BEGINNING APRIL 2022 WE WILL BE MEETING IN PERSON AT THE LION'S CLUB, 600 3RD STREET, BERTHOUD.
TUESDAY,MARCH 14TH - 7:00 PM - SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE, with Jerry & Margaret Spangler
Join Jerry and Margaret Spangler for a 16 day South Africa adventure led by Red Hill Birding guide Josh Engles and co-guide David Nkosi, including birds, a pelagic trip, other animals, and exquisite accommodations. A 1400 mile driving and thousand mile flight takes you across South Africa and Kruger NP. The first few days were spent around Cape Town with visits to the west coast and salt flats, Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, a pelagic trip/or visit to the south Cape, sewage ponds, and other local attractions.
The adventure continued around Falls Bay to Pringle Bay, where we found a South African penguin colony, and the Rock Jumper. Continuing eastward through Bontebok NP to the Kingfisher House in Wilderness. Then it was over Swartberg Pass to Karoo NP and a long drive back to Cape Town with flight to Johannesburg.
The last four days were spent going to Wakkerstroom, Kruger NP and a day around Johannesburg at a private game reserve.
Join Jerry and Margaret Spangler for a 16 day South Africa adventure led by Red Hill Birding guide Josh Engles and co-guide David Nkosi, including birds, a pelagic trip, other animals, and exquisite accommodations. A 1400 mile driving and thousand mile flight takes you across South Africa and Kruger NP. The first few days were spent around Cape Town with visits to the west coast and salt flats, Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, a pelagic trip/or visit to the south Cape, sewage ponds, and other local attractions.
The adventure continued around Falls Bay to Pringle Bay, where we found a South African penguin colony, and the Rock Jumper. Continuing eastward through Bontebok NP to the Kingfisher House in Wilderness. Then it was over Swartberg Pass to Karoo NP and a long drive back to Cape Town with flight to Johannesburg.
The last four days were spent going to Wakkerstroom, Kruger NP and a day around Johannesburg at a private game reserve.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH - 7:00 PM - ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, NOT JUST ELK, with Ron Harden
When visitors, coming to Rocky Mountain National Park, think of wildlife of the Park, most think first of the American Elk. But the Park is home to many other species too. In 15 years as volunteer member of the Park’s Interpretive Staff, and interpretive guide, Ron Harden has helped visitors see many species – but also helped them develop understanding by observation of behavior. Hours spent, after duty, have allowed Ron to observe many of the wildlife of the Park and their behavior. He will share his adventures of photographing the Park’s wildlife and their behavior.
When visitors, coming to Rocky Mountain National Park, think of wildlife of the Park, most think first of the American Elk. But the Park is home to many other species too. In 15 years as volunteer member of the Park’s Interpretive Staff, and interpretive guide, Ron Harden has helped visitors see many species – but also helped them develop understanding by observation of behavior. Hours spent, after duty, have allowed Ron to observe many of the wildlife of the Park and their behavior. He will share his adventures of photographing the Park’s wildlife and their behavior.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10TH - 7:00 PM
Our program for January presented by Helmut Retzer is titled “The Other Colorado”. Helmut’s program features only photos taken east of Interstate 25. Helmut grew up in northeastern Colorado and has a particular fondness for that area. The program features not only the birds of the area but also plants, insects, mammals, geography and the general features of the area. Helmut says every one can easily appreciate our amazing mountains but in eastern Colorado you sometimes have to look closer but, if you do, you will see things that are just as amazing.
Our program for January presented by Helmut Retzer is titled “The Other Colorado”. Helmut’s program features only photos taken east of Interstate 25. Helmut grew up in northeastern Colorado and has a particular fondness for that area. The program features not only the birds of the area but also plants, insects, mammals, geography and the general features of the area. Helmut says every one can easily appreciate our amazing mountains but in eastern Colorado you sometimes have to look closer but, if you do, you will see things that are just as amazing.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH - 7:00 PM
Pollinator Protection - Good for Bees and Birds, with Beth Conrey
Beth Conrey, board member of People and Pollinators Action Network, will tell us about the conservation work of the Network. The organization works exclusively in Colorado on issues affecting pollinators, particularly pesticides and lack of forage. Learn how their efforts to protect pollinators also directly benefits Colorado's birds.
Beth is also owner of Bee Squared Apiaries, her bee keeping operation in Berthoud, selling great tasting flavored honey, as some of our members will attest.
Pollinator Protection - Good for Bees and Birds, with Beth Conrey
Beth Conrey, board member of People and Pollinators Action Network, will tell us about the conservation work of the Network. The organization works exclusively in Colorado on issues affecting pollinators, particularly pesticides and lack of forage. Learn how their efforts to protect pollinators also directly benefits Colorado's birds.
Beth is also owner of Bee Squared Apiaries, her bee keeping operation in Berthoud, selling great tasting flavored honey, as some of our members will attest.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH - 7:00 PM
Asia Anyone?
Don Starks will talk about his 2019 trip to India that wasn't all about wildlife. Birds? Of course, but mammals are and were interesting. His wife Carol went to high school in New Delhi as her father worked for GE and was stationed there for a number of years. Carol's brother was also along as he also lived there. It was a custom trip and he insisted on a few national parks for birds. A lot to cover and he will whet your appetite for Asian birds.
Asia Anyone?
Don Starks will talk about his 2019 trip to India that wasn't all about wildlife. Birds? Of course, but mammals are and were interesting. His wife Carol went to high school in New Delhi as her father worked for GE and was stationed there for a number of years. Carol's brother was also along as he also lived there. It was a custom trip and he insisted on a few national parks for birds. A lot to cover and he will whet your appetite for Asian birds.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11TH - 7:00 PM
Capturing Nature Through Art
The wildlife art, sculpture, and photography of Colorado artist, Eva Stanley. As "one of our own", FAC member and national award winning wildlife artist, Eva Stanley, will share how she goes from field work to fine art for home or office (or National Park!), including the complicated process of casting bronze sculpture. Journeying from real life inspirations, to initial sketches, to finished pieces (with lots of real examples to enjoy), this program promises to be a lot of fun! And don't miss the chance to sign up for the random drawing for her October Foothills Audubon Club Print Giveaway!
Capturing Nature Through Art
The wildlife art, sculpture, and photography of Colorado artist, Eva Stanley. As "one of our own", FAC member and national award winning wildlife artist, Eva Stanley, will share how she goes from field work to fine art for home or office (or National Park!), including the complicated process of casting bronze sculpture. Journeying from real life inspirations, to initial sketches, to finished pieces (with lots of real examples to enjoy), this program promises to be a lot of fun! And don't miss the chance to sign up for the random drawing for her October Foothills Audubon Club Print Giveaway!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH - 7:00 PM
What did you do this summer, class?
with Ron Harden and David Lawrance
We all remember the first writing assignment, from our grade school teacher, when we returned to school after the summer break. David Lawrance and Ron Harden will answer that assignment for us, with photo adventures they had over the summer. They will share those with us at our September 13th program.Join in on their summer photo fun, starting with our FAC field trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. Then on to David’s stint as a raptor observer for the city of Longmont and local species, and Ron’s variety of birds around home in the foothills and findings on the annual Breeding Bird Count.
What did you do this summer, class?
with Ron Harden and David Lawrance
We all remember the first writing assignment, from our grade school teacher, when we returned to school after the summer break. David Lawrance and Ron Harden will answer that assignment for us, with photo adventures they had over the summer. They will share those with us at our September 13th program.Join in on their summer photo fun, starting with our FAC field trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. Then on to David’s stint as a raptor observer for the city of Longmont and local species, and Ron’s variety of birds around home in the foothills and findings on the annual Breeding Bird Count.
TUESDAY, MAY 10TH - 7:00 PM
Stand With Our St. Vrain Creek with special guest Jamie Simo
Stand With Our St. Vrain Creek (Stand) is a citizen action group based in Longmont that formed as a direct result of the 2013 flood and Longmont's Resilient St. Vrain flood mitigation project (RSVP), which, when completed, will remove approximately 800 acres of previously undeveloped land from the 100 year flood plain. Seeing the potential for negative impacts to St. Vrain Creek, its surrounding riparian area, and its wildlife from newly-allowed development, Stand has consistently pushed for higher developmental standards and greater protections for Longmont's river corridor. Join Jamie Simo, one of the founding members of Stand to hear about the importance of St. Vrain Creek as well as Stand's efforts, victories, and current struggles to protect it.
Stand With Our St. Vrain Creek with special guest Jamie Simo
Stand With Our St. Vrain Creek (Stand) is a citizen action group based in Longmont that formed as a direct result of the 2013 flood and Longmont's Resilient St. Vrain flood mitigation project (RSVP), which, when completed, will remove approximately 800 acres of previously undeveloped land from the 100 year flood plain. Seeing the potential for negative impacts to St. Vrain Creek, its surrounding riparian area, and its wildlife from newly-allowed development, Stand has consistently pushed for higher developmental standards and greater protections for Longmont's river corridor. Join Jamie Simo, one of the founding members of Stand to hear about the importance of St. Vrain Creek as well as Stand's efforts, victories, and current struggles to protect it.
TUESDAY, APRIL 12TH - 7:00 PM
The Natural Wonders of Southeastern Colorado, with special guest Dave Leatherman
Southeastern Colorado is much more than the widely held image of flat and harsh, only fit for prisons and pig farms. Birders know about the Lamar Community College Woods, lakes with Native American names beginning with "Nee", Two Buttes and John Martin Reservoirs, Gale Tempel's Grove, the Comanche National Grasslands and Picture Canyon. But there is so much more than birds during migration primetime. To those with eyes open, it is alive with wondrous things in all seasons. In this presentation we will celebrate the rich biodiversity of this extreme corner of our state, from dinosaur tracks to special trees to tarantulas and armadillos.
Finally! Foothills returns to meeting in person, just in time for Dave Leatherman's presentation.....We will meet at the Lion's Club located at 600 3rd Street, Berthoud, Colorado
If you prefer zooming in, the link is below. Warning! There may be technical glitches so the Zoom link might not work, despite leadership team intentions to arrive at least 30 minutes early to work all those out in advance. If you're able to be there in person, we would LOVE to SEE you. We recommend wearing a mask. We will order warm'ish weather so we can circulate outside air with a fan. As you can see, there are a lot of adjustments to make as we return to in-person meetings, hopefully from here on.
Refreshments will be served. Please try to bring your own cup to reduce waste.
If you prefer to attend the meeting by Zoom, simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, April 12 so we can began the meeting on time. Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends! First-time Zoom users will have to create a Zoom account first.
https://bit.ly/FACmtg41222
Presenter bio:
Dave Leatherman was born and raised in Ohio, educated at Marietta College and Duke University and has lived in Colorado since 1974. A forest entomologist for his career, he has been interested in birds since childhood. His present passions include nature photography and figuring out the food habits of birds. He is a frequent speaker to environmental groups, including Foothills Audubon.
The Natural Wonders of Southeastern Colorado, with special guest Dave Leatherman
Southeastern Colorado is much more than the widely held image of flat and harsh, only fit for prisons and pig farms. Birders know about the Lamar Community College Woods, lakes with Native American names beginning with "Nee", Two Buttes and John Martin Reservoirs, Gale Tempel's Grove, the Comanche National Grasslands and Picture Canyon. But there is so much more than birds during migration primetime. To those with eyes open, it is alive with wondrous things in all seasons. In this presentation we will celebrate the rich biodiversity of this extreme corner of our state, from dinosaur tracks to special trees to tarantulas and armadillos.
Finally! Foothills returns to meeting in person, just in time for Dave Leatherman's presentation.....We will meet at the Lion's Club located at 600 3rd Street, Berthoud, Colorado
If you prefer zooming in, the link is below. Warning! There may be technical glitches so the Zoom link might not work, despite leadership team intentions to arrive at least 30 minutes early to work all those out in advance. If you're able to be there in person, we would LOVE to SEE you. We recommend wearing a mask. We will order warm'ish weather so we can circulate outside air with a fan. As you can see, there are a lot of adjustments to make as we return to in-person meetings, hopefully from here on.
Refreshments will be served. Please try to bring your own cup to reduce waste.
If you prefer to attend the meeting by Zoom, simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, April 12 so we can began the meeting on time. Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends! First-time Zoom users will have to create a Zoom account first.
https://bit.ly/FACmtg41222
Presenter bio:
Dave Leatherman was born and raised in Ohio, educated at Marietta College and Duke University and has lived in Colorado since 1974. A forest entomologist for his career, he has been interested in birds since childhood. His present passions include nature photography and figuring out the food habits of birds. He is a frequent speaker to environmental groups, including Foothills Audubon.
TUESDAY, MARCH 8TH - 7:00 PM
Two Weeks in Alaska Nick Komar, president of Colorado Field Ornithologists and founder of Quetzal Tours will show photos from Nome, the Denali Highway and the Kenai peninsula, from a Quetzal Tour trip in June of 2022. The group of 6 stayed up late, searched many hours each day and even stayed together in a rented travel van in their days on the Kenai! Zoom link for this program: https://bit.ly/FAC30822 |
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST - 7:00 PM
Greater Sage-Grouse: Largest Conservation Effort in U.S. History ~ Ups and Downs
Daly Edmunds is the director of policy and outreach for Audubon Rockies and will speak on the Greater Sage-grouse. Greater Sage-grouse are found across 11 western states in North America’s largest but often overlooked ecosystem. This inconspicuous lekking species was once so prevalent that they fed many pioneers during their grueling westward journeys. Today, with a majority of the birds found on public lands, they’ve become a political football. In this presentation, Daly will discuss the political intrigue that has plagued its management, review the threats to its habitat, and share the latest science (spoiler alert: they aren’t doing well!).
