Gnatcatcher Vol. XLVII, No. 5 — November/December 2015
12
President’s Message The Gnatcatcher Newsletter of Juniata Valley Audubon Vol. XLVII, No. 5 — November/December 2015 Published bimonthly (except for July and August) as a benefit for members of the… JUNIATA VALLEY AUDUBON SOCIETY President's Message: -Laura Jackson Add Your Voice to an International Outcry: Take Action to Protect Amherst Island My visit to Amherst Island in Lake Ontario was one of the birding highlights of a birding trip to Ontario sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society of Ornithology last February. Amherst Island is world-famous for Owl Woods, which we did not get to visit due to the deep snow, but we saw 10 different Snowy Owls in just a few hours on the island, as well as Rough-legged Hawks, a Northern Harrier, and a juvenile Bald Eagle. The stark snowy landscape was dotted with quaint houses, farms, and old stone walls. We also saw something that was very disturbing: signs protesting the industrial wind turbines proposed for the island. I had a chance to talk very briefly with an island resident as we were waiting to board the ferry to go back to the mainland. She and many other island residents were against the project and she encouraged me to learn more about potential impacts to bats, birds, turtles, and insects. Just recently, Ontario’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change approved the Amherst Island Wind Project, much to the dismay of major conservation groups in Ontario and in the U.S. I’m asking all of you to take action to stop this ill-conceived wind project slated for one of the most important bird areas in North America. Amherst Island is a Global and Continentally Significant Important Bird Area. What can you do? 1. Email Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne at [email protected] and ask that she direct the IESO to cancel the FIT contract with Windlectric Inc. in the same manner that the IESO cancelled the FIT contract for the Horizon Wind Project. Copy Bruce Campbell, CEO IESO [email protected]. Please record your email, document any response, and advise [email protected]. You may also wish to write directly to the Premier: Premier Kathleen Wynne Government of Ontario Whitney Block 99 Wellesley Street West Toronto, ON M7A 1A1 Fax: 416-325-3745 The IESO is Ontario’s “Independent Electricity System Operator” and the FIT contract refers to the Fee-in Tariff Program that IESO offers to wind companies. 2. Email the Honorable Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry at [email protected] Ask that he revoke the Overall Benefit Permit for the destruction of grassland bird habitat on Amherst Island and listen to the concerns of Nature Canada, Ontario Nature, Kingston Field Naturalists and the American Bird Conservancy. 3. Visit the Association to Protect Amherst Island website at www.protectamherstisland.ca for up-to-date information and donate funds for the legal battle. 4. Email me to learn more about the importance of Amherst Island - in addition to wintering birds, it is home to many special bat, reptile and insect species. I’ll send you more information.
description
Newsletter of Juniata Valley Audubon, based in central Pennsylvania.
Transcript of Gnatcatcher Vol. XLVII, No. 5 — November/December 2015
President’s Message
The Gnatcatcher Newsletter of Juniata Valley Audubon
Vol. XLVII, No. 5 — November/December 2015 Published bimonthly (except for July and August)
as a benefit for members of the… JUNIATA VALLEY AUDUBON SOCIETY
President'sMessage:-LauraJackson
AddYourVoicetoanInternationalOutcry:TakeActiontoProtectAmherstIsland
