Panorama | Spring 2016

panorama

Spring 2016

American Crows Page 4

Vernal Ponds Page 6

The Sounds of the Chickadee Page 7

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A New Year for the Natural World NATHAN J. SMALLWOOD Executive Director

Each spring morning while I walk in to the Center, I’m greeted with an exquisite chorus. Our location along the shores of Lake Michigan provides me, a bird watcher, extraordinary opportunities to see many of my favorite vibrant birds, who are only visible during spring migration.

In this edition of Panorama, Center staff celebrate birds. You’ll read how to begin interpreting bird song through one common bird found year-round at Schlitz Audubon, the Blackcapped Chickadee. We offer suggestions on how to make your yard bird friendly, and how you can take an active role in Citizen Science by providing data for the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II. Schlitz Audubonis growing our Citizen Science programming. This spring we are expanding our pond, bluebird, butterfly, and wildflower efforts. See our calendar to discover how you can join in.

Spring also brings many changes to the land. In the following pages, you’ll learn some of the secrets as to what makes a pond vernal, when to start looking for the American Woodcock’s aerial dance, blossoming wildflowers, and talkative frogs.

In our raptor feature, we set the record straight about one of the smartest and most interesting birds: crows, and we feature our resident American Crow, Loki.

While I write this, a Red-phase Eastern Screech Owl is perched on a tree behind the building, quietly scanning its surroundings. The Chickadee Preschool class made the discovery, and reveled in the day’s excitement by sharing their sighting with the rest of the Center. This is just today’s example of how our Preschool offers unique experiences to children.

As a member, volunteer, or donor your support has provided the habitat that attracted this owl to the Center. On behalf of this lovely Screech Owl, thank you for making a difference at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers John Grunau President Tim Gerend Past President Sanderson S. ‘Andy’ Read Treasurer Meg Kinney Secretary Jane B. Bell VP-Development John E. ‘Jack’ Gebhardt VP-Governance Board Jonathan T. Bloom Shane Delsman Margarete R. Harvey Kevin J. Kane Eva Osborne Justin K. Patrick Arthur T. Phillips Benjamin F. Rikkers Nicholas H. Robinson Carol Wolcott Mai Der Yang Past Presidents John H. Kopmeier, Jr. Philip R. Smith Dennis L. Fisher Terrence K. Knudsen Thomas J. McCutcheon Thomas B. Fitzgerald Randolph H. Dean Stephen F. Geimer Thomas J. Drought David K. Hoover John S. McGregor Margarete R. Harvey Honorary Directors Edwin P. Wiley Director Emeritus Dorothy K. Vallier (1910-2013)

Schlitz Audubon is an independent, locally supported partner of the National Audubon Society.

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Spring 2016 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

SEASONAL SIGHTINGS Visit the Center and discover spring!

CASSIE RINCON Naturalist

In spring, throughout the Center’s diverse habitats, plants and animals alike prepare to create the next generation.

The American Woodcock has a distinct appearance and an even more distinct mating ritual. Join Bird Club on April 13 for an after-hours guided hike in search the male’s elusive sky dance. We’ll listen for their “peent” sound and watch as they launch into the sky, then fly in circles.

When concluding their acrobatic display, woodcocks zig-zag back to the ground while chirping. This is an exciting after dusk behavior that we are fortunate to observe in our Midwestern prairie habitat.

In May flowers appear. A flower’s main goal is to become pollinated by newly-hatched insects, and then to produce seeds for the next generation. Search within the woods for those first blooms of the year, including Bloodroot, Virginia Bluebell, and Trillium. Some flowers only last for a few weeks, so explore often to spot new blooms.

In June experience the sights and sounds of Mystery Lake. Early in the month, catch a chorus of commonly seen Green Frog and American Bullfrog males claiming their territory. By late June, White Lilies start blooming and paint a picturesque pond for pollination.

Every week spring offers new wonders to behold, whether visiting forest, pond, or prairie.

American Woodcock photo taken at Schlitz Audubon Bird Club in 2015.

Virginia Bluebell

Spring 2016 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

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RAPTOR EDUCATION

Changing the Notion on Crows LINDSAY FOCHT OBERMEIER Raptor Educator & Lead Trainer

Very few species generate a mix of public emotion like the crow. Seen as friend or foe, crows have adapted well to human presence, intermingling with us, sharing our land, shelter, and food. Crows are in the family Corvidae, which includes ravens, jays, and magpies. In the U.S., we have two distinct species of crow. Fish Crows are found anywhere near water in the east and southern coastal regions. American Crows are found everywhere throughout North America, including Wisconsin.

Our negative perceptions of crows are deeply rooted more in culture than fact. In the 14th century, Plague ravaged Europe. Looking for food sources, as omnivores, crows naturally responded by scavenging on bodies; people therefore began associating the birds’ presence with death. In the late 19th Century, a German scientist named Ludwig Edinger studied the physical structure of the crow brain. As it was not as physically complex as ours, Edinger concluded they could not be capable of intelligence, coining the term “bird brain.”

But research has since shown that Edinger picked the wrong bird to deem unintelligent; studies are shedding light on the intellectual capabilities of the family Corvidae. John Marzluff is a Wildlife Professor at the University of Washington. His research proves that crows exhibit facial recognition, recalling people they have interacted with in the past.

