7th annual Youth Birding Competition April 27th-28th, 2012, Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, Mansfield, Georgia

7th Annual YOUTH BIRDING COMPETITION
APRIL 27th 28th, 2012 CHARLIE ELLIOTT WILDLIFE
CENTER Mansfield, Georgia
Red-breasted Nuthatch by Rosemary Kramer, 2011 YBC T-shirt Art Contest winner

Table of Contents

Important Checklist THINGS TO DO!!! T-Shirt Art Contest Bird Journal Award What is the YBC? Rules for competing Code of Birding Ethics Birding Strategies What to bring on the count day Being a Mentor Mentor Score Sheet Fundraising Tips Fundraising Sheet Birding Resources Recap of Last Year's YBC Liability Waiver Photo Consent Form YBC Official Checklist Directions to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Map to Banquet Hall Friends of Feathered Flyers Locations YBC Brochure and Registration

Page 3 4 5 7 8 9
11 15 16 17 18 19 22 26 28 29 30 33 34 35 37

Jan-April February 25 March 5 March 31 April 20 April 20 April 27 April 27 April 28

Calendar of events
Mentors meet with their teams (optional) Panola Mt. Bird Banding and YBC workshop. For info: (678) 973-2437 Deadline for T-shirt Artwork (optional) Deadline for registration (required) Deadline for Bird Journal to be sent in (optional) Deadline for photo and liability waivers (required) Teams can arrive at Charlie Elliott after 3 PM 5 p.m., Youth Birding Competition officially starts 5 p.m. Youth Birding Competition ends at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center

Reserve and pay for Lodging: Lacy Mitchell
Charlie Elliott Conference Center
563 Elliott Trail Mansfield GA 30055
(770) 784-3152 Lacy.Mitchell@dnr.state.ga.us

Send T-shirt Art to: GA DNR-WRD
YBC Art Contest ATTN: Linda May 2065 US Hwy 278 SE Social Circle, GA 30025
(706) 557-3226 Linda.May@dnr.state.ga.us

Send registration, journals and waivers to: Tim Keyes
One Conservation Way Brunswick GA 31520
(912) 262-3191 Fax: (912) 262-3143 Tim.Keyes@dnr.state.ga.us

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Event Checklist
Thank you for your interest in the 2012 Youth Birding Competition. To make sure that you are eligible to compete, please use the following checklist to keep track of what needs to be done and when.

DEADLINE _____ March 5, 2012 _____ March 31, 2012
_____ April 20, 2012 _____ April 20, 2012 _____ April 27, 2012 _____ April 28, 2012

ITEM
Deadline to send in Artwork if participating in YBC T-shirt Art Contest
Registration deadline include all registration information - Register early to help ensure a mentor - Send to Tim Keyes (address page 2) - Book Lodging & additional banquet tickets if
needed Lacy Mitchell (contact page 2) - Checks made out to:
Charlie Elliott Conference Center
Send in Liability Waiver (p. 28) & Photo Release Form (p.29) - Send to Tim Keyes (address page 2)
Send in Bird Journal if participating (p. 5) - Send to Tim Keyes (address p. 2)
5 PM start birding!!
5 PM arrive at Charlie Elliott with checklist, bring mentor forms and fundraising forms to Charlie Elliott by 5PM (p.17 & 20)

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Youth Birding T-Shirt Art Contest

Hey Kids! Would you like your artwork to appear on the 2012 Youth Birding Competition T-Shirt?
How about winning a Michaels Gift Card for FREE ART SUPPLIES?

All you need to do is draw or paint your favorite Georgia Bird and mail it (flat, not folded) with your name and age by March 5, 2012, to:

Jess Milner (2010)

GA DNR-WRD YBC Art Contest Attn: Linda May 2065 US Hwy 278 SE Social Circle, GA 30025

Rosemary Kramer (2011)
Must be a K-12 Georgia resident (don't need to be a participant in YBC) Only one entry allowed per person On single sheet of paper, at least 8X10 and not larger than 11X17. Deep rich colors work best for reproducing onto shirt. Must enter child's original artwork Bird must be a native bird from Georgia Include on separate sheet name, age, grade, and contact info. Select entries will be displayed at Awards Banquet (April 28th, 2012) Art can be picked up at Awards Banquet or returned in mail ONLY if you include a self addressed and stamped envelope
First Prize - $100 Gift Card to Michaels Art Supply, and art will be printed on 2012 YBC T-shirts
3 other $50 Gift Card Prizes for best entries in each age division
For more information or questions, please contact Linda May: (706) 557-3226 or Linda.May@dnr.state.ga.us

