By Amy Boyd, President Columbus Audubon
Even though January and February might be frigid there is a lot going on in our conservation world. Audubon launched a new Citizen Science Project called Climate Watch. One of Columbus Audubon’s board members, Angelika Nelson is coordinating the program, observations started in January. There were 18 volunteers who gave of their time to do point counts for White- and Red-breasted Nuthatches. You can read Angelika’s full report in this issue and get in touch with her if you would like to participate in the spring count. The more the merrier!
February brought us the Great Backyard Bird Count. This is a great way to get kids involved in birding and it is a fun thing to do with your family. Watch from the warmth of your house, or go to a place with feeders such as Highbanks Nature Center or our very own Grange Insurance Audubon Center. There are a lot of resources on Audubon.org to help you with bird identification and some great ideas for teachers. Make sure you record your counts in ebird, as citizen science is a very important aspect in Audubon’s scientific study of birds. We couldn’t do it without your help. Did you know that the Christmas Bird Count is the longest running citizen science project in the world?
Speaking of National Audubon, we are very excited to be working with Heather Stark Hahn again! Heather says, “I am excited to join Audubon’s Network team and to be working closely with David Ringer to lead the growth, development, and engagement of our vast grassroots network of chapters, centers, volunteers, activists, and youth leaders, in concert with our state and flyway teams”. Columbus Audubon is very excited as well and we know that Heather will do a great job for all of us and the birds she so loves.
Please join us on Tuesday, February 27, as we welcome Randy Rogers. Randy recently led a bird survey trip to Cuba, and he will fill us in on the latest from this fascinating and beautiful island nation.
Our March program will feature someone near and dear to my heart, my son Eddie Boyd. He completed the “Triple Crown” of Hiking this past year and will be the speaker for our monthly meeting on March 27. I hope you will be able to come and hear about his epic journeys.
Just think, spring is almost here. Stay warm until then!
Amy R. Boyd
President, Columbus Audubon