MAY/JUNE 2000

RIDE THE REFUGE The Lake Chautauqua south levee and cross dike will be open to public vehicles from 10AM – 3PM. Vehicles can access the one-way levee road at the cross dike and exit the levee at the refuge headquarters completing the eight-mile loop around the lake.

8:00 AM Birding Hike departing from the refuge headquarters. Songbirds are most vocal the first few hours after sunrise. For this early morning hike, trip leader Larry Willis will place an emphasis on identifying forest birds by song and call.

10:00 AM Birding Hike departing from the refuge cross dike at the Information Tent. Trip leader Vicki Hedrick will emphasize identifying forest songbirds as well as birds using open water and other habitat types.

12:00 PM Lunch at the Information Tent with Dr. Frank Bellrose, waterfowl biologist and author of many scientific articles and books. Lunch will be available for a donation to the Emiquon Audubon Society.

1:00 PM Book signing at the Information Tent. Dr. Steve Havera, Director of the Illinois Natural History Survey's Forbes Biological Station, Havana, will be available to sign copies of his recent books Waterfowl of Illinois and Waterfowl of Illinois, Abbreviated Field Guide.

2:00 PM Biodiversity Hike departing from the refuge headquarters. Trip leader Tom Lerczak will emphasize birds and bird habitats as well as the Illinois River Refuges as anchors for biological diversity.

Members of the Emiquon Audubon Society are participating in this event as part of the Audubon Refuge Keeper program sponsored by the National Audubon Society. For more information call Jenny Trimpe, ARK Coordinator (309-543-2793), Jo Skoglund at The Nature Conservancy (309-543-6502), Tom Lerczak (309-543-2749), or refuge manager Ross Adams (309-535-2290).

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Message from the President
There is little doubt that in recent decades the Earth has been experiencing a massive loss of species (different kinds of plant, animals, etc.), commonly referred to as the biological diversity crisis (or biodiversity crisis). Although scientists estimate 1 to 10 species per year would "normally" become extinct (for a variety of reasons including localized catastrophes and disease), today probably 1000 species are going extinct each year. At the same time, no one is really sure exactly how many species currently exist. In fact, while 1,750,000 species are currently known to science, in his classic book, The Diversity of Life, E.O. Wilson suggests that the world may contain from 10 to 100 million species.
There are many causes for the biological diversity crisis including overexploitation, competition from introduced species, and habitat destruction. And all of the causes have one thing in common: the human connection. Whether we like it or not, we humans are the driving force behind the biological diversity crisis. So it stands to reason that we are the ones that must do something about the crisis, assuming the will is there.
Yet I believe the will is there, despite much of the evidence to the contrary all over the world (an image of the sprawling and rapidly expanding Chicago suburbs comes to mind). Simply by being a member of groups like the Illinois Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy of Illinois, you are helping to fight the world biodiversity crisis (see related articles elsewhere in this newsletter). If you become a participating member, you can make an even greater contribution. It is comforting to know that there are many such groups all over the world with many dedicated members, all fighting the good fight, and racing against time as the human population continues to increase and demand more and more resources and space on a finite planet.
But even a trained fighter must rest between rounds. So please come out to Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge on May 13th for International Migratory Bird Day. Watch some birds, take in a field trip, socialize with other members of the Emiquon Audubon Society, and drive or hike around the refuge levee on this rare occasion (see list of scheduled activities elsewhere in this newsletter). Become inspired. And know that together in synergy we have the will to help reverse the world biodiversity crisis. And we will make a difference!

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June Field Trip
Saturday, June 10, 2000 Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge and The Nature Conservancy's
Spunky Bottoms Preserve – Trip Leader, Tharran Hobson

Meet at Hardee's in Havana at 8:00 AM and caravan/carpool to Meredosia. For those who are travelling from another direction, we will rendezvous first at the Meredosia River Museum around 9:00 AM before departing for Spunky Bottoms.

