Audubon Report | Fall 2024

AUDUBON SOCIETY OF RHODE ISLAND

AUDUBON REPORT CONNECTING ALL PEOPLE WITH NATURE • FALL 2024

Leading the Way to a Clean Energy Future

AUDUBON SOCIETY OF RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024-2025 OFFICERS: President: David Caldwell Jr. Vice President: Tina Duhaime

Treasurer: Patricia Thompson

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RePower Audubon

Secretary: Don Heitzmann

REPORT

DIRECTORS: Stephanie Beauté Katherine Burnham Jameson Chace Meg Kerr Laura Landen Thomas Lisi Kathleen Melbourne Stephen Porder Emily Murphy Prior Leslie Samayoa Richard Staples, Jr. Sara Sweetman Carol Lynn Trocki Olinda Urizar-Mendez Emily Westcott Jeff Williams Shawen Williams John Woulfe

Please pass this copy on to a friend or recycle. Thank you.

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Mustelids in Our Woods

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Community Partnerships and Collaborations

VOLUME 58 • NO. 3 • FALL 2024 Eleanor & Maurice H. Gordon Wildlife Refuge

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Youth Conservation League

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State of Our Birds

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Nature Tours and Programs

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Caratunk Wildlife Refuge

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The Carp Conundrum

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Year of the Advocate

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Audubon 127th Annual Meeting

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Kid’s Page: Feathered Friends in Winter

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Mergansers

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Cover photo: Children at Audubon summer camp, Caratunk Wildlife Refuge.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI 02917 401-949-5454 www.asri.org Executive Director: Jeffrey C. Hall Managing Editor: Hope Foley Contributing Writers: Laura Carberry, Charles Clarkson, Hope Foley, Sue Kennedy, Abbie Lahmers, Lisa Maloney, Lauren Parmelee, Rebecca Reeves, Scott Ruhren, Camryn Sandbach, Katie Schortmann, Phoenix Wheeler.

Contributing Photographers: Mary Ann Cofrin, David DelPoio, Peter Green, Ed Hughes, Keith Killingbeck, Abbie Lahmers, Kimberly Nel, Jason Major, Ingrid Mathews, Hugh Markey, Gene Medley, Glenn Osmundson, Merrilyn Parry, Scott Ruhren, Allen Schenck, Richard Staples, Janice Sullivan, Paige Therien, Tom Younkin.

The Report is Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s newsletter, updating members and supporters on current news, policy issues, research and initiatives being led by the organization, staff, and volunteers.

We encourage your participation. Please send items that will be considered for publication to Managing Editor Hope Foley at hfoley@asri.org.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A YEAR OF OPPORTUNITY

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had the great pleasure of sharing success stories and major plans with many Audubon members and supporters at Audubon’s 127th Annual Meeting on October 20th.

While I stood behind the podium, what struck me most was the energy and optimism that filled that room. Members, supporters and staff – we all came together to celebrate a year of opportunity, the monumental growth that resulted, and the transformational work that lies ahead.

• Audubon acquired over 400 acres of pristine habitat from generous donors over the past twelve months.

Our vital role in safeguarding nature continues to grow.

• The fight against the harmful impacts of neonicotinoid pesticides advances with a new partnership at the University of Rhode Island, resulting in the first lab to test for these dangerous chemicals in our environment.

• Our advocacy work has gained leverage as we move to protect raptors from the widespread use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, commonly known as SGARs. • The Stormwater Innovation Center brings innovative solutions to stormwater management through green infrastructure. The Center’s collaborations with towns and cities across new England continues to expand.

BOLD ACTION FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE The annual meeting also provided an opportunity to address the elephant, or should I say the brontosaurus, in the room: climate change. With the full support of our gathered members we launched RePower Audubon, committing ourselves to the most important issue of our time. Audubon has a big, bold plan to transition to a clean energy future, and is inviting all Rhode Islanders, other nonprofits, and businesses to join us as we lead the way on climate resilience.

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

CONNECTING ALL PEOPLE WITH NATURE Audubon is committed to providing safe, welcoming, and accessible properties and facilities to all people. We understand that access to nature is not a privilege, but a right.

Over the last year, bilingual maps were added to our refuges so visitors are more comfortable on the trails. Inclusive nature programs are available for learners of all abilities, and we partner with groups like the Boys and Girls Clubs and community libraries to encourage outdoor exploration in city communities. There are now accessible picnic tables and electric doors at the Nature Center and Aquarium for easier access for those with mobility issues. We offer Sensory Friendly Hours for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other sensory processing disorders. And this is just the beginning.

Audubon’s tagline has always been Connecting People with Nature. With our commitment to breaking barriers, I am proud to officially change Audubon’s tagline with one simple word: All. This one simple change has significant meaning.

We strongly believe that all people should have the ability to connect with nature, regardless of who they are or where they live. And we will continue with our work to make this happen.

Audubon… Connecting All People with Nature.

I remain hopeful and inspired by what we can and have achieved together. Thank you again for your support and for standing with us to protect nature for all people and future generations to come.

Good birding,

Jeffrey C. Hall Executive Director

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Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Warren, RI. Photo by Jason Major.

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Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

Audubon to Achieve True-Zero Emissions by 2040

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By Sue Kennedy

udubon has seen first-hand how climate-induced weather events can wreak havoc on local wildlife refuges. The urgent, rising concern regarding climate and how to build resilience is something Audubon Executive Director Jeff Hall is very familiar with and sees as critical to our future. With strong support from the Audubon Board of Directors, Hall is guiding an Audubon initiative to take direct action by becoming one of the first nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island to eliminate its use of fossil fuels and thereby it’s greenhouse gas emissions. The organization will reach “net-zero” by 2030 by totally eliminating on-site fossil fuel use and adding solar power to its properties. By 2040, using advanced battery storage, Audubon will be emissions free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Continued on page 6

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he technologies, the knowhow, the economics have all come together to make this a time where we can really make a big difference…and so that, for me, is what environmental leadership looks like in the 21st century.

– Stephen Porder, PhD Audubon Board Member

Rendering of parking lot solar canopies at Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI.

Walking the Walk

Nature Doesn’t Have the Time to Wait

To reach these ambitious goals, and “walk the walk” for birds, people, and the planet, Audubon has launched RePower Audubon this fall. This comprehensive campaign will enable the organization’s transition to clean energy and help us show others how to do the same.

“Our facilities, trucks, tractors, and grounds equipment will be fully electric by 2030. By that date, we will also have enough solar panels on our property roofs, carports and ground mounts to power the entire organization,” said Hall. “This is a critical step that will allow Audubon to reach ‘net-zero’ where we generate as much power as we use on all our properties.” Sitting at a table in his office, paging through energy reports, construction quotes and charts, his determination is evident. “By 2040, we will move beyond net-zero, using battery technology that stores the extra solar power we generate, so it can be used to power Audubon 24/7/365. At that point we won’t need to rely on a dirty electric grid – Audubon will reach ‘true-zero.’”

And as one of Rhode Island’s first non-profit organizations to pursue such a plan, “walking the walk” is a central component of the campaign, one that will allow Audubon to lead with integrity, says Hall. He is working to raise $4.25 million to replace aging, inefficient systems that heat and light Audubon facilities across the state. The campaign, with its commitment to renewables, features the renovations as an inviting and inspiring learning platform for its 17,000 members and supporters, the public, and other organizations.

The data continue to roll in that document how climate impacts such as flooding and severe storms, continuing warming trends, and phenological mismatch* are changing and affecting the environment. Science, including Audubon’s research in Rhode Island, continues to show how birds eat, shelter, mate, raise young, and migrate in the face of climatic change. Data show our warming climate is disruptive to birds and to Rhode Island’s ecosystems. Nearly every group of birds, from those found in shrubby habitats and grasslands to those who eat insects on the fly are declining, and climate change is fueling the crisis.

At the same time, costly maintenance bills for upkeep of Audubon’s 14 facilities are also common items crossing Hall’s desk. The time is quickly approaching for replacement of much of the infrastructure, and in some buildings, it is centuries old. Hall says that the threat of climate change, combined with the need for upgrades, makes it the perfect time to change the way Audubon facilities are powered. In short, it’s time for Audubon infrastructure to move from being part of the problem to part of the solution.

And that’s where renewables come in. They create power without emitting carbon dioxide, the primary driver of human caused climate change, which is emitted when fossil fuels like oil and gas are burned. In contrast, renewables, including solar, wind and geothermal can be coupled with heat pumps to provide power and heat without emissions. Since the install costs of renewables and heat *Phenological mismatch: A mismatch between what birds need and when it is available.

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Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

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udubon has traditionally not been in the energy space, but this is the crisis of our time, effectively causing vast change and destruction that we don’t even understand.

And when there’s a crisis, Audubon leads by example.

– Dave Caldwell Audubon Board President

Seasonal blooms at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI. Photo by Paige Therien.

pumps can be high, it makes sense to couple them with end of life replacements of existing systems, and renewables are proving to be much more cost-efficient over time than traditional sources of heat and power. Audubon projects it will ultimately be able to save over $100,000 in energy costs annually - money that will be used to support conservation and education programming, rather than energy and maintenance bills.

Hall’s hope? He looks to build understanding about how, collectively, use of renewables can help temper the changes seen in the climate crisis. “RePower Audubon will help illuminate the connection between fossil fuels, a warming climate, and destabilized bird habitat,” he explains. “And become an example of what a brighter future can look like.” Stopping or slowing climate change will take many kinds of solutions, he indicates, but Audubon, as well as any home or business owner, can take steps to decrease their own footprints of damage and support environmental health. A benefit for humans and birds alike. “Climate science shows what we need to do,” he says. “To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, everyone must work to reduce the amount of planet-warming greenhouse gases produced, and the best way to do that is to make the transition to clean electric energy.”

Choosing a “Big, Bold Plan” Transition became a central issue for Hall and Audubon’s Board of Directors, with staff and advisors regularly putting heads together

to study and mull science-based options that could respond to the growing needs. Over time, a “big, bold plan” coalesced, says Hall, calling for a comprehensive, net-to-true-zero campaign and education program. Such a plan, in his estimation, wouldn’t have been possible without the board of directors, especially the unique expertise of Board President David Caldwell and Board Members Stephen Porder and Tina Duhaime.

