The Redpoll
Newsletter of the Arctic Audubon Society, Fairbanks, Alaska
Mission of Arctic Audubon:
Earth has unparalleled natural
diversity, productivity, and
beauty, and provides for
life. Recognizing the full
value of nature, we work to
protect Alaskan ecosystems
by encouraging research,
education, and management
that will contribute to
appreciation and good
stewardship of this natural
heritage. We also strive to
conduct our own lives in
harmony with nature.
The Arctic Audubon Society
publishes The Redpoll for its
members monthly fall through
spring. National Audubon
Society (NAS) dues are $35;
new members are $20. NAS
membership includes local
chapter dues. Chapter only
membership is $10 and
includes the newsletter.
Inside…
Birdathon Plans . ............... 3-5
BLM Management Plan ......... 5
Chukchi Oil Leasing .............. 6
Road Cleanup & Picnic .......... 2
Sandhill Crane Festival . ........ 7
Small Grants Awarded .......... 6
Spring Field Trips ................. 2
Spring Migration Celebration .. 2
Stampede Rec Area .............. 5
Volunteer Opportunities ........ 2
Vol. 30 Issue No. 6 April 2008
Sandpipers, Scaup & Weeds?
Arctic Audubon’s First Ever Small Grants Night
Monday, April 14, 7:00 pm
Noel Wien Library Auditorium
I t might seem like a stretch to bring all three subjects together, but the common thread
in our April presentation is our Small Grants program. Since 2004, Arctic Audubon
Society has awarded grants of up to $2000 annually to fund conservation-related projects
that enhance the understanding and conservation of Alaska’s wildlife and/or ecosystems.
Three past recipients of Audubon Small Grants will share their research with you.
Kristin DeGroot: Physiology and Reproduction of Lesser Scaup
The North American population of Lesser Scaup, a small diving duck, has been declining
for 20+ years. Kristin’s project examines female body condition as the migrating birds arrive
on breeding grounds on the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Ref-
uge (YFNWR) in spring to see if reduced condition is related to
breeding season parameters such as nest attempts, clutch size and
egg size. She will present preliminary results from her first field
season, including information on how nesting scaup are doing
on the YFNWR overall and what is planned for the upcoming
field season. Kristin DeGroot is a candidate for a Master of Science degree
in Wildlife Biology with the Institute of Arctic Biology at UAF.
Philip Martin: Solitary Pursuit
Solitary Sandpipers are widely distributed across the boreal forest zone of North
America, from the maritime provinces of Canada to Alaska. However, this species re-
mains a mystery bird because it is difficult to observe in its preferred densely wooded and
mosquito-infested habitat. Solitary Sandpipers are the only North
American shorebird to nest in trees(!), but many other aspects of
breeding biology are unknown. Philip will describe his efforts to use
radio telemetry to track this relatively common but elusive species
through the backwoods of Creamer’s Field Refuge.
Philip has worked for USFWS in Fairbanks for 20 years in a
Solitary Sandpiper
photo by Ted Swem variety of positions and has a lifelong fascination with shorebirds.
Katie Villano: Wildfire as a Gateway for Invasive Plant Colonization
As the climate changes, Alaska’s boreal forest faces the simultaneous threats of increas-
ing invasive plant abundances and increasing area burned by wildfire.
Do burned areas present invasive plants an avenue through which to
spread into our pristine forests? Do certain vegetation or soil char-
acteristics in fire scars make some burned areas more susceptible to
invasive plants than other areas? Katie will discuss the potential for
widespread invasion of the boreal forest in a changing climate.
Born and raised in Fairbanks, Katie Villano is a graduate student at UAF. In the photo,
Katie stands next to White Sweetclover invading a burn on the Dalton Highway.
