by Lottie Bushmann, Interim President

We had a strong start to our program line up this past Wednesday, when Matt Longabaugh from the Missouri River Bird Observatory talked to us about Birds of the World. It was a fascinating talk and very interesting to learn that often the commonality that links birds is the type of toe structure they have or the kind of nest they build (in his example they were cavity tunnelers). Matt gave us lots to ponder. As I’ve often repeated: Birds are endlessly fascinating. I do think it is a feature of this hobby/interest that holds the interest of so many folks. We appreciate Matt taking his time to share his talk with our membership.

We are gearing up for the Christmas Bird Count on Dec. 19th. Be sure to let me know if you’d like to participate on a team this year (lottie.bushmann@gmail.com)  and haven’t been placed. Both beginners and experienced birders are welcome. It is a very fun day full of birding followed by a potluck chili supper which will be held this year at the Orr Street Studios. Stay tuned for more details.

We hope you’ll join us for our November general meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 18^th at 7 pm at the Boone Electric Cooperative. There will be a presentation by Samantha Leonard, Farm Bill Biologist at Quail Forever. Samantha will talk about the current state of Bobwhite Quail populations. It will be interesting to hear what the trends are currently after many years of restoration work for this incredible species.

We have First Friday bird hike coming up on Friday, Nov. 6^th at 8am, followed by a hike at Rocky Forks on Saturday Nov. 7^th. More details in this newsletter. Migration has run very late this season so you never know what might turn up, along with all the returning wintering species. Hope you can join us for one of these fun events!

All are welcome! Hope to see you soon!