Zoom Link:
https://bit.ly/FACMtgFeb22
Photo below left is male Greater Sage-grouse, courtesy of Evan Barrientos/Audubon Rockies. Photo below right shows two Fighting male sage-grouse courtesy of Elizabeth Boehm/Audubon Photography Awards.
Greater Sage-Grouse: Largest Conservation Effort in U.S. History ~ Ups and Downs
Daly Edmunds is the director of policy and outreach for Audubon Rockies and will speak on the Greater Sage-grouse. Greater Sage-grouse are found across 11 western states in North America’s largest but often overlooked ecosystem. This inconspicuous lekking species was once so prevalent that they fed many pioneers during their grueling westward journeys. Today, with a majority of the birds found on public lands, they’ve become a political football. In this presentation, Daly will discuss the political intrigue that has plagued its management, review the threats to its habitat, and share the latest science (spoiler alert: they aren’t doing well!).
Zoom Link:
https://bit.ly/FACMtgFeb22
Photo below left is male Greater Sage-grouse, courtesy of Evan Barrientos/Audubon Rockies. Photo below right shows two Fighting male sage-grouse courtesy of Elizabeth Boehm/Audubon Photography Awards.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 11TH - 7:00 PM
Golden Eagles: Protecting This Front Range Majestic Bird
Diane Kristoff and Ann Colpitts of Foothills Audubon Club have been monitoring a golden eagle's nest in Loveland for over 2 years in anticipation of the city's plans to build a bike trail in the area of the nest. Diane and Ann will share how they collected information, the types of data collected, what they learned about the golden eagles, the City of Loveland's proposed Eagle Vista Management Plan, and the near-term plans for trail construction. You may have seen a Foothills Audubon Club Special Announcement requesting member's assistance in commenting on the Draft Management Plan on November 17. We greatly appreciate your help! There is still more work to be done to protect the eagles and details will be provided during the presentation.
**No need to pre-register for this month’s meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, January 11 so we can began the meeting on time. Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends! First-time Zoom users will have to create a Zoom account first.
https://bit.ly/FACJan11mtg
Golden Eagles: Protecting This Front Range Majestic Bird
Diane Kristoff and Ann Colpitts of Foothills Audubon Club have been monitoring a golden eagle's nest in Loveland for over 2 years in anticipation of the city's plans to build a bike trail in the area of the nest. Diane and Ann will share how they collected information, the types of data collected, what they learned about the golden eagles, the City of Loveland's proposed Eagle Vista Management Plan, and the near-term plans for trail construction. You may have seen a Foothills Audubon Club Special Announcement requesting member's assistance in commenting on the Draft Management Plan on November 17. We greatly appreciate your help! There is still more work to be done to protect the eagles and details will be provided during the presentation.
**No need to pre-register for this month’s meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, January 11 so we can began the meeting on time. Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends! First-time Zoom users will have to create a Zoom account first.
https://bit.ly/FACJan11mtg
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14TH - 6:00 PM
Bird Habitat Conservation Success in Ecuador Professional bird guide Edwin Perez returns to our meeting roster via Zoom again this year, this time to speak about conservation successes in Ecuador, where exploration has resulted in locating small populations of certain birds such as the Royal Sunangel and this Blue-throated Hillstar. Senor Perez cares deeply about preserving the forest because he has seen so much change in his lifetime travels, yet such wonderful birds and animals where they can prevail with just a bit of help - or non-interference! - from humans. https://bit.ly/FACDecMtg |
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH - 7:00 PM
Birding in Camargue, Southern France, and our trip back to Germany with Paul Opler & Evi Buckner-Opler Paul and Evi will make a Zoom Presentation at the next monthly Foothills Audubon Club Meeting on November 9th. Their talk will not only include their bird sightings in the Camargue, an amazing birding area in the Rhone Delta into the Mediterranean, but also some pictures of their travel back north through the spectacular French and Swiss Alps. **No need to pre-register for this month's meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, Nov. 9th so we can begin the meeting on time. Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends! (First-time Zoom users will have to create a Zoom account first.) https://bit.ly/FACnovmtg |
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12TH - 7:00 PM
City of Longmont Raptor Monitoring Program
This month's speaker is Scott Severs who works for the City of Longmont’s Open Space Department as the Senior Wildlife Technician. The City of Longmont’s raptor monitoring program is designed to determine the current state of local raptor populations and to provide a historical record of raptor presence or absence throughout the city. Additionally, the program provides the public, in the form of volunteering, the opportunity to learn about local wildlife while helping staff gain insight and build working relationships with community members through their nest observation. Natural resource managers, park planners, and other city employees use the information to better understand raptor population health, level of sensitivity towards human presence/disturbance, and spatial and temporal activity. This program will highlight the successes of this very important monitoring program.
**No need to pre-register for this month's meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, October 12th so we can begin the meeting on time. Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends! (First-time Zoom users will have to create a Zoom account first.)
http://bit.ly/fac101221
City of Longmont Raptor Monitoring Program
This month's speaker is Scott Severs who works for the City of Longmont’s Open Space Department as the Senior Wildlife Technician. The City of Longmont’s raptor monitoring program is designed to determine the current state of local raptor populations and to provide a historical record of raptor presence or absence throughout the city. Additionally, the program provides the public, in the form of volunteering, the opportunity to learn about local wildlife while helping staff gain insight and build working relationships with community members through their nest observation. Natural resource managers, park planners, and other city employees use the information to better understand raptor population health, level of sensitivity towards human presence/disturbance, and spatial and temporal activity. This program will highlight the successes of this very important monitoring program.
**No need to pre-register for this month's meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, October 12th so we can begin the meeting on time. Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends! (First-time Zoom users will have to create a Zoom account first.)
http://bit.ly/fac101221
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH - 7:00 PM
Birds of the Pawnee Grasslands
Join the "Nunn Guy" (Gary Lefko), founder of the Friends of the Pawnee National Grassland and a member of the Colorado Field Ornithologists, for his "Pawnee National Grassland Attracts Birds, Bird-lovers and Oil Companies" presentation. He lives in Nunn, Colorado and works his "patch" (Pawnee National Grassland) every weekend looking for birds threats to them and advocating on their behalf.
**No need to pre-register for this month's meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, September 14th so we can begin the meeting on time. Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends!
(First-time Zoom users will have to create a Zoom account first.)
http://bit.ly/fac091421
Birds of the Pawnee Grasslands
Join the "Nunn Guy" (Gary Lefko), founder of the Friends of the Pawnee National Grassland and a member of the Colorado Field Ornithologists, for his "Pawnee National Grassland Attracts Birds, Bird-lovers and Oil Companies" presentation. He lives in Nunn, Colorado and works his "patch" (Pawnee National Grassland) every weekend looking for birds threats to them and advocating on their behalf.
**No need to pre-register for this month's meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, September 14th so we can begin the meeting on time. Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends!
(First-time Zoom users will have to create a Zoom account first.)
http://bit.ly/fac091421
TUESDAY, MAY 4TH - 7:00 PM
American Kestrel Decline and Help from CARRI
American Kestrels have been declining for years due to loss of nesting sites and habitat. Scott Rashid and members of the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute or CARRI have been building and placing nest boxes for the birds from Parker to the Wyoming border.
During the webinar you will learn about the natural history of the species and the work that we are doing to increase their numbers.
**No need to pre-register for this month’s meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, May 4 so we can began the meeting on time. Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends! First-time Zoom users will have to create a Zoom account first.
http://bit.ly/fac050421
American Kestrel Decline and Help from CARRI
American Kestrels have been declining for years due to loss of nesting sites and habitat. Scott Rashid and members of the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute or CARRI have been building and placing nest boxes for the birds from Parker to the Wyoming border.
During the webinar you will learn about the natural history of the species and the work that we are doing to increase their numbers.
**No need to pre-register for this month’s meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, May 4 so we can began the meeting on time. Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends! First-time Zoom users will have to create a Zoom account first.
http://bit.ly/fac050421
TUESDAY, APRIL 13TH - 7:00PM
Amazing Mason Bees (and other Pollinators, too)
Please join us for a special program with local Wild Birds Unlimited owner, Lauren DeRosa. The program will cover what pollination is, why and how we can help pollinators and those pollinators that we don't often consider. Focus will be mainly on the Mason Bee, fun facts about this super-pollinator and how to be a good Mason Bee landlord.
**No need to pre-register for this month’s meeting! Simply click the following link and join at
6:50 PM, April 13 so we can begin the meeting on time. http://bit.ly/fac041321
Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends!
Amazing Mason Bees (and other Pollinators, too)
Please join us for a special program with local Wild Birds Unlimited owner, Lauren DeRosa. The program will cover what pollination is, why and how we can help pollinators and those pollinators that we don't often consider. Focus will be mainly on the Mason Bee, fun facts about this super-pollinator and how to be a good Mason Bee landlord.
**No need to pre-register for this month’s meeting! Simply click the following link and join at
6:50 PM, April 13 so we can begin the meeting on time. http://bit.ly/fac041321
Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends!
TUESDAY, MARCH 9TH - 7:00PM
Explore Columbia Birding with Nick Komar!
Please join us for a special program with local birder and owner of Quetzal Tours, Nick Komar! In 2019 along with Colombian naturalist Oswaldo Cortez, Nick co-led a small group tour to the high Andean region of Bogota, and the cloud forest region near Medellin. They recorded close to 400 species of birds during that 9-day tour, and Nick will be sharing this fun adventure with us.
**No need to pre-register for this month’s meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, March 9 so we can begin the meeting on time.
http://bit.ly/fac030921
Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends!
First-time Zoom users will have a two-step process:
1. Register yourself with Zoom with your name, email, etc.
2. Register for this meeting.
Explore Columbia Birding with Nick Komar!
Please join us for a special program with local birder and owner of Quetzal Tours, Nick Komar! In 2019 along with Colombian naturalist Oswaldo Cortez, Nick co-led a small group tour to the high Andean region of Bogota, and the cloud forest region near Medellin. They recorded close to 400 species of birds during that 9-day tour, and Nick will be sharing this fun adventure with us.
**No need to pre-register for this month’s meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, March 9 so we can begin the meeting on time.
http://bit.ly/fac030921
Please feel free to share this link with family members and friends!
First-time Zoom users will have a two-step process:
1. Register yourself with Zoom with your name, email, etc.
2. Register for this meeting.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH, 7:00-9:00PM
WHAT THE #$%& IS THAT? RAPTOR ID - PART 2
with special guest Zach Hutchinson
Zach is the Community Science Coordinator for Audubon Rockies and will present raptor identification featuring Buteos–Dark Morph, with a focus on those ‘tough to ID’ species. Improve your raptor knowledge with this class that is appropriate for beginners to more advanced skill levels! Join Zach as he provides helpful tips on some of the dark morph raptors of the Rocky Mountain region.
**No need to pre-register for this month’s meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, February 9 so we can begin the meeting on time.
http://bit.ly/fac020921
Here is a zoom recording of the February program:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/HCuN39lLvilpOtfp-aYx4J9EYofWZ1fHgxryi4gsaRkNcA01Mb8TtHXbdKk0v_BN.ah_CCN0jmDo0d9HH Passcode: c^F@v*f4
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 6:00-8:00PM
Let’s Bird with Professional José Illanes! Ecuador has the same land area as Colorado but over three times as many bird species. Most of them do not migrate far so it’s necessary to go to every corner of the country to see them. Fortunately for us, professional bird guide José Illanes has traveled to every corner in the last 20 years, and is going to share his pictures with us, including species that are difficult to find at all – let alone take a great picture! Link for meeting: http://bit.ly/fac011921 |
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8TH, 7:00-9:00PM
WHAT THE #$%& IS THAT? RAPTOR ID with special guest Zach Hutchinson
Zach Hutchinson, the Community Science Coordinator for Audubon Rockies, will present on raptor identification, with a focus on those tough to ID species. Improve your raptor knowledge with this class that is appropriate for beginners to more advanced skill levels! Join Zach as he provides helpful tips on some of the diurnal raptors of the Rocky Mountain region.
Link for meeting:
http://bit.ly/fac120820
WHAT THE #$%& IS THAT? RAPTOR ID with special guest Zach Hutchinson
Zach Hutchinson, the Community Science Coordinator for Audubon Rockies, will present on raptor identification, with a focus on those tough to ID species. Improve your raptor knowledge with this class that is appropriate for beginners to more advanced skill levels! Join Zach as he provides helpful tips on some of the diurnal raptors of the Rocky Mountain region.
Link for meeting:
http://bit.ly/fac120820
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH, 7:00-9:00 PM
EARBIRDING: YOU CAN DO IT! with special guest Nathan Pieplow
Did you know another way to bird is listening and learning their songs and calls? Nathan Pieplow got started identifying bird songs by studying the classic “Birding By Ear” field guides in the Peterson series. It wasn’t until 2003, when he faced the frustrations of studying sounds for his first trips to Mexico and Costa Rica, that he became dedicated to finding new and better ways to learn, describe, and catalog bird sounds. Along the way he became a sound recordist, amateur ethologist, speaker and author.
Nathan lives in Boulder, Colorado, where he teaches writing and rhetoric at the University of Colorado. He’s recorded over 3600 spectrograms from over 500 species. Find out more about him at http://earbirding.com/blog/book
**No need to pre-register for this month’s meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, Tuesday, November 10th so we can begin the meeting on time.
http://bit.ly/fac111020
First-time Zoom users will have a two-step process:
1. Register yourself with Zoom with the usual name, email, etc.
2. Register for this meeting.
See you at the meeting!
EARBIRDING: YOU CAN DO IT! with special guest Nathan Pieplow
Did you know another way to bird is listening and learning their songs and calls? Nathan Pieplow got started identifying bird songs by studying the classic “Birding By Ear” field guides in the Peterson series. It wasn’t until 2003, when he faced the frustrations of studying sounds for his first trips to Mexico and Costa Rica, that he became dedicated to finding new and better ways to learn, describe, and catalog bird sounds. Along the way he became a sound recordist, amateur ethologist, speaker and author.