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Birding Journal Award
There is so much more to birds and birding than just listing them. In order to encourage closer observation through writing about and drawing birds, we are offering a Birding Journal Award for the YBC participant who creates the best original journal.
Drawing birds is one of the best ways to really learn what they look like. Often we learn a few key points for identification and then move on missing a wealth of information about behavior, habitat, and the intricacies of size shape and plumage. Guidelines are loose so you can be creative with it.
Guidelines: Use any un-lined notebook you want. Smaller ones may be easier to bring with you into the field. Thicker paper will help keep colors from bleeding through Feel free to sketch in any medium (pencil, pen, paint etc..) Try to have at least one entry each week even if you sketch birds at your local bird feeder. Try to draw live birds but feel free to include drawings from books or pictures Include your name, address and grade level on the first page
Ideas to include: Date, location, time of day, weather, species seen Notes and drawings on identification of difficult to identify birds Notes and drawings on bird behavior Notes and drawings on bird habitat When and where you saw different birds Description of calls or songs you hear
Tips: All field guides have a labeled drawing of parts of a bird in the introduction study this to learn how birds are put together (see one on next page) Start by trying to draw a very familiar bird one you see a lot and know well Don't worry when your drawing isn't perfect... Try to capture what you see not what you think you should see
In order to have time to look through the Journals before the banquet, please send them to Tim Keyes (address page 2) by April 20, 2012. They will be assessed based on effort, attention to detail, and quality of writing and drawing. All Journals will be returned.
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By Peter Olson
Web-resources for tips on how to draw birds: http://drawingthemotmot.wordpress.com/2007/02/02/5-steps-to-better-bird-drawing/ http://www.beverevivis.com/books/sketchingbirds/lessons.htm http://cedarseed.deviantart.com/art/Drawing-Birds-part-1-22106533 http://www.pacifier.com/~mpatters/details/details.html http://www.juliezickefoose.com/portfolio/portfolio.php
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2012 Youth Birding
Competition!
What is it? It is a 24-hour birding event during the peak of spring migration. Youth teams spend the day finding as many species as they can as they compete against teams their own age. The competition is capped off with a Live Wildlife Show and Awards Banquet. When is it? The competition runs from 5:00 PM on Friday, April 27th, to 5 PM Saturday, April 28th, 2012. Feel free use as much or as little of this 24-hour period as you like. As long as you cross the finish line and turn in your list by 5:00 PM, you will be in the running for prizes. Why start at 5 PM Friday? This allows younger or more low-key teams to look for owls in the evening on Friday rather than get up at midnight. It also allows older crazier teams to bird the coast on Friday, and then work up to Charlie Elliott on Saturday. Where is it? Visit as much or as little of the state of Georgia as you want, as long as you make it to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center by 5:00 PM to turn in your list. Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center is located in Mansfield, Georgia, about one hour east of Atlanta. All events will be at the Conference Center Banquet Hall. (Directions & map p.33-34) Do you need to be an expert? No! We can pair your team with an experienced birder (Mentor) to help you learn about the birds before the competition. See p. 16 for mentor information. During the competition only the youth participants can identify birds. Who does it benefit? Your team can use this event to raise money for The Wildlife Conservation Fund the main fund for the Nongame Conservation Section, or for the conservation organization of your choice. Are there prizes? Of course! For each age group (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12th grades) teams will compete for the most birds seen and the most money raised. Grand Prizes include new binoculars for the team finding the most birds. There will be door prizes for almost all of the participants. How much does it cost? Participation is absolutely FREE, unless you plan to spend Friday night (April 27, 2012) at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, in which case lodging costs $25/person, based on four people per room.
How can you register? Copy, fill in, and return the registration panel (Page 3738) to Lacy Mitchell by March 31st, 2012. No lodging reservation changes will be accepted after April 5.
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Birding Competition Rules
1. All teams must have an adult chaperone/driver. 2. Participants must identify birds on their own Adults must not help
locating or identifying birds. a. If team comes to a consensus on the identification of a bird, and the adult knows it is wrong, they can strike the species from the list. Teams cannot count that individual bird again, though if they encounter the species again and correctly identify it, it can go on the list. This helps avoid the identification becoming a "guessing game" until they hit upon the correct identification.
3. Teams must have at least 2 participants and not more than 5. 4. Teams must compete within the age Division of their oldest participant. 5. Team members must stay within voice contact of each other at all times. 6. All birds counted must be identified by at least 2 team members. 7. Count only full species (as listed on official GOS State Checklist). 8. Birds must be conclusively identified by sight or sound. A bird only identified
to group (i.e. scaup either greater or lesser) may be counted as a species, if no other bird from that group appears on the list. 9. Birds counted must be alive, wild, unrestrained and within the state of Georgia. 10. Participants must follow the American Birding Association (ABA) code of Birding Ethics (pages 9-10).
a. Obey all access rules to public lands, and acquire permission to access private land.
11. Electronic or recorded birdcalls may be used (within ABA code of birding ethics) i.e. not used with rare or endangered species, or in areas where their use is prohibited (some National Wildlife Refuges).
12. Flushing birds from nests or cavities is not allowed. 13. Teams can travel as much of the state as they want. 14. Birds can only be counted during the 24-hour count starting at 5 PM Friday,
April 27th, and ending at 5 PM Saturday, April 28th. 15. If your team birds at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center be aware that a turkey
hunt is scheduled for Friday the 27th, please follow these guidelines to reduce chance of conflict:
a. Stay within the safety zones (marked on area map) or along main roads and lakes.
b. Hunters must be more than 50 meters from roads, but be aware of their vehicles and avoid playing owl calls or being loud in the vicinity (slamming car doors, etc...).
c. Don't walk beyond closed gates. 16. The team must submit the checklist no later than 5 PM Saturday, April 28th. 17. Totals are considered final once lists are submitted. 18. The decision of the judges in all rulings is final.
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ABA CODE OF BIRDING ETHICS
1. Promote the welfare of birds and their environment.
1(a) Support the protection of important bird habitat.
1(b) To avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger, exercise restraint and caution during observation, photography, sound recording, or filming.
Limit the use of recordings and other methods of attracting birds, and never use such methods in heavily birded areas, or for attracting any species that is Threatened, Endangered, or of Special Concern, or is rare in your local area;
Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display areas, and important feeding sites. In such sensitive areas, if there is a need for extended observation, photography, filming, or recording, try to use a blind or hide, and take advantage of natural cover.
Use artificial light sparingly for filming or photography, especially for close-ups.
1(c) Before advertising the presence of a rare bird, evaluate the potential for disturbance to the bird, its surroundings, and other people in the area, and proceed only if access can be controlled, disturbance minimized, and permission has been obtained from private land-owners. The sites of rare nesting birds should be divulged only to the proper conservation authorities.
1(d) Stay on roads, trails, and paths where they exist; otherwise keep habitat disturbance to a minimum.
2. Respect the law, and the rights of others.
2(a) Do not enter private property without the owner's explicit permission.
2(b) Follow all laws, rules, and regulations governing use of roads and public areas, both at home and abroad.
2(c) Practice common courtesy in contacts with other people. Your exemplary behavior will generate goodwill with birders and non-birders alike.
3. Ensure that feeders, nest structures, and other artificial bird environments are safe.
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3(a) Keep dispensers, water, and food clean, and free of decay or disease. It is important to feed birds continually during harsh weather.
3(b) Maintain and clean nest structures regularly.
3(c) If you are attracting birds to an area, ensure the birds are not exposed to predation from cats and other domestic animals, or dangers posed by artificial hazards.
4. Group birding, whether organized or impromptu, requires special care.
Each individual in the group, in addition to the obligations spelled out in Items #1 and #2, has responsibilities as a Group Member.
4(a) Respect the interests, rights, and skills of fellow birders, as well as people participating in other legitimate outdoor activities. Freely share your knowledge and experience, except where code 1(c) applies. Be especially helpful to beginning birders.
4(b) If you witness unethical birding behavior, assess the situation, and intervene if you think it prudent. When interceding, inform the person(s) of the inappropriate action, and attempt, within reason, to have it stopped. If the behavior continues, document it, and notify appropriate individuals or organizations.
Group Leader Responsibilities [amateur and professional trips and tours].
4(c) Be an exemplary ethical role model for the group. Teach through word and example.
4(d) Keep groups to a size that limits impact on the environment, and does not interfere with others using the same area.
4(e) Ensure everyone in the group knows of and practices this code.
4(f) Learn and inform the group of any special circumstances applicable to the areas being visited (e.g. no tape recorders allowed).
4(g) Acknowledge that professional tour companies bear a special responsibility to place the welfare of birds and the benefits of public knowledge ahead of the company's commercial interests. Ideally, leaders should keep track of tour sightings, document unusual occurrences, and submit records to appropriate organizations.
PLEASE FOLLOW THIS CODE AND DISTRIBUTE AND TEACH IT TO OTHERS
(code written by American Birding Association - http://americanbirding.org )
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Youth Birding Competition Strategies
The main point of this competition is to have fun outside, while learning about the wonderful birds of Georgia. You can count birds in your yard, or traverse the state. A team that successfully identifies 20 species in their yard and has a great time is just as important as a team that drives 100's of miles and finds 120 species or more. Because different teams will want to take different approaches, I have provided some general advice and several possible routes. None of this should be seen as the right way to do it, as most of the fun of birding is exploring on your own and finding good places and birds.
General Strategy:
1) Birds are creatures of habitat: The more habitats you visit the more bird species you will find. Many species are only found in specific habitats, and if you don't visit these sites you won't find the birds. This means that as you plan where to go, try to include as many different types of habitats as possible, such as ponds, lakes, streams, pine forests, hardwood forests, fields, wetlands etc. By understanding the basic habitat preferences of our birds, you will know what to expect in each habitat you visit. Edges between habitat types can be particularly good places to look for birds.
2) Birds are also creatures of habit: It is helpful to know what to expect in spring in Georgia. Many wintering species, including many sparrows and ducks will have already left the state. Most of the breeding birds will be back, and of course there will be many birds migrating through Georgia that breed further north. A good reference is the bar chart section of Giff Beaton's Birding Georgia that shows when each species can be found in Georgia (see below).
