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

Bluegrass Birding Festival Quickly Approaching
The 2nd Annual Bluegrass Birding Festival & Craft Fair will be held May 9th-10th at Jacobson Park. The Festival Staff are in the process of finalizing the schedule, but we wanted to make sure you marked your calendars and kept the weekend free.  We are looking forward to a fun-filled weekend of birding! Central Kentucky has great opportunities for birding with over 350 documented species. Entrance to the festival will be FREE and open to the public. Our hopes for this festival are to expose as many as possible to the hobby of bird watching and to educate on topics of wildlife and conservation.

The weekend will kick off on Friday, May 8th, with a free showing of Rio at the Farish Theater in the Downtown Public Library (movie starts at 5:30pm). This year's keynote speaker will be Greg Miller, a world-renowned birding expert and the birding consultant for the film The Big Year, which we'll be showing for free at the Farish on Saturday, May 9th (movie starts at 7:00pm). There will be bird walks, bird banding demonstrations, informative talks and breakout sessions, kids' activities, bird- and nature-themed crafts for sale--plenty to see and do!  We'll have food trucks there, so bring the family and make a day of it!

How can you help make the Festival an even bigger success? Glad you asked!

Tell your friends! The best advertisement is word of mouth! We got a good deal of press last year, but we still heard from a lot of people who were sorry that they missed this super-cool birding event. Don't let your friends miss out! There really is something for everyone! All those who came last year had a great time; several kids insisted their parents bring them back for both days!

Volunteer to help. Even a few hours of your time will be hugely beneficial to the Festival's success. We need everything from help with set-up & take-down to parking to folks staffing tables so artists and exhibitors can take a break to raffle ticket sellers to we-don't-even-know-yet! If you would like to volunteer, drop an e-mail to the Contact Us page and let us know when and what you might like to do. Don't know what you want to do? We can find you something!