Nathan lives in Boulder, Colorado, where he teaches writing and rhetoric at the University of Colorado. He’s recorded over 3600 spectrograms from over 500 species. Find out more about him at http://earbirding.com/blog/book
**No need to pre-register for this month’s meeting! Simply click the following link and join at 6:50 PM, Tuesday, November 10th so we can begin the meeting on time.
http://bit.ly/fac111020
First-time Zoom users will have a two-step process:
1. Register yourself with Zoom with the usual name, email, etc.
2. Register for this meeting.
See you at the meeting!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13TH, 7:00-9:00 PM
A TRIP TO THE TROPICS! VIRTUALLY, THAT IS...
Please join our presentation with Professional bird and nature guide, Edwin Perez, who will speak to us directly from his home in Ecuador on Tuesday, October 13, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM!
Edwin loves to share his country with visitors – the people, countryside, lodges, animals and most definitely, the birds! For this 'virtual' guided tour, he has selected pictures and stories; and he'll tell us about his experiences as a guide and answer questions. Having grown up in the countryside with lots of woods, regional birds and their calls were part of everyday life though Edwin still had to learn the other bird species that were not regional, and become proficient in English.
Before travel became restricted this year, Edwin guided throughout the country. His son, Nicolas, and daughter, Sofia, live on the grounds of Maquipucuna Lodge, in the middle of the Maquipucuna Reserve in the western Andean cloud forest which abounds with birds, animals, insects, plants and flowers.
Please register in advance for this Zoom meeting at:
http://bit.ly/fac101320
First-time Zoom users will have a two-step process:
1. Register yourself with Zoom with the usual name, email, etc.
2. Register for this meeting.
After you register, you will receive an email with your own personal link to join the meeting on October 13. It's a good idea to click on the link when you get the email to download any new security that Zoom has issued to its app, and to check your computer/phone audio and microphone. Please join with your personal link by 6:50 PM so we can begin the meeting on time.
A TRIP TO THE TROPICS! VIRTUALLY, THAT IS...
Please join our presentation with Professional bird and nature guide, Edwin Perez, who will speak to us directly from his home in Ecuador on Tuesday, October 13, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM!
Edwin loves to share his country with visitors – the people, countryside, lodges, animals and most definitely, the birds! For this 'virtual' guided tour, he has selected pictures and stories; and he'll tell us about his experiences as a guide and answer questions. Having grown up in the countryside with lots of woods, regional birds and their calls were part of everyday life though Edwin still had to learn the other bird species that were not regional, and become proficient in English.
Before travel became restricted this year, Edwin guided throughout the country. His son, Nicolas, and daughter, Sofia, live on the grounds of Maquipucuna Lodge, in the middle of the Maquipucuna Reserve in the western Andean cloud forest which abounds with birds, animals, insects, plants and flowers.
Please register in advance for this Zoom meeting at:
http://bit.ly/fac101320
First-time Zoom users will have a two-step process:
1. Register yourself with Zoom with the usual name, email, etc.
2. Register for this meeting.
After you register, you will receive an email with your own personal link to join the meeting on October 13. It's a good idea to click on the link when you get the email to download any new security that Zoom has issued to its app, and to check your computer/phone audio and microphone. Please join with your personal link by 6:50 PM so we can begin the meeting on time.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST 7:00 p.m. - Butterfly Identification Program and Field Trip!
Paul Opler will present the introductory lecture on butterfly diversity life history and behavior given to the class on "Butterflies of the Sierra Nevada", which he has taught with his wife Evi Buckner-Opler at the Sierra Nevada Field Campus of San Francisco State University for the past 25 years. The information will be modified to be accurate for Colorado. Principal features of butterflies will be discussed, and the 5 principal butterfly families will be characterized as well as the 4 stages of the butterfly life cycle.
Paul and Evi are long-time members of our club, and Paul is author of five books on Lepidoptera and has published many scientific papers on butterflies and moths as well as on tropical ecology and tropical botany. Evi is a retired Thompson R2J teacher, artist, and entrepreneur.
The butterfly walk with Paul and Evi on Saturday, September 5 will be timed with the main bloom of common Rabbitbrush which is the most favored butterfly nectar source at this time of the year. Paul will point out each butterfly species with its common name, family, and mating behavior type, and other relevant information on that species. Rabbitbrush also is a magnet for other flower-visiting insects and, time allowing, they will give their i.d. to at least insect order and discuss their role in the rabbitbrush 'ecosystem.'
**Register in advance for this Zoom meeting to be held Sep 1 at 7:00 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcld-qvqzgiGNJB4wSYlyYuBP02uEOR738y
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting. You’re welcome to forward this link to friends, but they must register to participate.
Paul Opler will present the introductory lecture on butterfly diversity life history and behavior given to the class on "Butterflies of the Sierra Nevada", which he has taught with his wife Evi Buckner-Opler at the Sierra Nevada Field Campus of San Francisco State University for the past 25 years. The information will be modified to be accurate for Colorado. Principal features of butterflies will be discussed, and the 5 principal butterfly families will be characterized as well as the 4 stages of the butterfly life cycle.
Paul and Evi are long-time members of our club, and Paul is author of five books on Lepidoptera and has published many scientific papers on butterflies and moths as well as on tropical ecology and tropical botany. Evi is a retired Thompson R2J teacher, artist, and entrepreneur.
The butterfly walk with Paul and Evi on Saturday, September 5 will be timed with the main bloom of common Rabbitbrush which is the most favored butterfly nectar source at this time of the year. Paul will point out each butterfly species with its common name, family, and mating behavior type, and other relevant information on that species. Rabbitbrush also is a magnet for other flower-visiting insects and, time allowing, they will give their i.d. to at least insect order and discuss their role in the rabbitbrush 'ecosystem.'
**Register in advance for this Zoom meeting to be held Sep 1 at 7:00 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcld-qvqzgiGNJB4wSYlyYuBP02uEOR738y
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting. You’re welcome to forward this link to friends, but they must register to participate.
TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD 7:00 p.m. - Birding Eastern Australia!
Please join Laurie Kleespies, avid local birder and photographer, as she chronicles an Australian adventure through the lens of a camera (well, several cameras).
Laurie and her husband, Tom, took a month-long trip in Sep-Oct 2019, covering a vast territory and an incredible variety of habitats from Queensland to Tasmania. This included The Great Barrier Reef, the famous O’Reilly’s Retreat, The ‘Outback’ in New South Wales, an idyllic island in Victoria; rainforests, wetlands, hot/dry inland expanses, and costal regions.
The trip was part free-lance and part bird-watching tour, and they racked up
an impressive number of bird species, and photographed many, not to mention a nice variety of marsupials.
Join us at our NEW LOCATION, Berthoud Lions Club, for this enjoyable speaker, and refreshments following.
Please join Laurie Kleespies, avid local birder and photographer, as she chronicles an Australian adventure through the lens of a camera (well, several cameras).
Laurie and her husband, Tom, took a month-long trip in Sep-Oct 2019, covering a vast territory and an incredible variety of habitats from Queensland to Tasmania. This included The Great Barrier Reef, the famous O’Reilly’s Retreat, The ‘Outback’ in New South Wales, an idyllic island in Victoria; rainforests, wetlands, hot/dry inland expanses, and costal regions.
The trip was part free-lance and part bird-watching tour, and they racked up
an impressive number of bird species, and photographed many, not to mention a nice variety of marsupials.
Join us at our NEW LOCATION, Berthoud Lions Club, for this enjoyable speaker, and refreshments following.
Monday, February 3rd - EARBIRDING: YOU CAN DO IT! with special guest Nathan Pieplow
Did you know another way to bird is listening and learning their songs and calls? Nathan Pieplow got started identifying bird songs by studying the classic “Birding By Ear” field guides in the Peterson series. It wasn’t until 2003, when he faced the frustrations of studying sounds for his first trips to Mexico and Costa Rica, that he became dedicated to finding new and better ways to learn, describe, and catalog bird sounds. Along the way he became a sound recordist, amateur ethologist, speaker and author.
Nathan lives in Boulder, Colorado, where he teaches writing and rhetoric at the University of Colorado. He’s recorded over 3600 spectrograms from over 500 species. Find out more about him at http://earbirding.com/blog/book
Please join us for this enjoyable speaker, and delicious refreshments following.
Did you know another way to bird is listening and learning their songs and calls? Nathan Pieplow got started identifying bird songs by studying the classic “Birding By Ear” field guides in the Peterson series. It wasn’t until 2003, when he faced the frustrations of studying sounds for his first trips to Mexico and Costa Rica, that he became dedicated to finding new and better ways to learn, describe, and catalog bird sounds. Along the way he became a sound recordist, amateur ethologist, speaker and author.
Nathan lives in Boulder, Colorado, where he teaches writing and rhetoric at the University of Colorado. He’s recorded over 3600 spectrograms from over 500 species. Find out more about him at http://earbirding.com/blog/book
Please join us for this enjoyable speaker, and delicious refreshments following.
Monday, January 6th - the film BIRDERS, THE CENTRAL PARK EFFECT
Central Park? A bird paradise? You bet. Despite the fact that everything about the 843-acre park is man-made (except for the glacier-strewn boulders) it is a magnet for birds migrating up and down the East Coast. It’s one of the few green spaces where birds can rest and refuel on their grueling journey. This is the “Central Park Effect” explained in the documentary by one of the experts in the film, Cornell Lab of Ornithology director Dr. John Fitzpatrick.
One hundred species can be seen in the park during spring migration in April and May. And you will see them in this film–gorgeous video of colorful migrant warblers all shot within Central Park, no stock footage.
Please join us for this fun movie, and delicious refreshments following.
Central Park? A bird paradise? You bet. Despite the fact that everything about the 843-acre park is man-made (except for the glacier-strewn boulders) it is a magnet for birds migrating up and down the East Coast. It’s one of the few green spaces where birds can rest and refuel on their grueling journey. This is the “Central Park Effect” explained in the documentary by one of the experts in the film, Cornell Lab of Ornithology director Dr. John Fitzpatrick.
One hundred species can be seen in the park during spring migration in April and May. And you will see them in this film–gorgeous video of colorful migrant warblers all shot within Central Park, no stock footage.
Please join us for this fun movie, and delicious refreshments following.
Monday, November 4th - PHOTOGRAPHING WILDLIFE FROM AN ARTISTIC VIEWPOINT, with Ron Harden
You’re invited to hear this month’s guest speaker and honored long-time FAC member Ron Harden to learn about photographing wildlife from an artistic view point. He’ll explain why snapshots of wildlife can be so much more than just a recording of a sighting– how with composition, lighting, impact and interest provoking, you can make your photographs real works of art. Ron has gained insight from photography artists and painters. With examples, we’ll see how those insights can be reflected in photos of a variety of birds from different habitats, and behaviors and actions as they go about living, surviving and propagating. Please join us for this exciting program! Refreshments and social time following.
You’re invited to hear this month’s guest speaker and honored long-time FAC member Ron Harden to learn about photographing wildlife from an artistic view point. He’ll explain why snapshots of wildlife can be so much more than just a recording of a sighting– how with composition, lighting, impact and interest provoking, you can make your photographs real works of art. Ron has gained insight from photography artists and painters. With examples, we’ll see how those insights can be reflected in photos of a variety of birds from different habitats, and behaviors and actions as they go about living, surviving and propagating. Please join us for this exciting program! Refreshments and social time following.
Monday, October 7th - IS THE FRONT RANGE HARD ON BALD EAGLES?
You’re invited to hear this month’s guest speaker, Dana Bove, founder of Front Range Nesting Bald Eagle Studies (“FRNBES”), a Colorado based nonprofit dedicated to the study and conservation of nesting and winter roosting bald eagles in the northern Colorado Front Range. Dana is a long time Boulder resident, who has traded his love for research as a career geologist with the USGS, for a passion to study Bald Eagles. FRNBES accomplishes its mission through scientific observation of eagles; the gathering, publication, and dissemination of data to federal, state, local agencies, and the public; and through legal advocacy to counter proposed actions that will adversely impact eagles. In addition, FRNBES collaborates with utility companies to mitigate electrical and collision hazards near eagle nests.
FRNBES members, staff, and volunteers include wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and amateur photographers, some of whom have undergraduate and advanced degrees in biology and wildlife studies and have worked professionally in the field.
Please join us for this informative program, and refreshments!
You’re invited to hear this month’s guest speaker, Dana Bove, founder of Front Range Nesting Bald Eagle Studies (“FRNBES”), a Colorado based nonprofit dedicated to the study and conservation of nesting and winter roosting bald eagles in the northern Colorado Front Range. Dana is a long time Boulder resident, who has traded his love for research as a career geologist with the USGS, for a passion to study Bald Eagles. FRNBES accomplishes its mission through scientific observation of eagles; the gathering, publication, and dissemination of data to federal, state, local agencies, and the public; and through legal advocacy to counter proposed actions that will adversely impact eagles. In addition, FRNBES collaborates with utility companies to mitigate electrical and collision hazards near eagle nests.
FRNBES members, staff, and volunteers include wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and amateur photographers, some of whom have undergraduate and advanced degrees in biology and wildlife studies and have worked professionally in the field.
Please join us for this informative program, and refreshments!
Monday, September 16th - TRAVEL THE WORLD with special guests Don & Carol Starks
Foothills Audubon member and adventurer Don Starks and his wife Carol, have spent time traveling to the four corners of the earth. And mostly for natural history, not necessarily all for birds. On their trips most of the photos we’ll see were taken by Carol while either Don or the guide make identifications. We’ll visit many lands without the tedious work of booking the flights.