3) The more you know, the more you will find: It goes without saying that the more you know about the birds, the more you will find. You will learn to make identifications with just a quick look, or even by the song alone. This type of skill takes time to develop however, so don't get frustrated. Instead, take advantage of your team mentor, and training days designed to help you develop these skills. As important, get outside on your own with binoculars and a field guide and practice. Don't stop once you have identified a bird. Studying behavior can be a great way to learn more about a bird and will help you identify it more quickly the next time you see it.
4) Take advantage of easily available birding resources: If you plan to travel throughout the state, Giff Beaton's book Birding Georgia is invaluable. It shows over 100 top birding sites in the state with birding strategies
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and species to expect. Most of the sites mentioned in this discussion are in this book with detailed maps and directions. There are many local Audubon chapters in Georgia with expert birders and monthly meetings where you can meet and learn from other birders. A great resource for up-to-date information on good birding sites by county in Georgia can be found at http://www.wingsoverga.com. See the Birding Resources section of this booklet (page 20).
Specific Strategies: Since different teams may approach this event with a wide range of intensity, below are three possible routes based on a mellow, intermediate or hard-core approach.
Mellow: If you want a good night's sleep and a relaxing day, consider staying at
the Wildlife Resources Division's Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center's Conference Center on Friday afternoon and enjoy birding the 6,400-acre Wildlife Management Area (WMA). You can look for owls in the evening, and explore the rest of the area on Saturday. A day birding within the borders of Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center can be exciting. In one day in late-April, 100 species were seen on the property alone (75 species is more typical). Pick up an area map at the information kiosk on Marben Farms road just off Hwy 11.
One of the highlights at Charlie Elliott is that you can find all of Georgia's nesting owls on the property, usually without too much difficulty (if you get up early enough). Typically the mixed pinewoods just along the road by the Visitors Center will house an Eastern Screech Owl, while the creek bottom behind the Visitor's Center will often yield up a Barred Owl. Great-horned Owls take a bit more work, but they are often heard at the south end of the property near the farm complex, which is also where Barn Owls nest. Standing next to the tile barn silos at night you can often hear the young Barn Owls hissing, which is enough to count the species. You will want a tape of the other owl calls to get them to call back to you, because by May, our owls are calling less than they do in the winter. [Keep in mind this site around the barns is closed to the public except for this event so only visit the barns during the competition and do not enter the barn] While looking (or listening) for owls, keep your ears open for other nocturnal species as you can often hear Whip-poor-will, Chuck-wills-widow, and even diurnal species such as Yellow-breasted Chat and Grasshopper Sparrow.
When the sun rises you want to be in places where the sun is hitting the treetops warming up the insects and getting the birds excited. The woods around the Visitor's and Conference Center can be good but the most productive place tends to be the woods and trails around the Brooke Ager Discovery Room and Campsites. These will often hold most of your migrants. Find flocks of Chickadees and Tufted Titmice because warblers and vireos often travel with them. Look for Orchard Orioles fighting over territories, and the brilliant Baltimore Orioles just showing off in the tops of the Tulip Poplars. The little cove of trees around the Gopher Tortoise enclosure near the Brooke Ager Discovery Room tends to be good for migrants such as Cape May Warbler, American
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Redstart, and many others. As the day warms up, many migrants will move into creek bottoms, which remain cooler later in the day, where you can also find the loud, but cryptic Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatcher. At some point you will want to visit open fields for grassland birds. A reliable spot is the area between Highway 11 and the information kiosk on Marben Farms Road. A highpoint of land here is good for scoping birds of prey, as well as finding Meadowlark, Grasshopper, Savannah and Field Sparrow, as well as Killdeer, and some of the scrub-loving birds like Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak and Common Yellowthroat. If there are any lingering Northern Harriers or American Kestrels, this is the place to find them. Then you will certainly want to visit many of the ponds to find herons and any lingering or breeding ducks. Always keep your ears open for the dry rattle of a passing Belted Kingfisher. Look over the water for swallows, which often feed on insects over the lakes.
While driving through the area, look for bushes approximately head height in size and you may find Prairie Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, and Yellow breasted Chat. Also keep your eyes on the wires and you wont miss Eastern Bluebird and Northern Mockingbird. Look carefully at the Mockingbird because there are usually a few Loggerhead Shrikes hanging around as well, especially around open fields.
Intermediate: If you are interested in doing some serious exploring, but driving to the
coast sounds a bit crazy, there are many great birding locations within a relatively easy drive of Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. A great place to start is Pine Log Wildlife Management Area north of Atlanta, where you can get Whip-poor-will and Chuck-wills-widows as well as several owls if you start early enough (several hours before dawn). As dawn breaks, you will be overwhelmed with the dawn chorus, so any preparation on bird songs will pay big dividends. Listen for Blackthroated Green Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler, Ovenbird, Blue-winged warbler, Hooded Warbler, Kentucky Warbler and others. If lucky, you may even find a Red-crossbill, a rare species in Georgia.
From here consider making your way to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (a good alternate start point if you want to sleep in a bit). On weekends you cannot drive to the top, so prepare for a rapid walk, again keeping eyes and ears peeled for the sometimes-daunting flocks of warblers, vireos, tanagers and thrushes moving through the treetops. Virtually anything is possible here, as up to 30 warbler species have been seen in a single day in late-April.
A good spot to visit south of Atlanta is The Newman Wetlands Center of the Clayton County Water Authority and E.L. Huie Land Application Facility in Clayton County. The boardwalk at the nature center can be excellent for migrants and offers the possibility of all but one of Georgia's woodpeckers (Redcockaded Woodpecker). The treatment ponds at E. L. Huie, though often a bit smelly, are a great spot for herons, a few lingering ducks, Purple Martins and usually an assortment of shorebirds if the water levels are low. Keep your eyes
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on the treetops and distant power poles because birds of prey are often seen around the treatment ponds.
If you are feeling ambitious (and have time) you should head straight for Bondsview Road at Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) just east of Macon. This single dirt road will often yield the elusive Swainson's Warbler, as well as the brilliant Prothonotary Warbler, American Redstarts, the drab Acadian Flycatcher, and with luck a Mississippi Kite that has nested in the area. By now you probably will need to return to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center, about an hour north of Macon. If you have time you may be able to stop at Piedmont NWR (see below) or head straight to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center before turning in your list at 5:00 PM.
Hard Core: In order to see the most birds possible in one day (the record is just under
200 species), you need to bird the coast of Georgia. Given the finish line at 5:00 PM Saturday, the best way to do this would be to position your team on the coast on Friday, and find as many coastal specialties between 5 PM and dark. You will need to select at least one beach site (either Jekyll Island south beach or Gould's Inlet on St. Simons Island) and one inland/freshwater wetland site (Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area or Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge) to maximize your species count.
On the beach sites, look for gulls, terns, migratory shorebirds and Reddish Egret. Anywhere you have scrubby vegetation look for the brilliant Painted Bunting. Freshwater wetland sites should turn up almost every heron species in Georgia, as well as possible Wood Storks, rails, and lingering ducks. Keep your eyes on the sky for a Bald Eagle, Mississippi or Swallow-tailed Kite. If you made good time on the coast, you may want to visit the SavannahOgeechee Canal Museum & Nature Center, which offers bottomland forest species such as Swainson's Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher and others.
If you are driving on I-16, a productive stop is a loop around East Georgia Turf Farm near Statesboro (Exit 116), which is often a key site for picking up grassland shorebirds, Horned Larks, Loggerhead Shrike, and maybe even an American Kestrel. If you skipped the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal a quick trip down Bondsview Road to Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (just east of Macon) may pick up your bottomland hardwood forest species. Doing this route you will be pressed for time, but if you have time to stop at Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, you may even be able to find an endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker (check with refuge staff about the best places to find them), along with other open pine species like Bachman's Sparrow, Bobwhite Quail, Brown-headed Nuthatch and others. At this point you will probably need to head straight to Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. If you arrive with time to spare, see above for specific places to visit before turning in your list.
Regardless of where you go, the most important thing is to stay safe, have fun, and turn in your checklist by 5:00 PM!
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What to Bring on the Big Day
Bird Book Binoculars (Some may be available for loan ask early) Spotting Scope (optional) Map of Georgia Rain coat (check local forecasts) Hat Sun block Mosquito repellent Snacks Drinks Bird Checklist Pen Any medication required Tape player, CD player or iPod to play owl calls (optional) YBC Disposable Camera we will give each team a camera to take pictures throughout the day Sense of humor
By 5 PM April 28th you should have turned in at the Charlie Elliott Banquet Hall: Checklist of birds seen Fundraising Amount (if your team raised money) Mentor Score Sheet (if Mentor is competing for prize)
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Being a Youth Birding Competition Mentor
What is the Youth Birding Competition (YBC)? The YBC is a 24-hour competitive bird count where students compete
against other teams to find as many birds as they can in a day in Georgia. The event is on April 27th - April 28th, 2012, starting at 5 PM and ending at 5 PM. Teams can start wherever they like, and bird wherever they want, but they must arrive at the finish line (Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center) and turn in their lists by 5 PM. While the lists are being tallied, there will be a live wildlife program followed by a banquet and awards ceremony.
What is a Birding Mentor? A birding mentor could be a teacher, a parent or an interested birder who
knows the birds well enough to help a team of students learn to identify birds. When mentors meet with their teams, a teacher or parent must be present.
What does a Mentor have to do? Mentors must commit to meeting with their teams at least 3 times before
the event. Mentors will also have access to: Checklists, and other information about the birding competition Strategy and fund raising tips, and birder resource guides Bird slides (on CD) of 65 common species PowerPoint program on bird identification Other select bird education materials
It is not necessary for the mentors to join the team on the day of the event, though they are welcome to. On the day of the competition the students cannot get any help finding or identifying birds from their chaperone/mentor.
What do Mentors get? Mentors will receive a free Youth Birding Competition T-shirt (bound to
become a collectors item), and free admission to the awards banquet at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center on April 28th. The mentor who commits the most time and energy to their team will win a fantastic prize!
If these material things don't interest you, rest in the satisfaction that you are helping pass on your love of birds to the next generation.
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Youth Birding Competition Mentor Score Sheet

