon Yahoo! Group Members:

Looking for something to do in these waning days of summer?  Recent
posts to the fcaudubon group indicate there's plenty going on in our
extended community.  Whether it's turning out for the Procession of
the River Species on 8/19, taking part in the Colorado Conservation
Voters Benefit on 8/24, or attending the Audubon Colorado Rendezvous
at the end of the month, FCAS members will be busy in August.

If you are still looking for something to do, though, here are some
ideas:

1) BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY ON 8/13 - Bobcat Ridge
Natural Area, Fort Collins' newest natural area, is projected to
open this year.  Fort Collins Audubon has been conducting a monthly
bird census for the city and welcomes all members of the society to
help.  The next survey at Bobcat Ridge is scheduled for Sunday,
August 13th but participation is limited.  Please contact Sol Miller
at eagleye1029@... or 970-461-4940 for more information or to
sign up.

2) FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON 8/20 - The August bird
survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space will take place
on Sunday, August 20th.  All birder levels are welcome, but
participation is limited to five plus the leader.  For more
information, please contact Nick Komar at quetzal65@... or
970-416-7527.

3) PICK UP THE NEW POCKET GUIDE ON THE BIRDS OF NORTHERN COLORADO -
Fort Collins Audubon Society and Waterford Press have developed a
pocket guide on the birds of Northern Colorado.  The 150 bird
species featured in the guide were chosen by Fort Collins Audubon to
represent the birds most commonly seen and most sought by visitors
to our area.  The 10-panel foldout brochure is laminated, and sells
for $5.95.  It is a great compliment to your field guide and is
perfect for your car, bicycle bag, or backpack.  They also make
great gifts.  In fact, have several on hand for your out-of-town
guests, too!  Contact FCAS or come to our programs beginning in
September to purchase your own copies.

4) PLAN NOW FOR OUR SEPTEMBER FCAS PROGRAM – FCAS will resume
program meetings in September.  Plan now to join us on Thursday,
September 14th in the Ludlow Room at Fort Collins Lincoln Center,
417 W. Magnolia.  Mildred Johnson will present a program on the life
of John James Audubon.  You know his paintings, but do you know the
man?  Don't miss this look at the personal life of our namesake
naturalist.

Once the Ptarmigan resumes it's regular, non-summer schedule, we'll
also resume fcaudubon news posts on an every two or three week
basis, too.

`Til then, enjoy the rest of summer!

fcaudubon Yahoo! Group Administrator

___________________


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....  Typical group news items include
information on upcoming events, field trips, conservation alerts,
and calls for volunteers.  Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to
view the group protocol in the Files area of the fcaudubon Yahoo!
Group site before posting a message that may be considered
inappropriate.  The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort
Collins Audubon Society Publications Committee and the Board
President.  Questions about the group can be sent to
fcaudubon@....

-- Burrowing Owls & Mountain Plover: Trip this Weekend
-- Poudre Riverfest on Saturday July 8th
-- Volunteers Needed for FCAS Booth at the Poudre Riverfest
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey Planned for July 9th
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on July 16th
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


BURROWING OWLS & MOUNTAIN PLOVER: TRIP THIS WEEKEND

Join Bill Miller this Saturday, July 1st for a trip to the Pawnee
National Grasslands to view burrowing owls and mountain plover.  The
group size for this trip is limited, and carpooling is required.  To
RSVP, contact Bill at 970-493-7693 or 5mcorp@....


POUDRE RIVERFEST ON SATURDAY, JULY 8TH

Come enjoy bluegrass music, food, drinks, and a variety of booths at
this year's Poudre Riverfest on Saturday, July 8th from 11 am to 5
pm.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Poudre River, this event
promises a great time for one and all.  The riverfest will take
place at Lower Picnic Rock, 2.6 miles from Ted's Place in the Cache
La Poudre Canyon just northwest of Fort Collins.  For complete
details, visit www.friendsofthepoudre.org.

Don't know where Ted's Place is?  Visit www.mapquest.com and
type "Ted's Place" for the city and "CO" for the state.  Mapquest
will return a suggestion for Teds Place, CO, Larimer County, US.
Just follow the link!


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FCAS BOOTH AT THE POUDRE RIVERFEST

Fort Collins Audubon Society will be among those with a booth at the
Poudre Riverfest, and volunteers are needed to help staff it.  If
you can help out, please contact Joel Hurmence or Lynne Hull.  Joel
can be reached at (970) 481-2124 or jhurmence@....  You can
contact Lynne at (970) 416-1881 or EcoartHull@....


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY PLANNED FOR JULY 9TH

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collins' newest natural area, is
projected to open this year.  Fort Collins Audubon has been
conducting a monthly bird census for the city and welcomes all
members of the society to help.  The next survey at Bobcat Ridge is
scheduled for Sunday, July 9th but participation is limited.  Please
contact Sol Miller at eagleye1029@... or 970-461-4940 for more
information or to sign up.


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON JULY 16TH

The June bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space
will take place on Sunday, July 16th.  All birder levels are
welcome, but participation is limited to five plus the leader.  For
more information, please contact Nick Komar at quetzal65@...
or 970-416-7527.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....  Typical group news items include
information on upcoming events, field trips, conservation alerts,
and calls for volunteers.  Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to
view the group protocol in the Files area of the fcaudubon Yahoo!
Group site before posting a message that may be considered
inappropriate.  The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort
Collins Audubon Society Publications Committee and the Board
President.  Questions about the group can be sent to
fcaudubon@....

-- Wildflowers with Kevin Cook: 4-week Class Series Begins Tonight!
-- Hillsdale Park Grand Opening Set for this Saturday
-- Educational Field Trip on
    Backyard Habitat Gardens Planned for Sunday
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey also on Sunday
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on June 18th
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


WILDFLOWERS WITH KEVIN COOK:
4-WEEK CLASS SERIES BEGINS TONIGHT!

As a reminder, "Wildflowers with Kevin Cook" is set to begin tonight
at JAX Outdoor at 6:30 pm.  Complete details and information about
this 4-week course can be found at
http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/KCflowering2.htm.  Call Kevin at 223-
8392 to sign up.


