You Still Can Contribute to Birdathon!
The final totals are in: 127 species and a record 7670 birds. Much thanks to this year's compiler, Ron Morris, and to everyone who was out in the field looking for birds. The species count was about average for recent years, but it included one bird rarely seen or heard. A Virginia Rail had been visiting Salem Lake throughout April, and John Haire found it still there on count day. Last year, no spring counts in North Carolina reported this secretive bird. Counters also found 1526 Cedar Waxwings, which was three times our previous high total. In addition, we had high counts for 13 other species going back 21 years . . . read more.

The count was part of Birdathon, our only fundraising event of the year. Whether you took part or not, please consider a Birdathon pledge to support the work of Forsyth Audubon and Audubon North Carolina. Did you pledge $1 or some other amount per species? Now you have the total. Or, contribute whatever you can afford. Half the money raised supports your local chapter's education and conservation efforts, like habitat restoration efforts at Tanglewood Park and Bethania, and our Lights Out project. This work does not always require a lot of money, but with your financial support we can do more. The other half of your contributions support Audubon's North Carolina coastal sanctuaries that provide nesting habitat for a variety of water birds. Mail donations to Forsyth Audubon, P.O. Box 15111, Winston-Salem, NC 27113.

Learn About Sandpiper Leks, Elect Officers!
The May chapter meeting brings back popular presenter Lynn Moselely, Professor of Biology at Guilford College. This time she will discuss "Leks, Sex and Buff-breasted Sandpipers" and perhaps add a Greensboro eagle update. We meet at the Historic Bethabara Park Visitor's Center on Tuesday May 24 with socializing at 7:00 p.m. and the program at 7:30. This is our last meeting before our summer hiatus.

Before Prof. Moseley's presentation, we will have short business meeting to hold our annual election of officers. A Nominations Committee, chaired by Susan Jones, offers the following slate for Fiscal Year 2012-2013: Jeremy Reiskind (President), Kim Brand (Vice-President), Tara Bohley (Secretary), Nita Colvin (Treasurer). Additional nominations may be made from the floor. Much thanks to Ron Morris for two outstanding years of service as our president.

Going on Our Spring Trip to the Smokies?
There still is time to sign up for our spring trip to the Great Smoky Mountains June 1-3. We will be visiting the National Park's beautiful Cataloochee valley, where elk have been reintroduced, traveling the Heintooga Ridge Trail and perhaps looking for nesting Peregrine's at Devil's Courthouse. Our base will be Creekside Lodge in Maggie Valley. For more information, go to Field Trips. To sign up, email Rob Rogers.

Lights Out Winston-Salem Aids Migrating Birds!
Each year, collisions with buildings may kill anywhere from 100 million to 1 billion migrating birds. In Chicago and New York, "Lights Out" initiatives convinced building managers to turn off their lights at night. Forsyth Audubon and Audubon North Carolina now have brought the first Lights Out program to the southeast region. During local monitoring, volunteers discovered 40 species dead or injured from collisions. In response, downtown Winston-Salem building owners and managers are pledging to turn off nonessential exterior and internal lights no later than 11 p.m. from March 15-May 31 and September 1-November 30. Thanks to officials at Liberty Plaza, Reynolds American, the R.J. Reynolds building and Winston Tower for acting to save the birds. Our new Lights Out page explores the issue and includes links to valuable resources.

Order "Birding Guide to Forsyth County"!
The second edition of "Birding Guide to Forsyth County," by David Disher, is now available. David's book, in a handy 6 x 9 paperback format, compiles documented observations for 280 bird species in Forsyth County. Learn what birds can be seen here and during which weeks of the year you are most likely to see them. Photos of uncommon sightings are included. For $15, this is a great holiday gift for your favorite birder. All profits go to our chapter. Copies are available at Wright's Backyard Birding Center, 3906 Country Club Rd., Winston-Salem, and at Wild Birds Unlimited, 1589 Skeet Club Rd, High Point, or send email to Nita Colvin. Copies also are available for sale at our monthly chapter meetings.

Check Out Our Photo Gallery!
We now have a photo page. Current albums include our recent field trips and day trips, and more. Click here to access the Gallery.