MyvisittoAmherstIslandinLakeOntariowasoneofthebirdinghighlightsofabirdingtriptoOntariosponsoredbythe Pennsylvania Society of Ornithology last February.AmherstIslandisworld-famousforOwlWoods,whichwedidnotgettovisitduetothedeepsnow,butwesaw10differentSnowyOwlsinjustafewhoursontheisland,aswell as Rough-legged Hawks, a Northern Harrier, and ajuvenileBaldEagle.Thestarksnowylandscapewasdottedwith quaint houses, farms, andold stonewalls. We alsosawsomethingthatwasverydisturbing: signsprotestingtheindustrialwindturbinesproposedfortheisland.Ihadachancetotalkverybrieflywithanislandresidentaswewere waiting to board the ferry to go back to themainland. She and many other island residents wereagainsttheprojectandsheencouragedmetolearnmoreaboutpotentialimpactstobats,birds,turtles,andinsects.Just recently, Ontario’s Ministry of Environment andClimate Change approved the Amherst Island WindProject,muchtothedismayofmajorconservationgroupsinOntarioandintheU.S.I’maskingallofyoutotakeactiontostopthisill-conceivedwind project slated for one of the most important birdareas in North America. Amherst Island is a Global andContinentallySignificantImportantBirdArea.Whatcanyoudo?1. Email Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne [email protected] and ask that she direct the IESO tocancel the FIT contractwithWindlectric Inc. in the samemanner that the IESO cancelled the FIT contract for theHorizonWindProject.CopyBruceCampbell,CEOIESO
[email protected]. Please record your email,documentanyresponse,andadviseprotectai@kos.net.YoumayalsowishtowritedirectlytothePremier:
PremierKathleenWynneGovernmentofOntarioWhitneyBlock99WellesleyStreetWestToronto,ONM7A1A1Fax:416-325-3745
The IESO is Ontario’s “Independent Electricity SystemOperator” and the FIT contract refers to the Fee-in TariffProgramthatIESOofferstowindcompanies.2. Email the Honorable Bill Mauro, Minister of [email protected] that he revoke the Overall Benefit Permit for thedestruction of grassland bird habitat on Amherst Islandand listen to the concerns of Nature Canada, OntarioNature, Kingston Field Naturalists and the American BirdConservancy.3.VisittheAssociationtoProtectAmherstIslandwebsiteat www.protectamherstisland.ca for up-to-dateinformationanddonatefundsforthelegalbattle.4. Email me to learn more about the importance ofAmherst Island- inadditiontowinteringbirds, it ishometomany special bat, reptile and insect species. I’ll sendyoumoreinformation.
The Juniata Valley Audubon Society (JVAS) is achapterof theNationalAudubonSocietyand isdedicatedtotheconservationandrestorationofnatural ecosystems, focusing on birds, otherwildlife, and their habitats for the benefit ofhumanity and the Earth's biological diversity.JuniataValleyAudubonaccomplishesitsmissionthrough advocacy, science, land stewardship,and education -working directlywithAudubonPennsylvania, the Pennsylvania state office oftheNationalAudubonSociety.The JVAS is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit,educationalorganizationasdescribedinsection501(c)(3)oftheInternalRevenueCode.Giftsaredeductibleforincometaxpurposes(TaxID#25-1533496).OFFICERS President,LauraJackson
♦ 814-652-9268♦ [email protected]
VicePresident,MarkBonta♦ 610-348-3282♦ [email protected]
Secretary,SharonClewell♦ 814-207-5387♦ [email protected]
Treasurer,GeorgeMahon♦ 814-942-2658♦ [email protected]
ImmediatePastPresident,DaveBonta♦ 814-686-7274♦ [email protected]
COMMITTEE CHAIRS MembershipCommittee,CharlieHoyer
♦ 814-684-7376♦ [email protected]
ConservationCommittee,IanMcGregor♦ 814-215-0515♦ [email protected]
EducationCommittee,MarkBonta♦ 610-348-3282♦ [email protected]
FieldTripsCommittee,KristinJoivell♦ 814-386-6267♦ [email protected]
ProgramsCommittee,MarkBonta♦ 610-348-3282♦ [email protected]
Publications&PublicityComm.,DaveBonta♦ 814-686-7274♦ [email protected]
HospitalityCommittee,MarciaBonta♦ 814-684-3113♦ [email protected]
Historian,MikeJackson♦ 814-652-9268♦ [email protected]
WebsiteAdministrator,DaveBonta♦ 814-686-7274♦ [email protected]
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE WarrenBaker
♦ 814-695-0780