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Arrive in Bluegrass

If you haven't gotten out your hummingbird feeders yet, it's time!  The first reports of Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds in the Bluegrass were recorded on hummingbirds.net on April 1st. So dust off those feeders!  Still buying store-bought nectar or mix? Several studies have questioned whether the red dye in these formulas might be harmful to the birds. It's generally considered better practice to choose a red feeder instead and avoid the red syrup.  With a bright red feeder and simple sugar-water, your yard will be just as popular with the hummers.  Here's a recipe for so you can make your own syrup: Mix one part ordinary white cane sugar to four parts water. Stir until all the sugar dissolves.  It's that simple!  It's not necessary to boil the water. The micro-organisms that cause fermentation don't come from the water; they are transported to the feeder on hummingbird bills. Store unused syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This mixture approximates the average sucrose content (about 21%) of the flowers favored by North American hummingbirds, without being so sweet it attracts too many insects. If you are interested in helping with hummingbird citizen science, National Audubon has a very thorough research project underway called Hummingbirds at Home, which maps hummer occurrence and collects data on how hummers interact with nectar sources so that we can begin to understand the growing mismatch between flowering times and the arrival of hummingbirds in their breeding areas – the first step towards ensuring the survival of these miraculous birds in the face of climate change.
Upcoming CKAS (& Other) Events    
Apr. 4th (Sat.) 11:00am-4:00pm: UKAg Early Earth Day at McConnell Springs: McConnell Springs 416 Rebmann Lane, Lexington. Looking for something exciting to do before the big game? Come to McConnell Springs and celebrate UKAg Earth Day! Guided hikes, birds of prey, herpetology exhibit, family games and a scavenger hunt, multiple workshops: composting, rain gardens, milk jug gardens, tree care, bike repair, lots more! Full schedule here.   
Apr. 4th (Sat.) 8:30am-11:00am: Bird Walk (w/ASK) Maine Chance Farm (Spindletop) 2099 Newtown Pike, Lexington Meet at 8:00am at the McDonald's on Newton Pike & I-64 in the overflow parking area on the far side of the building. BE PROMPT!!
Apr. 4th (Sat.) 10:00am-11:00m: Senior Naturalist: Birding McConnell Springs 416 Rebmann Lane, Lexington. Adults of all ages can learn more about birding. Please call (859) 225-4073 to preregister.
Apr. 4th (Sat.) 11:15am-12:30pm: Bird Walk (w/UKAg Early Earth Day) McConnell Springs 416 Rebmann Lane, Lexington. Led by Dr. David Westneat, UK Biology behavioral ecologist.
Apr. 4th (Sat.) 8:00pm-10:00pm Night Hike Raven Run Nature Sanctuary 3990 Raven Run Way, Lexington. Join Raven Run for an after-hours evening walk. Guaranteed you will see more stars than you would in town, but you may also hear a peenting woodcock or hooting owl. Please RSVP by calling (859) 272-6105 so the Sanctuary knows how many attendees to expect.
April. 7th (Tue.) 1:00pm-3:00pm: Bluegrass Birding Festival Planning Meeting The Bell House 545 Sayre Ave, Lexington. If you would like to help plan the 2nd Annual Bluegrass Birding Festival, here's your chance. Bring your great ideas! Can't make the meeting but want to help? Contact Nic Patton to get added to the e-mail list.
Apr. 11th (Sat.) 7:15am-3:00pm Bird Walk (w/ASK) Sally Brown Nature Preserve Crutcher Trail, Kentucky River Palisades. Carpools leaving from the parking lot of Palomar Center near Wild Eggs at 7:15 prompt. DO NOT BE LATE! Bring lunch. Or meet at 8:00am at the nature preserve parking area.
Apr. 11th (Sat.) 9:00am-1:00pm: Reforest the Bluegrass (w/Urban Forestry) Kentucky Horse Park 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington. Join Reforest the Bluegrass and help replant the pre-settlement streamside forests that were once common in central Kentucky. Stop by the CKAS table where we'll be advocating for birds and promoting the upcoming Bluegrass Birding Festival. Table volunteers needed: e-mail CKAS to help.
Apr. 16th (Sun.) 6:00pm-9:00pm: Movie: Switch! Central Public Library: Farish Theater 140 E. Main St. Lexington. Join us for a free showing of Switch! The Energy Film (movie starts at 6:30), a highly decorated unbiased documentary about our energy present and future and about the economic and environmental advantages of efficiency. A Bluegrass Earth event. Q & A Discussion following the film.
Apr. 18th (Sat.) 8:00am-11:30am+/-: Bird Walk (w/ASK) Lexington Cemetery 833 W. Main St., Lexington. Meet/park around the first right turn after coming in the gate. Do NOT park in the gatehouse spaces!
Apr. 19th (Sun.) 1:00pm-4:00pm: Movie: Chasing Ice Central Public Library: Farish Theater 140 E. Main St. Lexington. Join the Sierra Club Bluegrass Chapter for a free showing of Chasing Ice (movie starts at 2:00), a beautiful documentary about climate change and our melting ice caps. A Bluegrass Earth event. Q & A Discussion following the film.