Tharran will give us an overview of Spunky Bottoms as we ride around the property on the levee in the Conservancy's Nature-Tour Trolley. We will have an opportunity to see the wildlife at Spunky and learn about current and future restoration efforts that are planned for this property. We will also be able to see some that have already been started.

The field trip will move on to Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge where we should see herons, egrets, waterfowl and the active bald eagle nest — the nestlings will be close to fledging at that time.

The field trip should wrap up around noon and those wishing to stay around for lunch will enjoy a visit to The South Side Tavern in Meredosia.

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The Nature Conservancy Purchases 6661 Acres in Illinois River Valley from Wilder Corporation
The Nature Conservancy announced on May 1, 2000 its purchase of 6661 acres in the Illinois River Valley from the Wilder Corporation for $16,350,000. The acquisition is the largest private conservation purchase in the state of Illinois in terms of dollars and among the largest private or public acquisitions in the state in terms of acres. Located in Fulton County, the property is adjacent to the towns of Lewistown and Havana, and the archeological site, Dickson Mounds.

The purchase of 6661 acres combined with a previous purchase of 866 acres protects approximately 7,527 acres. The purchase enables the Conservancy to make additional progress in conserving the Illinois River. Because the Illinois River is a world-class large floodplain-river system, this property is of local, regional, national, and global significance. A phased transition plan will restore the prairie bluffs, woodlands, wetlands, and lakes that existed here as recently as 80 years ago, when Thompson Lake and Flag Lake comprised the most significant floodplain area in the Upper Mississippi River Valley.

"More than five percent of the nation's commercial freshwater fish harvest, about 12 million pounds, were taken from this area in 1908, making it among the most productive in North America," stated Bruce Boyd, State Director of The Nature Conservancy, Illinois Chapter.

Additionally, Frank Bellrose, an internationally-renowned waterfowl ecologist (and member of EAS) said, "For over a century, conservationists have dreamed of restoring the phenomenal biological productivity and diversity supported by the complex of wetland communities that once existed in this area. This important acquisition by The Nature Conservancy will make that dream a reality."

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CONGRATULATIONS! Rita Badger Winner of the EAS/TNC Earth Day Recycling Giveaway
Rita's name was drawn by Mayor Ed Ray at the Earth Day tree planting organized by ARK and held at Chautauqua Wildlife Refuge on April 22.

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Congratulations to Kristy and Brian Boggs on the birth of their son, John Cordell Boggs born Wednesday March 1, 2000.

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Sandhill Crane makes appearance in Central Illinois : The following is a copy of an e-mail that was received from Marcia Heitz

On 3/10/00 I was driving down the gravel road I live on (northwest of Cuba, IL), headed for work at about 7:30 a.m. I am in the habit of looking for wildlife and birds while I drive and something caught my eye in the corn field next to my in-law's house. I backed up and got out my binoculars, but before I could even raise them the bird took to the air and I knew without a doubt that I was seeing the first sandhill crane I've ever seen in central Illinois. The crane appeared to be eating when I first saw it, but when it took flight, it appeared lost and confused. It didn't seem to know which direction to go, first going one direction and then another. It flew around the neighborhood in this manner for a while and appeared to be landing at one point near Turkey Creek, but then changed it's mind. It was easy to track from the road. It wasn't flying very high or fast, and finally seemed to decide on a flight pattern of northeast. I watched it until it disappeared over the trees in that direction. It was all alone and I certainly hoped that it continued in that direction and eventually met up with other sandhills migrating north. Watching the crane made me 30 minutes late for work, but that was the shortest trip I've ever made to see cranes before!

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Notes from March Meeting
Eighteen members met at The Nature Conservancy's office at 7:00 for a meeting and presentation by Lou Nelms. Rod Horner, Vice-President, lead the meeting in Tom Lerczak's absence.

Denise Stoeckel reported on the finances and brought to everyone's attention that a picture submitted by Jenny Trimpe to the Illinois Audubon Society (IAS) was used in the latest issue of Cardinal News. The picture was featured with an article reporting on the Mason County Field Trip held last November. It was said to be "a very successful weekend, and thoroughly enjoyed by all."