Sit back and and join us to visit Borneo, Africa, Antarctica, Trinidad, Bonaire, and others as time allows. Delicious refreshment and social time following.
Foothills Audubon member and adventurer Don Starks and his wife Carol, have spent time traveling to the four corners of the earth. And mostly for natural history, not necessarily all for birds. On their trips most of the photos we’ll see were taken by Carol while either Don or the guide make identifications. We’ll visit many lands without the tedious work of booking the flights.
Sit back and and join us to visit Borneo, Africa, Antarctica, Trinidad, Bonaire, and others as time allows. Delicious refreshment and social time following.
Monday, April 1st - LARKWIRE.COM - You, Yes, You, Can Learn Birdsong!
Birders who identify birds by their song have an admirably tool in their bird-watching toolkit. It's never too late to add these tools yourself. Your bird-watching will improve even if you add a little more to your repertoire of bird songs. Irene Fortune will take us on a tour through Larkwire.com which makes bird song study fun. And just in time for local birds and migrant to start singing! Find more birds—and know them better. Birding by ear helps you find more birds—lots more. But it also helps you enter their world in a new way. Birds are constantly using sounds to communicate and express themselves. Larkwire helps you listen in and birding will never be the same! Join us after for refreshments!
Birders who identify birds by their song have an admirably tool in their bird-watching toolkit. It's never too late to add these tools yourself. Your bird-watching will improve even if you add a little more to your repertoire of bird songs. Irene Fortune will take us on a tour through Larkwire.com which makes bird song study fun. And just in time for local birds and migrant to start singing! Find more birds—and know them better. Birding by ear helps you find more birds—lots more. But it also helps you enter their world in a new way. Birds are constantly using sounds to communicate and express themselves. Larkwire helps you listen in and birding will never be the same! Join us after for refreshments!
Monday, March 4th - BIRD LANGUAGE - Interpreting Bird Behavior and Patterns
This film provides insight and is fun. Birds have different vocalizations in response to different circumstances. Birds behave differently in response to different threats. How to understand bird behaviors is explained and illustrated by naturalist, teacher, tracker and author Jon Young.
Five example species are used to study the explained vocalizations and threat responses.
This film provides insight and is fun. Birds have different vocalizations in response to different circumstances. Birds behave differently in response to different threats. How to understand bird behaviors is explained and illustrated by naturalist, teacher, tracker and author Jon Young.
Five example species are used to study the explained vocalizations and threat responses.
Monday, February 4th - eBird Essentials
Birder, bird watcher, or bird lover, it doesn’t mater, discover how Cornell University eBird program can support your passion for birds, and how your participation can help us better understand them.
Whether you watch birds at your feeder, on the way to work, or travel internationally for those exciting species you can’t wait to see, eBird can help you find them and keep perfect bird records for you, and it’s FREE.
Christine Sparks, FAC newletter editor has a passion for birding, and regulary uses the eBird programs at home, and during travel. She, along with her helpful hubby Richard, will provide a basic introduction to eBird and show how easy it is to get started using it.
Time allowing they will also help you install the eBird app on your phone so you can get started right away in becoming part of this worldwide project.
Please join us for a fun, educational evening followed by delicious refreshments!
Birder, bird watcher, or bird lover, it doesn’t mater, discover how Cornell University eBird program can support your passion for birds, and how your participation can help us better understand them.
Whether you watch birds at your feeder, on the way to work, or travel internationally for those exciting species you can’t wait to see, eBird can help you find them and keep perfect bird records for you, and it’s FREE.
Christine Sparks, FAC newletter editor has a passion for birding, and regulary uses the eBird programs at home, and during travel. She, along with her helpful hubby Richard, will provide a basic introduction to eBird and show how easy it is to get started using it.
Time allowing they will also help you install the eBird app on your phone so you can get started right away in becoming part of this worldwide project.
Please join us for a fun, educational evening followed by delicious refreshments!
Monday, January 7th -BIRDING JAMAICA WITH HELMUT
Last January, Helmet Retzer was fortunate enough to go to Jamaica on a Quetzal Tours company tour. Several other local club birders attended the fun trip also.
“Jamaica was a very challenging place for photography as most of the birds were very reluctant to reveal themselves. I did manage to get some fairly decent shots of some. The number of species is not near such places as Costa Rica, but still worth the trip. It’s a beautiful island with very nice people. The two photos are are Jamaican Oriole and a Red Billed Streamer Tailed Hummingbird.”
Since his presentation is only about twenty minutes long, Helmut is throwing in a bonus DVD with some of his favorite shots taken in the last few years. Please join us for a fun evening of Helmut’s photography and stories!
Last January, Helmet Retzer was fortunate enough to go to Jamaica on a Quetzal Tours company tour. Several other local club birders attended the fun trip also.
“Jamaica was a very challenging place for photography as most of the birds were very reluctant to reveal themselves. I did manage to get some fairly decent shots of some. The number of species is not near such places as Costa Rica, but still worth the trip. It’s a beautiful island with very nice people. The two photos are are Jamaican Oriole and a Red Billed Streamer Tailed Hummingbird.”
Since his presentation is only about twenty minutes long, Helmut is throwing in a bonus DVD with some of his favorite shots taken in the last few years. Please join us for a fun evening of Helmut’s photography and stories!
Monday, December 3rd - LEARN HOW TO TAKE BETTER BIRD PHOTOS
Andy Goris from Fort Collins will honor us with his fabulous bird photography, and talk about how you can take better bird photos, including equipment, technique, and editing. Andy’s been involved in the design of digital cameras for Pentax, Hewlett Packard, Motorola, and Microsoft, and has been photographing birds seriously for 7 years. We’ll hear about his progression from beginning equipment, to the spectacularly-detailed pictures he presented to us in spring 2015. And, he’ll surely delight us with some amazing new ones. You won’t want to miss this meeting!
Andy Goris from Fort Collins will honor us with his fabulous bird photography, and talk about how you can take better bird photos, including equipment, technique, and editing. Andy’s been involved in the design of digital cameras for Pentax, Hewlett Packard, Motorola, and Microsoft, and has been photographing birds seriously for 7 years. We’ll hear about his progression from beginning equipment, to the spectacularly-detailed pictures he presented to us in spring 2015. And, he’ll surely delight us with some amazing new ones. You won’t want to miss this meeting!
Monday, November 5th - YIKES! SHRIKES!
Shrikes were known to our grandparents as "butcher birds". Their habit of impaling prey on thorns and barbed wire makes their predation conspicuous and, thus, seem more gruesome than the food habits of other songbirds. But ask an aphid how "cute" the chickadee was that ate it and 200 of its siblings for breakfast. Shrikes just do what they are programmed to do. In this presentation we will explore their fascinating lives on the eastern plains of CO, no holds barred.
Our presenter, Dave Leatherman, is a retired forest entomologist, avid birder and nature photographer. He has addressed Foothills Audubon many times in the past. He says he looks forward to yet another visit with our group, "Because you ask good questions and provide great snacks."
Shrikes were known to our grandparents as "butcher birds". Their habit of impaling prey on thorns and barbed wire makes their predation conspicuous and, thus, seem more gruesome than the food habits of other songbirds. But ask an aphid how "cute" the chickadee was that ate it and 200 of its siblings for breakfast. Shrikes just do what they are programmed to do. In this presentation we will explore their fascinating lives on the eastern plains of CO, no holds barred.
Our presenter, Dave Leatherman, is a retired forest entomologist, avid birder and nature photographer. He has addressed Foothills Audubon many times in the past. He says he looks forward to yet another visit with our group, "Because you ask good questions and provide great snacks."
Monday, October 1st - ADVENTURE...RIGHT HERE IN LOVELAND!
Come learn where to enjoy Loveland’s natural areas and how you can share your skills and knowledge in meaningful ways. Our guest speaker, Debbie Eley is the Open Lands Specialist and oversees the stewardship and public outreach programs. She has been with the City’s Open Lands Program for 18 years and holds a Master’s degree in Ecology from Colorado State University. Loveland Open Lands & Trails Program conserves natural areas for wildlife habitat and passive recreation, provides opportunities for volunteer stewardship, and offers educational programs on a variety of nature-related topics.
Come learn where to enjoy Loveland’s natural areas and how you can share your skills and knowledge in meaningful ways. Our guest speaker, Debbie Eley is the Open Lands Specialist and oversees the stewardship and public outreach programs. She has been with the City’s Open Lands Program for 18 years and holds a Master’s degree in Ecology from Colorado State University. Loveland Open Lands & Trails Program conserves natural areas for wildlife habitat and passive recreation, provides opportunities for volunteer stewardship, and offers educational programs on a variety of nature-related topics.
Monday, September 10th - BIRDS CAN SAVE THE WORLD
Please join us for our September meeting to hear John Fitzpatrick, Louis Gassiz Fuertes Director of Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, explain in his video, how birds can save the world, and how we can help in the process. As part of Cornell Lab's e-Bird program, volunteers all over the world are reporting bird sightings. Based on this data, federal and local agencies are setting aside land from development and making other changes to protect bird species and hence the environment.
Please join us for our September meeting to hear John Fitzpatrick, Louis Gassiz Fuertes Director of Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, explain in his video, how birds can save the world, and how we can help in the process. As part of Cornell Lab's e-Bird program, volunteers all over the world are reporting bird sightings. Based on this data, federal and local agencies are setting aside land from development and making other changes to protect bird species and hence the environment.
Monday, May 7th -
FOOTHILLS AUDUBON'S ANNUAL POTLUCK AND PHOTO SHARE -
please note that dinner begins at 6:00pm!
Please bring a dish to share - Main Dish, Salad or Dessert. The club will provide plates, cups, utensils and a limited selection of beverages.
Also we want to see your photos–so please bring them on a USB drive, with files not sooooo big that they can't load quickly in between presenters. This is our last meeting until September 2018 so I hope you all can come because Christine is bringing home-made ice cream!
FOOTHILLS AUDUBON'S ANNUAL POTLUCK AND PHOTO SHARE -
please note that dinner begins at 6:00pm!
Please bring a dish to share - Main Dish, Salad or Dessert. The club will provide plates, cups, utensils and a limited selection of beverages.
Also we want to see your photos–so please bring them on a USB drive, with files not sooooo big that they can't load quickly in between presenters. This is our last meeting until September 2018 so I hope you all can come because Christine is bringing home-made ice cream!
Monday, April 2nd - A HONEY OF A SPRING with special guest Beth Conrey
Foothills Audubon Club has a great program for you this month featuring Beth Conrey discussing Bees in Colorado and why birders should help care for their welfare. Beth owns Bee Squared Apiaries—a 100 hive beekeeping operation in Berthoud, and has been keeping bees for 20 years. She produces award-winning varietal and infused honeys as well as beautiful hand-rolled beeswax candles and luscious soaps. Beth has a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico, is past-president of the Western Apicultural Society, and Colorado State Beekeepers Assoc. Currently as treasurer for the Pollinator Stewardship Council, vice-president of Boulder County Beekeepers Association and a founding member of People and Pollinators Action Network Beth stays very active in the Northern CO beekeeping community. Oh, and she’ll be part of the refreshment team this month bringing us some ‘honey’ goodies. You won’t want to miss it! www.bethsbees.com
Foothills Audubon Club has a great program for you this month featuring Beth Conrey discussing Bees in Colorado and why birders should help care for their welfare. Beth owns Bee Squared Apiaries—a 100 hive beekeeping operation in Berthoud, and has been keeping bees for 20 years. She produces award-winning varietal and infused honeys as well as beautiful hand-rolled beeswax candles and luscious soaps. Beth has a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico, is past-president of the Western Apicultural Society, and Colorado State Beekeepers Assoc. Currently as treasurer for the Pollinator Stewardship Council, vice-president of Boulder County Beekeepers Association and a founding member of People and Pollinators Action Network Beth stays very active in the Northern CO beekeeping community. Oh, and she’ll be part of the refreshment team this month bringing us some ‘honey’ goodies. You won’t want to miss it! www.bethsbees.com
Monday, March 5th - LEARN TO TAKE BETTER BIRD PHOTOS with special guest Andy Goris
Andy Goris from Fort Collins will honor us with his fabulous bird photography, and talk about how you can take better bird photos, including equipment, technique, and editing. Andy’s been involved in the design of digital cameras for Pentax, Hewlett Packard, Motorola, and Microsoft, and has been photographing birds seriously for 7 years. We’ll hear about his progression from beginning equipment, to the spectacularly-detailed pictures he presented to us in spring 2015. And, he’ll surely delight us with some amazing new ones. You won’t want to miss this meeting!
“I'm a better bird photographer than I am a birder. I'm always trying to improve my skills at both.” –Andy Goris
Andy Goris from Fort Collins will honor us with his fabulous bird photography, and talk about how you can take better bird photos, including equipment, technique, and editing. Andy’s been involved in the design of digital cameras for Pentax, Hewlett Packard, Motorola, and Microsoft, and has been photographing birds seriously for 7 years. We’ll hear about his progression from beginning equipment, to the spectacularly-detailed pictures he presented to us in spring 2015. And, he’ll surely delight us with some amazing new ones. You won’t want to miss this meeting!
“I'm a better bird photographer than I am a birder. I'm always trying to improve my skills at both.” –Andy Goris
Monday, February 5th - GEMS OF ECUADOR
Margaret and I not only enjoyed the birds of Ecuador but also exquisite accommodations, the Equator, learning about the culture, and the indigenous peoples. We were guided by the company‘s owner who is an excellent birder and chauffeur.
Highlights included a drive to about 14,400 feet to see the Andean condor, a giant hummingbird, which was all of 7+ inches and living above 12,000 feet. These elevations are known as Paramo rather than alpine tundra.