If you are a team mentor and would like to enter the competition for a top quality prize, please fill out the following chart and return it to Tim Keyes on or before 5 PM on April 28th, 2012. Final decisions will also take into account the number of birds seen and amount of funds raised by each team.

Mentor Name ____________________ E-mail Address ____________________ Mentor Address ___________________________
___________________________ YBC Team Name(s) ________________________

Please use the chart below to record all contact you have with your team or teams that you are mentoring.

DATE

TEAM NAME

INSIDE OUTSIDE

(3)

(3)

HRS. PREP

HRS. WITH TEAM

TOTAL
If you want to send, fax or email it before the event, send to: Tim Keyes, GA DNR, Nongame Section, One Conservation Way, Brunswick GA 31520, fax (912) 262-3143, tim.keyes@dnr.state.ga.us If you mail/fax/e-mail this form, it must reach my office by April 22nd.
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Youth Birding Competition Fundraising Tips
The thought of asking people for money may make you feel sick, weak in the knees and dizzy. Don't worry! Here are some tips to make the job a bit easier.
Keep in mind that most people are happy to donate to a good cause, especially when it is connected with someone they know (you). People will be particularly interested in the event itself, so tell them about your plans to see as many birds as you can, where you plan to go, etc... The first pledge is the easiest! Donate a pledge yourself for your team. The most effective way to raise pledges is to ask people face-to-face. Ask parents, friends, family, teachers, neighbors, doctors, etc... Write a letter describing the Youth Birding Competition and the conservation organization you plan to support, and send it to friends and family asking them to pledge their support. Make sure you thank your sponsors. Write them a letter after the competition and tell them how it went, as well as a reminder of the amount of money they pledged, and the number of birds you saw. The sooner you contact your sponsors after the event, the better chance you will collect the pledges. Make sure that your sponsors send you checks made out to the conservation organization that you chose to support. When your pledges are all in, send them to the organization you chose to support. Contact Tim Keyes (tim.keyes@dnr.state.ga.us) to let him know how much you collected.
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Youth Birding Competition Fundraising

Atkins Anselm

Fundraising is a voluntary component of the Youth Birding Competition (YBC), but it is a great way to support valuable conservation efforts in Georgia, and is also another way to win prizes for your team.

How does YBC Fundraising work?
1. Register your team with the Youth Birding Competition (registration forms can be found on page 37 of this booklet or at www.georgiawildlife.com under the "Get Involved" tab).
2. Select the conservation organization you would like to support with your fundraising efforts. The Wildlife Conservation Fund (Supports DNR's Nongame Conservation Section) Other _____________________________
3. Collect sponsors who will support your team with a fixed amount, or if they are courageous, with a pledge per bird species you identify during the competition. (See Fundraising Tips sheet for ideas on raising money).
4. Spend April 27-28 finding as many birds as you can in Georgia. 5. When you turn in your total bird checklist at 5PM at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center,
turn in the amount of money pledged to your team. (Amount pledged per bird) X (Total birds seen) + (Fixed donations) = Total money pledged 6. After the competition, contact your sponsors and collect all of their pledges. Have them send you checks made out to the conservation organization your chose to support. 7. Once all your checks are in, send them to the conservation organization. 8. Contact Tim Keyes to let him know how much you collected.

Oooooo, you said prizes?
Prize categories for each age class: Most money collected for conservation Most species seen

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YBC 2012 Sponsor Sign-up Sheet
Team Name: ______________________Team Captain:______________________ E-mail:__________________________________Phone:______________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________ Conservation Organization you are supporting _____________________________

SPONSOR NAME 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18

ADDRESS OR PHONE PLEDGE PER FIXED

NUMBER

SPECIES

PLEDGE

TOTAL DUE

TOTAL COLLECTED

20

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. Total

$

$

$

$

21

Birding Resources
LOCAL AUDUBON SOCIETIES Local Audubon chapters and other bird clubs often lead bird walks open to the public of all ages. Some also have monthly meetings with interesting speakers. Several have regular newsletters. Atlanta Audubon Society teaches a Master Birder Class for those interested in delving more deeply into the study of birds.
Georgia Chapters: Albany Audubon Society - http://albanyaudubonsociety.synthasite.com/ Atlanta Audubon Society - www.atlantaaudubon.org Augusta-Aiken Audubon Society - http://augustaaikenaudubon.org/ Coastal Georgia Audubon Society (Brunswick) http://coastalgeorgiabirding.org/cgas/ Columbus Audubon Society - 6000 Chrisbin Drive, Columbus, GA 31909
Contact Person: Priscilla Marshall, President Ocmulgee Audubon Society (Macon) www.audubon.org/chapters/ocmulgee-audubon-society Oconee Rivers Audubon Society (Athens) www.oconeeriversaudubon.org Ogeechee Audubon Society (Savannah) - www.savogeecheeaudubon.org
For information on other birding clubs and birding in Georgia resources, visit the Georgia Ornithological Society website - www.gos.org
CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS These projects generally require some basic bird identification ability, internet access, and a place to watch birds. These are all great projects to help collect data and learn the birds in your area.
Project FeederWatch - http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/ Bird Sleuth - http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdsleuth Citizen Science in the Schoolyard http://www.birds.cornell.edu/schoolyard/ Birds in Forested Landscapes - http://www.birds.cornell.edu/bfl/ eBird - http://www.ebird.org/content/index.html The Birdhouse Network - http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/ Great Backyard Bird Count - http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/ Project Pigeon Watch http://www.birds.cornell.edu/programs/urbanbirds/ubs_PIWMainEN.html Visit http://birds.cornell.edu or www.birdsource.com for more details.
Breeding Bird Survey - http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/ Requires good bird identification skills by sight and sound. Contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Divisions Nongame-Endangered Wildlife Program office for more information: (478) 994-1438.
22

