The

Raven's

Nest

May

2026

Friends,

Currently on display at the Martinhuis Museum in The Hague, Netherlands is a gem of an art exhibit entitled Birds. Curated by British art historian Simon Shama and inspired by the 1654 painting by Carel Fabritius, The Goldfinch, it is a small but rich exhibit all about birds, but more specifically about human fascination with birds.  

Entering the exhibit you step into a curved walled space onto which a film of an immense murmuration of starlings is projected. This scarf of birds swirls, shifts, and shuttles against the sky, mesmerizing the beholder with the seemingly unattainable wonder of flight. While less palpably dramatic, the rest of the exhibit investigates and bears witness to all the ascriptions of the power of birds throughout recorded history, from the transformation of owls and plovers into deities in ancient Egypt to the significance of the European goldfinch in paintings in early modern Italy to the 20th century multimedia romanticization of flight (as evidenced in this 1995 KLM Airline Advertisement).

While the exhibit shows our collective celebration of the avian species, it also shows the pernicious effects of our fascination with birds. There are still life paintings of harvested game birds and punishing bird cages, as well as gaudy feather-adorned accessories from almost every human culture ranging from tribal masks from Angola to splashy Victorian hats from England. While fashion has always had a price, the exhibit demonstrates that in many cases, it has been at Nature’s expense; the cost: our bird populations. Indeed, the exhibit’s centerpiece painting The Goldfinch illustrates our almost schizophrenic relationship with birds. The painting at once centers a simple diminutive, colorful, and utterly delightful bird; and yet, the bird is chained to its post, depriving it of its very essence, its ability to fly. In our fascination and desire for beauty and freedom, we have sometimes seriously erred in our attempt to possess it, and endangered or depleted the very source.

The National Audubon Society and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds were both founded over a century ago in response to the excesses of human exploitation, specifically the decimation of egret populations for the millinery industry. For over 100 years Audubon chapters have made it their mission to deconflict our love of birds from practices that are detrimental to their health and safety. We here at Blue Ridge Audubon are proud to continue in that tradition. Currently our Birdathon Fundraiser aims to do exactly that as we strive to protect vital wintering habitat for our treasured summer warblers and migrants of the Blue Ridge. We invite you to consider supporting this cause with a donation today as your own fascination with warblers, tanagers, or flycatchers can help ensure their presence in tree tops from Boyaca to the Blue Ridge tomorrow.

John Koon

Bringing together local wildlife organizations, plant lovers, and nature enthusiasts for a fun, educational, and impactful event—all in support of Wild for Life. We’ll be joined by several local organizations, including Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter, ReWild AVL, and Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue, who will be sharing information about their work and ways to get involved.

The highlight of the event will be a live raptor presentation from Wild for Life, featuring birds of prey and a chance to learn more about native wildlife and conservation efforts.

Advocacy Day

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Raleigh

We’ll meet with lawmakers in Raleigh and speak up for bird-friendly legislation, including conservation funding as well as wetlands and family land protections.

All are welcome to join us for Advocacy Day—no experience required. Register before the deadline on May 18!

Plants for Birds

Saturday, June 13, 11 am - 12 pm

Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary

These outings will focus on the native plants, trees, and shrubs that sustain the birds that visit our sanctuary. Florrie Funk will be your naturalist guide, highlighting blooming wildflowers and notable trees and shrubs, sharing anecdotes about each along with their role in supporting our avian visitors. No special equipment is needed, just bring your curiosity!

How Audubon’s Plants for Birds Program is Supporting Migrating Birds

2026 Candidates for Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter's Board of Directors

Our Nominating Committee has selected the following five individuals as recommendations for our Board of Directors:

Ben Bafaloukos moved to Asheville in 2021. Ben is an environmental educator who loves to learn and explore alongside his students, and he works to ignite a love for wildlife in all who listen. You may encounter Ben at a park or along a trail, crouched on the ground and staring through his camera at a particularly interesting bug or bird. 

Sarah Branagan grew up in Brevard, NC, where she spent much of her childhood exploring the natural landscapes around her home. A field ornithology course at UNC Asheville sparked a deep passion for birds and conservation, leading to several years of volunteer service with Audubon chapters across the state while she pursued higher education. Now back in WNC, Sarah feels grateful to serve both the birds and the community that shaped her.

Casey First, originally from Wisconsin, has lived in Asheville for the last 15 years and has been the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in North Asheville since 2021. Prior to moving to Asheville, Casey had an extensive background in non-profit development and outreach. Outside of being an advocate for the birds and issues around climate change, he is a die-hard baseball and college basketball fan.

Margot Popecki has recently moved to Asheville and works at A-B Tech as a biology teacher. She became interested in birds during grad school as many of her friends studied bird ecology and evolution. Margot is passionate about fireflies, sewing, and furniture restoration. 

Gabe Wolfe is an Asheville native who discovered his passion for birds while earning his A.S. in Fish and Wildlife Management at Haywood Community College. Gabe has five years of experience in environmental education, including roles at the Cradle of Forestry in America and the North Carolina Arboretum. He currently serves as a library assistant with Buncombe County Public Libraries while continuing to pursue conservation and education as a primary passion.

Nominated for an additional term:

Danielle DiBella-Lenaway (Vice-President)

Dora Brande (Treasurer)

Jennie Burke

Paula Caycedo

Anna Hardy

The vote on the election of these new and returning nominees will take place at our membership meeting on June 24.

