Welcome!
Newsletter Correction
The last sentence of the article on Monarchs in the May TNA Newsletter was incomplete. Here is the final paragraph for those interested in the free milkweed seed:
Swamp Milkweed and Butterfly Weed plants can be purchased at many local garden centers. Less common species can be purchased at Naturally Native Nursery located at 13737 St. Rt. 582 Bowling Green, OH 43402; Phone: 419-833-2020. Various milkweed seeds can be purchased online at Prairie Moon Nursery , Prairie Nursery, Wildflower Farm and many more. Free seeds can be had at www.livemonarch.com/free-milkweed-seeds.htm.
Swamp Milkweed and Butterfly Weed plants can be purchased at many local garden centers. Less common species can be purchased at Naturally Native Nursery located at 13737 St. Rt. 582 Bowling Green, OH 43402; Phone: 419-833-2020. Various milkweed seeds can be purchased online at Prairie Moon Nursery , Prairie Nursery, Wildflower Farm and many more. Free seeds can be had at www.livemonarch.com/free-milkweed-seeds.htm.
Say Goodbye....North Coast Open's Last Year
Attention NCO Lovers!
It has been decided that 2013 is the LAST year TNA will sponsor the North Coast Open, our friendly, yet competitive, big day event. While the last few years have featured teams in only the Open and Freestyle divisions, we would like to encourage participants in the Junior Division (all team members must be
18 or younger) and the Senior Division (all team members must be 60 or older). To further encourage participation in this the final year, the registration fee is being waived.
Birders of all skill levels are encouraged to participate in this event which begins at 9:00 p.m. Friday, May 17th and ends at 9:00 p.m. Saturday, May 18th. During that 24 hour period, teams beat the bushes in Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Erie and Wood Counties to find and identify, by sight or sound, as many bird species as they can. Open, Senior and Junior Divisions teams of 3-4 birders must follow set rules (see the TNA website for details) and are eligible to win the coveted Peregrine Cup. Freestyle teams have more leeway (teams can consist of any number of birders and all members do not have to see or hear every bird) but are not eligible to win.
For our newer members who may not be familiar with the NCO, a bit more information might be in order. For starters, you do not need to be out birding for the full 24 hours. You can start at 9:00 Friday, get some of those dusk to dawn birds (like Common Nighthawks, early calling marsh birds, owls and Whip-poor-wills), go home to get some sleep and start again in the morning. Or start at dawn on Saturday, take a break in the middle of the day if needed, then finish up in the evening. You are not required to bird the entire time. You are also not required to bird all 5 counties, although it is fun to make the effort to do so and there are some great birding spots in all 5 counties. If you are truly competitive, then scouting in the days preceding the event are a must. Finding raptor nests and other nesting birds on territory are a big help come the actual day due to the fact you can fly through the Oak Openings (or your favorite local
woodlot) picking up those birds quickly and gathering other migrants along the way. Birding the marshes at night is one of my favorite things to do and is also a must for any team wishing to compete for the Peregrine Cup. Many marsh birds are more vocal at night thus making it easier to check them off your list. Some may be surprised by how many sparrows and other passerines (cuckoos for example) are also vocal at night. In any event, your route should include multiple habitats in order to give your team the best opportunity to find the most species.
Jeff and I have taken the reins and would like to encourage ALL TNA members (you do not need to be a member to participate) to get together with a friend or two or three (or more), get out into the field on May 17th and 18th, have a fun day of birding, whether for 24 hours or just a few, and join everyone at Blackberry Corners for the countdown to celebrate one of TNA's best-loved traditions. Please join us at Blackberry Corners even if you are not competing. Let's give the NCO one last hurrah!
If you would like to participate and are looking for a team to join or a birding pal for the day, let us know and we can put you in contact with other solo birders. If you need help putting a route together or strategizing on how to find as many birds as you can, we can also help with that. Contact Becky at Becky@toledonaturalist.org, call 419-354-4373 and leave a message, or send a PM via rarebird.org or click here for registration form.
See you on the 18th!
