All Events from Facebook (Does not require a facebook account)
2022
Bird Walk -- SATURDAY. MARCH 19, 9-11 am Josephine Sculpture Park 3355 Lawrenceburg Road Frankfort. Start spring off right and join Frankfort Audubon for a guided bird walk to look for winter and arriving sparrows, raptors, and meadowlarks. There is no charge for this event. Bring binoculars if you have them, and we will have a few loaner pairs. Hope to see you there!
Bird talk -- TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2022 AT 7 PM – 8 PM Hoo's That? Raptor Identification Workshop (Virtual) Join the Frankfort Audubon Society and Paul Sawyier Public Library for a free virtual educational event in our bird identification series! This presentation will focus on owl, vulture, hawk, eagle, kite, and falcon identification in Kentucky by both sight and sound. This event will be interactive with quizzes and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. All are welcome! Please register at https://bit.ly/psplRaptorID to receive a link to this virtual event. For more information, contact Diane Dehoney at diane@pspl.org
Saturday February 19, 9 am bird walk: Start the New Year with a bird walk on a new trail, the Thorobred Trail, from downtown to KSU. We will meet at the downtown trailhead at the end of Clinton street, by the state office building. We will try to be finished by 10:30 or 11 so you can attend the Farmers Market
February 8. Bird talk library .. details to be provided
Thursday January 13, 5:30 pm. Virtual board meeting: Do you want to be more involved with Frankfort Audubon or learn about what we do. Attend our board meeting via zoom. We will elect officers and discuss upcoming events. We will present opportunities for committee involvement.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89719349457?pwd=MXV5bkpSTWdMdEk5S0tVN0krYTZFUT09
2021
Christmas Bird Count December 18
The Christmas Bird Count will be Saturday December 18, 2021. It is free, and you can participate from home if you live within the Frankfort count circle. Email Peggy Gould peggyg827@aol.com to participate.
Raptor Rehab of Kentucky October 24
Wild Birds Unlimited & Frankfort Audubon Society Present
Raptor Rehab of Kentucky at JSP
Sunday, October 24
1 to 3pm
SOLD OUT!!! FREE – Registration Required
All ages welcome; Children accompanied by adult
Visit with Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky Inc and 4 of their raptor friends! See up close these amazing Kentucky raptors and learn about their rehabilitation story and how you can help. This event will take place in the ventilated tobacco barn at Josephine Sculpture Park. Please bring your own chair.
Immediately afterwards, Frankfort Audubon Society will be offering a free bird walk around the park. If you are interested, wear walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. The walk will last about an hour.
Masks encouraged. Please maintain a safe social distance from those not in your household. Thank you!
This event is free to the public thanks to support from Wild Birds Unlimited and Frankfort Audubon Society
Bird Walk Pfeiffer Fish hatchery Saturday August 28, 9 am
Frankfort Audubon Society will be hosting a free bird walk at Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery. Walk will be led by Rob Chadwick, board member of the Frankfort Audubon Society.
We will be looking for fall migrants like warblers, thrushes, and shorebirds. Make sure to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and wear supportive shoes or boots. Hope to see you there!
Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery- 1870 Indian Gap Road
Join the Frankfort Audubon Society for another virtual educational event in our bird identification series. Focusing on woodpecker and mimic bird identification by both sight and sound, this event will be interactive with quizzes and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. All are welcome!
Please register at https://bit.ly/WhatsThatBird to receive a link to this virtual event. For more information, contact Diane Dehoney at diane@pspl.org
Join us for a summer bird walk at West Sixth Farm in Frankfort. Several of the Frankfort Audubon board members will lead the walk. The farm offers a variety of habitats to search for different species of birds. This walk is free and open to all levels of bird watchers. The terrain is not flat, so be prepared for hills and uneven ground, but it is not a hard trail. Make sure to bring binoculars if you have them, wear sturdy shoes that you don't mind getting wet, and bring water as it could be a warm day. Any questions, feel free to send us a message
Join us for a summer bird walk at West Sixth Farm in Frankfort. Several of the Frankfort Audubon board members will lead the walk. The farm offers a variety of habitats to search for different species of birds. This walk is free and open to all levels of bird watchers. The terrain is not flat, so be prepared for hills and uneven ground, but it is not a hard trail. Make sure to bring binoculars if you have them, wear sturdy shoes that you don't mind getting wet, and bring water as it could be a warm day. Any questions, feel free to send us a message.
Yes Arts (in partnership with the Frankfort Audubon Society and Wild Birds Unlimited of Frankfort) is excited to offer a new camp to the youth in our community where students will explore nature, learn about birds and their habitats, their food sources & native plants species. This camp will educate children about native birds and will spark a lifelong interest in birding!
During camp, participants will receive their very own Beginning Birding Kit! Each camper will get to keep their supplies to provide them with the tools needed to continue birding after camp has ended. Each kit will include: one pair of binoculars and a birding field guide. We will feature a daily guest from the Frankfort Audubon Society and Wild Birds Unlimited of Frankfort that will teach the children about how to use their binoculars, using their field guide to identify birds, discussions about their habitats and food source, and how to recognize birds by sound. Campers will get to have hands on experience building their very own Bluebird Box as well as other daily crafts, snacks and games about birds.
In Frankfort, we have an amazing variety of parks and we are lucky to have one in particular, Cove Spring Park, that has three diverse areas. We chose this location because it offers scenic trails, wetlands, waterfalls, large untouched grassy areas with wildflowers, and just about every ecosystem you can imagine.
We will work with Frankfort Parks and Recreation and local volunteers (who are in the process of establishing Bluebird trails in central Kentucky) with Frankfort Audubon Society assisting them in installing our boxes throughout the park after the completion of camp. Once installed, each camper will have the opportunity to volunteer to monitor the activity of their box.
Frankfort Audubon Society volunteers will help the campers record their bird observations during camp into the national eBird database. This will give campers the exposure needed to be able to utilize this tool on their own in the future. In addition to this, campers will be exposed to birding resources offered by organizations such as Frankfort Audubon Society and the Kentucky Ornithological Society.
Dates: June 2-4
Time: 9am-12pm each day
Cost: $65 per student (includes birding supply kit, snacks, and all materials)
Location: In Person - with Covid precautions - at Cove Spring Park
Maximum Number of Students: 10
This camp is open to all youth 4th-8th grade
This camp is Yes Card eligible!
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Youth Program Coordinator: Elle Travis
Youth Program Leader: Noel McCutchen
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Interested in sponsoring a student? Contact Elle Travis at 502-229-4686 or yesartsky@gmail.com.
For Migratory Bird Day, we will be leading a socially distant hike at Cove Springs wetland. We will be looking for late spring migrants. Attendance is limited and masking is required.
Join the Frankfort Audubon Society to learn about hummingbird migration, ecology, and behavior. Get ready to learn tips and tricks on how to attract these beauties to your own backyard!
Please register to receive a link to this virtual event. For more information, contact Diane Dehoney at diane@pspl.org
Virtual backyard bird identification workshop Tuesday March 16, 2021
Spring is coming soon, which means it’s time to sharpen your birdwatching skills! Join us for a backyard bird identification workshop on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM to learn visual and audio cues for identifying some year-round residents, as well as a few migrant bird feeder visitors. Feel free to join in with your kids! This event is cosponsored by the Paul Sawyier Public Library and the Frankfort Audubon Society. Please register at https://bit.ly/BackyardBirdIdentification to receive a link to this virtual event. For more information, contact Diane Dehoney at diane@pspl.org
Great Backyard Bird Count February 12-15, 2021
Love birds this Valentine's weekend by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count safely from your home. Go to https://birdcount.org or https://ebird.org and submit your observations.
Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with your immediate family, and can be done anywhere you find birds. Simply watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 12-15, 2021 (Friday – Monday) and tell us what you see! We will summarize results on our Facebook page.
2020
FRANKFORT CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT December 19, 2020
posted Jan 17, 2021, 9:18 AM by Frankfort Audubon
Home feeder watchers are also encouraged to participate if they are in within a 7.5-mile radius circle around Frankfort.
è If you are interested in participating, and haven’t already contacted her, please contact Peggy Gould 502-320-9176 or peggyg827@aol.com. For your totals to count, you MUST count in our defined circle and contact Peggy ahead of time so we do not have duplicate areas counted. If you are in doubt, please ask!
è If there is bad weather, the count may be rescheduled. The Christmas Bird Count is free for all, and results are published online and summarized in the next newsletter.
You may see more info about this national program at https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count .
