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Indiana’s Rare Plants Online Program
Our first online program was a great success. 32 people enjoyed a wonderful presentation by Roger Hedge about Indiana's rare plants. Roger is an ecologist and botanist with the Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center in the Division of Nature Preserves, Department of Natural Resources. Roger covered the many reasons plants can be rare in Indiana along with beautiful pictures of many rare plants. Maps showed us where the plants can be found in Indiana and in the US. Some of the plants that are rare in Indiana are not rare elsewhere. Pictured is the prairie plant downy gentian (Gentiana puberulenta). This species is known from several counties in northwest Indiana, and at least one record from far southern Indiana in dry upland woods. As you go west into states with more prairies it becomes more common. Roger briefly discussed some reintroductions. He also shared a few of his anecdotes from time in the field to locate rare plants. Overall it was well done. The attendees saw lots of splendid photos from the bounty of nature in Indiana.
Celery Bog Field Trip
On October 31 Chuck Anderson led an ABAS field trip to Celery Bog Nature Area in West Lafayette. Fourteen birders enjoyed a clear, cool, crisp day. It was 32 degrees at the start. We began birding at a viewing platform and were able to spot and ID 11 duck species highlighted by Redhead and Northern Pintail. Also in view were 14 Tundra Swans, 1 Trumpeter Swan, 3 White-fronted Geese, and 2 Bald Eagles. The group was then taken by a local birder to an area where they were able to get great looks at a red-morph Eastern Screech Owl. Lastly, we shifted closer to the bridge and got close looks of an Eared Grebe, a life bird for several in the group. In all, it was a wonderful morning of birding.
LifeLines Nov/Dec 2020
Monthly Programs are back and online; Winter Finch Forecast – What Does it Mean for Indiana?; Working to Preserve Habitat in NE Indy; Behind the Lens: Mark Welter; November Program: Indiana’s Rare Plants (register online); December Program: Guatemala – A Birder's Paradise (register online); Sandhill Cranes at Jasper-Pulaski Field Trip (registration required); Fall Birding At Goose Pond (full); Field Trip Recaps; Local Hikes and more
LifeLines Sept/Oct 2020
This is What a Birder Looks Like; Behind the Lens: Dan Miller; An Unexpectedly Successful Birdathon; Monthly Programs Canceled for Now; Strawtown Koteewi Warbler Field Trip; Conner Prairie Field Trip; Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge Field Trip; Celery Bog Nature Area Field Trip; Local Bird Hikes; MASKS ON HIKES - It is anticipated that masks will be required for the majority of each field trip and local hike.
LifeLines May/Jun 2020
NOTE - Most May events in this newsletter are being canceled. Check the ABAS website calendar for updates. Corvids or COVID? Birding While Self-Isolating; Girls Gone Birding; Behind the Lens: Jason Jablonski; A Career in Birding: Sabrewing Nature Tours; Birdathon 2020; May Program: The Dark Side of Lepidoptera (being rescheduled to fall); Volunteer Training; Local Bird Hikes (almost all are being canceled)
LifeLines Mar/Apr 2020
Sound Advice: How to be All-ears this Spring; Behind the Lens: Shari McCollough; Help Birds at Home: Certified Wildlife Habitat Program; Dr. Karen Rasmussen Bequest: The Power of Giving; Three Rasmussen Projects – 1) White River Bluffs Nature Preserve by CILTI, 2) Outdoor Learning Lab at Holliday Park, 3) International Crane Foundation Whooping Crane Awareness in Indiana; March Program: A Season on the Wind: Spring Migration through the Midwest; April Program: Bird Rehabilitation with Liz Hatton; Woodcock Walks; Smith's Longspur Field Trip; Beers with Birders; Local Bird Hikes
Lifelines Jan/Feb 2020
New Year's Resolutions: Birder Style!; Local Scientist Helps Save Threatened Red Knots; Ecoblitz 2.0: Hoosier National Forest Reveals Undisturbed Woodland Ecosystem; The Making of Central Park: A Gem in Hamilton County; January Program: Te Best of Birding in Central America — Which Country is Right for You?; February Program: The Secret Love Life of Birds; Celery Bog Nature Area Field Trip; Lakefront Field Trip; Eagle Creek Photo Hike; Local Birds Hikes
LifeLines Nov/Dec 2019
The Making of Eagle Creek Park; Travel Tips for Birding Abroad; A Passion for Birds and Excellent Coffee; Eagle Creek Park Breeding Bird Survey Results; November Program: Birds of Great Britain; December Program: Antarctica Field Research; Muscatatuck Field Trip; Photo Hike; Volunteer Training Series; Beers with Birders; Christmas Bird Counts; Local Hikes; CILTI Hikes and Volunteer Days
LifeLines Sept/Oct 2019
Lights Out Indy: Continuing to Move Forward; Migration & Citizen Science; Welcome to Wingspan!; September Program: White River Vision Plan; October Program: Indiana Raptor Center; Volunteer Training: Bird Banding Demo; Birdathon Recap; Meet the Board: Austin Broadwater; Bird Photography Walk; Fall Sparrow Trip; Fall Migrant Hike; Newfields Bird Hike; City BBQ Fundraiser; Zionsville Birding Trifecta & Social; Birds with Birders; Local Hikes