 Page  The Redpoll April 2008
Arctic Audubon
Spring Field Trips
A rctic Audubon sponsors three
birding field trips in May, all
led by local birding experts. All
field trips meet at Creamer’s Field
Farmhouse at 9:00 am and usually
last until noon. Bring binoculars, a
snack, and rubber boots if you have
them. If you have a spotting scope,
that would be great! We’ll visit
Creamer’s Field ponds first, and
then carpool to the South Cush-
man lakes, and perhaps the airport
ponds. Children are especially
welcome.
May 10 Waterfowl identification
May 17 Shorebird identification
May 24 Birding by Ear and Song-
bird identification.
For more information about field
trips, contact Tom Green, 452-
6370 or fftkg@uaf.edu.
Design Alaska
Wild Arts Walk
F riends of Creamer’s Field in-
vites you to the 3 rd Annual
Design Alaska Wild Arts Walk on
Saturday, June 7th, Noon to 5 pm at
Creamer’s Field Migratory Water-
fowl Refuge. Stroll the Refuge amid
a colorful assortment of artists and
musicians as they demonstrate their
skills and display their work in this
festive fundraising event. Admis-
sion is $10 (children 17 and under
are free) and will include a choice
of pastries and bagels, and a cup of
gourmet organic coffee, cocoa, or
tea. Proceeds supports Friends of
Creamer’s Field.
Volunteer for Spring Events
S pring is about to burst forth, calling us all outdoors. We hope that you
will include some volunteer time in your spring and summer plans.
Spring Migration Celebration (April 26), Road Clean-up (May 9), and
the Sandhill Crane Festival (August 22–24) always need volunteers, and
if you volunteer you’ll have the fun of watching birds while helping other
folks enjoy them. Don’t be shy, we need you! Call Gail Mayo (479-2954)
or any other board member to help.
Please, everyone, participate in Birdathon. If you are not able to do
your own Birdathon please join in by making a pledge (use the handy
form on page 5), attending one of the Birdathon walks, or joining up
with a Birdathon team. Call any board member to sign on.
Spring Migration Celebration
Saturday, April 26th, Noon–4:00 pm
W elcome back our migratory birds and join in the fun at
the annual Spring Migration Celebration, Noon to 4:00 pm
on Saturday, April 26th. With a theme this year of From Tundra to
Tropics: Connecting Birds, Habitats, and People, this event will include
talks, birding walks, wildlife viewing and activities for the whole fam-
ily such as puppet shows, crafts, and games. Activities will take place at
the Alaska Public Lands Information Center and the Creamer’s Field
Farmhouse Visitor Center. Event schedules and ample parking will be
available at each location.
This celebration is co-sponsored by Friends of Creamer’s Field, the
Alaska Bird Observatory, and Arctic Audubon Society with support
from US Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service, Alaska Department
of Fish and Game, Ducks Unlimited, Calypso Farm, and the Northern
Alaska Environmental Center.
Arctic Audubon Road Cleanup & Picnic
Friday, May 9th, 5:30 pm
Picnic After Cleanup!
A rctic Audubon has adopted a scenic mile of Ballaine Road that we
try to keep clean year round. In the spring the task is daunting, so
we have scheduled a time when anyone can join us to help and then enjoy
a picnic afterwards. Families and friends are welcome. Our adopted mile
extends south on Ballaine Road from the intersection with Goldstream
Road. Watch for the blue “Adopt a Highway” signs.
We plan to meet at 5:30 pm on Friday, May 9th at the intersection of
Trice and Ballaine Road. We’ll watch for swans and other birds as we
pick up trash along the roadway for a couple of hours.
After the cleanup, we’ll gather for a potluck picnic at the Mayo’s place,
282 Hay Way just off Sheep Creek Road at about 1.2 mile. If possible
call the Mayos so we’ll know how many for the picnic (479-2954). See
you there!
 April 2008 The Redpoll Page 