You can see a complete list of Christmas Bird Counts in Kentucky at http://www.birdky.org/christmas-bird-counts.html
Halloween Owl Prowl November 7 at 6:30pm
posted Oct 25, 2020, 12:07 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Nov 20, 2020, 4:13 PM ]
We will have an outing at one of these new birding trail locations at West 6th Farm on Halloween. We will limit to 10 people, and masks are required. We will only walk a short distance. The farm is located at 4495 Shadrick Ferry Road (This is 3.9 miles north of the Cove Spring wetland parking lot on Highway 127, then turn left (west) on 898 for a tenth of a mile. The entrance is on the right (https://goo.gl/maps/GEBPtvxgLS7rH5wy9 )
Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery Sept 12
posted Oct 25, 2020, 12:06 PM by Gary Sprandel
BIRD WALK Sept 12! You don't have to travel all the way to a beach to see shorebirds. They are occasional visitors at the Pfeiffer Fish Hatchery. This black tern was spotted a couple of weeks ago for the first time in Franklin Co. Other unusual species have been seen recently, so join us Sat to see what might be hanging around in addition to residents such as eagles. The walk is limited to 8 people so message us below to reserve a place and get details.
CANCELLED. Audubon general meeting Thursday March 19, 6:30 pm.
posted Feb 26, 2020, 5:16 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Aug 4, 2020, 5:44 PM ]
Cancelled. Learn more about Frankfort Audubon, and meet board members and others interested in birds. Board members will present an overview of current projects including the Monarch Way Station, the Juniper Hills Arboretum, and the Frankfort Birding Trail. We will present opportunities for people to volunteer and be involved, as well as April plans. We will also discuss partner projects with Josephine Sculpture Park, Woods & Water Land Trust, and West Sixth Farm. Bring your ideas of what you would like to see from your local Audubon chapter. The meeting is open to all, and there will be light snacks.
Help Monarchs at Juniper Hills Tuesday, March 10 .. March 10
posted Feb 26, 2020, 5:15 PM by Gary Sprandel
Beginning Tuesday, March 10, and continuing each 2nd Tuesday for the next seven months, Frankfort Audubon Society and Capital Area Extension Master Gardeners will be assisting with a weed-clearing project at the Monarch Waystation plot at Juniper Hills Golf Course, Frankfort.
The Waystation is sponsored by the Audubon Society of Frankfort. We will be working to get rid the plot of invasive weeds. We will be hand pulling and clipping weeds – gloves, hand pruners, or your favorite garden tool, are the necessary equipment. Bring water.
Our first outing is 9 am - Noon, Tuesday, March 10, Juniper Hills Golf Course. The Waystation plot is located on the west (exit) side of the property's main entrance-exit drive off U.S. 60
Bird Walk Saturday, February 15, at 9am at Cove Spring Wetland
posted Feb 4, 2020, 5:01 PM by Gary Sprandel
On Saturday, February 15, at 9am at Cove Spring Wetland, we will hike the trails. We hope for Belted Kingfisher, Rusty Blackbird or wintering sparrows. The walk will last until around 11am. This walk is free and open to the public. Wear shoes you do not mind getting muddy. Please bring binoculars; if you have them, we also have a few loaner pairs
Great Backyard Bird Count - Friday February 14 - Monday February 17
posted Feb 4, 2020, 5:00 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Feb 4, 2020, 5:01 PM ]
Count for as little as 15 minutes in your own backyard to help expand our understanding of birds. Each checklist submitted during the count helps researchers at Cornell and the National Audubon Society get a snapshot of winter birds and their distribution. Please visit the website http://birdcount.org for more info and to submit your checklist. We really encourage you to count from your backyard, but we also have an opportunity to go with a group at Cove Spring
Help birds with Shade-grown Coffee Saturday Feb 8: 11:30
posted Feb 4, 2020, 4:59 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Feb 4, 2020, 4:59 PM ]
Want a simple thing to do to help birds? Help birds and their habitat by buying bird-friendly shade-grown coffee. We are happy to say that Wild Birds Unlimited in Frankfort now carries Birds & Beans coffee in several varieties. If you are interested in learning more on this topic, join us at the Wild Birds Unlimited in Frankfort, 1100 US 127 S, Frankfort, KY 40601 on Saturday, February 8th from 11:30-12:30. Hannah Helm will be the guest speaker. There will also be sampling of the different coffees. Please RSVP Wild Birds Unlimited if you are interested in attending at 502-352-2891 or email at wbufrankfort@gmail.com
Basic Bird ID Saturday Jan 18 11:30-12:30, Wildbirds Unlimited
posted Jan 14, 2020, 4:03 PM by Gary Sprandel
If you enjoy bird watching and would like help learning how to ID birds, then this class is for you. Jessi Miller, Frankfort Audubon member and bird enthusiast will help us learn the basics. We will have an overview of winter backyard birding with beginner bird identification tips. We will also talk about species that are found in our area.
Hosted by Wild Birds Unlimited (Frankfort, KY)
This is a free program and open to all. Please RSVP. You can call us at 502-352-2891 or email us at wbufrankfort@gmail.com.
Birding in Brazil --Wednesday January 22, 2020 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Paul Sawyier Library
posted Jan 12, 2020, 1:11 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Feb 4, 2020, 5:00 PM ]
CANCELLED. Birding in Brazil --Wednesday January 22, 2020 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Paul Sawyier Library –River Room. Jeff Sole, past president of the Kentucky Ornithological Society, will present a program on his recent 28-day trip to northeast Brazil. Jeff is one of Kentucky's foremost birders and an avid wildlife photographer. Sponsored by Frankfort Audubon and thePaul Sawyier Library. Please register online or at the library https://www.pspl.org/event/birding-in-brazil/
2019
FRANKFORT CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Saturday Dec. 14, 2019
posted Dec 5, 2019, 4:59 PM by Gary Sprandel
The Frankfort CBC is Saturday Dec. 14, 2019. Home feeder watchers are also encouraged to participate if they are in within a 7.5-mile radius circle around Frankfort. If you can identify the bird to the right, (by Floyd Seals) you are qualified!
è If you are interested in participating, please contact Peggy Gould 502-320-9176 or peggyg827@aol.com. For your totals to count, you MUST count in our defined circle and contact Peggy ahead of time so we do not have duplicate areas counted. If you are in doubt, please ask!
è There will be a family group opportunity at Josephine Sculpture Park starting at 9am with the bird count ending around 10:30 am. Josephine is location just off I-64 and Hwy 127 South in Frankfort address 3355 Lawrenceburg Rd. https://josephinesculpturepark.org/event/frankfort-area-christmas-bird-count-at-jsp/ Bring binoculars if you have them and we will have some loaner pairs.
è If there is bad weather, the count may be rescheduled. The Christmas Bird Count is free for all, and results are published online and summarized in the next newsletter.
You may see more info about this national program at https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count .
You can see a complete list of Christmas Bird Counts in Kentucky at http://www.birdky.org/christmas-bird-counts.html
posted Aug 27, 2019, 5:57 PM by Gary Sprandel
First half: Walk, West Sixth Farm - Saturday Sept, 7, 2019 11am-1:30pm
In a joint event with Woods and Waters Land Trust, we are having a bird walk at West Sixth Farm. There are over 25 bluebird boxes there, so we hope for bluebirds as well as fall migrants. Bring binoculars if you have them (we have some loaners) and water. Wear shoes you do not mind getting wet. This is a free event. The farm is located at 4495 Shadrick Ferry Road (. This is 3.9 miles north of the Cove Spring wetland parking lot on Highway 127, then turn left (west) on 898 for a tenth of a mile. The entrance is on the right. Photo by David P. Murray
(https://goo.gl/maps/GEBPtvxgLS7rH5wy9) There is often a food truck for lunch
Second half: Talk, Saturday, September 14th 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Sponsored by Wildbirds Unlimited Frankfort (1100 US 127 S https://goo.gl/maps/9BHfPrLSrkejYZ2B6 ). Our guest speaker will be local bluebird enthusiast Chris Forsythe. Chris has monitored multiple bluebird trails and has set up a new trail at West Sixth Farm in Frankfort (partly funded by Frankfort Audubon). He will talk to us about bluebirds in general and share his experiences with the trails he has monitored and what is next for his project at West Sixth Farm. This is a free, family-friendly event. Wild Birds Unlimited will provide a free light lunch to all attendees. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP. You can either call Wildbirds at 502-352-2891 or email at wbufrankfort@gmail.com. https://frankfort.wbu.com/upcoming-events
An oasis for birds and butterflies Monday Aug 26
posted Aug 19, 2019, 5:49 PM by Frankfort Audubon [ updated Aug 20, 2019, 9:36 AM ]
Want to transform your yard into an oasis for birds and butterflies? Come be inspired as we tour the backyard of Debra Parrish. Over the course of years, she has planted a variety of native plants. Not only does it look beautiful through the seasons, it attracts a wide variety of birds and butterflies. Come learn from her experiences and see what you might do to make your yard more bird friendly. Join us Monday August 26, 6:30pm at 714 Shelby St. Frankfort,
BIRD WALK at Pfeiffer State Fish Hatchery Saturday June 15, 9 -11:30
posted Jun 3, 2019, 5:04 PM by Gary Sprandel
Meet at 9:00 at the Gate of the fish hatchery (please do not block the gate). On Highway 127, 7.7 miles N of Cove Spring, right onto Hwy 2919, 1.8 miles. https://goo.gl/maps/Xonz3f4QRtE7Wtew9 has directions.