CallingAllChristmasBirdCounters!TheJVASBlairCountyChristmasBirdCount(CBC),centeredaroundCulp,willbeheldonSaturday,December19,withatallydinner(aka“tallyrally”)tobeheld at Marzoni’s Brick Oven and Brewing Company at 1830 East PleasantValleyBoulevard,Altoona,startingat6P.M.Thedinnerisopentoall,soyoucanattendevenifyoucan’thelpwiththeCBC.We hope YOUwill be a counter this year! We are always in need ofmoreparticipants, socheckwithbirder friendsand invite themtoparticipate, too.Participationisfree.Inadditiontofieldsurveys,weneedfeederwatchers.Ifyou live in thecount circle (within7.5milesofCulp), youareencouraged torecord thebirdsyouseeonyourpropertyoratyour feeder. Pleasecontactcompiler Laura Jackson if you would like to participate. Counters will beassignedasectionofthecircletocover,soifyouhaveafavoritearea,besureto sign up early. Register by calling Laura at 814-652-9268 or [email protected]. Youwillreceiveamapshowingwhichpartofthecircletocover,aspecieschecklist,andpointersonanybirdhotspotsthatmight be in your part of the circle. Wewill assign the count areas in earlyDecember,soifyouhaveafavoriteareathatyouwanttocover,contactLaurabeforeDecember6.Thereare3otherChristmasBirdCountsinourareathatneedparticipants:HuntingdonCo.CBConDecember20,2015iscenteredaroundDonation,PA. ContactcompilerDebGrove:[email protected],2015iscenteredaroundMannsChoice,PA.
ContactcompilersMikeandLauraJackson:814-652-9268or [email protected]
RaystownCBC:ContactcompilerGregGroveformoredetails:[email protected]
TheGnatcatcher–Nov-Dec2015 Page2of12
Itisn’tafancyfeeder,butthisBaltimoreOrioledoesn’tcare.We’rejustgladitstuckaroundfortheChristmasBirdCountinBedfordonDecember17,2011.
JVASisluckytohaveMarkBontaservingasvice-president.Ourgroupcertainlybenefitsfromhisconservationethic,andsodoothergroupseveninsuchfaroffplacesasHonduras.WearesharingarecentinterviewwithPennStateNews,sincewethoughtyou’dbeinterestedinMark’sconservationefforts.MarkisalsoleadingabirdconservationtourtoHondurasinFebruary.MikeandIareexcitedtobepartofthistrip.
TheWhyofWhereGeographerpracticescommunity-basedconservationathomeandabroad.
ByThereseBoydOriginallypublishedbyPennStateNews
When askedwhat he does in hiswork,Mark Bonta says, “Imostly talk to people.” Howhard can that be?Of coursethere’smoretothestory.AnassistantprofessorofearthscienceatPennStateAltoona,Bontadoesfarmorethanjustengage people in conversation. His work as a geographer encompasses environmental science, ethnography, naturaldisasters,andconservation—andthat’sonlyapartial list.Heexplainsthediversityascriticaltohiswork:“Geographersaresynthesistsandgeneralists—wehavetobemultidisciplinary.”Bonta’smain focus is community-based conservation in Honduras, a country he has beenworking in since a “chanceassignment inthePeaceCorps”morethantwentyyearsago,hesays.“Theymatchyouwitharequestforcertainskillsandthenyougotothehostcountryandtrainforthreemonths.IwasmatchedupdirectlywithHonduranbiologistswhoweretryingtomanagenationalparkswithlittletonoresources.”Bonta’srolewas—andcontinuestodayasafoundingmember of the Honduran Conservation Coalition (HOCC, honduranconservationcoalition.com) — to work withincommunitiesinHonduras,withtheresidents,tohelpsolvetheenvironmentalproblemslocalpopulationsface.“Theideais that localcommunitiesbe involved inmanagingandprotecting theenvironment,andthis is supportedbyHonduranlaw.”This iswhereBonta “talks topeople,” ashe says. “In ethnography you’re trained tohaveopen-ended conversations.”Throughthoseinteractions,andlearningwhataparticularcommunityneeds,“weareabletoprovidecertainservicesandworkdirectlywiththem.”Hestressesthathisroleisnottogoin,tellpeoplewhattodo,andleave.Instead,membersofHOCCworkwithcommunitiestolistenandproblem-solvetogether.