–Jerry Spangler
Margaret and I not only enjoyed the birds of Ecuador but also exquisite accommodations, the Equator, learning about the culture, and the indigenous peoples. We were guided by the company‘s owner who is an excellent birder and chauffeur.
Highlights included a drive to about 14,400 feet to see the Andean condor, a giant hummingbird, which was all of 7+ inches and living above 12,000 feet. These elevations are known as Paramo rather than alpine tundra.
–Jerry Spangler
Monday, January 8th - a film entitled PLIGHT OF THE GRASSLAND BIRDS
Grassland bird habitats are vanishing. What is being done about it? From the fields of New England and Canada, to the vast plains of Montana and deserts of Mexico, grassland birds are losing their habitats at an alarming rate. In our featured film for our January
program Plight Of The Grassland Birds, follow the path of grassland birds across the Americas.
Along with experts in each region, host Will Lange explores how agriculture, reforestation and land development have depleted the nesting and breeding habitats for grassland birds such as Bobolink, American Kestrel, Eastern Meadowlark, Upland Sandpiper and Vesper Sparrow. He talks with people who are trying to preserve the habitats of the birds and reverse the trend of destruction.
Grassland bird habitats are vanishing. What is being done about it? From the fields of New England and Canada, to the vast plains of Montana and deserts of Mexico, grassland birds are losing their habitats at an alarming rate. In our featured film for our January
program Plight Of The Grassland Birds, follow the path of grassland birds across the Americas.
Along with experts in each region, host Will Lange explores how agriculture, reforestation and land development have depleted the nesting and breeding habitats for grassland birds such as Bobolink, American Kestrel, Eastern Meadowlark, Upland Sandpiper and Vesper Sparrow. He talks with people who are trying to preserve the habitats of the birds and reverse the trend of destruction.
Monday, December 4th -
FAR-FLUNG BIRDING: FLORIDA & ALASKA, with special guest Kat Bradley-Bennett
Follow birder Kat Bradley-Bennett on her two trips this year to photograph birds, mammals and ocean life.
The first trip was in March to St. Pete, Cape Coral, Corkscrew Swamp and Everglades National Park in Florida. Highlights include Painted Bunting, Anhinga, Burrowing Owls and Limpkin.
The second trip was in July to Alaska. Four days were enjoyed at a lodge in Lake Clark Park photographing about 22 grizzly bears, including moms with cubs. Bird highlights included Horned Puffin and Black-legged Kittiwake and along the ocean at Seward, Sea Otters, Orca, and Humpback Whales were observed.
FAR-FLUNG BIRDING: FLORIDA & ALASKA, with special guest Kat Bradley-Bennett
Follow birder Kat Bradley-Bennett on her two trips this year to photograph birds, mammals and ocean life.
The first trip was in March to St. Pete, Cape Coral, Corkscrew Swamp and Everglades National Park in Florida. Highlights include Painted Bunting, Anhinga, Burrowing Owls and Limpkin.
The second trip was in July to Alaska. Four days were enjoyed at a lodge in Lake Clark Park photographing about 22 grizzly bears, including moms with cubs. Bird highlights included Horned Puffin and Black-legged Kittiwake and along the ocean at Seward, Sea Otters, Orca, and Humpback Whales were observed.
Monday, November 6th -
BROWN-CAPPED ROSY FINCHES: SIRENS OF THE MOUNTAIN TOPS,
with special guest Luke George, Science Director at The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Brown-capped Rosy Finches (Leucosticte australis) nest at higher elevations than any other bird species in the United States, and breed almost entirely in Colorado. They spend most of the year well above tree line, feeding on seeds and insects on snow fields and in short tundra vegetation
moving to lower elevations for short periods during winter storms. Despite residing in an almost pristine environment for most of the year, Brown-capped Rosy Finches have declined by as much as 95% over the past 50 years and, unfortunately, we don’t know why.
The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies in collaboration the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the University of California at Santa Cruz, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Forest Service is initiating a research program to better understand the causes of their decline.
BROWN-CAPPED ROSY FINCHES: SIRENS OF THE MOUNTAIN TOPS,
with special guest Luke George, Science Director at The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies
Brown-capped Rosy Finches (Leucosticte australis) nest at higher elevations than any other bird species in the United States, and breed almost entirely in Colorado. They spend most of the year well above tree line, feeding on seeds and insects on snow fields and in short tundra vegetation
moving to lower elevations for short periods during winter storms. Despite residing in an almost pristine environment for most of the year, Brown-capped Rosy Finches have declined by as much as 95% over the past 50 years and, unfortunately, we don’t know why.
The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies in collaboration the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the University of California at Santa Cruz, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Forest Service is initiating a research program to better understand the causes of their decline.
Monday, October 2nd - HABITAT CONSERVATION,
with special guest Thomas Burns from Ducks Unlimited in Fort Collins
In October, special presenter Thomas Burns from Ducks Unlimited in Fort Collins will be joining us to give a program highlighting the organization’s accomplishments and goals with regards to extensive land and habitat conservation efforts, both regionally and locally.
with special guest Thomas Burns from Ducks Unlimited in Fort Collins
In October, special presenter Thomas Burns from Ducks Unlimited in Fort Collins will be joining us to give a program highlighting the organization’s accomplishments and goals with regards to extensive land and habitat conservation efforts, both regionally and locally.
Monday, September 11th - NINE DAYS BIRDING IN NICARAGUA,
with special guest Helmut Retzer
Description of this trip from Helmut Retzer:
“Quetzal Tours offered a nine day tour in March of this year. The tour started in Managua and covered three main locations, Reserva El Jaguar, a coffee plantation/birding reserve in the north Central cloud forest, Refugio Bartola, a research/birding retreat on the San Juan River in the far south east region, and Montibelli Reserve, a dry forest area south of Managua on the Pacific side. There were also side trips and stops between these locations, one on the eastern shore of Lake Nicaragua. Many birds and flora and animal life can be encountered everywhere.”
with special guest Helmut Retzer
Description of this trip from Helmut Retzer:
“Quetzal Tours offered a nine day tour in March of this year. The tour started in Managua and covered three main locations, Reserva El Jaguar, a coffee plantation/birding reserve in the north Central cloud forest, Refugio Bartola, a research/birding retreat on the San Juan River in the far south east region, and Montibelli Reserve, a dry forest area south of Managua on the Pacific side. There were also side trips and stops between these locations, one on the eastern shore of Lake Nicaragua. Many birds and flora and animal life can be encountered everywhere.”
Monday, April 3rd - NATIVE PLANTS = MORE BIRDS, with special guest Jim Tolstrup
We birders congregate to natural areas to bird because that’s where the birds are. Birds are in natural areas because that’s where the food is – some seeds, but mostly insects, especially
caterpillars. And insects live in natural areas because that’s where most plants are still native to our area.
Jim Tolstrup, Executive Director of High Plains Environmental Center in Loveland, will make the connection between native plants and birds. We’ll learn how to re-create a microcosm of
natural area in our own yards, using native plants that provide an oasis for insects, and therefore birds. Jim will feature beautiful flowering plants that grow well in our region and tell us how to select and care for them.
We birders congregate to natural areas to bird because that’s where the birds are. Birds are in natural areas because that’s where the food is – some seeds, but mostly insects, especially
caterpillars. And insects live in natural areas because that’s where most plants are still native to our area.
Jim Tolstrup, Executive Director of High Plains Environmental Center in Loveland, will make the connection between native plants and birds. We’ll learn how to re-create a microcosm of
natural area in our own yards, using native plants that provide an oasis for insects, and therefore birds. Jim will feature beautiful flowering plants that grow well in our region and tell us how to select and care for them.
Monday, March 6th - ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAPTOR PROGRAM - REHABILITATION & RESPONSIBILITY with special guest Carin Avila
Have you ever wondered what takes place at the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program? How do they take care of sick or injured birds? How do they get these birds? Do they release them back into the wild? What is their mission to educate the public about our local raptors? Do they contribute their knowledge and statistics to raptor research and conservation? How can an interested person learn more and help by volunteering?
All of these questions and more will be answered at our program, and speaker Carin Avila will also have a live raptor with her—species yet to be determined. Come and find out more about these magnificent birds!
Have you ever wondered what takes place at the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program? How do they take care of sick or injured birds? How do they get these birds? Do they release them back into the wild? What is their mission to educate the public about our local raptors? Do they contribute their knowledge and statistics to raptor research and conservation? How can an interested person learn more and help by volunteering?
All of these questions and more will be answered at our program, and speaker Carin Avila will also have a live raptor with her—species yet to be determined. Come and find out more about these magnificent birds!
Monday, February 6th - EAGLES, HAWKS & FALCONS with special guest Jeff Birek
Learn about the identification and ecology of Colorado’s hawks, eagles, falcons and other diurnal raptor species. We will review field marks, shape and behavior to help you feel more confident identifying raptors in flight!
Jeff Birek is the Outreach Biologist at Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (formerly Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory). He coordinates two citizen science projects in Colorado: the Bald Eagle Watch nest monitoring program and the Dinosaur Ridge HawkWatch. Jeff has worked as an official hawkwatcher and bander at several hawkwatch sites in North America including the site with the largest hawk migration in the world, Veracruz, Mexico.
Learn about the identification and ecology of Colorado’s hawks, eagles, falcons and other diurnal raptor species. We will review field marks, shape and behavior to help you feel more confident identifying raptors in flight!
Jeff Birek is the Outreach Biologist at Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (formerly Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory). He coordinates two citizen science projects in Colorado: the Bald Eagle Watch nest monitoring program and the Dinosaur Ridge HawkWatch. Jeff has worked as an official hawkwatcher and bander at several hawkwatch sites in North America including the site with the largest hawk migration in the world, Veracruz, Mexico.
Monday, January 9th - SAVING SPECIES
One of the final installments in the PLANET EARTH series, this segment entitled Saving Species examines the conservation efforts taking place across the globe to preserve our planet’s wildlife and biodiversity. Experts from such organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, Friends of the Earth, Nature Conservancy, Ocean Alliance, World Conservation Union and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust weigh in with the filmmakers of PLANET EARTH on the strategies of conservation entities and local populations throughout the world.
As they note, “Saving the wilderness, saving ecosystems, saving the planet, and saving humanity all have to start somewhere.”
One of the final installments in the PLANET EARTH series, this segment entitled Saving Species examines the conservation efforts taking place across the globe to preserve our planet’s wildlife and biodiversity. Experts from such organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund, Friends of the Earth, Nature Conservancy, Ocean Alliance, World Conservation Union and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust weigh in with the filmmakers of PLANET EARTH on the strategies of conservation entities and local populations throughout the world.
As they note, “Saving the wilderness, saving ecosystems, saving the planet, and saving humanity all have to start somewhere.”
Monday, December 5th - BIRDING COSTA RICA - "THE SECOND TIME AROUND", with Jerry & Margaret Spangler
Jerry and Margaret Spangler returned to Costa Rica with friends and used a private guide to cover over 1600 miles of exquisite birding country recently. They were able to see and hear 487 species in 16 days at major bird locations as well as private properties on this magnificent trip.
Their program on December 5th will highlight these beautiful birds as well as tales such as standing in an army ant swarm watching seldom seen “ant swarm related birds” and viewing four male Quetzals wooing a female. Eight of the ten resident Trogans were observed, two of three Volcano Hummingbirds, and a Rufous Piha was found feeding a young in the nest. Two Antpittas skulked in the thickest creek vegetation but eventually provided respectable views.
Would they go again? In a heartbeat!
Jerry and Margaret Spangler returned to Costa Rica with friends and used a private guide to cover over 1600 miles of exquisite birding country recently. They were able to see and hear 487 species in 16 days at major bird locations as well as private properties on this magnificent trip.
Their program on December 5th will highlight these beautiful birds as well as tales such as standing in an army ant swarm watching seldom seen “ant swarm related birds” and viewing four male Quetzals wooing a female. Eight of the ten resident Trogans were observed, two of three Volcano Hummingbirds, and a Rufous Piha was found feeding a young in the nest. Two Antpittas skulked in the thickest creek vegetation but eventually provided respectable views.
Would they go again? In a heartbeat!
Monday, November 7th - CAPTURING NATURE'S INTIMATE MOMENTS
A selection of favorite nature photographs by Longmont resident Kat Bradley-Bennett will be featured as this month’s Foothills Audubon Program. Highlights include Colorado songbirds, raptors and wildlife, Arizona birds and insects as well as cactus and other native plants. Come share some of nature’s intimate moments with us as we appreciate the beauty of the natural world!
A selection of favorite nature photographs by Longmont resident Kat Bradley-Bennett will be featured as this month’s Foothills Audubon Program. Highlights include Colorado songbirds, raptors and wildlife, Arizona birds and insects as well as cactus and other native plants. Come share some of nature’s intimate moments with us as we appreciate the beauty of the natural world!
Monday, October 3rd - BIRDING BRAZIL, A Photographic Journal
Please join Laurie and Tom Kleespies for a presentation of their December 2015 ‘Birding Expedition’ to Brazil. They spent 10 days of intense birdwatching in two of Brazil’s most spectacular birding hotspots; i.e. the Atlantic Rainforest region northeast of Rio de Janeiro (based at REGUA - the Ecological Reserve at Guapi-Açu), and the Chapada dos Guimaraes region of Mato Grosso State (near the geographical center of South America). Two expert guides enabled the party of 4 to see more than 300 bird species, many endemics. The trip was arranged by Nick Komar of Quetzal Tours. Laurie and Tom are avid birders, photographers, nature-lovers, and travelers from Loveland. Laurie is a professional woodworker and retired Army nurse. Tom is a retired atmospheric physicist, a.k.a. ‘Rocket Scientist’ from NOAA.