In his book Gifts of the Crow, Marzluff explains that the crow brain forms memories and learns from mistakes just like we do. In fact, a crow’s brain is proportionally larger than ours!

crows have strong communication skills and complex social lives. Deep, guttural caws signal that a predator is nearby. Cawing to others while flying keeps tabs on everyone’s whereabouts.

Quiet ‘coos’ while perched with one’s mate convey admiration.

These birds love to play, which is a behavior that scientists often observe in the most intelligent members of the animal kingdom.

Crows have been spotted using tools, sledding, and playing tag with each other.

I encourage you to spend more time watching these complex creatures. You’ll quickly learn that there is more to them than meets the eye. And they’re perceptive enough to learn the same about you.

RAPTOR SPOTLIGHT Loki, the Center’s male American Crow, hatched in 2011. At the age of two, he arrived at a California wildlife center unable to perch or fly. With proper care, Loki regained these skills and was placed in an enclosure with wild crows while waiting to be released. But Loki only wanted the company of humans, not other crows. Because of this behavior, he was deemed imprinted and non-releasable. Loki is smart and social, and loves teaching kids how to recycle. He also enjoys painting and searching for mealworms in his caching box. A caching box mimics many species’ natural instinct to hide storage caches of food that they return to throughout winter.

It’s no surprise that with their advanced cognitive abilities, 4

Spring 2016 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

RAPTOR EDUCATION

Spring 2016 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

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EDUCATION

Vernal Ponds JESSY KNOX School Programs Manager

Spring signifies the start of a new year in the natural world. After the Vernal Equinox on March 20, the days are finally longer than the nights, adding sunlight and meltwater to the landscape. Snow and ice melt become a patchwork of temporary, or ephemeral ponds; also known as vernal ponds. In Latin vernal means spring, and vernal ponds are usually at their maximum depth after the snow melts.

In order to be a true ephemeral pond, the pond must experience not just inundation of water in the spring, but also complete desiccation, or drying, during a normal year. The drying of these ponds prevents fish from living there, and subsequently allows fragile amphibian populations, such as Wood Frogs and Blue Spotted Salamanders, to thrive.

Adult salamanders may visit the pond only briefly to reproduce and then return to the forest and their life under a log. The ephemeral pools form essential habitats that are teeming with life. Besides amphibians, we find a diversity of insect life, such as dragonfly nymphs, Phantom Midge Larva and, of course, mosquito larva, waiting to hatch. All of these species are important food sources for the larger mouths in and around the pond.

One creature that looks like a delicious meal waiting to happen even has a tasty name: Fairy Shrimp.

These graceful and gentle crustaceans often live in vernal ponds because their slow means of locomotion and their large size (up to two inches long) make them an easy meal for both fish and birds.

Fairy Shrimp are sometimes used as an indicator species to suggest whether a pond is a vernal pond.

We find them at Teal Pond, one of our vernal ponds at Schlitz Audubon.

Fairy Shrimp are also found at Boardwalk Pond, which does not dry completely, so it is not an ephemeral pond. But Boardwalk Pond does experience desiccation from evapotranspiration all around it’s edges, shrinking to nearly half it’s volume in the hottest part of summer. Fairy Shrimp eggs laid on the edges of Boardwalk Pond will likely dry up and that’s a good thing. Their eggs are capable of entering cryptobiosis, a state of apparent lifelessness, which allows them to survive desiccation when most other animals, including fish, cannot.

This is a handy adaptation for an organism that might need to endure long periods of dry and cold.

Cryptobiosis, combined with the absence of fish, is why we find Fairy Shrimp at both Teal and Boardwalk Ponds in spring.

Make sure to visit the Center’s ponds and witness the vernal activity!

FEATURE

ZOE FINNEY Graphic Designer

Spring 2016 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

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FEATURE Birdsong is how most people notice birds, even those who are not birders. If you’ve spent any time outdoors, you have definitely heard several different birds singing, but maybe it’s always been in the background. And although birds are some the most exquisite singers, learning their songs can be intimidating and overwhelming. Have you ever walked through the woods at dawn during the height of spring migration? The chorus is breathtaking, but many species have complex and varied songs that can be tricky to remember or distinguish. If you are where I am at with birdsong, you may find yourself asking “Was that an American Robin or a Rose-breasted Grosbeak? Or could it have been a Baltimore Oriole or Scarlet Tanager?” If you look up recordings of their songs, you’ll hear what I mean.

Experts suggest starting with the local species, the birds that hang around your neighborhood all year, to learn birdsong and general identification in order to develop a baseline of knowledge. Just like learning a new language, you start with learning the alphabet, not suddenly writing a complex essay. We are going to take this idea one step further and focus only on one bird, the Black-capped Chickadee.* While there are other species that stay in Milwaukee through all seasons who are also beautiful singers—American Goldfinch, American Robin, House Finch—arguably none are more adorable than the chickadee.