“Ourconnectionthrougheducationandknowledgeisaverypowerfulthing.”What type of issues present themselves? First, Bonta says, there’s “the environmental struggle and then the generalstruggle. The country is so close to the land. Communities need to figure out the best way to preserve their naturalresources.”Honduraswashitbyavery strongHurricaneMitch in1998,hadamilitary coup in2009,and is constantlydealingwithdevelopmentissuesandtheresidualenvironmentalimpacts.Ofcourse,watershedsareamajorconcernbut,justasimportant,acommunitymaywanttoprotectitselffromalargehydroelectricprojectthatwouldfloodlocalfarms,orfromaloggingcompanythatwouldclear-cutalocalforest.HOCC’s role includesbotheducationandsupport. “We’vehadrequests forworkshops incommunities.Theymightaskhowtheycansetupaprotectedarea.That[typeofproject]canbecommunitymanaged.WeworkedwithCatholicclergythere,whonowadaysareoftenbigforcesforprotectionofenvironmentandcommunity,passingskillsontothem.Thisisawaywecandothingsveryquicklywithoutabureaucracy.”Someotherworkshopsservetoeducatethepublicabouttheimpactsof,forexample,open-pitironminingonalocalcommunity.“Youcanhavecompanyrepresentativescomeinandpromisetheearthandsky[buttheresidentshave]neverseenopen-pitmining.Theydon’thavetheexposuretoitsotheyjustdon’tknowtherisksassociatedwithit.Butphotosandvideosareverypowerful.”SometimesthebestthingHOCCcanofferisdata.“Biologistscollectandidentifynewandunusualspecies,whichcouldbecritically important toacommunity trying topreserve itswildlifeandwatersheds; theyhavethedata [tosupport theiropposition].”Inonespecificcase,languagewasthebarrier.“Whenwedidresearchonthecycad,atypeofplant,wegotfundingtotranslatethefinal report intoSpanish,print itandsend it toall thecommunitiesweworkedwith.This isn’tstandardpractice—mostscientificreportsnevermakeitbacktocommunities.It’samazingtoseetheeffect.Theywereabletousethatforconservationandforprotectionofcriticalheritage.”
TheGnatcatcher–Nov-Dec2015 Page3of12
WhatBontaandhiscohortsinHOCCdomightnotbeconsidered“research”insomecircles,buthedisagrees.Whattheydoiscalled“participatoryactionresearch:you’redoingresearchbutparticipatingatthesametime.”Hehasfoundtimetowritetwobooksandnumerousarticlesandchaptersbasedonhisresearchbut,headmits,“Themoreyou’reinvolvedwithcommunityconservationissuesontheground,thelesscriticalitbecomestoseeyournameinanEnglish-languagejournal.”A significant factor inHOCC’s success is theamountofmoney required forprojects,only “a few thousanddollarsatatime.”Bontaacknowledgesthatfundingcanbeachallenge:“We’reinoneofthemostviolentareasintheworld,andwedon’tshyawayfromworkingindifficultplaces,suchaswherethereisillegalmahoganytraffic,orpeopletryingtoputinmines. So it’s hard to get long-term sustainable funding.Wehaven’t had a lotmore thanoperational funds.”He seeslargeramountsofmoneycomingfrombiggerorganizationsthanHOCC,but“manytimesmoneybeingspentisreachingthegroundbutnotmakingmuch impact.”Beinga smallorganizationhas its advantages in lackof red tape: “We takewhatwecangetbutweuseitveryquickly.”Duringtheschoolyear,ofcourse,BontaisintheclassroomatPennStateAltoona,wherehebringsinrealworldexampleseverychancehegetsbecausegeography is “not justa studyofplaces, it’s thewhyofwhere.”Hesays, “Myacademiccareerstartedwith9/11—twoweeksafterIstartedteaching,9/11happened.”Thatbecameaclassroomtopic,aswellasHurricane Katrina: “I had a license to teach exciting things. I was teaching about the potential effects of the storm[Katrina]inNewOrleanswhileitwasinFlorida.Youcanturnanythingintoateachablemoment.”Togivehisstudentstheopportunity tounderstandsomeofwhatHondurancommunities face,“wedo total-immersion roleplaysandsimulatethepovertyinHonduras.”Bonta’sthoughtsareneverfarfromwhathehasexperiencedinhistimeinHondurasandwhathewantstodonext.Attheendofthespringsemester,hesays,“Ican’twaittogetdowntoHonduras,butwon’tgetthereuntiltheendofJune.Amongotheractivities,IwillbehelpingsetupanewconservationpartnershipbetweenJuniataValleyAudubonSociety,ofwhichIamvice-president,theHonduranOrnithologicalAssociation,andalocaluniversity.Iwillalsobeworkingwithcommunitiesinbirdeducationanddocumentation,andsubmittingdatatoeBird[eBird.org].”Andthen,comefall,hewillbringhisexperiencebacktotheclassroomandteachhisstudentsaboutwhathesawandwhathedid.