HILLSDALE PARK GRAND OPENING SET FOR THIS SATURDAY

Join us this Saturday, June 10th at 10:00 am for the Grand Opening
of Hillsdale Park, Berthoud. The park has been under construction
for the last two years, and thanks to grants from the Colorado Tree
Coalition and Great Outdoors Colorado, it's nearly complete.  The
park is located in Berthoud, south of the intersection of South 9th
Street and Kansas Avenue.  Dry Creek meanders through the park
providing an invaluable water source for attracting wildlife.

  A tentative list of activities for the grand opening include:

       * Ceremonial ribbon cutting with refreshments
       * Park attractions and opportunities for discussion
       * Discussion on Fort Collins Audubon Society & Hillsdale Park
       * Tours, including "early bird" tours at 7 am for bird watching


EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIP ON
BACKYARD HABITAT GARDENS PLANNED FOR SUNDAY

Explore backyard habitat gardens in Fort Collins, and learn about
creating a bird-friendly garden of your own.   This Sunday morning,
Lynne Hull will be leading an educational field trip to visit a
variety of gardens in the Fort Collins area.  The trip is limited to
15 participants.  Please call Lynne at 416-1881 to reserve your
space.

Note: Anyone with a garden who would allow us to visit is also
welcome to call to Lynne to let her know.


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY ALSO ON SUNDAY

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collins' newest natural area, is
projected to open this year. Fort Collins Audubon has been
conducting a monthly bird census for the city and welcomes all
members of the society to help. The next survey at Bobcat Ridge is
scheduled for June 11th but participation is limited. Please contact
Sol Miller at eagleye1029@... or 970-461-4940 for more
information or to sign up.


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON JUNE 18th

The June bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space
will take place on Sunday, June 18th. All birder levels are welcome,
but participation is limited to five plus the leader. For more
information, please contact Nick Komar at quetzal65@... or
970-416-7527.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
  monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@.... Typical group news items include information
on upcoming events, field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for
volunteers. Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group
protocol in the Files area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before
posting a message that may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

-- Birding Classes with Kevin Cook Start Tonight
-- Field Trips Planned for This Weekend
-- May FCAS Program Meeting on Laramie Foothills Conservation
-- Fort Collins Birdathon Planned for May 12th & 13th
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey on May 14th
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


BIRDING CLASSES WITH KEVIN COOK START TONIGHT

Fort Collins Audubon is offering two birding classes with Kevin Cook
in May.  The Birding for Beginners class starts this evening, May
3rd at 6:30 pm, and the Birding after the Beginning class starts
tomorrow, May 4th also at 6:30 pm.  For complete details, including
information on costs and signing up, please visit
http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/KCbirding3.htm.


FIELD TRIPS PLANNED FOR THIS WEEKEND

Two FCAS-sponsored fieldtrips are planned for this weekend.  Now's
the time to get out and enjoy some of our great spring weather!

Saturday Trip – May 6th at 7 am
**Migrating Birds along the Poudre River and Dixon Reservoir**
Look for migrating birds along the Poudre River & Dixon Reservoir.
The group size for the trip is limited, so contact Phil Friedman at
970-493-2959 or phifri@... if you are interested in attending.

Sunday Trip – May 7th from 9 am – 1 pm
**Fort Collins Area Raptors**
Keep an eagle eye out for hawks and other raptors.  The trip is
limited to eight people.  Contact Eric DeFonso at 970-472-1761 or
eric_defonso @yahoo.com to reserve your spot.


MAY FCAS PROGRAM MEETING ON LARAMIE FOOTHILLS CONSERVATION

The Laramie Foothills is one of the last places on Colorado's
northern Front Range where it is still possible to conserve forever
a landscape stretching literally from the mountains to the plains.
There are large intact tracts that contain wonderful examples of our
natural heritage; grasslands, shrublands, woodlands and riparian
systems.  This landscape not only provides habitat for wildlife, but
also gives us unmitigated views, the sense of open space, healthy
soils and water, recreational opportunities, and a working landscape
that is compatible with all of these values.  This has only been
possible because of a unique partnership between private
individuals, public agencies, and land trusts.  Come hear about the
partnerships and projects that are occurring on the short grass
prairie at the next FCAS Program Meeting on Thursday, May 11th.  The
presentation begins at 7:30 pm at Fort Collins Lincoln Center.


FORT COLLINS BIRDATHON PLANNED FOR MAY 12th & 13th

The Fort Collins Birdathon will take place May 12th and 13th.
Complete details on this annual event can be found at
http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/birdathon.htm.  For more information,
you can also contact Birdathon Coordinator Phil Friedman at 970-493-
2959 or phifri@....  Please plan to support this great event!


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY ON MAY 14th

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collins' newest natural area, is
projected to open this year.  Fort Collins Audubon has been
conducting a monthly bird census for the city and welcomes all
members of the society to help. The next survey at Bobcat Ridge is
scheduled for May 14th but participation is limited. Please contact
Sol Miller at eagleye1029@... or 970-461-4940 for more
information or to sign up.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers. Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message
that may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

-- ELC Habitat Public Artworks and Early Migrants 4/15
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on 4/16
-- Prairie Dog Town and Country at Cathy Fromme Prairie 4/29
-- Rocky Mountain Raptor Program - Bird of Prey Course Set for April
-- Canoe Trip on the Green River
-- May Birding Classes Planned with Kevin Cook
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


ELC HABITAT PUBLIC ARTWORKS AND EARLY MIGRANTS 4/15

Join us this Saturday morning, April 15th, at 8 am at the Fort
Collins Environmental Learning Center for a tour of Lynne Hull's new
habitat public artworks and enjoy some birding to look for early
spring migrants.  A map to the ELC can be found in PDF format at
http://www.warnercnr.colostate.edu/elc/elc%20map.pdf.  Contact Lynne
at 970-416-1881 or ecoarthull@... for more information.


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON 4/16

The April bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space
will take place on Sunday, April 16th. All birder levels are
welcome, but participation is limited to five plus the leader.  For
more information, please contact Nick Komar at quetzal65@...
or 970-416-7527.