Apr. 19th (Sun.) 2:00pm-4:00pm: Book Release: The Curious Mr. Catesby Cincinnati Museum Center (Auditorium) 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati. The Catesby Commemorativel Trust and the Lloyd Library will host a talk/signing/Q&A by David Elliot, Charles Nelson, and Leslie Overstreet and a viewing of Catesby's original manuscripts. Free (lot parking $6, or park in the nearby subdivisions for free). To carpool/caravan, meet at the Starbucks off I-75 Georgetown exit (476 Connector Road at Blossom Park Drive, Georgetown KY 40324) at 12:30 pm. Please RSVP to president@CKAS.org.
Apr. 20th (Mon.) 6:00pm-9:00pm: Movie: Coming to Ground W. T. Young Library Auditorium 401 Hilltop, Lexington. Join the UK Agriculture Department and Food Connection for a free showing of Coming to Ground (movie starts at 6:30), a documentary about Kentucky farmers and their shift away from tobacco productions. A Bluegrass Earth event. Q & A Discussion following the film.
Apr. 22nd (Wed.) All Day: Earth Day. Everywhere. Celebrate the 45th anniversary of Earth Day by getting outdoors and doing something green!
Apr. 25th (Sat.) All Day: World Penguin Day A day to celebrate the annual northward migration of penguins. What can you do to celebrate penguins? Find out at nothingbutpenguins.com.
Apr. 25th (Sat.) 7:30am-3:00pm: Bird Walk (w/ASK) Minor Clark Fish Hatchery 120 Fish Hatchery Rd, Morehead. Carpools leaving from the parking lot at Eastland Shopping Center (near the Rite Aid) at 7:30 prompt. DO NOT BE LATE! Bring lunch.
Apr. 25th (Sat.) 10:00am-2:00pm: Arbor Day Party for the Planet The Arboretum 500 Alumni Drive, Lexington. Stop by the CKAS table where we'll be advocating for birds and promoting the upcoming Bluegrass Birding Festival. Table volunteers needed: e-mail CKAS to help.
May 1st (Fri.): 12th Annual Birdhouse Exhibit Entry Forms Due The Arboretum 500 Alumni Drive, Lexington. Interested in entering a birdhouse for the May 12th exhibit?  Entry forms due today.
May 5th (Tues.) 5:30pm-7:00pm: For the Birds! Plants They Like & You Will, Too! The Arboretum 500 Alumni Drive, Lexington. Jamie Dockery points out plants especially helpful to birds. Come prepared to walk and take photos/notes. Limited space: RSVP to (859) 257.6955. Cost $1.
May 7th (Thur.) 6:00pm-7:00pm: Bird Walk The Arboretum 500 Alumni Drive, Lexington. Led by Carey Tichenor, retired Ky State Naturalist. Limited space: RSVP to (859) 257.6955. Cost $1.
May 8th (Fri.) 5:30pm-7:15pm: Movie: Rio Central Public Library: Farish Theater 140 E. Main St. Lexington. Join us for a free showing of Rio, the story of Blu, a Spix macaw which never learned to fly, who heads to Rio de Janeiro, embarks on a magnificent journey, and makes some this animated adventure for the whole family. A Bluegrass Earth event.
May 9th (Sat.) 8:00am-5:00pm: Day 1 of the 2nd Annual Bluegrass Birding Festival & Craft Fair Jacobson Park: Camp Kearney 4001 Athens-Boonesboro Rd, Lexington. Birding, crafts, and activities for the whole family. Keynote speaker: Greg Miller. Full schedule here.
May 9th (Sat.) 7:00pm-8:45pm: Movie: The Big Year Central Public Library: Farish Theater 140 E. Main St. Lexington. Join us for a free showing of The Big Year, the story of two bird enthusiasts trying to defeat the cocky, cutthroat world record holder in a year-long bird-spotting competition.
May 10th (Sun.) 8:00am-2:00pm: Day 2 of the 2nd Annual Bluegrass Birding Festival & Craft Fair Jacobson Park: Camp Kearney 4001 Athens-Boonesboro Rd, Lexington. Birding, crafts, and activities for the whole family. Special presentation & book signing by Gwyn Hyman Rubio. Full schedule here.
May 12th (Sat.) to May 31st: 12th Annual Birdhouse Exhibit & Silent Auction The Arboretum 500 Alumni Drive, Lexington. Tour the varied fabulous and functional birdhouses and bid on one for this well-known fundraiser. Rather participate than look? Entry forms due by May 1st.
May 14th (Thur.) 10:00am-11:00am: Gardening for Pollinators The Arboretum 500 Alumni Drive, Lexington. Jesse Dahl discusses pollinator attraction necessities. Attendees take home two pollinator-favorite perennials. Very limited space: RSVP to (859) 257.6955. Cost $10 (Friends $8).
May 16th (Sat.) 7:30am-3:00pm: Bird Walk (w/ASK) Berea Woods Big Hill Rd, Hwy 21E, Berea. Carpools leaving from the outside parking lot of Lakeside Golf Course 3725 Richmond Road (Coys Drive) at 7:30 prompt. DO NOT BE LATE! Bring lunch. Or meet at the old Indian Fort Theater (2047 Big Hill, Berea) at 8:15am.
May 23rd (Sat.) 7:30am-3:00pm: Bird Walk (w/ASK) Zilpo Road at Cave Run Lake Daniel Boone National Forest. Carpools leaving from the parking lot at Eastland Shopping Center (near the Rite Aid) at 7:30 prompt. DO NOT BE LATE! Bring lunch.
May 23rd (Sat.) 10:00am-11:00am Little Explorers: All About Birds Raven Run Nature Sanctuary 3990 Raven Run Way, Lexington. Youth K-5th can join to learn about our fine feathered friends.
May 30th (Sat.) 7:30am-3:00pm: Bird Walk (w/ASK) Red Diver Gorge Daniel Boone National Forest. Carpools leaving from the parking lot at Eastland Shopping Center (near the Rite Aid) at 7:30 prompt. DO NOT BE LATE! Bring lunch.
May 31st (Sun.) 2:00pm-4:00pm: 12th Annual Birdhouse Exhibit & Silent Auction Finale Reception The Arboretum 500 Alumni Drive, Lexington. Last chance to see and bid on the birdhouses!
Join us at
the 2nd Annual
Free Film Series


