by Edge Wade

We send many heartfelt thank yous to Eric and Joanna Reuter for their role as Field Trip Coordinators. We all agree that they have helped build camaraderie through their great fieldtrips and social events. They have “passed the torch of field trip coordinator” to Ben West. In addition to being a skilled birder, he also coordinated student birding trips in college in Maine. Since moving here for a job at the Columbia Environmental Research Center, he’s been active with CAS by attending and leading field trips, as well as giving a talk for a CAS meeting. Ben has hit the ground running with his first trip detailed below. He has planned many fieldtrips and if anyone is interested in helping Ben by leading fieldtrips, let us know! -Editor

Ben West led his first field trip as CAS Field Trip Coordinator Sunday, October 19, at Columbia Audubon/Bonnieview Nature Sanctuaries.  The pleasant fall afternoon weather was enjoyed by 17 participants who, collectively saw 32 species.  Highlights included a fairly late Eastern Wood-Pewee, a couple lingering Eastern Phoebes, several vocal Northern Flickers, 8 posing Eastern Bluebirds, newly arrived White-throated Sparrows, and a flight of 53 Turkey Vultures kettling and gliding southward.