PRAIRIE DOG TOWN AND COUNTRY AT CATHY FROMME PRAIRIE 4/29

Join a City of Fort Collins Master Naturalist at Cathy Fromme
Prairie Natural Area for a new look at prairie dogs.  Discover how
prairie dogs are like people, learn to identify their calls, and
find out why they are a "keystone species."  Families are welcome.
Join us from 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM, at the Taft Hill entrance of
Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area.  Contact Zoë Shark at 970-416-
2480 for directions and to register.


ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAPTOR PROGRAM –
BIRD OF PREY COURSE SET FOR APRIL

The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program is sponsoring a 3-day lecture,
discussion, and fieldtrip in April.  The lecture and discussion are
scheduled over Friday and Saturday, April 21st and 22nd.  The field
trip will then take place on Saturday, April 29th.  Participants may
sign up to take part in one or more days of the course; charges are
at the rate of $50 per day or $125 for all three days.  For more
information or to sign up, contact Judy at 970-297-0398 or
jscherpe@....


CANOE TRIP ON THE GREEN RIVER

Fort Collins Audubon is sponsoring a canoe trip on the Green River
in Utah for May 21-25, 2006.  The cost of the trip is $475,
reservations and payment must be received no later than April 30th.
For complete details and links to sign up, visit
http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/canoe_2006.htm.


MAY BIRDING CLASSES PLANNED WITH KEVIN COOK

Fort Collins Audubon is offering two birding classes with Kevin Cook
in May:  Birding for Beginners and Birding after the Beginning.
Classes start May 3rd!  For complete details, please visit
http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/KCbirding3.htm.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers. Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message
that may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

Hi there,
Most of you are aware of the prairie dog  dilemma at Pineridge Natural Area -
the animals need to be thinned, but there  may not be enough time to
euthanize them in such a way that the Rocky Mountain  Raptor Program will be
able to
use them for food. We are in dire need of larger  prey food for our injured
hawks, eagles and great horned owls. If you have  influence or contacts with
individuals who can help keep the dogs from going to  waste, your immediate help
is needed.  A note to John Stokes, director of  Natural Resources
(_jstokes@..._ (mailto:jstokes@...) )  might help, as well.
Thanks,
Pat

Pat  Hayward
PO Box 41
Masonville CO 80541
home: 970.613.0192
cell:  979.215.9226


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The promise of spring is in the air, and Fort Collins Audubon
Society (FCAS) is gearing up with activities and events for us to
welcome the season!

-- Spring and Summer Field Trip Leaders Sought
-- Birding for Beginners Field Trip on 3/25
-- No Foolin'! Digiscoping Workshop Scheduled 4/1
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey on 4/2
-- Special Programs Planned in April -
    Wild Utah: America's Redrock Wilderness
-- Rocky Mountain Raptor Program - Bird of Prey Course Set for April
-- May Birding Classes Planned with Kevin Cook
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


SPRING AND SUMMER FIELD TRIP LEADERS SOUGHT

Joe Martin, FCAS's Ptarmigan editor, has agreed to serve as acting
Field Trip Coordinator for our chapter.  Joe is looking for folks
interested in leading field trips this spring and summer, and he
would appreciate it if folks on the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group would
help out.  If you are interested in planning and leading a trip,
please contact Joe at 970-412-2481 or
joe3eagles@....  Thanks!


BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS FIELD TRIP ON 3/25

A field trip for those learning to bird or new to the local area
will take place on Saturday, March 25th from 9 – 11:30 am.  This
trip will be limited to eight participants and led by Beth Dillon.
Please contact Beth at 970-490-2610 for more information.


NO FOOLIN'!  DIGISCOPING WORKSHOP SCHEDULE 4/1

A digiscoping workshop with Bill Schmoker will be held on Saturday,
April 1st at JAX Outdoor Gear (1200 N. College Ave., Fort Collins).
The cost of this workshop is $40, and participation is limited to 15
people.  If you are interested in taking part, you must RSVP to
Diann Johnston at 970-207-1766 or diannj@....


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY ON 4/2

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collins' newest natural area, is
projected to open this year.  Fort Collins Audubon has been
conducting a monthly bird census for the city and welcomes all
members of the society to help. The next survey at Bobcat Ridge is
scheduled for April 2nd but participation is limited. Please contact
Sol Miller at eagleye1029@... or 970-461-4940 for more
information or to sign up.


SPECIAL PROGRAMS PLANNED IN APRIL -
WILD UTAH: AMERICA'S REDROCK WILDERNESS

FCAS is planning a special program for our April 13th member
gathering.  Bob Brister, Outreach Coordinator for the Southern Utah
Wilderness Alliance (SUWA), will be presenting on Wild Utah:
America's Redrock Wilderness.  This multi-media slide show features
stunning images by noted wilderness photographers and the voice of
Pulitzer Prize winning author Wallace Stegner.  Please plan now to
join us at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center at 7 pm.

If you are unable to attend the April 13th meeting, FCAS will also
be hosting Bob for the same presentation in the Loveland Public
Library's Gertrude B. Scott Room (300 N. Adams Ave., Loveland) on
Friday, April 7th at 7 pm.

Don't miss this presentation!


ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAPTOR PROGRAM –
BIRD OF PREY COURSE SET FOR APRIL

The Rocky Mountain Raptor Program is sponsoring a 3-day lecture,
discussion, and fieldtrip in April.  The lecture and discussion are
scheduled over Friday and Saturday, April 21st and 22nd.  The field
trip will then take place on Saturday, April 29th.  Participants may
sign up to take part in one or more days of the course; charges are
at the rate of $50 per day or $125 for all three days.  For more
information or to sign up, contact Judy at 970-297-0398 or
jscherpe@....


MAY BIRDING CLASSES PLANNED WITH KEVIN COOK

Fort Collins Audubon is offering two birding classes with Kevin Cook
in May:  Birding for Beginners and Birding after the Beginning.  For
complete details, please visit
http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/KCbirding3.htm.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers. Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message
that may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

-- A Look at How Wildlife Survives on the Prairie
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey on 3/5
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on 3/19
-- Birding for Beginners Field Trip on 3/25
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


A LOOK AT HOW WILDLIFE SURVIVES ON THE PRAIRIE

Wind, snow, hail, drought.  How do wildlife on the prairie deal with
variable weather conditions? Learn about adaptations that help
prairie creatures thrive in their environment during a special field
trip to the Cathy Fromme Natural Area in Fort Collins.  The trip
will take place March 4th from 10:00 - 11:00 am and will be led by
Alysia Perry.  For more information, contact Alysia at
alysia_hp@....


