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Woodcock Walk at West Park
On March 5th, 36 birders gathered for the annual Woodcock Walk at West Park in Carmel. Promptly at 7:00 pm we began hearing “peenting” sounds coming from multiple American Woodcocks. We soon saw their amazing and unusual aerial displays directly above us. The wonderful displays went on for approximately 30 minutes. In all, we counted five American Woodcocks displaying.
Peenting Porch
Timber Doodle. Labrador Twister. Mud Snipe. Bog Sucker. No matter what you call it, the American Woodcock is such an anomaly in the bird world. But, they are so much fun to find, listen to, and watch during their springtime aerial sky dance.
Great Backyard Bird Count Caravan
February 19 a caravan formed to visit four Carmel-Clay parks. Nine birders joined leader Chuck Anderson at 9:00 am at Flowing Well Park, the starting point of the planned Great Backyard Bird Count Caravan.
Valentine’s Day and Birds
Welcome to our first featured article. This month we have a submission from Jessica Helmbold, the ABAS Education Chair. This was originally going to be our February program at Holliday. Unfortunately, we canceled that gathering due to COVID concerns. However, Jessica has shared a portion of what she was going to tell us about birds and their association with Valentine's Day. Click Read More or the title to see the full article.
Birding at the Lakefront in January
Nine birders gathered at Washington Park in Michigan City at 8:00 am local time on January 8. The temp was in the mid-teens and a strong wind was out of the southeast, but at least we didn’t get sandblasted. All were greeted by Eric and Tina Rosier, the field trip leaders.
Laurie Voss Joins ABAS Board
We are pleased to announce the addition of Laurie Voss to the Board of Directors. Laurie will be the Recording Secretary and serve on the Executive Committee. Laurie's knowledge of birds, experience in the local birding community, and administrative skills are a welcome addition. Laurie fills an opening from Joanna Scott. Joanna just left the Board as she moves on with her life. Most of you will remember her as Joanna Woodruff. With her new husband, they will be starting a family in the next few months. We all wish Joanna the best in her new roles. We also want to thank Joanna for her almost six years of service on the Board and as our Recording Secretary.
LifeLines Jan/Feb 2022
Indiana Winter Birding; 2021 Field Trips Review; County Birding – Hancock County; January Program: Exploring Costa Rica; February Program: For the Love of Birds: How Birds Played into the History of Valentine’s Day; Lakefront Field Trip; Great Backyard Bird Count Caravan; Local Bird Hikes
LifeLines Nov/Dec 2021
A BIG Year; Meet our New President — Chuck Anderson; Lights Out Indy Gains Traction; County Birding Around the ABAS Service Area — Hamilton County; November Program: Bobcats of Indiana; December Program: Adventures in Bird Training; Goose Pond Field Trip; Beers with Birders at Ash & Elm; Field Trip Recaps; Local Bird Hikes
DNR Okays Birdfeeding in all Counties of Indiana
Residents throughout Indiana may again put out their feeders if they are comfortable doing so and are not observing sick or dead birds in their yards. DNR strongly encourages residents who do so to clean seed and suet feeders at least once every two weeks by scrubbing feeders with soap and water, followed by a short soak in a 10% bleach solution.