Support“ourbirds”ontheirwinteringgroundsbypurchasingorganicshadecoffeefromHonduras.
Cultivatedbya small groupof farmers inMaracala,Honduras, Lencacoffee isoneof thebestArabicacoffees in theworld.EmilioGarciaandhisfamilyhavebeencultivatingcoffeesince1915.NowtheypartnerwithSustainableHarvestSpecialtyCoffeeImportersinPortland,Oregonsotheycandirectmarkettheirtopquality,organicshadecoffeeintheU.S.JVASispartneringwithEmilioGarciatohelpdirectmarkethisfamily’scoffee.FreshlybrewedLencacoffeewillbeavailableatourJVASmonthlymeetings.
Youcanpurchasebagsofgreencoffeeormediumroastcoffee.Greencoffeeis$6.00per1-poundbag.A1-poundbagofmedium roast coffee is $12. A2-poundbagofwhole roastedor ground roasted is $22. Coffeewill be servedatmonthlymeetingsandwillbeavailableforpurchase.
LikeCaféLencaatwww.facebook.com/CafeLenca
TheGnatcatcher–Nov-Dec2015 Page4of12
GET AWAY FROM WINTER - TAKE PART IN A BIRDING FOR CONSERVATION TRIP TO HONDURAS!!
Dates: Feb. 17 - 28, 2016 Cost: $1,500 + airfare Are you a birder eager to explore Latin America’s hottest emerging destinations, but also interested in helping ensure that the birds and habitats you visit will be around for the future? Do you also want to learn about other aspects of Honduran nature, and experience Honduran culture? And, would you like to travel comfortably, yet save big over other birding tours? The Honduran Conservation Coalition offers you an ethical and affordable trip. Participants should see over 300 species of birds, a variety of habitats from coast to mid-altitude rain forests, and will visit some outstanding efforts by Hondurans to protect the environment and educate their citizens on birds and conservation.
Dr. Mark Bonta, Vice-President of JVAS and a Penn State Altoona geography professor, is a recognized authority on Honduran culture and nature, with 25 years’ experience in Honduras; and Gilberto Flores-Walter, bilingual Honduran birder and coffee farmer as well as the Vice-President of the Honduran Ornithological Association, are trip leaders. The tour is limited to 10 paying participants, so contact Mark right away if you are interested. There are four spots left as of October 10. Email Mark Bonta for a trip information packet and registration form: [email protected]
JVASFallPrograms(Free)Bellwood-AntisPublicLibrary526MainStreet,Bellwood,PA16617Phone:742-8234Directions: Take InterstateRt. 99 to theBellwood/Route 865 Exit (Exit 41). FollowRt. 865 through theSheetz/Martin intersection. Proceedabout4blocksand turn rightat theBUSINESSDISTRICT sign. Turnleftatthedeadendandtraveltothestopsign.Continueashortdistance;thelibrarywillbeonyourright.