Please join Laurie and Tom Kleespies for a presentation of their December 2015 ‘Birding Expedition’ to Brazil. They spent 10 days of intense birdwatching in two of Brazil’s most spectacular birding hotspots; i.e. the Atlantic Rainforest region northeast of Rio de Janeiro (based at REGUA - the Ecological Reserve at Guapi-Açu), and the Chapada dos Guimaraes region of Mato Grosso State (near the geographical center of South America). Two expert guides enabled the party of 4 to see more than 300 bird species, many endemics. The trip was arranged by Nick Komar of Quetzal Tours. Laurie and Tom are avid birders, photographers, nature-lovers, and travelers from Loveland. Laurie is a professional woodworker and retired Army nurse. Tom is a retired atmospheric physicist, a.k.a. ‘Rocket Scientist’ from NOAA.
Monday, September 12th - EARTHflight - Europe
Join us for an extraordinary look at migrating birds as seen from the air in this wonderful installment in the EARTHflight series. This film focuses on birds migrating to and from the European continent and spotlights the Barnacle Goose and Stork as well as features amazing footage of Gannets, Barn Swallows and Flamingos. Beautifully filmed from ultralight aircraft over many of Europe’s most breathtaking country landscapes and cities, come witness the beauty of flight!
Join us for an extraordinary look at migrating birds as seen from the air in this wonderful installment in the EARTHflight series. This film focuses on birds migrating to and from the European continent and spotlights the Barnacle Goose and Stork as well as features amazing footage of Gannets, Barn Swallows and Flamingos. Beautifully filmed from ultralight aircraft over many of Europe’s most breathtaking country landscapes and cities, come witness the beauty of flight!
Monday, April 4th - BARN OWLS & GREAT HORNED OWLS
with special guest Scott Rashid
Author, Artist, Researcher, and director of the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute (CARRI); Scott Rashid will give a presentation on the research being done of two of Colorado’s most interesting and beneficial owls. The Barn Owl and the Great Horned Owl. Scott will discuss the camera work being done with nesting Barn Owls. Having cameras on active Barn Owl nests enables members of CARRI to monitor nesting Barn Owls in real time. Scott will talk about the nesting habits of Barn Owls, the egg laying intervals, growth of the young owls and the enormous numbers of small rodents that the male owls delivers to the waiting family.
Scott will also talk about the life of the Great Horned Owl. The amazingly varied diet of this large owl, the nesting habits, egg laying and rehabilitation of the owls. Scott has been working with Great Horned Owls for more than 20 years through monitoring nests,rehabilitating injured birds, raising orphaned owls and banding both adult and nestling owls.
He will also discuss several of the projects that members of CARRI are working on, including their American Kestrel project, Long-eared Owl project and Northern Goshawk projects.
with special guest Scott Rashid
Author, Artist, Researcher, and director of the Colorado Avian Research and Rehabilitation Institute (CARRI); Scott Rashid will give a presentation on the research being done of two of Colorado’s most interesting and beneficial owls. The Barn Owl and the Great Horned Owl. Scott will discuss the camera work being done with nesting Barn Owls. Having cameras on active Barn Owl nests enables members of CARRI to monitor nesting Barn Owls in real time. Scott will talk about the nesting habits of Barn Owls, the egg laying intervals, growth of the young owls and the enormous numbers of small rodents that the male owls delivers to the waiting family.
Scott will also talk about the life of the Great Horned Owl. The amazingly varied diet of this large owl, the nesting habits, egg laying and rehabilitation of the owls. Scott has been working with Great Horned Owls for more than 20 years through monitoring nests,rehabilitating injured birds, raising orphaned owls and banding both adult and nestling owls.
He will also discuss several of the projects that members of CARRI are working on, including their American Kestrel project, Long-eared Owl project and Northern Goshawk projects.
Monday, March 7th - COLORADO BIRDS - LIKE YOU'VE NOT SEEN BEFORE
with special guest Andy Goris
Think you’ve got good looks at local and state birds through your binoculars? Surely through your scope? Look again! Andy Goris, who both works in the photographic technology field and photographs birds for a hobby, will show pictures and describe photographic equipment and techniques to eek out that last bit of sharpness and detail.
This promises to be an enjoyable evening for anyone who’s tried to photograph birds or wants to get started.
with special guest Andy Goris
Think you’ve got good looks at local and state birds through your binoculars? Surely through your scope? Look again! Andy Goris, who both works in the photographic technology field and photographs birds for a hobby, will show pictures and describe photographic equipment and techniques to eek out that last bit of sharpness and detail.
This promises to be an enjoyable evening for anyone who’s tried to photograph birds or wants to get started.
THIS PROGRAM WAS CANCELED DUE TO THE SNOW STORM AND HOPEFULLY WILL BE RESCHEDULED SOON!
Monday, February 1st - EAGLES, HAWKS & FALCONS with special guest Jeff Birek
Learn about the identification and ecology of Colorado’s hawks, eagles, falcons and other diurnal raptor species. We will review field marks, shape and behavior to help you feel more confident identifying raptors in flight!
Jeff Birek is the Outreach Biologist at Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (formerly Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory). He coordinates two citizen science projects in Colorado: the Bald Eagle Watch nest monitoring program and the Dinosaur Ridge HawkWatch. Jeff has worked as an official hawkwatcher and bander at several hawkwatch sites in North America including the site with the largest hawk migration in the world, Veracruz, Mexico.
Monday, February 1st - EAGLES, HAWKS & FALCONS with special guest Jeff Birek
Learn about the identification and ecology of Colorado’s hawks, eagles, falcons and other diurnal raptor species. We will review field marks, shape and behavior to help you feel more confident identifying raptors in flight!
Jeff Birek is the Outreach Biologist at Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (formerly Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory). He coordinates two citizen science projects in Colorado: the Bald Eagle Watch nest monitoring program and the Dinosaur Ridge HawkWatch. Jeff has worked as an official hawkwatcher and bander at several hawkwatch sites in North America including the site with the largest hawk migration in the world, Veracruz, Mexico.
Monday, January 4th - BE A HABITAT HERO! Landscaping to attract birds, pollinators and other wildlife
Jamie Weiss of Audubon Rockies, Habitat Heroes Coordinator, will provide an overview of what it takes to be a Habitat Hero. These are people who practice a form of landscape stewardship, called "wildscaping" - landscaping designed to attract and benefit birds, pollinators and other wildlife, large and small that help create bird-friendly communities.
Are you a Habitat Hero? If you try to landscape (or wildscape) to attract and benefit birds, pollinators and other wildlife, then you could be a Habitat Hero! A Habitat Hero wildscape supports wildlife by: incliding diverse layers, provide shelter and nesting opportunities for wildlife, provides natural food (based in plants that provide food for wildlife in different seasons, especially those native to your area), offers water for drinking and bathing, are water-wise, energy-saving, and does not rely on regular use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and do not spread invasive species.
No wildscape is too small or large! Whether you have a large yard or a few pots on a balcony, are a public park or schoolyard garden, the one qualification is Habitat Hero's believe in growing a healthy community.
Jamie Weiss of Audubon Rockies, Habitat Heroes Coordinator, will provide an overview of what it takes to be a Habitat Hero. These are people who practice a form of landscape stewardship, called "wildscaping" - landscaping designed to attract and benefit birds, pollinators and other wildlife, large and small that help create bird-friendly communities.
Are you a Habitat Hero? If you try to landscape (or wildscape) to attract and benefit birds, pollinators and other wildlife, then you could be a Habitat Hero! A Habitat Hero wildscape supports wildlife by: incliding diverse layers, provide shelter and nesting opportunities for wildlife, provides natural food (based in plants that provide food for wildlife in different seasons, especially those native to your area), offers water for drinking and bathing, are water-wise, energy-saving, and does not rely on regular use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and do not spread invasive species.
No wildscape is too small or large! Whether you have a large yard or a few pots on a balcony, are a public park or schoolyard garden, the one qualification is Habitat Hero's believe in growing a healthy community.
Monday, December 7th - GREENWOOD WILDLIFE RESCUE: MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Greenwood’s presentation will include a brief organizational history, explain the rehabilitation process, elaborate on what to do if one finds an injured or orphaned wild animal, and educate people about how to be better stewards to local wildlife.
Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s mission is to rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wildlife for release into their appropriate habitats. Greenwood also strives to educate the public, emphasizing humane solutions to human/wildlife interactions. Each year, Greenwood cares for more than 2,500 birds, small mammals and waterfowl/shorebirds. Since 1982, we have successfully released tens of thousands of animals back to where they belong – in the wild and living free.
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Greenwood’s presentation will include a brief organizational history, explain the rehabilitation process, elaborate on what to do if one finds an injured or orphaned wild animal, and educate people about how to be better stewards to local wildlife.
Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center’s mission is to rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wildlife for release into their appropriate habitats. Greenwood also strives to educate the public, emphasizing humane solutions to human/wildlife interactions. Each year, Greenwood cares for more than 2,500 birds, small mammals and waterfowl/shorebirds. Since 1982, we have successfully released tens of thousands of animals back to where they belong – in the wild and living free.
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Monday, November 2nd - EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON BIRDS OF ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, with special guest Shelley Spear
Shelley will take you to Colorado’s alpine region and will be presenting her current research which focuses on the five breeding birds (American pipit, brown-capped rosy-finch, horned lark, white-crowned sparrow, and white-tailed ptarmigan) in this region, as well as sites white-tailed ptarmigan are choosing for their nesting and brood-rearing areas. She is looking at the specific environmental and habitat factors affecting avian distribution and populations in an effort to understand what may happen to these species in the face of climate change. Along with her research, Shelley will share with you the history behind this long-term research project and the two study sites, information about these 5 species, as well as recent and future impacts these avian species could encounter under future warming trends.
Shelley Spear is getting a Master’s degree in Ecology in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (GDPE) at Colorado State University (CSU), working with Dr. Cameron L. Aldridge in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory. Originally from Texas, she came to Colorado to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from CSU and graduated in 2011. Her previous research experience includes working with urban black bears in Aspen, boreal toads, avian and small mammal communities in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and collecting stream and precipitation samples in the Loch Vale watershed of RMNP.
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Shelley will take you to Colorado’s alpine region and will be presenting her current research which focuses on the five breeding birds (American pipit, brown-capped rosy-finch, horned lark, white-crowned sparrow, and white-tailed ptarmigan) in this region, as well as sites white-tailed ptarmigan are choosing for their nesting and brood-rearing areas. She is looking at the specific environmental and habitat factors affecting avian distribution and populations in an effort to understand what may happen to these species in the face of climate change. Along with her research, Shelley will share with you the history behind this long-term research project and the two study sites, information about these 5 species, as well as recent and future impacts these avian species could encounter under future warming trends.
Shelley Spear is getting a Master’s degree in Ecology in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (GDPE) at Colorado State University (CSU), working with Dr. Cameron L. Aldridge in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory. Originally from Texas, she came to Colorado to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from CSU and graduated in 2011. Her previous research experience includes working with urban black bears in Aspen, boreal toads, avian and small mammal communities in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and collecting stream and precipitation samples in the Loch Vale watershed of RMNP.
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Monday, October 5th - A TRIP TO COSTA RICA, with special guest Helmut Retzer
Helmut Retzer is a seasoned birder, native Coloradoan, bird and flower photographer
and member of the Ft. Collins Audubon club as well as the Colorado and American Dahlia
Society.
We are happy to have Helmut share his story and his excellent photos taken on the Costa Rican coasts and in the highlands on a recent trip with Quetzal Tours.
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Helmut Retzer is a seasoned birder, native Coloradoan, bird and flower photographer
and member of the Ft. Collins Audubon club as well as the Colorado and American Dahlia
Society.
We are happy to have Helmut share his story and his excellent photos taken on the Costa Rican coasts and in the highlands on a recent trip with Quetzal Tours.
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Monday, September 14th - EARTH FLIGHT, NORTH AMERICA
Our film takes us on a bird’s-eye-view journey to discover the amazing migrations birds undertake when traveling across North America to their breeding grounds.
In many of these journeys, birds such as snow geese,raptors, egrets, gulls, cowbirds, shorebirds and eagles utilize the help of other species, specifically mammals, to aid in their search for food. Join us for this beautifully filmed,dramatic look at the annual phenomenon which is avian migration.
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Our film takes us on a bird’s-eye-view journey to discover the amazing migrations birds undertake when traveling across North America to their breeding grounds.
In many of these journeys, birds such as snow geese,raptors, egrets, gulls, cowbirds, shorebirds and eagles utilize the help of other species, specifically mammals, to aid in their search for food. Join us for this beautifully filmed,dramatic look at the annual phenomenon which is avian migration.
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Monday, April 6th - A TRIP TO THE ECUADORIAN AMAZON AND THE GALAPAGOS
with special guest Tim Henson
In January 2014, Tim Henson made a 2nd trip to the exotic Galapagos Islands with some friends. His first visit to the Isles was in 1991 and he wascurious about what changes might have transpired in 23 years.
An extension to the trip was to journey up the Nepo River to stay at La Selva Lodge and explore the flora and fauna of the upper regions of the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin.
Tim will share his experiences and show a DVD movie he has created of this journey.
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with special guest Tim Henson
In January 2014, Tim Henson made a 2nd trip to the exotic Galapagos Islands with some friends. His first visit to the Isles was in 1991 and he wascurious about what changes might have transpired in 23 years.
An extension to the trip was to journey up the Nepo River to stay at La Selva Lodge and explore the flora and fauna of the upper regions of the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin.
Tim will share his experiences and show a DVD movie he has created of this journey.
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Monday, March 2nd - LIFE AMONG THE HEADSTONES with special guest Dave Leatherman
Life is where you find it. In this presentation, Fort Collins naturalist Dave Leatherman will present an overview of “life among the headstones”, a summary of over 1600 visits to his hometown’s oldest memorial park, Grandview Cemetery.