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY ON 3/5

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collins' newest natural area, is
projected to open this year. Fort Collins Audubon has been
conducting a monthly bird census for the city and welcomes all
members of the society to help. The next survey at Bobcat Ridge is
scheduled for March 5th, but participation is limited. Please
contact Sol Miller at eagleye1029@... or 970-461-4940 for more
information or to sign up.


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON 3/19

The March bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space
will take place on Sunday, March 19th. All birder levels are
welcome, but participation is limited to five plus the leader.  For
more information, please contact Nick Komar at quetzal65@...
or 970-416-7527.


BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS FIELD TRIP ON 3/25

A field trip for those learning to bird or new to the local area
will take place on Saturday, March 25th from 9 – 11:30 am.  This
trip will be limited to eight participants and led by Beth Dillon.
Please contact Beth at 970-490-2610 for more information.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers. Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message
that may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

-- FCAS Silent Auction and Special Program on Africa Planned for 2/9
-- Last call for FCAS Silent Auction Items to Donate!
-- Birding for Beginners Field Trip on 2/11
-- Great Backyard Bird Count over President's Day Weekend
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on 2/19
-- Winter Raptor Field Trip on 2/25
-- Annual Legislative Workshop Scheduled for 2/25 in Denver
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


FCAS SILENT AUCTION AND SPECIAL PROGRAM ON AFRICA PLANNED FOR 2/9

Don't forget!  This coming Thursday, February 9th is the 4th Annual
FCAS Silent Auction and Special Program in the Columbine Room at the
Fort Collins Lincoln Center.  The fun begins at 6:30 pm.  Bring your
checkbooks for the auction and your friends and family for the
special program on Africa.  Hope to see you there.


LAST CALL FOR FCAS SILENT AUCTION ITEMS TO DONATE!

If you have items to donate for the FCAS Silent Auction but have put
off contacting FCAS Chapter President Joel Hurmence, please don't
delay.  Email or call Joel at jhurmence@... or (970) 481-
2124 in advance of the event so he can have your bid sheet ready for
Thursday.


BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS FIELD TRIP ON 2/11

A field trip for those learning to bird or new to the local area
will take place on Saturday, February 11th from 9 – 11:30 am.  This
trip will be lead by Nick Komar and is limited to eight
participants.  Please contact Nick at quetzal65@... or 970-
416-7527 Beth at 970-490-2610 for more information.


GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT OVER PRESIDENT'S DAY WEEKEND

Please plan now to take part in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count
(GBBC) managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon, with
sponsorship from Wild Birds Unlimited.  In 2005, participants from
across the United States and Canada sent in 51,926 checklists with a
total tally of 6,546,606 birds of 613 species!

Each year, the count takes place over President's Day Weekend, and
this year's dates are February 17-20, 2006.  This is a GREAT event
for kids of all ages, especially since you are encouraged to count
from anywhere: backyard counts are considered as important as counts
in the field for tracking mid-winter bird residents across North
America.

Perhaps the best part of the GBBC—besides the fact that it's FREE—is
that you report your counts live online and have the satisfaction of
seeing your data added to all the other reports in the state of
Colorado and across the nation.

Folks, this is citizen science at its best!  Check out
http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ to learn more and to plan to
participate in this year's count!


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON 2/19

The February bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open
Space will take place on Sunday, February 19th. All birder levels
are welcome, but participation is limited to five plus the leader.
For more information, please contact Nick Komar at
quetzal65@... or 970-416-7527.


WINTER RAPTOR FIELD TRIP ON 2/25

A winter raptor field trip will take place the morning of Saturday,
February 25th with biologist Rick Harness.  The trip will begin in
Fort Collins, and several prairie dog towns will be visited to view
golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and ferruginous hawks.
Concentrations of waterfowl will also be visited to view bald
eagles.  This trip is limited to 12 people, so reservations are
required.  Please contact Rick at rharness@... to reserve
your spot.


ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR 2/25 IN DENVER

The Audubon Society of Greater Denver and Sierra Club are co-
sponsoring the Annual Legislative Workshop on Saturday, February
25th.  The workshop begins at 8:30 am and runs until 12:30 pm at the
First Plymouth Church at the SW corner of Colorado Blvd. and E.
Hampden Ave. in Denver. A potluck lunch will be served at noon.
Cost of the workshop is $12 in advance or $15 at the door.  To
register or receive more information, contact Denver Audubon at
(303) 973-9530 or info@....


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers.  Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message
that may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President.  Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@...

-- Bath Nursery's Avian Appreciation Days Next Weekend
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey on 2/5
-- FCAS Silent Auction and Special Program on Africa Planned for 2/9
-- Do you have FCAS Silent Auction Items to Donate?
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


BATH NURSERY'S AVIAN APPRECIATION DAYS NEXT WEEKEND

On Saturday and Sunday, January 28-29, 2006, Bath Nursery and Garden
Center in Fort Collins will host its annual Avian Appreciation Days
featuring birds of prey, exotic birds, chickens, ducks, and much
more.  Complete details can be found at
http://bathgardencenter.com/, including a map and directions to the
nursery.


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY ON 2/5

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collins' newest natural area, is
projected to open this year. Fort Collins Audubon has been
conducting a monthly bird census for the city and welcomes all
members of the society to help. The next survey at Bobcat Ridge is
scheduled for February 5th, but participation is limited. Please
contact Sol Miller at eagleye1029@... or 970-461-4940 for more
information or to sign up.


FCAS SILENT AUCTION AND SPECIAL PROGRAM ON AFRICA PLANNED FOR 2/9

Mark your calendars now for the 4th Annual FCAS Silent Auction and
Special Program which will take place on Thursday, February 9th in
the Columbine Room at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center.  The fun
begins at 6:30 pm!