Marcia Heitz informed the group that she had TWO bluebirds claiming her bluebird nests. (Don't miss Marcia's sandhill crane report in this issue.)

We are at 105 members with 48% also being IAS members.

A discussion was held regarding birdseed sales as a fund raiser. Richard Bjorkland explained how the seed sales worked in Peoria (repacked vs pre-packed seeds) and Bob Frazee from Farm Supply offered to help if EAS decides to go ahead with bird seed sales.
Rod announced the new guidelines for membership dues: anyone who signed up before 10/99 needs to renew by 3/31/00. Anyone who signed up after 10/99 will not be due until 3/31/01. This was decided in order to get everyone on the same schedule and avoid sending out notices every month.

Lou Nelms suggested the idea of a fundraising banquet where some of the cost of the ticket would go towards IAS dues. A discussion followed regarding the subject of active vs in-active members based on attendance at meetings and field trips. Denise noted that some groups add in the cost of an IAS membership to their membership fee. All agreed to keep the EAS dues at $5.

Jenny Trimpe gave an ARK update and announced that Barb Troxell and Jim Miller have volunteered to take pictures at the Refuges.

Earth Day will be celebrated by a tree planting at the Refuge. Jenny thanked Rod for helping to get trees for the planting and asked for help from the membership. She suggested that anyone attending bring extra tools and their own gloves.
Doug gave a report on the joint EAS/Springfield field trip (see report on Page 3).

The meeting portion concluded and Lou Nelms took over with a wonderful presentation on prairie plants, complete with slides and a tableful of suggested books for further reading.

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Eagle Watching Field Trip with Springfield Audubon Society
Twenty-nine members of the Springfield Audubon Society and guests joined nine EAS members for a bald eagle field trip in the Havana area on Sunday February 17. The group assembled at 9AM at the Great Rivers Area Office of The Nature Conservancy for coffee and donuts. After a quick stop at Riverfront Park, the group car-pooled to Canton Island and enjoyed a walk across the island to the Spoon River lookout and viewed about a dozen eagles.
Then it was out to Chautauqua Refuge where, after a quick and exhilarating view of the headquarters office (at the suggestion of Rod Horner) we arrived at the cross dike. We set up spotting scopes and observed the eagle's nest that was under construction and a kettle of eight eagles with a pair putting on an impressive pre-nuptial display. We also saw a flock of white pelicans, a huge flock of blue and snow geese, Canada geese, ruddy ducks and green-winged teal. To highlight the segment everyone was able to observe a river otter — a first for most of us.
We traveled on to the Ellis popcorn farm where we focused our scopes on the eagle nest. We were quite thrilled to see one eagle in the nest and a second one standing on the edge. Our final stop was at Old Thompson's in Manito for lunch and post-trip discussions.
We were blessed with sunny, atypically warm weather, cooperative wildlife, and excellent fellowship with a group of folks who appreciate and enjoy our natural resources. We invite the Springfield folks to come back anytime.

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Richard & Sig's Census
Richard and Sig reported on April 28 that the two adult eagles nesting on the cross dike are taking turns feeding one visible eaglet (they are uncertain if there is a second eaglet).

At Lake Chautauqua they counted 12 different species of ducks for a total of 957. The most numerous were the northern shoveler at 311 with blue-winged teal close behind at 228 and double-crested comorants at 225.

Other species counted were American coots (2471), greater yellowlegs (1), lesser yellowlegs (8), spotted sandpiper (9), pectoral sandpiper (1) Bonaparte's gull (14), and ring-billed gull (16).

Eighteen killdeer in pairs were observed with 1 "loner" tagging alone.

There were no American pelicans at Lake Chautauqua or Clear Lake. They have put on quite a spectacular aerial show this spring and were spotted in large numbers in many places in Mason and Fulton counties.