Chickadees are a great place to start for a few reasons. They have one of the simpler and recognizable (but not less beautiful!) songs and calls. Chickadees have one general song, unlike some birds who have dozens of variations. Throughout their range, which is most of the upper half of the United States and all of Canada, their song and call are fairly consistent from state to state. There are outliers though. For example, on Martha’s Vineyard a chickadee sings their song backwards from the rest of the U.S. And in the Pacific Northwest, they generally add an extra syllable to their song.1 Although the chickadee has a simple song (2-3 syllables) and call, compared to a House Wren’s 12-16 syllable song, it is no less complex in meaning. Ornithologists are constantly studying bird language, and what the songs, calls, and alarms indicate. It is an entire language that we as humans will never fully understand, but there are some basics we can all grasp.

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SONGS In general, if a bird is singing, it is either defending territory, trying to attract a mate, or communicating with a mate. In most species, the male is the only singer, but there are exceptions. Occasionally Black-capped Chickadee females will sing to communicate with their partner, as a way of saying “Here I am!” The chickadee song is a two or three syllable whistled “Hey, Sweetie” or “Fee-bee.” Although chickadees do not actually say the phrase “Hey, sweetie,” birders have come up with words or phrases which have a similar syllabic pattern to the bird song to help internalize the song, known as a mnemonic device. Chickadees begin dreaming of spring early. In Wisconsin, their song can usually be heard for the first time around the first week in January, which is triggered by the lengthening hours of sunlight, but certainly not by temperature. As spring progresses, the males will sing loudly and more frequently.

ALARMS AND CALLS Birds communicate with each other to let the others know if danger is near, if food is near, and to stay in contact. Black-capped Chickadees have a few different calls to indicate different levels of danger. They actually get their name from their alarm call, an onomatopoeia, chick-a-dee-dee-dee. The number of “dees” that follow the “chick-a” indicate to the rest of the flock the intensity and proximity of danger. For example, if a chickadee is warning the rest of the group of a perched Great-horned Owl (who is not generally a predator of chickadees), he may say “chick-a-dee-dee-dee-dee.”

But if a Sharp-shinned Hawk (a main predator of chickadees) is perched nearby, it could sound like “chick-a-dee-dee-dee-deedee-dee-dee.” Researchers have found that depending on the danger, somewhere between five to twenty three “dees” can be added. 2 And if that Sharp-shinned Hawk starts moving, a high but quiet “Tseet” call will go out from a male telling everyone to freeze in place, because danger is imminent. Once danger has passed, a male will give an “all clear” chick-a-dee-dee-dee, to let the flock know they can go about their business again.2

Spring 2016 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

FEATURE Chickadees also have a social hierarchy within flocks. There is a gargle call that is used mainly in this context, especially during breeding season. If one chickadee enters another’s territory, or tries to claim food that isn’t theirs, the gargle will be sounded. It’s also used between pairs.

It can be difficult to describe the songs and calls of birds on paper, so if you’d like to listen to recordings of the songs or calls mentioned in this article, visit Cornell’s All About Birds website www. allaboutbirds.org and search “Black-capped Chickadee.” Or, better yet, take a hike and see if you are able to identify the chickadee by song or alarm out in nature.

TIPS FOR LEARNING BIRD SONG Now that we have covered the basics of the Black-capped Chickadee, you may be ready to begin learning the songs and calls of other birds. The audio set Peterson Field Guides: Birding by Ear by Richard K. Walton and Robert W. Lawson is a great intro to bird song. The authors group the birds logically, play each song mutliple times and give quizzes at the end of each set to help with memory.

Stokes Field Guide to Bird Songs: Eastern Region by Donald Stokes is also another audio set that is widely used by birders.

There are electronic tools that can aid learning as well. Merlin Bird ID is an app contains songs, chips, and calls of hundreds of birds throughout North America, so you could repeat a song over and over until it sticks. Visit Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology website and play “Bird Song Hero,” a bird song learning game they developed.

Find an experienced group of birders to go birding with. They will be helpful in pointing out songs if you ask, and birders are generally friendly, helpful teachers.

If you are out in the field and do not have any of these resources handy, I’ve learned to write down what I’m hearing, and try to look it up later. Write how many syllables you hear, how many seconds of silence are between the start of each song, and scribble any “phrases” that you may hear the bird saying. Some websites and field guides contain mnemonic phrases, so it could aid in an ID! And finally, one of the best ways to learn bird song is to spend time in nature, actually listening to the birds. It may not come easy, but don’t give up! It can be a tricky skill to learn, but as you begin to recognize birds by their voice, you will feel connected to nature in a whole new way.

SOURCES 1

Kroodsma, Donald. The Singing Life of Birds: The Art and Science of Listening to Birdsong. New York City: Houghton Mifflin, 2005.

Schwarz, Joel, and Chris Templeton. “Chickadees’ Alarm-calls Carry Information about Size, Threat of Predator.” Www.washington.edu. June 23, 2005. Accessed February 15, 2016. http://www.washington.edu/ news/2005/06/23/chickadees-alarm-calls-carry-information-about-size-threat-of-predator/. * Young, Jon. What the Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World. New York City: Mariner Books, 2012. * ”Black-capped Chickadee.” Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds. Accessed February 15, 2016. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-capped_Chickadee/id.