During the silent auction, folks will have the opportunity to bid on
a variety of items, with all proceeds used to fund a number of FCAS
endeavors such as publication of the Ptarmigan newsletter, programs
and educational activities, and the scholarship fund.

Our Special Program will focus on a recent trip to Africa taken by
members of GECCCO: Girls Experiencing Camping, Canoeing, Cycling
Outdoors, which is a local Girl Scout group for teens that focuses
on outdoor adventure, planning, and leadership skills.  Over the
holidays, GECCCO traveled to Tanzania climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and
visiting the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, Lake
Eyasi, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha National Park.  Bring
family and friends to hear and see a captivating presentation about
their adventures!


DO YOU HAVE FCAS SILENT AUCTION ITEMS TO DONATE?

As noted above, the FCAS Silent Auction will take place February 9th
at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center.  Donations of items of good
quality would be appreciated.  If you have items you'd like to
donate to this event, please contact FCAS Chapter President Joel
Hurmence at jhurmence@... or (970) 481-2124.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers. Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message
that may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

-- Field Trip on 1/14: North Weld Raptors
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on 1/22
-- Symposium on Windpower and Wildlife in Colorado
-- Bath Nursery's Avian Appreciation Days: Volunteers Needed
-- Do you have FCAS Silent Auction Items to Donate?
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


FIELD TRIP ON 1/14: NORTH WELD RAPTORS

Visit north Weld County in search of raptors this Saturday, January
14th.  For more information, contact the trip leader: Gary Lefko at
lefkogt@... or (970) 897-2454.


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON 1/22

The January bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open
Space will take place on Sunday, January 22nd. All birder levels are
welcome, but participation is limited to five plus the leader.  For
more information, please contact Nick Komar at quetzal65@...
or 970-416-7527.


SYMPOSIUM ON WINDPOWER AND WILDLIFE IN COLORADO

In conjunction with the annual winter meeting of the Colorado
chapter of The Wildlife Society, a symposium will be held January 23-
25, 2006, in Fort Collins.  The symposium will examine the effects
of windpower development on wildlife and ways to minimize impacts;
make available information about applicable laws, regulations, and
guidance associated with windpower and wildlife in Colorado; and
foster an open dialogue between the wildlife conservation community
and the wind industry.  For more information, contact David Klute,
Bird Conservation Coordinator, Colorado Division of Wildlife, at
david.klute@... or (303) 291-7320.

(For information and registration materials for The Wildlife Society
meeting, visit http://www.wildlife.org/chapters/co/index.cfm?
tname=meetings.)


BATH NURSERY'S AVIAN APPRECIATION DAYS:
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

On Saturday and Sunday, January 28-29, 2006, Bath Nursery and Garden
Center in Fort Collins will host its annual Avian Appreciation Days
featuring birds of prey, exotic birds, chickens, ducks, and much
more.  Complete details can be found at
http://bathgardencenter.com/, including a map and directions to the
nursery.

Fort Collins Audubon Society will have a booth at this event, and if
you would like to volunteer to help, please contact FCAS Volunteer
Coordinator Ellen Wride at  (970) 215-0056 or EVW9609@....
Thanks!


DO YOU HAVE FCAS SILENT AUCTION ITEMS TO DONATE?

The annual Fort Collins Audubon Society Silent Auction will take
place on Thursday, February 9th at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center.
Donations of items of good quality would be appreciated!  If you
have items you'd like to donate to this event, please contact FCAS
Chapter President Joel Hurmence at jhurmence@... or (970)
481-2124.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers. Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message
that may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

The Fort Collins Audubon Society Publications Committee would like to
wish all subscribers to fcaudubon a happy holiday season.

We'll resume regular bi-monthly news postings in January.  'Til then,
you can check out upcoming event listings on the calendar at either:

--fcaudubon Yahoo! Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fcaudubon/
--Fort Collins Audubon Society http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/

Happy Holidays!



HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers. Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message
that may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

-- Potluck and Slide Show this Thursday 12/8
-- 12/17 Fort Collins Christmas Bird Count
-- Other Regional Christmas Bird Counts
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on 12/18
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


POTLUCK AND SLIDE SHOW THIS THURSDAY 12/8

Plan to join us this Thursday, December 8th at 6 pm for the annual
potluck and slide show.  We will meet at a new location: the Fort
Collins Harmony Library at 4616 South Shields Street (map at
http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/images/MapHarmLib.jpg).  Feasting
will begin by 6:30 pm, and the show will be underway by 7:00 pm.

Details!  Bring your favorite dish or dessert (4-8 servings) and
serving utensils.  There is no kitchen facility, so please bring
your own plates and silverware, too.  Drinks will be provided.  The
program will be provided by you, the members, with presentations on
varied topics of wildlife and nature.  For the sake of time, please
limit yourself to no more than 15 slides.  Prints of your favorite
pictures can also be passed around while the lights are still on.
Laptop, PowerPoint, digital projector, and spare slide trays will be
made available. You can bring your own digital media or Kodak
Carousel-compatible tray.  See you there!


12/17 FORT COLLINS CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

The Fort Collins CBC will take place on Saturday, December 17th.
This year, we're planning for as many as 120 participants to count
birds during daylight hours or take part in some nocturnal owling in
Fort Collins and Loveland.  We are hopeful that the CBC data will
continue to document the return of wintering Trumpeter Swans to
Larimer County.  For more information or to take part in the Fort
Collins CBC, contact the group leaders: Nick Komar at
quetzal65@... or 970-416-7527 and Sue Riffe at
sheflew2@....


OTHER REGIONAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS

December 17th—Rocky Mountain National Park Christmas Bird Count.
Contact the trip leader Scott Roederer at osprey@... by
December 10th to RSVP.

December 18th—Boulder Christmas Bird Count.  Leader Bill Schmoker at
bill@....

December 26th—Rawhide Christmas Bird Count.  Leader Ron Ryder at
ronr@... or 970-482-8089.

TBA—Nunn Christmas Bird Count.  Contact Gary Lefko at
lefkogt@... or (970)897-2454.

TBA—Greeley Christmas Bird Count.  Contact Gary Lefko at
lefkogt@... or (970) 897-2454.


