(Scroll down for meeting time and place…)
February 19 / Clark Jones
3 Billion Birds Gone
A recent study estimates that we’ve lost nearly 3 billion birds in North American since 1970. Dr. Clark Jones will discuss the findings of the recent paper in the journal Science and how everyday volunteers made up a large part of the data set. We’ll discuss how you can become involved in bird conservation to help reverse this trend, as well as opportunities to contribute to bird monitoring in the future.
Clark Jones is vice-president of Aiken Audubon and a wildlife biologist. He currently helps the Department of Defense with habitat management and wildlife monitoring on nearby military bases.
Death by Chocolate: Our February meeting is traditionally also our Death by Chocolate potluck. Bring your favorite chocolate dessert to share, and indulge!
March 18 / Amy Sherman
Birds and Renewable Energy
With the increase in demand for renewable energy across the U.S., there is also increasing concern over potential impacts to birds and other wildlife. This presentation will provide an overview of the various federal regulations that govern development of renewable energy with respect to birds, as well as the best management practices and mitigation measures utilized by wind projects in order to manage avian impacts. Major regulations discussed will include the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service managed compliance with these regulations. We’ll also discuss how local renewable energy projects are addressing avian concerns, and what you can do to support changes to regulations to strengthen protection of birds.
Amy Sherman is a Project Manager and Biologist with Tetra Tech, Inc. in Colorado Springs. She has over 12 years of experience specializing in environmental permitting support for energy, transportation and water projects across the Great Plains and Western United States. Ms. Sherman is a member of the Aiken Audubon Society and an avid local birder.
April 15 / Diana Miller
Live Birds of Prey, from the Pueblo Raptor Center
Learn about hawks, owls, eagles, falcons, and vultures through an hour-long presentation featuring live birds of prey. Naturalist Diana Miller will discuss raptor adaptations, predator/prey relationships, natural history, personal stories of the birds presented, and the Nature and Wildlife Discovery Center’s work to rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned birds of prey.
Come join us!
Aiken Audubon programs are free and open to the public. They are held at Bear Creek Nature Center, located at 245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs, 80906. Coffee, snacks, and socializing begins at 6:30 pm and programs begin at 7 pm.
Aiken’s weather cancellation policy: Sometimes inclement weather may cause us to cancel an Aiken meeting. If this happens, a decision will be made by 1 pm on the meeting date. Notification will be placed here our website, on our Facebook page, and sent out through our email notification list. In addition, a message will be posted on the CoBirds Listserv, which many Aiken birders subscribe to. If there is any doubt, please do not hesitate to contact any Aiken board members via telephone. Always, your safety is first so use your own judgement when coming to a meeting.
Finally, if you would like to present a program at one of our meetings, or have suggestions for a speaker and/or topic, please contact program chair Diane Luck at [email protected].