MISSBIRDers:
Greg Jackson asked me to let Mississippi birders know of a unique opportunity
to preserve some of Dauphin Island, Alabama’s migratory bird habitat and
thought that Mississippi birders might want to help out with this important
land acquisition project. Many of you have visited Dauphin Island and have
seen firsthand how crucial the remaining habitat on the island is for migrating
birds. Opportunities like this one, to preserve important bird habitat on the
island, are few and far between.
Terry
Terence Lee Schiefer, Curator
Mississippi Entomological Museum
Box 9775
Mississippi State, MS 39762-9775
ph: 662-325-2989 (W); 662-324-3748 (H)
FAX: 662-325-8837
email: tschiefer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:tschiefer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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We have a unique opportunity to help save migratory bird habitat on Dauphin
Island. Properties for sale at this moment, each with excellent habitat for the
birds and other wildlife, are a high priority for purchase by DIBS (Dauphin
Island Bird Sanctuaries). If you have visited the Island lately, you have seen
dozens of wooded lots filled with native vegetation scraped clean for house or
commercial development. Dauphin Island is one of the few prominent migratory
bird stopovers along the northern Gulf Coast. It is a premier migrant trap and
listed as one of our Nation’s IBAs (Important Bird Areas). Where towers of
condos, homes and commercial development loom, there is little habitat for
birds exhausted from their 550-mile northward flights over the Gulf in spring,
or for birds to fatten up before flying south in fall.
Many Mississippi birders have visited Dauphin Island and know how special it is
for migratory birds. We all have a stake in Dauphin Island’s remaining
important habitat. Currently Dauphin Island is experiencing unprecedented home
building, destroying prime habitat for not only migrant birds but also for
resident birds and colonial nesters; as of 4 June, 31 new homes and commercial
buildings permits already have been issued this calendar year.
DIBS (Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries) has a chance right now to purchase a
fine tract replete with native vegetation. But time is of the essence, and the
money must be raised quickly. The good news is that there is a source for
matching funds, so any gift now to DIBS is doubled. All land purchased by DIBS
is placed in permanent and perpetual conservation status. Donations are tax
deductible; DIBS is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to the
preservation of the island’s stopover habitat for all North American migratory
birds.
1. The primary reason for this special appeal is that it is an opportunity
to preserve four contiguous properties in a residential area on a quiet
dead-end street. This area adjoins, to the south, undeveloped Property Owners
Association (POA) dune properties and the POA owned island golf course which
borders the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, this property has never been
developed and is heavily vegetated with native plant species providing vital
habitat and food source for migrant birds as well as resident species.
2. These lots will be the most southerly within the DIBS portfolio of
island properties, prime refueling areas for arriving migrants to replenish
their energy to continue their migration. After a thorough inspection of these
properties, little to no invasive species were discovered; DIBS works
diligently to remove all exotic species found in/on properties, and if
necessary revegetates with native plants to enhance the stopover habitat.
4. If DIBS is able to purchase these lots it may create birding
opportunities for the public, but the main focus will be to provide prime
stopover habitat for birds.
NOW is the time we must buy because the opportunity will not be here if we
wait. Initial payment has been made to hold the lots temporarily, but we have
only until the end of July to come up with the full funds to purchase these
properties.
How can you donate to DIBS? See
https://www.coastalbirding.org/donations.htm<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.coastalbirding.org%2Fdonations.htm&data=02%7C01%7Ctschiefer%40entomology.msstate.edu%7Cc0cbb14a9c6144aa57af08d6ec25b2dc%7Ced51dbb0af8645a29c9773fb3935df17%7C0%7C0%7C636956043997335424&sdata=PezJ94t0IxnhyaNlDOVHO7AmiGD%2BeG4yCj0VigTMGP4%3D&reserved=0>
.... Or read below.
Thank you for considering this important project!
DAUPHIN ISLAND BIRD SANCTUARIES, Inc.
HABITAT PROTECTION CAMPAIGN
Help us protect the natural beauty of Dauphin Island and its critical migratory
bird habitat.
Every Dollar Counts!
$3.50 Protects One Sq. Foot.
$31.50 Protects One Sq. Yard.
$350 Protects One-foot-wide Frontage Strip.
$50,000 (avg.) Protects One Lot
Together we can make a difference and keep Dauphin Island a beautiful and
important place for us and for the birds!
DIBS initiated their conservation program for neotropical migrant stopover
habitat in 2000 with a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Since that time with the continued support of NFWF and other foundations and
private donors DIBS has acquired 28 individual parcels comprising some 9.5
acres of critical habitat.
There are approximately 35 undeveloped acres remaining on the island which are
crucial for sustaining migratory bird habitat. These include the Tupelo Gum
Swamp (11 acres), the Gorgas Swamp (6 acres), and the Steiner properly (12
acres). In addition, there are other lots scattered mostly on the eastern end
that contribute significantly to the islands quality habitat. Although many of
these lots suffer from lack of maintenance or four-wheeler abuse, they are
still considered valuable for providing diverse shelter and food opportunities
for migratory birds.
By giving a gift to the Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, Inc. you can help to
conserve a globally important habitat for thousands of migratory birds as well
as other wildlife. DIBS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and
contributions are tax-deductible. Supporting the work of the DIBS can be
accomplished through several avenues:
??Cash Donations
? Gifts of Securities
? Bequests
?? Gifts of Land
Donations can be sent to:
Treasurer
Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, Inc.
PO Box 1295
Dauphin Island, AL 36528