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON 12/18

The December bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open
Space will take place on Sunday, December 18th.  All birder levels
are welcome, but participation is limited to five plus the leader.
For more information, please contact Nick Komar at
quetzal65@... or 970-416-7527.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers. Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message
that may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

-- Tickets Available to Hear John Fielder at
    November Sierra Club Meeting
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey on 12/3
-- Fort Collins Winter Birding on 12/4
-- Plan Now! 12/17 Fort Collins Christmas Bird Count
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


TICKETS AVAILABLE TO HEAR JOHN FIELDER
AT NOVEMBER SIERRA CLUB MEETING

On Tuesday, November 29th, John Fielder, acclaimed Colorado nature
photographer, will be in Fort Collins to present a slide show and
book signing for his newest work, "Colorado 1870-2000 II."  The event
will take place at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center from 7:00 - 8:30
pm and is sponsored by the Poudre Canyon Sierra Club.  Tickets for
this event can be purchased in advance for $5.00; same day purchases
will be $7.50.  Call 970-214-4808 for more information or to purchase
tickets.


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY ON 12/3

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collin's newest natural area, is
projected to open in 2006. Fort Collins Audubon has been conducting a
monthly bird census for the city and welcomes all members of the
society to help. The next survey at Bobcat Ridge is scheduled for
December 3rd, but participation is limited. Please contact Cole Wild,
the group leader, at birdingwild1@... or 970-310-3735 for more
information or to sign up.


FORT COLLINS WINTER BIRDING ON 12/4

A winter birding trip is being offered on Sunday, December 4th, by
several Christmas Bird Count (CBC) group leaders to help prepare
participants for the upcoming count.  Special emphasis will be made
on correct identification of raptors, junco subspecies, and Cackling
and Canada geese.  Contact Nick Komar at quetzal65@... or 970-
416-7527 for meeting times and locations.


PLAN NOW! 12/17 FORT COLLINS CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

The 106th annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is upon us with numerous
counts planned over Colorado and the nation for the period of
December 14th – January 5th. The Fort Collins CBC will take place on
Saturday, December 17th.  Other Colorado counts are listed at the
Colorado Field Ornithologists website at www.cfo-link.org.

This year, we're planning for as many as 120 participants to count
birds during daylight hours or take part in some nocturnal owling in
Fort Collins and Loveland.  We are hopeful that the CBC data will
continue to document the return of wintering Trumpeter Swans to
Larimer County.  Data collected by volunteer observers among more
than 2,000 CBCs are crucial to understanding long-term trends in bird
populations.

Fort more information or to take part in the Fort Collins CBC,
contact the group leaders: Nick Komar at quetzal65@... or 970-
416-7527 and Sue Riffe at sheflew2@....


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers. Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message that
may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

-- Birding after the Beginning – Class Begins Tonight
-- Field Trip on 11/13 to Pueblo
-- Registration Continues through 11/12 for
    "How to Lead a Field Trip Workshop"
-- Greeley Area Lakes Field Trip on 11/19
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey on 11/20
-- Tickets Available to Hear John Fielder
    at November Sierra Club Meeting
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


BIRDING AFTER THE BEGINNING – CLASS BEGINS TONIGHT

A four-week birding class will be offered on Monday evenings during
November.  The class will address the next step for birders who have
made their start and are eager to advance.  With a special slant
toward winter birding, the class will focus on challenging groups
such as hawks, gulls, and sparrows to highlight such identification
factors as age, geographic variability, seasonality, and color
oddities.

The class begins this evening, November 7th, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at
JAX Outdoor Gear, Fort Collins.  Complete details on the course,
including course costs and maps to JAX Outdoor Gear are available at
http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/KCbirding2.htm.


FIELD TRIP ON 11/13 TO PUEBLO

A field trip to Pueblo Reservoir State Park and surrounding areas has
been scheduled for Sunday, November 13th.  Focus will be on
identification challenges in winter waterfowl such as grebes and
loons.  Participation is limited to 10.  Contact Nick Komar at
quetzal65@... or (970) 416-7527 for meeting time and
location, carpooling, and overnight lodging arrangements in Pueblo.


REGISTRATION CONTINUES THROUGH 11/12 FOR
"HOW TO LEAD A FIELD TRIP WORKSHOP"

Have you ever considered the benefits of learning to how to lead
field trips?  Plan now to join us for a day-long seminar which will
focus on such topics as planning and logistics, group dynamics and
special populations, instruction and interpretation, timing and
pacing, and a whole lot more.  The workshop will help you discover a
whole new perspective on birds and birding by training you to help
other people catch the fire!

Kevin Cook is offering this workshop on Saturday, November 19th from
9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Rocky Mountain Field Seminars facility,
1895 Fall River Road, Estes Park.  Cost: $20.  Participants will
receive a $20 rebate in return for leading two field trips for FCAS.
To Register, call Kevin Cook at (970) 223-8392 afternoons or
evenings.

Note: Registration must be made by this Saturday, November 12th.


GREELEY AREA LAKES FIELD TRIP ON 11/19

For those who are not planning to take part in the "How to Lead a
Field Trip Workshop" on November 19th, there will be a field trip to
Greeley area lakes in search of raptors, waterfowl and gulls.  Access
to Milton Reservoir is currently being discussed and may be available
for the group.  Contact trip leader Gary Lefko at
lefkogt@... or (970) 897-2454 for details.


FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY ON 11/20

The November bird survey at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open
Space will take place on Sunday, November 20th.  All birder levels
are welcome, but participation is limited to five plus the leader.
For more information, please contact Nick Komar at
quetzal65@... or 970-416-7527.