The surrounding hills can generate thermals for hawks and vultures and Bald Eagle. We should also see flycatchers, Indigo Buntings and other songbirds. We will be walking on flat ground around the ponds, and along the edge of the Elkhorn Creek to look for Red-headed Woodpeckers. The event is free and open to the public. Bring binoculars if you have them, and we will have a few loaner pairs.
Bird Talk and Walk in Owen and Henry Co. May 14, 18
posted May 10, 2019, 5:45 PM by Gary Sprandel
Tuesday May 14 6-7pm, Save our Songbirds at the Owen County Library, 1370 Hwy 22 East, Owenton. Our songbird populations are under many threats, and many species are declining rapidly. Hannah Helm, President of Frankfort Audubon, will help us recognize the numerous hazards that are facing our feathered friends and steps you can take to help. There is no cost
WALK AT BENJY KINMAN LAKE -KENTUCKY RIVER WMA , HENRY CO
Saturday MAY 18th 9am-noon
Come join Frankfort Audubon as we search for Red-headed Woodpeckers, late migrant warblers, and singing Wood Thrushes at Benjy Kinman Lake on Kentucky River WMA in Henry County.
Meet at the boat ramp (38.503843, -85.003847) on Benjy Kinman Lake at 9:00 am.
From Frankfort, take US-127 N to KY-355 N in Owen County
22 min (18.4 miles), then follow KY-355 N to KY-389 N in Lockport (14 minutes, 10.8 miles). You will cross the Kentucky River. See https://goo.gl/maps/mKKDGwRnUNxg7CN86 for Google driving directions. There is no cost.
Bring water and mosquito and tick repellent. Bring binoculars if you have them, and we will have some loaners
Bluebird Day at West Sixth Farm - Saturday April 27, 2019
posted Apr 22, 2019, 5:42 PM by Frankfort Audubon [ updated Apr 22, 2019, 5:42 PM ]
The farm is located at 4495 Shadrick Ferry Road. This is 3.9 miles north of the Cove Spring wetland parking lot on Highway 127, then turn left (west) on 898 for a tenth of a mile. The entrance is on the right.
We will have a variety of family activities throughout the day!
At 10am – noon Guided Bird Hike
The walk will cross a 6” deep stream, so bring shoes you do not mind getting wet. We will walk through the woods and the fields with hope of seeing Eastern Bluebird, Red-tailed Hawk, Field Sparrows, and migrant warblers and vireos. Bring binoculars if you have them, or we will have some loaners.
11am and on, Install bluebird boxes on the farm
Help install nesting boxes on a first come, first served basis starting at 11:00am. No experience is required.
At 1:30 pm -3:00pm Bluebird house building workshop
Thanks to our friends at Wild Birds Unlimited of Frankfort, we will have bluebird houses to build and take home. There is no cost, but one house per family, first come, first served.
3:30 – 4:00pm Storytelling for Kids
Our president, Hannah Helm, will be telling a Native American legend about bluebirds as well as teaching about the lifecycle of the bluebird.
Throughout the day liquid refreshments are available (Beer, Ale-8) for purchase (with a percent going to Frankfort Audubon), and a food truck is available for lunch. There is no cost for the events. https://www.westsixth.com/westsixthfarm/
Great Backyard Bird Count Feb 15-18, 2019
posted Feb 7, 2019, 8:20 AM by Gary Sprandel
Bird Walks: All events include a leader from Frankfort Audubon Society and are free and open to the public. Please bring binoculars, if you have them.
• On Saturday, February 16, 8am at the Buckley Nature Center @ 1305 Germany Road near Millville, we will hike the trails and visit the bird blind. The feeders there offer opportunities for White-crowned Sparrows. This walk will last until around 11:30. This is cosponsored with Life Adventure Center https://www.lifeadventurecenter.org/
• On Saturday, February 16, at 1pm at Cove Spring Wetland we will hike the trails. We hope for Belted Kingfisher, Rusty Blackbird or wintering sparrows. The walk will last until around 3pm. Cosponsored with Frankfort Parks http://www.frankfortparksandrec.com/
• On Sunday, February 17 at 1pm at Josephine Sculpture Park. Experienced birders from the Frankfort Audubon Society will give you a brief intro to birding and bird feeding at 1pm, and then accompany you in the park to spot, identify and record the species present at JSP from 1:30 to 3pm. You will see one very large cardinal! Cosponsored with Josephine Sculpture Park https://josephinesculpturepark.org/ and Wild Birds Unlimited of Frankfort https://frankfort.wbu.com .
• On Monday, February 18th at Juniper Hill Golf Clubhouse at 10am. We will walk the golf course and see if there are any “birdies” but probably not
2018
Book Discusssion - The Home Place: January 22nd
posted Dec 26, 2018, 4:54 PM by Gary Sprandel
Want to a read a good book? Looking for a holiday present? - Join Frankfort Audubon in reading Drew Lanham’s The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature, a remarkable meditation on nature and belonging and what it means to be “the rare bird” in a profoundly white world. We will be sharing our thoughts about this book at “Reading About Race: A Community Discussion”, an event cosponsored by the Frankfort Anti-Racism Advocates and Paul Sawyier Public Library in the River Room at the library on January 22nd. The event is free with snacks and mingling at 6pm and group discussion from 6:30 – 7:30. The book can be checked out from Paul Sawyier Public Library, or ordered from Poor Richards Bookstore, online from Amazon, or online from the publisher at https://milkweed.org/book/the-home-place . We will share comments about the book on our Facebook page before the event
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FRANKFORT CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT December 15, 2018
posted Nov 30, 2018, 2:50 PM by Gary Sprandel
The Frankfort CBC is Saturday Dec. 15, 2018. Home Feeder watchers are also encouraged to participate if they are in within a 7.5-mile radius circle around Frankfort.
è If you are interested in participating, please contact Peggy Gould peggyg827@aol.com. For your totals to count, you MUST count in our defined circle and contact Peggy ahead of time so we do not have duplicate areas counted. If you are in doubt, please ask!
è If you would like to participate in a group at Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary, 1305 Germany Road, gather at the Nature Center at 8 AM. We will hike their trails and count birds and finish around 11:000 AM. Please RSVP Barb@LifeAdventureCenter.org Bring Binoculars, camera, bird id tools, and a refillable water bottle.
è There will also be a family opportunity at Josephine Sculpture Park starting at 1pm with a short intro, then a bird count, and finally bird crafts, ending around 4. Josephine is location just off I64 and Hwy 127 South in Frankfort address 3355 Lawrenceburg Rd. https://josephinesculpturepark.org/
è If there is bad weather, the count may be rescheduled. The Christmas Bird Count is free for all, and results are published online and summarized in the next newsletter.
You may see more info about this national program at http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count.
West Sixth Farm in Frankfort walk October 28
posted Oct 29, 2018, 9:54 AM by Gary Sprandel
Please join us for a bird walk this Sunday October 28 at Noon at West Sixth Farm in Frankfort. The hike will last about 2 hours. The farm is located at 4495 Shadrick Ferry Road. This is 3.9 miles north of the Cove Spring wetland parking lot on Highway 127 then turn left (west) on 898 for a tenth of a mile. The entrance will be on the right.
The walk will cross a stream, so bring shoes you do not mind getting wet. We will walk through the woods and the fields with hope of seeing Eastern Bluebird, Red-tailed Hawk, and late migrant warblers or wintering Yellow-rumped Warblers.
After the hike there is liquid refreshment available (Beer, Ale 8 or the non-alcoholic Kentucky Kombucha tea) for purchase and often a food truck is available for lunch. This spring there will be a larger fundraising event and a bluebird trail kickoff with information from local environmental groups. There is no cost for the hike.
BIRD WALK at Pfeiffer State Fish Hatchery Saturday September 29 9:30-11:30
posted Sep 21, 2018, 5:30 PM by Frankfort Audubon
.. the search for shorebirds.
Thanks to the draining of a main pool, various shorebirds were seen the last few weeks, including Baird's Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, White-rumped Sandpiper, Caspian Tern, and Little Blue Heron.
Meet at 9:00 am at the Farmers Market in Downtown Frankfort to car- pool, or if you want to follow someone. Look for people wearing binoculars.
Meet at 9:30 at the Gate of the fish hatchery (please do not block the gate). On Highway 127, 7.7 miles N of Cove Spring, right onto Hwy 2919, 1.8 miles.
The surrounding hills can generate thermals for hawks and vultures, Osprey and Bald Eagle. We will be walking on flat ground around the ponds, and along the edge of the Elkhorn Creek to look for Red-headed Woodpeckers. The event is free and open to the public
Bird Walk Sunday May 20 at Benjy Kinman Lake - Kentucky River WMA
posted Apr 25, 2018, 6:13 PM by Gary Sprandel
Come join the Red-headed League as we search for Red-headed Woodpeckers and other breeding and migrating birds at Benjy Kinman Lake on Kentucky River WMA in Owen County.