Aregraysquirrelsourmostcommonsquirrel?FindoutonNovember17.November17,2015–Tuesday7:00PM.SquirrelsofPA:Who,where,andwhatdotheydo?Carolyn Mahan will describe the behavior, habitat use, andconservation issues surrounding the squirrels of Pennsylvania.Managementofrarespeciesofsquirrelswillalsobediscussed.Carolyn, professor of biology and environmental studies and co-coordinatoroftheEnvironmentalStudiesprogramatPennStateAltoona,hasaPh.D. inWildlifeScience. Herresearch interests include the study of biodiversity in threatened ecosystems, the effects of human-modifiedlandscapesonwildlife,andbehavioralecologyofsquirrels.Dr.MahanhasservedontheboardofdirectorsofthePennsylvaniaWildlifeSocietyandTheClearWaterConservancyandisapast-presidentofthePennsylvaniaBiologicalSurvey.Sheteachescorecoursesinbiologyandenvironmentalstudies.
TheGnatcatcher–Nov-Dec2015 Page5of12
JVAS programs are presented on the thirdTuesday of the month, except in June, July,August, and December. Programs begin at7:00PMinthemeetingroomoftheBellwood-AntisLibrary.
YoumighthavemissedtheJVASfieldtripsillustratedhere,butwehopetoseeyouonsomeofthetripsinNovemberandDecember.Checkouttheupcomingoneslistedinthenewsletteronpage10.
BlueKnobNatureWalk-notmanybirds,butlotsofplantsattractedourattention
AWalkintheWood-HartleyWoodwasbeautiful,buttrailmagicwasawesome!
TheGnatcatcher–Nov-Dec2015 Page6of12TheGnatcatcher–Nov-Dec2015
Birding Bald Eagle State Park on a foggy, rainymorning in September was a challenge, so a good look at aNashvillewarblerwas,inlargepart,duetoMarkBonta’sphishingskills.WealsosawMagnoliawarblers,lotsofCedarWaxwings,Osprey,andBlackDucks-amongothers.
The Lower Trail: Grannas Station Tree Walk: eventhoughmostofthetreesalongthispartoftheLowerTrailarethenon-native, invasiveTreeofHeaven,wefoundSycamore,BoxElder,BlackCherry,andSumac(tonameafew).JohnLennoxwasinspiredtoshareaHaiku.
TheGnatcatcher–Nov-Dec2015 Page7of12
Chapter-only: All Chapter-only membership dues stay with the JVAS and are used locally in the Juniata Valley for conservation, education, and advocacy in Blair, Huntingdon, Centre, Bedford, and Mifflin Counties.
The JVAS is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, so all donations are deductible (and gratefully accepted). JVAS membership provides you with the following benefits:
• Notification of the Juniata Valley Audubon’s exciting activities, monthly nature programs, field trips, and other events.
• Subscription to the bimonthly chapter newsletter, The Gnatcatcher. (But we’d appreciate it if you’re willing to forego the print edition and accept the digital version.)
• Opportunity to participate in local advocacy efforts to help make a real difference.
• Opportunity to aid in the preservation of the natural world.
• Opportunity to have fun in joining with fellow nature enthusiasts.
Become a JVAS Chapter-only member at one of the annual membership categories as follows:
□ Individual Membership, $15 □ Friend of the JVAS, $50 □ Family Membership, $20 □ Corporate Membership, $100 □ Supporting Membership, $35 □ Life Membership, $500
Make your check payable to the JUNIATA VALLEY AUDUBON SOCIETY and mail with this form to:
Charlie Hoyer, Membership Chair Juniata Valley Audubon Society P.O. Box 42 Tyrone, PA 16686-0042
Name _______________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ City ___________________________ State _____ ZIP _______________ Phone No. _______________ E-mail Address ______________________
□ Yes, I will accept the digital copy of The Gnatcatcher. □ No, I prefer to receive a paper copy.
Page8of12TheGnatcatcher–Nov-Dec2015
A Reminder to Renew Your
Chapter-only Membership
In
Juniata Valley Audubon Society
Membership Year runs from January 1st to December 31st.