TICKETS AVAILABLE TO HEAR JOHN FIELDER
AT NOVEMBER SIERRA CLUB MEETING

On Tuesday, November 29th, John Fielder, acclaimed Colorado nature
photographer, will be in Fort Collins to present a slide show and
book signing for his newest work, "Colorado 1870-2000 II."  The event
will take place at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center from 7:00 - 8:30
pm and is sponsored by the Poudre Canyon Sierra Club.  Tickets for
this event can be purchased in advance for $5.00; same day purchases
will be $7.50.  Call 970-214-4808 for more information or to purchase
tickets.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers. Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message that
may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

-- Fossil Creek Wetlands Cleanup This Saturday
-- Wild Birds Unlimited Trip on 10/29
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey on 11/5
-- Birding after the Beginning – November Class with Kevin Cook
-- Sneak Peak at November FCAS Program Meeting Presentation
-- Register Now: How to Lead a Field Trip Workshop on 11/19
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


FOSSIL CREEK WETLANDS CLEANUP THIS SATURDAY

FCAS has adopted the Fossil Creek Wetlands Natural Area, but it's in
need of some cleanup. Join us this Saturday, October 22nd from 10 am
to noon to help spruce things up. Park on the south side of Trilby
between Lemay and Timberline, just east of the railroad tracks. Bring
gloves, plastic buckets or trash bags, rakes, and plenty of water to
drink. Contact Joel Hurmence at jhurmence@... or (970) 481-
2124 for information. See you there!


WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED TRIP ON 10/29

This news item comes from Gary Lefko, Director of The Great Pikes
Peak Birding Trail (http://www.greatpikespeakbirdingtrail.org/):

10/29/2005 Saturday, 7:30-9:45 am
Wild Birds Unlimited Beginner Field Trip to Fossil Creek Regional Park
Leader: Joe LaFleur
Contact: Wild Birds Unlimited at (970) 225-2557

Meet at 7:30 AM at Wild Birds Unlimited store at 248 E. Monroe Drive
in Ft. Collins.  Minimum participation of five required for trip,
maximum 15. Please contact leader for signup and trip details. Fossil
Creek provides the opportunity to view birds in habitats like
grassland, riparian woodland and lake with waterfowl viewing being a
highlight of this trip. Please bring a scope if you have one. Joe
LaFleur is a wildlife biologist from Loveland and author of DVDs and
software for identifying birds.


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEY ON 11/5

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collin's newest natural area, is
projected to open in 2006. Fort Collins Audubon has been conducting a
monthly bird census for the city and welcomes all members of the
society to help. The next survey at Bobcat Ridge is scheduled for
November 5th, but participation is limited. Please contact Cole Wild,
the group leader, at birdingwild1@... or 970-310-3735 for more
information or to sign up.


BIRDING AFTER THE BEGINNING – NOVEMBER CLASS WITH KEVIN COOK

A four-week birding class will be offered on Monday evenings during
November.  The class will address the next step for birders who have
made their start and are eager to advance.  With a special slant
toward winter birding, the class will focus on challenging groups
such as hawks, gulls, and sparrows to highlight such identification
factors as age, geographic variability, seasonality, and color
oddities.

The class begins November 7th and will meet from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at
JAX Outdoor Gear, Fort Collins.  Complete details on the course,
including course costs and maps to JAX Outdoor Gear are available at
http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/KCbirding2.htm.  To register in
advance, please contact Kevin Cook at (970) 223-8392 on MWF
afternoons or any evening.


SNEAK PEAK AT NOVEMBER FCAS PROGRAM MEETING PRESENTATION

The next FCAS Program Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 10th
from 7-9 pm at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center.  While meeting
reminders will automatically be sent to subscribers to the fcaudubon
Yahoo! Group, we thought you might appreciate a sneak peak of the
actual program details for the November meeting.  Here's the scoop:

Program Title: Bird Coloration and the Fascinating Case of Whitey,
the Steller's Jay

Join bird photographer and science teacher Bill Schmoker for a
discussion of bird coloration, aberrant plumages, and the story of a
unique white Steller's Jay. Dozens of photos illustrate the diversity
of color in birds. Gain an understanding of the role of pigments and
feather structure in bird coloration, and see what happens when
something goes wrong. After this talk you can astound your birding
friends by discussing carotenoid pigments or dropping terms like
xanthochroism and leucism when you are birding!

Bill is active in the Colorado birding community, currently serving
as the Vice President of the Colorado Field Ornithologists and as one
of the Colorado/Wyoming regional editors for North American Birds.
His ever-growing bird photo website (http://schmoker.org/BirdPics)
now has images of 525 North American bird species, many of which have
appeared in publications such as Birding, WildBird, North American
Birds, Winging It, and Colorado Birds. Bill's work has also been
featured in photographic field guides, visitor center interpretive
signs, newspaper articles, conservation organization websites, and as
reference material for student and professional artists.


REGISTER NOW:
HOW TO LEAD A FIELD TRIP WORKSHOP ON 11/19

Have you ever considered the benefits of learning to how to lead
field trips?  Plan now to join us for a day-long seminar which will
focus on such topics as planning and logistics, group dynamics and
special populations, instruction and interpretation, timing and
pacing, and a whole lot more.  The workshop will help you discover a
whole new perspective on birds and birding by training you to help
other people catch the fire!

Kevin Cook is offering this workshop on Saturday, November 19th from
9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Rocky Mountain Field Seminars facility,
1895 Fall River Road, Estes Park.  Cost: $20.  Participants will
receive a $20 rebate in return for leading two field trips for FCAS.
To Register, call Kevin Cook at (970) 223-8392 afternoons or evenings.


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers. Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message that
may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

-- Audubon Colorado Rendezvous-Register NLT Today!!
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Surveys: 10/1 and 11/5
-- Two October Field Trips:
    Search for Migrant Species and Larimer Lakes
-- Monthly Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey
-- Fossil Creek Wetlands Cleanup
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


AUDUBON COLORADO RENDEZVOUS-REGISTER NLT TODAY!

The second annual Audubon Colorado Rendezvous, a statewide gathering
for all Audubon members and their families, will be held October 14-
16, 2005, at the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort near Buena Vista.
Registrations and reservations must be made by October 1st.  Visit
http://www.auduboncolorado.org for more details or contact Richard
Stromp at 303-415-0130 or rstromp@....


BOBCAT RIDGE NATURAL AREA BIRD SURVEYS: 10/1 & 11/5

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collin's newest natural area, is
projected to open in 2006. Fort Collins Audubon has been conducting a
monthly bird census for the city and welcomes all members of the
society to help. Upcoming surveys at Bobcat Ridge include ones
scheduled for October 1st and November 5th, but participation each
month is limited. Please contact Cole Wild, the group leader, at
birdingwild1@... or 970-310-3735 for more information or to
sign up.