Christmas Bird Count - http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/getinvolved.html The longest running citizen science project in the US. Dates can be found at www.gos.org (website for Georgia Ornithological Society)
BIRD CURRICULA Project Flying WILD/Project WILD - www.flyingwild.org or www.projectwild.org
Bird curriculum designed to help middle school students implement school bird festivals and bird conservation projects. Includes many hands on activities and events. Example Project WILD Activities - www.projectwild.org Use the Project WILD activities listed below (found in the Project WILD K-12 Activity Guide) for fun and educational bird programs. Each activity contains all the information needed to conduct the activity including objectives, method, background information, a list of materials needed, procedures, evaluation suggestions, recommended grade levels, subject areas, duration, group size, setting, and key terms. Changing the Land Rare Bird Eggs for Sale Shrinking Habitat Migration Barriers (deer not birds) No Water Off a Ducks Back Hazardous Links, Possible Solutions Birds of Prey Bird Song Survey
Audubon Adventures - www.atlantaaudubon.org "Education Programs" link This grades 4-6 classroom kit includes materials for 32 students: Student Newspaper, lesson plans, tips for outdoor study, hands on activities and guide to a healthy schoolyard.
Friends of Feathered Fliers Free loan Georgia Partners in Flight interactive educational activity boxes filled with bird education videos, youth and adult binoculars, bird eggs, nests, lesson plans, books, and posters. Boxes can be checked out for free on a two-week basis from local nature centers across the state. For more information, contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division's Nongame Conservation Section: (478) 9941438.
Create Bird Habitat at Home or School Several organizations help schools develop wildlife habitat in schoolyards for education and conservation. These organizations offer guidelines to create water, food, shelter and space for wildlife. For funding ideas, visit Citizen Science in the Schoolyard http://www.birds.cornell.edu/schoolyard/
23

Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF) Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat Planning Guide - www.gwf.org
The Georgia Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat Planning Guide provides information and resources to transform barren schoolyards into vital habitat for wildlife, and vibrant places of learning for students. By creating and studying wildlife habitats on their school grounds, students get a firsthand glimpse at the natural world, and the chance to make a difference for conservation in Georgia.
BIRD CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER RESOURCES
American Bird Conservancy - www.abcbirds.org Provides information on a wide range of conservation topics, such as the Cats Indoors Campaign. Cats kill hundreds of millions of birds each year in the U.S. alone, as well as other wildlife species.
National Audubon Society - http://www.audubon.org
Partners in Flight - www.partnersinflight.org International cooperative group of federal, state, and private organizations working to protect migratory landbirds.
Birding Software http://www.thayerbirding.com/ Pictures and calls for all North American species, Natural History information on all species, and games to help learn birds.
http://www.hummingbirds.net - This site provides information on attracting, watching,
feeding, and studying North American hummingbirds, migration maps, and tracking northward and southward movements.
International Migratory Bird Day www.birdday.org or http://www.fws.gov/birds/IMBD/
International Migratory Bird Day celebrates the incredible journeys of migratory birds between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central, and South America. The event, which takes place on the second Saturday in May each year, encourages bird conservation and increases awareness of birds through hikes, bird watching, information about birds and migration, public events, and a variety of other education programs.
Journey North: A Global Study of Wildlife Migration http://www.learner.org/jnorth/
24

Students in grades 4-12 witness the wonders of migration as they travel 'live' with some of the world's most accomplished adventurers (The Annenberg/CPB Math and Science Project) Birding Georgia - A Falcon Guide, Giff Beaton, 2000. More than 100 places in Georgia to look for birds. Wings Over Georgia Birding website. http://www.wingsoverga.com/ Annotated Checklist of Georgia Birds - Available from the Georgia Ornithological Society, www.gos.org Handbook of Bird Biology - Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2004. Excellent Ornithology Text. http://www.birds.cornell.edu/homestudy/handbook-of-birdbiology
25

2011 news release
100 YOUNG BIRDERS SEEK, FIND SCORES OF BIRDS IN ANNUAL CONTEST
SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 20, 2011) Conservation, birds and about 100 young Georgia birders all benefited from the 2011 Youth Birding Competition.
The 24-hour birding event held Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17, 2011, drew some 25 teams of contestants from preschool-ages to teens. They spotted scores of bird species and raised nearly $1,500 for conservation organizations. Fundraising is a voluntary component of the competition.
The Country Cuckoos, four brothers and a first cousin from Bainbridge, saw or heard 133 species to win the overall competition, checking birding hotspots across the state and overcoming a windy Saturday evening that kept many birds quiet. Member Josiah Austinson found a silver lining in the blustery weather. "It saved us from the mosquitoes," he said, smiling.
The reward for competition coordinator Tim Keyes, a Georgia Wildlife Resources Division biologist, is the "increase of new faces every year ... (and) the return of repeat teams, which shows they're getting hooked!"
The Youth Birding Contest is aimed at cultivating an interest in wildlife and conservation. Sponsors include The Environmental Resources Network Inc. (TERN), the Audubon Society, the Georgia Ornithological Society and others.
T-shirts worn by birders and team leaders at the banquet and awards ceremony at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Sunday featured the artwork of Rosemary Kramer of The Rock community in Upson County. The red-breasted nuthatch by Kramer, an eighth-grader at Upson Lee Middle School, proved the grand-prize winner in the event's T-shirt Contest.
Coordinator Linda May said judges chose four division winners from among 166 drawings and paintings of native Georgia birds. Kramer's entry led the middle school category. "I'm so excited to see all of these kids enjoying birds, whether it's through birdwatching or creating artwork," May said. "They're gaining a much better understanding and appreciation of nature than I had at that age."
The 2012 Youth Birding Competition is set for April 27-28. The annual competition and art contest are free. This year's bird-a-thon started at 5 p.m. Saturday and ended at 5 p.m. Sunday. Groups used as much as of that time as they wanted to count bird species throughout the state. But teams had to arrive at the "finish line" at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center near Mansfield by 5 p.m. Sunday.
26

2011 YOUTH BIRDING COMPETITION WINNERS
BIRDING Overall and high school division Country Cuckoos (133 species) Middle Chaotic Kestrels (116) Elementary Eagle Maniacs (94 species) Primary Little Chickadees (38 species)
FUNDRAISING 1. Birding Brothers, raising $516. 2. Country Cuckoos ($360) 3. Atlanta Wood Thrushes ($200)
The money goes to conservation groups chosen by the teams.
TOP ROOKIE TEAMS (first-year teams) High school G'Nats 1 (90 species) Primary Daisy Ducks 1/prime time (37 species)
BIRDING JOURNAL High school Anna Hamilton Middle Emmilyn Wade Elementary Madeline Studebaker Primary Dalton Gibbs
T-SHIRT ART CONTEST 1. Primary division (out of 54 entries): Jordan Beam of Newborn, second-grader at Piedmont Academy (barn owl drawing) 2. Elementary division (out of 89 entries): Hanka Kirby of Cumming, fifth-grader at Chattahoochee Elementary (cardinal drawing) 3. Middle school division (out of 19 entries): Rosemary Kramer of The Rock, eighth-grader at Upson Lee Middle School (red-breasted nuthatch painting). Kramer also was the grand-prize winner. 4. High school division (out of 4 entries): Taylor Green of Covington, 12th-grade homeschooler (white-eyed vireo painting)
Art contest division winners received $50 gift cards to Michael's. The grand-prize winner received a $100 gift card to Michael's and their artwork was used for the 2011 Youth Birding Competition T-shirt.
27

Covenant not to sue or make claim, indemnification contract, and release from liability

All individuals participating in or accompanying a Youth Birding Competition Team must complete this form.