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Beyond Birdfeeders JEAN STRELKA Naturalist

Many of us fill our birdfeeders with high quality seed in hopes of luring bright red cardinals and cheery chickadees to our yards. Birdfeeders, however, are only one step. While there are a certain number of birds that eat seeds and suet there are many more that don’t. Birds need bugs. 96% of all bird species need insects to stuff into the gaping mouths of their hungry chicks. Some people go so far as to purchase, or even raise, mealworms to feed the birds.

But there’s an easier way: grow native plant species.

According to Doug Tallamy’s book, Bringing Nature Home, native plants do the best job of attracting native insects. Naturally, native insects attract native birds. Yet many of us pre-

fer to plant exotic species precisely because they are not eaten by bugs. But what does that mean for the birds? According to Tallamy, this means a decrease in biodiversity. We may be aware that loss of habitat is the greatest threat to biodiversity but what we sometimes fail to consider is that part of the habitat is in our own yards!

We can all make a difference. Oak, willow, cherry, and birch trees are among the top trees for attracting native insects.

Many of us may already have these trees, but may need to reconsider our mindset a bit. Every time we notice a few caterpillars munching the oak trees we need to resist the urge to reach for the insecticide, and understand those insects not as mere pests, but as potential bird food.

Spring 2016 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

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FEATURE

Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II CARRIE BECKER Grants Specialist

Once you’ve gotten your yard bird-ready and have started to attune your ear to birdsong, you might be ready for another step in birding – taking part in a huge, ongoing Citizen Science project happening right here in our state called the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II (WBBA II). All you really need to do is carefully watch birds!

If you’ve ever seen a Killdeer displaying its “broken wing” act on the side of a gravel road, or a goldfinch carrying a puff of thistle in its beak, you’ve actually observed breeding behavior. The Killdeer maneuver is a distraction display to move a would-be predator away from its nest, and the goldfinch is carrying one of its favorite nest building materials.

By observing bird behavior and taking notes of what you see, and where you’ve seen it, you can contribute to a growing database administered through eBird for WBBA II. Observations can range from simply seeing a bird on a nest, identifying a courtship display, or even finding a bird in the right habitat in the right season. It all helps!

WBBA II is a five-year volunteer-driven effort to survey the distribution and abundance of our state’s breeding birds. The project started in 2015, and will last until 2019. Building on the earlier Atlas I (which ran from 1995–2000), the project is critical in helping monitor species range and population change over the last 20 years.

Your observations — in the field, in your local park, or from your window — will help guide conservation for years to come.

In 2015, more than 700 volunteer birders submitted observations to WBBA II. They documented over 1.8 million birds of 229 species, and organizers considered the initial year to be a very successful first step.

But with four years of field work remaining there is still much to be done – they hope to build upon this momentum to grow the base of Atlasers to more than 1000 volunteers in season two. You can be part of this amazing project and take your birding to the next level in the process.

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A Killdeer doing its “broken wing” display at Horicon Marsh, June 2015

A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher working on its nest.

An American Goldfinch collecting thistle.

Atlas Kickoff Meeting Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, Wausau | April 1 - 3

Join birders from around the state for the WBBA II season two kick-off, a weekend devoted to all things Atlas: field trips, specialized training geared to both first-time and returning Atlasers, panel discussions, and a chance to swap stories at Birds & Beers.

Find more events online at http://wsobirds.org/atlas-events

Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas II is a project of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Western Great Lakes Bird and Bat Observatory, and Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative. Learn more by visiting wsobirds.org/atlas. In addition to her work at Schlitz Audubon, Carrie is also the Communications Chair for the WBBAII.

Spring 2016 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

DEVELOPMENT PRESCHOOL

Discover the Fun of Puddles JENNIFER LEIBHAM Preschool Teacher

Spring at the Nature Preschool is full of vibrant colors, wildflowers in the woodlands, and of course puddles! We joke that we have three seasons: Autumn, Winter, and Mud. We put on rain pants, step into boots and explore Schlitz Audubon, looking for as many puddles as we can find.

There are different types of puddles described by our preschoolers: squishy, squelchy, splashy, and boot-sucking. When we find the boot sucking mud, we teach children to point their toes to the sky and pull their foot upwards. This way boots don’t get left behind.

In our playspaces children use brushes and puddle water to paint tree cookies and logs. They push wheelbarrows to puddles, fill them with water, and roll them back to the sand area. Preschoolers build moats, create smaller puddles to splash in, and make a lot of soup! While playing with mud children build their ability to think and play critically, creatively, and imaginatively.

Nature Preschool Instills Life Skills KATIE SPARKS Director of Development

When our environmentally-friendly building was built 13 years ago, donors, board members, and community partners joined together to make the Center’s Nature Preschool a reality. Since then, the Preschool has become an integral part of Schlitz Audubon. Through the Preschool, hundreds of children developed an intimate understanding of our natural world.

Children have boundless curiosity, and a question facing any parent today is how to both stimulate and satiate their appetite for discovery. Choosing to engage their inquisitiveness with nature’s majesty is the perfect answer. It is marvelous to hear a three-year-old explain how squirrels hide acorns to eat in wintertime, some of which later grow up to become new oak trees. Or the time they spend on our lakeshore experiencing the sounds of the waves and the feel of the sand. These children are learning to celebrate nature in all of its variation, fragility, and splendor.