TWO OCTOBER FIELD TRIPS:
SEARCH FOR MIGRANT SPECIES AND LARIMER LAKES

Beth Dillon will lead the "Search for Migrant Species" field trip to
various lakes in Eastern Larimer and Western Weld counties on
Saturday, October 8th. The trip is scheduled from 8 am – 1 pm and is
limited to eight participants. Contact Beth at 970-490-2610 for more
information or to sign up.

Nick Komar will also lead a field trip to various Fort Collins and
Loveland area lakes looking for migrant waterfowl on Saturday,
October 15th. This trip is limited to ten participants and takes
place from 8 am to 11 am. Contact Nick at quetzal65@... or
970-416-7527 to sign up.


MONTHLY FOSSIL CREEK RESERVOIR BIRD SURVEY

The monthly Fossil Creek Reservoir bird survey will be conducted on
Sunday, October 16th. All birder levels are welcome, but
participation is limited. For more information or to help, please
contact Nick Komar at quetzal65@... or 970-416-7527.


FOSSIL CREEK WETLANDS CLEANUP

FCAS has adopted the Fossil Creek Wetlands Natural Area, but it's in
need of some cleanup. Join us on Saturday, October 22nd from 10 am to
noon to help spruce things up. Park on the south side of Trilby
between Lemay and Timberline, just east of the railroad tracks. Bring
gloves, plastic buckets or trash bags, rakes, and plenty of water to
drink. Contact Joel Hurmence at jhurmence@... or (970) 481-
2124 for information. See you there!


HOW TO SUBMIT NEWS TO fcaudubon

You can post news items to the full group at any time by sending a
message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com, or if you have news for our bi-
monthly email editions, please send details to the group moderators
at fcaudubon@....

Typical group news items include information on upcoming events,
field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers. Members
of fcaudubon are encouraged to view the group protocol in the Files
area of the fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message that
may be considered inappropriate.

The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated by the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President. Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....

Welcome to the first email news edition of Fort Collins Audubon
Society's fcaudubon Yahoo! Group.  This edition contains information
on the following stories:

-- Arctic National Wildlife Refuge – Presentation Scheduled
-- Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey This Sunday
-- Northern Colorado Birding Fair – Volunteers Still Needed
-- Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey
-- Birding for Beginners with Kevin Cook
-- How to Submit News to fcaudubon


Arctic National Wildlife Refuge– Presentation Scheduled

There will be a presentation on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
this Saturday, September 17th at 5 pm in Evergreen.  The presenter,
Greg Scott of Evergreen, has just returned from his fifth backpacking
trip to the refuge, and he has photographed a large portion of it,
including the controversial "1002 Area" which remains unprotected
from energy development.  As a career environmental consultant, Greg
is knowledgeable of recent energy legislation and the arguments for
and against development.

The Arctic Refuge is America's premier wilderness ecosystem and has
been called "America's Serengeti" because of the caribou migration
and the wide diversity of wildlife it supports year-round, as well as
being the nesting grounds for bird species from every continent.
Congress will determine the fate of the refuge this month, triggering
a call to action by a coalition of conservation groups and the
designation of Tuesday, September 20th as Arctic Action Day.

The Mt. Evans Group of the Sierra Club and the Evergreen Naturalists
Audubon Society are sponsoring this FREE event, which will be held at
the Buchanan Recreation Center, 32003 Ellingwood Trail in Evergreen.
For more information call 303-679-0661.


Fossil Creek Reservoir Bird Survey This Sunday

A bird survey will be conducted at Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional
Open Space on Sunday, September 18th.  All birder levels are welcome,
but participation is limited.  For more information or to help,
please contact Nick Komar at quetzal65@... or 970-416-7527.


Northern Colorado Birding Fair – Volunteers Still Needed

We are still looking for volunteers to help with the 1st annual
Northern Colorado Birding Fair, which will take place at Fossil Creek
Reservoir Regional Open Space on Saturday, September 24th from 8:30
am - 2:00 pm.  Guided bird walks will begin at 7:00 am.  This fair is
intended to reach the novice birder but will be enjoyed by bird
lovers of all interest levels.

For more information on the event, please visit
http://www.larimer.org/news/15534011.htm
To volunteer to help at the Fort Collins Audubon booth, please
contact Lynne Hull at ecoartHull@... or 970-416-1881.


Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Bird Survey

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collin's newest natural area, is
projected to open in 2006.  Fort Collins Audubon has been conducting
a monthly bird census for the city and welcomes all members of the
society to help.  Participation each month is limited, so please
contact Cole Wild, the group leader, at birdingwild1@... or 970-
310-3735 for more information or to sign up.


Birding for Beginners with Kevin Cook

A four-week birding class for beginners will be offered on Monday
evenings during October.  Topics will include how to find and observe
birds, how to use field guides more effectively, how to select and
use optical equipment, and most importantly, how to have more fun
with the birding time and experiences you have.

The class begins October 3rd and will meet from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at
JAX  Outdoor Gear, Fort Collins.  Complete details on the course,
including course costs and maps to JAX Outdoor Gear are available at
http://www.fortnet.org/Audubon/KCbirding2.htm.  To register in
advance, please contact Kevin Cook at (970) 223-8392 on MWF
afternoons or any evening.


How to Submit News to fcaudubon

Those subscribed to fcaudubon can post news items to the full group
at any time by sending their message to fcaudubon@yahoogroups.com.
If you have news you'd like to share but would prefer to include it
in our bi-monthly email news edition, please send your news item to
the group moderators at fcaudubon@..., instead.

Typical news items for the group include information on upcoming
events, field trips, conservation alerts, and calls for volunteers.
Members of fcaudubon are encouraged to reference the group protocol,
including information on Member Posts, in the Files area of the
fcaudubon Yahoo! Group site before posting a message that may be
considered inappropriate.


The fcaudubon Yahoo! Group is moderated the Fort Collins Audubon
Society Publications Committee and the Board President.  Questions
about the group can be sent to fcaudubon@....