Caldwell, a sustainable builder by trade, is widely recognized in Rhode Island for the balanced approach he brings to development projects and the emphasis he places on sustainable building practices. Ready and able to advise on both the construction and energy infrastructure aspects of the work, Caldwell, a board member for six years and president for the past two, also saw the project as a vital stage from which to educate people on two key aspects of sustainable building.

First, careful planning prior to construction is critical for ensuring a structure, be it a home or business, is matched to appropriate energy infrastructure systems -- doing so is one of the chief steps toward ensuring cost savings, regardless of the size of the effort.

“You’ve got to plan,” he says. “Understand the incentives, understand the cost-versus-value propositions, and think about it before you’re in the emergency period.”

Second, says Caldwell, it behooves us all, when we build a structure these days, to try, as much as possible, to work some degree of renewable energy -- there are a wide variety of renovations that span the economic gamut -- into the project, as the environment Continued on page 8

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

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may not be able much longer to accept the increasing brunt of the emissions burden from humans. “This is a global crisis, and the cause of it is burnt gas and oil,” says Caldwell of climate change.

“Audubon has traditionally not been in the energy space, but this is the crisis of our time, effectively causing vast change and destruction that we don’t even understand. And when there’s a crisis, Audubon leads by example.”

Board member Stephen Porder, who is also a professor of ecology and Brown University’s Associate Provost for Sustainability, has advised Audubon for two years and echoes this commitment to action. High stakes, Porder indicates, call for Audubon to detour away from business-as-usual energy planning, as traditional approaches are largely inadequate to address the increasing impacts of climate change. And while Audubon’s going renewable does not equate to placing a dent in the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, Porder sees it as a significant step forward -- both in terms of reducing emissions and fostering community action. “There are an awful lot of people who work at Audubon, who come to Audubon, bring their kids to the Audubon Nature Center, who would like to do something less harmful, but don’t really know what that looks like.”

And the timing of the campaign couldn’t be better, as education is key. “The technologies, the know-how, the economics have all come together to make this a time where we can really make a big difference for every single person who walks into any Audubon facility in the State of Rhode Island,” says Porder. “And so that, for me, is what environmental leadership looks like in the 21st century.”

Something for Everyone The RePower Audubon campaign offers something for everyone and has the potential to benefit many audiences and arenas beyond Audubon’s own. While Executive Director Hall recognizes the impossibility of any single person or entity being able to claim full credit for making environmental strides, he also says the scope of the campaign lifts the potential for key contributions to be made and celebrated.

He ticks off a list of these: cleaner water, healthier air, and more stable habitats. Fewer greenhouse gas emissions, energy independence, and stepping up to do our part to fix a global problem. “We all have a role to play,” he says.

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That’s where the education program tied to the campaign comes in, with Audubon planning to coalesce community based activities for members, partners and the public around many of its RePower projects. A comprehensive slate of education events will allow the organization to not only engage people in experiencing the renovations as they take place but will open the door to dialogues about how they themselves can start thinking about progressive transitions to cleaner energy.

And as RePower Audubon gets underway, the organization encourages everyone to think creatively about how they would like to participate in the campaign and its activities, as well as the changes they would like to make in their own lives to foster a more climate resilient Rhode Island, one that’s as beneficial for people as it is for birds. “Every change is important, every single one of us can ask ‘what can I do, what role can I play?’” says Hall. “And in my view, there’s no better organization than Audubon to be a living model for this, and to help others learn to do it themselves.” * * * * * Sue Kennedy is a communications specialist for the URI Coastal Resources Center, serves on the Warwick Wildlife & Conservation Commission, and enjoys freelancing; reach her at skennedy1168@gmail.com.

LET’S REPOWER AUDUBON TOGETHER. Building Climate Resilience requires action from all of us.

Learn more at asri.org/repower

Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

THE ROADMAP TO

REPOWER AUDUBON 11. Update plumbing, electrical, and heating

5. Invest in battery storage after 2030 to use 5

22. Install heat pumps that run on electricity,

6 6. Raise $4.25 million. By reaching our 2040

systems that will make Audubon facilities more energy efficient and save thousands of dollars a year. Completion: 2027 rather than natural gas, propane, or oil, and to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Completion: 2028

33. Generate the amount of energy used by

the organization by adding ground and roofmounted solar arrays and two parking lot solar canopies. Completion: 2029

only our own generated power and meet the goal of true-zero emissions by 2040.

Completion: 2040

goal, we will do everything we can to speed Rhode Island’s transition to total emissions– free electricity, and build out our own capacity to achieve this goal on-site as needed.

Completion: Now!

44. Spread the word about the benefits of

clean energy to Audubon members, visitors, and the public through signage, education programs, and focused workshops for nonprofit and small business leaders interested in going net-zero. Completion: 2040 The bulk of the work – the heat pumps, solar canopies, and system upgrades will take place in fewer than six years. The replacement of the fossil fuel HVAC system at the Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol has already started this fall; the system will be replaced with an all-electric air sourced heat pump. Heat pumps alone may well reduce Audubon’s greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 64 percent yearly.

As each portion of work is carried out, and the new efficient systems come online, savings will begin to accrue and will help offset installation and related construction costs. The money Audubon saves on energy costs can power our central mission to protect birds through science, conservation, education, and advocacy.

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Getting to Know Renewables Terms to remember: Net-Zero: Reaching net-zero means reduc-

ing emissions by the same amount as you produce them. For example, if you use 1 unit of electricity per year that is produced by burning gas, but then install enough solar panels to produce 1 unit of electricity and thereby reduce the amount of gas burned, you have reached “net-zero”.

True-Zero: Even if you reach net-zero (see

above), you are still reliant on burning fossil fuels when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow. True-zero means you never require the burning of fossil fuels/emissions of greenhouse gases. This can be achieved, for example, by coupling wind, solar and hydro power with battery storage to provide clean electricity 24/7/365.

Solar Canopies: Elevated structures that

host panels for collecting energy from the sun. They provide shade and are typically installed over parking lots.

Renewable/Green/Clean Energy:

Electricity that comes from renewable, sources that don’t emit greenhouse gases when they produce electricity, such as wind, sunlight, or water. Until the world only runs on these sources, the creation of solar panels and wind mills still result in emissions, but over their lifetime less than 10% of what is emitted by burning fossil fuels to produce the same amount of electricity.

Heat Pumps: Heat pumps use electric-

ity to pump heat from one place rather than create heat by burning something. Heating with heat pumps is much more efficient than burning gas or oil for heat in Rhode Island and becomes ever cleaner as the electricity mix incorporates more emissions-free sources of electricity.

Batteries: Modern large batteries, even big-

ger than the ones that power electric cars, can be used to store excess energy produced by solar panels on mild sunny days, and can then supply power at night or on cloudy days when the panels aren’t generating enough power.

Help Us Lead and Light the Way! Can’t wait to get started on RePower Audubon? Your support – a gift, grant, or corporate sponsorship – can help us meet our sustainability goals. As importantly, your donation will allow us to better align our operations with our mission and help us live our values.

Scan the QR code, visit asri.org/repower or contact Jen Cleland at 401-949-5454 ext. 3018 to get started.

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Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

ELEANOR & MAURICE H. GORDON WILDLIFE REFUGE Audubon Acquires South Kingstown Wildlife Refuge

By Camryn Sandbach

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or over 80 years, members of the Gordon family maintained 67 acres of land in South Kingstown that had provided a haven for wildlife. Recently, the family made the decision to donate the land to Audubon for conservation, acting on the lessons that a previous generation had instilled in them: that nature holds intrinsic value.

The new Eleanor & Maurice H. Gordon Wildlife Refuge is mostly comprised of wetlands, critical habitats that add to the biodiversity that will remain protected under Audubon’s care. The property also consists of forests which provide a home for yearround species such as Barred and Great-Horned Owls; fresh-water streams and a pond that support fish, frogs, turtles, and native aquatic plants; and thick brush on the forest floor, where mammals such as white-tailed deer and coyotes reside.

The refuge holds particular value due to its location near the Great Swamp Management Area. “Larger tracts of land are critical to conservation efforts, and adding to large, already protected parcels achieves many goals,” explains Audubon Senior Director of Conservation Scott Ruhren. “Large, wooded areas are more resilient to stress, such as climate change, while smaller woodlands are more exposed to wind, heat and cooling. They are also more vulnerable to invasive species.” In addition, many forest birds and animals need larger spaces to thrive.

“ Our parents ingrained in us

that all the land’s interconnected beings have value and rights. One of the most effective ways to fulfill that is through the preservation of our open and natural spaces.

We couldn't think of a better organization than Audubon Society of Rhode Island and their mission of conservation to help us achieve that goal.

– The Gordon Family

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Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

CIRCLING BACK TO ITS ROOTS Although the new property will largely remain off-limits for public use due to the sensitive habitat found within its borders, it is possible that a small section of the land may once again become a nursery for native plants. A portion of the property was originally used by the Gordon family to grow shade and flowering trees. The business, Spring Green Nurseries, est. 1955, wholesaled large trees to landscape contractors throughout Southern New England. Circling back to this original use, Audubon may cultivate valuable native plant species on this property in the future. Seeds and plants could then be transplanted onto other Audubon properties and shared with local conservation organizations to support native pollinators, birds and other wildlife.

According to Audubon Executive Director Jeff Hall, land donors are vital contributors to the Audubon mission. “The Gordon family worked hard to maintain this property and keep its natural features. This acquisition offers an opportunity for Audubon to continue our protection of the land in their name, and support the wide range of wildlife species that call it home. We thank the Gordon family for this extremely generous donation, and for trusting us to care for it in perpetuity.”

Camryn Sandbach is an English major studying at Rhode Island College. Outside of writing for Audubon, interests include reading, creative writing, knitting, and spending time walking through nature.

DID YOU KNOW? For over 100 years Audubon has been a trusted partner to landowners, tailoring permanent conservation plans for families. If you are considering land donation, contact Senior Director of Conservation Scott Ruhren to discuss ways you can work with Audubon. Email sruhren@asri.org or call 401-949-5454 ext. 3004.

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The NEXT GENERATION of

CONSERVATIONISTS

From building boardwalks to cutting trails, young environmentalists find their potential through the Youth Conservation League 12

Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

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By Abbie Lahmers

n a Thursday summer morning, the Youth Conservation League (YCL) is hard at work constructing Chimney Swift towers for Audubon. At a distance, you can hear multiple voices combined with the clatter of drilling and hammering from inside the barn at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in Exeter. Crew members, ranging from high school students to college grads, get to work with instruction from Audubon Director of Avian Research Charles Clarkson, their supervisor for the day.

