December 1999-January 2000            Volume 30            Number 4

JANUARY: LYNX REINTRODUCTION IN COLORADO
THE STORY BEHIND THE HEADLINES

Discover the real story behind the newspaper headlines with Tanya Shenk, of the Lynx Recovery Team. Colorado's lynx reintroduction project was approved by the Colorado Wildlife Commission in November 1998. Despite political moves from a coalition of farm, ranch and land-use groups, the release of 41 lynx began last spring in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. The Division of Wildlife plans to release up to 50 more animals early this coming spring.

Tanya will discuss the results that can generally be expected in carnivore reintroductions; the changes in the initial release protocol as a result of last year's experience; and what to expect when the lynx prey base (snowshoe hares) goes through its cyclic population crash.

Tanya received her M.S. and Ph.D. from Colorado State University in 1988 and 1997 respectively. Come hear what's in store for the Colorado Lynx Recovery Project this spring, that you won't read in the newspapers.

WHEN: Thursday, January 13, 2000, 7:30 pm but please join us at 7:00 to network
with other people who share your conservation interests, chat with our
Board Members, and enjoy refreshments before the program.

WHERE: Ludlow Room of the Lincoln Center, 417 West Magnolia, Fort Collins

AUDUBON CLEANS UP!

On September 25, and November 6, members of Audubon got really dirty, while Fossil Creek Wetlands Natural Area got a lot cleaner. A favorite birding spot, this wetland area has a gradual shoreline that supports numerous migrant and resident birds. It's worth checking out almost any time of year. Now it looks better and is safer for wildlife. We tackled the upland areas this fall. Later in the winter a possible wetland clean up will occur. Watch the Ptarmigan for details.

Audubon Christmas Bird Counts

The 53rd consecutive annual Fort Collins Audubon Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Saturday, December 18. A potluck dinner will follow to discuss the result. The annual Christmas Bird Counts provide a great opportunity to contribute to the longest and largest wildlife survey ever taken. The count data have been used to document general trends in bird distributions and populations over many years.

To participate please contact the count compilers listed below:

*Saturday, Dec 18, Fort Collins CBC, Kevin Cook at 223-8392
*Saturday, Dec 18, Janos CBC in Chihuahua, Mexico, Cynthia Melcher at 484-8373
*Saturday, Dec 18, Longmont CBC, Ron Harden at 667-3819
*Saturday, Dec 18, Rocky Mountain National Park CBC, Scott Roederer at 586-8812
*Wednesday, Dec 22, Nunn CBC, Jim Sedgwick, 226-9466
*Sunday, Dec 26, Rawhide Reservoir CBC, Ron Ryder at 482-8089

News from the State Office
Susan Kirkpatrick, Executive Director

On January 8, 2000, the Colorado Audubon Council will meet for the last time as the representative body for Audubon chapters in Colorado. CAC representatives will ratify the board of Audubon of Colorado, a new body created to strengthen Audubon's effectiveness in our state. The final CAC meeting in Boulder will be a tribute to the accomplishments of the chapters under the old structure and a celebration of the potential for the new state organization.

When the CAC committee designed the proposal for governing the new state office, they specified a board of directors with representatives from chapters serving alongside representatives "at-large". The proposal required each chapter to select one member for the board creating 11 slots for chapter representatives at this time (ed note: Ron Harden will serve as Fort Collins Audubon's representative). The number of at-large representatives is set at one less than the number of chapter representatives, thus ensuring chapter influence on the direction of Audubon of Colorado now and on into the future.

To fill out the new board, the Audubon of Colorado nominating committee has been meeting for about a month to identify 10 at-large representatives. The committee has created a system to compare nominees based on geography, skills, interests and background. This process should be concluded in time for the CAC meeting in early January. We have been gratified by the interest in Audubon*s new direction from people who are being considered for the AOC board.

The new board will meet for the first time on Saturday March 4, 2000. Thanks to all of you for your help and support during this time of transition.

Dr. Ron Ryder will lead the first field trip of the new century on Sunday, Jan. 23. We will go to Hamilton Reservoir at the Rawhide Power Plant. Meet at the parking lot at Maple and Mason Streets at 7:15 am to carpool to the reservoir. Bring spotting scopes and warm clothes - the wind never stops at Rawhide!

Information: Scott Baily, 282-0776.

ATTENTION WILDLIFE WATCHERS!

The Colorado Division of Wildlife offers an introductory wildlife viewing skills workshop. Targeting groups such as Fort Collins Audubon Society and the City of Fort Collins Master Naturalists, "Wildlife Watch" will be offered free of charge to these groups (the fee normally is $15.00). The session is eight hours long and consists of indoor and outdoor instruction. The purpose for targeting folks like Audubon members, is the hope that you will teach other groups the skills that you learn. The workshops will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, and Tuesday, February 29, 9:00-5:00. Sign up for one day only. Registration begins February 7, by calling Sue Kenney, at 224-6118 and reserving a space. You must be an Audubon member. Class size is limited and are for adults only. Watch for an additional announcement in the February issue of the Ptarmigan.

Don't miss this opportunity to increase your wildlife watching skills and help others with their skills.

The Fort Collins Audubon Society meets at 7:30 pm on the second Thursday of each month, in the Ludlow Room of the Fort Collins Lincoln Center, 417 West Magnolia Street. Members and non-members are welcome at all meetings, field trips and special events. The Ptarmigan is published eight times per year and is sent to all Fort Collins Audubon Society members. If you are interested in membership, please use the attached application.

DATES TO REMEMBER: