October 2018 Field Notes
From Our President: Humans and Nature Are Interdependent
Posted on Saturday, December 1st, 2018Regardless of the 2018 election results (I am writing this on November 5!), I realize my message will be the same…
As Audubon members who value nature and wildlife, we need to increase our efforts to connect, inform and educate our youth about how cool and amazing nature is. We need to share our awe and reverence for the natural world around us. Share the wonder of both the complexity and simplicity of natural ecosystems. Even after generations of study by humans, we still know and understand only a small part of how underlying natural processes work to support our life systems on the earth. 
We need to share that our own survival as a species depends upon how we care for the earth we inhabit. If we nurture, protect and preserve the earth’s natural places, it will be our own species we save, as well as other species with whom we coexist.
I cannot give up hope that a future generation will be able to breathe in clean air, drink clear water, and gaze out at lovely natural wonders for inspiration. Please remember, humans need nature and nature depends on us to cherish and protect it.
Conservation Column: Bad News, Good News from Here and There
Posted on Saturday, December 1st, 2018
In last month’s column, I reported some bad news on the conservation front, but noted that there were ways that we, as individuals, could help. That’s still true. Sitting at my computer, I find myself, again, mired in more bad news, and I worry about losing my sense of humor.
Bad news first:
- The Peregrine Fund has found that 52 percent of raptor species are declining around the globe.
- According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), we have seen an overall 60 percent decline of mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles since 1970.
- A report on high-elevation species of birds show population declines. Their ranges have shrunk due to climate change, and they have run out of usable mountain habitat.
Children’s Book Recommendation
Posted on Saturday, December 1st, 2018
by Maeve Sowles
If you are looking for a children’s book to help engage youth in nature, check out Robert Bateman: The Boy Who Painted Nature, by Margriet Ruurs, with art by Robert Bateman.
Celebrated artist Robert Bateman is renowned internationally for bringing the natural world to life on the canvas. A naturalist and painter from his youth, Robert has for decades used his fame to shed light on environmental issues and advocate for animal welfare.
The book tells the true story of how, as a young child, Robert achieved his dream of painting the world around him and became one of Canada’s most famous artists.
Pollinator Primer: Your Tiny Neighbors and the Plants They Love--Program Meeting Dec. 14
Posted on Saturday, December 1st, 2018
We co-sponsor a program each December with Eugene Natural History Society. This year Bruce Newhouse will share information about pollinators that will help us nurture them.
Did you ever wonder about all those flying and crawling critters on your flowers? Do you know how to tell a bee from a fly? Do you know that some flies are good pollinators? Do you know how to plant a garden that will be the best possible place for pollinators? 
If these kinds of questions go through your mind as you stare at your garden, this presentation is for you! We will familiarize ourselves with the most common native pollinators and learn a few simple tricks to tell them apart. We’ll also learn some of the best things you can do to invite native pollinators into your own yard, including which plants “rock the world” of the little creatures that run it.
FMI: Dean Walton: dpwalton@uoregon.edu
Date:
Friday, December 14, 2018 - 7:30pm
Location:
100 Willamette Hall, UO Campus, Eugene
Bird Songs for a Winter’s Night -- Jan.11, 2019
Posted on Saturday, December 1st, 2018
Seldom on a winter’s night in Oregon can a birder rack up a checklist of more than 30 species in a single hour. But that’s exactly what listeners have in store for them on January 11, when the Lane County Audubon Society presents singer-songwriter Stephan Nance at Eugene Piano Academy for the release of their latest, birdiest record, Look at the Harlequins!
Date:
Friday, January 11, 2019 - 7:00pm
Location:
507 Willamette St., Eugene
The Enigmatic Marbled Murrelet: January Program Meeting Tuesday 1/22/19
Posted on Saturday, December 1st, 2018
Kim Nelson will share information she has gathered on the enigmatic Marbled Murrelet (MAMU).
These murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus) are unique small, cryptic seabirds that nest inland in older-aged forests of the Pacific Northwest, instead of on off-shore rocks like their relatives. Murrelet populations have declined over much of their range due primarily to current and historic loss and fragmentation of their forest breeding habitat. Changes in ocean conditions and prey availability are also impacting nesting frequency and nesting success. Come hear about the Marbled Murrelet, the last bird species in North America to have its nest found. Kim will discuss murrelet ecology, recent research in Oregon, and new developments in technology that help in studying this elusive seabird.
Kim is a Research Wildlife Biologist in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University.
Date:
Tuesday, January 22, 2019 - 7:30pm
Location:
Eugene Garden Club, 1645 High St., Eugene
Third Saturday Bird Walk January 19
Posted on Saturday, December 1st, 2018Date:
Saturday, January 19, 2019 - 8:00am
Location:
TBA
Announcements, Happenings, Thankyous
Posted on Saturday, December 1st, 2018
Thanks to Matt Parker for Website Help--
Audubon in the Schools Update--
Mt. Pisgah Mushroom Festival Brings Out the Shroomers--and More...
On Sunday, October 28, thousands of attendees came to see the incredible mushroom display at the Mushroom Festival at Mt. Pisgah. Hundreds of them stopped by the LCAS booth to learn more about the birdlife in our area and get acquainted with the way our organization promotes the conservation of birds and their habitat through education and outreach.