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

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We’re all feeling climate anxieties, but instead of sitting around and feeling pessimistic, we can do something, even a little bit.

– Aila Bally, YCL North Crew Leader

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For the past 10 years, a cohort of six to eight teens and young adults have traveled around the state each summer, working different conservation-oriented jobs four days a week. The YCL is managed by Audubon, but crews also take on jobs from the RI Department of Environmental Management, The Nature Conservancy, the Narrow River Land Trust and other conservation organizations – and unlike many summer internships, they’re compensated for their hard work.

Many students enter the YCL with the question of “What do I want to do with my future?” on top of mind. They may have sights on careers in the environmental field or are finishing up science degrees but seek practical experience outside the classroom. “We try to give them an idea of different career avenues they could pursue,” says Properties Director Laura Carberry, who manages the program. They also meet a range of professionals and gain valuable references that go a long way. Carberry shares that a former crew leader, Ethan Paiva, went on to become a Terra Corp member and then was hired by Audubon for a staff position earlier this year. Another former YCL member now works with bighorn sheep out west. “I love hearing those success stories and knowing that we were a part of that,” says Carberry.

“I think it’s really empowering to build things like the boardwalk at the Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge,” says crew leader Aila Bally.

She’s referring to one of the YCL’s biggest projects this summer, of replacing an old boardwalk that was in a state of disrepair and needed to be replaced with a structure that was more climate resilient. The team worked in the blistering heat to complete the project, saving Audubon staff a huge amount of time.

An art major at Colorado College, Bally took time off from her studies to work at a wolf sanctuary in Westcliffe, Colorado. When the Barrington resident was home for the summer and saw a newspaper clipping calling for YCL applicants, it was fate. “At the wolf sanctuary, I got to work with volunteer groups and their leaders, and I thought it would be cool to work on the other side of that,” she explains.

Bally describes the variety of work she and the team accomplished this summer, from putting on waders and picking up litter with the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council in Providence to identifying and removing invasive species at Roger Williams Park. The crew has traveled the state, working for local Land Trusts in Scituate, Richmond, Charlestown, and more.

Bally’s workdays started early in the morning, as she set out in the big Audubon van to pick up crew members, and over time she built up confidence in her leadership skills. “It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s really rewarding. All of us are feeling very strong. We keep joking that we’re going to be really buff by the end of the summer.”

While at Fisherville Brook, Clarkson explained that Chimney Swifts are among Audubon’s list of responsibility birds – species that are still relatively abundant, but whose populations have declined in numbers. Audubon is working to address these declines now. The towers crew members were enlisted to build will not only serve as proactive measures to bolster Chimney Swift numbers by providing nesting sites, but also spread awareness.

Continued on page 14

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The Next Generation of Conservationists Continued from page 13 The towers have now been erected at Fisherville and Caratunk Wildlife Refuges, and one will be installed this fall at the Wanskuck Community Library in Providence where students will monitor its use. “This is a great tool for advocacy, but also for conservation of the species as a whole,” Clarkson says. “The YCL crew helped with the construction of the first three towers, and now we’ll monitor them and see how things go.”

Over the din of whirring power tools, crew members instruct and encourage each other as they concentrate on pre-drilling a series of holes into the walls of the towers. At one point, a mistake slips into their purview: “We realized we had about an extra half an inch on that side,” says Kaitlyn Williams, a recent environmental conservation biology grad, pointing to the edge of the box, “so we had to undo it and line it up properly.” Along with Ella Stinnette and Anne Marie Nagle – anthropology and forestry majors, respectively – the trio takes turns drilling. When asked if there’s a lot of trial and error involved, they laugh and self-efface: “I would say so, yeah.”

There’s camaraderie and humbleness, even in the face of course-correcting and pulling out screws. Carberry and Clarkson are close by to lend aid, but this far into the program, even when presented with new types of jobs, the crew is adept in taking each challenge in stride and problem solving as a team.

New this year, Audubon added a second YCL crew in order to complete a number of projects with urban partners, and to create opportunities for students to contribute to land stewardship in their own communities of Providence, Pawtucket, Cranston, and Warwick.

Mary Ann Cofrin, the generous donor who made it possible, relays that it was an easy decision to fund the new group. “To me, the most important thing we can do for the planet is make sure the next generation is ready to address the issues and understands how crucial this work is.”

An avid nature enthusiast, Cofrin also cites the health benefits and meditative value of spending time outdoors. She feels that everyone should be able to experience nature, whether they live in a city or near a wildlife refuge. “There’s so much variation in nature that I never get bored – it feeds our souls,” she relays.

Of all the tasks completed this summer, a few members share that trail work was a favorite, not just for the satisfaction of cutting and grooming paths crucial to visitors and researchers but also for the experience in nature, similar to what Cofrin describes. “I didn’t realize that if you go out in the woods or in nature every day, you’re bound to see cool stuff,” says Bally. “We’ve seen deer and bird eggs and interesting bugs; the exposure to wildlife has been really rewarding.”

Audubon is grateful for the support of Cofrin and other generous donors that allows us to provide summer employment, staff mentors, and practical experience for students who are considering career paths and getting involved with environmental issues in their own communities. “We’re all feeling climate anxieties,” expresses Bally, “but instead of sitting around and feeling pessimistic, we can do something, even a little bit. I’m really proud of the crew. It brings me hope to see young adults that really care and want to help.”

Founded to Support Community Conservation

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hen many think of wildlife refuges and native habitats, they imagine peaceful places in rural areas where nature seems to take care of its own. But if you ask a Land Trust, they are likely to share that property stewardship is never as easy as it looks. Even natural spaces in cities which are critical to environmental health require care and attention.

Managing conservation lands, no matter the location, requires resources. As Land Trusts across the state began to face this challenge, the Conservation Stewardship Collaborative (CSC) was founded with a gift from the Sharpe family in 2007. Every year, the CSC has brought together a team from eight of the state’s major environmental groups to select key stewardship initiatives for funding.

In 2010, Audubon proposed the Youth Conservation League (YCL), a summer program for high school and college-age students to work with land trusts on stewardship projects. “The CSC wanted to involve young people,” said CSC founder and Audubon Council of Advisors Member Julie Sharpe. “Could we provide them paid summer jobs at a time when they were considering their careers? We knew the work wouldn’t be easy, but it would offer them hands-on experience and connections in the environmental field.”

Under Audubon’s leadership, the YCL has continued to expand. In 2024, two crews completed stewardship projects in both city and rural areas, with many members working in their own communities. “I was thrilled to see the YCL adding urban projects to their work this year,” Sharpe said.

“Today, the focus of conservation is shifting to stormwater management, climate resilience, and protection of working lands. It’s more important than ever to engage people where they live and make our conservation work relevant to their communities.” Audubon couldn’t agree more and thanks the CSC for allowing us to provide valuable environmental experiences for youth and opening doors for more community conversations.

Support the Youth Conservation League

Visit asri.org/donate

Abbie Lahmers is the managing editor of Hey Rhody Media Co., as well as a freelance fiction editor/proofreader and nature writer who enjoys hiking and camping around New England. She can be reached at amlahmers@gmail.com.

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Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

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embers of the Youth Conservation League (YCL) headed to work this summer in wildlife refuges, land trusts, and city parks across Rhode Island.

And this year, their impact was doubled. Thanks to generous donors, a second crew was added in 2024 so that the program could have reach in city communities as well as more rural land trust properties.

Crew North and Crew South earned rave reviews for their skills, enthusiasm and hard work. Audubon thanks the members of the 2024 Youth Conservation League for a job well done and is grateful for the generous donors and supporters who make this program possible.

YCL North From left to right on boardwalk: Ella Stinnette, Jouliana Saintilvert, Noah Johnson, Kaityln Williams, Ellie Dunn, Aila Bally, Anne Marie Nagle, Katherine Chun

“

It was clear from the get-go that these five crew members really knew what they were doing.

They, along with three Charlestown Land Trust (CLT) board members put in an entire trail in one of our newest properties today.

The trail itself was the product of their clipping, cutting, sawing, scraping, brush-removal, and leaf litter moving…we are extremely pleased, to say the least.

– Keith Killingbeck Former Audubon Board Member Current Council of Advisors Member

“

Double Vision in 2024

YCL South

Julia Johnson McGuigan, Devin Silversmith, Kent Kreutler (CLT), Bruce Dancause (CLT), Mason Yepez, Keith Killingbeck (CLT), Vito Pompili, Margaret Baumgartner. *CLT - Charlestown Land Trust

Register Your Garden Habitat

Audubon Pollinator Alliance

H

elp Audubon establish a corridor of pesticide-free habitat that stretches across the state. Information about existing garden habitat can be used to form links across neighborhoods and towns. Gaps will create opportunities for education, discussion and informed decisions by land trusts as well as public and private gardeners. Visit the link below, answer a few questions, and register to be a member of the Audubon Pollinator Alliance.

Get your Pollinator Alliance Sign!

Educate others on the importance of pesticide-free areas of native plants for insects and songbirds. Post the sign in your garden among the native plants!

Visit asri.org/pollinators/alliance.html

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

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By Dr. Scott Ruhren, Senior Director of Conservation

Peter Green

SC I E N CE & N AT U RE

River Otters

MUSTELIDS

IN OUR WOODS A

udubon wildlife refuges are home to many members of the Mustelidae family, a diverse group of mammals, sometimes mistakenly called the weasel family. Mustelids in Rhode Island include minks, fisher, otters and weasels. All mustelid species are carnivorous, but can also be opportunistic, occasionally eating other foods including fruits, nuts and mushrooms. Most are small with a long body, small head and short ears and usually have scent glands used to mark territories and for communicating with mates.

Many climb trees. Several swim. Many exhibit inquisitive behavior, raising their heads to inspect their landscape.

Weasels are a subfamily. The long-tailed weasels are the most common species in the eastern United States and have been spotted on Audubon trail cams. These cameras record birds and animals in

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remote locations on our wildlife refuges, away from trails so that wildlife may remain undisturbed.

Along the trail down to the pond at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in Exeter, I encountered a young mink, with the distinctive white chin patch. Riverine forests are a preferred habitat for mink and otters, and this juvenile paused long enough for me to watch and take photos. It had not yet learned to avoid people.

