Upcoming CKAS Events

If you have been keeping up with the National Audubon Society focus these days (and how could you miss it given all the coverage in Audubon Magazine?), then you are aware that last September's "Birds and Climate Change" report has kicked off a huge "Spread the word!" campaign about the threat posed to North American birds by our warming planet. Based on Audubon's peer-reviewed study, which assessed over seventy-five years of data, 314 species of birds find themselves "climate threatened" or "climate endangered," meaning that as the climate warms and birds are forced to relocate to more suitable temperatures and humidity levels, these species will lose range -- sometimes so much so that they are in threatened with extinction. There have been only nine bird extinctions in the US and its territories since Audubon's founding in 1905, but there could be over twice as many extinctions in the next sixty years if we don't take steps to slow the progress of climate change and give native birds the chance to adapt.

Indeed, the topic of climate change is all over the news these days. Evidence continues to mount that melting sea ice, rising sea levels, warming oceans and global temperatures, increased periods and areas of drought, stronger hurricanes and winter storms, shifts in plant and animal ranges, and subtle differences in bird migration patterns are (at least in part) caused by human activity. Over a century ago, irresponsible farming practices caused the dust bowl; careful science and the resulting improvement of farming practices ushered in a new period of prosperity. The same sort of sea change needs to happen again, this time with energy production and use and with our stewardship of the planet.

To this end, we invite you to join with us in Frankfort for Clean Energy Lobby Day on February 5th. The event is orchestrated by the Kentucky Sustainable Energy Alliance, a group devoted to promoting clean, sustainable, and affordable energy solutions for Kentucky. We plan to present them with information about the Audubon Birds & Climate Report, stressing not only the importance of good energy sources and legislative support, but also the need for tomorrow's energy technologies to be as bird-friendly as possible. Reading through our Upcoming Events section below, you'll notice a number of "Earth Day" movies and events -- CKAS is even hosting The City Dark on March 25th as part of the Bluegrass Earth series, a few days before Earth Hour -- and while it may not be readily apparent what these events have to do with birds, the Audubon report shows that the welfare of our native birds rests heavily on many of the issues these events address. We hope to see and hear you at these events, letting people know that Audubon is in this for the birds, that we realize change is necessary and possible, and that we're fully behind reducing our environmental footprints and giving our birds a chance. This year marks the 45th anniversary of Earth Day; let's all mark the occasion by finding new ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle -- for future generations of birds and people alike. It's time to act.

Mark your calendars! This year's Great Backyard Bird count is February 13th to 16th. Counting is free and as easy as 1 - 2 - 3! If you've never participated in the GBBC, you can get started here. Last year's count received over 144,000 checklists from 135 different countries. This is citizen science you don't want to miss! During the count, you can explore what others are seeing in your area or around the world. Share your bird photos by entering the photo contest, or enjoy images from across the globe!

We still have spaces open for our Geier Collections & Research Center / Martha! field trip on February 8th. This is your chance to see the Geier Center's avian collection up close and personal. Note: though several extinct species specimens are on display for the Martha! exhibit (which we will see when we tour it in the afternoon) but the Center has a huge collection of many other bird specimens -- from common to exotic! Bring a wish list of species you hope to see! A huge thanks to the Geier Center curators, who have made special arrangements to open on a Sunday just for CKAS. To carpool meet at the Georgetown Starbucks at 8:30, or you can meet us at the Geier at 10:00. Please RSVP to attend.

Extra special thanks to

who offered CKAS a significant discount on our new 22' Werner ladder!
With it, we were able to reach the Kestrel nest box on the back of Talon's barn:

While we were cleaning it for the upcoming season, we noticed a lone American Kestrel watching us from the nearby trees. Let's hope it decides to use the box!

Birding walks can be a great opportunity to meet new people who share your interests. But getting to know someone during an activity that requires keeping quiet can be difficult. If you are willing to share field guides, scopes, and other birding equipment with other birders in your group, you'll open the chance to get to know each other. Doing so serves two purposes: it both breaks the ice and it acknowledges that you understand not everyone will have the same resources. While birders should never expect to use another birder’s equipment, it is polite to offer a peek through a scope or to share a field guide reference. At the same time, come to the field prepared with your own birding gear -- as deficient as you may think it is! -- so you are not completely dependent on the generosity of others. Who knows? Your "deficient" equipment may be better than someone else's!

You can help support us by simply shopping like you normally do! CKAS has been added to Kroger's Community Rewards® Program charity list. Each year, Kroger gives millions of dollars to Kentucky non-profits through its free Rewards® Program. If you shop at Kroger and have a Kroger Rewards® card, you can help us qualify for these funds by logging on at Kroger.com and linking your Kroger Rewards® card to Central Kentucky Audubon Society under the Community Rewards section of your Account Settings. (It's easier than it sounds -- just a few clicks!) Doing this will not affect the way you accrue fuel points in any way; you still keep all your rewards and gas savings. But your points will also count as our points, helping us to a bigger cut of Kroger's charitable donations. You can make sure you have activated your Community Rewards® sponsorship by checking the bottom of your next Kroger receipt: it should say "At your request we are donating to Central Kentucky Audubon Society."

Want to keep up with
what CKAS is doing?
These and other events
can be found on our
CKAS Events Calendar.

www.centralkentuckyaudubon.org
524 Rosemont Garden | Lexington KY 40503

You have received this e-mail because you are a member of the National Audubon Society (and its local chapter, the Central Kentucky Audubon Society, formerly the Buckley Hills Audubon Society) or because at some point in the past you have expressed interest in keeping informed about the goings-on of our chapter. If you have received this post in error and/or no longer wish to receive information about the Central Kentucky Audubon Society, please let us know and we'll strike you from the list; conversely, if you know anyone who would appreciate getting these updates, feel free to forward this to them and have them let us know as we'd be glad to add them!

Keeping you informed about cool bird stuff in & near central Kentucky.

Advocating for Birds: Audubon's Climate Change Report

18th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count