by Lottie Bushmann, President

Greetings one and all. I hope this finds you well and ready for another great year of opportunities with Columbia Audubon Society. Whether you just want to go birding, learn about birds or contribute to improving habitat for birds we’ve got you covered.  Plan to join us at our Fall picnic on Sunday, Sept. 28^th from 2-6 pm at Wild Haven Nature Area. We’ll have field trips with a chance to admire all the invasive species control work done there this past spring. Those walks will be followed up with a potluck dinner. Come for all or part. More details on our webpage.

We hope to recruit a new Field trip coordinator (a position left in great shape by chairs Eric and Joanna Reuter). We also need help with hospitality at CAS events. Are you organized and friendly?  This could be the job for you. Reach out to me if you’re interested in either position and I can give you more details on what is involved. Your consideration of these jobs is appreciated.  There are many ways (large and small) to become a contributing member of our active group. I’m sure we can figure out something to fit YOUR schedule.

I hope you are getting out and enjoying some time in nature. The fall migrants are coming through and will test your id skills. Not there yet? Plan to come on a fall field trip and I’m sure you’ll pick up a tip or two (or three) about id’ing warblers in fall plumage. Not up for field trips? Plan to join us at one of our general meetings. Dr. Vayu Gokhale will present on Dark Skies (one of our outreach programs done jointly with the Columbia Public Library), and Greg Renner will educate us about the history and artistry of duck decoys in Missouri.

Hope to see you soon!