Covering the period from 1974 to the present, his talk will touch on highlights of over 190 species of birds including Tropical Parula, rare eastern warblers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, a world record performance by hummingbirds, and the celebrated double-nesting of White-winged Crossbills in the winter of 2009-2010. This urban refuge is home to two State Champion trees, Fox Squirrels, Mule Deer, over 10 species of dragonflies and damselflies, Red Fox, bark beetles typical of the mountains, and much more.
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Monday, February 2nd - BIRDING COLORADO'S STATE PARKS with special guest Steve Jones
Where can you find nesting western grebes, piping plovers, black phoebes, ovenbirds, fox sparrows, and field sparrows within a few hours’ drive of Berthoud? Within some of our less well known state parks and state wildlife areas!
Steve Jones will reveal some his and State Parks and Wildlife Environmental Stewardship Coordinator Jeff Thompson’s surprising discoveries while completing breeding bird surveys in a dozen Colorado State Parks.
Steve Jones is author of The Last Prairie, a Sandhills Journal, and co-author of The Shortgrass Prairie, the Peterson Field Guide to the North American Prairie, Colorado Nature Almanac, Wild Boulder County, and Butterflies of the Colorado Front Range. Steve organized the first comprehensive small owl and wintering raptor surveys in Boulder County and helped plan and carry out the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. His 25 years of consulting work includes more than two-dozen breeding bird and resource inventories for city, county, and state open space programs. He has led field trips and taught nature classes for 32 years, and he taught in the Boulder Valley Public Schools for 33 years.
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Where can you find nesting western grebes, piping plovers, black phoebes, ovenbirds, fox sparrows, and field sparrows within a few hours’ drive of Berthoud? Within some of our less well known state parks and state wildlife areas!
Steve Jones will reveal some his and State Parks and Wildlife Environmental Stewardship Coordinator Jeff Thompson’s surprising discoveries while completing breeding bird surveys in a dozen Colorado State Parks.
Steve Jones is author of The Last Prairie, a Sandhills Journal, and co-author of The Shortgrass Prairie, the Peterson Field Guide to the North American Prairie, Colorado Nature Almanac, Wild Boulder County, and Butterflies of the Colorado Front Range. Steve organized the first comprehensive small owl and wintering raptor surveys in Boulder County and helped plan and carry out the Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. His 25 years of consulting work includes more than two-dozen breeding bird and resource inventories for city, county, and state open space programs. He has led field trips and taught nature classes for 32 years, and he taught in the Boulder Valley Public Schools for 33 years.
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Monday, January 5th - FISHING FOR A LIVING
In this segment from the “Life of Birds” series, we are taken on a journey that illustrates the many different methods that birds use to procure their meals from the sea, rivers, lakes and marshes.
Through adaptations of bill shape and hunting techniques, this humorous and informative film shows us once more how varied and interesting the world’s birds are.
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In this segment from the “Life of Birds” series, we are taken on a journey that illustrates the many different methods that birds use to procure their meals from the sea, rivers, lakes and marshes.
Through adaptations of bill shape and hunting techniques, this humorous and informative film shows us once more how varied and interesting the world’s birds are.
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Monday, December 1st - COSTA RICA - birds, mammals, reptiles, vegetation, people
Foothills Audubon Club members Rita and Ron Harden traveled to northern Costa Rica, in April of 2013, by bus, boat and foot to explore jungle, villages, cities and culture. After landing in San Jose, they visited Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, where sea turtles hatch.
Later came the Arenal volcano area, Monteverde and ending at Guanacaste Beach at Tamarindo - with many sites in between.
Come along by film to view birdlife, monkeys, sloth, lizards, insects, snakes, waterways, oceans and people of beautiful Costa Rica.
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Foothills Audubon Club members Rita and Ron Harden traveled to northern Costa Rica, in April of 2013, by bus, boat and foot to explore jungle, villages, cities and culture. After landing in San Jose, they visited Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, where sea turtles hatch.
Later came the Arenal volcano area, Monteverde and ending at Guanacaste Beach at Tamarindo - with many sites in between.
Come along by film to view birdlife, monkeys, sloth, lizards, insects, snakes, waterways, oceans and people of beautiful Costa Rica.
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Monday, November 3rd - GREEN FIRE; ALDO LEOPOLD AND
A LAND ETHIC FOR OUR TIME
With special guest, Lynn Bradley Leopold
Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time is the first feature-length documentary about the great conservationist Aldo Leopold (1887-1948). He is the father of the national wilderness system, and a key figure in developing the fields of wildlife management, restoration ecology and sustainable agriculture. The film was honored with an Emmy® award for Best Historical Documentary at the 54th annual Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in November 2012.
The film’s on-screen guide is conservation biologist and Leopold biographer Curt Meine. The film uses Meine to help explore Leopold’s continuing influence. Meine highlights a multitude of modern conservation efforts that connect people and land at the local level.
The groups inspired by Leopold range from environmental educators working in the inner city of Chicago to connect children to where food comes from, to ranchers in Arizona and New Mexico working on cooperative conservation efforts, to wildlife biologists working on bringing back threatened and endangered species. The Green Fire film portrays how Leopold’s vision of a community that cares about both people and land—his call for a land ethic—ties all of these modern conservation stories together and offers inspiration and insight for the future, on Earth Day and every day.
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A LAND ETHIC FOR OUR TIME
With special guest, Lynn Bradley Leopold
Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time is the first feature-length documentary about the great conservationist Aldo Leopold (1887-1948). He is the father of the national wilderness system, and a key figure in developing the fields of wildlife management, restoration ecology and sustainable agriculture. The film was honored with an Emmy® award for Best Historical Documentary at the 54th annual Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in November 2012.
The film’s on-screen guide is conservation biologist and Leopold biographer Curt Meine. The film uses Meine to help explore Leopold’s continuing influence. Meine highlights a multitude of modern conservation efforts that connect people and land at the local level.
The groups inspired by Leopold range from environmental educators working in the inner city of Chicago to connect children to where food comes from, to ranchers in Arizona and New Mexico working on cooperative conservation efforts, to wildlife biologists working on bringing back threatened and endangered species. The Green Fire film portrays how Leopold’s vision of a community that cares about both people and land—his call for a land ethic—ties all of these modern conservation stories together and offers inspiration and insight for the future, on Earth Day and every day.
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Monday, October 6th - BIRDS WITHOUT BORDERS
Prominent filmmaker Nick Mollé will introduce his film “Birds Without Borders”.
In this beautiful film, Nick, along with staff members of Rocky Mountain Nation Park, explore the migratory relationship of four bird species between Rocky Mountain National Park and Monteverde, Costa Rica. From among the over 150 species that share the ecosystems of Colorado and Costa Rica, Western Tanager, Wilson’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler and Swainson’s Thrush were studied in both locations. In the conservation of these remarkable birds, both countries share efforts of preservation of habitats and contend with the climate disruption of global warming that effects these birds.
In addition to “Birds Without Borders”, Mr. Mollé has produced “Real Rocky” (adventures in RMNP), “Rivers of the Rockies” (waterways and wildlife of RMNP), “Footprints on the Rockies” (the wildlife of RMNP) and “Bear Lake to Grand Lake” (following the trail across the continental divide) and others. DVDs of “Birds Without Borders” and others may be available for purchase after the program.
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Prominent filmmaker Nick Mollé will introduce his film “Birds Without Borders”.
In this beautiful film, Nick, along with staff members of Rocky Mountain Nation Park, explore the migratory relationship of four bird species between Rocky Mountain National Park and Monteverde, Costa Rica. From among the over 150 species that share the ecosystems of Colorado and Costa Rica, Western Tanager, Wilson’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler and Swainson’s Thrush were studied in both locations. In the conservation of these remarkable birds, both countries share efforts of preservation of habitats and contend with the climate disruption of global warming that effects these birds.
In addition to “Birds Without Borders”, Mr. Mollé has produced “Real Rocky” (adventures in RMNP), “Rivers of the Rockies” (waterways and wildlife of RMNP), “Footprints on the Rockies” (the wildlife of RMNP) and “Bear Lake to Grand Lake” (following the trail across the continental divide) and others. DVDs of “Birds Without Borders” and others may be available for purchase after the program.
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Monday, September 8th - AMERICAN EAGLE
Once on the brink of extinction, the Bald Eagle is one of America’s triumphant comeback stories. It is the continent’s most recognizable aerial predator, with a shocking white head, electric yellow beak, and penetrating eyes. Yet most people know little about the Bald Eagle beyond it’s distinctive appearance.
Filmed in breathtaking high-definition, this riveting program takes an unprecedented look at this remarkable bird and it’s surprisingly tough struggle to survive in the wild.
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Once on the brink of extinction, the Bald Eagle is one of America’s triumphant comeback stories. It is the continent’s most recognizable aerial predator, with a shocking white head, electric yellow beak, and penetrating eyes. Yet most people know little about the Bald Eagle beyond it’s distinctive appearance.
Filmed in breathtaking high-definition, this riveting program takes an unprecedented look at this remarkable bird and it’s surprisingly tough struggle to survive in the wild.
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Monday, April 7th - A SUMMER IN YELLOWSTONE:
A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNAL OF A SEASON WORKING IN THE PARK
Photographer Peter Hartlove recently spent five-and-a-half months in Yellowstone National Park. His presentation is a stunning photo journal of his time spent in the park.
Some of the enormous variety of wildlife in this photographic diary will include bears and migrating birds in the spring, abundant wildflowers and dragonflies in the summer, and rutting bison in the fall. Come join us for this one-of-a-kind trip to Yellowstone National Park!
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A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNAL OF A SEASON WORKING IN THE PARK
Photographer Peter Hartlove recently spent five-and-a-half months in Yellowstone National Park. His presentation is a stunning photo journal of his time spent in the park.
Some of the enormous variety of wildlife in this photographic diary will include bears and migrating birds in the spring, abundant wildflowers and dragonflies in the summer, and rutting bison in the fall. Come join us for this one-of-a-kind trip to Yellowstone National Park!
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Monday, March 3rd - A TOUR OF THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
The Galapagos are best known for the studies of Charles Darwin that were based on his visits to the Galapagos during the Voyage of the Beagle from 1831-1838. Some of these observations, notably of the Galapagos finches, Galapagos tortoises, and marine iguanas, formed part of the evidence for his Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection published in 1859.
Join Paul Opler and Evi Buckner-Opler for this presentation of their trip by sea to this “living laboratory” which is the Galapagos Islands. Visiting ten islands in all, days were spent with morning walks, and afternoon snorkeling adventures. Many animals and birds were observed in this natural habitat including flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, several kinds of boobies, frigate-birds, Galapagos hawks, Galapagos mockingbirds, Galapagos finches, marine and land iguanas, Galapagos tortoises, sea turtles, sea lions, seals, and many others.
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Monday, February 3rd - MY LIFE AS A TURKEY
After a local farmer left a bowl of eggs on Joe Hutto’s front porch, his life was forever changed.
Hutto, possessing a broad background in the natural sciences and an interest in imprinting young animals, incubated the eggs and waited for them to hatch. As the chicks emerged from their shells, they locked eyes with an unusual but dedicated mother.
Come join us for My Life as a Turkey. A film about one man’s remarkable experience of raising a group of wild turkey hatchlings to adulthood on a ranch in Florida.
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After a local farmer left a bowl of eggs on Joe Hutto’s front porch, his life was forever changed.
Hutto, possessing a broad background in the natural sciences and an interest in imprinting young animals, incubated the eggs and waited for them to hatch. As the chicks emerged from their shells, they locked eyes with an unusual but dedicated mother.
Come join us for My Life as a Turkey. A film about one man’s remarkable experience of raising a group of wild turkey hatchlings to adulthood on a ranch in Florida.
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Monday, January 6th - BIRDERS: THE CENTRAL PARK EFFECT
Birders: The Central Park Effect reveals the extraordinary array of wild birds who grace Manhattan’s celebrated patch of green and the equally colorful, full-of-attitude New Yorkers who schedule their lives around the rhythms of migration.
Featuring spectacular wildlife footage capturing the changing seasons, the film reveals that Central Park acts as a magnet for the millions and millions of birds migrating along the Eastern Seaboard twice every year. Desperate for a rest-stop, the tiny birds funnel in to this oasis of nature amid a sea of steel and concrete – a phenomenon known as the “Central Park Effect.”
Birders: The Central Park Effect reveals the extraordinary array of wild birds who grace Manhattan’s celebrated patch of green and the equally colorful, full-of-attitude New Yorkers who schedule their lives around the rhythms of migration.
Featuring spectacular wildlife footage capturing the changing seasons, the film reveals that Central Park acts as a magnet for the millions and millions of birds migrating along the Eastern Seaboard twice every year. Desperate for a rest-stop, the tiny birds funnel in to this oasis of nature amid a sea of steel and concrete – a phenomenon known as the “Central Park Effect.”
2013 PROGRAM LIST (Most recent listed first)
Monday, December 2nd - A NATURALIST'S TOUR OF CHINA
Monday, November 4th - A TRIP TO MAUI
Monday, October 7th - WORLD OF RAPTORS
Monday, September 9th - SIGNALS & SONGS
Monday, May 6th - FOOTHILLS AUDUBON MEMBER BIRDING PHOTOS SHOW & TELL - POTLUCK
Monday, April 1st - PART TWO: COSTA RICA with JERRY & MARGARET SPANGLER
Monday, March 4th - PART ONE: COSTA RICA with JERRY & MARGARET SPANGLER
Monday, February 4th - THE REDISCOVERY OF THE IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER - REVISITED
Monday, January 7th - BIRDING IN TANZANIA
Monday, December 2nd - A NATURALIST'S TOUR OF CHINA
Our December program will be presented by Foothills Audubon members
Evi Buckner-Opler and Paul Opler. Come share images on life in China as well as a sampling of birds and butterflies with Evi and Paul for this very interesting look at
A Naturalist’s Tour of China.