Get ready for the ultimate Alaska birding event…

Farthest North Birdathon: May 10–June 15, 2008
I t’s time once again for the Alaska Bird Observatory and
Arctic Audubon to team up for the their annual fundrais-
er, the Farthest North Birdathon. This year will be more fun
Getting Started…
Have you always wanted
to join Birdathon,
than ever with new prize categories including a red birdcage but don’t have a team, don’t
know a chickadee
award and prizes for non-human team members. All ages and from a crane, or are afr
aid of fundraising ?
skill levels are encouraged to join in on the festivities. Come to our new worksh
op :
The Farthest North Birdathon is an opportunity for How to be successful at
you to Go Birding for a Cause and win prizes—no matter Birdathon!
May 8th, 6-8 pm at AB O
where you live or what birding skill level you possess. The We will help match you
basic premise of a birdathon is to collect pledges based on up with other team
members or suggest a guide
how many bird species you can find on any day you choose d Birdathon. Learn
a few tips and get example
between May 10 and June 15. Hard-core teams might cover s of effective fund-
raising techniques with
many miles in a 12- or 24-hour quest, while other folks just AB O’s Membership
Manager Nicole Pearce.
walk around their neighborhood for a few hours. If you’re Please RSVP to Nicole
not up for collecting pledges, you can make a flat donation. by May 1st.
Every penny counts for the birds!
Once again, Alaska Airlines is generously donating two
round-trip airline tickets. This year, for every five people you is y ear for ….
get to pledge $5 or more to Birdathon, your name will be New prizes th
entered in a drawing for two round-trip tickets on Alaska • Going Green
in your yard
Airlines (good for any Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air des- • Most species
hon
tinations, including Mexico!). • New to Birdat ers for Arctic A
udu-
t N ew M em b
• Mos
Guided Birdathon Walks Bird Obser vatory
Both ABO and Arctic Audubon offer guided Birdathon bon and Alaska
athon Dogs!
walks and field trips in Fairbanks for novice birders. The • Prizes for Bird
cage Award
complete schedule will be posted on ABO’s website, www. • The Red Bird
alaskabird.org or call 451-7159.
Kids Bird-a-thon! Join the Arctic Moon Jr. Bird Club on
Saturday June 7th for a trip to Eagle Summit. More informa- Photo and Ess
At the final tally
ay Contests
tion at 451-7159 or tblake@alaskabird.org. rally July 13th, we w
Birdathon photo co ill have a
Important Information for Participants The overall winne
ntest with many ca
te gories.
r of the photo cont
Contact ABO for a complete Birdathon packet. A pledge with the winner of est along
form can be found on page four of this newsletter. our new essay cont
be published in th est will
e Alaska Bird Obs
Instructions: Obtain pledges before your count and record and Arctic Audub er vatory
on Society newslet
them on the pledge sheet. You may make copies of this form ters.
or request more from ABO. This form should be returned
with payments to Alaska Bird Observatory, P.O. Box 80505,
Fairbanks, AK 99708. Please do not send cash. ABO will Birdathon Potluck and “Tally Rally”
happily invoice your pledges this year if you do not want to Everyone is invited to join all the counters for
collect them in person. an entertaining potluck and awards ceremony on
Important: To be eligible for prizes you must return your Sunday, July 13th at ABO.
Counter’s Report Form (available at ABO) by Monday, June
23rd before 5 pm! Pledges need to be turned in by July 7th.
Questions? Call (907) 451-7159
Thank you to our sponsors:
 Page  The Redpoll April 2008

Farthest North Pledge Tracking Sheet

Counter Name:___________________________
Birdathon Team Name:_____________________________
2008 Address:________________________________
All Proceeds Benefit:
City: ___________State: ____Zip: ___________
Arctic Audubon Society and the Page ______of_______
Alaska Bird Observatory
Please Print Legibly
Arctic
Sponsor Name Address Phone E-mail Pledge Amount Due Paid ABO Audubon

Per
Species
Set
Pledge

Per
Species
Set
Pledge

Per
Species
Set
Pledge

Per
Species
Set
Pledge

Per
Species
Set
Pledge

Per
Species
Set
Pledge

Per
Species
Set
Pledge

Per
Species
Set
Pledge

Per
Species
Set
Pledge

Membership Opportunity!
If you are not currently a member of Alaska Bird Observatory or Arctic Audubon Society (local
chapter only) and would like a one-year introductory membership to either organization, pledge
more than $30 and check one of the boxes above. If you would like membership to both
organizations, pledge $50 or more and check both boxes. Thank you for your donation!
 April 2008 The Redpoll Page 

