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Paskamansett Bird Club
Programs 2009-1010 Unless otherwise noted, evening meetings convene promptly at 7:30 pm at the community hall of Friends Meeting, 739 Horseneck Road, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts Sept. 9: Tom French- “Wildlife Once Lost: Now Back in Massachusetts.” When the first colonists began settling in Massachusetts, wildlife seemed to be limitless, but by the 1830s over 70% of the Massachusetts landscape had been deforested and most of our larger wildlife species were gone. Tom French of MA Fisheries and Wildlife will review the remarkable natural recovery and restoration efforts that have led to the return of nearly all the species that were found by the early settlers in Massachusetts. Oct.14: John Van de Graaff - The Galapagos Islands The Galapagos Islands are a paradise for photographers. This show presents images from two trips, and includes sea lions, finches, mockingbirds, boobies, frigatebirds, albatrosses, iguanas, tortoises and other remarkable creatures. John Van de Graaff has been photographing wildlife full time since 2001; Mass Audubon regularly uses his images to support many of its programs. Nov. 11: Jim and Alita Spears – Birding Tour of Costa Rica In 2009 Jim and Alita Spears signed up for a birding tour of Costa Rica. When others in the group canceled, they ended up with just a driver and guide in the ultimate small group. Share their good fortune through their photos of fascinating scenery and the birds that inhabit it. Jan. 13: Members Night Start early to think about what you can share with the rest of us! Feb. 10: Shawn Carey - “Looking Skyward” Hawk watchers are a different breed, and Shawn Carey's video “Looking Skyward” explores their motivations and experiences, highlighting the raptors on which they focus. Shawn will also show a brief video about the Birder's Exchange, a program that brings resources (optics etc.) to Latin America to help local birders develop their skills. Mar 10: Peter Alden - Birding in Western Mexico Birders pile up along the Rio Grande in Texas and the hummingbird feeders and canyons of southeastern Arizona. Fewer venture south of the border where all those target border birds are much commoner and blend with a rich variety of Mexican endemics, gorgeous neotropical birds, and Pacific coast seabirds. Peter Alden led the first birding tours to western Mexico in the 1960's while a student at the University of Arizona, Tucson, and is a professional birding guide, speaker and author. Apr. 14: David Cole and Becky Cushing – Migration of Westport Ospreys Data transmitters were installed on three male Westport Ospreys in May, 2009. David Cole and Becky Cushing will report on what is being learned about the feeding and migration patterns of these birds, and how the information is being used in local schools and over the internet to engage and inform the community about our Ospreys. May 12: Lauren Miller Donnelly - Butterflies of South Dartmouth Lauren Miller Donnelly of Allens Pond Sanctuary highlights the results of her study of butterflies in S. Dartmouth's farm fields, focusing on how mowing influences butterfly communities and the unique life history of the Monarch butterfly. |