December, 2024

In this Newsletter

AOK Celebrates 25 Years, and Looks Forward to the Next 25 Years
Christmas Bird Counts Always Bring Something Unexpected
What Good is a Beaver?
Registration for the Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival Now Open!
New Prairie-Chicken Merchandise
Upcoming AOK Events
Science Sundays Hosts AOK's Jackie Augustine for Prairie-Chicken Talk
Philanthropy Corner: End the Year with a Gift to AOK
Chapter Spotlight: Wichita Audubon Society
AOK Nature Spot Recommendations: Meade State Park

Visit AOK's Website

AOK Celebrates 25 Years

and Looks Forward to the Next 25 Years

We are coming to the end of our celebration of Audubon of Kansas' 25th anniversary. Over the past 12 months, we have reflected on how our three-fold mission of advocacy, conservation and education has evolved and expanded over the years.

With all this reflection on the past, it only seems right to contemplate the next 25 years. Although there will always be threats to wildlife and wild lands, I envision a renewed commitment to environmental protection and ever-growing support for our mission.

AOK will continue to acquire new lands to set aside for people to interact with wildlife All Over Kansas. AOK will expand environmental education opportunities to new communities All Over Kansas. AOK will testify to county and state legislative bodies and use litigation on behalf of wildlife All Over Kansas.

To do these things, AOK itself will expand by growing its staff and flock of supporters. Although I hate to put specifics into print lest our dreams don't come true, I am so hopeful for the future—both for what AOK will become and what we will accomplish—together—All Over Kansas. Thanks for being a part of our growing community.

Text by AOK Executive Director Jackie Augustine. Photo: AOK logos (1999-2001 and 2001-present).

Read Previous Newsletters

Christmas Bird Counts Always Bring Something Unexpected

Bird watchers love making lists: a life list (all the birds they have ever seen), a county list (birds seen in a county), a year list (birds seen in a year), etc. I decided I wanted to do something different—I want to check off all the Christmas Bird Counts in Kansas. It is going to take me at least five more years to do so, as there are eight counts on the Sunday of the first weekend, and I have yet to figure out how to be in two places at once.

What I enjoy about Christmas Bird Counts is that you have a reason to take notice of common birds. On the counts, observers don't just check off species; the numbers of each species are recorded. This makes every bird important. The inset photo shows two Brown-headed Cowbirds sitting on a cow. Although they are common at other times of the year, they are not as common in winter in Kansas. I enjoyed spotting this bird on its namesake.

The people you meet are another reason to join a count. This year, I have met people in person whom I only knew as names on Facebook. I've also met up-and-coming young birders whose keen ears readily differentiate between the chip notes of American Tree Sparrows and Lincoln's Sparrows. Even those just starting to go birding contribute by pointing out birds that the group overlooked. In fact, one of the best birds of this year's Cheyenne Bottoms count—a Ferruginous Hawk—was first spotted by a beginning birder in the back seat.

Finally, it seems like every count brings an unexpected bird. I was able to participate in four counts this year, and each one brought an unexpected or unusual bird, including Lesser Black-backed Gull in Wichita, Mountain Bluebirds and Long-eared Owls at Wilson, and a Rough-legged Hawk at Quivira.

If you haven't participated in a Christmas Bird Count yet, I encourage you to do so. You will be glad you did.

Learn More about Christmas Bird Counts

See a List of Christmas Bird Counts in Kansas

What Good is a Beaver?

Beavers are often disliked because they damage trees, and their dams can cause flooding. However, there is much more to appreciate about beavers than to dislike.

Beavers are called "ecosystem engineers" because the "damage" they cause is actually beneficial for the environment. At AOK's Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm, there is a wonderful riparian woods with many bur oak trees that are about 100 years old, but few younger oaks. The younger oaks are being choked out by fast-growing hackberries. We were considering removing the hackberries when a beaver moved in but, to my amazement, the beaver seemed to selectively target hackberries, leaving other tree species intact. Beavers eat the bark of trees for food, and they use trunks and branches to construct dams and lodges. By removing hackberries, beavers are opening up the woods for other plant species to grow and creating pathways for deer and, historically, elk to move through the forest. Their dams also create pools that benefit amphibians, fish, and insects. Areas with beavers have greater biodiversity than those without them.

Beyond increasing biodiversity, beavers have drastic impacts on water and streams. First, they improve water quality. Their dams and pools reduce soil erosion and retain sediment, which absorb and filter pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and fertilizers. This improves the quality of water downstream used by humans and other species. Second, the dams store water and release it during drought. Beaver dams store water in the pool they create, but they also cause the surrounding land to absorb and retain water. In times of drought, this water is slowly released back into the stream. Finally, in times of flood, beaver dams help minimize flood risk by slowing the flow of water, which can delay and reduce flood peaks further downstream.

Land managers are currently experimenting with "beaver dam analogs"—small dams constructed by humans to mimic beaver dams. The banks of many streams are eroding, creating steep edges and sending sediment downstream. These steep banks can separate a creek from its floodplain. Instead of streams overflowing into the floodplain during heavy rains, the creek erodes further, becoming even deeper. Beaver dam analogs are designed to slow water flow and increase sedimentation (soil deposited in the stream). It is hoped this will decrease erosion and eventually reconnect streams with their floodplains.