Note: You are automatically a member of JVAS when you join National Audubon.
OfftheShelfWehope"OffTheShelf"will appear inevery issueofTheGnatcatcher,but thatwillonlyhappen if you send inyourreviewsofnaturalhistorybooks.Wealsowelcomefeedback.EmailLauraJacksontocontributeabookreview,orifyouhaveacommentaboutabookthatwasreviewed.Goodreading!
TwoBookReviews MarciaBonta
RecentlyI’vereadtwonovelssteepedintheirnaturalsurroundings.AbovetheWaterfallbypoetandnovelistRonRashtakesplaceinwesternNorthCarolina.Thechaptersarerelatedbytwoalternatingvoices.Beckyisastateparkranger,psychologicallydamagedbyachildhoodtraumaonlyhelpedbyasummershespentnearbywithhergrandparents.Toher,lifeintheAppalachiansasanadultisareturntothesafetyshefeltthen,andhersisthepoeticvoice—“thehummingbirdnestatthemeadowedge—astrawythimble,thehummingbird’swings—stainedglassalive in sudden sunlight shimmer, wildflowers sway in their floral abundance, the grasshopper’s rasping papyruswings…” Lesisthefifty-year-old,soon-to-be-retiredcountysheriffwhoistired,after30years,andwantstoreturntoasimplerlifeinadreamcabinhehasdesignedaftermakingwhathethinksweremajormistakesinhislife. BothBeckyandLesarefacedwithanenvironmentalmystery.Whopoisonedthelocaltroutstream?Neitherthinktheobvious suspect poured kerosene into a stream he loves. How this mystery is solved provides the plot, but I willrememberBecky’spoeticvoicelongafterIforgetthestorylineofthissatisfyingnovel. MartinMartenbypoet,essayist,andnovelistBrianDoyletakesplaceinthebackwoodsofthePacificNorthwest.Daveisanhonorable,youngteenager,MartinMarten isawildcreature, facingadversaries,bothwildandhuman,butwho isfascinatedbyDave. Howbothlearnandgrowandthequirkyadultstheyassociatewith,includingasympatheticportraitofatrapper,isthemajorthemeofthisbook.Thereisatouchofmagicalrealismthatappealstoallofuswhowishforasimilarrelationshipwithawildcreature.Unfortunately,martenswereextirpatedfromPennsylvaniaaround1900bytrappingandtheeliminationofoldgrowthconiferousandmixeddeciduous/coniferousforests,whicharetheirpreferredhabitats.Smallerthanafisherandlargerthanamink,thissleek,handsomememberoftheWeaselFamilyonlylivesintheEastinNewEngland,theAdirondacks,northernMichiganandnorthernWisconsinnow.Butthe inquisitive,curiousnatureofmartens iswell-knownandBrianDoyle’sportrayalofMartin isspoton. Wecanonlyregrettheextirpationofsuchafascinatingcreaturefromourstateafterreadingthiswonderfulbook.
TheGnatcatcher–Nov-Dec2015 Page9of12
Fieldtrips:Saturday,November28:Post-ThanksgivingHikeontheLowerTrailfrom1:00–5:00pm
Shedthose turkeyandpumpkinpiepoundswhileenjoyinganeasy, six-milehike fromMountEtna toAlfarataon theLowerTrail.Meet intheAlfarataStationTrailheadparking lotat1:00PM.We'llcarpoolfromAlfaratatotheMt.EtnaTrailheadandthenhike6milesonthisrailtrailalongtheFrankstownBranchoftheJuniataRiverbacktoAlfarata.
Formoreinformation,contactKristinJoivellat386-6267.