It has been decided that 2013 is the LAST year TNA will sponsor the North Coast Open, our friendly, yet competitive, big day event. While the last few years have featured teams in only the Open and Freestyle divisions, we would like to encourage participants in the Junior Division (all team members must be
18 or younger) and the Senior Division (all team members must be 60 or older). To further encourage participation in this the final year, the registration fee is being waived.
Birders of all skill levels are encouraged to participate in this event which begins at 9:00 p.m. Friday, May 17th and ends at 9:00 p.m. Saturday, May 18th. During that 24 hour period, teams beat the bushes in Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Erie and Wood Counties to find and identify, by sight or sound, as many bird species as they can. Open, Senior and Junior Divisions teams of 3-4 birders must follow set rules (see the TNA website for details) and are eligible to win the coveted Peregrine Cup. Freestyle teams have more leeway (teams can consist of any number of birders and all members do not have to see or hear every bird) but are not eligible to win.
For our newer members who may not be familiar with the NCO, a bit more information might be in order. For starters, you do not need to be out birding for the full 24 hours. You can start at 9:00 Friday, get some of those dusk to dawn birds (like Common Nighthawks, early calling marsh birds, owls and Whip-poor-wills), go home to get some sleep and start again in the morning. Or start at dawn on Saturday, take a break in the middle of the day if needed, then finish up in the evening. You are not required to bird the entire time. You are also not required to bird all 5 counties, although it is fun to make the effort to do so and there are some great birding spots in all 5 counties. If you are truly competitive, then scouting in the days preceding the event are a must. Finding raptor nests and other nesting birds on territory are a big help come the actual day due to the fact you can fly through the Oak Openings (or your favorite local
woodlot) picking up those birds quickly and gathering other migrants along the way. Birding the marshes at night is one of my favorite things to do and is also a must for any team wishing to compete for the Peregrine Cup. Many marsh birds are more vocal at night thus making it easier to check them off your list. Some may be surprised by how many sparrows and other passerines (cuckoos for example) are also vocal at night. In any event, your route should include multiple habitats in order to give your team the best opportunity to find the most species.
Jeff and I have taken the reins and would like to encourage ALL TNA members (you do not need to be a member to participate) to get together with a friend or two or three (or more), get out into the field on May 17th and 18th, have a fun day of birding, whether for 24 hours or just a few, and join everyone at Blackberry Corners for the countdown to celebrate one of TNA's best-loved traditions. Please join us at Blackberry Corners even if you are not competing. Let's give the NCO one last hurrah!
If you would like to participate and are looking for a team to join or a birding pal for the day, let us know and we can put you in contact with other solo birders. If you need help putting a route together or strategizing on how to find as many birds as you can, we can also help with that. Contact Becky at Becky@toledonaturalist.org, call 419-354-4373 and leave a message, or send a PM via rarebird.org or click here for registration form.
See you on the 18th!
TNA Survey - We want to hear from you!
Your Board wants to know how you feel about TNA. What more can the organization do to serve you? Please take the survey found on this website or click here to go straight to the survey.
Photo by Brian Zwiebel
The Toledo Naturalists' Association (TNA) was formed in 1933 when the Toledo Nature Study Society and the Toledo Field Naturalists' Association merged. TNA has been the official compiler for the Toledo Audubon Christmas Count since its inception. Many of the early TNA members created the first local bird book, written by Lou Campbell, and first published in 1940. Members receive bulletins and an annual yearbook. In addition, there are approximately eight presentations given by local naturalists, an annual spring chicken barbecue and fall banquet, and numerous field trips specializing in birding, insects, and botany. TNA welcomes you to explore its Website.
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TNA is on Facebook! Check us out!
With the latest craze of social networking, the TNA Facebook Page is the perfect place for TNA members and nature enthusiasts to connect and network with other likewise individuals. You will find information on field trips, events, programs, and sightings all around the Toledo area. View photos of field trips and/or share your own nature-related photos/photography. Our Mission
Promoting popular interest in the study of natural history; encouraging conservation and wise use of natural resources; encouraging preservation of native plants, birds, and other animals; and collecting and publishing information about the flora and fauna of the Toledo area and northwestern Ohio, since 1933. |
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