A two-year academic study conducted at our Preschool was recently published in the journal Young Children. Among many conclusions bolstering the value of an upbringing alongside nature, the study found, “Children’s play in natural settings is more diverse and includes more imaginative and creative play than in non-natural settings.” The study found that experiences where preschoolers have personal connections with animals and plants in nature help to promote children’s development of prosocial behaviors, such as respect, empathy, gratitude, teamwork, and friendship.

These experiences happen not only for students enrolled in our Preschool, but also through our other early childhood education programs: our urban outreach partnerships with children from Malaika Early Learning Center and Educare of Milwaukee, Audubon Babies (6 - 24 months), Hand-in-Hand (2 - 4 years).

Your philanthropic support of our Preschool means children can make connections with nature, and creates the next generation of engaged and well-rounded community members.

Schlitz Audubon’s Annual Gala

Sometimes we gaze into puddles to find living creatures. While observing puddles we find eggs, worms, frogs, mosquito larva, and other critters making their homes there.

We call these “living puddles.” Many times we check back and see if our critters are still there. If not, we talk about where they may have gone.

So put on your rain boots and search for some puddles! Don’t forget to look down and explore these seasonal treasures.

Save the Date Friday, June 3

Thank You to our Sponsors Baird Foundation BDO BMO Harris Bank Foley & Lardner, LLP Godfrey & Kahn, S.C.

Dorothy Inbusch Foundation Fiduciary Management, Inc. Johnson Controls Foundation Northwestern Mutual Foundation We Energies

Spring 2016 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

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CALENDAR Adult Program Family Program Preschool Program Handicap Accessible Member Price Non-Member Price Pre-Registration

Pre-registration helps us prepare for our programs. There will be an additional $2.00 charge for walk-in participants attending a program that requires pre-registration.

Youth price is for those ages 3–17.

18 and up are charged the adult price.

Refunds will only be given to those who cancel 14 or more days before a program. If Schlitz Audubon cancels a program, refunds will be given.

Call 414-352-2880 x0 to register.

Audubon Babies: Exploring Nature with the Very Young* Wednesday, April 6 | 10:00am - 11:15am Wednesday, April 20 | 10:00am - 11:15am Wednesday, May 11 | 10:00am - 11:15am

Children are never too young to experience nature. Hike on trails packed with sensory exploration and make new friends. Dress for the weather; we explore outdoors rain, snow, or shine. (Waterproof shoes or boots are recommended.) This program is for children 6 months to 24 months and their adult.

Citizen Science Training Schlitz Audubon is growing our Citizen Science participation by offering new opportunities for volunteer engagement. Citizen Scientists help catalog data about the land, as well as the plants and animals who call it home. This data actively informs our land management staff’s restoration efforts and the larger community about the state of the environment.

Saturday, April 9 | 9:30am – 11:00am

Aquatic Macroinvertebrates and Aquatic Plants Saturday, April 2 | 9:30am - 11:30am Eastern Bluebird Nest Boxes Saturday, May 7 | 10:00am - 12:00pm Blooming Flowers of Spring Saturday, May 21 | 9:00am - 12:00pm Butterfly Count Saturday, June 11 | 10:00am - 3:00pm Rain Date: Sunday, June 12 | 10:00am 3:00pm

This spring, we are offering four educational Citizen Science training sessions. These programs will explore that topic and introduce the methods for Citizen Science in the area. Participants will then have the opportunity to volunteer to collect data for the Center.

Raptor Saturday

Saturday, April 2 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm Saturday, May 7 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm Saturday, June 4 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm

April Bird migration is a phenomenal feathered feat! How do birds travel such incredible distances to arrive here? We will discuss the tools birds need in order to make their epic journeys. How far does the furthest migrant go?

Which species stay in Wisconsin over winter?

Are migration patterns changing? Our Raptors will teach you all about bird migration.

May Spring is a great time to view the birds migrating to the Center. We’ll use our Raptor Team as live models. You’ll learn what to look for, identification basics, and some handy tools every birder should have. After the program head outside and put your skills to use!

June Join raptor handlers in comparing eagle species around the world. How is a Harpy Eagle different from a Philippine Eagle? Does the color on a Bateleur’s face really change?

And how does our Bald Eagle size up? Their power and stealth make these birds the rulers of the sky.

Free with membership or admission

Sponsored by:

Adults M: $7 | NM: $12 Youth are free Pre-registration is required for all sessions.

Spring Hand in Hand*

Thursday, April 7 | April Showers Thursday, April 21 | Frog and Toad Thursday, May 5 | Wake Up Pond Thursday, May 19 | A Nest Full of Eggs Session 1 | 9:00am - 10:15am Session 2 | 10:30am - 11:45am

Explore nature with your little ones! We will hike, play, do art activities, and listen to a story. Dress for the weather; we explore outdoors rain or shine. We recommend waterproof shoes or boots. This program is for 2 - 4 year olds and their adult. See p.14 for summer.

