| Oct. | Several RCAS members shared photos and information about a birding trip they took to the Eastern Shore of the United States, where they witnessed the May spawning of horseshoe crabs (and the birds that depend on their eggs), the migration of Red Knots (a federally threatened species) and other shorebirds, a sprawling rookery of wading birds, and much more. | ||
| Nov. | State Ornithologist Allisyn Gillet talked about the Motus wildlife tracking network and the Wood Thrush tagging project in Indiana—aka “Chasing Melody.” Motus is an international research network that uses automated radio telemetry to track small flying organisms, including migratory birds. Chasing Melody is part of Motus and has placed radio tags on more than 600 Wood Thrushes, to help researchers to better understand the sharp decline that this species has experienced over the past 50 years. | ||
| Dec. | Our December program was the celebration of our 2024 conservation award winners. Visit our Conservation Awards page to learn about the dedicated individuals and organizations who’ve made life better for wildlife and humans and the habitats they share. | ||
| Jan. | Susan Eichhorn, Assistant Director of the East Central Indiana Solid Waste District (ECISWD), gave an overview of her organization and the current state of recycling and waste reduction in our region. She also discussed challenges facing the ECISWD and the citizens it serves and looked ahead to the future. | ||
| Feb. | Dr. John Vann, BSU professor emeritus and board member of Solarize Indiana, described the ways in which homeowners can reduce carbon emissions and save money by producing their own electricity with solar panels and trading out their gas (or propane) appliances for electric ones. He offered practical advice on electric alternatives and tax incentives & rebates that support the purchase of solar panels, electric vehicles, and electric appliances. | ||
| Mar. | Dr. Sam Ivande, Conservation Coordinator (Birds) at the Global Center for Species Survival at the Indianapolis Zoo, shared his fascinating ornithological journey that began in Nigeria. His talk included his research on bird migration and the conservation of threatened and endemic birds in West Africa and his management of one of the largest citizen science projects in West Africa, which used birds and birdwatching to increase public engagement for bird conservation. | ||
| Apr. | Scott Harris—wildlife photographer, author, and speaker—spent 17 months chasing 53 raptors across 34 states, in his version of a Raptor Big Year. The resulting book, RaptorQuest, is about his adventures, misadventures, successes, and failures, from -36o days to 100o days, to getting on the bird just in time, to the frustrations of missing one by minutes–all shared at our April program meeting. | ||
| May | Terri Gorney and Randy Lehman told us about their birding adventures while vacationing in Las Vegas in April 2024. They shared photos and stories of the birds and incredible scenery they experienced at Red Rock Canyon, Sunset Park, Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Sloan Canyon Conservation Area, Clark County Wetlands Park, Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, and (their favorite) the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. | ||
| June | No program, because of inclement weather. |
Enjoying and protecting nature in East Central Indiana since 1974
Robert Cooper Audubon Society 