Meet at the Frankfort Farmers market at 8am, or at the boat ramp (38.503785, -85.004517) on Benjy Kinman Lake at around 8:45 am.. From Frankfort take
US-127 N to KY-355 N in Owen County
22 min (18.4 miles), then follow KY-355 N to KY-389 N in Lockport (14 minutes, 10.8 miles). You will cross the Kentucky River. See https://goo.gl/maps/tc9wREDWuYT2 for Google driving directions.
There is no cost.
Bird Walk Sunday, February 18, 9:30 am at Salato
posted Feb 12, 2018, 8:30 AM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Feb 12, 2018, 8:31 AM ]
On Sunday, February 18, 9:30 am at the Picnic Shelter just outside Salato, at the Fish and Wildlife Headquarters (#1 Sportsman’s Lane). A Frankfort Audubon member will conduct a bird walk. If the weather has been cold particularly, the lakes offer views of migrant waterfowl, and there may be some winter sparrows or even early blackbirds.
Bird Talk: Helping our dissapearing songbirds - Thurs Feb 8 6:30-7:30
posted Jan 31, 2018, 5:25 PM by Gary Sprandel
Bird Talk: “Our Disappearing Songbirds and How you can Help Them.” To help prepare for the GBBC, Audubon board member Hannah Helm will present a talk at the Frankfort Paul Sawyier Public Library on Thursday February 8th from 6:30pm – 7:30pm
2017
Great Backyard Bird Count Friday, February 17-Monday 20, 2017
posted Feb 13, 2017, 5:40 PM by Frankfort Audubon
Count for as little as 15 minutes in your own backyard to help expand our understanding of birds! Feeder watchers are especially encouraged to participate! Each checklist submitted during the GBBC helps researchers at Cornell and the National Audubon Society get a snapshot of winter birds
and look at their distribution. Please visit the website http://birdcount.org for more info and to submit your checklist.
Frankfort Audubon Society and Life Adventure Center has two opportunities to help you participate. All events are free and open to the public.
• On Saturday, February 18, 8am at the Buckley Nature Center , Barb Cornett of Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary will conduct a bird count. The feeders there offer opportunities for white-crowned sparrow. This walk will last until around 11:30. If you’d like to participate please let Barb know at Barb@LifeAdventureCenter.org
• On Sunday, February 19, 2pm at the wetland parking lot at Cove Spring Park on highway 127, a Frankfort Audubon member will conduct a bird walk around the wetland. This is a good spot to look for wintering sparrows. This walk will last till around 4pm
GBBC Checklists may be submitted at http://birdcount.org or eBird may also be used submit observations from a smartphone or tablet. eBird is now a free app on both the Android smartphones or iPhone, just search for eBird in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
We will summarize the Frankfort GBBC results in the next newsletter.
Birdsong & Coffee: Free movie Tuesday January 24, 6pm Ky Coffeetree Cafe
posted Jan 18, 2017, 4:02 PM by Gary Sprandel
What is the natural organic connection between coffee farmers, coffee drinkers, and birds?
Come join the Frankfort Audubon Society to watch the documentary Birdsong & Coffee: A wake up call. This documentary explores the “Coffee crisis” and it’s devastating effects on migratory songbirds, rainforest ecosystems, and 25 million coffee growers worldwide. Join us to learn how we, as coffee consumers, can address the environmental and fair-trade aspects of this crisis.
The movie will be shown Tuesday January 24th, 6pm and the Kentucky Coffeetree Café 235 W Broadway, Frankfort Kentucky. There is no charge and everyone is welcome
2016
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Saturday, December 17, 2015
posted Dec 7, 2016, 5:55 PM by Frankfort Audubon
The Frankfort CBC will be conducted on Saturday Dec. 17, 2016. Last year was one of our best participant turnouts - let's try and set a new record this year! Feeder watchers are also encouraged to participate if they are in the count circle. The circle is a 7.5 mile radius circle around Frankfort (see to the right) or click on http://goo.gl/sMPC01 to see a Google Map interactive version.
è If you are interested in participating, please contact Peggy Gould 502-320-9176 or peggyg827@aol.com. For your totals to count, you MUST count in our defined circle and contact Peggy ahead of time so we don’t have duplicate areas counted. If you are in doubt, please ask!
è If you’d like to participate in a group at Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary, gather at the Nature Center at 8 AM. Please RSVP Barb@LifeAdventureCenter.org
è If there’s bad weather, the date may be rescheduled. The Christmas Bird Count is free for all, and results are published online and summarized in the next newsletter.
Traveling the World for Birds - Paul Sawyier Library 6:30 Tues Nov 1
posted Oct 25, 2016, 1:18 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Oct 25, 2016, 1:18 PM ]
Terry Anderson and Kay Harker are avid local birders. Join them in
the Library Community Room as they chronicle their travels to over 22
countries where they have seen over 2,000 species of birds!
This free event is sponsored by PSPL and the Frankfort Audubon
Society, whose purpose is to connect people with nature through
birding education and the conservation of wildlife habitat. No
registration is necessary. For more information, contact Diane
Dehoney at 352-2665x108 or diane@pspl.org.
BIRD WALK at Pfeiffer State Fish Hatchery Saturday October 22 9:30-11:30
posted Oct 13, 2016, 11:55 AM by Gary Sprandel
Meet at 9:00 am at the Farmers Market in Downtown Frankfort to car- pool, or if you want to follow someone. Look for people wearing binoculars.
Meet at 9:30 at the Gate of the fish hatchery (please do not block the gate). On Highway 127, 7.7 miles N of Cove Spring, right onto Hwy 2919, 1.8 miles.
Over 30 hatchery ponds provide for ducks, geese and herons and for shorebirds when drained. The surrounding hills can generate thermals for hawks and vultures, and a rare Bald Eagle. We will be walking on flat ground around the ponds, and along the edge of the Elkhorn Creek to look for Red-headed Woodpeckers. The event is free and open to the public.
Bird-themed Wine Tasting Thursday September 1 4m – 7pm
posted Aug 29, 2016, 5:37 PM by Gary Sprandel
Frankfort Audubon members will be serving wines especially selected by Rachael Peake at Capital Cellars at 227 West Broadway. The special wines, available for purchase, all have bird- related names or connections so might provide new tastes for you! Learn more about Capital Cellars online at: http://capitalcellars.com/ We hope you can join us for this fun fundraiser for our Audubon chapter on September 1 (tips go toward acquiring informational signs at Cove Spring Park)
Located in the heart of Frankfort’s historic downtown, Capital Cellars brings you: specialty, hard-to-find and unique bourbons, handcrafted beers, global selection of fine wines, the best of Kentucky wines, an excellent selection of organic wines and spirits, free wine tastings every Thursday and Friday 4-7 p.m.
Bluegrass Birding Festival: May 14th-15th McConnell Springs Lexington
posted May 4, 2016, 8:08 AM by Gary Sprandel [ updated May 4, 2016, 8:09 AM ]
The 3rd Annual Bluegrass Birding Festival and Craft Fair is quickly approaching. The official schedule is at http://www.bluegrassbirdingfestival.com/schedule.html This year's events will be held at McConnell Springs . This year's featured and honored guest, artist John Sill, has worked as a freelance artist and illustrator since 1971 and will be presenting a keynote talk on his Field Guide to Little-Known & Seldom-Seen Birds.
REFOREST FRANKFORT will be on Saturday April 2 at Kentucky State University
posted Mar 31, 2016, 12:02 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Mar 31, 2016, 4:53 PM ]
REFOREST FRANKFORT will be on Saturday April 2 at Kentucky State University 9 am – 1:30 pm Members of Frankfort Audubon will be on hand to answer your bird questions! https://www.facebook.com/ReForestFrankfort/
BIRDS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY Tuesday March 29, 6:30pm Paul Sawyier Library
posted Feb 23, 2016, 5:41 PM by Gary Sprandel
Once again the Woods and Water Land Trust (http://woodsandwaterstrust.org ) will host a Natural History of Franklin County Series at the Paul Sawyier Library. The first presentation will be Tuesday March 29, 6:30 pm
o Kate Slankard, avian biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will present on birds of conservation concern which occur in Franklin County. This will include species such as the Barn Owl, Bald Eagle, and Peregrine Falcon as well less well known species as the Grasshopper Sparrow and Prothonotary Warbler.
o Gary Sprandel a map maker with KDFWR and Frankfort Audubon volunteer will present locations of public birding sites in Franklin County
GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT Friday, February 12-Monday 15, 2016
posted Feb 4, 2016, 3:08 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Feb 4, 2016, 3:09 PM ]
We have several opportunities to help you participate. All events are free and open to the general public.
o On Thursday February 11, 6:30pm at Paul Sawyier library (319 Wapping Street) Hannah Helm will present information about our declining songbird populations and what people can do. This will include awareness of hazards facing birds and how to make yards more bird friendly, with proper houses, feeders and water. She will also introduce the Great Backyard Bird Count.
o On Saturday, February 13, 9am at the Picnic Shelter just outside Salato, at the Fish and Wildlife Headquarters (#1 Sportsmans Lane) a Frankfort Audubon member will conduct a bird walk around the lake or Habitrek Trail. If the weather is cold there may some migrant ducks in the lake. This walk will last till around 11.
o On Sunday, February 14, 9am at the wetland parking lot at Cove Spring Park on highway 127, a Frankfort Audubon member will conduct a bird walk around the wetland. This is a good spot to look for wintering sparrows. This walk will last till around 11.
