Audubon North Carolina Annual Meeting
One hundred Audubon members and guests attended the Audubon North Carolina Annual Meeting banquet and awards presentation at The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center on Saturday night, May 22. Birders came from across the State and as far away as Virginia Beach and Maine. Chris Canfield, Executive Director of Audubon NC said, "We couldn't have asked for a more hospitable chapter and a more hospitable location for our Audubon NC Annual Meeting. This was clearly one of our most successful events. It brought people from across the state and beyond to learn about and celebrate the natural wonders of these mountains and the history of conservation that helps protect them."
Each year when Audubon NC faces the daunting task of singling out one person as the Audubon NC Volunteer of the Year, we are reminded of the breadth of talent and dedication that is out there among the Audubon family. This year's honoree is a model of personal commitment and long-standing dedication to conservation, especially for birds. He is also someone who knows that a team is always able to accomplish more than one person, so he set about cultivating and encouraging others to do what he could not alone. Please join us in congratulating our own Vice-President and man of many hats Brock Hutchins as the 2010 Audubon North Carolina Volunteer of the Year!
Potluck Dinner & Program - June 14
If you have something you would like to share at our "Show & Tell" program, it's not too late. Anything related to nature will be appropriate. Just contact Brock Hutchins (brockhutchins@bellsouth.net or 787-1387) so he can be sure to have whatever equipment you may need. For the potluck dinner we will furnish drinks and eating utensils, so bring your favorite dish and join us for food and fellowship.
Live Bald Eagle at The Bird Barn
Michael Skinner from the Balsam Mountain Trust near Sylva will be at The Bird Barn with Spirit, an American Bald Eagle, and other birds of prey on Saturday, July 3rd at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to stop by and meet these beautiful birds.
2010 Dues Reminder
Thanks to all of you who have renewed your memberships in Highlands Plateau Audubon -- and to those of you who have joined for the first time. There are about 10 new members so far this year! Remember that the membership year runs form May 1 through April 30. If you are unsure whether you have renewed or not, please contact me at avaryd@juno.com If you have lost the form that came with your reminder in the mail, please print one from our web site www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or contact me. Avary Doubleday
Bird IQ Test
Answer to Last Quiz - What is the difference between a crow's wing and a raven's wing? A crow has four pinions in its wing, while a raven has five pinions in its wing. Therefore, the difference between a crow and a raven is a matter of a pinion.
New Conservation Chairman
We would like to welcome Russ Regnery to our board as our new Conservation Chairman.
Programs
Programs are held at the Highlands Civic Center. Join us at 7:00 p.m. for
conversation & refreshments, with the program beginning at 7:30 p.m.
As a Corporate Chapter Patron, the Mountain Garden Club has provided funding
in support of some of the following programs.
June 14 - Annual Meeting - Members sharing pictures & stories. Be thinking about what you can contribute!
Potluck dinner beginning at 6:00 p.m. will precede the program
June 16 - Owl Prowl at The Nature Center, 8:00 p.m.
July 12 - "How to Be a Better Birder" by Georgann Schmalz, formerly with the Fernbank Science
Center, Atlanta - now president of Birding Adventures, Inc.
July 16-17 - Mountain Wildlife & Wilderness Days - at Sapphire Valley
August 15 - Annual Picnic - Cashiers Village Green, 5:00 p.m.
September 13 - "Black Bears" by Appalachian Bear Rescue, Townsend. TN - Program sponsored by
The Bird Barn in Highlands
October ?? - "Save Our American Raptors" - Doris Mager, The Eagle Lady, Date to be announced later
We all enjoy refreshments at our programs, so please volunteer to donate cookies or some other goodies to one of our meetings. If you would like to help, please contact Pat Davis at 828-526-0252. Thank you!
Field Trips
Meet in the Parking Lot next to the Highlands Town Hall at 7:30 a.m. (unless otherwise noted)
We will carpool to the various areas. If you have questions, contact Brock Hutchins, 787-1387.
June 18 - Local hotspots around Highlands
September 18 - Biological Station & Sunset Rock for fall migrants
September 23 - Blue Ridge Parkway for fall migrants - meet at 7:00 a.m. (Rain Date - September 25)
December 17 - Christmas Bird Count
Since all of these dates are subject to change, be sure to check future newsletters for possible changes.
