The Toledo Naturalists Homepage

Saturday, January 21, 7:30 p.m. - "Dead Birds Tell Many Tales: Ornithology Research at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History" with Andy Jones, Ph.D - Specimens housed in natural history museums continue to be one of the most important sources of information for biology. New technologies, including molecular biology, are revolutionizing the way we study birds. With these new techniques, museum specimens can tell us a great deal about migratory pathways, how different species are related to each other, genetic changes through time and surprising details about bird color.

Andy Jones, Ph.D. is the William A. and Nancy R. Klamm Endowed Chair of Ornithology at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Andy was among 35 prominent American ornithologists to be named an Elective Member of the American Ornithologists' Union in 2009. After finishing his Ph.D. at the Bell Museum of Natural History, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior of the University of Minnesota, Dr. Jones co-authored research that revised the taxonomy of the terns of the world, and is pursuing similar work on the pygmy-owls. His work also involves the evolutionary history of birds in the Philippines and Appalachians. Andy is an editorial consultant to the Cleveland Bird Calendar, and chair of the research committee at Black Swamp Bird Observatory.

Programs are held at the Anderson's Activity Center located at 1833 South Holland-Sylvania Road, just a 1/2 mile south of St. John's High School. Programs are open to the public and members alike. Snacks and refreshments served afterward.

Sunday, January 29, 8:30 a.m. Winter Gulls and Ducks - Depending on ice conditions on the lake and river, we could see up to fifteen species of ducks and a nice variety of winter gulls such as Glaucous, Iceland, and Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Potential areas to visit include Bayshore Power Plant, north Toledo (Lotus Drive, etc.), the Maumee River and Erie Power. Dress warmly, pack your favorite hot beverage, and meet leader Tom Kemp at 8:30 a.m. at the public access on Bayshore Road in Oregon, just east of the power plant. This trip will be dependent on birds, ice conditions, and weather. Please check www.rarebird.org, or www.toledonaturalist.org web sites for announcements on cancellations.

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CBC Results

Toledo

Congratulations to the Toledo Christmas Bird Count participants! Birders on Sunday, December 18 Toledo CBC crushed the former all-time high Ohio CBC species count. The former record of 99 (set here in Toledo last year) was whacked pretty seriously by this year’s CBC participants who tallied a rather amazing 108 species.

Good weather on Sunday, mild to-date December conditions, excellent count circle coverage, and – more than anything – a large contingent of top-notch birders led to the record-breaking result. For the first time ever, the open waters of Maumee Bay were covered (by a couple of foolhardy souls!), and our list was rewarded.

-Dickcissel – first-ever Toledo CBC record (Pearson Metropark Window on Wildlife)
-Great egret (2) – first-ever Toledo CBC record (two locations)
-Black scoter – third-ever Toledo CBC record (open waters of Maumee Bay)
-Surf scoter (2) – third-ever Toledo CBC record (open waters of Maumee Bay)
-Long-tailed duck (12) – highest-ever Toledo CBC count
-Wilson’s snipe (3) – second-ever Toledo CBC Record (Pearson Metropark North)
-Sandhill crane – second-ever Toledo CBC record (flyover @ Bayshore Power Plant)

Other good birds on the list included Snow goose, Cackling goose, Horned grebe, Red-shouldered hawk, Rough-legged hawk, Merlin, Dunlin, Glaucous gull, Northern saw-whet owl, Red-headed woodpecker, Northern shrike, Marsh wren, Gray catbird, Lincoln’s sparrow, an Eastern meadowlark. More than 3,000 Tundra swans were tallied – the vast majority at Little Cedar Point NWR. - Matt Anderson

Grand Rapids/Waterville

For the 5th consecutive year, the Grand Rapids-Waterville Christmas counters found at least 80 species. Yesterday's total, an even 80, was highlighted by the count's first ever Long-tailed duck and Horned grebe. Hot on the heels of these birds was the 2nd ever Palm warbler. Other noteworthy finds included Cackling geese, bobwhite, Peregrine falcon, Glaucous gull, N. Saw-whet owl, and Chipping sparrow. Thanks to the cadre of dedicated observers who withstood the occasional bouts of rain and special thanks to Terri and Chuck for hosting the always delicious and delightful countdown. - Tom Kemp

The TNA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that we are are currently selling copies of the "Birds of the Toledo Area" by Matt Anderson, Eric Durbin, Tom Kemp, and Steve Lauer. This book, published in 2002 is the updated work of Lou Campbell (1968), which in turn is an update of Campbell's 1940 "Birds of Lucas County".

The book contains species accounts for all birds recorded in the Toledo Area giving status, habitat, migration timing, record early and late dates, high numbers recorded, etc. This newest version also contains bar graphs indicating seasonal occurrence and abundance.

The books are being sold for $18.50 for members and $22.50 for non-members. Books purchased in person at monthly meetings remain at $16.00 for members and $20.00 for non-members.

Books may be purchased through Elliot Tramer by calling 419.877.2756, writing to 11342 Birch Pointe Dr., Whitehouse, OH 43571 or emailing to etramer at sbcglobal.net.

Punch in access code 86701#
You are able to leave a message just like the old number after the recording.

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Members of the TNA Board are interested in hearing from you!

Click HERE to fill out a survey and let us know what you think!

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Are you a visitor but not a member?

Click HERE to find out more about becoming a member of the Toledo Naturalists' Association.

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.

The Toledo Naturalists' Association 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 Web Site.