2015
Whooping Cranes are currently in Kentucky
posted Dec 10, 2015, 1:36 PM by Gary Sprandel
Wildlife biologists have confirmed the presence of five federally protected whooping cranes in Hopkins County. Whooping cranes also have been spotted in Barren and several other Kentucky counties in the last two weeks.
Biologists with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources caution hunters to be mindful of the possibility of the presence of whooping cranes in their hunting areas. See below link for more info
http://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=FishandWildlife&prId=3
Frankfort Christmas Bird Count Saturday December 19
posted Dec 9, 2015, 5:55 PM by Gary Sprandel
The Frankfort CBC will be conducted on Saturday Dec. 19, 2014. The count area is a 7.5 mile radius circle around Frankfort. Feeder watchers are also encouraged to participate if they are in the count circle! If you are interested in participating in this count, please contact Peggy Gould 502-320-9176 or peggyg827@aol.com. If there’s bad weather, the date may be rescheduled. The Christmas Bird Count is free for all, and results are published online and summarized in the next newsletter. You may see more info about this national program at http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count. If you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher.
The Kleber WMA Christmas CBC is Sunday December 27, 2015, with the next Sunday, January 3, 2016 as an alternative. Contact Jeff Jones redbelly13@msn.com if you’d like to participate.
You can see a complete list of Christmas Bird Counts in Kentucky at http://www.birdky.org/christmas-bird-counts.html
Hawk Watch Sunday October 4, 1-3pm Cove Spring – Sky Trail.
posted Sep 25, 2015, 8:09 AM by Gary Sprandel
Hawk watching can be hit or miss depending upon weather conditions. If thermals and wind are right, we have seen some good numbers of migrant hawks (such as this sharp-shinned hawk) flying over Frankfort. So stop by at the Kennedy Pavilion, the timber-frame structure overlooking Frankfort at the Cove Spring – Sky Trail (North on 127, to Peaks Mill Road) and have a look with Frankfort Audubon. Stay for as little or as long as you like.
There's More to Birdhouses Than You Might Think. Saturday October 3, 10:00 am
posted Sep 25, 2015, 8:07 AM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Sep 25, 2015, 8:08 AM ]
Presentation: Keep Your Birds Cozy and Safe-There's More to Birdhouses Than You Might Think. Saturday October 3, 10:00 am Hannah Helm and the Fantasy Forest will present a program on bird houses. Fantasy Forest at the corner of E 2nd St and Logan St and is Frankfort’s urban neighborhood woods providing a beautiful and shaded area for the community to rest, play and learn in and enjoy.
Bird +Plant Hike Capital View Park - Sunday September 20, 8:30 am – 11am,
posted Sep 13, 2015, 4:33 PM by Gary Sprandel
Meet at the mountain bike trail head off of the East-West Connector. Gary Sprandel and Hannah Helm will lead a hike to look for migrant birds and resident plants (isn’t that the only kind!) at Capital View Park. We will walk along the banks of Yeatmans Branch and the Kentucky River. Additionally we will cross under the connector, and see a gallery of Frankfort’s graffiti artists. Bring water and hiking shoes you don’t mind getting muddy.
posted Jun 10, 2015, 5:51 PM by Frankfort Audubon [ updated Jun 10, 2015, 5:52 PM ]
Please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KHVPDFT
and take the one question poll.
Thanks to board member Jessi Miller we will soon have a Frankfort Audubon Chapter logo! We need your help to vote for the one you like best! The winning logo will be announced in our next newsletter.
Friday June 26 5pm – 7pm Bird-themed Wine Tasting
posted Jun 10, 2015, 5:51 PM by Frankfort Audubon
Frankfort Audubon & Capital Cellars Bird-themed Wine Tasting
Friday June 26 during concert at Old Capital 5pm – 7pm
Join Frankfort Audubon members as we help serve wines especially selected by Rachael Peake at Capital Cellars at 227 West Broadway. The special wines, available for purchase, all have bird- related names or connections. Learn more about Capital Cellars online at: http://capitalcellars.net/ We hope you can join us for this fun fundraiser for our Audubon chapter on June 26 (tips go toward chapter expenses, and Monarch Waystation project)
Spring Wildflower Walk Sunday April 12, 2pm
posted Mar 31, 2015, 5:34 PM by Frankfort Audubon
Join Frankfort Audubon Society for a guided walk to see “birds and blooms” at Don Stosberg’s and Ida Palmer-Ball’s farm and home place on Devil’s Hollow Road. This annual hike is one our chapter’s best attended events.
The Stosberg farm has a wide variety of native wildflowers and the hike is easy and generally on level terrain. An extended upland hike option may be offered beyond the lowland creek side walk. Participants should consider weather conditions and dress appropriately. The public is invited to attend this free event, although very small children or individuals with mobility issues may experience difficulties. Hike participants are welcome to bring field guides and encouraged to bring binoculars. Stosberg’s farm is located at 5140 Devils Hollow Road (7 miles from bottom of Devils Hollow at Kentucky River). Driveway is on right 1 mile from the intersection of KY 1005 and KY 1665 (and immediately past one-lane bridge). Access requires driving crossing a flat creek bed.
Heavy rainfall prior to the hike or high water in Benson Creek may necessitate cancelling the walk. If conditions are questionable, phone Don and Ida at 502-223-1807 to confirm
GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT February 13-16
posted Jan 28, 2015, 5:24 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Feb 6, 2015, 10:54 AM by Frankfort Audubon ]
These programs are free and open to all ages. ß
The worldwide 2015 GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT (GBBC) will take place Friday, Feb. 13, through Monday, Feb. 16. Frankfort Audubon Society will host bird counts on Friday at Juniper Hill, Saturday at Cove Spring Park, and Sunday at Fantasy Forest
GBBC is a yearly event organized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time “snapshot” of where the birds are. Everyone is welcome - from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day or count for as long as you wish each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy. You can do it from your home, or go to a nearby park.
Participants tally the number of individual birds of each species they see during their count period and enter the observations on the GBBC website, powered by Ebird. Much more information is available about the Great Backyard Bird Count at the GBBC home page - http://gbbc.birdcount.org/
Locally, bird watching and GBBC counting with a representative of Frankfort Audubon Society will be conducted each day at these locations in Frankfort
Friday 2/13 from 9-11am, Juniper Hills and Berry Mansion .. meet at the Juniper Hills entrance on Louisville Road
Saturday 2/14 from 9-11am Cove Spring wetland (meet at the wetland parking lot off US 127).
Sunday 2/15 from 2:30-3:30 pm Fantasy Forest at the corner of 2nd and Logan St.
Talk on Backyard Birding Wednesday Feb 4; 6:30 Library
posted Jan 28, 2015, 5:23 PM by Gary Sprandel
2014
PREPARE FOR THE GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT!
INTRO to BACKYARD BIRDING PRESENTATION
Jessi Miller of the Frankfort Audubon Society will be presenting an introduction to backyard birding at the Paul Sawyier Library, Community Room in Frankfort (319 Wapping Street) on Wednesday February 4, from 6-7:30 pm. There is no cost and all are welcome.
Frankfort Christmas Bird Count Sunday Dec 14
posted Dec 2, 2014, 5:40 PM by Gary Sprandel
The Frankfort CBC will be conducted on Sunday Dec. 14, 2014. The count area is a 7.5 mile radius circle around Frankfort. Participants may even count at their home feeders. If you are interested in participating in this count, please contact Peggy Gould 502-320-9176 or peggyg827@aol.com. If there’s bad weather, the date may be rescheduled. The Christmas Bird Count is free for all, and results are published online and summarized in the next newsletter. You may see more info about this national program at http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count
Another portion of the Frankfort CBC will be conducted at Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary (http://www.lifeadventurecenter.org/buckley.html) on Sunday at the sanctuary outside Millville. Barb Cornett, Conservation educator at the Life Adventure Center and Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary will to be onsite at Buckley late afternoon in the bird blind and can hike the trails. Barb’s contact info is Email Barb@LifeAdventureCenter.org Cell # 859-619-5839. If others wish to do early hours there, that is fine with Barb. Trails are open from 8am to 6pm. A $4 donation in our self-serve 'donation well' at the parking area is greatly appreciated and will support trail maintenance and wildlife preservation efforts.