One cold morning at Parker Woodland in Coventry, I stopped near the bridge crossing the iced-over Turkey Meadow Brook. A silent and sleek brown animal ran along the streamside and then disappeared under the ice. This was a mink hunting. Though often active from dusk to dawn, mink will get out during the day in more remote spots where they feel safe.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

Fisher

“

Members of the Mustelidae family cannot thrive when forests are destroyed or reduced.

The large tracts of land Audubon protects are critical to their survival. – Dr. Scott Ruhren

Ed Hughes

“

Weasel

Many mustelids need large habitats to explore, hunt and reproduce. The large, continuous tracts of forest that Audubon protects are crucial for their survival. Even otters travel along stream corridors looking for new ponds like the one at Caratunk where they are seen on quiet mornings, occasionally rearing up in curiosity to see who is watching them. Sadly, because they roam far, many weasels and fisher are found dead on roads, hit by vehicles as they attempt to cross into forest bisected by pavement.

Many predators get a bad reputation while they are a key component of food webs and help in population control and the improvement of species. For example, muskrat, one of mink’s preferred foods, are “improved” by culling sick and weak individuals. Throughout human history, eradication of predators leads to community change, overabundance and imbalance.

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

Mink

The thick fur of the mustelid family resulted in a long history of trapping. Many species declined from trapping, hunting and even poisoning. Nowadays fewer furbearing animals are trapped in Rhode Island and species have recovered.

Weasels have long been looked down upon in literature, folklore, children’s stories and cartoons. The word weasel is often used to mean sneaky, shiftless, betrayer, and sometimes even associated with violence. But these are human values imposed on wild animals. Luckily, when observed with an open mind, weasels and their relatives are revealed to be resourceful and adaptable survivors, even in the face of human persecution. Keep your eye out for them and note their tracks in the snow this winter along ponds and streams on Audubon wildlife refuges. These curious creatures can be joyful to watch.

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Tom Younkin

“

Audubon’s Avian Research Initiative is now in its fourth year and as we take stock of what has been accomplished to date, two things are obvious: there is much to celebrate and there is much more work to be done.

- Dr. Charles Clarkson

“

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THE STAT E O F O U R BIRDS

By Dr. Charles Clarkson, Director of Avian Research

LOOKING BACK AND FORGING AHEAD S

ince its inception, the goal of the Avian Research Initiative has been to assess the avian communities using Audubon’s wildlife refuges at any point during their annual cycle and promote science-based conservation for birds and the habitats that they rely on.

While a principle focus of the initiative is performing targeted research across our properties, my position also involves working to slow the decline that is evident in many of our species. It is therefore important to recognize that many drivers of decline that birds face today (cats, window strikes, habitat loss and climate change) are well documented in scientific literature. While science can continue to refine our understanding of local relationships between birds and the habitats Audubon protects, our work also seeks to take real strides towards on-the-ground conservation based on data that has already come to light.

That is why, in addition to the in-house science that we conduct at Audubon, we are engaged in a number of applied conservation projects that convert the findings from research conducted throughout North America to management activities and education in our state. Simply put: we are working on many fronts, all designed to reduce declines in regional bird populations and better understand the local issues birds face when they choose to nest, overwinter or migrate through one of our refuges.

R E S P O N S IB IL IT Y B I RDS The Avian Research Initiative continues to perform exhaustive year-round surveys on the distribution and abundance of birds across our refuges. These surveys, which are conducted by passionate volunteers and staff, were highlighted in our “State of Our Birds” reports. Nine species known as “Responsibility Birds” are receiving targeted research and conservation projects over the coming years.

For example, a grant obtained from the Rhode Island Natural History Survey has funded research into habitat-use by the Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), a Responsibility Bird that can be found across 71% of Audubon’s refuges and has declined at a rate of 2.42% per year since 1966.

To help the beleaguered Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica), another Responsibility Bird which has declined across North America by 67% in the past 50-years and is now considered vulnerable to extinction, Audubon has erected nesting towers at three locations in the state. These towers will supply a limiting resource to the species in the form of nest sites and more will be constructed over the coming years if the towers are deemed an effective conservation tool. By focusing on these common, but declining, species, Audubon has positioned itself to be proactive with its conservation, recognizing that small actions now have the power to stave off dire situations later.

Wood Thrush

Barn Swallow

TAKIN G THE LON G VIEW Few phenomena in nature can be explained through a single year of data collection, and natural variation warrants long-term ecological research. The data that were collected for our “State of our Birds” reports have become part of a long-term dataset, now in its fourth year. By continuing to collect annual data on breeding, migrating and overwintering birds, we are able to visualize how our avian communities change through time, taking note of which species are potentially most at risk of disappearing from our refuges and which may be experiencing range shifts as a result of habitat loss and climate change.

Prairie Warbler

Eastern Towhee

CLIMATE CHAN GE To address the effects of climate change on migration and nesting success in birds, Audubon has partnered with the University of Continued on page 20

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

Audubon Responsibility Birds:

Black-and-white Warbler

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Looking Back and Forging Ahead Continued from page 19 North Carolina to document the availability of insect prey across our refuges. The project, which is funded by the National Science Foundation, seeks to address the issue of phenological mismatch that occurs as the timing in insect activity is falling increasingly outof-sync with the demands of migrating and breeding birds. Numerous tree species are being surveyed in an effort to document which support the highest abundance and diversity of insects and may therefore supply birds with the best foraging opportunities.

Additional work being done in collaboration with the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society (RIWPS) is designed to foster native perennials across our refuges and promote insect populations. As 96% of birds found in North America rely on insect prey to rear their offspring, supporting healthy insect populations can lead directly to increasing breeding success in birds.

SUPPORT AVIAN RESEARCH Visit asri.org/donate

M I G R AT IO N E CO LOGY AND WINDOW STRIKES To better understand how birds move across our air space, Audubon erected a Motus tower at the Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol. To date, our tower has detected 147 birds and bats that have passed within 10-miles of our Bristol center during migration and post-natal movements. Inside the Nature Center, a new Motus exhibit details the technology and serves as an educational tool to engage the public. Identifying which species pass overhead and the timing of their passage, combined with surveys conducted across the city of Providence throughout the late-Summer and Fall documenting building-strike mortality provide data useful at informing our conservation and advocacy work.

AVI AN A D VO CACY Speaking of advocacy, we have fed data and recently published literature into projects to limit the use of Neonicotinoid pesticides, ban the use of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs), which have widespread negative impacts on raptors and other birds, and address the impacts of artificial lighting and windows on migrating birds.

Did I mention that Audubon has also hosted two regional bird research symposia and provided over 45 public lectures on the goals and accomplishments of the Avian Research Initiative?

Community Science

Report Window Strikes

W

indow collisions claim the lives of a staggering number of birds every year. A recent study documented that over 1 billion birds die from window strikes in the United States alone, with nearly half of these collisions occurring at private residences.

Audubon is collecting data on window strikes to better understand the contribution of Rhode Island homes and businesses to this grim statistic. This information will enable us to direct advocacy and funding to curb window strikes in our state.

Your help is needed. If you detect a window strike at your home, place of work, or while you are traveling about in the state, please alert us by taking a short survey using the QR code below (bookmark the form for easy access in the future) or visit asri.org/report-bird-strikes.

N AS A D E V E LO P PA RTNERSH IP A partnership with NASA’s DEVELOP applied sciences program provided Audubon with a land-use database for the state that projects how habitats will be altered by development through the year 2043. This invaluable resource will enable Audubon to prioritize land conservation in areas of high development pressure and ensure that birds and other wildlife have the requisite habitats to complete their annual cycle.

Audubon has made great strides towards better managing our refuges for birds, and the dedication of our passionate volunteers have been instrumental in this momentum. While it is rewarding to pause and reflect on all we have accomplished, there is much more work to be done. Onward and upward.

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Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

O N TH E WIL D L IFE R EF UG ES

It Can be a Life Saver

Dry Hydrant installed at the Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge

I

n rural communities, dry hydrants can save lives and property. Having enough water for firefighters to quickly extinguish flames can be a challenge when there is a long distance from a water source or a traditional fire hydrant.

The technology of a dry hydrant, a system that can pull water from a local source, allows firefighters to act quickly and efficiently - when needed most. The Exeter Fire Department, with Audubon and RIDEM’s permission and supervision, recently installed a dry hydrant at Eppley that could draw water from the Queen River and may only be used by the fire department during emergencies.

Audubon 2025 Wish List Donate Today and Support Audubon Do you have an Audubon education program, research initiative, or conservation project that has special meaning to you? Our wish list is full of needed items, both big and small, that would support our work.

2025 Wish List Items Include: • Lumber for an outdoor classroom at Caratunk • EGO battery powered mower

Flying Squirrels at Fisherville

T

hanks to Audubon Member Allen Schenck for sending along amazing photos of a flying squirrel spotted at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in August. As Allen was on the blue trail returning to his vehicle, he spotted this amazing creature. While flying squirrels have been known to inhabit Fisherville Brook, Director of Properties Laura Carberry indicated that sightings are rare.

Founders Plot for Native Species

I

n September a team of Audubon staff with help from a Rhode Island Wild Plant Society (RIWPS) volunteer planted 756 native wildflower seedlings at Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge in Coventry. Audubon is assisting the RIWPS in a statewide effort to increase native plant populations, habitat restoration and pollinator projects. The plants will grow for a year with the hope that seeds will be produced and collected by RIWPS in 2025. Eventually, the plants will be transplanted to other destinations in the state to propagate native plant species that are vital to pollinators and other wildlife.

• Battery powered tools • Avian ambassador supplies: falconry gloves, bird hoods and enclosure upgrades • Electricity and lighting for the Bristol pavilion • Spotting scopes and tripods for programming • Sponsor a Youth Conservation League student or TerraCorps member Choose one item, make a monthly contribution, or support an entire initiative. For a complete list of wish list needs, visit asri.org/wishlist.

Thank you for your support!

Spotted Lanternflies on the Rise

T

his past summer, spotted lanternflies were seen at Powder Mill Ledges in Smithfield, a decade after first entering Rhode Island. Spotted lanternflies (SLF) are brightly colored invasive insects that have been in the United States since 2014, their rapid spread is most likely a result of egg masses attached to vehicles. Though the insect eats many different plants including trees such as maple, poplar, walnuts and willows and some agricultural crops, the greatest threats are to vineyards, because of a preference for grapes.