Birdathon

by Kevin Burke

This year's annual Birdathon fundraiser was a resounding success! Eight teams in two different categories went out to find as many birds as they could. Three teams competed in the Green category, where no motorized vehicles were allowed and five teams competed in the traditional category. All together we had twenty two participants, and so far have raised over $4500 for SELVA in Colombia. 

This was the year of record breaking totals. Both the green and traditional category saw the records fall, and fall hard! The Quack Attack was back to defend their green category record of 34 species. They smashed their record by double, recording 68 species for the day. A Solitary Anne-piper was a close second with 60 species! Fantastic!

Most of last year's record breaking team was back with a name change to the Enka Terns. They had another great run at 130 species. But, this was the year of the Cardinal Sinners. A team that included John Koon, Amy Jackson, Clayton Gibb, and Seth Buddy recorded an astounding 145 species! What a day!

The Cardinal Sinners, John Koon, Amy Jackson, Clayton Gibb, and Seth Buddy recorded an astounding 145 species!

We all came together at Zillicoah Brewing for a fun wrap up. This was the second year of the new Birdathon format. I think it has brought new people and more diverse experiences to our long standing fundraiser. We, as an Audubon chapter should try to build on this success.

Thanks to all who have made donations to Birdathon! Our top team for fundraising so far is the 'Vanderbirds' with 'A Solitary Annepiper' in second place and 'Quack Attack' in third. In addition to your generous contributions, Blue Ridge Audubon is donating $2,000.

The donation button still works! We hope that you will help us support our migratory birds on their wintering grounds in Colombia. 

Don't forget to include the name of your favorite Birdathon team!

Beaver Lake Celebration

Danielle Lenaway

Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary had its annual spring celebration on Sunday, April 26th. It was a fun, well attended, sunny and beautiful day! Several talented artists, naturalists, and plenty of tables filled our boardwalk. We had an exhibition of birds of prey, a table all about swifts, as well as kid activities and naturalists stationed along the path. We were joined by the Sierra Club , UNCA bird club, Save the woods, Lights Out Asheville and the NC Arboretum with their Eco Explorer program. We had visits from council members including Asheville's Mayor Manheimer. If you missed this great day we hope you can attend next spring and bring the whole family!

Mountain Science Expo

by Jennie Burke

On Saturday, April 25 we had a great time at the NC Arboretum's annual Mountain Science Expo! There were 1728 attendees at this popular event. It was a rainy day so we were inside this year. We met lots of kids and their families, learned what their favorite birds are and showed them our collection of hummingbird nests. Looking forward to being a part of this fun outreach event next year!

Photo: BRAC Volunteer Coordinator Erika Wagner at our booth

April Bird Walks

by Kiti Reynolds

Our three bird walks this month were attended by 71 people, many of whom only attended one of the walks. At least 5 were new to birding. We are lucky to have two new guides, John De Luca and Danny Raleigh. Thanks guys!!

Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary drew the largest number of birders, at least 30. John De Luca, the new Conservation Director for Audubon NC, helped us find a colorful male yellow-rumped warbler, blue-gray gnatcatchers, many other lovely birds plus an actual beaver swimming in Beaver Lake.  

Twenty folks showed up for John Koon’s leadership at the Jackson Park second Saturday walk. We had great looks at parula warblers defending territories, brief looks at a fleeing wood duck, and heard the nostalgic sounds of hermit thrush and white-throated sparrows – soon to head north (or at least up the mountains for the hermit thrush). And, best of all, too dry for mosquitoes!!

Our third Saturday walk, now regularly at Lake Julian, was led by Danny Raleigh – aided and abetted by John Koon. We had 21 birders including a lady from Alaska, and 3 newbies. The resident bald eagle was there, as were two ospreys. Birds of the year included spotted sandpiper, orchard oriole, palm warbler and a very shy catbird.  

Owen Park Update

by John Koon

Blue Ridge Audubon board members have been participating in some focus group planning sessions hosted by Hoerr-Schaudt on behalf of Buncombe County Parks to redesign Owen Park. Initial indications are very encouraging, as public input and budget practicalities are both leading the group to prioritize a retention of the wetland and riparian zones created by the Helene-related flooding. This concept will protect and enhance the bird and wildlife habitat while providing a variety of outdoor recreation and affording flood buffer protection for future storm events. Another public input session is planned for sometime around mid-June--please be on the lookout to attend. Public input matters!

Photo: Swannanoa River at Owen Park by Charlotte Moon

Activity Update on our Motus receivers

by John Koon

The UNCA Motus tower recorded a wood thrush passing by the night of May 4. Earlier that night the same bird was detected by a motus station in northern Alabama and two stations in TN. The time between detections indicated a remarkably consistent 37mph groundspeed through the night. The bird apparently rested and recharged for 4-5 days in WNC or SW VA and then passed 5 more Motus stations on the night of May 9 at mostly the same speed, ending up in western MA the next morning! 

Blue Ridge Audubon is a chapter of the National Audubon Society, serving Buncombe, Henderson, and surrounding counties in western North Carolina.

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are

tax-deductible to the extent

allowed by law.

Raven's Nest Editor: 

Jennie Burke

jennifer_bradbury85@yahoo.com

Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter

PO Box 18711

Asheville, NC 28814

Blue Ridge Audubon's mission is to protect birds and the places they depend on. We believe that a world in which birds thrive is a world that benefits all living things.

Our vision is a vibrant and just community where the protection of birds and our natural world is valued by everyone.