BLM Plan Affects Many Trails Legislation Would Create

By Eric Troyer, Interior Trails Quarterly
Stampede Recreation Area
T he federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
is starting a management plan process that will By Eric Troyer, Interior Trails Quarterly

affect a huge chunk of land in interior Alaska. Many

land and water trails could be affected by this process,
so concerned trail users should stay informed.
The Resource Management Plan (RMP) is being
overseen by the BLM-Alaska Eastern Interior Field
Office. The plan will provide long-range management
direction for about eight million acres of public land in
eastern Alaska administered by BLM. This area includes
the Steese National Conservation Area, the White
Mountains National Recreation Area, the Fortymile
and Upper Black river areas. The plan will identify what
lands are open or closed to certain uses, including trail
use.
BLM will hold public meetings between April and
June in a number of communities to explain the plan-
ning process and to hear from the public what issues
and concerns BLM should address in the RMP. Public
input is important and necessary to ensure that all is-
sues and concerns for these areas are discussed and ad-
dressed. BLM (www.blm.gov/ak) will have a web site
link soon for this plan or check local sources for meeting
schedules. Email comments are welcome (EIRMP_com-
ment@blm.gov) and additional information may be
obtained from Jeanie Cole, planning team leader, at
907/474-2340.
Public Meetings Scheduled
Delta Junction: Thursday, April 17, 3-8 pm,
Community Center
Fairbanks: Tuesday, April 22, 3-8 pm,
FNSB Assembly Chambers
T wo companion bills in the state House and Senate
(HB241 and SB173) would create a Stampede
State Recreation Area (SRA) in the Stampede Trail area
west of Healy. The proposed SRA is 80,000 acres and is
bounded on three sides by Denali National Park. The
area has great recreation area potential, including many
places for trails. However, the Stampede Trail corridor
is also viewed by some as good route for a railroad track
or second road into the park.
The area has been in the news quite a bit in recent
years. A bus on the Stampede Trail was where Chris-
topher McCandless of “Into the Wild” died in 1992.
The Stampede Trail also made the news when former
Governor Frank Murkowski pushed a plan to make the
trail into a road. That effort ended in large part due to
local opposition.
For more information find the bills with the bill
search engine at:
http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/index.php
To express your opinion on the bills to create this
recreation area, contact Christian Gou-Leonhardt in
Representative David Guttenberg’s office (907/576-
4457; Christian_Gou-Leonhardt@legis.state.ak.us), or
send comments to Representative David Guttenberg,
Room 418, State Capitol, Juneau, AK 99801; or to
Senator Joe Thomas, Room 510, State Capitol, Juneau,
AK 99801.

✁
Farthest North Birdathon Sponsor Form
Please accept my pledge of _____ per species or $______ total for:

_____ the Arctic Audubon Team, _____ the Kids Bird-a-thon, or _____ both!
Name_________________________ Phone________________ e-mail_______________________
Address_ ______________________ City_ ________________ State___________ Zip_________
Mail this form to: Arctic Audubon Birdathon
P.O. Box 82098
Fairbanks, AK 99708
Make checks payable to Alaska Bird Observatory (ABO)
 Page  The Redpoll April 2008

Big Bucks Bid for Bear Abode

Arctic Audubon Awards By Pat Pourchot, Senior Policy Representative, Audubon Alaska