Bird-themed Wine Tasting Friday August 29
posted Aug 26, 2014, 6:02 PM by Gary Sprandel
Join Frankfort Audubon members as we help serve wines especially selected by Rachael Peake at Capital Cellars at 227 West Broadway. The special wines, available for purchase, all have bird- related names or connections. Learn more about Capital Cellars online at: http://capitalcellars.net/ We hope you can join us for this fun fundraiser for our Audubon chapter on August 29 (tips go toward chapter expenses)
Located in the heart of Frankfort’s historic downtown, Capital Cellars brings you: specialty, hard-to-find and unique bourbons, handcrafted beers, global selection of fine wines, the best of Kentucky wines, an excellent selection of organic wines and spirits, free wine tastings every Thursday and Friday 4-7 p.m.
1st Annual Bluegrass Birding Festival May 10-11 Lexington
posted Apr 14, 2014, 8:31 AM by Gary Sprandel
About the festival:
The weekend of May 10th & 11th (International Migratory Bird Day & Mother's Day) will be the first ever Bluegrass Birding Festival at Jacobson Park in Lexington. The Festival will have bird walks, movies, raptor exhibits, kids' and vendor's tents, informative breakout sessions, and a really awesome keynote speaker: Joel Greenburg. More info and the full schedule at http://bluegrassbirdingfestival.com/home.html
A birders guide to everything ..movie May 6; 7:30
posted Apr 14, 2014, 8:29 AM by Gary Sprandel
What: Movie: A Birder's Guide to Everything
Where: AmStar 14 -- Brannon Crossing
150 Langley Drive
Nicholasville, KY 40356
859-245-0460
When: May 6, 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Description:
AmStar has offered to host a screening of the new film A Birder's Guide to Everything as a fundraiser for the 1st Annual Bluegrass Birding Festival. To bring the film to town we need to pre-sell 64 tickets by April 21st. Tell your friends! Let's make this happen!
About the film:
On the eve of his widower father's second wedding, fifteen-year-old David spots what may be the extinct Labrador duck. He and the two other members of the Young Birders Society, joined by classmate and photographer Ellen, take off on an interstate road trip in search of the bird.
"With marvelous performances by Ben Kingsley and James LeGros, A Birder's Guide to Everything is an alternately poignant and funny window into the thoughtful world of birding and the inner peace that can be discovered during a walk in the woods. Director Rob Meyer delivers a sparkling feature film debut with a coming-of-age tale to warm the hearts of anyone who grew up with a nerdy passion." -- Tribecca Film Festival
Spring Wildflower Walk Sunday April 13, 2pm
posted Apr 8, 2014, 3:30 PM by Gary Sprandel
Spring Wildflower Walk Sunday April 13, 2pm. Join Frankfort Audubon Society on Sunday 13, 2013 for a guided walk to see “birds and blooms” at Don Stosberg’s and Ida Palmer-Ball’s farm and home place on Devil’s Hollow Road. This annual hike is one our chapter’s best attended events. Listings of the species observed at FAS’ 2012 hike at Stosberg’s farm (both birds and wildflowers) are available online.
The Stosberg farm has a wide variety of native wildflowers and the hike is easy and generally on level terrain. An extended upland hike option may be offered beyond the lowland creek side walk. Participants should consider weather conditions and dress appropriately. The public is invited to attend this free event, although very small children or individuals with mobility issues may experience difficulties. Hike participants are welcome to bring field guides and encouraged to bring binoculars. Stosberg’s farm is located at 5140 Devils Hollow Road (7 miles from bottom of Devils Hollow at Kentucky River). Driveway is on right 1 mile from the intersection of KY 1005 and KY 1665 (and immediately past one-lane bridge). Access requires driving crossing a flat creek bed.
Click here for driving directions
Heavy rainfall prior to the hike or high water in Benson Creek may necessitate cancelling the walk. If conditions are questionable, phone Don and Ida at 502-223-1807 to confirm.
Reforest Frankfort. Saturday, April 5, Salato Wildlife Education Center
posted Mar 17, 2014, 5:10 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Mar 17, 2014, 5:11 PM ]
Join us to Plant 2000 trees; Bring a shovel, gloves and boots. Please bring your own water bottle. No Dogs are allowed in Salato exhibit area.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
9 am Tree Planting, Live Music, Exhibits and Tree Giveaway
12 pm Food, Arbor Day Ceremony, Door Prizes
. See https://www.facebook.com/ReForestFrankfort for more info.
Audubon members will be available with information and to answer questions.
If you’d like to volunteer to help contact: Jody Thompson at (502) 564-4496; jody.thompson@ky.gov .
Volunteers receive:
· Free T-Shirts
· Free Hot Dogs
· Free Trees
· Live Local Music
· Door Prizes
· Educational Exhibits
· Activities for Kids
Thor Handson, author of Feathers to Speak March 12
posted Feb 18, 2014, 1:20 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Mar 6, 2014, 8:17 AM ]
Thor Hanson, author of Feathers, will talk at a combined Buckley Hills and Frankfort Audubon Society meeting on March 12. 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Where: Morning Pointe Lexington -- East
150 Shoreside Drive
Lexington KY 40515
Description: Please join us for a free event: A Presentation by Thor Hanson.
In the large rec room at Morning Pointe Lexington -- East.
This event brought to you free in conjunction with Buckley Hills Audubon Society and Frankfort Audubon Society
Dr. Thor Hanson is a conservation biologist and the author of "Feathers: The Evolution of a Natural Miracle," which won the John Burroughs Medal, was nominated for The Samuel Johnson Prize, and received the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize and a Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award. He is a Switzer Environmental Fellow and member of the Human Ecosystems Study Group. His many media appearances have included NPR's Fresh Air, PRI's The World, and The Current on CBC.
Dr. Thor Hanson is a conservation biologists and more detailed account of his life can be found at www.thorhanson.net
Feathers are an evolutionary marvel: aerodynamic, insulating, beguiling. They date back more than 150 million years, yet their story has never been fully told. Join author and biologist Thor Hanson for an intriguing exploration of one of nature’s most enchanting inventions.
GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT Friday, Feb. 14, through Monday, Feb. 17
posted Jan 27, 2014, 5:14 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Jan 27, 2014, 5:19 PM ]
The worldwide 2014 GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT (GBBC) will take place Friday, Feb. 14, through Monday, Feb. 17. Frankfort Audubon Society will host bird counts on three days at different Frankfort Parks.
GBBC is a yearly event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time “snapshot” of where the birds are. Everyone is welcome - from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day or count for as long as you wish each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy. You can do it from your home, or go to a nearby park.
Participants tally the number of individual birds of each species they see during their count period and enter the amounts on the GBBC website. Much more information is available about the Great Backyard Bird Count at the GBBC home page - http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/
Locally, bird watching and GBBC counting with a representative of Frankfort Audubon Society a will be conducted each day at these locations in Frankfort
· Friday, 2/14 from 1-2:30 PM at Fantasy Forest (on east Second Street);
· Saturday 2/15 from 1-2:30 PM Cove Springs wetland (meet at the wetland parking lot).
· Sunday 2/16 from 1-2:30 PM at Fort Hill (meet at bird blind)
You may see other birding sites at Frankfort birding trail
You may see the results of previous year counts at 2012 GBBC Frankfort results
2013
Christmas Bird Count Saturday December 14
posted Dec 9, 2013, 9:42 AM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Dec 9, 2013, 9:44 AM ]
The 114th Audubon Christmas Bird Count will be conducted in the
Frankfort area Dec. 14. Audubon and other organizations use data
collected in this longest-running wildlife census to assess the health
of bird populations — and to help guide conservation action. Feeder
watchers as well as field observers are invited to participate. For
more information contact Peggy Gould at peggyg827@aol.com.
To read more about Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count and how you can
become an Audubon “citizen scientist,” visit
http://birds.audubon.org/about-christmas-bird-count
For a listing of KY area Christmas Bird Counts, visit the KY
Ornithological Society at: http://biology.eku.edu/kos/birding.htm#CBC
Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary Re-opening - October 12 at 3:00 p.m
posted Oct 3, 2013, 9:00 AM by Gary Sprandel
Life Adventure Center of Woodford County KY is having a grand re-opening event at the sanctuary located outside Millville and the public is invited to attend. Formerly managed by the National Audubon Society, Life Adventure Center has assumed management of the sanctuary's 370 acres of woodlands and meadows. For details about the sanctuary and to learn more about Life Adventure Center, visit: http://www.lifeadventurecenter.org/go/232/buckley_wildlife_sanctuary.html?id=232
Frankfort Arboretum Planting Sunday Sept 29, 2pm
posted Sep 24, 2013, 8:09 AM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Sep 24, 2013, 5:34 PM ]
Come just us as we add more plants at the Frankfort Arboretum, Sunday September 29 at 2pm. The arboretum is near the picnic shelter at Juniper hills park.
Bird walk at Game Farm Saturday Sept. 28 8:30 am
posted Sep 24, 2013, 8:06 AM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Sep 24, 2013, 5:35 PM ]
Game farm (Fish and Wildlife Headquarters) bird walk meet at the picnic shelter for a bird walk. It’s hard to predict what will be around, but we would hope for a few of those ‘confusing” fall warblers such as Magnolia, American Redstart, or Palm Warbler and some of the common residents. A cold front might bring early ducks as the Blue-winged Teal of Northern Shoveler on the lake. We will walk on the Habitrek and Prairie trails so be prepared for muddy conditions. Bring water, and put your cell phones on vibrate.