RI DEM is seeing many reports from Providence County: Smithfield, North Providence, Lincoln, Pawtucket, Providence and Cumberland. Visit the URI Biocontrol Lab website for more information on how to deal with infestations: web.uri.edu/biocontrol/projects/spotter-lanternfly Additional resources available at: dem.ri.gov/agriculture/caps-program-pests-spotted-lanternfly Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

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CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

MARCH–MAY 2024

Audubon Nature Programs and Events • December 2024 – March 2025 For more information and to register, visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.

Birding with Audubon

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium

Advance registration is required for all programs.

1401 Hope Street (Route 114), Bristol, RI

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks

For Adults

For Children

A Walk in the Garden: Quilts by Allison Wilbur

Free Family Fun Day

Each week a new destination is chosen. Location will be sent to registered participants.

Every Wednesday through June 2025; 9:00–11:00am.

Waterfowl ID Class for Beginners Moonstone Beach Road, South Kingstown, RI; January 12, 2025; 12:00–2:00pm.

Come discover the delights of the garden at an exhibit of quilts depicting birds, bugs and flowers.

An avid birder and gardener, Wilbur has been quilting for three decades and has exhibited her work nationally and internationally.

Through December 31, 2024; 9:30am–4:30pm.

Woodcocks and Wine

Decoupage Shell Crafting

Virtual Program; December 9, 2024; 6:30–7:30 pm.

Winter Beach Walk with Audubon

Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; March 28, 2025; 6:30–8:30pm.

Searching for American Woodcock

Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Maple Valley Road, Coventry, RI; March 28, 2025; 7:00–8:30pm.

Community Science Eastern Bluebird Monitoring

Volunteer Training. Ages: Adult.

Virtual Program; March 4 or 6, 2025; 5:30–7:00pm.

Osprey Nest Monitoring Volunteer Training. Ages: Adult.

• Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; March 22, 2025; 1:00–2:00pm.

• South Kingstown Land Trust, 17 Matunuck Beach Rd, South Kingstown, RI; April 3, 2025; 6:00–7:00pm.

• Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; April 5, 2025; 1:00–2:00pm.

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December 5, 2024; 6:30–8:00pm.

Owls and Ales

Two Dates Offered.

December 14, February 8, 2024; 6:30–8:30pm.

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop

Two Dates Offered.

January 18, March 8, 2025; 1:00–2:30pm.

The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No need to register! December 7, 2024, January 4, February 1, March 1, 2025; 10:00am–3:00pm.

December School Vacation Week

Bring the kids and learn how animals camouflage in winter, hike with a naturalist, meet cool critters and more!

December 26, 27, 2024; 10:00am–3:00pm.

Li'l Peeps

Introduces children ages 18 months to 2 years to the delights of nature.

January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6,13, 2025; 10:00–11:00am.

February School Vacation Week

Bring the kids for frosty science experiments, owl pellet dissections, animal interviews, outdoor explorations and more! Details at asri.org/calendar.

February 17 – 21, 2025; 10:00am–3:00pm.

Birding Van Trips Waterfowl and Seabirds at the Shore December 14, 2024; 8:00am–4:00pm.

Eagle Cruise on the Connecticut River February 15, 2025; 9:00am–4:00pm.

Winter Van Trip to Cape Ann February 22, 2025; 7:00am–5:00pm.

Owling Van Trip

March 8, 2025; 3:00–7:00pm.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA

Owls of New England

December 7, 2024; 3:00–4:00pm.

Stargazing at Caratunk

December 13, 2024; 6:00–8:00pm.

Owl Prowl at Caratunk

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge

Winter Geology Walk

12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI

Learn about how rocks form and how to identify different geological structures and formations that help us understand the Earth’s history.

Fiber Arts – Knit Owls Holiday Craft Fair

December 7, 2024; 10:00 am-4:00 pm.

Two Dates Offered.

January 17, February 21, 2025; 6:30–8:30pm.

Fiber Arts – Felted Owls

Big Hawk - Little Hawk

Owl Prowl at Powder Mill Ledges

School Vacation Week.

February 17, 2025; 12:00–1:00pm.

Maple Sugaring

March 22, 2025; 10:00am–1:00pm.

Surfer’s End, Second Beach, Hanging Rock Rd, Middletown RI; February 13, 2025; 10:30am–12:00pm.

December 4, 2024; 5:00 -7:00 pm.

NEW!

December 11, 2024; 5:00 -7:00 pm.

Two Dates Offered.

December 13, 2024, January 10, 2025; 6:30-8:30 pm.

Wildlife Wreath Making

Audubon Field Naturalist Series Virtual and In-person Sessions.

See page 39 for details.

Wildlife Tracks & Signs

December 14, 2024; 10:00 am-12:00 pm.

Three Session Course.

January 15, February 8, March 29, 2025.

Hoots and Hot Chocolate

Learn to Bird with Audubon

January 18, 2025; 3:00 -4:30 pm.

February School Vacation Week

Meet hawks, owls and reptiles, search for animal tracks and more! Details at asri.org/calendar.

February 17-21, 2025.

Six Session Course.

March 5, 12, 15, 19, 26, 29, 2025.

Audubon Advanced Birding

Five Session Course.

March 31, April 7, 22, 26, May 3, 2025.

Pysanky Workshop

March 15, 2025; 10:00 am-12:00 pm.

Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI

Meet the Night Owls Prudence Island

Owling at Fisherville Brook

Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI

Wildlife Wreath Making

Seals, Sea Ducks and Sunset!

Snowshoeing By the Full Moon

Winter Wildlife on Prudence Island

Two Dates Offered December 13, 2024, January 24, 2025; 7:00–9:00pm.

December 18, 2024; 6:30–8:30pm.

February 11, 2025; 6:30–8:30pm.

Felting Songbirds

March 13, 2025; 6:30 –8:00pm.

Woodcocks and Wine

March 28, 2025; 6:30–8:30pm.

February 27, 2025; 1:30–6:30pm.

March 14, 2025; 9:45am–4:45pm.

Indoor programs and owl prowls on the trails.

Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI; December 14, 2024 & February 8, 2025.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA; December 7, 2024 & January 17, 21, 2025.

Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI; December 13, 2024 & January 24, 2025.

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI; December 13, 2024 & January 10, 18, 2025.

Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI; December 17, 2024 & February 13, 2025.

For more details, visit asri.org/calendar. Register early!

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L AN DS T H AT W E LOVE

CARATUNK WILDLIFE REFUGE 301 BROWN AVENUE, SEEKONK, MA From the white barn to meandering trails and crystal-clear streams, Caratunk is a magical place for nature enthusiasts and wildlife alike. The refuge offers miles of well-marked trails and is one of Audubon’s most popular properties.

Perimeter Trail Boardwalk

New! Saturdays in the Barn

Big, Tall Custom Birdhouses

Bring Your Binoculars

Thanks to a private donor, a new 500-foot long boardwalk is under construction this fall along the Perimeter Trail. Once complete, it will keep visitor’s boots and shoes much drier as they hike!

Look for the new nesting tower for Chimney Swifts.

These birds are facing a steep decline in populations, and this unique tower supports Chimney Swifts with a safe place to roost and nest.

A New Face at Caratunk

The white barn is now open on Saturdays from 10:00am to 4:00pm for visitors to meet naturalists and ask questions. Free guided nature walks are offered at 10:00am and1:00 pm, weather permitting.

Look for sparrows in the fields, Golden-crowned Kinglets peeking from the shrubs, or Juncos in the forest. Pack a field guide and see who’s out looking for food this winter!

Say hello to Caratunk’s new refuge manager! Nathan Archer served as an Audubon TerraCorp member in 2024, leading many programs and community science initiatives.

Stay a While Longer…

Be an Otter Spotter!

Relatively flat trails are ideal for cross country skiing or snowshoeing after a snowfall. Come experience the magical beauty of nature in winter.

Muskrat Pond is home to otters and muskrats. Look for slides and tracks near ponds this winter, made by these busy, furry residents.

Did you know that Caratunk has a self-composting toilet that is outdoor-accessible near the barn?

A convenient stop when nature calls!

Snap on Your Skis

See page 22 for a complete listing of Caratunk events in fall and winter.

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25

THE CARP CONUNDRUM Water Quality Issues and Possible Solutions

C

By Rebecca Reeves, Stormwater Education and Outreach Manager

ommon carp are ubiquitous freshwater fish that have become widespread in North America. Originally from Eurasia, carp were introduced by humans to control aquatic vegetation and for fishing. Unfortunately, their introduction has led to significant water quality issues due to their rapid reproduction, high appetites, and lack of natural predators in many areas.

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this watershed. As water quality in this watershed is already compromised, preliminary discussions have started to take place about how to mitigate the issue.

There are a variety of methods that other organizations and municipalities have employed to reduce carp’s impact on water quality. Due to carp’s ability to quickly populate areas, prevention is not feasible.

Instead, population control methods such as baiting, trapping, netting, and electrofishing are used. These methods appear to be effective at reducing nutrient cycling and improving water quality. Some of these methods also utilize tags to track carp movement.

The Stormwater Innovation Center and our partners will continue to investigate the issue and consider solutions to help improve water quality in the Roger Williams Park watershed.

A special thank you to Dr. Art Gold, Visiting Professor at the Stormwater Innovation Center; Dr. Przemek Bajer, Research Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota; and Heather Kinney, Coastal Restoration Scientist at The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island, for their contributions and review of this article.

Source: Carp - Clean Lakes Alliance.

Photo by Mike DeVries.

These creatures are sometimes referred to as “ecological engineers” due to their ability to dramatically alter ecosystems. Their presence in lakes, rivers, and ponds leads to the loss of freshwater vegetation and habitat for native species, increased water turbidity (cloudiness), upheaval of nutrient-rich sediment, and the altering of local food webs.

Carp can establish themselves widely in water bodies due to their spawning abilities. Some species are able to spawn multiple times per season, and females lay thousands of eggs per season. Some carp species can eat up to 20% of their body weight daily (most fish only consume around 2%) allowing them to outcompete native species for food resources.