Team Name: __________________________ Name: ________________________________ Address: _______________________________ E-mail: _________________________________

Mentor: ________________________ Parent: _________________________ City: ____________ State/Zip: ______ Phone: __________________

I hereby enter into this contract with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in
consideration for either I or my child participating in the Youth Birding Competition on April 2728th, 2012. I agree to abide by the following terms.

First, I realize that competition birding involves some risk of harm due to, among other factors, local hazards and inattention to driving and personal safety. Accordingly, I covenant not to sue or make any claim against the State of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, its officers, employees, agents, volunteers, and sponsors, or the landowners upon whose land I or my child may enter for death, personal injury, physical or mental disability, loss of income, or any other loss or damage whatsoever suffered by me or my child.

Second, I also agree to hold harmless, defend, and indemnify the State of Georgia, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and its officers, employees, agents, volunteers and sponsors, the State Tort Claims Trust Fund, and the landowners upon whose lands I or my child may enter, for any trespass on property, damage to realty or personal property, wrongful death or physical injury to anyone, or any other loss or damage whatsoever caused by me or my child's activities in connection with participating in the Youth Birding Competition.

Third, I further understand that such an activity requires all participants to be in good health and I certify that I as a participant or my participating child, am/is in good health and have/has no physical limitations which would prevent me/my participating child from participating.

Fourth, I agree to abide by the rules of the competition. I agree that the decision of the judges in all rulings is final. I covenant not to sue or make any claim against the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, its officers, employees, agents or volunteers for any ruling decision.

________________________________ Signature of Participant

_________________ Date

___________________________________ Signature of parent or guardian if under 18.

___________________ Date

Instructions: This form must be completed and signed by all participants or guardians, including drivers, and be on file with the event officials by April 20. Form does not need to accompany registration. Return completed form to Tim Keyes. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick GA 31520 or fax to (912) 262 3142.

28

CEWC Photo, Video and Audio &RQVHQWDQG5HOHDVH)RUP

We will provide each team with a disposable camera to record their adventures. We will collect the cameras at the end of the day and make pictures available to people in digital format. The Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center and Department of Natural Resources request the right to use all photos, videos, and/or audio clips taken of program participants, programs, and activities. These may be used for promotional brochures, promotions or showcase of programs on our web sites, showcase of activities in local newspapers, and other not-for-profit purposes.

By signing this form, I consent to allow Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center and the Department of Natural Resources to use photos, videos, and/or audio clips that they have of me participating in Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center's programs.

By signing this form, I confirm that I understand and agree to the above request and conditions. I agree to give up my rights with regards to photos, videos, and/or audio clips of me. I sign this form freely and without inducement.

My Contact Information:

Name (print): _____________________________________________________

County: __________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________

Street

City

State

Zip Code

Phone Number: ___________________ Email Address: ___________________

Signatures:

Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _________

Parent/Guardian's Signature: __________________________ Date: _________

(if under 18)
Department of Natural Resources, One Conservation Way, Brunswick GA 31520, or fax to (912) 262 3142 by April 20th

29

Official Youth Birding Competition Checklist

Ducks, Geese and Swans

Status

__R__e_tu_r_nScnoomwpGleoteodseform to Tim Keyes. Georgia

_______ Canada Goose

_______ Wood Duck

_______ American Wigeon

_______ American Black Duck

_______ Mallard

_______ Mottled Duck

C

_______ Blue-winged Teal

_______ Northern Shoveler

_______ Ring-necked Duck

_______ Greater Scaup

_______ Lesser Scaup

_______ Surf Scoter

C

_______ Black Scoter

C

_______ White-winged Scoter

C

_______ Bufflehead

_______ Hooded Merganser

_______ Red-breasted Merganser

_______ Ruddy Duck

Grouse and Turkeys

_______ Ruffed Grouse

Mts

_______ Wild Turkey

_______ Northern Bobwhite

Loons and Grebes

_______ Common Loon

_______ Pied-billed Grebe

_______ Horned Grebe

Gannets and Pelicans

_______ Northern Gannet

C

_______ Brown Pelican

C

_______ American White Pelican

C

Cormorants and Anhinga

_______ Double-crested Cormorant

_______ Anhinga

Bitterns and Herons

_______ American Bittern

Rare

_______ Least Bittern

Rare

_______ Great Blue Heron

_______ Great Egret

_______ Snowy Egret

_______ Little Blue Heron

_______ Tricolored Heron

C/CP

_______ Reddish Egret

C

_______ Cattle Egret

_______ Green Heron

_______ Black-crowned Night Heron

_______ Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Ibis, Spoonbill and Stork

_______ White Ibis

C/CP

_______ Glossy Ibis _______ Roseate Spoonbill

C 30
C

_______ Wood Stork Vultures
_______ Black Vulture _______ Turkey Vulture
Raptors _______ Osprey _______ Swallow-tailed Kite _______ Mississippi Kite _______ Bald Eagle _______ Northern Harrier _______ Sharp-shinned Hawk _______ Coopers Hawk _______ Red-shouldered Hawk _______ Broad-winged Hawk _______ Red-tailed Hawk _______ American Kestrel _______ Merlin _______ Peregrine Falcon
Rails, Gallinules, and Coot _______ Clapper Rail _______ King Rail _______ Virginia Rail _______ Sora _______ Purple Gallinule _______ Common Moorhen _______ American Coot
Cranes _______ Sandhill Crane
Shorebirds _______ Black-bellied Plover _______ American Golden Plover _______ Wilsons Plover _______ Semipalmated plover _______ Piping Plover _______ Killdeer _______ American Oystercatcher _______ Black-necked Stilt _______ American Avocet _______ Greater Yellowlegs _______ Lesser Yellowlegs _______ Solitary Sandpiper _______ Willet _______ Spotted Sandpiper _______ Upland Sandpiper _______ Whimbrel _______ Marbled Godwit _______ Ruddy Turnstone _______ Red Knot _______ Sanderling _______ Semipalmated sandpiper _______ Western Sandpiper _______ Least Sandpiper

C/CP
C/CP C/CP
C
C/CP
C/CP C Rare C C C C C C
C
C C C C C C

_______ White-rumped Sandpiper _______ Pectoral Sandpiper _______ Purple Sandpiper _______ Dunlin _______ Stilt Sandpiper _______ Short-billed Dowitcher _______ Long-billed Dowitcher _______ Wilson's Snipe _______ American Woodcock _______ Wilson's Phalarope
Gulls and Terns _______ Laughing Gull _______ Bonapart's Gull _______ Ring-billed Gull _______ Herring Gull _______ Lesser Black-backed Gull _______ Great Black-backed Gull _______ Gull-billed Tern _______ Caspian Tern _______ Royal Tern _______ Sandwich Tern _______ Common Tern _______ Forster's Tern _______ Least Tern _______ Black Skimmer
Pigeons and Doves _______ Rock Pigeon _______ Eurasian Collared-dove _______ Mourning Dove _______ Common Ground-dove
Cuckoos _______ Black-billed Cuckoo _______ Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Owls _______ Barn Owl _______ Great-horned Owl _______ Eastern Screech-Owl _______ Barred Owl
Goatsuckers _______ Common Nighthawk _______ Chuck-will's-widow _______ Whip-poor-will
Swifts and Hummingbirds _______ Chimney Swift _______ Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Kingfisher _______ Belted Kingfisher
Woodpeckers _______ Red-headed Woodpecker _______ Red-bellied Woodpecker _______ Downy Woodpecker