June 21 Bird themed wine tasting during concert
posted Jun 3, 2013, 5:54 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Jun 3, 2013, 5:57 PM ]
Join Frankfort Audubon members as we help serve wines especially selected by Rachael Peake at Capital Cellars on Broadway. The special wines, available for purchase, all have bird-related names or connections.
Our chapter had a similar wine tasting last year at Capital Cellars that was very well-attended and enjoyed by everyone. One remarkable wine featured last year was “Box of Birds” from New Zealand. Those of us who didn’t know learned that “box of birds” is a phrase from the Australian/New Zealand area indicating you feel great and are in a good mood. We all felt as good as a “box of birds” at the Capital Cellars wine tasting!
Located in the heart of Frankfort’s historic downtown, Capital Cellars brings you: Selections of specialty, hard-to-find and unique bourbons, handcrafted beers, global selection of fine wines, the best of Kentucky wines, an excellent selection of organic wines and spirits, free wine tastings every Thursday and Friday 4-7 p.m. Rachael and her knowledgeable staff specialize in customer service and look forward to helping you with tasty selections.
We hope you can join us for this fun fundraiser for our Audubon chapter on June 21 (tips go toward chapter expenses).
Learn more about Capital Cellars online at: http://capitalcellars.net/
June 15, 2-5pm Buckley Sanctuary open house for Tim Williams
posted Jun 3, 2013, 5:49 PM by Gary Sprandel
You are cordially invited to an Open House Celebrating the retirement of Tim and Debbie Williams from the Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary and Audubon Center
Please join National Audubon Society, KY Audubon Council and KY Chapters
(Buckley Hills, Daviess County, Frankfort, Jackson Purchase, Little River, & Louisville) as we celebrate 38+ years of dedicated service ~
Saturday June 15, 2013, 2:00 p.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. (EDT) Buckley Sanctuary picnic pavilion
Enjoy light refreshments & Sign our guest book
Walk our trails - Sit a while in the bird blind
See all the nature center exhibits including live bees
Public Welcome – Free sanctuary admission all day June 15
(Edit post) | Attachments: BuckleySanctuaryTimWilliamsRetirementOpenHouseInvitation.pdf
posted Apr 28, 2013, 10:27 AM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Jun 3, 2013, 5:56 PM ]
May 18 - Guided bird walk at Cove Spring
posted Apr 28, 2013, 10:26 AM by Gary Sprandel [ updated May 14, 2013, 2:14 PM ]
May 18, 8:30 ~ 11:00 a.m. - Guided walk at Cove Spring
The Frankfort Audubon Society will be conducting a bird hike starting at the wetland area of Cove Spring, on Saturday May 18, at 8:30 am (this was originally scheduled for Salato). We will meet at the wetland section parking lot, west of US Highway 127, just northeast of 421. We will walk through the wetland and woods there, listening for tanagers and orioles, and look for wood ducks, belted kingfisher, and green herons. After the wetland portion, anyone interested may proceed to the Sky Trail for a nice overlook of the wetlands and to look for grassland birds like Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Kingbird, and Yellow-breasted Chat. We would anticipate the birding to be finished by 11. Be prepared for very muddy conditions in the wetland, and bring water (and put your cell phone on vibrate).
May 11 – Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary BIRDATHON
posted Apr 28, 2013, 9:54 AM by Gary Sprandel
Starting at 7:00 a.m. Free admissions. As part of our fundraising efforts, we've obtained pledges for the number of bird species we encounter. Bring your binoculars. Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary & Audubon Center, 1305 Germany Road. Frankfort, KY 40601-8257 (just outside Millville) Tel/Fax (859) 873-5711 www.audubon.org Email: twilliams@audubon.org
APRIL 13 Hike at River Cliffs State Nature Preserve
posted Apr 3, 2013, 4:43 PM by Gary Sprandel
On 4/13 from 1~4:00 p.m., hike at a local private nature preserve in Franklin County located on the beautiful Kentucky River. We expect to see a very nice diversity of wildflowers and birds with guides for both along on the hike. While there is a trail at the preserve, some ability to maneuver around debris is required.
River Cliffs State Nature Preserve, located in Franklin County along the Kentucky River palisades northwest of Frankfort, River Cliffs State Nature Preserve protects Lucy Braun's rockcress (Arabis perstellata), a federally endangered species. This 112-acre preserve is one of the commission's first privately owned preserves. Access is by written permission only so this is a rare treat to have the opportunity for a guided hike on this property.
From Frankfort, there will be carpooling to the site. Call KY State Nature Preserves to register and for more info (502-573-2886). There will be a limited number of participants permitted (be sure to register for stand-by status, if response is great).
This hike is co-sponsored by the KY State Nature Preserves Commission (http://naturepreserves.ky.gov/), Woods and Waters Land Trust (http://woodsandwaterstrust.org/) and Frankfort Audubon Society (https://sites.google.com/site/frankfortaudubon/).
April 7 Wildflower and bird walk
posted Apr 3, 2013, 4:41 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Apr 3, 2013, 4:42 PM ]
Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.
(rain or high water date Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.)
Join Frankfort Audubon Society on April 7, 2013 (with rain date of April 14) for guided walk to see “birds and blooms” at Don Stosberg’s and Ida Palmer-Ball’s farm and homeplace on Devil’s Hollow Road. This annual hike was our chapter’s best attended outdoor activity last year and all who came were awed by the wonderful display of wildflowers and large number of birds identified.
The Stosberg farm has a wide variety of native wildflowers and the hike is easy and generally on level terrain. An extended upland hike option may be offered beyond the lowland creekside walk. Participants should consider weather conditions and dress appropriately. Drinking water will be provided. The public is invited to attend this free event, although very small children or individuals with mobility issues may experience difficulties. Hike participants are welcome to bring field guides and encouraged to bring binoculars.
Stosberg’s farm is located at 5140 Devils Hollow Road (7 miles from bottom of Devils Hollow at Kentucky River). Driveway is on right 1 mile from the intersection of KY 1005 and KY 1665 (and immediately past one-lane bridge). Access requires driving crossing a flat creekbed.
Heavy rainfall prior to the hike or high water in Benson Creek may necessitate postponing the walk until Sunday, April 14. If conditions are questionable, phone Don and Ida at 502-223-1807 to confirm.
Great Backyard Bird Count – Frankfort
posted Jan 11, 2013, 1:59 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Feb 12, 2013, 2:24 PM ]
Bird watching and GBBC counting with a representative of Frankfort Audubon Societyand/or rep of Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary and Audubon Center in attendance each day from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. in 15-minute segments* at these locations:
In Frankfort -
Friday, 2/15 at Fantasy Forest (on east Second Street);
Saturday, 2/16 at Fort Hill (meet at picnic pavilion);
Sunday, 2/17 at Audubon Arboretum at Juniper Hill Park (by north Leawood Drive); and
Monday, 2/18 at Salato Wildlife Education Center (meet at picnic pavilion by upper lake).
At Buckley Sanctuary outside Millville –
Sunday, 2/17 at Buckley Sanctuary (meet at Nature Center front porch);
Two GBBC sessions 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. and again at 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.;
*The minimum GBBC count period is 15 minutes, however, participants at all locations everywhere may count as long on these days as they wish.
See the following PDF GBBCFrankfort_Winter.pdf for a checklist from gbbc.birdsource.org that can be used this winter.
posted Jan 11, 2013, 1:58 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Jan 11, 2013, 2:00 PM ]
Frankfort Paul Sawyier Library - Tuesday, 2/5 @ 6 p.m.
Owenton Owen County Library – Tuesday, 2/12 @ 6 p.m.
Two programs on bird identification with valuable tips and insights along with great photography will be offered by Connie May on Tuesday, 2/5, at 6:00 p.m. in the community meeting room at the Paul Sawyier Public Library. The same program will also be offered by Connie in Owenton at the library Tuesday, 2/12 at 6:00 p.m.
This informative video presentation with informal discussion is open to the public and suitable for all ages. Everyone is welcome to attend and learn methods to better identify birds. There is no charge to attend the programs and both will be concluded by 7:30 p.m. Come learn bird identification techniques whether novice or experienced birder.
Frankfort 2012 Christmas Bird Count Results
posted Jan 11, 2013, 1:55 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Jan 11, 2013, 1:55 PM ]
Peggy Gould reported a total of 4,814 individual birds of 57 Species reported by 14 observer on the Frankfort Christmas Bird Count conducted on 15 December of 2012. There was a total of 30.75 party hours. The two most common species were the European Starling and Canada Goose. See the following PDF for a complete summary. http://netapp.audubon.org/cbcobservation/Default.aspx also allows access to the 2012 count data. Thanks to all who participated.