M: $12 per pair per program NM: $17 per pair per program

Spiritual World of Nature: Clear Guidance from Nature* Tuesday, April 5 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Author and Reiki Master-Teacher Cathy Enoch shares excerpts from her book, Feminine Rising: Experience Your Life in a New Way. Cathy illuminates how nature can offer guidance for, and even answers to, questions and personal challenges. Stay for a guided inner experience (meditation), inviting nature to speak within you for assistance with your current challenging issue.

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M: $12 per pair per program NM: $17 per pair per program

M: $10 NM: $15 Spring 2016 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

Plants: Let’s Get Growing* Now that it is spring, let’s turn our attention to the plants as they begin to green up the scenery. Join Shelly Rollins to find out what it takes to make a plant grow. Through stories, activities, and a hike, we learn what plants need. This program is for families with children up to age 7. An adult must accompany children; adults are free.

M: $5 per youth NM: $10 per youth

Photo Club*

Wednesday, April 13 | 5:00pm - 6:00pm Wednesday, May 11 | 5:00pm - 6:00pm Wednesday, June 8 | 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Photographers of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in monthly hikes. Center Naturalist Cassie Rincon guides participants to locations that offer unique photographic opportunities. Everyone works together to further their art, share photography ideas, and capture memories. Schlitz Audubon does not provide cameras.

Free with membership or admission

Bird Club*

Wednesday, April 13 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm Wednesday, May 11 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm Wednesday, June 8 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Co-presented with Milwaukee Audubon Society. In April, we’ll seek out the male American Woodcock’s “sky dance.” In May and June, we’ll search for spring migrants and residents.

Please check our online calendar for specific topics. Plan to hike outside; binoculars are available. Young adults are welcome.

Free to all

CALENDAR Environmental Voices | Banning DDT: How Citizen Activists in Wisconsin Led the Way* Sunday, April 17 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Join author Bill Berry as he presents his book, Banning DDT: How Citizen Activists in Wisconsin Led the Way. His talk includes engaging stories and details of the citizens, scientists, reporters, and traditional conservationists who drew attention to the harmful effects of the so-called “miracle pesticide,” DDT. Berry tells of how local hunters, fisherman, birdwatchers, and gardeners like Lorrie Otto banded together to make a positive impact in our community. Co-sponsored with Boswell Book Company.

Free with membership or admission

Signs of Spring Hike* Tuesday, April 19 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Explore the intimations of spring on a hike led

by Don Quintenz. To an unexperienced eye it may seem as though nature is still in its winter slumber, but for some species spring began months ago. April reveals a host of animals in the midst of their active cycle.

M: $7 NM: $12

Earthday Workday* Saturday, April 23 | 10:00am - 12:00pm

We all live on Planet Earth and need to care for our habitat together. Spend the morning working with Center Naturalists to improve the shoreline and wetlands at Schlitz Audubon. Become Citizen Scientists by collecting litter from the shoreline and recording our findings with the Alliance for the Great Lakes.

We’ll also find out more about the mystery snails in Mystery Lake. Bring your own lunch.

Free to all

Saturday Bird Walks

Saturday, April 30 | 7:30am Saturday, May 7 | 7:30am Saturday, May 14 | 7:30am

Paul Boyer has lead spring bird walks for adults at the Center for many years. He is an expert birder and can find those rare birds that often seem to elude birders. Meet in the main parking lot.

Free to all

Water Shapes Wisconsin Exhibit Monday, May 2 – Sunday, May 15

It is impossible to fully understand Wisconsin–its history, culture and prospects for the future–without an appreciation of water’s power to create opportunities, influence decisions, and shape the events that become our shared history. For two weeks, you can view this new traveling exhibit that teaches about our relationship with water.

Spring Astronomy with Binoculars* Monday, May 2 | 8:30pm - 10:00pm

Trace three serpents in the spring sky, along with other constellations. Learn the legend of Berenice’s hair and how it got into the sky.

Explore star clusters, double stars, Jupiter’s moons, and get a closer view through telescopes. Bring your binoculars, a warm jacket, and a reclining lawn chair.

M: Youth $5 | Adult $7 NM: Youth $10 | Adult $12

Spiritual World of Nature: Nature’s Lesson About Differences* Tuesday, May 3 | 10:00am – 11:00am

Rabbi Emeritus Jay Brickman leads this philosophical discussion about the importance of diversity. A great challenge facing contemporary society in politics and religion is an aversion to differences. During this discussion, we’ll explore indicators in nature that show the value of diversity in a thriving community. Rabbi Brickman demonstrates why embracing love for those different from us is an important Biblical commandment.

M: $10 NM: $15

Environmental Voices: Wildflower Conservation* Friday, May 6 | 9:00am – 3:00pm

Local conservation groups can be crucial in the preservation of important wildlife habitats. One of the best local examples is Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation (CLCF) in Washington County. Join Don Quintenz and CLCF Executive Director Bob Boucher for a tour of two of their properties. We will first visit some pristine wetlands on Gilbert Lake, and the headwaters for Big Cedar Lake. Afterwards we will venture over to Fox Hill Nature Preserve, one of the best examples of a southern maple woods in southeastern Wisconsin.

We will tour this 145-acre site at the best time for wildflowers and warblers. Transportation provided; bring a bag lunch.