Rare C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
C/CP Rare
31

_______ Hairy Woodpecker _______ Red-cockaded Woodpecker _______ Northern Flicker _______ Pileated Woodpecker _______ Ivory-billed Woodpecker
Flycatchers _______ Eastern Wood-pewee _______ Acadian Flycatcher _______ Least Flycatcher _______ Eastern Phoebe _______ Great-crested Flycatcher _______ Eastern Kingbird _______ Gray Kingbird _______ Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Shrike and Vireos _______ Loggerhead Shrike _______ White-eyed Vireo _______ Yellow-throated Vireo _______ Blue-headed Vireo _______ Warbling Vireo _______ Philadelphia Vireo _______ Red-eyed Vireo
Crows and Jays _______ Blue Jay _______ American Crow _______ Fish Crow _______ Common Raven
Larks _______ Horned Lark
Swallows _______ Purple Martin _______ Tree Swallow _______ N. Rough-winged Swallow _______ Bank Swallow _______ Cliff Swallow _______ Barn Swallow
Chickadees and Titmice _______ Carolina Chickadee _______ Tufted Titmouse
Nuthatches _______ Red-breasted Nuthatch _______ White-breasted Nuthatch _______ Brown-headed Nuthatch
Creepers _______ Brown Creeper
Wrens _______ Carolina Wren _______ House Wren _______ Winter Wren _______ Sedge Wren _______ Marsh Wren

Rare
You Win!
C Rare Rare Rare Mts
Rare Mts

Kinglets and Gnatcatchers _______ Golden-crowned Kinglet _______ Ruby-crowned Kinglet _______ Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Thrushes _______ Eastern Bluebird _______ Veery _______ Gray-cheeked Thrush _______ Swainson's Thrush _______ Hermit Thrush _______ Wood Thrush _______ American Robin
Mimics _______ Gray Catbird _______ Northern Mockingbird _______ Brown Thrasher
Starling, Pipit and Waxwings _______ European Starling _______ American Pipit _______ Cedar Waxwing
Wood-warblers _______ Blue-winged Warbler _______ Golden-winged Warbler _______ Tennessee Warbler _______ Orange-crowned Warbler _______ Nashville Warbler _______ Northern Parula _______ Yellow Warbler _______ Chestnut-sided Warbler _______ Magnolia Warbler _______ Cape May Warbler _______ Black-throated Blue Warbler _______ Yellow-rumped Warbler _______ Black-throated Green Warbler _______ Blackburnian Warbler _______ Yellow-throated Warbler _______ Pine Warbler _______ Prairie Warbler _______ Palm Warbler _______ Bay-breasted Warbler _______ Blackpoll Warbler _______ Cerulean Warbler _______ Black and White Warbler _______ American Redstart _______ Prothonotary Warbler _______ Worm-eating Warbler _______ Swainson's Warbler _______ Ovenbird _______ Northern Waterthrush _______ Louisiana Waterthrush

_______ Kentucky Warbler

_______ Common Yellowthroat

_______ Hooded Warbler

_______ Wilson's Warbler

Rare

_______ Canada Warbler

_______ Yellow-breasted Chat

Tanagers

_______ Summer Tanager

_______ Scarlet Tanager

Sparrows

_______ Eastern Towhee

_______ Bachman's Sparrow

_______ Chipping Sparrow

_______ Field Sparrow

_______ Savannah Sparrow

_______ Grasshopper Sparrow

_______ Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow C

_______ Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow C

_______ Seaside Sparrow

C

_______ Song Sparrow

_______ Swamp Sparrow

_______ White-throated Sparrow

_______ White-crowned Sparrow

_______ Dark-eyed Junco

Cardinals and allies

_______ Northern Cardinal

_______ Rose-breasted Grosbeak

_______ Blue Grosbeak

_______ Indigo Bunting

_______ Painted Bunting

C/CP

_______ Dickcissel

Blackbirds and Orioles

_______ Bobolink

_______ Red-winged Blackbird

_______ Eastern Meadowlark

_______ Common Grackle

_______ Boat-tailed Grackle

C

_______ Brown-headed Cowbird

_______ Orchard Oriole

_______ Baltimore Oriole

Finches

_______ House Finch

_______ Purple Finch

_______ Pine Siskin

_______ American Goldfinch

Old World Sparrows

_______ House Sparrow

Others:

_______

_______

_______

32

_______

Directions to Charlie Elliott Conference Center
563 ELLIOTT TRAIL MANSFIELD, GA 30055
From Atlanta, take I-20 East to Exit 98 (GA Hwy. 11, Monroe-Monticello). Turn Right (follow the brown governmental "Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center" signs) travel south on Hwy. 11, crossing Hwy. 278 and Hwy. 142. Go through Mansfield, cross RR track and continue south for 3 miles. You will see a large sign marking the entrance to "Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center", turn left on Marben Farm Rd. About 1 mile down Marben Farm Rd. you will see a sign pointing right for "Visitors Center"; turn right here. This is Elliott Trail and you follow it until it ends at the Conference Center. There are four separate buildings. The Banquet hall is the furthest building.
From Monticello, follow Hwy 11 north approximately 17 miles and look for signs on your right. Go to the second entrance sign (a large stone based sign) and turn right onto Marben Farm Road to the Center. Again, event signs will be visible. Access onto Hwy. 11 can be obtained from highways (129, 42, 83 and 212).
33

Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Conference Center and Banquet Hall
Parking and Exit

VisCiteonrste' r

Elliott Trail

ALodge

ClubLhaokuese

ConRfeoroemnce
C

Lodge
B

BaHnaqlluet

Contact Information:
Lacy Mitchell Conference Coordinator Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center 563 Elliott Trail Mansfield, Georgia 30055 Phone: 770-784-3152 Fax: 770-784-3061 Email: lacy_mitchell@dnr.state.ga.us

Georgia Partners in Flight
Friends of Feathered Flyers Interactive Educational Activity Boxes
ATTENTION ALL:
Elementary school teachers Nature center educators Project Wild volunteers Educators in any capacity...
You can teach your students about Georgia's migratory
birds for FREE!
The Friends of Feathered Flyers Bird Activity Box offers planned activities for elementary students that can be entertaining as well as educational. With a focus on migration, habitat loss and other bird conservation issues, the box will supply abundant resources for your classroom:
Teacher's activity manual - Flying WILD Curriculum Bird identification and activity books Interactive puppets Student and teacher field binoculars Identification hand lens Laminated instructional posters Educational bird video and CD-ROMs Real bird eggs and feathers
See the backside of this flyer for more information on how you can borrow FREE of charge - one of the Friends of Feathered Flyers Interactive Educational
Activity Boxes from an education outreach center near you!
Funding provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and The Environmental Resources Network (T.E.R.N.), Inc.

Georgia Partners in Flight
Friends of Feathered Flyers
Interactive Educational Activity Bird Boxes

Elisabeth Pinion Amicalola State Park

Locator Map

418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd.