(Edit post) | Attachments: CBC2012results-FrankfortAudubon.pdf
Great Backyard Bird Count will be on Feb 15-18
posted Jan 8, 2013, 8:33 AM by Gary Sprandel
The Great Backyard Bird Count will be on Feb 15-18. See http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc
Click here to see the results from February 2012
2012
Winter 2012-2013 newsletter now available
posted Dec 4, 2012, 1:09 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Dec 4, 2012, 1:11 PM ]
· The Winter 2012-2013 newsletter is available. There is now NO CHARGE for this years Audubon Christmas Bird Counts. There is a recap of our 2012 activities with picts of the Fall Planting Party at Juniper Hill arboretum. There is also an outstanding article by member Nancy Rose Osborne about the TN Sandhill Crane Festival in January.
Frankfort Christmas Bird Count Sat Dec 15, 2012
posted Nov 20, 2012, 1:06 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Nov 26, 2012, 8:09 AM ]
AUDUBON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS – FREE FOR ALL!
Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) are now FREE for participants. See this link to National Audubon Society for details and to find counts in various locales - http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count. Frankfort Audubon welcomes this new policy of no fee to participate in the CBC. To learn about last year’s CBC statistics, see the chapter webpages.
FRANKFORT Christmas Bird Counts
The first Frankfort CBC will be conducted on Sat. Dec. 15, 2012. If you are interested in participating in this count, please contact Peggy Gould 502-320-9176 or peggyg827@aol.com. If bad weather, date may be rescheduled.
Another portion of the Frankfort CBC will be conducted at Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary on Sat. Dec. 15, 2012, at the sanctuary outside Millville. Contact Tim Williams at 859-873-5711 or twilliams@audubon.org
A third Frankfort CBC will be conducted at the Kleber Wildlife Management Area north of Frankfort on Sunday 30 December, 2012. Participants may contact Jeff Jones for specifics at 502-320-2484 or write to redbelly13@msn.com. If bad weather, the alternate date yet TBA.
Contact Frankfort Audubon Chapter at frankfortaudubonchapter@gmail.com or call Scott Hankla at 502-223-4179
Other KY Area Christmas Bird Counts
Every group organizing a Christmas Bird Count welcomes participants. The following are additional opportunities:
Audubon Society of KY - http://audubonsocietyofky.org/
Buckley Hills Audubon Society - http://www.buckleyhills.org/
Beckham Bird Club has 6 locations for CBC this year - http://www.beckhambirdclub.org/Bird%20Counts.html
Daviess County Audubon Society CBC on Sat. Dec. 17, 2011 – contact Brenda Little at littleredhen1@wildblue.net
Little River Audubon Society CBC on Sat. Dec. 31, 2011 at Hopkinsville – contact David Chiles at jdchiles@mehsi.com or 270-522-3169
KY Ornithological Society’s webpage has many CBC options - http://www.biology.eku.edu/kos/calendar.html
Fall Planting Party 4 Nov 1:30-5pm Frankfort Audubon Arboretum
posted Oct 5, 2012, 1:11 PM by Gary Sprandel
Sunday, November 4, 2012 1:30 – 5:00 PM, Juniper Hill Arboretum (below the Jack Williams Picnic Pavilion).
Help plant bird-friendly native trees & shrubs
in the Frankfort Audubon Arboretum
at Juniper Hill Park
Planting demonstrations and drawings for FREE TREES
@ 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00
Hints for attracting birds to your yard Refreshments at 4:00 in the pavilion
Sponsored by: Frankfort Audubon Society http://sites.google.com/site/frankfortaudubon/
TREE Coalition http://ces.ca.uky.edu/franklin/tree
(Edit post) | Attachments: Audubon2012JuniperHillArboretumTreePlanting.pdf
Ky Bats program Oct 18 in Midway
posted Sep 21, 2012, 4:23 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Oct 8, 2012, 8:09 AM ]
PROGRAM ON KY BATS IN OCTOBER
BY EXPERT JOHN MACGREGOR
IN MIDWAY
On October 18 at 6:30 PM, Frankfort Audubon Society is co-hosting a slide program on Kentucky bats presented by John MacGregor in Midway.
John MacGregor is well known throughout the eastern U.S. and is a renowned expert on bats, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians of our area. The Oct. 18 Midway program will focus on Kentucky bats.
The program will be in the Fellowship Hall of the Midway Christian Church on 123 East Bruen Street (click http://www.midwaychristian.org/maptochurch.htm for directions). Buckley Hills Audubon Society located in Lexington is co-hosting the program. The public is invited to attend. No admission fee.
The bat program is estimated to run about an hour or so. Light refreshments will be available. A listing of several Midway restaurants is available at: http://meetmeinmidway.com/business/restaurants/
(Edit post) | Attachments: Buckley_Hills_Newsletter_Sept2012.pdf
Hummingbirds are still plentiful as fall looms
posted Sep 11, 2012, 5:53 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Sep 11, 2012, 5:56 PM ]
Frankfort State Journal article of September 9, 2012 by Kim Cowherd, Horticulture Extension agent. Open the PDF file to see the article.
(Edit post) | Attachments: HummingbirdInfo-KimCowherd_Crop.pdf
Frankfort Audubon Reception for Buckley Sanctuary Intern Julia Risen on 7/22
posted Jul 10, 2012, 8:17 AM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Jul 10, 2012, 8:19 AM ]
Join Frankfort Audubon Chapter for reception from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 22 at Buckley Sanctuary Nature Center including an optional guided hike at 3:00. Reception is free and open to the public. The following PDF is from the State Journal.
(Edit post) | Attachments: FAS SJ 7-9-12 p2.pdf
Nature-lover's passion lives on in Juniper Hill arboretum
posted Jun 22, 2012, 12:06 PM by Gary Sprandel
Compliments of the Frankfort State Journal and Keren Henderson, here is Kayleigh Zyskowski's article of 13 April, 2012 about Jim Durell Arboreteum dedication.
(Edit post) | Attachments: JimDurell_arboretum.pdf
posted Jun 21, 2012, 1:31 PM by Frankfort AudubonWeb [ updated Jun 21, 2012, 1:34 PM ]
This is the final issue of the Frankfort Audubon Society's printed newsletter
(Edit post) | Attachments: FftAudubonNwsltr-SUMMER-2012-FINALPRINT-version.pdf
Photograher @ Library Tuesday June 26, 6:30 pm
posted Jun 20, 2012, 8:07 AM by Gary Sprandel
AUDUBON HOSTS PHOTOGRAPHER GARY RITTER
On Tuesday, June 26 @ 6:30 p.m. at the Paul Sawyier Public Library.Gary Ritter will give a presentation and discussion about nature photography. He'll talk about photography techniques, getting started on wildlife photography, and show some 'slides' of his work. There will be a Q&A period. The program is free and open to the public of all ages.
posted May 24, 2012, 2:03 PM by Gary Sprandel
SANCTUARY PROGRAM - Thursday LIBRARY 5/30 @ 6:30 PM
Nestled between Louisville and Lexington along the Kentucky River is one of the most peaceful, pleasant areas in the Commonwealth. On Wednesday, May 30 at 6:30 P. M. the Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary and Audubon Center will be highlighted at Frankfort's Paul Sawyier Public Library.
The Frankfort Audubon Society has invited Tim Williams, the manager of Buckley, to talk and present slides which will enlighten anyone who might like to attend this free presentation about the history, programs, land, buildings even some of the humorous phone calls he has received during his 38 years there.
Buckley is the only nature center in Kentucky operated by the National Audubon Society. It consists of 379 acres of gentle rolling hills with hiking trails, bird blind, pavilion and nature center. It provides outdoor experiences to thousands each year. Some learn about soil, flora, or fauna. Some find it relaxing and therapeutic. Whether you have been there or not you will enjoy meeting the manager and learning about this special place that is right in our own back yard.
This presentation is free and open to the public - everyone is invited to join Frankfort Audubon and learn about Buckley Sanctuary while in the cool comfort of Paul Sawyier Public Library. Contact Frankfort Audubon at: FrankfortAudubonChapter@gmail.com or visit our new website at: http://sites.google.com/site/frankfortaudubon/
James Durell Plaque dedication Thursday 12 April, 11am
posted Apr 10, 2012, 4:41 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Apr 10, 2012, 5:03 PM ]
Juniper Hills Park, Attached is article from State Journal
(Edit post) | Attachments: ArboretumDedication.pdf
New Frankfort Birding Trail Guide
posted Oct 12, 2009, 8:35 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Apr 1, 2012, 11:35 AM ]
The attached PDF has a new Frankfort Kentucky Birding guide.
The KMZ file may be used with Google Earth
(Edit post) | Attachments: FrankfortBirds.kmz FranklinBirdingTrail.pdf
Frankfort Audubon Spring Newsletter (Updated)
posted Oct 12, 2009, 8:34 PM by Gary Sprandel [ updated Apr 5, 2012, 8:15 AM by Frankfort AudubonWeb ]
Spring newsletter of activities!
(Edit post) | Attachments: FftAudubonNwsltr-SPRING-UPDATE-2012-E-version.pdf