M: $32 NM: $37

16th Annual Amphibian Search* Saturday, May 7 | 9:00am - 12:00pm

Meet Jim Hyatt at the Southern Kettle Moraine and you’ll explore amphibian breeding ponds. Jim will bring nets and hip waders to search these ponds for frogs and salamanders.

You might even find a turtle or giant water bug! A map and directions will be sent out upon registration.

M: Adult $10 | Youth $6 NM: Adult $15 | Youth $11

Raptors in Focus Photo Shoot*

Saturday, May 14 | 9:00am – 12:00pm Rain Date: Sunday, May 15 | 9:00am – 12:00pm

Lights, Camera, Action! Join for our annual Raptors in Focus photo shoot! Bring your camera and get up close and personal with our amazing birds of prey. This is a unique opportunity to see and photograph these spectacular birds. Enjoy photos for yourself or submit them for consideration for our 2017 Schlitz Audubon Raptor Calendar.

Fantastic Frogs*

Saturday, May 14 | 9:30am – 11:00am

Now that spring is warming the ponds, celebrate the fantastic frogs living at the Center!

Join Shelly Rollins in discovering the frogs that live here and learn about their life cycles.

Through stories, activities, and a hike we learn about metamorphosis, frog calls, and where to find frogs. This program is for families with children up to age 7. An adult must accompany children. Adults are free.

Spring 2016 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

M: $5 per youth NM: $10 per youth

Discovery Nature Hiking*

Tuesday, May 17 | 9:00am - 10:00am

Experience the wonders of spring as we walk along the meadows, woods, and wetlands on the upper level of the land. Don Quintenz guides you to the seasonal events that stir our sense of beauty or imagination and help answer the questions that nature evokes in us.

The entire program takes place on the trail.

M: $7 NM: $12

Door County Getaway*

Tuesday, May 31 8:00am – Friday, June 3 8:00pm

This year’s itinerary includes an evening presentation and day tour of the Ridges .We will also tour Crossroads Nature Preserve and their fabulous new property Ida Bay Preserve, Europe Lake area of Newport State Park, Ridges new Appel’s Bluff, learn the geology and ecology of Whitefish Dunes, and a visit an eagle’s nest. Birds and flowers are prolific at this time of the year. We will stay in the comfort and luxury of Lawrence University’s beautiful Bjorklunden lodge on the shore of Lake Michigan. Commuters from Door County are welcomed. Interested persons can contact Don Quintenz for more information at 414-352-2880, ext. 156. Price includes transportation, lodging, interpretation, fees, and meals except for lunch and dinner on Friday at restaurants as we work our way home.

Free with membership or admission

M: Youth $15 | Adult: $40 NM: Youth 20 | Adult: $50

M: $578 Add $120 to cost for a single room NM: $660 Add $120 to cost for a single room 13

CALENDAR Repamphibiantile Sunday* Sunday, June 5 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Come experience our sunbathing, summer-loving friends’. Hold a snake and marvel at salamanders. Bring the whole family to gain a deeper understanding of these often misunderstood creatures.

Free with membership or admission

Summer Hand-in-Hand*

Ducks-a-Waddling June 6, June 7, June 8, June 9 Worms-a-Wiggling June 20, June 21, June 22, June 23 9:30am – 11:00am

M: $15 per pair per program NM: $20 per pair per program

Spiritual World of Nature | How to Help the Grieving* Thursday, June 9 | 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Rev. Dr. Barry W. Szymanski, J.D. explores grief, how to help someone who is grieving, and how nature can assist in dealing with grief. We will discuss the role nature has in the healing process, what nature teaches about the cycle of life, and how we can celebrate those who have shared their lives with us. Dr. Szymanski is both a minister and an estate attorney, providing him with a wide breadth of experience, uniquely qualifying him to consider the many sides of this important topic.

M: $20 NM: $25

Friday, June 24 6:00pm - Saturday, June 25 10:00am

Pitch your tent then head over to Mystery Lake where canoes and critter catching equipment await you. At nightfall trek to the beach for a campfire and s’mores! Sleep under the stars and in the morning share continental breakfast inside the building. Bring a tent, flashlight, and whatever else you need to camp overnight.

Explore the natural world with your young one during these special one-day programs.

Participate in free play, art, a story, and a nature hike. Four dates are offered for each program topic. Select the morning that works best for you. This program is for 2 - 4 year olds and their adult.

Hangin’ with Hyatt: Campin’ and Canoein’*

M: $100 per tent NM: $120 per tent

Environmental Voices | Lakeshore State Park Prairie* Wednesday June 29 | 8:30am - 11:30am

Explore Wisconsin’s only Urban State Park.

Tom Kroeger, Park Director, will be our guide as we discover Milwaukee’s 22-acre treasure. Learn about the extensive prairie plantings and the diverse biological life this natural oasis attracts, in addition to a history of the park’s development and a vision for its future. Transportation from Schlitz Audubon provided.

M: $17 NM: $22

Hatha Yoga Class*

Every Monday from 5:30pm – 6:45pm

Spring into relaxation with our yoga instructor Claire Stillman. Classes are designed for all levels of students, they are therapeutic in nature, and will be challenging at times. All students are taught to observe their body and breath, and to practice within their capacity.