Dawsonville, GA 30534

706-265-4703

Kim Kilgore

EPinion@dnr.state.ga.us

Arrowhead Env. Ed. Center

2592 Floyd Springs Road

Armuchee, GA 30105

706-295-6073

Kim_Kilgore@dnr.state.ga.us

Mark Patterson McDaniel Farm 3251 McDaniel Road Duluth, GA 30096

Peter Gordon Elachee Nature Center 2125 Elachee Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 770-535-1976 peter@elachee.org

Johnna Tuttle Smithgall Woods Conservation Area 61 Tsalaki Trail Helen, GA 30545 706-878-3087 Johnna_Tuttle@dnr.state.ga.us
DeAnna Harris Georgia Wildlife Federation 11600 Hazelbrand Road Covington, GA 30014 770-787-7887 dharris@gwf.org

Linda May Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center 543 Elliott Trail Mansfield, GA 30055 770-784-3059 linda_may@dnr.state.ga.us

770-814-4920 mark.patterson@ gwinnettcounty.com

Clarke Dirks U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge

Chris Showalter Fernbank Science Center 156 Heaton Park Drive, NE Atlanta, GA 30307 678-874-7173 crs7586@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us

718 Juliette Road Round Oak, GA 31038 478-986-5441 Clarke_Dirks@fws.gov

Ann Matherly McDuffie Environmental Education Center P.O. Box 1081 Thomson, GA 30824 706-556-3461

Carol Lambert

amatherl@mcduffie.k12.ga.us

Newman Wetlands Center Clayton Co. Water Authority 2755 Freeman Road Hampton, GA 30228 770-603-5606 clambert@ccwa1.com

Tim Brewton GSU Center for Wildlife Education P.O. Box 8058 Statesboro, GA 30460-8058 912-486-7482

Tim Keyes

tbrewton@georgiasouthern.edu

Georgia DNR/WRD

Rum Creek WMA

Max McKelvey

116 Rum Creek Drive

Oatland Island Edu. Ctr.

Forsyth, GA 30129

711 Sandtown Road

478-994-1438

Savannah, GA 31410

tim_keyes@dnr.state.ga.us

912-898-3980

Season Platt rlplatt@callawaygardens.com Callaway Gardens Education Department P.O. Box 2000 Pine Mountain, GA 31822 706-663-5101

mameam@comcast.net
Jodi Sigei Little Ocmulgee State Park P.O. Drawer 149 U.S. Hwy. 441 McRae, GA 31055-0149 229-868-7474 jodi_sigei@dnr.state.ga.us

Jim Trostle

Oxbow Meadows

Diana Churchill

Environmental Learning Center

Ogeechee Audubon Soc.

3535 South Lumpkin Road

128 Catalina Drive

Columbus, GA 31901

Tybee Island, GA 31328

706-687-4090

912-786-5703

trostle_james@colstate.edu

dichurch@bellsouth.net

Mike Goodwin

Georgia Vets Memorial State Park

2459 U.S. Hwy. 280 W Kathleen Brady

Cordele, GA 31015

Birdsong Nature Center

229-276-2371

2106 Meridian Road

Thomasville, GA 31792

229-377-4408

birdsongkat@aol.com

Neda Hon Grand Bay Wetland Education Center 4661 Knights Academy Road P.O. Box 3834 Valdosta, GA 31604 229-333-0052; nedahon@earthlink.net

Emily Hewitt

Crooked River State Park

6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Hwy.

Jennifer Glover

St. Mary's, GA 31558

Reed Bingham State Park 912-882-8531

542 Reed Bingham Road EHewitt@dnr.state.ga.us

Adel, GA 31620-9764

229-896-3551

JGlover@dnr.state.ga.us

For additional information, contact the Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division, Nongame Wildlife and Natural Heritage Section,

116 Rum Creek Drive, Forsyth, GA 31029; (478) 994-1438 or www.georgiawildlife.com

Updated: 07/2007

Contact information
Team contact/captain _______________
Phone ___________________________
E-mail ___________________________
Address __________________________
_________________________________
Would you like a Team Mentor? _______
Do you plan to raise money? _________
Are any team members interested in the YBC T-shirt Art contest? ____ (Due 3/5)
Are any team members interested in the Nature Journal option? _____ (Due 4/20)
Is this your entire team's first time participating in the YBC? _______
Will your team stay Friday night (4/27) at CEWC? ______ ($15/person 4 per room)
Chaperone # and gender of those needing lodging? __________________________
Will your team want breakfast? ________
Will your team want box lunch? ________ (All Saturday meals are free of charge.)
How many adults will come to the banquet? ___________ (2 free per team; each additional adult costs $15)
Total Amount Due $__________

Registrants will receive a packet with:
Event rules, state bird checklist, guide to soliciting pledges, guide to birding Georgia, team mentor and training information, waiver form, ABA birding code of ethics, YBC T-shirt Art and Nature Journal Contest information.
Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center is located southeast of Covington, Ga., about an hour east of Atlanta.
From Atlanta, take I-20 east to exit 98. Drive south (right turn) on Ga. Highway 11 for about 12 miles, through the town of Mansfield. Turn left on Marben Farms Road at the large stone sign for the wildlife center. Turn right on Elliott Trail and follow signs to the Charlie Elliott Conference Center Banquet Hall. Room check-in is 3 p.m. Friday. Checkout is 10 a.m. Sunday.
The Environmental Resources Network Inc. (T.E.R.N.) is the primary sponsor of this event.
Sponsors also include the Atlanta Audubon Society and the Georgia Ornithological Society.
Please address questions to: Tim Keyes
(912) 262-3191 tim.keyes@dnr.state.ga.us

7TH ANNUAL
YOUTH BIRDING COMPETITION
CHARLIE ELLIOTT WILDLIFE CENTER
APRIL 27-28, 2012
Rosemary Kramer

WHAT IS IT? A 24-hour birding competition in which teams (representing your school, scout troop, 4-H club, science club, etc. ...) compete with other teams their age to count as many species of birds as they can in Georgia. Start Friday evening finding owls and other nocturnal species, bird throughout Saturday, and attend an Awards Banquet and Live Animal Show at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center at 5 p.m. You can bird at the Wildlife Center or travel the state; just get to the finish line by 5 p.m. Saturday with your bird checklist!
WHO CAN COMPETE? Anyone from K through 12th grade can form teams within four age divisions: primary, elementary, middle and high school.
DO I NEED TO BE AN EXPERT? No! We will do our best to link your team with an experienced mentor who can meet with you to help hone your bird identification skills before the event. We will also offer several training days throughout the winter and spring to help you prepare for the big event.
WHO DOES IT BENEFIT? Your team can raise money for your favorite DNR Nongame project or other conservation organization. Registration packets will include funding tips and a list of projects and organizations to support.

FREE Fun and educational day outside! Awards Banquet Live wildlife show T-shirt Breakfast & lunch (if you are in the vicinity of Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center)
WIN PRIZES by age division Most birds seen Most money raised Best rookie team T-shirt Art & nature journal prizes
OPTIONAL EXTRAS $15/person to stay overnight
based on full room occupancy $15/person extra banquet tickets Please make checks out to:
Charlie Elliott Conference Center
Send registration to: Tim Keyes
One Conservation Way Brunswick GA 31520 For lodging reservations & payment call Lacy Mitchell (770) 784-3152 Register early to take advantage of the mentor and other training programs. Registration deadline is March 31, 2012. No lodging changes after April 5th.

REGISTER NOW: Team Name (Be creative!) ________________________________
Team Members 1. __________________________ M/F Age________ T-shirt size ___________ 2. __________________________ M/F Age________ T-shirt size ___________ 3. __________________________ M/F Age________ T-shirt size ___________ 4. __________________________ M/F Age________ T-shirt size ___________ 5. __________________________ M/F Age________ T-shirt size ___________
(Teams can consist of 2-5 people.) Age Division (circle one) if mixed ages,
select division of oldest participant. Div. A Primary School (K-2nd grade) Div. B Elem. School (grades 3-5) Div. C Middle School (grades 6-8) Div. D High School (grades 9-12)