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| Mecklenburg Audubon field trips are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Please remember to contact the Field Trip Leader to let him/her know you are coming. This will insure that you are notified of any changes in meeting locations/times and/or cancellations. Plus it is less likely they will leave without you. Please read this Bird Walk guidelines. |
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| December Field Trips |
| Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007: Waterfowl |
| Full Day Field Trip |
Leader: Judy Walker |
Canvasback |
| Hopefully, the dought will not affect the ducks to severely. Numbers and locations of ducks this year could be very interesting. Coddle Creek Reservoir is usually the place to see waterfowl in the Charlotte area so we will plan this trip for there. However, depending on water conditions we may change our desitination. We’ll have to wait and see if it rains any time soon. |
| For now we will plan on meeting at Panera's Bread at the across from Concord Mills Mall off I-85 at 9 AM and will return about 1 PM. Before we head out to the reservoir we'll check out the wetlands behind H.H. Gregg. |
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| Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007: McDowell Prairie |
| 1/2 Day |
Contact: Ron Clark |
[Directions] |
| There will be a field trip to McDowell Prairie on Saturday the 8th. Due to limited parking at the site, we will meet in front of the Harris Teeter at the corner of Highways 49 and 160 at 8:00. We'll carpool from there. If you haven't been there, it's fairly easy walking, maybe 1 1/2 miles total. We'll be done around lunchtime. |
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Ruby-crowned Kinglet |
| Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007: Gaston County Christmas Count |
| Full Day |
Contact: Steve Tracy |
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| For many animals the Catabaw River can act as a barrier. Only the heartiest mammal will attempt to swim across the river. Birds, however, are not as easily intimated. And birders shouldn’t be phased by the river either. That’s why we are teaming up with the birders from the Gastonia area to conduct the Gaston County Christmas Count. This will be a great opportunity to get to know our neighbors and explore new birding hots. |
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Western Grebe found on 2006 CBC |
| Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007: Lake Norman Christmas Count |
| Full Day |
Contact: Taylor Piephoff |
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| This is hands down the best count circle in the Piedmont. Because of the wide variety of habitat — open fields, large lake, small ponds, wetlands, mixed hardwood forest, old farms — the potential for unusual birds is great. In some ways this count is like a tour through Peterson's guide with a smattering of species from loons all the way through to the sparrows with representatives of almost everything in between. |
| Some groups will start before dawn to catch the owls and woodcocks. Others will meet at 7:00 AM. There are fast food places in the count circle but you may want to bring food to munch on for energy and warmth. Although you might spend a fair amount of time in the car, warm clothes and sturdy shoes are a must. A tally up dinner will be held at 5:30 PM. |
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Northern Oriole |
| Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007: Charlotte Christmas Count |
| Full Day |
Contact: Dave Lovett |
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| The granddaddy of the counts, going all the back to 1941, this circle still encompasses a surprising variety of habitat considering suburban sprawl which has taken over much of the area. There are still patches of woods, ponds, lakes, streams and open fields which turn up a interesting variety of resident and wintering species. |
| In the last 5 years we have averaged around 85-90 species. A remarkable number considering the wholesale lost of habitat over the past 20 years which just proves the tenacity of the birds. |
| Although this is an all day event if you can only participate in the morning or afternoon you are more than welcome to join a group. |
| Since fast food establishments (and warmth) will be just around the corner so packing a lunch is optional although a thermos of coffee never hurt. There will be a tally up dinner at Wing Haven 5:30 PM [directions]. Just bring your appetites and good birding stories. Too assure even and complete coverage of the area those who wish to participate should contact Dave Lovett. |
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Golden-crowned Kinglet |
| Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007: Pee Dee NWR Christmas Count |
| Full Day |
Contact: Judy Walker |
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| The Pee Dee Christmas Count is a great way to end the year birding. Every year it produces surprises. One year it was turkey tracks in the snow and lots of sparrows. Another sight to behold is seeing the ducks take off in the morning or watching them come back in at dusk. Because of the wide variety of habitat and its central location we usually have a pretty good list of birds including Bald Eagles, Tundra Swans, and lots and lots of sparrows and ducks |
| If you want to carpool, meet at the McDonalds at Windsor Square Shopping Center at 5:45 AM [on Independence]. Otherwise meet at the Pee Dee Maintenance Building [main entrance off Rt. 52] at 7 AM. Lunch will be provided but you will want to wear lots of layers and bring snack foods and something hot to drive while you are out in the field. |
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