Audubon State Park sponsored programs
 in conjunction with the

Ohio Valley Birding Festival April 29-May 2, 2010

Thursday, April 29
 
“But That’s Not In My Peterson Field Guide!”  Presented by Alan Gehret, Audubon Museum Curator, 6-7 pm Audubon Museum, Audubon State Park

Unfortunately, John James Audubon could not consult a field guide to identify the birds he found during his travels.  This was likely due to the fact that he was writing the original field guide as he went along.  Before Audubon’s Birds of America, the only work on American birds was Alexander Wilson’s American Ornithology.  Audubon, therefore, became the founder and describer of numerous bird species that we know and love today.  Join Alan Gehret, Curator of the John James Audubon Museum, as he guides us through a look at Audubon’s nomenclature of bird names and misnames. Audubon wasn’t always correct in his identification so be prepared to learn and laugh through Audubon’s bird identification problems.

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Program Fee: Free

Saturday, May 1

Audubon’s Bird Migration Walks  Presented by Micah Perkins and Carol Gehret, 7:30 —9 am. and 8:30  – 10 am Programs depart from Audubon Museum

John James Audubon State Park’s Beech-Maple forest is an urban oasis for woodland and shore birds.  In addition to the seven woodpecker species, several neotropical migrants make the Park their home.  Species spotted on these hikes include: Eastern Bluebird, Yellow-throated Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Scarlet and Summer Tanagers, Indigo Bunting, Prothonotary Warbler, and White-eyed and Red-eyed Vireo.

Share nature with your family!  Bring your binoculars, field guide and notebook to identify new birds for your life list. 

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Program Fee: Free

 A Walk with Bluebirds  Presented by Bob and Judy Peak, 10:30-11:30 am Sycamore Shelter: Audubon State Park

Discover the lives and nesting habits of Eastern Bluebirds and other cavity nesters.  The Peaks will introduce visitors to their ongoing nesting research conducted at numerous parks including Audubon State Park.  Attendees may have an opportunity to see eggs and nestlings inside nesting boxes.  This walking tour is moderate in difficulty and mostly on concrete.  Wheelchairs can likely be accommodated by use of a vehicle.

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Program Fee: Free

Create-a-Creature from Owl Pellets – Presented by Julie McDonald Noon-12:45 pm Audubon Museum. 

Owls hunt from dusk to dawn for many different types of prey.  Learn about the owl’s habits and role in nature. Discover what critters these nocturnal hunters seek out by dissecting a sterilized owl pellet.

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Program Fee: Free

Bird Photography for Identification, Documentation and Fun Talk-and-Walk program Presented by Marty Jones, 1 – 3 pm Audubon Museum, Audubon State Park

Photographing birds blends a naturalist's skill, artistic vision, and technical understanding to capture incredible moments. During this Talk-and-Walk program, learn how to find and get close to birds, where to photograph them, and the necessary equipment and camera settings to create stunning shots. Marty Jones has photographed over 275 different species of Indiana birds including many rarities and will share what it takes to capture the moments.

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Program Fee: Free

Sunday, May 2

Hands-on Bird Banding Workshop  Presented by Scott Kramer, 10:30 - noon, Audubon Museum, Audubon State Park

Come and help us with an ongoing conservation project as we catch, identify, band, and release birds from the John James Audubon State Park. Bird banding helps us understand bird migration and movements, behavior, social structure, population growth, lifespan and survival rates.  This is a great opportunity for spotting early migratory birds and connecting with nature, so bring a camera! 

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov
Program Fee: Free

Explore Raptors   Presented by Julie McDonald, Park Naturalist, Noon -1 pm, Audubon Museum, Audubon State Park

Using live birds, participants will learn the characteristics of birds of prey, their role in the ecosystem, and how interactions with humans have impacted these majestic creatures.

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Program fee:  Free 

Ten White Wonders and the Stories Behind Them  Presented by Sharon Sorenson, Evansville Courier and Press columnist, 2 – 3 pm, Audubon Museum, Audubon State Park

Over the seasons, our area plays host to ten especially spectacular bird species. They're all white. They're all big. And they're all handsome. Some are quite common; others are quite rare; some found their way here behind an ultra-light aircraft.  Enjoy photos of these distinctive birds.  Test your knowledge about this "colorful" topic and learn curious facts about these white birds' lives, livelihoods, habits, and habitats.

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Program fee: Free