Small Grants
O n January 31, 2008 Audubon Alaska joined with a coalition
of conservation and Alaska Native groups to file suit to block
A t the March 25th meeting of the Arctic
Audubon Sociey Board of Directors, we
considered seven grant proposals. Each was
oil and gas leasing in the Chukchi Sea. The Chukchi is part of the
Arctic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Alaska.
A week later, on February 6th, the U.S. Interior Department’s
evaluated for how well it satisfied our mission
Mineral Management Service (MMS) proceeded with a lease sale
and served our members and area. Attention
for drilling rights on 30 million acres in the Chukchi—an area
was also given to practicality, how well grant
roughly the size of Pennsylvania. Winning bids totaled $2.6 billion
requirements were met, and the part our
on nearly 10% of the offered acreage.
support would play helping the applicant to
The Chukchi Sea is one of the richest ecosystems in the Arctic.
achieve their goals.
Its shallow ocean floor and coastal lagoons provide food, migration
Grants were awarded to:
stops, and nesting habitat for millions of seabirds, waterfowl, and
• H. River Gates, a masters degree candidate
shorebirds, including Kittlitz’s Murrelets, Yellow-billed Loons, and
at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks,
“threatened” Steller’s Eiders and Spectacled Eiders. It is also home
who is continuing a study of arctic breed-
to a magnificent array of marine mammals, including “endangered”
ing Dunlin, a species of conservation
bowhead, gray, humpback, and fin whales; beluga whales; Pacific
concern. River’s grant will be used for
walruses; several species of ice seals; and, at the top of the food
aerial telemetry surveys during the critical
chain, half of America’s polar bears (one-tenth of the global popu-
nesting and renesting period in order to
lation).
evaluate success.
Ironically, another Interior Department agency, the U.S. Fish
• Luke DeCicco, a Fairbanks student at
and Wildlife Service, was to have issued a decision to list the polar
Arcadia University in Nova Scotia, will
bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in
use his grant to study the little known
early January 2008, before the February 6 oil and gas lease sale. The
and elusive Gray-headed Chickadee. Very
polar bear decision is now more than 60 days overdue.
little is know about this species in North
Because of the January 31st suit, the leases could be subject to
America (it is better known in northern
later court rulings on the legality of the MMS actions, and future
Europe, Asia and Siberia), so Luke’s study
injunctions could be sought to prevent exploratory or development
will contribute to our understanding
drilling or additional lease sales.
through analysis of specimens in existing
“The Chukchi Sea is an ecologically rich frontier environment,
museum collections.
and it is changing rapidly due to global warming,” said Stan Senner,
Funds for small grants come from our
Audubon Alaska Executive Director. “We barely know this chang-
fundraising efforts such as the annual spring
ing seascape, and this is not the time to move forward with oil or
Birdathon and generous donations. Thank
gas development.”
you to all who make this program possible.
The impacts of oil development and potential oil spills could be
particularly damaging to birds and their habitat. Audubon Alaska
has identified 18 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) on the U.S. side of
The Fairbanks Area the Chukchi Sea and six more IBAs on the Russian side. At least
Hiking & Birding
Guide is sold for $12 15 species of birds on Audubon’s Alaska WatchList use marine and
at the Alaska Bird coastal habitats in the Chukchi Sea. More than 33,000 Spectacled
Observatory Education Eider—including most of the female Eider that breed on the Arctic
Center, Beaver Sports,
Friends of Creamer’s
Coastal Plain—molt in the Ledyard Bay Critical Habitat Area,
Field Farmhouse Visitor located just south of lease tracts in the Chukchi Sea. Up to a half
Center, Geophyiscal million King Eider stage and feed in the Chukchi for several weeks
Institute Map Office, in the spring prior to dispersing to breeding grounds in Alaska,
and Gulliver’s Books.
Canada, and Russia.
Please stay tuned for more information from Audubon Alaska
on the Chukchi Sea and how you can help.
 April 2008 The Redpoll Page 

Birds of the Boreal Workshops Sandhill Crane Festival

O nce again, the Alaska Bird Observatory (ABO) is
offering a series of Birds of the Boreal Workshops
on Wednesday nights, April 2–May 7, 7–9 pm at ABO.
The cost for each workshop is $12/person; $10/ABO
members (Or $60/$50 for the whole series). Call 451-
7159 to register for the following classes:
April 2: Birds of the Boreal I—Identifying Grouse,
Woodpeckers, & Owls with Dr. Susan Sharbaugh,
Alaska Bird Observatory.
April 9: Birds of the Boreal II—Diurnal Raptor Iden-
tification with Dr. Carol McIntyre, National Park
Service.
April 16: Birds of the Boreal III—Identifying those Little
Birds (Passerines), Part 1 with Dr. Susan Sharbaugh
April 23: Birds of the Boreal IV—Identifying those Little
Birds (Passerines), Part 2 with Dr. Susan Sharbaugh.
April 30: Birds of the Boreal V—Waterfowl Identifica-
tion with Dr. Mark Lindberg from UAF.
May 7: Birds of the Boreal VI—Shorebird, Gull, & Tern
Identification with Philip Martin, US Fish & Wildlife
Service
August 22–24, 2008
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
T he featured speaker at this year’s Sandhill Crane
Festival will be John Acorn, also known as The
Nature Nut. The Canadian naturalist is known for
his inspiring personality and infectious love of nature
and is also an accomplished musician, combining folk
music with educational lyrics about the natural world.
He is currently a lecturer at the University of Alberta, a
research associate at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Pale-
ontology, and a research associate at the E.H. Strickland
Entomology Museum.
As the host and creative force behind the popular
television series Acorn, the Nature Nut, he has educated
and entertained audiences worldwide. As a best-selling
author, he has had a huge impact on amateur entomol-
ogy, and his field guides have earned him numerous
awards. He has been an invited keynote speaker at more
than 60 festivals, workshops and conventions across
Canada and the U.S including last year’s Kachemak Bay
Shorebird Festival in Homer.

