by Lottie Bushmann, President

Greetings all! It appears that winter has arrived a bit early with this cold blast coming on the heels of Thanksgiving. I spent some time this past week reflecting over all I am grateful for in my life. My birding community is near the top of the list. I find that birding helps ground me in stressful times, challenges my skills (always!), and brings me around people that I like and respect. Thank you for being a part of this amazing Columbia birding community!

I hope that you’ll consider taking part in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) this year. If you’ve not heard from your team leader yet, email them to find out the plan. If you’ve not participated before I hope you’ll read the details in this month’s Chat and reach out to me so we can get you on a team. It brings all the best in our community together.

Our annual CoMoGives fundraising campaign begins on December 1 and runs through December 31. We use these funds to support educators, to continue our education mission, and to care for our properties, including work removing invasives and burning our prairie. If you can, please consider making an additional gift this year. Thank you for supporting CAS.

Whatever this holiday season holds for you, I hope you can spend some of it soaking up nature. Maybe you’ll spot some of those special finch species we’re watching for this year!

Best wishes,

Lottie