Avian flu and backyard bird feeders

As Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to take its toll on bird populations everywhere, and specifically in Indiana, many of us are wondering whether we should take down our feeders and bird baths. The latest article from Cornell Lab of Ornithology, posted on February 17, 2025, contains this advice: “There has been widespread transmissionContinue reading “Avian flu and backyard bird feeders”

Christmas Bird Count results – 2024

Last year’s local Christmas Bird Count (CBC) took place on December 28, with 17 volunteers who counted from their cars, on foot, and at their backyard feeders.  Altogether, they observed 44 species and 5,440 individual birds (plus Sandhill Cranes, Hooded Mergansers, and Barred Owl during count week).  During our December 2023 CBC, we saw 56Continue reading “Christmas Bird Count results – 2024”

50th Anniversary Celebration

Our chapter’s 50th anniversary celebration, on April 6, 2024, was a wonderful event! It brought together more than 100 past and present members and leaders, community partners, artists, and others who are as committed as we are to enjoying and protectingnature in East Central Indiana. If you couldn’t join us, here’s a glimpse of whatContinue reading “50th Anniversary Celebration”

Miss an RCAS program?

Some of our monthly programs are available for viewing on our YouTube channel, including presentations by our 2024 conservation awards winners and our November 2024 presentation by state ornithologist Allisyn Gillet. Go to http://www.youtube.com/@robertcooperaudubonsociety7325, turn up your volume, and enjoy! And be sure to check the channel for any future programs that you miss.

Forestry for the Birds

In summer 2022, a videographer for The Nature Conservancy spent some time with Dr. Kamal Islam and his students while they were in the field researching Cerulean Warblers in southern Indiana.  The resulting 5-minute video, titled Forestry for the Birds, is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8BcRQoLPr0. Kamal, who is Professor of Wildlife Biology at Ball StateContinue reading “Forestry for the Birds”