Through their feeding and swimming, carp also disturb the bottoms of rivers, lakes, and streams, muddying the clarity of water and cycling nutrients (namely phosphorus and nitrogen) that have settled into the sediment lining the bottom of these waters. These two nutrients are key drivers of declining water quality and in excess, can aid the growth of cyanobacteria. Sometimes referred to as blue-green algae, cyanobacteria is an ancient species that can produce toxins and lead to eutrophication, or the depletion of oxygen in lakes, rivers and ponds. Bodies of water with active cyanobacteria blooms are unsafe for swimming, fishing, and other recreation and are especially harmful to children and pets. These blooms typically appear like a green film or green spilled paint over the surface of the water.

These fish are also very tolerant of eutrophic, or low-oxygen conditions, giving them an additional competitive advantage. Carp thrive in shallow muddy waters, making watersheds like the Roger Williams Park pond system an ideal habitat. The Stormwater Innovation Center, in collaboration with the Roger Williams Park Zoo and Providence Parks Department, has identified a large carp population in

This photo demonstrates the results of a 2007 carp enclosure experiment, where a rectangular area within Wisconsin’s Lake Winagra was protected from carp activity. The entire water body experienced a widespread cyanobacteria bloom, except in the lake area shown in brown. Carp had no access to that space.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

BE AN EARLY BIRD Visit asri.org/calendar.

Winter Van Trip: Waterfowl and Seabirds at the Shore

Janice Sullivan

• Monitoring • Training • Community • Collaboration

Register now for Audubon van trips!

December 14, 2024

Explore Rhode Island's coastal habitats and ponds in search of winter waterfowl and seabirds. Watch for Barrow's Goldeneye, Canvasback, Eider and more. Ages 16+.

Details available at asri.org/calendar.

Eagle Cruise on the Connecticut River February 15, 2025

Take a cruise aboard the Riverquest on the Connecticut River to search for eagles, waterfowl, seals and other mammals. After the tour, visit the Connecticut River Museum for the Eagles of Essex exhibit. Ages 12+. Details available at asri.org/calendar.

Education & Collaboration

R

hode Island is not alone when it comes to the need for flood mitigation, and the Stormwater Innovation Center (SIC) is receiving more frequent requests to collaborate with groups throughout New England.

In September, the Massachusetts Statewide Municipal Stormwater Coalition* toured the green infrastructure projects in Roger Williams Park, including the new treatment train project. This installation uses filtering technologies to remove pollutants before stormwater enters the ponds. Representatives from over 11 Massachusetts towns and cities discussed programs and research as well as lessons learned from the design, construction, and maintenance of the green infrastructure installations.

Winter Van Trip to Cape Ann February 25, 2025

The historic fishing community of Cape Ann, MA is also known among birders for a great diversity of wintering sea birds. Past trips have spotted Razorbills, Murres, Guillemots, Dovekies, and more. Ages teen to adult. Register early at asri.org/calendar.

Owling Van Trip March 8, 2025

Hop aboard the Audubon van to visit locations around the state and search for species including Snowy, Short-eared, Barred, Screech and Great Horned Owls. Hot chocolate and snacks provided. Ages 14+.

Register early, details at asri.org/calendar.

*A new coalition formed in MA to share resources and make stormwater operations more efficient for all communities.

Help Us Follow the Rain!

Become a RainSnap volunteer and monitor stormwater in your community.

Learn more at RainSnap.org

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

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CO M M U N IT Y PA RT NERSH IPS AND COLLABORATIONS

Providence Promise Drizzly Day Doesn't Deter Outdoor Exploration… and Tons of Fun!

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n a misty afternoon in July, a group of curious youth and adults from Providence Promise visited the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. They were not put off by the weather and took a stroll through the meadow to the wetlands with Audubon Educator Lisa Maloney.

Investigating with field lenses, they looked at the fuzzy seeds, ripening fruit and colorful flowers in the field. They compared plant shapes and textures, and marveled at the plant sizes - some grasses were taller than everyone there! The group also explored the aquarium, and were delighted by our resident seahorses, sharks, and lobsters and enjoyed visits from Audubon's turtle ambassadors.

Audubon is pleased to partner with Providence Promise, a family-oriented nonprofit that promotes high educational aspirations and more equitable opportunities for Providence Public School and Charter School students.

Providence Boys & Girls Club On the Hunt for Marvelous Multi-colored Mushrooms

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group of enthusiastic campers from the Providence Boys and Girls Club Southside Clubhouse met Audubon educators in August for explorations at Roger Williams Park. This group proved to be experts at spotting and investigating a variety of colorful mushrooms and practiced their nature detective skills as they searched for seeds such as the spiky sweetgums.

Audubon partners with Boys and Girls Clubs to lead hands-on science programs for children and encourage outdoor exploration in their own communities.

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Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

Free Scientific Illustration Classes in Providence Workshops Led by Audubon TerraCorps Member Autumn Jencks

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he Rochambeau and Mount Pleasant Community Libraries in Providence will host Audubon TerraCorps Member Autumn Jencks this fall and winter as she leads scientific illustration workshops. Combining her knowledge of biological systems with her artistic background, Autumn will engage adults and children each month in immersive art programs. She hopes to expand the program after receiving community input regarding topics of interest.

Look for details and registration information at CLPVD.org/events.

East Providence Intertribal Pow Wow Audubon Presents Red-tailed Hawk

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udubon was invited to bring a Red-tailed Hawk to the Intertribal Pow Wow in East Providence. The event included Native American dancing, indigenous drumming songs, cultural vendors and more. We were honored to participate in this summer event, hosted in July by the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Affairs.

Pokanoket Chief Harry “Hawk” Edwards introduced Audubon educator Mark Saunders with Audubon’s Red-tailed Hawk.

Indigenous Leaders Gather at the Nature Center and Aquarium

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udubon had the honor of sharing the Nature Center and Aquarium and the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge with Indigenous leaders from across the country as they came together for relationship-building and knowledge-sharing. Held on September 25, 2024, the Indigenous Land Conservation Summit was organized as part of the 2024 Land Trust Alliance Rally.

2024 Land Trust Alliance Rally

Attendees of the Indigenous Land Conservation Summit in Bristol.

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

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A D VO CACY

By Phoenix Wheeler, Director of Advocacy

YEAR OF THE ADVOCATE

The 2024 Legislative Season Highlighted the Importance of Audubon’s Unique Strengths:

• Our long-standing advocacy partnerships were critical in having $13 million added for land and farm conservation into the Green Bond.

• Audubon members took quick action to support the Building Decarbonization Act to help meet carbon emission reduction goals, sending over 80 emails to legislators in a matter of hours. Legislators made note of Audubon’s contribution to this effort.

Support Our Work Visit asri.org/donate.

Join Our Team Support these issues and many others.

Contact Phoenix Wheeler at pwheeler@asri.org.

Barred Owl © Jenny Zhao courtesy of Mass Audubon

• Audubon’s avian research expertise informed our campaign within the State House, introducing legislators to the damaging impact of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) on raptor populations.

This set up our bill banning this dangerous pesticide up for future success.

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ince the legislative session wrapped in June, Audubon has been working to further engage our members and supporters with our advocacy efforts. At Raptor Weekend, every presenter on stage had a story to tell about the dangers of SGARs on the raptors they care for. We collected over 300 signed postcards that weekend from visitors, asking state lawmakers to support a ban on these deadly pesticides - and we will hand deliver those cards to the statehouse. Dozens of visitors also donated to support our advocacy efforts and our online petition to support a ban on SGARs brought in over 400 signatures in a matter of days.

Word has spread of our effective advocacy, and several youthcentered organizations have sought our guidance. Looking to build youth initiatives on climate awareness and action, they want to educate their communities on how change is possible when we organize effectively.

New advocacy recruits have signed up at community meetings and events that we’ve attended to support climate change action, a ban on SGARs, and promoting land conservation. I’m confident our growing movement will help pass critical legislation that might not have been possible otherwise. We head into the 2025 legislative session backed by the support of our growing team of advocates.

I hope you’ll join us.

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Director of Advocacy Phoenix Wheeler (second from left) speaks to guests at Raptor Weekend, encouraging them to participate in Audubon’s efforts to ban second generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs.)

Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

127th ANNUAL MEETING October 20, 2024

RePower Audubon Executive Director Jeff Hall launched RePower Audubon – an initiative that will drive the organization to meet sustainability goals and take on a leadership role in Rhode Island climate resilience. Karen Bradbury, Administrator of Energy Programs at the RI Office of Energy Resources, gave the keynote address.

See page 4 for an overview of the RePower Audubon initiative.

Newly Elected to the Board of Directors Meg Kerr

Jeff Williams

Kerr has held prominent positions in RI environmental advocacy, including five years as Audubon senior director of advocacy. She is a member of the RI Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) Advisory Board, serves on the North Kingstown Planning Commission, and is an advisor to the Stormwater Innovation Center.

Williams has worked across the financial sector, working primarily in management consulting. He is currently a real estate investor and serves on government and nonprofit boards including Providence’s Capital Center Commission and Blackstone Parks Conservancy.

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island gratefully acknowledges the terms of service of board members Amy Moses, David Riedel, and Michael Viveiros who are stepping down from the board of directors this year.

Educator of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Legislative Leadership Awards

Pamela Goulet

Lindsay Dulude

Senator Louis DiPalma & Representative Megan Cotter

Goulet was honored for her dedication to environmental education, her 20-year service as a beloved Audubon educator, and her commitment as a long-time member and volunteer.

Dulude was recognized for her service as a community science volunteer, tirelessly working in several initiatives to monitor water quality and green infrastructure performance.

Audubon recognized Senator DiPalma and Representative Cotter for their dedication to Rhode Island’s environment and the protection of birds and wildlife.

From left: Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee, Pam Goulet, Audubon Executive Director Jeffrey Hall.

From left: Stormwater Innovation Center Director Ryan Kopp, Lindsay Dulude, Audubon Executive Director Jeffrey Hall.

Audubon Per Diem Educator of 20 Years

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

Stormwater Innovation Center Volunteer

From left: Audubon Director of Advocacy Phoenix Wheeler, Senator DiPalma, Representative Cotter, Audubon Executive Director Jeffrey Hall.

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KI DS PAG E

By Lauren Parmelee, Senior Director of Education

FEATHERED FRIENDS

Black-capped Chickadee

by Ryan McAssey

in Winter

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Golden-crowned Kinglet

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re e

You can attract these flocks to your feeders!