We will move outside as the weather warms.

The first class is always free!

Summer Twilight Hikes

Thursday Evenings June 9 – August 18 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Join us on Thursday evenings for a Naturalist-guided hike. We’ll explore this enchanted time of evening together, looking and listening for who else is stirring in the forest, pond, and prairie.

Free with membership or admission Summer Evening Concerts

Tuesday Evenings June 7 – August 16 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Join us on Tuesday evenings for an hour long performance by local artists. Music will be from many genres including classical, blue grass, folk and jazz. Some entertainers may even involve the audience! Performances will take place at the pavilion, or the auditorium in case of inclement weather. Audience members are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, dinner, and refreshments to enjoy the show.

Free with membership or admission

Word with a Bird* Saturdays and Sundays | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Each Word with a Bird program focuses on the specific skills, traits, and adaptations that make that bird such a unique creature. Meet a different bird each time! While visiting the Center make sure to spend some time outdoors on the trails.

Free with membership or admission

M: $100 for 10 weeks $15 for single class NM: $120 for 10 weeks $20 for single class

Author Appearance by Helen Macdonald Author of H is for Hawk and Shaler’s Fish

Tuesday, April 12 | 7:00pm at Schlitz Audubon

Schlitz Audubon, in partnership with Boswell Book Company, is proud to welcome Helen Macdonald, for a talk, book signing, and meet and greet with two of our hawks.

Visit our Calendar of Events on our website for ticket purchasing details.

THANK YOU THANK YOU Memorials

Honoraria

Raptor Sponsorships

Thomas Bontly Charles Schuster

Carrie Becker Barbara & Stephen Becker

Lilias “Lil” Bruce Curt Joa Nancy & Arthur Laskin William & Sally Stevens

Jenna Benz Shawn Ashenberg

Barley – Barn Owl Libby Barrow & Family Sue B. Holcomb (In honor of Chelsea Beiler, Debbie Quin, Bruce Resnick)

Lorna Cadmus Robert & Nancy Cadmus

Dory – Northern Saw-whet Owl Libby Barrow & Family

Tim Gerend Greg & Rhonda Oberland

Nicco – Broad-winged Hawk Caryl Zaar

Jessica Huston Meetings & Incentives Worldwide, Inc.

Orion – Barred Owl Gwynne Kennedy & John DiClemente (In memory of Gail Seefeldt)

Mary J. Forecki Christine L. Clements Sharon & Jeremiah Dahle Donald & Karen Gesinski Wendy Laabs Michael & Susan Mikos Bernadine M. Ziemba Rich Giesen Marie Squire & Jeff Jara Todd Honeyager Bonnie M. Bruhn John LeMoine Anonymous Cheryl Bornemann Donald & Kathleen Kleckner Veronica & Jeffrey Stuck Tim McCarthy Janice Mahlberg & Michael DiOrio Dorothy K. Singer Catherine Singer

Cade LaLonde Amy Chionchio Chase LaLonde Amy Chionchio Sherry Lundell Anonymous Nancy Quinn Bernadine Williamsen Eileen Sperl & Family Linda R. Alloway Jacqueline Weber Marjorie Sutton

Bob & Lorna Skrivseth John Dyer & Theresa Skrivseth John Sohm William & Marlene Cory Laura & Stephen DeGuire Angie & Bob Gehred Klingers Chili Cook Off Gladys Martin Howard & Elaine Myers Nancy Neumann & Brian Monroe Larry & Nancy O’Toole Dr. & Mrs. James Rater Kathleen Saiia June Wallace

Tallulah – Turkey Vulture Greater Racine Avicultural Society Tskili – Great Horned Owl Anonymous Cynthia E. Samonte (In honor of Lia Singletary) Kathleen Kretzer (In honor of Cora Skye Darras) Tucker – Eastern Screech Owl Kathleen Kretzer (In honor of Olivia Peterson) Wind Chill McCloud – Snowy Owl Sandra L. Grung (In honor of Jill, Jasun, Lucy & Estelle Macek) Christine Hill Kathleen Kretzer (In honor of Evelina Peterson) Jon Neumann & Laura Shipley

Richard Stanley Tom & Bette Drought

Join us on social media!

Admission

FREE admission to Members Adults: $8 | Youth $5 (ages 3 — 17)

Hours

Open 7 days a week 9:00am - 5:00pm

1111 East Brown Deer Road | Milwaukee, WI 414-352-2880 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

Credits for Panorama | Spring 2016 Marketing Manager Nancy Quinn Design | Illustration | Select Photography Zoe Finney Editing | Select Writing Ed Makowski

Spring 2016 | www.schlitzaudubon.org

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Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

U.S. Postage

1111 East Brown Deer Road Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217

PAID

Milwaukee, WI Permit No. 4168

SPRING PANORAMA

Sunday, May 1 | 10:00am-4:00pm All Members $5

Birding hikes bird song id

Non-members Adult $10 | Youth $5 Carriage Rides Raptor flight program

All Parking at River hills Park & Ride | SHuttling provided Schlitz AUdubon Lot reserved for Handicap Parking only

www.schlitzaudubon.org for more details