Paul says,“Seventeen days of touring led our group of 14 naturalists to a wild, unmaintained section of the Great Wall at LongQuanyu; into bamboo-forested mountains of the Foping National Nature Preserve in the Qin Ling Mountains, Shaanxi, to observe wild Giant Panda, Red-and-White Giant Flying Squirrel and Golden Pheasant; and to Longli Village Forest Park and Botanical Garden at GuiYang, where a Long-tailed Shrike hawked a rice paddy plowed by a water buffalo. Later, Yak took over when we shifted from subtropical to alpine terrain, grazing high meadows among Tibetan houses and wilderness reserves in Shangri-la County.”
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Our December program will be presented by Foothills Audubon members
Evi Buckner-Opler and Paul Opler. Come share images on life in China as well as a sampling of birds and butterflies with Evi and Paul for this very interesting look at
A Naturalist’s Tour of China.
Paul says,“Seventeen days of touring led our group of 14 naturalists to a wild, unmaintained section of the Great Wall at LongQuanyu; into bamboo-forested mountains of the Foping National Nature Preserve in the Qin Ling Mountains, Shaanxi, to observe wild Giant Panda, Red-and-White Giant Flying Squirrel and Golden Pheasant; and to Longli Village Forest Park and Botanical Garden at GuiYang, where a Long-tailed Shrike hawked a rice paddy plowed by a water buffalo. Later, Yak took over when we shifted from subtropical to alpine terrain, grazing high meadows among Tibetan houses and wilderness reserves in Shangri-la County.”
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Monday, November 4th - A TRIP TO MAUI
Our November program will be presented by Foothills Audubon member Virginia Dionigi. Last June she and husband Rudy along with son Chris spent two weeks on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
Chris works for the Dept. of the Interior and was involved in a project surveying invasive trees and also the browsing effects of introduced mammals on the Haleakala volcano. Chris was invited to go on a bird banding trip with a group of local birders. They spent a day hiking far into the mountains to catch and band native and endangered birds of the island.
Join us for an entertaining evening highlighting the bird and animal life of Maui!
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Our November program will be presented by Foothills Audubon member Virginia Dionigi. Last June she and husband Rudy along with son Chris spent two weeks on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
Chris works for the Dept. of the Interior and was involved in a project surveying invasive trees and also the browsing effects of introduced mammals on the Haleakala volcano. Chris was invited to go on a bird banding trip with a group of local birders. They spent a day hiking far into the mountains to catch and band native and endangered birds of the island.
Join us for an entertaining evening highlighting the bird and animal life of Maui!
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Monday, October 7th - WORLD OF RAPTORS
JOIN raptor authority Morley Nelson as he guides us through an intimate portrait of the power and beauty of North America’s hawks, eagles and falcons.
EXPERIENCE raptor sighting techniques, quick clue identification methods and rare behavior of our majestic raptors.
WITNESS spectacular slow motion photography of these aerial acrobats.
Narrated by Joanne Woodward, “World of Raptors” educates, entertains and inspires us through an odyssey of natural discovery and wild beauty. After our film you are invited to participate in a survey which we will then send back to the filmmaker at his request.
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JOIN raptor authority Morley Nelson as he guides us through an intimate portrait of the power and beauty of North America’s hawks, eagles and falcons.
EXPERIENCE raptor sighting techniques, quick clue identification methods and rare behavior of our majestic raptors.
WITNESS spectacular slow motion photography of these aerial acrobats.
Narrated by Joanne Woodward, “World of Raptors” educates, entertains and inspires us through an odyssey of natural discovery and wild beauty. After our film you are invited to participate in a survey which we will then send back to the filmmaker at his request.
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Monday, September 9th - SIGNALS & SONGS
Have you ever experienced the dawn chorus?
Wondered what two taps on a tree means to a woodpecker?
Been witness to mobbing behavior by songbirds towards a perceived predator?
Our film entitled Signals & Songs illustrates the complex world of bird communication. Using calls, colors, feather displays, sounds made by wings, air sacs, beaks and even tools, birds communicate with each other in extraordinary ways.
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Have you ever experienced the dawn chorus?
Wondered what two taps on a tree means to a woodpecker?
Been witness to mobbing behavior by songbirds towards a perceived predator?
Our film entitled Signals & Songs illustrates the complex world of bird communication. Using calls, colors, feather displays, sounds made by wings, air sacs, beaks and even tools, birds communicate with each other in extraordinary ways.
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Brown-hooded Parrot by Jerry Spangler
Monday, April 1st - BIRDING COSTA RICA - Part Two - with Jerry & Margaret Spangler
Come along on a 23-day travel extravaganza to the birding hotspot of Costa Rica with Jerry & Margaret Spangler. Visit some of the finest birding areas the country has to offer while reliving this once-in-a-lifetime private trip. Costa Rica’s rich ecotourism interest caters to travelers with world-class lodging and superb guides which enabled the Spanglers to see nearly 300 bird species on their 2012 trip.
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Come along on a 23-day travel extravaganza to the birding hotspot of Costa Rica with Jerry & Margaret Spangler. Visit some of the finest birding areas the country has to offer while reliving this once-in-a-lifetime private trip. Costa Rica’s rich ecotourism interest caters to travelers with world-class lodging and superb guides which enabled the Spanglers to see nearly 300 bird species on their 2012 trip.
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Magnificient Hummingbird by Jerry Spangler
Monday, March 4th - BIRDING COSTA RICA - Part One - with Jerry & Margaret Spangler
Come along on a 23-day travel extravaganza to the birding hotspot of Costa Rica with Jerry & Margaret Spangler. Visit some of the finest birding areas the country has to offer while reliving this once-in-a-lifetime private trip. Costa Rica’s rich ecotourism interest caters to travelers with world-class lodging and superb guides which enabled the Spanglers to see nearly 300 bird species on their 2012 trip.
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Come along on a 23-day travel extravaganza to the birding hotspot of Costa Rica with Jerry & Margaret Spangler. Visit some of the finest birding areas the country has to offer while reliving this once-in-a-lifetime private trip. Costa Rica’s rich ecotourism interest caters to travelers with world-class lodging and superb guides which enabled the Spanglers to see nearly 300 bird species on their 2012 trip.
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Monday, February 4th - THE REDISCOVERY OF THE IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER - REVISITED
In February of 2004 an Arkansas resident reported seeing an Ivory-billed Woodpecker while kayaking through Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. With the sighting subsequently
reported to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a Lab team searched the same area and two experienced observers watched the bird fly from tree to tree at close range.
A research team of several organizations was formed and after three additional sightings a fourth sighting was captured on video.
Subsequent observations were made. Some (e.g. David Sibley) have expressed doubt that the video shows an Ivory-billed. View the film and the careful analysis by the Cornell researchers and see what you think.
- Photo by Ron Harden
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In February of 2004 an Arkansas resident reported seeing an Ivory-billed Woodpecker while kayaking through Cache River National Wildlife Refuge. With the sighting subsequently
reported to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, a Lab team searched the same area and two experienced observers watched the bird fly from tree to tree at close range.
A research team of several organizations was formed and after three additional sightings a fourth sighting was captured on video.
Subsequent observations were made. Some (e.g. David Sibley) have expressed doubt that the video shows an Ivory-billed. View the film and the careful analysis by the Cornell researchers and see what you think.
- Photo by Ron Harden
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Monday, January 7th - BIRDING IN TANZANIA
Tim and Ann Henson spent 14 days on a birding tour of Tanzania in March 2012. Working through an in-country birding tour company called Birding and Beyond, they toured 5 National Parks and parts of the Usambara mountains.
The two exceptional guides were quickly dubbed “The Bird Whisperers.” Their expertise and vast knowledge, along with the superb accommodations, spectacular scenery, 43 species of mammals, and 354 species of birds added up to make this truly a trip of a lifetime.
- Photo by Tim and Ann Henson
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Tim and Ann Henson spent 14 days on a birding tour of Tanzania in March 2012. Working through an in-country birding tour company called Birding and Beyond, they toured 5 National Parks and parts of the Usambara mountains.
The two exceptional guides were quickly dubbed “The Bird Whisperers.” Their expertise and vast knowledge, along with the superb accommodations, spectacular scenery, 43 species of mammals, and 354 species of birds added up to make this truly a trip of a lifetime.
- Photo by Tim and Ann Henson
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2012 PROGRAM LIST (Fall programs only - )
DECEMBER 3, 2012 - THE LIMITS OF ENDURANCE
NOVEMBER 5, 2012 - DISCOVER HERON LAKES OPEN SPACE
OCTOBER 1, 2012 - BENEFICIAL BATS
SEPTEMBER 10, 2012 - FOOTPRINTS ON THE ROCKIES
DECEMBER 3, 2012 - THE LIMITS OF ENDURANCE
NOVEMBER 5, 2012 - DISCOVER HERON LAKES OPEN SPACE
OCTOBER 1, 2012 - BENEFICIAL BATS
SEPTEMBER 10, 2012 - FOOTPRINTS ON THE ROCKIES
Monday, December 3rd - THE LIMITS OF ENDURANCE
Our film takes us on a journey to discover the amazing adaptations that some bird species employ to live in their specific habitats. Some of these adaptations are very creative and some are simply astonishing. Human efforts to help bird species re-establish themselves in their habitats after human or natural interference are also included, leaving us with a feeling of hope for species that are becoming endangered.
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Our film takes us on a journey to discover the amazing adaptations that some bird species employ to live in their specific habitats. Some of these adaptations are very creative and some are simply astonishing. Human efforts to help bird species re-establish themselves in their habitats after human or natural interference are also included, leaving us with a feeling of hope for species that are becoming endangered.
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Monday, November 5th - DISCOVER HERON LAKES OPEN SPACE
Discover a new open space in our area! Heron Lakes is Berthoud’s newest open space and their first wildland park area. Tim Katers, the Planner for the town of Berthoud will be giving a presentation about the importance of this new area as well as the bird life found within the open space.
Heron Lakes open space is located just two miles northwest of downtown Berthoud and includes a narrow peninsula between several large reservoirs that has a rich variety of habitats for birds, especially those associated with riparian vegetation, wetland, and lake habitats. Currently, eagles and osprey nest in the area as well as a large colony of blue herons and great egrets. This is an important area that has been set aside to preserve the nesting habitat of these birds for future generations to come.
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Discover a new open space in our area! Heron Lakes is Berthoud’s newest open space and their first wildland park area. Tim Katers, the Planner for the town of Berthoud will be giving a presentation about the importance of this new area as well as the bird life found within the open space.
Heron Lakes open space is located just two miles northwest of downtown Berthoud and includes a narrow peninsula between several large reservoirs that has a rich variety of habitats for birds, especially those associated with riparian vegetation, wetland, and lake habitats. Currently, eagles and osprey nest in the area as well as a large colony of blue herons and great egrets. This is an important area that has been set aside to preserve the nesting habitat of these birds for future generations to come.
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Monday, October 1st - BENEFICIAL BATS!
We’re starting this “Halloween” month by paying homage to our other flying friends...Bats! Did you know that bats are clean, gentle and intelligent creatures? That they have excellent eyesight and may eat up to their body weight in insects every night? That their young are called “pups”, and being mammals, nurse their babies? That they can fly upwards of 10,000 feet and may spend up
to three-quarters of their lives asleep?
Marty Stouffer’s film Beneficial Bats illustrates the seldom-understood lives of bats, how they relate to one another, and more importantly how they help humans and contribute to our environment.Come join us for our October program and celebrate the lives and benefits of bats!
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We’re starting this “Halloween” month by paying homage to our other flying friends...Bats! Did you know that bats are clean, gentle and intelligent creatures? That they have excellent eyesight and may eat up to their body weight in insects every night? That their young are called “pups”, and being mammals, nurse their babies? That they can fly upwards of 10,000 feet and may spend up
to three-quarters of their lives asleep?
Marty Stouffer’s film Beneficial Bats illustrates the seldom-understood lives of bats, how they relate to one another, and more importantly how they help humans and contribute to our environment.Come join us for our October program and celebrate the lives and benefits of bats!
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Monday, September 10th - FOOTPRINTS ON THE ROCKIES
This month we are treated to a film by local filmmaker Nick Mollé which features animals and bird species we are likely to see in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Our film takes us into the park during all seasons as it documents residents such as elk, bighorn sheep, moose and mule deer as well as predator species such as mountain lion, bobcat, black bear and coyote. We also take a look at resident and migratory birds that frequent the park and surrounding Estes Park. Woodland birds, waterfowl, hawks and owls are beautifully filmed as we learn where and when our best chances are to see them.
Tips on photographing the animals in the park and wildlife viewing etiquette are also expanded upon in our film. Mr. Mollé leaves us appreciating Rocky Mountain National Park as “A home sacred to all of it’s inhabitants. A home to be treasured and preserved. A home for all who leave their footprints on the Rockies.”
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This month we are treated to a film by local filmmaker Nick Mollé which features animals and bird species we are likely to see in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Our film takes us into the park during all seasons as it documents residents such as elk, bighorn sheep, moose and mule deer as well as predator species such as mountain lion, bobcat, black bear and coyote. We also take a look at resident and migratory birds that frequent the park and surrounding Estes Park. Woodland birds, waterfowl, hawks and owls are beautifully filmed as we learn where and when our best chances are to see them.
Tips on photographing the animals in the park and wildlife viewing etiquette are also expanded upon in our film. Mr. Mollé leaves us appreciating Rocky Mountain National Park as “A home sacred to all of it’s inhabitants. A home to be treasured and preserved. A home for all who leave their footprints on the Rockies.”
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