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Tu

White-breasted Nuthatch

You need really sharp eyes to spot a Brown Creeper camouflaged against the patterned bark of a tree. These tiny birds fly to the base of a tree, and circle around the trunk as they move upward. They use their thin, curved beaks to probe for spiders and insects living w B ro in the cracks in the bark.

Unlike most warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers can be found here in the winter because they are able to supplement their insect diet with berries and seeds. Bayberries, juniper berries and poison ivy berries are a few on their menu.

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ake a walk through the woods this winter and look and listen for our feathered friends. When you hear the “dee, dee, dee” calls of the Black-capped Chickadee, stop and watch their busy antics as they forage in the trees. Can you spot other birds that like to hang out with chickadees in colder months?

In warm weather, the diet of a Black-capped Chickadee is 90% insects, but as winter approaches they turn to a mixture of seeds, berries, insects, spiders and other proteins. Finding enough food is hard during the cold season, so these tiny birds travel together in flocks where there are more eyes to search for food and watch for predators like cats and hawks.

Chickadees weigh about ½ ounce, but Golden-crowned Kinglets weigh even less. Look for these tiny olive and gray birds with a yellow cap and black and white striped face. Kinglets seem to never stop moving, so also listen for their high-pitched “tsee, tsee” notes.

Tufted Titmice are gray with a distinct crest. As cousins of chickadees, they share the habitats of stashing food for later and making lots of noise when predators are about.

“Tap, tap, tap.” Black and white Downy Woodpeckers can be found on the branches and trunks of the trees looking for insects under the bark. The stiff tail of a woodpecker acts as a prop as it climbs and bangs its beak against the bark.

Nuthatches are often called “upside-down” birds because they move head first from the top of the tree trunk downward. The Whitebreasted Nuthatch has a black cap, gray back and white below. If you are walking in a pine forest, watch for the Red-breasted Nuthatch which is a bit smaller and has a rusty breast and a black eye-stripe.

itm o

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Black oil sunflower seed, suet, and clean water are all good resources for hungry songbirds.

Fill your Feeders!

Watch for Audubon Bird Seed Sales in December and February.

Downy Woodpecker

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

CELEBRATIONS & HAPPENINGS New Exhibit!

A Walk in the Garden: Quilts by Allison Wilbur

Save the Date!

Audubon Maple Sugaring March 22, 2025 Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA

Through December 31, 2024 Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

Discover how trees are tapped, syrup is made, and learn about the history of maple sugaring in New England. Enjoy a light maple-themed breakfast…YUM!

Immerse yourself in this delightful exhibit of Allison Wilbur’s quilts depicting birds, bugs and flowers.

Wilbur has been quilting for three decades and has exhibited both nationally and internationally.

Register early at asri.org/calendar.

Note to artists: Audubon invites other local artists to submit their work for exhibit consideration. Work should be nature related.

For details, visit asri.org/artists.

Save the Date!

Summer Camp Registration

Meet the Night Owls

Enjoy an indoor lecture or a brisk evening walk to search for owls during this magical time of year. Owl prowls and programs are available at wildlife refuges across the state.

See page 23 and register early at asri.org/calendar.

Summer Camp will be here before you know it, so mark your calendar and register early.

• Saturday, February 8, 2025 Early registration for RI Audubon members • Saturday, February 15, 2025 General registration opens

Holiday Craft Fair

December 7, 2024; 10:00am–4:00pm

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI

Register at audubonsummercamp.com.

Find perfect gifts for the nature enthusiasts on your list. Browse jewelry, bird houses, photography, ornaments, stationery and more!

Have A Wild Time!

Birthdays at Audubon

What’s better than cool critters at a birthday party?

Audubon offers birthday parties for children at four wildlife refuges. Invite an owl, turtle or snake to join the fun!

Plan a celebration at AudubonBirthdayParties.com.

New! Audubon Field Naturalist Series Go ahead, indulge your curiosity and delve into the complexities of the natural world. Explore seasonal topics in hands-on workshops and field explorations with expert scientists and naturalists. For ages 16 to adult.

See page 39 for details.

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

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THANK YOU PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION The companies listed below have demonstrated their significant commitment to the quality of life in Rhode Island and to conserving natural habitats through stewardship and education.

Bank of America, Botanica Land Care, Caldwell Realty Rhode Island, JDRE Homes, NEC Solar, NOW 93.3, NRCS, Prickly Ed’s Cactus Patch, RI PBS, Sunflower Designs, Tupelo Design Studio, Woodscapes, Inc.

Who’s Hungry? Rhode Island Foundation Animal Welfare Fund Keeps Audubon’s Animal Ambassadors Well Fed.

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udubon's 12 birds, 11 reptiles, and 2 amphibians need a lot of care…and a lot of food. Thank you to the Rhode Island Foundation's Animal Welfare Fund for awarding Audubon $5,000 for the care and upkeep of Audubon’s animal ambassadors. These vital funds are used for food and necessary supplies.

GIFTS IN HONOR The people listed below have been honored by family and friends who found a gift to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island to be the most meaningful way to celebrate someone important in their lives.

In Honor of: Chris Cooper from Megan Elwell; Thomas and Nancy Doeppner from Rochelle Shatkin and Claire and Robert Place; Jessica, Ty and Nora Duggan from Elizabeth Gasse; Maggie Martin from Amy Hebert; Martin Metzger from Brian Metzger.

MEMORIALS Memorials serve and support the conservation and protection of Rhode Island’s environment. The families and friends of people listed below have chosen to remember their loved ones through a gift to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island.

In Memory of: Joann Andos from Sharon Fenstermacher, David Francazio; Charles Bauer from Cynthia Klein; Tammy Karnes from Katherine Macdougall; Stanley A. Luchka Jr from Marilyn Blanche, Maria Cassissi, Norman Dinerman, Robert J Forrest, Sabrina Maguire; Linda Steere from Jason Schwartz; Sydney Tansi from Sydney Monstream-Quas; Gary Vanasse from Adam Bartlett, Joanne Fazio, Jacqueline Pagel, Ray Vanasse.

Rhode Island Land Trust Council Awards Audubon $2,000 Land Protection Grant

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hank you to the Rhode Island Land Trust Council for supporting Audubon’s mission to protect Rhode Island’s natural resources. This generous grant funded the legal and administrative fees necessary for the acquisition of the new Congdon Wood Wildlife Refuge in North Kingstown.

Bristol Female Charitable Society Fund Supports Nature for All

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he Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol is free to the public the first Saturday of each month.

Audubon thanks the Bristol Female Charitable Society Fund for supporting Free Family Fun Day, helping to ensure that everyone can experience the benefits of nature.

Rhode Island Natural History Survey Awards Audubon $3,000 from the Peter H. Warny Conservation Grant to Study Wood Thrush Habitat

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he Wood Thrush has been declining at a rate of 2.4% per year since 1966 across Southern New England and understanding their habitat selection will impact Audubon's land management decisions. Thank you to the RINHS for supporting Audubon’s research to protect birds and their habitats.

What Matters Most to You? 34

Do you have an Audubon education program, research initiative, or conservation project that has special meaning to you? Our wish list is full of needed items, both big and small, that would support our work.

To choose one item, or support an entire initiative, visit asri.org/wishlist. Thank you for your support!

Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

Wildlife Acoustics Awards Audubon a $399 Kaleidoscope Pro Acoustic Analysis Software Grant

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hank you to Wildlife Acoustics for providing innovative software that will assist with data analysis from six Acoustic Recording Units (ARUs) deployed across Audubon refuges, helping us to better understand the timing of arrival by migratory birds and the duration of the breeding season by those species.

A Growing Partnership: Prickly Ed’s Cactus Patch Native Plant Emporium.

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his Barrington business promotes resilient landscaping practices that are good for birds, pollinators and wildlife. Prickly Ed’s has generously donated plants for Audubon projects, gift cards for raffles, and over $1,300 from a weekend of proceeds targeted for Audubon. We are grateful for their ongoing support and the valuable service they provide our community. www.PricklyEds.com.

Audubon Receives a Capacity-building Project Grant from the NASA Develop Program.

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ollowing a competitive grant application process, Audubon partnered with NASA to apply earth observation data from the Landsat Operational Land Imager (OLI) to forecast land-use changes in Rhode Island to the year 2043. This information will enable Audubon to begin prioritizing land acquisitions based on habitats and the maintenance of wildlife corridors.

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service Supports Audubon’s Restoration Incentives

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udubon was recently awarded $6,500 to restore habitat for birds and pollinators at the Kingston Wildlife Research Station; $37,800 for three years of salt marsh restoration of Jacob’s Point in Bristol; and $5,285 for two years of work to restore and expand grassland habitat at Touisset Marsh in Warren.

We thank the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for this generous support.

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

Audubon Society of Rhode Island Named Endowment Funds

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he Audubon Endowment is a permanently restricted fund that, by law, exists in perpetuity. Because the Audubon Endowment is invested, it allows for long-term stability, fiscal responsibility, and financial viability that keeps Audubon a vibrant and growing organization.

It also enhances our credibility, relieves pressure on fund raising, allows program expansion, and provides independence.

Donations of $10,000 or more to the Audubon Endowment can be recognized by a named designation, either for an individual, family, or a cause you believe in.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island Named Endowments Aust-Capron Memorial Fund Barter-Moore Fund Edith Becker Fund Mary Catherine Rogers Beckett Fund John Brezinski Memorial Fund Bristol Education Center Fund Caratunk Fund Mary B. Cottrell Fund Severyn Dana Fund Davis Memorial Wildlife Fund Norman A. Deslauriers Fund Dickens Farm Fund Patricia Meagher Dwyer Conservation Fund John Raleigh Eldred Fund Bayard Ewing Fund Fisherville Brook Fund Fort Nature Refuge Fund Grout Memorial Fund Alice O. Harris Fund Jonathan H. Harwood Fund Hicks-Borden Fund Priscilla J. Hollis Fund Mary C. Kellermann Endowment Fund Walter Hammond Kimball Fund Crawford N. Kirkpatrick III Fund Margaret Robinson Knight Fund Kimball Memorial Garden Stewardship Fund Kay Kinsey Fund Kraus Wildlife Fund Henry J. Larkin Wildlife Preserve Fund Lorraine Leaney Fund Little Rest Bird Club Fund Lonesome Swamp Fund Edward B. and Phoebe W. McAlpine Memorial Preserve Fund Constance McCarthy Fund McKenzie Wildlife Fund George B. Parker Fund Powder Mill Ledges Fund Prudence Island Fund Susan M. Romano Memorial Fund Elton Sanford Fund Alicia Perry Seavey Family Fund South County Fund Everett F. Southwick Fund Touisset Marsh Fund Viall Memorial Library Fund Mrs. and Mr. Dudley A. Williams Memorial Fund

For more information contact Jeff Hall at jhall@asri.org or (401)-949-5454 ext. 3017.