Sunday,December6:BirdWalkandeBirdWorkshopfrom1:00–5:00pm
ThisisthesecondinaseriesofactivitiesdesignedtohelpyouknowmoreabouttheImportantBirdAreas(IBAs)locatedinourchapter’sterritory.CanoeCreekWatershedIBAcontainsajewelofastatepark:CanoeCreekStatePark,locatedat 205CanoeCreekRoad,Hollidaysburg, PA. MeetMarkBonta and Laura Jackson at thepark’s EducationCenter inCanoeforabirdwalkfrom1–3pm,followedbyaneBirdWorkshopintheEducationCenterfrom3–5pm.LearnhowtobeaCitizenScientistbyenteringyourbirdobservationsineBird.ResearchscientistsuseeBirddatatotrackmigrationandotherreallycoolresearch,butyoucanuseeBirdtokeeptrackofyourbirdobservations.It’seasyandfuntouse,butapowerfultoolforresearch.Bringbinoculars.Drinksandsnackswillbeprovided.
CallLauraJacksonifyouhavequestions:652-9268.
Saturday,December19:BlairCountyChristmasBirdCount–allday!
BLAIR CO. CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Dinner and Tally Rally at 6 P.M. at Marzoni’s: 1830 East Pleasant Valley Blvd.Altoona,PA16602.
ContactCompilerLauraJacksonifyouareinterestedinparticipating.Counterswillcoveraspecificportionofthecountcircle,whichiscenteredinCulp,PA.
Youdonothavetobeacountertoattendthedinner,buteveryonemustreservedinnerbyFriday,December11.Costis$20forbuffet.Gluten-freeandVegetarianoptionsareavailable.CallLauraJacksonfordetails:652-9268.
Make check payable to JVAS and send $20 to Laura Jackson 8621 Black Valley Road Everett, PA 15537 by Dec. 11.Reservationsarerequired!Complete the form on page 11 and send with your payment.
Saturday,December26:BedfordCountyChristmasBirdCount–allday!
Weneedyourhelp!Counterswillcoveraspecificportionofthecountcircle,whichincludesShawneeStatePark.Youdonothavetobeacountertoattendthepotluckdinner.Thepotluckdinnerandtallyrallywillbeheldat5:30pmattheBuffaloMillsMethodistChurch.ContactLauraJacksonifyoucanparticipate:652-9268.
TheGnatcatcher–Nov-Dec2015 Page10of12
Comeone,comealltotheJVASChristmasBirdCountDinnerDecember19,2015at6PM
Marzoni'sBrickOven&BrewingCo.atPinecroft1830E.PleasantValleyBlvd,Altoona,PA16602
Youdon'thavetobeaCountertojoinusfordinner!
Themealwillbebuffetstylewith
3deliciousItalianentréesfromtheBanquetMenu:
• EggplantParmigiana(Meatless)• BeefTipsMarsalawithmashedpotatoesandvegetables
• ChickenAlfredo
FreshGardenSaladUnlimitedBreadSticks
Softdrinks,Juice,Coffee,andTea(FreeRefills)HandCraftedBeerisavailableatanadditionalcost
Only$20perperson(includesgratuity)
Note:Anyonewithspecialdietrestrictionscanorderseparately-justcallMarzoni’sbyDecember7toplaceyourorder,andcallLauratoreserveyourplace.
------------------------ReservationandPaymentshouldbemailedbyFriday,Dec.11--------------------------
MakeCheckPayabletoJVASandmailtoLauraJacksonat8621BlackValleyRoadEverett,PA15537
orpayattheNov.17JVASmeeting
___________________________________isreserving________dinner(s)at$20eachforatotalof$_________ (Name–pleaseprint)
Page11of12TheGnatcatcher–Nov-Dec2015
JUNIATAVALLEYAUDUBON
POBOX42
TYRONE,PA16686-0042
Address Service Requested
Golden-wingedWarblerT-shirts(Fundraiser)
ShirtsareorganiccottonandcomeinS,M,L,XL,andXXL.XXLis$25,othersizesare$20ifyoubuyoneataJVASmeeting.OrderthroughPayPalatwww.JVAS.orgorsave$5andbuyoneatthenextJVASmeeting.
ALLproceedsareusedtohelpGolden-wingedWarblerConservationProjects.
PleasesupportourfundraiserforGolden-wingedWarblers.
