by Eric Reuter

From the President

As most of you know, we are trying to mix up the kinds of monthly programs offered by Columbia Audubon. January’s wonderful research-focused talk by the new State Ornithologist was the first standard lecture format. It was very well attended, as had been expected. In February Eric Reuter will lead a book discussion at the library. I think it will also be very well attended based on the fact that all the copies in the library are signed out as are all of the e-reader books. They gave me about the first fifty pages to read while I waited to get the whole book and it’s quite interesting. The board continues to meet at the church every third Wednesday to plan these programs and make sure that everything necessary to run our organization is done. We would welcome feedback on what we have done so far along with any suggestions. Talk to anyone on the board and follow The Chat or website for programs and field trips. – by Laura Hillman, President

Space available for Wednesday birding trips

Bill Clark’s weekly Wednesday birding car often has room in his car for people who want to spend a day birding; there’s room for 4 passengers (everyone gets a window seat). If someone is interested, call Bill Clark (573-474-4510) to confirm an open seat. Meet at the Parkade Plaza parking lot near the large sign. The group leaves promptly at 7:30 a.m. and usually returns in the late afternoon. Lunch will be at some small town cafe. The day’s destinations will be determined by the group at the time of departure. All birding data generated during the day is entered into eBird and “shared” on request.

Audubon Society of Missouri spring meeting

Plan ahead to set aside time for this year’s spring meeting, which will be hosted May 4-6 by the Missouri River Bird Observatory in Arrow Rock. Further information has not yet been posted to the ASM website.

Submit questions/topics for the February book discussion

Our February meeting will center around a book discussion of Jennifer Ackerman’s The Genius of Birds, held at the Daniel Boone Regional Library in Columbia on Sunday, February 11th. The library offers the book in multiple formats, including the physical book, an ebook, and a downloadable audiobook (or you can support the author directly and buy it). As you read (or listen to) the book, if you think of any particular questions or topics you’d like to ask or discuss as part of the event, please contact Eric Reuter, who will be leading the discussion.

January board meeting unofficial summary

Official meeting minutes will be posted to the website after approval at each subsequent board meeting, meaning they are delayed from immediate publication. Below is an unofficial summary of business discussed on January 17, 2018. Please contact a board member with any questions.

• Minutes from the November 15, 2017 meeting were approved.
• Final CoMoGives report: 76 donors contributed $6,630; CAS ranked 34th of 114 participants.
• Discussion of the fall Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative (MoBCI) meeting and potential for CAS to sponsor attendance by local educators.
• Discussion of sponsoring area students to attend the spring Audubon Society of Missouri meeting in Arrow Rock.
• Discussion of starting a young birders’ group for area students.
• Properties: A new memorial bench has been placed at CANS. Two new bluebird boxes and a kestrel box have also been donated. A Boy Scout will be installing four new benches as well.
• Future meetings: John Besser will explore the possibility of collaborating with Ragtag Cinema on a future showing of Timothy Barksdale’s documentary on the Greater Prairie Chicken.
• Laura Hillman is seeking a volunteer for Area 13 of the spring Migratory Bird Count.
• 35 people attended the talk by Missouri State Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick entitled “Technology and Tracking Bird Migration: What We Are Learning and How You Can Help.”

Supporting CAS

Carrying out our mission through education, conservation, and outreach takes a wide variety of resources, from the valued time of dedicated volunteers to the financial support of members and donors. We welcome and appreciate all participants and supporters of our work through their generous donations of time, money, or other resources.

Submitting material to The Chat

The Chat is published online on the first of every month from September through May. Submissions are welcome, including photographs, stories, and suggestions for content; please contact News Editor Eric Reuter. The submission deadline is the evening of the 25th of each month.