The August-September "Whistler" Is Now Posted!
The August-September issue of our "Whistler" newsletter is now posted on this web site. It includes a calendar of events for the next 12 months, plus articles about our June field trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, our conservation efforts at Bethania and Bethabara, the potential impact of the Gulf oil spill on fall migration and more.

Oil Spill's Impact on Birds Is Still Unfolding!
We are told that the Deepwaterhorizon oil well leak has been capped and that the millions of barrels of oil spilled into in the Gulf are dissipating. However, the long-term impact on birds and other wildlife is yet to be known. Even now, migration season is starting, and the birds will be landing and feeding on Gulf shores on their way south. At the "Gulf Oil Spill and the Birds" tab on our "Birding Links" page, we connect you to updates on the crisis, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and what you can do to help. You can still help National Audubon Society Society obtain a grant to continue its efforts in response to the spill. Click on the banner above.

. . . ASFC Extends "Hands Across the Sands!"
On June 26, National Audubon Society promoted a nationwide "Hands Across the Sands" demonstration in support of clean, renewable energy and against offshore oil drilling. We did not have any sand, but our Chapter took part with a demonstration at Five Points in Winston-Salem. Twenty-two of us got together between 11 and 12, and promptly at noon held hands to signify our concern about the Gulf oil spill and our support of energy alternatives. Thanks to Rep. Larry Womble and School Board member Elisabeth Motsinger for showing their support. Check our Photo Gallery for pics.

Take Part in the Pilot Mountain Hawk Watch!
The 2010 Pilot Mountain Hawk Watch begins on Sunday September 12 and runs through September 30. September 19 is a public education day, with a poster display and information about the birds. Help us count Broad-winged Hawks and a dozen other raptor species as they fly by on their way south and southwest. Last year, we tallied over 2,000 Broad-wingeds. In some years, we see many more. In 2009, we also spotted 15 Bald Eagles and 12 Peregrine Falcons. Go to our Hawk Watch page to find out more about this annual event.

To find out more about the history of of this event and to see more photos, go to our Hawk Watch page. Sign up for as many four-hour shifts as you like. If you cannot spare four hours, come anyway. To participate, contact Phil Dickinson.

September Birdwalk Seeks Fall Migrants at Bethabara!
Join us on September 11 for our Second Saturday Birdwalk at Historic Bethabara Park. Meet behind the Visitor Center at 8 a.m. We will look for warblers, tanagers and other fall migrants along the greenway. Bring binoculars, water, insect repellent. Contact Kim Brand for more information.

Bird Carver Jim Carpenter Discusses His Art at September Program!
After summer hiatus, we resume our monthly chapter meetings on September 28th at Historic Bethabara Park with a program on "Birds and Bird Carving from Jim Carpenter. Jim teaches bird carving at the Sawtooth Center and is a member of the Piedmont Craftsmen's Guild. Check our Meetings page for more about Jim and his art. Social time begins at 7 p.m. and the program at 7:30. Open to the public.

Check Out Our Photo Gallery!
We now have a photo page. Current albums include our January trip to Chincoteague, our recent day trips, a Bethania workday and local noteworthy bird sightings. Click here to access the Gallery.