DAY CAMP PROGRAMS

Nature Education & Ecology
for Youth Ages 4–11
at Creamer’s Field Migratory
Waterfowl Refuge
PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Half-Day Program 9am–12pm
Ages 4 – 5 $110
Nature Sprouts I June 16–20
Nature Sprouts II June 23–27
Full-Day Program 9am–4pm
Ages 6–7 $185
Nature Detectives I July 7–11
Nature Detectives II July 14–18
Nature Detectives III July 21–25
Ages 8 – 9* $235
Water Striders I July 7–11
Water Striders II July 14–18
Water Striders III July 21–25
Ages 10 -11* $235
Refuge Adventurers July 14–18
*includes 1 overnight campout
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
A registration fee of $20 is required per
family. Tuition and fees must be paid in
full to secure your child’s registration.
Online registration is available
March 1–June 1 at www.northern.org
SCHOLARSHIPS available.
Call for more information.
QUESTIONS?
Call (907) 452-5021 ext. 32 or email
camphabitat@northern.org
 Arctic Audubon Society
PO Box 82098
Fairbanks, AK 99708
www.arcticaudubon.org
Upcoming Events­—Mark Your Calendar
Small Grants Program, Monday April 14th, 7 pm
Presentations by grant recipients; Noel Wien Library.
Spring Migration Celebration, Saturday, April 26th,
Noon–4 pm, Creamer’s Field & AK Public Lands
Information Center (downtown). Details on page 2.
Road Cleanup with Arctic Audubon, Friday, May 9th,
5:30 pm; picnic after cleanup. See page 2.
Audubon’s Spring Field Trips on Saturdays, May 10th,
17th, 24th; Meet at Creamer’s Field at 9 am
Farthest North Birdathon, May 10–June 15
Tally Rally Potluck & Awards, July 13, see p. 3.
Sandhill Crane Festival, August 22–24, 2008
Keynote speaker is John Acorn, The Nature Nut! Full
schedule of events will be available in mid-July.
Arctic Audubon Board of Directors
email address: arcticaudubon@gmail.com Audubon’s magazine, Audubon, and Arctic Audubon’s
President: Gail Mayo (479-2954)
Vice President: Open
Secretary: Kristi McLean (479-4874)
Treasurer: Janet Daley (457-1583)
Education: Open
Conservation: Kristi McLean (479-4874)
Hospitality: Brook Gamble (456-3775)
Programs: Lauren Attanas (474-9736)
Newsletter: Mary Zalar (479-4547)
Membership: Mary Zalar (479-4547)
Field Trips: Tom Green (452-6370)
Birdathon: Sherry Lewis (479-0848)
Web Site: Jim DeWitt
Alaska Audubon Board: Frank Keim (451-9308)
Nonprofit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Permit No. 181
Fairbanks AK
Birding Hotline
(907) 451-9213
Updated by Laurel Devaney & Ken Russell
Report interesting bird sightings;
learn what others have spotted.
also at
www.virtualbirder.com/vbirder/realbirds/index.
National Audubon Society
New Member Form
q Introductory rate, $20
q Two Year Membership, $30
q Student or Senior rate, $15
Membership includes both National Audubon and the
local chapter, Arctic Audubon. You will receive National
newsletter, The Redpoll.
Name: __________________________________
Address: _ _______________________________
_______________________________________
City State Zip
Amount enclosed: $______ (make check payable to
National Audubon Society)
Send to: Arctic Audubon Society A52
PO Box 82098 7XCH
Fairbanks, AK 99708
q Chapter Only Membership, $10
For membership in Arctic Audubon only, check the box
and make check payable to Arctic Audubon Society.