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April Field Trip Report — Basic Bird Identification at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge

The April field trip was attended by five members and two non-members. It was a beautiful April morning and under Larry Willis' expert guidance the were able to identify 41 species of birds. The attendees reported that the trip was a very worthwhile learning experience and looked forward to using their new bird-identification skills.

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Join us at our 2nd Annual EAS 4th of July Bar-B-Q on the river
When: 6 PM — July 4th
Where: The Skoglund's 708 N. Schrader (309) 543-2562
What: Picnic and Havana fireworks at dusk
Who: All EAS members and their guests

Grills will be ready by 7PM, bring whatever you would like to cook, a dish to pass, your favorite cold beverage, and a lawn chair – Best seat in town for Havana's Fireworks Show
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ARK UPDATE
Earth Day
Earth Day, April 22, 2000, was a huge success! Approximately 150 - 200 trees were planted on Chautauqua Refuge. Those that helped plant the trees were: Ed Ray, Mayor of Havana and daughter, Haleigh; Joel Haskard,
Havana; Bronwyn Parkin, Manito; Richard Bjorklund, Topeka; Mark Corsentino, Morton; Vicki Hedrick, Carlinville; Bill Hills and son, Billy, Havana; Phil Mullins, Springfield; Andrew Karrick and daughter, Hadley, Havana; Jenny Trimpe and son, Brant, Havana; and of course our trusty bird watcher, Tom Lerczak (only he knows where he is from). Dale Pittman supplied us with buckets of water.
The weather was just right for planting as everyone worked very hard. The mild temperature helped keep the sweat off of us all.
The day started out with Tom and Richard looking for the trees, which had previously been secured in a hiding place since Ross was unable to attend. Once the trees were located, Richard gave us a demonstration on how to use the planting bars. He explained that the roots needed to be covered and they could not have any air on them or they would die. Everyone got busy digging, planting and marking the trees.
The types of trees planted were Silky Dogwood, Burr Oak, Pin Oak, and White Oak. We were able to plant two areas on the refuge. One at the main entrance and another down by the cross dike. Both of these areas hopefully will not need mowing.
After the trees were planted everyone enjoyed lunch at the North pool. Tom and Vicki set up their scopes, the younger ones brought their binoculars and everyone enjoyed viewing the resident eagles.
Ed Ray did the honors of drawing the name for the give-away supporting recycling. Rita Badger was the lucky winner. Way to go Rita!
Thank you Ross for being supportive of our projects.
Special thanks also go to Rod Horner for arranging and picking up the trees! If it were not for him, this Earth Day would not have been so successful! Rod and Ross did a great deal of groundwork to make this a success.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this a victory!

International Migratory Bird Day
The celebration date is May 13, 2000, 10AM to 3PM. We will again "Ride the Refuge". Plans are underway to open the levee at the refuge for public access on that day. Instead of drivers entering at the refuge headquarters they will enter at the cross-dike and exit at the headquarters. Our tent, scopes, and goodie-bags will also be at the cross dike. I understand Steve Havera will be on hand to autograph his new book. Field, song bird, and bio-diversity guided tours will also be given. A complete list of events and times appears on Page 4 of this issue. There was a very nice article in a recent issue of The Mason County Democrat concerning our International Migratory Bird Day celebration.
The fall National Wildlife Refuge Open House was an excellent public awareness event. If anyone would be interested in helping on May 13, we would greatly appreciate your time and efforts.
Since we will be asking for donations for the day's event, your donations would be very thoughtful. A donation of pop (canned only please) or bottled water from any Emiquon member would help us out tremendously.
Please take your donations to The Nature Conservancy before Thursday, May 11, 2000 as we will need to purchase what we don't have the following day.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant Application Update
So far we have not heard whether we qualified for the National Audubon grant. Lora Wondolowski is no longer with National Audubon. She was a great help to everyone. I have not heard who has taken her place.

Prairie Planting
The crew at the Refuge, has been busy preparing the ground in which we plan to plant the prairie garden. The roots from the old cedar bushes are now gone. I understand the refuge is short handed right now as Ron has been in the hospital.