Photos: Above—The same large oak is in both photos with numerous hackberries untouched by beaver to the left and with extensive clearing by beavers to the right. Below—construction of a 'beaver dam analog' in Nebraska. Notice how the water on the right (upstream) is higher than on the left of the beave dam analog.

Registration for the

Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival

is Now Open!

Audubon of Kansas will hold its fourth annual Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival from April 10-13, 2025, in Hays, KS. The festival offers opportunities to see both Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens, guided trips to Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira, prairie-chicken management and geology tours, behind-the-scenes tours of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and social events.

Slots fill quickly! Register today!

Note: We will have options for individuals with mobility challenges to participate. The registration form includes a section where you can let us know how we can make your experience as enjoyable as possible.

Visit the Kansas Lek Treks Website

Can't Attend the Festival, but Want to Show your Love of Prairie-Chickens?

AOK is teaming up with Birds for Good to offer high-quality merchandise that also supports birds. Currently, we have tea towels and bandanas for sale, with more items planned.

See the Prairie-Chicken Bandana

See the Prairie-Chicken Tea Towel

AOK Events

When: Sunday, January 19 at 2 PM

Where: KU Field Station, Armitage Education Center, 350 Wild Horse Road, Lawrence, Kansas 66044

January Topic: Home on the Range: Breeding Biology of Prairie-Chickens

Kansas is home to both Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens, two iconic and increasingly rare species whose presence indicates a healthy prairie ecosystem. Known for their spectacular mating displays and unique booming calls, these charismatic birds face mounting challenges as their habitats shrink. Dr. Jackie Augustine, Audubon of Kansas Executive Director, will share her experiences of studying prairie-chickens for over 20 years, including their fascinating breeding biology, their role in grassland ecosystems, and the complex challenges she and others face in conserving these declining populations. Join us to learn about the story of these special birds and the people working to conserve them!

What to bring: A mug for tea/coffee to help us reduce waste.

Please RSVP to Wendy (wendyholman@ku.edu) as space is limited. It also helps us plan for seating and snacks!

Science Sundays talks cover a variety of science topics, including research happening at the KU Field Station. Talks are free and open to everyone, but may not be of interest to younger audiences. You don’t have to be a scientist to attend—just curious about the natural world!

Philanthropy Corner: End the Year with a Gift to AOK

As we close out 2024, I find myself holding space for the people and places that have shaped my journey, reminding me of the profound impact of giving. This spirit of generosity inspires me to invite you to share that joy with AOK as we continue our mission.

Here’s how you can help:

Donate online using the link below
Honor a loved one with a tribute gift
Invite others to support AOK’s mission

Every gift makes a difference, bringing hope and protection to the places and wildlife we cherish. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and heartfelt thanks for your support!

—Kathryn

Donate Today

Chapter Spotlight:

Wichita Audubon Provides Bird Walks and Talks

Wichita Audubon Society is one of the most active Audubon chapters in the state. Its members include expert bird watchers and photographers who are eager to share their knowledge.

Most chapters sponsor one or two Christmas Bird Counts, but Wichita Audubon organizes eight! On the second Saturday of each month, they host bird walks at the Great Plains Nature Center. Additional field trips target specific birds (such as Short-eared Owls or American Woodcock) or visit productive areas (like Loess Bluffs).

On the third Tuesday of each month, they host speakers on a variety of topics. Here is a sample of their upcoming programs:

January 21, 2025

Botswana: An African Adventure, presented by Bob Gress

February 18, 2025

Cats and Windows: Two of the Greatest Threats to Our Declining Bird Populations, presented by Scott Loss – Professor of Biology at Oklahoma State University

March 18, 2025

Chasing America’s Raptors, presented by Scott Harris—Birder, Photographer, and Author

All programs are held at 7 PM at the Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E 29th St N, Wichita, KS, United States.

Photo of Wichita Audubon members during the Wichita Christmas Bird Count by Jackie Augustine.

Wichita's Bird Walks

Wichita's Bird Talks

AOK Nature Spot Recommendations

Meade State Park is hosting a First Day Hike

12165 South V Road

Meade, KS, 67864

37.163640, -100.435899

Meade State Park was originally carved out of the Turkey Track Ranch in 1927. The park rests in the high plains of southwest Kansas, just west of the Red Hills. Meade State Park has an 80-acre lake and 440 surrounding acres of campsites and wildlife habitat. During the winter months, over 5,000 Canada Geese are often found on the lake. Search the geese for Cackling Geese, Greater White-Fronted Geese and Ross’s Geese. Snow Geese are also present in large numbers some years. A good assortment of ducks stops and stays until the water freezes. Winter often brings several Townsend’s Solitaires.

On January 1 at 2pm, the park is offering a 'First Day Hike'. They will have guided/unguided options available and different levels of difficulty so you can choose the hiking experience that works best for you and your family!

Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes. Leashed pets are welcome.

Photo from Meade State Park's Facebook page. Introductory text from Kansas Birding Trails