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By Laura Carberry, Director of Properties

Peter Green

L E T’S G O B IRD IN G

MERGANSERS Those Ducks with the Fancy ‘Doos!

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any of you may know that ducks are one of my favorite groups of birds. They captured my attention during a college class at Trustom Pond and shaped my future in

birding.

My professor had decided to use Trustom Pond as an outdoor classroom one winter day and asked that we record all the ducks we observed. I remember getting to the observation platform and seeing thousands of ducks! There was a lot of ice on the pond that year and the birds were pushed up close to the area near the platform. You could hear their little squeals, squawks, and babbles. You could see the colors of their eyes, bills, and each individual feather.

Male Hooded Merganser

It looked like a soup of ducks, moving back and forth, different species coming and going into view. I was hooked and still could watch ducks all day long.

Since ducks are a highlight of birding in the colder months, it’s a great time to share information on mergansers, a fascinating group of ducks with fabulous hairdos! These birds are considered a diving sea duck but don’t let that description fool you, because mergansers aren’t all found in the sea. But - they do all dive! They have a very thin, long, serrated bill; its unique among ducks. Perfectly designed for fishing, the serrations on their bills help them to grab and secure fish, crayfish and other food.

Winter Birding Adventures

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Visit asri.org/calendar.

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Peter Green

oin Audubon on a Winter Birding Van Trip or a Wednesday Morning Bird Walk and explore areas around the state for ducks! Just pick a date and register in advance on the Audubon events calendar.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

You Can Find Three Species of Mergansers in Rhode Island: Hooded Merganser The Hooded Merganser is the smallest of the three.

The males have a beautiful black and white retractable hood. Their bodies are black and white as well with accents of chestnut on the sides of their bodies.

The females also have a hood but are a muted brown and less showy than the male. Although not very common, we do have some breeding Hooded Mergansers in Rhode Island. They nest in tree cavities like Wood Ducks and often use “brood parasitism,” meaning they lay their eggs in other duck’s nests. You most often see Hooded Mergansers on wooded ponds, but they can also be seen in large brackish ponds like Trustom and on some reservoirs. If there is open water, you will find them present.

Planning a Celebration or Special Event?

AUDUBON NATURE CENTER & AQUARIUM Ideal for weddings, showers, or the site of your next business meeting or off-site retreat. Located in historic Bristol, RI, just 30 minutes from Providence, Newport, and Fall River, the award-winning Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is one of Rhode Island’s unique meeting venues. With beautiful trails, exhibits and aquarium, large meeting, reception, and outdoor patio space, the Nature Center provides a setting that will captivate guests.

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For availability and reservations, visit asri.org and click on services or contact Events Coordinator Sarah Bradley at 401-949-5454 x3016 or sbradley@asri.org.

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Red-breasted Merganser

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Red-breasted Mergansers are a shaggy-headed bird, with the males having a green head, rusty chest and a thin, bright orange bill. The females are mostly brown but do have that same shaggy "doo" and bright bill. Winter is the best time to observe this species. They can often be found in the bay, along our shoreline, and in brackish water. They are also fish eaters. The Red-breasted Mergansers nest in Northern Canada and the males take two years to get their beautiful breeding plumage.

CARATUNK BARN The big white barn at Caratunk provides the perfect rural setting for weddings, showers, family reunions, business meetings, or birthday parties for children.

Common Merganser

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

For availability and reservations regarding weddings and birthdays, visit asri.org and click on ‘services.’

For all other rental queries, contact Michelle Solis at msolis@asri.org.

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The Common Merganser is actually the least “common” merganser in Rhode Island. They prefer larger bodies of fresh water. The males have a gorgeous slicked-back green head, and much more white on their bodies than the Red-breasted Merganser. The female coloration is very similar to the Red-breasted Merganser. One way to tell them apart is to look at their neck. The Common Merganser has a division between the white and brown feathers. It is a crisp straight line across the neck, not a blurred line like the Red-breasted Merganser.

These mergansers also nest in the northern regions of North America.

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Volunteers Are the Backbone of Audubon

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ndividuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences share their time and talent to support Audubon. From interns and educators to gardeners, trail monitors, office help and more, we depend on volunteers. Upcoming issues of the Report will continue to highlight a number of Audubon volunteers and the many talents they share with us.

Jason Vanderhoff

Eagle Scout Project at Waterman Pond Wildlife Refuge

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Gabby Almedia and Dan Baker

Volunteer Naturalists, Fisherville Brook and Caratunk Wildlife Refuges

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roop 55 Riverside gathered last April to support Jason Vanderhoff as he completed his Eagle Scout project at Audubon’s Waterman Pond Wildlife Refuge in Coventry. Vanderhoff took on a range of projects including bog bridges, an accessible bench, and a changeable interpretive sign. As the Waterman Pond trail can be seasonably muddy, this work will allow easier access to the property and keep many hiking boots much drier. Audubon has supported many scouts in their efforts to earn badges and awards.

We are grateful for their service, making our wildlife refuges more welcoming and accessible for all.

ver the last few months, I have been honored to have Gabby Almedia and Dan Baker volunteer at Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in Exeter. You may also have met them at the bird banding station at Raptor Weekend. Both Gabby and Dan have a great love for the outdoors, and they are always eager to learn more about the natural world. With their dedication to the field of conservation, we are happy to have them as Saturday naturalists in the barn at Caratunk. They will be offering free guided walks throughout the year and are happy to answer any nature-related questions you may have. A big thank you to Gabby and Dan for their time, commitment, and never-ending enthusiasm!

By Kim Calcagno, Audubon Refuge Manager – Northern Region

By Laura Carberry, Audubon Director of Properties

Audubon welcomes corporate groups of all sizes to dig in for a day and assist with projects on our wildlife refuges.

Citizens Corporate Volunteers

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n September, Audubon hosted three enthusiastic volunteer crew days from different departments within Citizens. They assisted with cutting and installing non-skid treads on our boardwalks at Powder Mill Ledges, scraping and painting the Audubon headquarters sign on Sanderson Road in Smithfield, litter pick up, collecting seed heads for propagation, and invasive species cutting. A big thank you to these amazing volunteers for a job well done.

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Loreal Corporate Volunteers

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fantastic crew from Loreal joined Audubon for a day in June to help with clearing trails at the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge in Coventry. This dedicated group of volunteers not only did a stellar job, they also generously donated all the tools they brought with them. We now have several new hand clippers, loppers, bow saws, and more. We cannot accomplish all the work we do without a strong base of volunteers. Thank you, Loreal, for your commitment to conservation and generous donation of tools.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island • www.asri.org

NEW!

AUDUBON FIELD NATURALIST SERIES Go ahead, indulge your curiosity and delve into the complexities of the natural world!

View the environment from the perspective of a naturalist. Gain confidence in your knowledge of local habitats, plants, birds, pollinators, mammals and more.

Discover the relationships between living organisms and their environments as well as the impact humans have on the natural world around them.

Explore seasonal topics in small-group workshops and field explorations with expert scientists and naturalists. Advance courses will be offered along with workshops for beginners. Start this winter with courses on tracking and birding, then look for new offerings in the spring as the natural world awakens.

For ages 16 to adult.

Register at asri.org/calendar

Wildlife Tracks & Signs January 15, February 8, March 29, 2025 Discover the science of interpreting wildlife tracks and signs. This workshop is for both curious beginners and experienced naturalists who want to learn more and practice their skills. Must register for all three sessions.

Learn to Bird with Audubon March 5, 12, 15, 19, 26, 29, 2025 Learn the basics: how to identify birds in the field, habitats, bird families, the ins-and-outs of your binoculars, and how to decipher a field guide. Must register for all six sessions.

Audubon Advanced Birding March 31, April 7, 22, 26, May 3, 2025 Five Session Course. Dig into the evolutionary history and taxonomic diversity of birds.

Explore the energetics of a bird at rest, in flight and feeding. Discover avian behavior, movement biology and more. Must register for all five sessions.

New TerraCorps Members to Serve at Audubon A newer affiliation of AmeriCorps, TerraCorps was founded on the principles and practices of service with an emphasis on land conservation.

Jessy Minkler

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riginally from the Hudson Valley, Jessy came to Rhode Island in 2017 to study Geology-Biology at Brown University.

Since graduating, she has worked managing farmers markets in RI and coordinating horseshoe crab research on Cape Cod. Jessy is passionate about citizen science, wildlife conservation, and habitat restoration. Her projects will include citizen science initiatives to monitor both Eastern Bluebirds and native pollinators. Jessy is excited to continue growing her career with Audubon.

Audubon Report • Volume 58 • No. 3 • Fall 2024

Autumn Jencks

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utumn (yes, like the season) is a recent graduate of Colby College in Maine, returning back to her home state of Rhode Island to work towards making land and wildlife conservation more approachable to the public. Autumn will utilize her Spanish language skills, knowledge of biological systems, and artistic background to create free programming with the help of the Rhode Island Community Libraries. Her projects include free monthly scientific illustration workshops, birdhouse construction workshops to benefit Rhode Island's public parks and community gardens and the construction of an urban ecology exhibit.

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Audubon Society of Rhode Island 12 Sanderson Rd, Smithfield, RI 02917

Non Profit Org US Postage Paid Audubon Society of RI

THE LAST WORD

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udubon has stepped up support for Chimney Swifts, a species listed at high risk of extinction. As these aerial insectivores struggle to find nesting sites in old brick chimneys, Audubon offers an alternative.

Two nesting towers can be found at Caratunk and Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuges, with a third to be installed at the Wanskuck Community Library in Providence. Mimicking a tall, skinny chimney, they provide safe nesting spaces and will be carefully monitored this spring.

Fund a new Chimney Swift Tower. Visit asri.org/wishlist.

Director of Avian Research Charles Clarkson installs a Chimney Swift tower. © David DelPoio – USA TODAY NETWORK