 
Click on the banners below for more info on each of these films, offered free by Bluegrass Earth:
LESSONS FROM
PLASTIC PARADISE

We spent some time getting together a brochure of "ways you can help" cut down on plastic use before the showing of Plastic Paradise last week, and even thought we thought we were pretty "up on the subject," there were several things we learned. The biggest by far was how pervasive the myth of plastic recycling is! Pretty much  everyone we talked to under- stands that plastics #1 and #2 are the only plastics that are "recyclable" in most places, including central Kentucky. But pretty much everyone we talked to also assumed that those recycled bottles would become new plastic bottles. Not so! Recycling changes the chemical make-up of the plastic and it can't be made into another water bottle or milk jug. When plastic is recycled, it is "downgraded" to another product like a swing set or a park bench. To make a new plastic water bottle or new plastic milk jug, even if it contains some recycled material, it will be made of at least 70% brand new plastic resin. And plastic never goes away! Every bit of plastic that has ever been made is still with us somewhere! Such durability is both plastic's strength and its curse--Midway Island is littered with smaller and smaller bits of broken plastic from that made just yesterday but also from that made decades ago! That's why it's important not just to "recycle" plastic, but also to decrease our plastic use! Need ideas how you can help? Check out our printable brochure.

 
WALK ETIQUETTE

Everyone knows not to whoop and shout when you spot a bird, but it's equally important to remember not to point with your whole arm.  Just like shouting to the group can spook a bird and scare it away, the quick motion of raising your whole arm to point can have the same effect. From the bird's point of view, a quickly extended arm might be throwing something. Most birds are by nature cautious around people, but even more so if they think you might be throwing rocks.

If you must point, keep your arm close to your side. Better yet: whisper to get the attention of the group and then use your head to motion in the general direction of the bird. Try to get used to using clear descriptions of where the bird is located. This is often difficult at first, but it gets easier with practice. If you don't know a tree is a Sycamore, explain "the white-barked tree." Over time, you can learn the names of common trees, which will help immensely. If you have difficulty explaining exaclty which branch the bird sits on, you can use our common understanding of "clock time" to give a rough idea, saying "about 2:00, maybe three feet into the tree cover." The people you're with are likely good bird spotters as well; if you give them a general idea, they'll likely be able to spot your bird, too.
Our first donation from the Kroger Community Rewards® Program came last week -- a total of $61.12.  A huge thanks to all those who have tied their Kroger shopping to our cause.

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
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